Gathering information in the Trade City.

[Clair Feldsky]

Clair moved through the streets of Bulgar as the crowds hawked their wares around her. The place always seemed busy. She'd thought it chaotic on her first trip through Bulgar, but now she could identify it as the mad scramble for attention that it was. Bulgar was a major stopping point for travel through Eastern Sacae. Ilians and Bernese, tribesmen and city folk. All could be found in the sprawl of the city streets. Of the travelers, craftsmen and merchants were common, some of them hiring on roughed up looking characters to serve as bodyguards for the travelers. She'd sighted a few hunters coming in off the plains earlier. She could even swear that she'd seen a pair of Lycian Knights making their way on some errand through the city. She was hardly the strangest traveler to come through, but they would definitely make mention in the city's gossip this evening. Her soldiers were clearly soldiers from how they moved. Even the rowdier ones of her lot carried themselves differently than the ruffians who picked up an axe or sword and claimed to be a mercenary. It was harder than it ought to be to find true professionals these days.

Another thing setting them apart were how many pegasus riders were among them. Clair had a number of riders with her these days, in addition to the few that were still with her from fighting the Prohpet in Sacae. Enough riders to ride double and carry their few ground bound members, as long as they made do with minimal supplies. It wasn't ideal by any stretch, but they were going for speed now. Not perfection.

Even with speed as their goal, they could use a rest. Them, and their pegasi. Even Corona was getting worn after their travels, and his powerful wings excelled at carrying her amazing distances. A night spent resting and recuperating would be well worth it. Plus, she'd intended to stop here anyway. This was a good place for gathering news from travelers.

After she saw to the Mistral Knights, found them an inn that would put up with a noisy group of pegasus knights and their companions, she checked in on Corona in his stall. They'd spent alot of time together over the past several months, but it had always been time when she needed to be on guard. Now she took a few minutes to relax, weapons set aside. She curried down his back and brushed out his mane, removing the tangles that had formed there. Talking softly to him.

"Where are we going next, Old Boy?" He nickered in response and shook his head, tossing his mane in the air a little as she laughed. "Alright. I know you're not that old.... Maybe I just feel old." She paused in thought to herself. She wasn't old. She was barely into her second decade, but it had been a chaotic and eventful few years. She'd been through things. War, assassination attempts, dragons, monsters. There was so much more to that list, but what was the point of even keeping up with it anymore? What was coming next?

"Rest up, Corona." She said calmly as she belted on her sword and hung the glistening shield across her back. The thunderlance Stormlight in her hand, she stepped out of the barn, looking around at where there was to go here? She didn't quite feel like heading back to their inn, so she paused, remembering the layout of the city. Maybe she'd take a walk and hope that the Mistral Knights had maintained their behaviors while she was away.

[Deleted]

Emily already missed Alex, and the others, but she had to find the truths. Despite her best efforts to keep flying, her new pegasus, Able, refused to go further despite not having flown far to begin with. This lead to her guiding him through the bustling trade center from the front.

Emily was no stranger to crowded cities or odd travelers considering the many that she saw traveling on pilgrimages but this city was something else. Despite all her attempts to always stand tall, proud, confident, and unwavering, she looked the way she felt; lost, and intimidated.

Up until this point she had been church to church, each one most helpful towards her in her quest, but the further away from Etruria the less churches there were and her title carried less and less weight to them. She was beginning to feel distraught.

"Come on Able, we need to find a place to stay, it does not look as though there is a monastery here." she sighed. Able, the rebellious beast that it was began to pull against her grasp on the reins. "Able, stop it!" As hard as restraining a pegasus would be by nature it was far more difficult with her still healing arm, and soon the beast was free.

Emily tried to grab hold but soon it bucked and kicked, then flew its wings out. Before she could react the beast took off in a gallop causing shoppers and vendors to do dive out of the way. It began to gain altitude but not before crashing into a stand and ripping the wooden planks asunder.

Emily was horrified and frustrated giving chase on foot as nearly impossible. She could not hope to keep up. The thing kept fighting with her, running away, and throwing her off of its back, but then it always returned to her. A prized black Pegasus? It was black due to being evil!

Without taking into account her own dwindling funds Emily gave her wallet to the ruined man in compensation. "ABLE!!! STOP!!!"

[Clair Feldsky]

The many sounds and smells wafted through the streets of Bulgar, but even here it still managed to smell wild and free. Almost as wild as the crisp sharp winds from her northern homeland. Certainly more than the harsh mountainous Bernese air, or the Smoldering ashes around fallen Ostia. Sacae was wide and open. It was a place where the winds and the plains danced together as far as the eyes could see. In a way, it felt like home the way it beckoned to her....

Despite her small size, she was finding it easy to move through the crowds in this city. People opened up room around her when they saw her, noticing the ornate armor she wore and the equipment she carried which almost seemed to shine in its own right. She must have looked something out of the old stories there. There was brief flash of pride in that thought, but it vanished, challenged by another belief. If she was going to remind people their glorious ideals by the way she looked, then she should make an effort to embody something worthy of that. A guilt had been growing on her since going to Bern.... Maybe that was why she struggled. She'd tried being loyal to a country, but some of the things they did left her feeling sullied by association. It had been the Prophet's lies about bringing peace to the lands that had bought her loyalty in the first place. Perhaps that was what she truly wanted. She'd believed in it at one time and she thought she'd found it in Richter's army. They'd fought to stem the bloodshed which the Prophet's armies painted across the lands, but then things had fallen away from that task and become muddled in politics.

Oh, Richter... That thought shook her a little. She let herself recall him little enough. These days, she didn't even know where he was or if he was alive. She thought they'd loved, but it had been so long since she'd heard from him or seen him. He was a spectre of her past that she clung to. Unable to put aside and unwilling to forget, though perhaps she should....

Her head snapped screams and clattering hooves clattering on the road ahead. There was a fracas of smashing carts, and then a telltale flap of the great wings of a pegasus. Not the leathery scales of a wyvern, but something as familiar and recognizable to her as breathing. If one of her riders was out causing trouble in the streets, then she'd have some cleanup and a stern talking to after this was done.

People diving out of the way in front of her gave the irate falcoknight a moment's warning, just enough to throw herself to the side and come up in a half crouch as something black winged past right where she'd been a moment before. The air billowed around her, as Clair looked on and saw a black pegasus storming up the streets. A black pegasus? She'd known that there were rumors of such things, and she'd known breeders actually trying to produce one, but she'd never actually seen one before now.

Well, that's definitely not one of mine. She heard a voice from behind her, and turned just in time to see a girl with long golden hair rushing up the street after the beast yelling for it to stop. It would be laughable if it wasn't dangerous.

Without thinking to hard about it, Clair gave a shrill whistle, cutting through the clamor. It held it's pitch for a moment before jumping a few notes up the scale for another couple of seconds. Ilians sometimes trained their mounts to signals so they could work with them from the ground. This was a command to ascend getting the creature away from the panicking people in its path and begin a long banking turn. She had no idea if this pegasus had been trained with whistles, but it was worth a try. If that didn't work, what would she do?... She took off, running after the pair she'd seen, and wondered at herself. Why was she so quick to jump in? It was the right thing to do.

[Deleted]

Indeed the Pegasus paid her whistle no mind at all. It was as feral as they come, aside from the odd connection it made to Emily. The beast gave no mind to the people in the street and never noticed the second woman that had taken to giving chase. Able was so quick it believed itself untouchable. These feelings that lousy humans could never understand. Inside, it was laughing at Emily's torment.

Emily was getting winded and her heart was racing in her chest; the pounding in her head intensified as she stopped and supported herself on her knees. Remembering what she had been tolled in the past she forced her head back up. How did that help? She wondered. It just felt harder to breath.

The racing of the blood and her running caused her left arm to act up again and she clutched at it. It was wrapped up and not covered by her normal armor. Her left gauntlet was in her saddlebag, another thing that was amazing to have managed to get on that blasted pegasus.

Clair was suddenly upon the girl. Emily had no idea another was giving chase. "Huh!?" She could not contain her surprise. Wait, something seemed subtly familiar about this person. Had she seen her before? Emily was confused, no she could not have possibly seen her before.

Wasting no time on talk Emily shouted, "Let's get that guy to come back down! The sooner he does the better off everyone will be!"

[Clair Feldsky]

Clair felt her heart racing as she ran. Something about this was bringing her back to life. Exertion. Speed. Strength. She could still handle troubles and the unexpected when they came up, and this would be a chance to prove it to herself. She gave little attention to the girl, but something in her head ticked off that she at least wouldn't have to defend her actions from someone angry at her interfering with their mount. They were going to get this beast back under control.

"Right. Just be ready to take him back." She could have scolded a little, but she hadn't the energy for it right now. She was focused. Clair redoubled her speed, taking in breaths of air as fast as she dared. Ahead, she could see more carts and stalls in the middle of the road. These were a bit bigger, and thankfully, the pegasus agreed, as he slowed down a little to avoid the crowding in the road, only knocking over some short barrels as he blew by. Clair gained on him, before he could pull away again, but couldn't quite reach him. She did see a chance though.

Diving headlong into the idea before she could say no to it, she reached down and unhooked the long whip hanging at her side. An Elysian whip, and a symbol of her mastery over riding the skies. It was almost a casual flick of her arm that sent the whip spiraling out past the pegasus to snap on the far side of the pegasus from her. There swift whistling sound and a loud crack, and suddenly the black pegasus was swerving to the side, in front of her. Stormlight seemed to crackle in her hands as she ran forward, taking two vaulting steps up to the tops of some crates ahead of her, and launching herself into the air with a foolhardy leap.

Clair came down atop the black pegasus, feeling a solid hit as she landed.... Oh. This could be bad. There was a moment of shared amazement at what she had done. The pegasus, and Clair's rational mind playing catchup with the events of the world. And then the bucking started. The Ilian Falcoknight gritted her teeth, and used every trick she knew: Gripping with her legs, locking them under the wing joints in front of her, grabbing onto the mane of the beast. Feathers and fur flew. Wings buffeting. Hooves kicking. A neighing like a banshee's shriek. Somewhere in all of the blackened maelstrom, Clair lost grip on Stormlight, her thunderlance. The grip was quickly replaced with something to keep her from flying off the back of the wild winged horse though.

After a few moments, the black pegasus seemed to slow down a little. Clair had been thrown every which way in those few moments. She was feeling dizzy and buffeted. Her hair was everywhere. She hung on though, noticing now that the crowds around them had cleared an arena of sorts inside which the pegasus was bucking. She saw his eyes leering back at her, as if to say "you asked for this" and she saw his wings raise. That was when she finally shut him down. With a snap of her hand, she whipped out the Elysian whip around one of the upraised wings of this bull headed pegasus and levered down on it, leaning hard in the other direction. She'd worked with these creatures for years now, and even her pegasus, with his massive strength and size couldn't hold his wings out against her at this angle. As he tried to leap into the air, he found one of his wings couldn't go back out after he flapped it down, and the flight turned into an aborted launch. Letting the fall partially throw her forwards, Clair snatched the reins that he'd been led with before, and cranked the errant pegasus' head around to the side. Beasts like these could be guided by their heads. Even humans struggled with such things. The energy of the body followed where the head went, and with his head pulled around to the side the way it was, the only place that anxious energy he was blowing off would be taking him would be in tight circles.

Clair rode atop the pegasus as he circled for awhile. Burning off all the energy that he'd been trying to release. She didn't let her guard down, but she was pretty certain that this chase was done now. Now just to wait him out. He seemed to have plenty of energy to burn for the time being, but walking in circles would get boring after a time.

[Deleted]

Ha! He had lost them all! Foolish humans should never begin to try and contend with the power and abilities of a Pegasus! NO! They should never try to contend with him: Able the Black! Just as he was about to fly higher above the buildings clearing this lousy settlement and off to freedom, something very strange and impossible happened.

A long piece of material lashed out just shy of himself. It cracked loudly and Able was surprised for a moment, but what should he expect? Differently? Of course not, the human missed him for he was too quick. It would be best to stay out of the way of such a troublesome thing though, and he swerved aside.

Able snorted cockily and began to gain altitude once more as something light crashed onto his back and grabbed hold of his neck. Impossible! How could a meager human catch him? Let alone get above him from ground level? Able looked back at this most dangerous offender and found a small frail looking human girl. It was not his own rider and he quickly took a grievous offense.

Able twisted and thrashed violently even attempting to perform an aileron maneuver to violently be rid of this disgrace to himself. How could they hold on so well? There was an impact beneath his right wing. It was not a hard impact and brought no pain to Able but his wing beat was disrupted. In shock Able cried out more harshly than he had already as he careened to the ground crashing violently.

Still this accursed stain held fast. Looking at this rider eye to eye he knew he needed to end this now. He was about to fly as high as he could. He would make an example of her. His body began to lift when he suddenly jerked to the side and began to travel in small circles on the ground. Try as he might he was trapped in a humiliating display, being showboated about by this- this human!

Emily could only stare in awe and wonder. Never before had she seen such, well, she could find no words to describe this feat before her. Only that it must have been a miracle to achieve such heights. "Thank the gods," she silently gave thanks.

Emily hurried to this miracle maker and took the reins as the beast quelled its fervent rage. "Thank you so much! I am Emily Fayne." She did not have a true last name and had adopted the name of the saintess who once wore her armor. "I had no idea anyone could move like that before."

Emily looked downward shamefully, "I am very sorry for the trouble I caused you. If there is anything at all that I can do to thank you I will."

[Clair Feldsky]

The black winged horse seemed to be slowing down. Hopefully wearing out, but Clair wouldn't put it past beasts like these to play tricks on her or their riders. They didn't always, but they were intelligent enough to be plenty sneaky. Clair handed off the reins and slipped off the dark pegasus as soon as Emily had the reins firmly in hand.... She'd mounted up the blackwings out of necessity. She wouldn't do so again without a need equal to this one. She did scratch a hand just under his mane though. Something between a more polite greeting than they'd had and trying to set the excited pegasus at ease once again.

Clair was no expert on theology or the Church of Elimine's heroes, so she took no notice of the name. She did take note of a great many other things though. The girl was young, though nearly her same height. She had the same feel to her words that Jainus and many others she'd known had possessed. It had a familiar sound to it. Right about then, she'd take the praise on what she'd managed from anyone. The Ilian Falcoknight could still feel her blood pumping from the surge of energy she'd put forth there. She turned blue eyes Emily, darkening as she glared at the girl, but when she saw the disappointment in the young blonde haired rider already, she calmed a little. This wasn't a trained and hardened soldier. The new weapons gave away that they hadn't seen much use yet. She remembered how young and inexperienced she'd been once upon a time. Storms! She hadn't even managed to sit a saddle properly when she'd started....

"Your pegasus is out of control, and requires training. You should sell him or else expect more scenes like this wherever you go." Clair kept her voice even as she spoke, eyes lightening just a little as the anger turned to annoyance at the world's inability to manage itself. She wasn't about to leave the girl hopeless there though. Besides, how would you even sell a black pegasus? Those were rare enough that they'd be difficult to get their full worth.

"That..., or else learn to handle yourself and your mount better. I might not be around next time, to catch the runaway." Clair said with a raised eyebrow. She was almost settled again after that quick exertion. It was amazing how much more alive she felt after that.

"You have a unit or band that you're traveling with?" She spoke up, expecting an affirmative. She wasn't sure who it would be though. She'd not heard of too many traveling units of soldiers through this area, though the number of tribesmen warriors had gone up recently.

[Deleted]

The woman began to scold Emily; she had expected as much and agreed with everything she had said to a point. Selling Able would be impossible, the beast was too wild and until Clair Emily was the only one able to calm it. She would not claim to be capable of doing so though considering its demeanor.

"I am sorry," she repeated again and again bowing low. Had this woman not shown up when she did there was no telling what sort of trouble would continue to occur. Would Able have come back? He always did, but there was no telling when it would be the end of his... loyalty.

"Unit or band?" Emily echoed in confusion. What did she mean by that? Wait, she means is she a part of a military force. "Oh, excuse me, no, I am not a part of any formal military or militia. I just happened to come into care of this one." The moment she spoke her words she knew she would regret it. Such an oddity would warrant, or even demand an explanation. An inexperienced youth does not just happen upon a rare breed.

Emily avoided eye contact after she spoke and found herself blushing under the woman's gaze. She could explain what had happened in Etruria and the chaos that led her here but this was Sacae, and all the rumors and movements pointed to the war coming to Illia as well. This woman was clearly highly experienced. She had to be an Illian pegasus knight, or perhaps even higher in authority. If she heard she was an inquisitor how would she respond. The nervousness on Emily's face was clear. She was a terrible gambler, far more used to absolute honesty.

[Clair Feldsky]

"You aren't part of a unit?" Clair was honestly surprised at that revelation. Didn't people realize that war was coming? Indeed, war was already here, and strength in numbers was proving more and more valuable. She would say something about such a young girl traveling alone, except she couldn't actually get away with that. Not after her own rough beginnings, a few years ago.

The pegasus, and how young Emily had obtained it seemed to beg even greater questions now. Clair found herself curious about it. It wasn't had to see the worry written over Emily's face now either. The Falcoknight almost asked on principle, but stopped herself. It wasn't her job to investigate this. It wasn't in her mandate to hassle young travelers. So far, the only thing Emily seemed guilty of was lacking training and experience, and it wasn't in Clair's position or authority to do anything here. She chose to let it go.

"Well, however you came into possession of him... I'm glad to see that you respect him at least." Clair couldn't actually tell that very well, but the girl seemed to care that she had messed up, and not just because she was getting scolded. It was a good start.

The blond Falcoknight glanced around, there were still people gawking at the scene, but people were beginning to move off now that the show was over. It didn't look like many had been hurt by this whole little extravaganza. Just a few bruises and some bent tempers, she imagined.

"Well, you've got guts to be traveling out here on your own. Do you have lodging, at least?"

[Deleted]

The woman was expectantly surprised by Emily's declaration and it showed in her voice. She looked as though she had more to say but after a slightly strained moment she had continued on without going the expected direction. It was rather relieving if Emily was being honest. She felt an exhale of relief. She had been holding her breath? Who knew?

The woman's words were like a hunting arrow that missed its mark. It was clear that there were questions to be answered but they were ignored, perhaps in favor of civility. Emily decided she should tell this woman what was happening if she proved trust worthy. Then again, she had yet to tell anyone besides the bishop of her chapel, who had sent her to begin with.

Emily found herself liking something about this woman. What it was she could not say. Perhaps it was the way she carried herself, or her authoritative yet passive nature, was that even possible? Before she knew it she was listening intently just as though she were one of her own recruits.

Respect Able? She was at her wits end with the brute. What did she mean by respect she wondered? Was it because she did not want to lord the beast? No, she had no idea why she would say that. Not in the heat of this moment at least.

Emily followed the woman's gaze about the area. There were no damages in the area, miraculously. The men and women were set back to their daily chores. The stragglers giving up on their hopeful encore. Emily was still looking around in an almost daze when she was asked about her stay here.

"Wha-what?" Emily inquired as though she did not understand the question. "Well, I just got to this town... city?" Whatever it constituted as. "I had hardly entered the gate when this one took off on his own. I was hoping to stay at a monastery but there does not seem to be one around here." Due to not carrying money for her travels her next words were a dead giveaway that things were odd. "I guess I'll just use my bedroll and set up outside the city tonight." What girl appears so well groomed, has a rare breed of Pegasus, and well crafted arms with embellishments rarely seen, and yet carries no money? To the average person, it would sound like a runaway.

[Clair Feldsky]

Clair gave another glance at the black pegasus, wondering how long the calm and docile exterior would last. My, but he was strong hearted and beautiful specimen though.... If their meeting was under different circumstances, she probably would have been intrigued enough to come up and ask her about the pegasus and his lineage. In the current series of events though, that would be difficult to circle back to.

Clair took another look. Fine armor, a little bit of finery worn, a simple spear, but an ornate sword strapped to her side.... And no money for stays in the inn? Thievery or reckless runaway seemed to be plenty good of an explanation here, but the Ilian couldn't help but wonder.... Exactly where did treasures like these come from?

"Oh, good heavens." Clair would have thrown her hands up in the air if she was more animated, but instead settled for placing hands on hips as she looked the traveling enigma up and down again. She knew she shouldn't let herself get involved. It would be best to pass up this youngster, and continue on to Edessa. She and the Mistrals were staying here though, and she felt like she ought to do something. It was in her power. They had enough supplies and enough coin from leaving Bern that they could afford another staying with them. "You'd honestly stay out on the plains instead of taking shelter in the city? I'll get you a place to stay with me and my Knights. Some of my riders are already helping with chores around the inn for a discounted stay. You could assist them in payment.... Is that acceptable?"

[Deleted]

Emily retained her composure but she was always amazed by the kindness of strangers. She could feel a well of happiness equal to tears well in her chest as she smiled. "That would be no problem at all! I would be more than happy to help in any way I possibly could. Even without a room I would still owe you the favor."

Quickly Emily grabbed on to Abel's reins tighter and let Clair lead the way. There were so many things Emily felt she could learn from this woman. She was obviously talented in ways almost no one else ever could be, of that she was certain. Perhaps she could teach her to use a sword and lance. Or just a lance. She may have carried the blade Eredil by her side but it was nothing more than an ornament at this point. Nothing but shards and a hilt that was robbed of its splendor.

As she thought on the history of her gear she felt a righteous anger well inside of her. Her face turned to one of determination and a fire flared dangerously in her eyes, threatening to set the town ablaze. She realized no one else could read her thoughts and her sudden determination might look odd to the unaware and her demeanor changed drastically.

"Oh, mam, I'm afraid I do not yet have your name. If I may be so brazen and bold as to inquire it, I would like to refer to you properly."

[Clair Feldsky]

Clair started heading back towards the way they'd come from, feeling an empty tingling in her fingers. Time to recover Stormlight from wherever it had fallen while the raging black pegasus had been roaring down the road with her on its back. She closed her eyes as they walked, feeling the lightning associated with it still coursing in her. It had done that ever since she'd bonded with it. As though she'd inherited some of it's ferocious power. If that was true though, had it gained something from her as well?

Once again, Clair stopped, turning back to look at Emily with a little bit of surprise on her face. Had she really forgotten to introduce herself? She took one hand, and massaged her temple with a little bit of chagrin showing on her face, then slipped that strand of ever errant hair over her ear to hold it back. "I'm sorry. My name is Clair Feldsky, Emily. Happy to make your acquaintance. Now that that one isn't rampaging through the streets." A bit of a smirk made its way onto the blonde haired Ilian's face as glanced again at the pegasus.... My, but he had been a troublesome one. He had a spirit of fire in him.

"I guess I forgot to give you my name after that whole debacle back there." Now that things were a little more under control, Clair found herself unwinding. It was still a curious feeling. When she was younger, she'd viewed relaxing as a betrayal of her duty. That had been foolish, but it had taken her years to learn otherwise, and she still struggled with the old habits.

"My apologies for the inconvenience." It wasn't the strongest of apologies. It was true that she felt a little bad, mostly because Emily shouldn't have had to ask since she'd freely volunteered her name. These weren't the sorts of things that kept her up late at night from guilt though.

[Deleted]

Abel chortled as Clair spoke of him. The beast knew she was speaking ill of it, but until she was away he could only bide his time, begrudgingly. "It is a great pleasure to meet you miss Feldsky. I cannot seem to shake a feeling like I have heard your name before... I guess it will come to me later." She too looked at Abel. "I doubt he will play nice for too long." She sighed at the thought of him rampaging again. She had no control of him. But maybe... she looked at Clair, no, she should not trouble her with such a thing.

"Oh, no no no. There is no reason for YOU to apologize to ME." Emily had animatedly thrown her hands up waving them back and forth. "And it was no inconvenience at all, so don't worry." She dropped her arms again. Looking around the area Emily noticed just how foreign this place was to her. Sure Sacae was nothing like the other countries, with this place being full of tribal barbarians and not a proper nation but... it served as another reminder she was leaving Etruria and going to such a foreign world. She sighed heavily, she already missed home.

Living as a part of the church Emily was never concerned with external beauty herself, but she did keep up appearances. Looking at Clair though, she could not help but feel awkward. She was still young and she knew it, but wow, Clair was naturally beautiful. Could she live like a warrior and still hold such appearances? No, no, no, that was wrong. That was a thing of this world, and something she should not be concerned with.

[Clair Feldsky]

Clair felt a small smile coming on. She was bemused more than anything else. And a little relieved. She was in that place. That small niche. Known by many, but not completely known. It was a relief to not be known the world over yet. That would be a heavy burden to shoulder. The way things were going though, she would have to take it up before too long. Standing up to the Prophets armies had been a start, but then she'd taken part in the Bernese war too, stopping cold those who tried to press in around her, and slipping away from the numerically superior forces she couldn't take. Now she'd been called back to Edessa. Why?

Clair looked back at the other girl, taking in the sight of her. There was a story there, and the Falcoknight wanted it, but social politeness and understanding had never been her forte. She'd always gotten by on manners and politeness, but that was a bland pill taken by itself. She'd realized that over time.

"I've been around for awhile. It's a little reassuring not to be heard of. We can talk more about each other back at the inn. For now though...."

Clair stopped, looking around the street and covering her lips with the first knuckle of a gauntleted fist in thought.

"It should should be right around here somewhere." She could still feel something, the bond connecting her with the lightning weapon, crackling in her, but it didn't give her any direction.

"I lost my lance when I was flailing about on your pegasus." Not having it was going to be a problem. Not to mention dangerous. It wasn't just some toy to be left lying about, and now she'd have to deal with embarrassment of losing her prized weapon while catching a rogue mount. Unconsciously, the blonde fingered the sword strapped to her side. At least it was safe.... Ok... Stay calm and just look around a little while longer. It probably just rolled under a stall....

It was a possibility, but it was a little farfetched. Stormlight was no regular lance. It was ornate. Crafted of some strange golden metal that was lighter and harder than it ought to be. And it was dangerous to leave alone.... She needed to be certain there was a problem before she went into full on panick mode over it though. She stopped and closed her eyes, going back and recreating the scene from memory as she did so. She wondered if her new acquaintance had noticed where it had gone.

"Do you see it, Emily?"