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"Artemis did hesitate when you showed him the pouch," Earendil mused. "I was surprised when he accepted it, considering that shop is filled with some of the best bags I've ever seen."

He nodded at Lin's bag. "Did you get Rhea to rune it for you?"

"Ah, I see," Earendil nodded. "I was thinking, I might get a bag as well, when my boots are done. Not that I particularly need one, but they're so beautiful, it's almost a shame to leave them behind."

Haldia had no idea what the two were talking about anymore. Why would Earendil get something that he didn't need? And what was this shop that they were talking about?

"Where are we going?" she ventured finally, looking around at the places they were passing. It was early enough that hardly anyone was outside yet, and so they were able to pass through the city unharassed by children.

Earendil smiled warmly at Lin. "Practical and logical as always," he chuckled. "I'll do it then, if I see a bag that speaks to me."

Haldia tugged on Earendil's arm. "What's a tannery?" she asked, her brow furrowed in confusion.

Earendil smiled patiently. "The tannery is a place where they sell leather, and leather products," he explained. "Anything you can think of that's made of leather, they have it. It's the best leather shop I've ever seen. I'm going there to be measured for a new pair of boots, since mine are almost worn through."

He looked down at Haldia's bare feet. "You should get a pair as well," he murmured. "You're going to freeze if you don't protect yourself ..."

Haldia blinked at him. "How do I get some?" she asked blankly.

"It would be nice if that were the case," Earendil smiled. "You might even be able to get your things back, Lin. I know they must have sentimental value for you, in addition to their actual monetary worth."

He spotted the tannery just ahead and headed directly towards it.

"Besides," he added, a bit sheepishly, "I don't really have much else to trade for payment."

In the end, Earendil was able to pay for his purchases with gold, an in addition to ordering the boots (when they were finished, the woman promised to send word to the castle to let him know), Earendil also bought a bag with dragonflies on it, as well as the bracers that he had been examining the day before.

They visited many other shops as well: the glass shop, the candy shop again (as Haldia had specifically requested to see where the candy had come from), the woodsmith, the blacksmith (Earendil bought a new dagger, and had his old one sharpened), the tailor (Haldia ordered some clothes at Earendil's insistence, and he paid for it), as well as a few other miscellaneous shops.

It was well past noon by the time they finished their shopping, and when they headed out of the city again so that Haldia could return them to the ship, she was in a much better mood, and had a very high opinion of the city indeed.

"That was lovely," she said sincerely as she summoned her roc again. "Thank you again for everything, Earendil. For buying things for me ... and to both of you, for convincing me to come with you."

"Is this what all cities are like?" Haldia asked as she climbed up after Lin.

Earendil smiled. "Pretty much," he agreed, climbing up behind her. "I mean, they vary in what types of shops they have, and the quality of the work, and how many shops there are ... but generally, yes. They're pleasant, for the most part. Though I do have to add, they're not usually that crowded. Alena mentioned yesterday that they're starting to have a crowding problem."

Rhiel kicked off into the air, and soon they were on their way back to the ship.

"Don't they know how to fight?" Haldia pointed out logically. "If they all work together, and take turns keeping watch, then they can be prepared for any attacks. Especially with the rocs, they can keep watch from the air. The more people who help, the faster it would be done, and they would be safe again, wouldn't they?"

She looked over Rhiel's side, staring intently at the ground below. "And I don't see any gnomes now, they could build when the gnomes usually stay hidden, right?"

Earendil looked back at Haldia. "Maybe you should try talking to Alena," he deadpanned. "That sounds good to me, at least. And I know they're getting desperate for a solution."

Though to be honest, he wondered, if it could be so simple, why would no one else have thought of it yet?

"And didn't Alena say something about them staying away more in the summer as well when it rains more?" Earendil recalled. "I mean, summer and winter are the longest months, if they can work hard in those months I'm sure they could get it done, at least enough to be safe from the gnomes."

"Perhaps the next time she comes to visit us, I'll speak with her," Haldia murmured thoughtfully as they circled lower towards the ship.