Charlie
A month or so after Lir's second but considerably less disastrous Spring Dawning Festival, Miller Dale thrived. Its numerous apple trees were in full leaf and beginning to blossom. Its canals filled with spring maritime traffic, bearing boats with traders and passengers all across Eluaria. The hedges and shrubs along the canals stretched out their vibrant verdance, nearly ready to burst their flowers forth. 

Although the air still chilled with the final vestiges of the fading winter, the sun shone through the few bright clouds floating across the otherwise blue sky. Whilst a bit cold, the day was otherwise light and beautiful. The hissy rumbling of many water-wheels sang throughout the city, carrying with it the scent of running water.

Traders crowded the central square of the city, Palladium Park. Tea-sellers, cooks, grocers, garment-makers, and others had dragged their stalls and stands to the Park's market square, alongside the many established shoppes that already lined the square. People thronged through the Park, stopping at many of the temporary stalls and stands and wagons situated there, though Palladium Park still held room for more.

Lir wandered into Palladium Park, studying a small sheet of paper as he leaned on his walking-stick. His scimitars jangled against each hip. He didn't especially like carrying them, or his daggers, with him. But he understood now that Miller Dale was more dangerous than it initially presented itself to be. 

Hardly something he had anticipated when he had first found it, but something to which he had reserved himself.

Lir scanned the central square to see what wares the merchants had displayed, occasionally glancing at the paper in his hand. Most moved around him.

One man glanced at him, and then disappeared into the crowds.
Kimberly
*The trip to Miller Dale had been rather uneventful, though the small caravan Nimue decided to travel with had made decent enough company - a few were locals from Aismir that had come out to the larger trade town to do some much needed goods swapping; along with other things.*

*Tempest was also now just big enough to also tag along, the owlet had been happy as can be when she mentioned they were going on a trip - this had been the farthest the Horned Owl had been from the Steep Woods. Their caravan group would arrive in Miller Dale just fine, overhearing the quite comical mess that played out during the recent Spring Dawning Festival - but the various stalls and merchants of Palladium Park were out in full swing with their wares.*

*She decided to park her own wagon just a bit aways from the others, lease to give herself and her horses, and Tempest some breathing room - once she had set herself up under the nearby shade of a oak, Nimue would get some water and feed for Tanja & Ragna. The pair began munching away, while Tempest fluttered about the wagon as Nimue set out her own wares.*

"Alright Tempest, remember what I said - this isn't home so you've got be behave yourself... Don't fly off too far and no chasing after the local chickens, or the cats" *She warned the owlet, whom simply had a pouted expression.*
Alethea
__"Not my fault they eyeball me, and those cats are the ones that chase first!"__ *Hooted the owlet, but would calm herself when Nimue stroked her head - she'd decide to eat some of the berries on top of the wagon, keeping an eye out and taking in all the new scenery around them.*
Charlie
The sight of a wagon, even off to the side, immediately sparked Lir's interest. Ignoring, for the moment, the list he held, he threaded his way through the crowds towards the plant-touched wagon that was settled beneath an oak tree, away from the main crowds.

Lir paused, watching the wagon-owner set out her wares as an owlet fluttered around, then settled down to eat some berries atop the wagon. As the woman continued her setup, he approached.

"Good morning, my dear," He smiled at Nimue. "You've a lovely wagon, I must say." The man was far more swarthy than most Miller Dale residents, and a bit more mangled besides.

"Are you part of a caravan?" He inquired.
Kimberly
*She'd look over and give Lir a once over before remarking* "Not apart of a given caravan, but I chose to travel with one coming from Aismir - better to travel in numbers; thats basic merchant safety there."

*If he was trying to charm her with his words, it went over over head but he seemed decent enough - Tempest on the other hand would shoot the man a long look, munching on her berries but would stick to her spot.*

"In the market for any herbs, or perhaps a potion or tonic... Have some poisons as well, though they are mild at best" *She said, motioning to a few of the open boxes that had a number of her crafted creations in them. Each one had their own label to tell which is which, but others were different by their colors alone.*
Charlie
"Oh, I see." The fact that the woman wasn't part of a permanent caravan seemed to disappoint him. He nodded, though.

"Of course, it's always safer in numbers, certainly. Best to make sure you've always got different people around you. A variety of skills, and all that." 

Lir paused. "Aismir's to the northwest, right? You've come from rather a long way away, if I figure correctly." He failed to notice the owlet nibbling on her berries atop the wagon.

As the woman introduced her wares, he leaned forward, but frowned on the emphasis on poisons, and sighed. Not the first time he had been assumed to use those. "No, I don't use poisons, my good woman... But what about your potions and tonics? Tell me about those, if you will." 

Lir leaned against the side of the wagon, studying the jars that the woman gestured to. He focused on one or two and squinted at their labels.
Kimberly
"Aye its in that direction, I've made the trip a few times before - it can vary" *She'd say with a shrug* "Also the name's Nimue, and if its potions and tonics I've got these ones here depending what you might be looking for?"

*She'd pick up a Slumber Oil and explain how it was best to be used, then pointing out the Focus Tonic giving an overview of it... And then what looked to be a rather fancy once she called Tranquil Mist, explaining it to him* "...While its akin to the Slumber Oils, this one isn't likely to make you fall directly asleep. But it might guide you that way."

*She'd look to see which of her crafts Lir might have need for, each of them could be used in different ways or manners.*
Charlie
"Nimue? A pleasure. Velir Silivasti. Lir, please." 

He watched Nimue show off her wares, then gently picked up the first phial she had shown him. He examined it. Whilst he didn't mean to, he toned out her explanations as he studied the labels on the bottles she pushed towards him, concentrating on the letters presented to him.

"Sumbler oil?" Lir mumbled, reading what he thought the label said. "What the hell is that?" He stared at the bottle again.

"No, it's slumber, I think," He told himself. He raised his voice to a normal level and nodded to Nimue. "Ah... Does this one assist with sleeping? How well does it work?"

Lir examined the second phial. "Erm... Folks? Is that what it says? Certainly not, what in the heavens could *That* Mean?" He still tried speaking softly, though Nimue would likely hear him struggling to decipher the simple writings on the bottles she had shown him. 

The last phial, the one scented like lavender and roses, did intrigue Lir. He looked at the label.

"What does 'Tarnquil Mits' do?" He asked. "You said it's like the Slumber Oils? But doesn't induce sleep? How strong is it?"
Kimberly
"The Slumber Oil when used can cause those effected to feel sleepy or drowsy, it works best in enclosed spaces or if the oils themselves are places directly onto the target's face where it can be better inhaled. Prolong exposer will likely cause one to fall into a semi deep sleep, but this can vary from target to target" *She would explain to him, abit slower given she just picked up on his lack of understanding.*

*Then she moved to the Focus Tonic* "This one is called the Focus Tonic" *She'd stress and sound out the name* "Drinking this in the size I sell it will allow one's mind to be sharpened, hence better focused - but it only lasts around 10 minutes and I stress that they shouldn't be drunk one after the other. Unless you want to pass out or worse..."

"Like its name, the Tranquil Mist is meant more to help one wind down and relax - of what studies I've done with it, it can also seem to lighten the mood within a given room. Say you're sitting among a crowd that might have various tempers, using the mist could help to calm them down... But the effects may not kick in right away."

*Nimue hoped these clearer explanations would have helped Lir a bit better.*
Charlie
"Ah. I see." Lir picked up the phial of slumber oil. He set it down, a bit off to the side, as something he would be looking to purchase.

"Focus Tonic," Lir repeated, then listened to Nimue's explanation of the potion. "Erm, probably the last thing he needs, at least right now. Later, perhaps."

He listened to Nimue detail the Tranquil Mist potion. "So that one is more for a crowd? Not for one person?" Still, Lir slid that potion aside as well, next to the Slumber Oil.

"How strong are they?" He asked again. "If someone has had... Exposure to other, er, sedatives, shall we say. Will they still help?"
Kimberly
"The mist can be used for one person if need be, it likely work faster if just focused on one person" *She'd say in relation to his question, but his mention of other sedatives caught her a tad off guard.*

"Other sedatives you say... Hmm well depending on the strength of those sedatives, the Mist could likely help to least keep that effected person calm. I assume these are for someone else?"
Charlie
"Indeed they would be. As for the other sedatives..."

Lir pulled back and glanced around the Park furtively. They were a bit out of the way, and no one seemed to be too close, or to be paying too much attention to their conversation.

Still, he leaned forward towards Nimue.

"Laudanum," He said softly. "When I can get it, at any rate. Chloral occasionally as well, but that doesn't seem to have much of an effect."
Kimberly
*Seems he wanted to keep it hush hush, though she didn't bother to ask why, but kept her own voice somewhat low as they talked* "Laudanum is likely to be stronger for certain, but like with any sort of medcine... If abused it can simply become another drug to the body. In order to obtain the feeling they desire, they'd have to keep taking a higher amount or a stronger type of it."

*She'd seen the aftermath of patients abusing certain herbs and even potions, it was never pretty and very hard to break them from the cycle* "If your friend is under the influence of these other medcines, the Mist might not be able to fully work until his body has be rid of the others. Mixing too many might end up making them feel worse, or nothing could work at all... How long have they been taking these other sedatives?"
Charlie
"I see." Lir eyed the bottle, frowning. "I was... A bit afraid of that."

He scratched his chin. "I'm not entirely certain how long he's been taking it. I met him... Eight years or so ago? He was taking mostly the laudanum then, but not terribly much. A few times a week, perhaps. Then his wife passed, and he started taking it a bit more frequently. I did manage to get him weaned down for a while. We then... Ended up in a situation where we couldn't access it for maybe... Four years, I believe. So he wasn't taking it. It's been, let me see... Two years now? I think we're back up to a few teaspoonsful a week. Though there were a few months last year I wasn't able to get it at all." Lir sighed again.

"I'd rather none, to be honest, but it's about the only way he'll sleep somewhat soundly." He tapped a finger on his bicep. "Ah, I should mention... He used to smoke it occasionally. Cannabis as well once in a while. He's not smoked at all in the last several years, though."

Lir picked up the potions again. "Are these any safer? I get the feeling they may not be."
Kimberly
"Ah so they've been in and out of using it... Seems like he's not been the kindest to his body. But considering one's life style and even loss... Its understandable."

*She'd look over her own potions, and remark* "Many of my brews I craft with care and only the best herbs, if used how they are meant to be used" *She'd stress her words* "They can be very useful to those that might need them. Thus the Slumber Oils and Tranquil Mist might be just what your friend needs if you need him to better sleep and relax - I would recommend you try a small amount of both around him and see how it effects him."

*That was the best advice Nimue could likely offer to Lir.*
Charlie
"No, he hasn't been particularly kind to himself. Though I suppose that's part and parcel of being a paladin, after all." 

Lir shrugged, then examined the Slumber Oil and Tranquil Mist potions again.

"So... How should I give them to him? Does he just drink them? And are the ingredients listed on the bottles? I imagine he would want to know what is in them." Lir studied the label on the Tranquil Mist again.

"Are they... Can they be... Addictive?"
Kimberly
"No both of these potions are more or less meant be slowly burned or left out to give off their flumes, the Mist itself can placed upon parts of one's body... Like a perfume so to speak."

*Towards his question of addiction, she'd shake her head* "Nay they shouldn't become addictive, they were't made with those types of herbs - but if used too much or often the effects might not work as well when they were used the first time." *She'd then point out the natural herbs used for both the Oils and Mist itself; in fact the Slumber Oils was used as a base for the Tranquil Mist itself.*

"Is this paladin friend of yours here in town?" *She'd ask, mostly curious.*
Charlie
"So just uncork them and leave them on his nightstand, perhaps? That sounds rather nice. He doesn't often wear scents, but I hardly think he'll fuss about that too much." He studied the listed herbs Nimue pointed out, his brow furrowed in concentration at all the letters.

He reached into his waist-coat and pulled out a small bag. "Not addictive, then? Very good. How much, my dear?"

Lir gestured down the road. "Oh yes, we're right on the coast."
Kimberly
"Aye you can do that, or even dab some on a cloth and let him pat his face with it just a tad" *She suggested, getting the bottles together.*

*Nimue only asked for a few coppers for both the Oil and Mist, taking the required amount before passing the bottles over to him.* "I hope ye friend will find some better sleep, and that their health improves."

*It was rare at times when Nimue ran into folks like Lir, but thus far he seemed like a decent fellow - least enough to look after the well being of another.*
Charlie
Lir slid the coppers, including one extra, towards Nimue and collected the two potions. 

"I hope so as well." His voice had softened, and it trembled. "Thank you, my good woman. I do hope this will help him. If nothing else, we've tried. I'm grateful you're here." 

Lir tilted his head. "Will you be about much longer, should I need more? Or are you off soon?"
Kimberly
"I won't likely be leaving Miller Dale for least a week or so, I've got much to sell and more to trade and buy" *Nimue answered him* "As for the need to buy more, should you not use either of those potions every hour of the day, they should last for perhaps two weeks at best. Again only a small amount is needed, and ye have to see if your friend's senses will event take to their effects; perhaps catch him when he's not busy or sitting down?"
Charlie
"Perhaps I can come by in a few days and let you know how the potions have worked. Would that be helpful, my dear?" Lir slid the potions into an inner pocket of his jacket.

"He'll listen to me, so I shan't have any problems administering them, most likely. I'll try it first if I catch him in a calmer moment. Seems like that will be most effective."

Lir glanced around him. "I do hope they help," He told Nimue. "I... Miss him. I know he won't ever be back to how he was, but... Anyway. You've been most helpful, my good woman."
Kimberly
*It was hard sometimes for her to get feedback from others on her crafts, so this could prove very helpful* "Aye I think we can make that work, I'll likely have my wagon parked here most of the time."

"Good luck to you and your friend, until we cross paths again" *She added, bidding him farewell as she noticed others coming by her stall. Seems like business would be steady during her visit.*
Charlie
"Smashing!" Said Lir as others began approaching Nimue's wagon. "I shall be in touch, then. Thank you again, most kindly!" He gave Nimue a gentlemanly nod, then turned away to let the next person in the queue speak to Nimue, and strode off to tend to his other daily errands.

.

Three days later, as he had promised, Lir returned to the little green-girded wagon in Palladium Park. It already had a few customers, so he waited patiently in the queue. Today the sky hung low and grey, and drizzle had hit Miller Dale on and off since the morning.

Once his turn came, Lir smiled at Nimue, and leaned against the wagon.

"How are you, my dear? Bit of a grey day to-day, but I've been utilizing the potions you sold me a few days ago. You wanted to know how well they worked, yes?"
Kimberly
*Lir would be her last likely customer that dropped by, she'd offer him a small smile and nod her head to him* "Good to see ye again Lir, aye a bit gloomy but the cool weather is comfortable given the bit of heat that has been around."

*She'd begin to shift some of her items around to avoid them getting too wet* "Aye, what news have ye brought back? I hope the Oils and Mist helped with ye friend's condition."
Charlie
Lir returned Nimue's smile. "I was rather enjoying the warmth myself. Ah, well, it will return." He stretched his back, and it cracked softly. "It will be nice when it does." He winced, then returned his attention to Nimue.

"So the potions! They didn't work as well as I had hoped, but better than I expected on account of what you said about other substances... Interfering with them. Sir Jathak does seem a bit calmer. If nothing else, he seems to enjoy the scent. I do too, to be perfectly honest.

"The Slumber Oil... It *Does* Help him get to sleep, to be fair, but it doesn't do much for the nightmares. Yet neither do his... Other medicines." Lir shrugged. "Still, I rather think it would be a good idea to keep using them, since they do help, at least a bit."

A new round of light drizzle started. "Well then!" Lir said to the rain. "I did want to ask you, my dear, since you said they should last for a fortnight, and you'll be leaving soon, if I remember correctly. Do you think you will return around then? If not, ought I to get a bit more, assuming it will keep? Or are there other vendors that sell them, unless they're your own proprietary mixtures?"
Kimberly
*She'd nod her head as he spoke, explaining how things worked out - seemed they didn't have the full effect, but the fact that both had done something is least a good thing.*

"At least they've done something to assist, even if its been in smaller ways than ye might have hopped - better to have done something than nothing at all" *She said.*

"You're welcome to buy more of my own stock if you so wish, I don't always make trips out to Miller Dale often, perhaps once a month or once every two months - but my potions are my own creation. Though I would gather other folk versed in medicines would have items of similar features - provided they are seal correctly and stored as they should, they can last for a fairly decent while."
Charlie
"Precisely, my dear, and I've you to thank for that," Lir smiled.

He tilted his head as Nimue outlined her travels. "Perhaps... Hmm. I think I shall get two more of each, if they'll keep for a month or two. We can put them in the cellar, if that works best. Keep them cool and dark. I gather that's important for some substances. And I shall certainly ask around in the meantime. We have tried a few others, but yours have worked best so far. I would much rather come find you when you're about again. You have got some impressive skills, darling."

Lir took a few paces back and examined Nimue's wagon. "It really is a lovely wagon," He told her. "How long have you had it?"
Kimberly
"Well I'm glad they've least done some good, people so foolishly think that just drinking a simple healing potion will cure all their troubles - but when they don't let their body rest to better let the potion do its work; then they'll regret it. My father would say such things many times to his patients, often gave him a headache" *She's remark with a chuckle, motioning for Lir to select any of the bottles he needed from the boxes.*

*She'd look over her wagon for a moment* "It was sort of a hand-me down gift so to speak, a family friend had little use for the wagon and offered it to my father. Who decided to see about fixing it up, we did a bit of traveling in it together before he passed away - though my Grandmother and I have the family clinic in Aismir, the wagon has proved useful whenever I've needed to travel out. It went through quite alot when I was traveling parts of Ostia the year before."

*Her two horses, of whom were taking a nap, snorted in their sleep of which she rolled her eyes at a tad* "Though its likely due for a bit of a fix up here and there, I've found that Miller Dale has good craftsmen for that sort of work."
Charlie
Lir took one each of the Slumber Oil and the Tranquil Mist, then pulled out his coins.

"Indeed, that's what we've been trying to do. A bit hard, especially during the Spring Dawning Festival. Tends to get a touch rowdy here at that time." He slid the coins to Nimue. "Still, Miller Dale's otherwise a nice city. Generally quiet. Excellent craftsman, as you said."

Lir studied the wagon. "It's been through a lot, then! Looks in good shape still. They last a while, if they're well-built and maintained. You've been taking good care of her."
Kimberly
"Aye, I heard this year's festival had a bit of trouble, but it wasn't as terrible as the one the year prior... Hopefully it doesn't become a trial of sorts for Dwarves from the mountains to come down and make a mess of things" *She remarked, recalling what she had heard about the festival itself. She took the coins from him, tucking them away.*

"Have ye thought about traveling to the White Water Springs up in the Voldur Peaks?" *She'd ask* "The hot springs there are sure to relax any visitor, and the region is fairly quiet - I've gone a few times myself, and I'm hardly ever been disappointed."
Charlie
Lir sighed. "It was troublesome. But it certainly wasn't as awful as last year's. People... People died. Or got terribly hurt. This year wasn't nearly as bad. Attendees had to handle the bloody dwarves. The mayor even hired extra security, which turned out to be utterly useless. I've a terrible feeling I could walk up to a watchman, strike them in the face, and saunter away unassailed." His words degraded into a disgruntled grumble.

"They *Certainly* Do like keeping an eye on us, however. Yet that seems to be the way of things. It *Is* Nice to... Ah, that's another story." Lir tucked the purchased potions away and stroked his goatee as Nimue spoke of the Voldur Peaks.

"Hot springs there, you say? That may be something to look into if Sir Jathak is ever well enough to travel. There's a few spas here in town, though I've not yet been myself. What are they like? I've never been to one."
Kimberly
"Aye, things were a mess last year - and even I would be concerned about guards acting like that..." *She remarked in agreement.*

"The White Water Springs is a bit of a ways to travel, but the springs themselves have special healing properties - least whenever I've gone, I've often felt much better than when I first arrived there. Its nestled in a bowl valley of sorts in the Voldur Peaks, its a beautiful place to visit as of now - during the winters it can be perhaps too cold than what is likely is right now."

*She'd explain how the small springs was run by a small group, it wasn't anything large but they could offer travelers simple meals - thus she remarked one should bring their own food.*
Charlie
"It was certainly a great mess, in more ways than one," Lir agreed. "So... I suppose my suggestion to you here is not to expect much help from the Miller Dale watch should you find yourself in trouble. You might likely have to handle things yourself. 

"On the other hand, apart from the festivals garnering some unwanted violent attention, it is usually quiet here. I mean, of course there are darker parts of the town, but no large settlement is free of those." 

The rain around them continued at a steady drizzle with a few raindrops falling here and there. Although the drizzle did drive a few people indoors, many others had little issue with the light rain.

"Do the springs help with physical healing or mental? Or both. Both would be lovely. And are they... Deep at all? I'm not the best swimmer, I'm afraid."

Lir smiled at the last bit. "I of course would bring food. The food here is... Well, it is bland, to put it kindly."
Kimberly
"I'm quite able to handle myself, else I wouldn't have attempted to travel parts of Ostia myself - but I did get lucky a few times when I met up with other traveling caravans..."

*She'd ponder for a moment* "I would say the waters are more on the physical side of healing, but I can also add that mentally one will feel quite refreshed and even relaxed after bathing in warm water. And no they aren't fairly deep, some parts are for standing but much of it one can sit and the water comes up to about... One's shoulders or just below their necks."

*She'd give him a look over once more* "For one like yourself, I would say it might come up below your shoulders - depending on your position in the springs."
Charlie
"Ah! Excellent then, my good lady. I have found that being able to handle oneself here is a tad more difficult than I'm used to. For me at least." Lir shifted his weight from one foot to the other. "You must have some unseen powers, then? That tracks with most I've encountered here. Magic, and that sort." Nimue might clock a slight shiver in the man, which subsided quickly.

Lir pondered Nimue's description of the waters in the Voldur Peaks. "Up to my shoulders? Oh, that wouldn't be bad at all. And I think I would like a soak in warm water that isn't a wooden tub. Er... Do you know if they would allow warhorses in the springs?"
Kimberly
"Oh I was raised in the Steep Woods, so yes I know some magic from the local Wood Elves there and a few others - one must know how handle themselves whenever they choose to travel. World's not always a safe place, and sad as it is to say..." *She'd sigh with a shake of her head.*

"War horses?" *She'd arch a high brow* "No I don't believe they allow such animals into the springs directly, but one could bucket the water itself and wash their animals? That would be my best guess to that question..."
Charlie
Lir listened to Nimue explain her upbringing in the Steep Woods. "I see," He said, though he didn't entirely. 

"I mean, that's why my people travel in caravans. It generally isn't safe for us to remain in one place for too long." Lir frowned. "We haven't any magic, and the world is dangerous." He stood silent for a few moments, listening to the light patter of the rain. 

"Nowhere is very safe, is it? No matter where you end up." Lir suddenly seemed to find the ground incredibly fascinating. "I suppose if you've access to magic, it would be a bit easier to defend yourself."

His normally jocular countenance had been rapidly darkening as they moved along this line of discussion. 

It took him a few moments to process Nimue's description of bathhouses for horses, and, after a moment, he managed a weak grin.

"No, I suppose that would be silly to most people. They're not used to those types of warhorses. Though I imagine a bucket-wash could be arranged for Kyre."
Kimberly
"Aye, tis a darken thought we all carry... But its up to people to decide how they shall live" *She remarked, casting a look up at the cloudy sky - and for a moment seeing the cloud part in some ways.* "To live safe and unaware... I often think that can be the most dangerous path."

*She'd shuffled around her boxes for a moment, her tone shifting to another topic* "Well if you and your friend do managed to make it out to the springs, perhaps ye both can visit Aismir itself? While the city isn't filled with merchants like Miller Dale, we do like to boast that we have the better sense of homely comforts."

*She'd remark with a chuckle.*
Charlie
"You may well be right, at that," Lir replied. "Better not to be terribly sheltered."

He looked up at Nimue again. "I have heard Aismir is a lovely place. Perhaps we ought to go there when we can." He did tilt his head at the mention of Aismir's amenities.

"A 'better sense of homely comforts,' you say? How do you mean, precisely, darling?" He took the minor jibe at his newly-adopted hometown as a bit of a friendly challenge as he perked up.
Kimberly
*She'd smirk at him* "For a long time Aismir was known as the home of 'wild folk' due to our history as warriors - there's hardly reason in denying it as its still a source of pride for the locals. Yet for all our resilience, we became a home to others who might not have had the chance to taste such comforts - though I can admit Miller Dale's location just near the sea does grant it the bounty of trade, doesn't likely get as cold."

"For me, that sense of comfort lies in the surrounding nature - a trait Miller Dale shares with her groves and farmlands - I can agree that the crops here taste better; easier to grow in these parts than around the Steep Woods."

*She'd then glance to him* "You've already talked up Miller Dale here, though what do ye like best about this place? Least when there isn't drama happening."
Charlie
"Ah. A city of warriors. Hmm." He stared at his fingernails in thought for a moment.

"I'm quite glad that Miller Dale doesn't get *Too* Terribly cold, though I know Sir Jathak would disagree with that. We do have snow. Makes my joints creak a bit. His as well." Lir laughed. "Dead of winter, and we sound like a crackling fire whenever we move."

Lir waved at Palladium Park in general. "I must admit, it *Is* Nice to not be constantly accosted by the town watch. And Miller Dale is a lovely place–the canals are spectacular to look at, even if I don't use them. It's pretty now, but all the flowers blooming are spectacular in summer. Plenty of apples and other crops in fall. We do have a bit of farmland we have probably got to get up and running.

"The trade is useful, especially since most establishments here think 'spice' means 'slightly more pepper than usual.' At least I can get them. The taverns are rather welcoming; I do like the Singing Shepherd. There's Palladium Park here, of course, and I've seen a couple shows at the Amethyst Theatre. I recommend it, if you've the chance. Overall, the people here are friendly, but it sounds as though they are in Aismir as well. I think, if we can travel a bit, we ought to see it. It sounds like a fine city."
Kimberly
"Aye, Miller Dale has more of the things to offer someone - while Aismir or more for those that don't mind the wild outdoors - there is the famed The Battle School of Aismir."

*She did have a chuckle at the mention of their joints, that was a familiar sound even back home with some of the elderly.*

"So what do ye do for work Lir? Do ye and your friend work in and around this region?" *She'd ask, though one gathered there would be likely more jobs around these parts if anything. Travelers always came and went.*
Charlie
"Battle school, eh?" Lir tilted his head. "That does sound interesting. Have you participated in it, then?"

The clouds had stopped dripping for the moment but still hung low and grey over the town.

"Ah, as for me? I take care of Sir Jathak, for the time being. I'm his chamberlain, you could say. He's..." Lir's pause was long and thoughtful.

"He's largely retired, at the moment. He did... Erm, well, that was last year. Certainly he has got a few things he might like to do, if he gets better."

Lir scratched his chin. "So your family runs a clinic in Aismir? How long have you done so?"
Kimberly
"I've only visited to bring supplies or assist with the other healers at the school, surprisingly they often always need healers... But it wouldn't be called a Battle School for nothing."

*At that moment, Tempest would come flying out from the wagon, landing on Nimue's shoulder and nuzzling against her* "Yes yes, I can see that you're ready to eat, ye wee feathered gremlin" *She muttered, stroking the owlet.*

"Aye, the clinic is more of less our family home turned into a business - its been in my father's family for a handful of generations - but its one of many healer houses in the city. We're located just a bit outside the city itself, closer to the woods themselves - mostly due to the farm animals we have around."
Charlie
"It does sound like a lovely location, and one we might like to visit," Lir agreed, though the owlet's appearance startled him as it suddenly fluttered down and onto Nimue's shoulder. He had taken a step back before realizing he had done so. However, he relaxed as the owlet cuddled Nimue.

Smiling, Lir said, "Ah, but I've taken too much of your time already; your tiny friend seems to want your attention." Though he tilted his head at Nimue as she spoke.

"Your accent reminds me a bit of Sir Jathak's... When he still spoke, at any rate." His voice had softened, then he cleared his throat.

"At any rate, madam, thank you ever so much for your help. It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I do hope I'll see you when you come round again? I would be happy to help you around Miller Dale on your next visit, if you like."
Kimberly
"Aye, I'm sure we'll cross paths again Lir" *She remarked with a nod of her head, while the owlet seemed to give him a side eye look.*

"I wish you and Sir Jathak all the best, and may his own health get better as well."

*Nimue would bid Lir farewell before she returned to the inside of her wagon, preparing Tempest's meal as the owlet hooted about - of which Nimue would just shake her head at.*
Charlie
"And I hope you keep your own health, my darling." Lir smiled. "Thank you for all your help. It has truly been a pleasure. May the roads be kind to your wheels."