Catherine
*Entering the city of Elsir Vale, Kaly bounded up the city's steps. She had an empty satchel, save for a few stalks of wild lavender and sage, and a full coin purse. She managed to sell her wares in Tinker's Hollow prior to embarking on her journey to the "City of Worshippers". The jingle of the coins she had procured were music to ears as she strolled.*

*The shadows from the houses, churches, and shops were already elongated by the time she had arrived. The night sky had a spattering of white and purple stars with an occasional shooting star. Every time, she made a wish. The twilight colored the sky in hues of dark coral and royal blues.* "How magnificent is this place?" *She whispered to herself as she made her way to the street sign. It was illuminated by an oil lamp that burned a bright orange and casted a circle of light around the sign, itself, and now Kaly. Seeing her destination upon it, she ventured to the right.*

*Kaly, having bathed in a clear, blue stream outside of the city, clothed herself in a white, lightweight dress fitting for this city. She followed the direction and came upon it. Her eyes glowed in wonderment. Life's Light Shrine. It was more exquisite in person than any of the tales she had heard from the random inn traveler she had crossed paths with. Taking out the offering of lavender and sage, she began silently saying a prayer as she slowly made her way to the shrine.*

**Oh, to the gods and goddess of old,
I bring not treasure nor gold.
Instead, I bring a gift from the earth.
It's value and purpose far greater in worth.
For the lavender, it brings calm and peace.
Sage, a contract of cleansing, a new lease.
May these blessings cause me to be glad.
For I have a past both happy and sad.
Oh, to the gods and goddess of old,
Please accept my gifts that aren't so bold.**

*Kaly laid the stalks by the fountain and submerged her hands in the waters of the shrine. She dripped some onto her forehead, the bridge of her nose, her cheeks, and finally her chin. She stood, renewed and resurrected. Ensuring she had her satchel, she turned on her heel and made her way to the Brinewater Inn. From those same random inn travelers, she had been recommended to check out the Brinewater for a hot meal and a clean bed.*

*Coming to the door of the Inn, she unlatched and swung the door inward. A blast of jaunty music and boisterous laughter hit her square in the face. Skipping merrily along, she came to the bar and sat upon an empty barstool.* "A shot of fire whiskey and honey mead, please!" *Sliding a silver coin across the bar, she waited for her drink.*
Carmela
*It was always a joy to explore the world for Dear Baker, joyous he was whenever it came time to cook a new meal inspired by the locale in question. So what was on the menu this time?*

Baker had fully adapted the SteelShell scraps he obtained with Kaly prior into a pastry known as: "Dwarven Mountain Medley" 

A delightful recipe made using flour, soft shell shavings, honey, mixed spices, and a pinch of sea salt. Baked to perfection, this medley offered a taste that evokes the charm of a mountainous landscape. The comforting flavors of the treat perfect for a cozy gathering or a moment of relaxation. Though how the steelshell shavings would come into play he didn't yet know... 


But! The moment of relaxation is what he had in mind whilst sitting upon the railing of a large set of steps at the top of a steep hill. But just as he was to take his first bite.. 


He spotted the sight of a familiar face entering a tavern at the bottom of the hill. "**My my, do my eyes deceive me?..**" 


Baker's eyes widened and his heart began to burst with excitement upon laying eyes on his friend, it's been a large amount of time since they had last met and he was eager to speak to her again. 

`A shot of fire whiskey and honey mead, please!`


"*Again with the honey mead?*" In his head thought Baker as he entered into the tavern just a short moment after she did. He still didn't like the taste of honeyed mead but figured why the hell not? He's in a DWARVEN city! It be a crime not to at least try their brew!

"**Make. That. TWO! Of each please!**" Ordered Baker aloud, who approached behind Kaly and took a seat beside her on a stool. 

"**For a moment I thought my eyes deceived me, yet here you sit Kaly oakenfury. Healthy and beautiful as ever. How have you been, my dear friend?**"
Catherine
*Kaly's ears and heart immediately perked up at the familiar voice. Even without turning her head, she knew what would stand before her.* **How can this be? What are the chances that we are in the same place at the same time? At least it is someone that is cordial and handsome!** *Turning in her stool, she swung an arm over the barstool's back and smiled warmly.*

"Well, well, well. If it isn't the incredible, the handsome, the amazing Mr. Baker!" *Kaly clapped him on the shoulder and drew him in for a hug. After a minute, she released him and gave a long sigh.* "You are a sight for these sore eyes. Please sit next to me!" *Turning to the bartender, she yelled out.* "Place both meads and fire whiskeys on my tab!" *She took a deep long draw from her own tankard and wiped the foam from her lips.*

"How am I? I have been doing well! I sold all my wares I collected on the way back from the tortoise battle. Made a pretty coin off of them too. And now I am on the way to Aismir. I'll collect some of the local herbs and fauna from the area, so I can sell them at their Open Air Markets. Listen to me ramble on about myself. What of YOU?! What are YOU doing here??" *She paused long enough to take another drink and prepare herself for the shot of whiskey.*
Eddie
`How am I? I have been doing well!` replied kaly.

"**Glad to hear it!**" Added baker. 

`...I sold all of my wares I collected on the way back from the tortoise battle. Made a pretty coin off of them in too.` 
Explained Kaly.

"**More Glad to hear it!**" 

Added baker once more.

She then went on to explain how she planned a trip to Aismir and the Open Air Markets. Something that baker wasn't particularly familiar with. Then apologized for her ramblings. 

"**Sooth your tongue dear kaly, I could listen to you ramble about yourself for days without growing tired.**" 

`What of YOU?!....`

Kaly asked for information of bakers appearance, his state of self. 

He paused for a moment as he wasn't entirely sure how to reply in a manner that didn't seem too odd. 
——
Baker wore a different outfit then his usual high class. An open black frock coat with red lining over a silk white dress shirt with a low collar exposing some of his chest, A golden chain accessorizing over it below his neck. 

He wore black pants and a black belt with a golden square buckle engraved with a paisley design. Finally, he also wore black somewhat shiny leather boots. 

His golden blonde hair was slick back with a few loose strands of hair, gently hanging over his forehead. 
——

"**How do I put this, I was in the local market collecting a variety of different dwarven spices, such as 'dragons breath' which is thought to be one of the spiciest mixtures ever concocted. But I have had little luck obtaining pretty much anything, I added the shavings we acquired from the steel shell into a recipe that has had yielded some extraordinary results. It appears that upon consuming the treats I've embued with the steel shells essence, one can temporarily harness its abilities. From the durable steel layer of its shell to the explosive volcanic gases the tortoise produced via oxygen consumption. The results vary, but will allow me to engage in temporary combat should the need arise. Needless to say; I'm quite proud of such a development and have none more to thank for it then yourself, my dearest friend.**" 

Baker would show Kaly his treat, a silver and gold triangular 'one bite cake' that apparently, upon consuming would temporarily imbue the consumer the abilities and powers of a steel shell tortoise.

"**Theres just one downside.. That volcanic gas can linger and cause catastrophic effects.. If you eat more then one in the span of twenty four hours, then.. Theoretically..**"
Catherine
*Kaly, after quieting from her rambles, took in Baker. In his black attire and his golden hair slicked back, he looked like a tall drink of water. And she, she had just wandered in from a hot day. Her eyes wandered over him. Snapping her eyes back up to his, she focused all her attention on staring into his eyes. Blushing a deep crimson red at the compliment, she waved her hand in the air.*

"It was a team effort, my dearest Baker." *She quieted once more as he continued and showed her the tortoise treat. Her eyes grew wide and she applauded.* "Noted, so only one tortoise treat per day." Smiling, she laughed a deep chortle before taking a sip of her ale.

"Oh my, it is such a great feeling to be in the company of a good friend. As far as your dragon's breath is concerned, perhaps..." *She held her forefinger to her lips and patted them thrice. Deep in thought, her eyes flickered from side to side. After a long few seconds, she nodded her head as if she had a full conversation that no one could hear but her.* "Yes, I believe we should be able to find it or someone who knows of it in Aismir! It does mean another journey with yours truly..."

*Draining the rest of the mug, she slammed it down and looked at Baker.* "I have been hankering for one of your delectable meals. What do you say about going to the market here, buying some ingredients, then heading back to my camp? We can discuss whether you would like to go on this journey with me and what provisions we will need for the trek to Aismir." *With her green eyes shining brightly, she couldn't help but feel her heart bounce a little more joyfully in his presence.*
Eddie
The suggestion of going to Aismir was one he hadn't thought of, almost instantaneously his eyes lit up with a gaze of wonder. His hands gesturing as he'd hammer down his right fist into his left palm in an act of *"Oh wow you're right!"*


"**Aismir.. Aismir Aismir.. YES! That's an excellent idea! I've heard so many good stories of their outdoor markets, the legend of the Dragonborn monk who saved the city from a goblin invasion! Not to mention the famous "Three cups tavern" And it's alluring gallery of entertainers! I would be delighted to join you in your travels yet again my friend!**" 


Bakers eyes seemed to wander; for somebody else it would look as if he was kind of eye goggling Kaly but in actuality his mind was already wandering Aismir quite descriptively.

"**Shall we go soon then? I'd be more then happy to tell you of my journeys and advancements lately on the way there.**"

Baker gestures toward the exit of tavern. "**Oh, did you pay yet? I don't mind paying.. **" He would begin shuffling through his satchel.
Catherine
*Kaly just giggled at Baker's delight in her idea.* "Yes, I have paid, my friend. However..." *She trailed off and leaned into his space a bit. With a dramatic air, she looked up at him with a devious smile.* "You have not answered my question regarding..." *She trailed off again and threw her hands in the air. With a joyous smile, she stood up and took Baker's arm in hers. Tossing a couple of silver coins on the table, she nodded.*

*Giving him but a moment to collect his satchel as she collected hers, she bounced her way with him in tow.* "Now that we are settled up, let's go to the market! I am craving a one-of-a-kind Baker dish! Maybe something sweet or savory." *She placed her finger on her chin and wandered through her thoughts. Nodding, she turned to him and said,* "Both! Something savory AND sweet." *Dragging him out the door of the tavern, she took the two eastward.*

*She zig-zagged with him. Only glancing back once or twice to ensure he was still following, she flashed her mischievous grin. She abruptly halted. Her eyes gleamed. They came to the market district of Elsir Vale. The magical college students clogged the streets. Some were haggling prices with the baker. Others were staring at some unique and glowing amulets. And then even more were lined up outside a tavern. There shouts of joy and laughter was contagious enough even if Kaly hadn't been in such a momentous mood.*

"So this is just Elsir Vale's market... Can you even imagine, Baker, how wonderous the one in Aismir will be??" *Clapping her hands twice, she reached into her satchel and pulled out a piece of parchment.* "I was already planning on going to Aismir..." *She grinned sheepishly as the ready-made list was quite extensive.* "Shall we shop together or divide and conquer?!"