Sheâ€™d heard of the festival several days ago, travelling through a decently sized merchant town.  Stopping for the night in their higher-class tavern, Shira had decided to spend the evening relaxing in the common room over a few drinks, listening to the gossip.  Most of the talk was of the Queenâ€™s birthday, and the party that was being held to celebrate.  Her interest piqued and nothing better to do- no jobs lately, for better or worse- Shira had headed towards the area.<br/><br/>It was a great party, festivities sprawling across an enormous area, vendors selling all sorts of trinkets and treats in the streets, children running everywhere.  Shira rolled her eyes at two such waifs playing at fencing with wooden swords- their stances were horrible.  She continued on, trading a coin for an apple turnover, warm and sweet, just the thing to cut the dust from traveling.  Double checking her weapons- she managed to fit a surprising amount upon her body, and hidden in her clothing.  Leg sheathes for daggers hidden under her long, loose pants, several tipped with poison, more shoved into her boots.  She wore one openly at her hip, with a few throwing stars tucked into a pouch.  Sheâ€™d left most of the weapons she wore upon her torso in her hotel room- the tight shirt she wore left no room for secrets, though it did cover more than usual, being full length, though sleeveless, and sheâ€™d donned a corset in a fit of nostalgia, tied loosely so she could breathe.<br/><br/>Shira had caught a glimpse of the Queen herself earlier, and had to admit, she seemed well enough.  But Shira knew little of rulers or royalty, and liked it that way.  She had been contacted to commit regicide in a faraway country once, but sheâ€™d declined- she would not be responsible for the chaos it would surely cause.  And a person such as her was not in a position to meet them in any other situation.  Finding an open seat, Shira reclined, careful of her blades, though that was second nature by now.  Keeping half an eye on the nearby crowd, she let herself relax slightly, enjoying the atmosphere.