. I

Markarth, preparing

Sundown was hours from now.
Sudryl, Igrid and I took into account to locate the Treasury house to avoid being late, which was rather clever to make our case more believable.
"We can't go in looking like this" Igrid suddenly brought up

I turned my attention in her direction and Sudryl did as well, "it's men and women of wealth if we go in like this we'll be suspected as thieves".
"She's got a point for once, There should be somewhere that would provide formal clothing." Sudryl crossed his arms around his chest and pondered at the topic, he would always glance around as to make sure we weren't being watched, I did the same every now and then but my priority was finalized to retrieve a more elegant attire.
"This city is colossal and the Market is Just as big. Best bet is to split up and gather the stuff separately",
I brought up as a suggestion and watched as Igrid nodded in agreement " I'll search the lower level's right area, Faust you check the left and Bitchass takes the upper floor" She Plotted, Sudryl and I nodded in return.
"You know the drill."
The three of us acted upon our instructions, departing in separate directions in search of Market shops that had what we needed.
I weaseled my way past the crowd of people, placing my hand on their shoulders to alert them I was going to be passing them up In order to stray away from the crowd and enter the shops.
It was consuming time, to have to push past a crowd at such a slow pace was keeping me from my task at hand,
"Excuse me"
"Pardon"
I was repeating myself each time, stepping cautiously as to not crush the toes of others beneath my boots to be wary of my surroundings but as quick as I could.
Pushing past, easing through, I even had to crouch, just ahead I could see the markets lined into the wall of the attached structure just up ahead, a few feet to my right, within moments a walkway cleared between the crowd and I was able to make the last few steps without much haste. I looked to see any signs to indicate which shop sold what,
The Hag's Cure- alchemic supplies,
Ghorza gra-Bagol- blacksmith,
Arnleif and son's Trading company,
Hogni Red-Arm- Butcher,
Kerah- Jewelry.
None sufficed for what I was in need of, but to try I entered the Trading Company in hopes, I pushed the door open just enough to allow myself inside.

"Welcome to the shop, lass. All is reasonable in price" the Merchant behind the counter greeted me kindly,
I had to be cautious, wether or not this merchant would be attending the party- I knew not of,
Like Sudryl asked- I needed to be wise in my actions and words.
I looked upon the merchant and gave a softened smile "I'm in need of a new attire, do have anything in stock?" I asked as kindly as I could, stepping up to the counter and placing my hands on the edge.
"Ah a Fine dress for a lovely young lady, I have a few that might just fit"
He hummed and turned right away soon disappearing into the room that was just behind him. I stood and there idly and waited, taking a couple glances around the room, wooden walls and floors, dimly lit with fresh candles,
Stairs that led to the second floor and shelves stocked with potions,
Blades, a wooden shield, petite gems and more.
The merchant soon returned with a small
Stash of three gowns folded in his arms and sat them in front of me, I blinked and returned the smile to my face- meeting his gaze "thank you" my hands latched around the dress on top, white with brown decor,
Lovely lacing and a top layer that was shorter then the bottom to create a petal appearance.
The dress underneath was a subtle
Green and gray, it had sleeves that fell off the shoulders and gray fabric that wove around each sleeve and fronted above the green,
It was more revealing than the first one.
The final dress below the other two was once again off the shoulders but with a strap that went around the neck,
It was a faded blue in a similar design to the one prior but with a shorter length, I examined them idly.
"The White one is enriching, isn't it?" I asked the man in front Of me and lifted the dress up and placed it on my chest to give an idea of what it would look like,
"Stunning" he commented.

"One more question" I said once more and folded the dress into my arms

"Ask away" he hummed leaning forward on his arms against the counter to be somewhat closer to me,
"How much for the sword on the shelf?" I asked kindly, setting the dress down on the counter,
"Oh? And what would a lady need with such a thing?" The expression on his face clearly showed he wasn't expecting a question of weaponry.
"Protection, I come from a family that needs its women alive and frankly times are threatening" I smiled softly
"Ah a Battle Born aye? I'll give a fair damsel such as yourself a deal, the dress and the sword for 100" he smirked turning and dragging the steel blade off the shelf and to the counter. Fuck,
I only carried about 50 Coin in my satchel, and nothing worthy of trade, I had my iron sword given my Taralf that's all, "I'll trade you 50 for my current blade" I offered, keeping the smile and softened gaze as my expression- and grabbing my sword from my waist and placed it on the counter as well as my remaining coin.
He shifted from foot to foot and pursed his lips as in deep thoughtful as he looked the sword up and down, I waited patiently and hoping he'd accept the offer- I was clueless to the price an old sword would be but pleaded to Talos that it was enough.
"You've got a deal, lass" he hummed and took the sword and coin, I thanked him kindly and took the steel sword and dress and left the shop