02.07.2016
Dalence crossed over a bridge, water gargling underneath, higher than normal. The wind whipped and gusted as she folowed the road past houses. The water streaming off the rooftops caught in the wind and made bubbles in the streams that were running along the channels alongside the pathway. The sky flashed and the loud, deep peel of thunder told her the storm was strong. Several more claps came from right above her, and she saw the marketplace as she rounded a bend.
The water off its roof made a near sheet over the entrance, but she ducked through and pushed the door open. It was warmer here and drier but for the wet tracks people like her had brought in. Lamps burned bright and people wandered through the maze of stalls, looking at the items for sale.
She shook off as best she could as she made her way to the center court. The best drinks in town would be there, along with those enjoying them. The sound of talking and laughter grew as she passed more stalls where the owners called out for her attention for the hats, jackets, plates, chairs, herbs, and jewelry they stocked.
A man whistled at her as she entered the court. The long, wooden tables were nearly full, and plenty of people stood beside the tables. She ignored the man and walked further into the group. Dalence scanned the faces and found a few she knew. As she expected, several from the mountain were here. One of the telescope crates sat on the tabletop and drew the attention from curious folks.
She walked over to the table and ordered a summer ale from the Fist’s plains. The host took several empty mugs with him as he headed to the bar.
“Dalence,” a man said, and waved her over.
“Afternoon, Woustan.”
“Ordered a beer yet?”
“It’s on the way. What are you drinking?”
“The red from Three Casks. You?”
“Always a good choice. I got the summer ale from Flathold.”
Woustan took a drink. “You’ll have to let me know what you think.” He patted the crate that sat on the table.
“I see you all made it down safely with the telescope.”
“Aye, and it was quite the honor to be chosen to courier this delicate equipment.”
“That is is,” Dalence said. “Quite fortunate we have had its exclusive use lately.”
“With such an historic event going on in the sky, it’s no wonder.”
The waiter returned with the ale for Dalence and she fished some coin from her pocket to pay him.
“It’s unfortunate this storm drove us off the mountain,” she said.
Woustan laughed, “I agree, but it was surprising we had that long a streak of good weather.”
“That’s true, but I mean more that the wolf finished Mars last night, so now it’s a toss up as to what he does next.”
Woustan brought his voice down and raised his glass. “Hence why I’m here,” he said. “If the wolf makes for Earth tonight, I’d prefer to have beer in my belly.”
“You do have the right idea,” and she clanked her mug to his and took a healthy gulp. She enjoyed the ale and the discussion for the next several hours. The group discussed the wolf, but then went on to other topics like what to do about the Far Finger, and then to regular topics of fish, travel, and beer. The storm outside raged on.