Festival of Roses

Shana Crane was drifting down Market Row, not looking for anything in particular, not yet. Her thoughts on other things, and she didn't have the coin for pretty baubles anyway. Her gowns, simple as they were, had cost her the last of what wealth she held, if that was even the right word for her now depleted coffers.

Marten wasn't especially there for anything himself. Still, the mood had struck him to see if he could find something for one or the other of his daughters. Mari would appreciate it, and Jyn... well, perhaps it would cheer Jyn up a little. If cheering was what she needed. Marten shook his head. Lawrince had been so much easier...

His gaze settled on Shana for a moment before his brows rose in recognition. "Ah! Milady Shana!" He said cheerfully. He turned to face her, stopping. "What brings you out today?"

"Lord Marten," she curtsied, holding her skirts up out of the dust of the paved street, "what a pleasure to see you this fine afternoon! Would you think me terribly bold if I congratulated you on your performance in the dressage?"

"Ah, well." Marten gave her a smile with his return bow. "That's very kind of you. I did my best." He said, humble but clearly pleased.

He cleared his throat. "Is there something you were looking for? I'd be happy to escort you."

"I was hoping to find some ribbons, but so far I haven't seen anything I liked. And you?" she smiled warmly, "shopping for your daughters, I suppose?"

Marten chucked softly at that. "Indeed I am, indeed I am." He shrugged. "I don't have anything in particular in mind for them. I was hoping I'd see something."

He bowed. "Shall we walk together, then? I can escort you to find ribbons, and you can help me find something for my daughters."

“I would like that very much. Tell me a little about your daughters, Lord Marten, do they enjoy embroidering, or lace-making perhaps?

Marten began to lead the way at a slow pace down, the better to both talk and look at wares.

"Jyn does." Marten said. "She and her mother used to embroider together. That's a thought."

"Mari..." Marten looked thoughtful. "For Mari, perhaps something nice to wear. It's hard to surprise someone with a dress, though. But perhaps..." He shrugged. Women's clothing and accessories were largely mysterious to him.

Laughing softly, “yes, the measuring and picking fabrics does tend to give the game away somewhat.” Shana strolled along at the Lord’s side, pondering what might make a good gift for a pair of grown girls. “Perhaps Jyn would fancy something like a pretty new needle case to hold her sharps?”

"Perhaps so." Marten said, inclining his head.

"And do you have a thought for Mari?" He asked. "Perhaps a scarf or a shawl? Or some fine ribbons for her hair?" He pursed his lips as he considered the possibilities.