In the marketplace, Baleno caught sight of many merchants hawking weapons and armor for the upcoming grand tourney. Countless stalls were crowded with both the humblest and grandest of arms and armor. Both High Lords and lowly sellswords perused the goods on display. Some Merchants were honest and displayed quality wares while others were bare faced swindlers pushing defective products. It was yet another potentially lethal game in Alexandria but one every warrior had to play to find his or her weapon. Several lordly heralds shouted into the crowd encouraging peasants and knights to pledge service to this lord or that lord. Lady Marshall Evelyn may have been forming an Imperial Army but every family and guild was still hiring hands to swing swords. It would be reliable income for a vagabond fighter. 

One of House Charming's recruiters caught eye of the sellsword and called out, "You look like a tough one! Why not enter the service of the Princes of Charming? It'll be a bed, hot food, and girls to warm ya at night! Or boys if you prefer" several soldiers had a laugh at that. Meanwhile as Orpheus was peddling his own goods not far from Baleno, a tall knight in grey plate with white armor and a frozen heart on his chest stepped in front of the bard. 

It was none other than Sir Donald Hart, Snow White's Champion the uplifted huntsman. He had been well rewarded for betraying Lady Snow's mother the Witch-Queen of the Winter lands. Besides entering the nobility, it is said Sir Hart was with Lady Snow at all times. Even in the bedchamber. Though these rumors also state that one of the seven Dwarf Lords visits her each day of the week and that the rivalry with her sister Lady Rose is actually a lover's tiff. The bearded and dark-eyed knight looked over the goods and said, "I need a good axe Hellan. And a few daggers if you have to sell." 

Meanwhile near the inns, two different Faeborn chanced meetings with their own respective courts. Or perhaps it was not chance at all. As Tori walked through the city, a long haired and pointy-eared visage came into view. The Lord was flanked by Elven knights in glimmering scale plate. The Elf had unnaturally deep blue eyes and pale skin, his hair was silky and seemed to glisten in the sun as his bright eyes caught sight of her.

 The Elf cocked his head and said, "I see part of Summer in you girl. A summer light I used to know.... ah. You are Lady Freestone's daughter." The Elf bowed his head and smiled, "Lord Lucien Greenleaf of the Everforest Kingdom. I knew your mother but I never saw you. Until now." Lucien chuckled, "Why is the daughter of Freestone strolling through the streets like a commoner and not a noble? Surely you'd much rather be in the company of your kin in the Summer Court and Elf Houses?" It was likely Lucien knew all about Tori's story but lords, especially Fae, loved their games. 

Nikolai felt a chill on the air and watched as frost suddenly appeared on every surface near and the commoners began streaming away. A deep sonorous chuckle edged with ice sounded, "Ah. Mab's champion. And here I thought perhaps you would be seeing the Milliner." It was the Snow Queen, Viona, one of Mab's most powerful vassals. With her was a train of Winter Fae, Snow Elves, and other creatures of the dark and cold. The spritely Jack Frost hovered over the Snow Queen's shoulder. 

The Snow Queen chuckled once more and sat next to Nikolai, the chair coated with sleet instantly, "I don't see how you can abide simply sitting among the mortals. So boring. Seducing and entrapping is so much more amusing." Viona leaned back and said, "Honestly Sir Nikolai. It is quite rude of you to not escort your lady into the Keep. Mab desires for us to introduce ourselves to the mortal royals and so we must. I would have you accompany me in case some mortal needs killing." Fae law prohibited a Fae from directly killing a mortal free from Fae hold but there were ways to skirt those rules. 

Meanwhile as Agafor entered the keep a Herald from Rus called out, "Agafor, High Warlock, and Son of the Dark One!" Several Rus Lords and Rus Demigods inclined their heads while other mages began muttering behind their hands. Imperium, Celt, and Nord demigods regarded him coolly while the Guardians fingered their blades. Tsarina Vasilia called to Agafor,"Ah the son of the dark one. It's been to long Agafor. Tell me, have you come to offer your services as my vassal or is this purely a well-wishing venture." Vasilia smiled while Ivan stared the demigod down with the knights of Dawn, Day, and Night behind him.