Ali found he trusted her, though light knows why. She had a forceful grace about her that spoke of things he wasn't used to, and if he didn't heed her he might be dead, all without saying so. As unaccustomed to women as he was, he knew that wasn't something you ignored. They stepped back onto the road, and all but ran to the north bridge that carried them over into the town proper. Ali was fraught with anxiety of what was happening to his home, but Mave's hand squeezed his and took all doubt from him as they moved. 

Once they came within eyesight of the town, she let go of his hand and he drew himself up straight, striding over with his walking stick 'clacking' on the wooden planks of the bridge. They would see many young girls in curious braids in a circle, watching some of the older women raising a festive pole, chanting softly as they did so. Young boys ran across their path, smiling and laughing and a few even giggled at Ali and Mave. 

Ali ignored the audible gossip of the smiling women as they passed and entered the Winespring Inn, and a welcome warmth accompanied their entrance. The place was hearty and filled with rural cheer. Red and green ties were sewn ubiquitously across the walls and on the very plump woman who greeted them with arms outspread. "Ali! Oh, I heard the news!" She said, pleased as fresh peaches. Her hair was tied in a brown bun and an apron was slung across her ample hips. "This must be her. You are a lucky young woman, though this one is more stubborn than most." 

"Mrs. Al'Cagan, she's just a friend." Ali said, though the words seemed to fall like lead before they reached her ears. She waved him away as if it was nonsense. "Come, I have a table set for you. Edgar! Where is that fool oaf?" The plump woman then shimmied away, nearly knocking over a lamp as she did so. 

The food here smelled even better than at Ali's home, with country spices and cooked lamb that drew everyone's attention. It wasn't crowded inside, but there was a few of the townsfolk chatting and eating. A group of girls Ali's age sat at a larger table in the back, congregating into groups like women often did. Except Mave, Ali noted. He didn't know anyone crazy enough to scale the mountains alone. 

As they sat down and began to eat, Ali doing his best to ignore the looks and whispers that accompanied them, the Wisdom showed up yet one more time, arms over her chest and hip cocked to the side. It wasn't a surprise to Ali, but the fact that she interrupted their meal without apology was something that brought a raised eyebrow from Mave, the woman clenching her fork as if to stick the woman. "So, are you still sticking to that fool story of how you met or are you going to let me do my job, Alidren Baldyr?" 

"I don't care if it's a fool story, it's true." 

"You're impossible, Ali. And you, don't think you can weasel your way into this town without being given a good talking to. You and Ali better tell Evelyn this concocted tale of a story and see if she is pleased to hear it." She said. 

"Evelyn isn't pleased at anything. Now let us eat our meal." Ali said, his face red from embarrassment. She gave a loud 'hmmph' and spun, her hands curled in fists, muttering about wool headed fools. Mave looked less than comfortable, though truth be told Ali knew it would be even worse if they hadn't shown up now. If they came for Bel Tine a few days later without introducing her then all of the festivities would halt. 

However, after the Wisdom had exited, they actually had a quaint meal for a short while, with delectable but hardy food and Cider that beckoned the tastebuds. "You know I can see how you could handle a few street toughs, if you have to deal with this everytime you come into town." Mave joked, and Ali had to chuckle. "I'm just glad my da isn't here or he'd be questioning me and giving me a talk as well." 

Ali saw her cider cup was empty, and volunteered to get her an extra helping. He took her cup when she agreed with a smile, and he made it to the Kitchen. Though in the small corridor leading back, Bran was there, hiding behind the wall. Ali nearly dropped the mug. "Light Bran, what are you doing here?" 

"You didn't tell me you had a woman in the house, Al." he said. "I thought we were friends. Here I came over to warn you about a strange fellow and you had a strange woman in there. What if he's her husband!?" 

"Don't be stupid. And I didn't tell you because I didn't want you involved in anything that might get you into trouble." Ali explained. 

"Why didn't you tell me you were sweet on a girl at least?" 

"I'm not." Ali replied vehemently, though his cheeks reddened. 

"Well if you aren't, then someone else will be." Bran said, poking his head out of the corner and looking at Mave, who was now being presented a cake and a crown of flowers. Despite the attention, the crown was given to her by a small child cute as a button, and the tastey cake was given to her silently by Mrs. Al'Cagan "She's prettier than Evelyn and Valerie, and a foreigner to boot. How are you so good with women, by the way?"  

"You're the one that's good with women. Don't be a fool. Besides, that's not important. I saw the dark rider on the road..." 

"What!?" Bran exclaimed, and Ali placed a hand on his mouth. "Sssshh, I'll talk to you later. But be careful." 

Ali would come back to their table moments later when Bran went out the back, setting down a cup of Cider for her. "Sorry that took a second." [i]Burn me, but she does look lovely in the flower crown[/i]. 
[@Penny]