[b]Tristan and Nin[/b]

The traders think that there's some beast or pack of beasts that came out of the forest that's disrupting trade. You two are known as hunters for Duchess Marianne and you can see that they're trying to answer you in a respectable sort of way. One woman, her long hair braided up in an intricate knot who's selling pelts, steps up and offers that it's probably a pack of wolves come from the forest and roaming the fields amid the tall wheat because they couldn't find food elsewhere. Wouldn't be surprising for them to go for travelers at night if they're starving, or at least the goods they're carrying even if the travelers themselves can fend them off. 

This is...sketchy at best. Sure, a cart full of dried meats and cheeses might attract wolves, but most fruits and grains aren't of interest to them, and it's rare indeed that armed men and a good fire wouldn't be enough to deter a wolf pack, even on the brink of starvation. It also doesn't help that several of the other merchants are giving the pelt seller sidelong glances as she offers the story. If you had to guess, they're hoping to be taken seriously and holding back from more wild tales and rumors because they don't want you to think that they're superstitious or mad. 

This is probably enough to go on, if you don't want to push them, you could search the paths for signs of attack, try and track whatever "wolves" there are into the fields. But then again you might be able to get more information if you press here. 

[b]Robena and Constance[/b]

You're beginning to draw something of a crowd. Most of them seem to be whispering at the sight of Constance. You've lived here for some time, but you're often seen only from afar dancing in the fields or the forests, carrying out special rites and living a far off life. Now you've given a special berry to a child, who is holding it tightly as though you handed her a diamond. As you pass shops, they try to make you small offerings, if you'll take them. A little jar of amber honey, a piece of carved wood for a door with a design of flowers running up the sides, a fresh-baked sweet bread with little seeds scattered over the top of it. You can take them if you'd like, they are your due, or refuse them all out of kindness. If you take selectively, it will be viewed as a sign of your favor towards those whose gifts you accept. 

Robena, you recognize that some of the goods on sale are based on designs you've seen before. You've been hearing news of traveling peoples landing their ships and offering a variety of goods, even venturing several days inland. Some of the rumors you've heard are a bit darker, that perhaps they are not offering goods, but raiding and kidnapping, and the designs taken from them are made by those who admire their strength rather than fear it. Similar tales have been heard in many places, and may be coming here soon.

Mixed with these are a few whispers of "the bear knight! I hear she's favored to win the tournament!" but these are fewer by far.

You're able to talk freely though. Barring the gifts, the people keep a respectful distance from Contance and her escort. Oh, by the by, where are you going? Where is the blessing for the summer held?