As Zephrine bought the wares from the vendor, Eetu wandered around, staying close to the booth, but browsing through the other ware in other booths from far away. One particular leather jacket, dyed red, with silver decals for buttons, caught his eye. He imagined what the material might feel like, soft to the touch, velvety, almost. He pictured a cold winter's night, beside the fire in his home, safe inside the warmth of that jacket, cozily sat in the corner, bowl of hot soup in hand.

Hands fell on Eetu's shoulders, jerking him from his fantasies, and making his muscles tense in alarm. He whipped around to see Zephrine, who had a wicked smile plastered to her face.

"That wasn't funny," Eetu smirked, holding in his laughter.

"If it wasn't funny, then why are you laughing?" Zephrine teased.

"Relieved that it's you and not some criminal."

"Right... well, I've got Mother's and Rhys's gifts, now I need to stop by Carmela's booth."

Carmela was an old family friend, who mentored Caius until he was skilled enough to go out on his own. Carmela was falling ill in his old age, but he still found time to run a booth every year.
"Carmela's not that fond of me, you know."

"That was four years ago. I doubt he'll remember it." Zephrine waved her brother off, making her way toward the booth.

Eetu followed, not wanting to leave his younger sister and her recklessness alone. He honestly thought it was a miracle she was still alive.

"Ah, the Geûld party." Carmela wheezed as he saw Zephrine and Eetu approaching. "And you, don't think I've forgotten what you've done." He waved a finger at Eetu. "I still have a wine stain on my white bear. But what can I do for you, Zephrine?"

"I'd like a new dagger, please."

"For Caius? He needs it." Carmela reached behind him and selected a wooden box, stained dark and beautifully carved. He slid it across the table and opened it. Taking the blade from it's velvety cushion, he said, "Nice silver colour, and the hilt is carved from absolutely magnificent river stone. And feel the balance, the sharpness of the blade."

Zephrine cautiously turned the blade over in her hands, "This is very nice. Did you make this?"

"Nah, Holly did. Always trust a blacksmith's daughter to make high quality work."

"How much?"

"Well, how much do you have?"

"Twenty-eight gold pieces."

"Well, then it's ten."

"Are you sure?" Zephrine set the dagger back in the box, shut and latched it.

"The Geûld discount still applies. Even on Itiiraea."

"Thank you so much, Carmela." Zephrine counted out the coins.

"And keep your brothers in check, will you?"

"I'll try." Zephrine chuckled as she said her goodbyes.

"I told you he'd remember." Eetu whined.

"Stop being such a baby and help me buy some tomatoes." Zephrine rolled her eyes and began walking. As she was turning, her stomach felt as if it had been flipped, and then infused with tiny ropes, pulling her in for no reason. She followed the feeling, sensing her way toward the lake. Every muscle in her body propelled her forwards, through the crowd.

"Um, Zeph? Tomatoes are the other way."

"I know. But I need to get to the lake."

"Why?"

"I don't know. Something's pulling me."

"Well then fight it!"

"I'm trying and it's not working!" Zephrine reached the edge of the crowd, standing on the bridge over the lake.

"There's nothing here." Eetu sulked against the bridge wall.

"There is. I can feel it."

"No, you're feeling ill. Let's get you home." Eetu grabbed his sister's arm.

"I am not ill!" Zephrine pulled her arm away. "I know something's here!"

"Fine, what's here?"

"I..." Zephrine turned back to face the water.

"What was that? Oh, right, nothing. Let's go." Eetu tapped his foot impatiently.

"Well, hello, young pair. Are you two in a bit of a rush?" An oily sounding voice chuckled behind Zephrine.

"They must be fighting about something." Another one said behind Eetu.

"Tell us," A knife flew up to Zephrine's neck. "what ever could make you two fight?"

"Yes," Another knife to Eetu's. "I was thinking the same thing."

"We- we weren't fighting." Eetu managed to say as neutrally as possible.

"Check the girl's bag." The voice behind Zephrine snarled.

"'Scuse me, miss." A small man dressed in varying shades of black pushed Eetu into the man behind Zephrine and reached for her bag.

"I don't think so, pig." She slapped the man's hand away.

The small man smiled, showing horribly crooked, jagged, blackened teeth. "Not your place, to say, is it dear?"

"It is indeed my place to say. Now let my brother and myself go. We don't want any trouble."

"Oh," The little man laughed. "But, you see, we want trouble."

"The bag, Alansor." The man behind Zephrine sighed.

"Of course. My apologies." Alansor flipped open Zephrine's bag. "Let's see. Eighteen gold pieces, a looking glass, a few vials, and a dagger."

"Leave those alone!" Zephrine kicked Alansor away again.

"Show some respect, girl." Alansor took Eetu back and held a knife back to his throat. "Or we'll make you."

"Please. Let us go." Zephrine leveled out her voice.

"We could. But where's the fun in that? Shall I, Orfin?"

"Go ahead." Zephrine felt Orfin shrug.

Alansor threw a punch at Eetu, hitting him so hard, he crumpled to the ground, unconscious. Alan's of picked him up and started to drape him over the bridge. "Lake?"

"Lake." Orfin confirmed.

"Don't you dare!" Zephrine struggled against Orfin's hold.

"Whoops!" Alansor let go of Eetu's ankles, leaving Zephrine sick to her stomach as she heard the splash.

"Now you." Zephrine felt the blow and the impact of the ground, then, the cold water of the lake.

And while she was all but asleep, she felt the sensation of being lifted up out of the water, and into the air.