Luna had never been further than the river border before. Most of her life was spent inside the castle bounds. The air surrounding the river town was marked with a stench she was particularly not fond of, fish. She found fish to be repulsive. Why eat a slimy sea creature when morsels like ham exist. She could not comprehend why anyone would consume such meals, much less devote their lives to catching them. Her mistress warned her not to visit such river-side establishments. Fishermen tend to stare. Luna's blue and white dirt ridden royal dress did not help averting their eyes. The town was structured in a hurry. Wooden building with green streaking paint. Lamp posts decorated with the local fish. At the center of the town, a fountain was established. The crude mold of the town founders' face spewed water. The inscription below the bust read, "Pour your riches and I will give you everlasting water". Luna had never felt so out of place.

The crowd grew strong of shuffling fishmen. A fresh cart of the daily catch was being transported through the street. As Luna was reading the inscription a gangly armed man ran into her. She fell head first into the fountain. It was bad enough that her hair was misshapen after the recent bat incident, now her clothes were ruined. She was indignant. In appropriate society she would have been offered an apology consisting of a new wardrobe and a flogging of the offender. The gangly fisher man only scowled and spit on the ground as he continued walking.

"Your dress is not imbued with water resistance?" Tark asked, puzzled. Most of his equipment was lightly enhanced. It was cost effective and kept him from conversing with the local repairman. Who, in Tark's opinion, drank too much to mend any armor.

"Pull me out of this fountain, then maybe I'll listen to your recommendations" she snapped back.

"We need to update your wares, quickly." Tark grabbed her forearm and pulled her back on the muddy road.

"If the demons don't destroy this town, I will have my father tear it down." Luna hissed.

"Let's find a shop, then you can plot your revenge, Lady Luna." Tark nodded in the direction of the business district.

Walking through the forest in the customary royal boots was thought to be an honor. The boots were elegantly crafted by an esteemed tailor. After two miles, the footwear proved to be more show than support. Walking through the muddy streets, soaked wearing those same boots was light torture. After a brief trek and several inquiries, Tark and Luna found the doorstep of MARS & MANOR Tailor. Luna trudged up the staircase and burst through the door.

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"Welcome, welcome friends!" said the slender attendant behind the counter. "How can I assist you on this beloved day?" he took the eye-glasses from his forehead and then placed the spectacles on his long nose.

"Oh my, it seems like you received the customary welcome to the town," said the tailor.

"She needs a traveler's cloak, deer-boots, and water-resistant outerwear." Tark said sharply. He threw a pouch of gold to the table.

"Right away sir," the tailor bowed. "Please discard your outfit in the bin madam, I'll have a fresh change of clothes for you while you wait".

"Please hurry sir, the garment is beginning to weld to my skin". Luna said with as much dignity as she could muster.

"I’m going to purchase food and supplies for the journey," Tark said as he headed for the door. "Stay here. I'll be back shortly". He descended the stairs and began marching back into town.

Luna never shopped for herself. A servant would present her with the latest fashion options approved by her father's advisors. The tailor's shop was refurbished from an old inn-lobby. The smells of leather and hide filled the air. She was fascinated by the hanging pieces of armor, cloaks, and boots. She ran her hand along a narrow gauntlet. It had a particular weave that reminded her of clouds running across the sky at dawn.

"You have a good eye," said the old Tailor from around the corner. "That is an adaptive gauntlet made from Twin-Fang deer." He motioned for her to try it on. The gauntlet was four sizes too big for her small forearm. She slipped the gear over her hand. The gauntlet began to hum, and then shrank to a snug fit just over her wrist.

"It also reads your magically affinity to help focus your power. I made it for my granddaughter" said the tailor as he hung his head slowly. "She did not last the winter." he said and sat down.

"It is beautiful," said Luna.

A crash at the door caused both Luna and the tailor to leap to attention. Three men who were apparently engaged in an inside joke, hollered as they entered the shop. Two of the men resembled fishermen, but the third man was well dressed and his hair neatly combed. They knocked over stands and mocked the craftsmen ship of the wares. As the third man was swigging a newly found belt over his head, his eye caught Luna at the edge of the room. He squared his shoulders in her direction and began to advance.

"Manor! You a sly little dog." The well-combed man said with his arms raised. "You received a shipment of new wares and did not announce the product." He dropped his hand behind his back. "And here I assumed we were as thick as thieves?" he said with a curled smile.

"Baleck, I promised I would deliver your new spear handle in the morning..." said the old tailor as sternly as he could.

"Pay no mind to the spear, you have an excellent item right here." Baleck said and moved the chair between him and Luna. Luna's eyes widened and she glanced at the tailor. His head now hung even lower to the floor. Baleck's men begin to encircle Luna and the tailor. Baleck snatched her armed and tried to lick the length. Luna quickly brought the gauntlet arm across the bridge of Baleck's nose. [Skybreaker gauntlet. +2 Physical] He stumbled backwards using his cohorts for support.

"This item is sharp!" He laughed as he wiped the blood from his nose.

Baleck's men drew their daggers, paused, then lunged toward Luna.