Ava and the others stared at heaving woman wondering what was that all about.

She just stood there blankly pretending she had no idea what occurred since that Gravenport exchanged words in Common.

Althaea was the first to break the silence as she asked Hertha, “What was all that about? And I don’t believe that was purely aimed at us I saw the way he seemed to be picking a fight from the start.”

Hertha sighed as she replied, “His problem? To be honest I would like to know that myself, the boy is a Gravenport. A family of affluence in the City and also the ones responsible for opening up that store which has taken up residence near here. There is always a loss of sales when a competing business of similar standard opens up nearby, but since the stores still made plenty of profit we did not see this as a loss, Mother was not bothered by such things anyways as a Tier 2 Seamstress she could have earned even more serving some Noble. The Gravenports on the other hand, prideful twits viewed our competition as an insult, which lead things to escalate the longer it went on.”

Althaea and Xandas already could tell by the ugly look on Hertha’s face what happened next was not pleasant.

“Turned out this was some vanity project for them to prove that Gravenport Jr could build the most successful clothing store in the City with only a ‘small loan’ from his family. The problem was even with the Gravenport influence they couldn’t find a more competent Spirit Seamstress than Mother within these parts, no matter how fancy the decor, the improved location of the store or how much they pumped into advertising the place they couldn’t change that the quality of the clothes here was a tad superior. The customers they catered too were the rich, influential folk, they won’t buy inferior product when they can get better, it is a face thing for these people and the Gravenports knew it. Even though the business was still a great success it was just not enough for them that there was plenty of rich folk here preferring my Mothers clothes. That lead to the constant harassments that scare my customers away, the Guards say it’s just a bunch of hooligans with no connections to those Gravenports but I know those smug twits are behind it. And with all this going on in the background my poor Mothers health took a turn for the worse which left the store in a even bigger mess, I feel so ashamed that all my Mothers hard work is going to be ruined by me…” Hertha felt her eyes began to tear up as she suddenly found herself breaking down.

Althaea moved in to embrace the weeping woman who had already started to grow red in embarrassment realising she had poured her heart out to practical strangers.

She knew Althaea a long time ago and always got on well with her but they had not spoken in a long time. And the other two was a random elven man, who although very Handsome she felt stupid talking about her problems to him and the remaining was a small child who had been staring blankly at her with her mouth open the entire time.

“It’s fine Hertha, if you want to talk about it…” Althaea comforting words sounded out before Hertha replied decisively.

“No it is completely fine. Let’s get back to selecting you some clothes before that rude man interrupted us, I can assure you his type is not common here.” Hertha said and like that they continued browsing through the store.

Eventually Althaea had selected a number of outfits she was finally satisfied with.

Ava was the longer of the two since both Hertha and Althaea fussed over her like two Mothers as they went from outfit to outfit until finally finding common ground with them both agreeing on something they were happy with.

Xandas despite being her actual Father was the one to have no input in the matter which funnily enough he was happy with after one of his suggestions was met with pure loathing and disgust by the two women.

Not knowing what he had done wrong he decided to just sit back and let them both go back to fussing over his daughter.

The two women still shot the man scathing looks for the next twenty minutes over how ludicrous his taste of clothing was, leaving Xandas sweating and wishing he’d have just remained quiet in the first place.

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Althaea wished Hertha well after they had already stayed in the clothing store for close to their proposed time limit.

She said they will visit her tomorrow if they had the time before leaving but otherwise wished her well.

The two women embraced for a good while before separating, Hertha couldn’t help it but hoist Ava in the air again finding her too cute just looking up at her with her big eyes from under the hood.

Xandas on the other hand just stood awkwardly, letting out a strained look as he put his hand forward inviting her to grasp his hand.

Ava couldn’t believe her charming talented Father seemed so uncomfortable doing something making her couldn’t help but snigger.

Hertha just ignored the hand yoinking him in for hug chuckling at her Father turning rigid before she released him.

“Ah that was worth it just to see the look on your face, anyways have a good trip and look after that daughter of yours, even someone ordinary like me can tell she’s special.” Hertha said as she gave Ava a knowing wink.

‘Did she pick up something?’ Ava thought wondering if her clueless act had been seen through.

‘She finished her sentence in Common Ava she knows, keep your face straight.’ Cense said reminding her.

The spirit has been unusually quiet since arriving in the Human City letting her take in the sights. He still found enjoyment in her torture at the clothing shore showing the spirits masochist qualities but his input here kept her from revealing anything as the homely woman seemed to try to catch her out.

“Hmm. I thought…” Hertha mumbled deciding she might have been mistaken seeing Ava expression failing to change showing no signs of understanding.

The others just stood there straight in silence for a while before Althaea said, “Well we better be off then… that old man Arwen would be upset if I keep him waiting, anyhow I will ask him anyways about your Mother, the man is too uptight for his own good but he’s a great healer.”

Hertha replied, “Thanks for the offer, though I used a lot of coin to ask the best healer of the City and he said it’s jus’ natural causes of aging with him not being able to do much but alleviate the pain though I wouldn’t refuse help if it came by.”

Althaea again thanked Hertha for the help with the clothes as the party left the store with big bundles of clothing in hand. Most of which was carried by Xandas.

“Looks like you were useful for something after all…” Althaea murmured evilly as his presence enabled her to purchase even more bundles of clothing.

The only storage ring in the group belonged to old man Arwen who wouldn’t lend his out to Althaea to use so frivolously.

Apparently Althaea even had one until Arwen confiscated hers due to an untold incident.

Eventually they reached the spot where Arwen asked them to meet finding the old man there waiting for them.

Arwen’s face was initially straight until he saw the packaging of clothing so large it hide Xandas’s tall frame as he lumbered with them around his arms.

Althaea didn’t even pause as her face shown a broad grin saying, “Told you I would be back on time.”

Arwen couldn’t find it in him to smile as he looked at Xandas with some pity before he replied, “Alright let’s go to the Inn and have some food, the ship for tomorrow is sorted, there’s a ship willing to take us as passengers and we will be expected to join them to Kaldor. We cannot be late for boarding or they will leave without us since they are on a strict schedule, is that understood Althaea?”

“Huh! Oh understood, got it.” Althaea replied casually not giving anyone confidence.

After that the group went off to the Inn Arwen described. Finding a nicely built lodgings made up of wood and stone. It did not look super grand or impressive rather giving a more homely, welcoming vibe.

‘Cliff Inn’ she read reading the sign atop of the entrance.

Upon entering the decor inside remained similar to the outside, there were rows of table and chairs, sat upon them a mixture of patrons of different backgrounds.

The atmosphere was boisterous with it still being the prime time of the day, the guests chuckling merrily as they share food and drink.

Pulling up to a empty table they sat down and awaited service.

‘My type of place.’ Ava thought seeing the patrons mostly minding their own business as they enjoyed their meals. Arwen gestured to the server to get them all some food and drink.

The Inn seemed family oriented with plenty of options for young children. It seemed mostly merchant families and people visiting the city would stay here, with it not being your typical Inn.

Seemed Arwen did his research she thought relishing the comfort of being able to finally relax in a place after all that travelling.

She just hoped that everything would remain so quiet and peaceful.