After splitting up into their groups, Marren headed off to speak with the town guard commander again, then to glean any information from the locals he could about the road ahead.  The women meanwhile headed to the main market to purchase needed supplies and arrange for their pickup the following day.  Upon completing the task around midday, the group headed off to 'Little Jongtai' for a little exploring.

The activity and diversity of goods the Jongtai offered was mind boggling.  Never had any seen such items, the aromas of the food was enticing and they decided to sample the unknown, but savory cuisine.  Everything tasted delicious and when asked what it was, the Jongtai merchant would sometimes reply, "you really do not want to know."  Remembering her same question about haggis, Cailin would laugh and return with, "you're most likely right, but it's delicious."

Asking several merchants where the women could find a tailoring shop in the area, it seemed a unanimous response that it was Xaomei's dress shop.  Upon reaching the clothier, a young Jongtai woman met them and with a bow, said to the trio,  "Welcome, my ladies.  I am Xaomei, how may I and my humble store be of service to you this day?"  "Miss Xaomei," Cailin began, "last night we slept in silk gowns and we all agreed we must treat ourselves to a little finery.  All the local merchants said you were the best to come to."  "My fellow merchants are much too kind," Xaomei replied, "but I will do my best uphold their confidence in my skills."  "Wonderful!", Cailin replied, "please if you would, assist our friend Lyranda first, she has never felt silk before last night and we would appreciate it so much if you would help her find that special 'something'."  "Very well, my lady.  Lady Lyranda, if you would follow me, it will be my honor to bring the joy of Jongtai silk into your life."  As requested, Lyranda followed the woman and after searching the numerous items, found the perfect outfit, returned to the dressing room to try on the garment.

As Lyranda emerged from the dressing area she asked her friends what they thought.  "Ah darlin', ye be gorgeous,"  Petra responded, with Cailin in agreement,  "ye look like a lady of the court.  Now it be my turn!", the dwarf continued, "Miss Xaomei, if ye would be so kind as to lead the way."  After a short time, Petra returned and when finished dressing, emerged with a flourish, striking an exaggerated pose.  "Well?", Petra queried her friends, "what do ye think?"  Laughing slightly at her friend's posturing, Cailin replied, "it's definitely you... you look lovely."  Also stifling a small laugh, Lyranda also replied, "oh yes, perfect choice."  Looking at her young friend, Petra spoke, "now it be yer turn, Love.  Miss Xaomei... only yer best fer our young friend here and don't let her give you no sass." "Yes my lady," Xaomei responded, "it shall be as you say," then turning to Cailin and with a bow, "please my lady, if you will follow me."

A short time later, Cailin returned with Xaomei, who was carrying some clothing in her arms.  After handing the clothing to her, Xoamei spoke, "this is my finest ensemble and it would honor me greatly if it were to please you, my lady."  Minutes later, Cailin emerged from the dressing room, a look of uncertainty on her face.  "How does it look?", she sheepishly asked.  Petra, Lyranda and Xaomei quickly gathered around the young woman, their faces filled with astonishment.  "Oh lass," Petra spoke first,  "ye look like an angel of The Light.  Ye were a beautiful woman before, but now... ye be amazing!"  "Cailin," Lyranda added,  "I have seen many beautiful and wonderful things in my life, but they pale in comparison to what I see now."  After a short time, Xaomei spoke, "my lady, I have had many beautiful women grace my creations, but never has there been one so divine as yourself.  I am honored that you came here to me."  Breaking the silence, Petra again spoke, "marvelous work Miss Xaomei, thank ye... but before we go, we have a gentleman friend that we also wish to purchase a gift fer.  Can ye help us with that?"   "My pleasure, please come with me... do you know his size?", Xaomei replied.  As Petra followed the woman, she winked and said,  "aye, I do lass, please lead the way."

The women had left word with the innkeeper for Marren to meet them in the veranda by the beach when he returned.  When Marren arrived, he discovered Petra and Lyranda in their new clothes waiting for him.  "I see you found your way to 'Little Jongtai', you two look wonderful."  "Thank ye, lad," Petra spoke up, "an amazing place, the people, the shops, the food.  I got a recipe from one of their chefs fer a cabbage dish called 'kimchi', I've got to make some, it was marvelous!"  You can have my share, friend," Lyranda interjected, "I'm still feeling the heartburn."  With a laugh, Marren replied, " yes friend, it can be quite 'bothersome' to some folk, but I like it... Petra, I can't wait until the first batch."  "Then holding out a bundle to the man, Lyranda said, "this is for you, Marren, a shirt and pants.  We all decided that you also deserved a little finery in your life."  "Thank you ladies," Marren replied, "are you sure they'll fit?"  Don't worry lad, they'll fit," Petra chimed in, "before we took off, I came by yer room and borrowed one of yer shirts and a pair of trousers to take with us.  The lady at the shop guaranteed a perfect fit."  "Again, thank you ladies, you are too kind," Marren replied with a slight bow, "by the way... where's Cailin?"

"I'm right here, Marren," came a soft voice from behind.
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