Setting Up Shop [Spring 3010]

Eoghan, pronounced Eon, had arrived in Minas Tirith the day prior and had gotten him a room to stay in for several nights. His purpose for being in Gondor was to celebrate Tuilere, which was the Spring festival that was to start in a few days. There would be lots of feasting which culminated in a huge celebration by all the people at the end of the third day.

For Eoghan this was a chance to come out of the wilderness and relax for a few days. There were so many times he spent alone without any contact with others and this was a perfect time to actually act normally with other actual living people. And he enjoyed himself. Being around merchants, shop owners, children and females. Especially females.

And, in anticipation of the upcoming holiday, the city of Gondor was filled with people that had come in from surrounding areas to participate in the celebration, especially the last day when there was feasting. dancing and celebrating the Spring Festival.

His horse, Aryon, was in the stables where he would be daily fed, curried and washed. For Aryon this was his own kind of celebration. Eoghan felt his faithful companion deserved some pampering, just as he felt he himself deserved. For during his stay in Gondor he could actually take a warm bath, put on clean clothing, rest without fear of being attacked by wild animals or Oecs and eat a decent meal, not one he had to hunt and cook himself.

And so, with a full belly of venison stew Eoghan was moving past crowds of smiling, happy people, both residence and visitors alike, when he felt a hand on his shoulder.

"Pardon, will you point me towards the merchant district?"

A sweet, feminine voice asked him a question and so, more out of curiosity, he turned towards it only to find that the voice was attached to a dark haired beauty with much lighter brownish eyes.

"Well," he began as he cleared his throat, almost unable to speak in her presence, "I have only just arrived but I have come to the great city many times. I was going that way myself, I would be happy to escort you there," he told her. "Honestly, I sort of know where it is, or at least the general direction. Two heads are better than one."

He smiled at her hoping she would see he meant her no harm. His purpose was not to bring harm to innocents but to protect them instead.

"Many thanks!"

"Always happy to help a lady in distress," he smiled and turned to move with her through the crowd;

"Is it always this busy here?"

"It's the Spring Festival was called Tuilere," he explained as they walked. "Three days of feasting ending with a celebration the third night of drinking and dancing. People from all around come here to buy, sell, trade and have fun. That's why I'm here," he chuckled slightly.

"Oh, by the way, I am Eoghan but many call me Stepper," he introduced himself.

Her reply brought a gin to his lips. She was feisty and he liked that.

"So you come to the city only to celebrate?"

"No, not only. I come to buy supplies and see friends. But I try to never miss a Tuilere celebration," he explained as they walked.


"I won't keep you from your festivities for much longer, as I have work to get to myself."

"You're not keeping me from anything, except a meal and drink of ale from the pub. But I am hoping I may see you again, if not during one of the three days perhaps the last day when everyone celebrates the ending," he flirted with her.