The pounding of hooves was a welcome change from the thunderous waves that had plagued her journey the past few weeks. The seas had been smooth as glass when they'd set out, and Elena had been excited for a change of scenery. Athenia was her home, but beautiful as it was she had been looking forward to escaping for a month. First to the Isle of Emae in Taengea, then to the golden sands of Egypt she had heard so much of. Her favourite spice trader had spoken at length of the rolling dunes and lush greenery, and since that time

The island had brought out all of it's green finery for the occasion, leaving the landscape lush and warm. Groups of riders raced among the trees and along the coastline, and Elena would likely join them later. She had just spotted a row of smithy stalls with their wares displayed and was curious to see what was for sale. Her mare waited patiently for her to dismount and begin leading her along the side of the path. She was a kind and honest horse, chosen for her good nature and trustworthiness to carry the least skilled rider of the Marikas family.

Elena gave her a pat as they came to the first of many stalls, listening attentively to the blackmith's sales pitch. Glass weapons. An interesting concept but not something she was looking for. With a polite smile and nod, she moved on to the next. While examining a jewel encrusted sword (her father would throw himself off a cliff if she showed up at the estate with such an ostentatious weapon), a pair of male voices from the next stall wafted over with the smoke from their forge. It wasn't hard to overhear what one of the men said about the nobles being weak. The breeze carried voices more than people knew, and although the nobility were generally aware and careful about such things, it likely wouldn't occur to a common person.

Elena continued to lead her horse along the aisle, pretending she did not hear his words. If the young blacksmith thought the nobles were a homogeneously weak and spineless lot, he was in for a rude awakening. Despite the youthful spirit of the event, there were a good many young military men among the attendees who were fully capable of showcasing the strength of the nobility. The second man was quick to point out that the purpose of the event was not to fight. At least one of the pair was sensible. Elena decided that was the one she would speak with.

Their stall was intriguing. She paused, noting the type of wares they offered were very different from the others. None of the other vendors were offering weapons or armour of any practicality, as this wasn't the occasion for it. Indeed, the atmosphere on the island was positively celebratory -with few older representatives from the noble families of Aegean kingdoms, the younger generations were free to frolic and have a good time in a way they were not normally permitted.

There were several daggers on display, and although simple in appearance they appeared to be of serviceable quality. Recent events had left the young Marikas feeling in need of a weapon, preferably one that could be concealed. Skimming her eyes over the pair of men on the other side of the table, Elena ignored the shorter and addressed the one she judged to be in charge. "Good day. I find myself in need of a dagger, but these are all too large for my needs. Have you anything smaller? I don't wish for anyone to think I'm overcompensating." Her chin tilted up the slightest amount as she sent a challenging look at the smaller man before turning her friendliest smile to the other.