Charter wondered about Grimwing's response. Again, no outright surprise. [i] Did he already know of the Lady Sweeper? If so, why did he mention it? [/i] As they approached the Market the unicorn saw how busy it was. Grimwing was looking at one merchant, at first interested but suddenly wanted to move pass. Charter could see why. Even as unusual as those eyes were, it was the glare of a zealot, one that any pony living in the Moon and Stars often experienced. 

[i]Maybe Grimwing didn't want to discuss the matter of the Alicorns on this open street [/i], thought Charter. He frowned at the thought. The ecstatic feeling of meeting the sea ponies was so great, he did not think of the potential dangers. Everywhere there was bound to be open ear of somepony listening. Wither it be some bored wife or a spy, rumor could spread fast. [i] Ack, I should know better than blabbe about such secrets [/i] 

The unicorn looked at the wares of the various stalls - he noted the rune-bounded shells of the fanatic. Another stall was selling something called "Sea Cucumbers" - but it looked nothing like the vegetable. In fact, the way it moved around in the bowls it swore it was an animal. Some sold art, but instead of canvas and paper, many where made of materials of the sea. Coral mosaics, sculptures made from strange animal bones, and even assemblage from recovered wrecks. What paintings he saw seemed to made of colored wax. 

[i] Encaustic. Vast told me about that form of painting. The ancient Roamians used it long ago. I wonder how well the wax survives under the depths? [/i] 

What facisnated Charter the most was how similar the market seemed to it's land counterparts. He imagined ages of isolation would have created a unique, perhaps utterly alien culture. But the sea ponies seemed to behave like their land brethren. Children played in the streets, merchants trying to attract attention and bargain with each other. Here are there a mysterious figure was in the crowd - a street ear? Or a just a pickpocket? The unicorn was glad he left his possessions on the ship. 

Grimwing headed into what Charter could only assume was a store. It's wares were numerous and wide ranging. [i]Is this a warehouse? Or is did the proprietor decide to diversity her goods? [/i] But his thoughts went elsewhere at the sight of Drachma. Despite the clear reek of ale, the mare was the second most beautiful being he saw. Only Sunpearl rivaled her. 

[i] If only her demeanor only matched her looks [/i] thought Charter with some disappointment. [i] And I thought Vast was the only mare who got that drunk. [/i] 

As if hearing his thoughts, Drachma perked up, tidied up, and suddenly whispering in Charter's ear. Her touch was gentle, and despite how fish-like the fin looked it was as soft as any mane. Unlike his superiors, the unicorn was no stranger to romance. Granted his previous attempts didn't work out, but not because of a lack of inexperience. 

He put on a gentle smile and gave a courteous bow, "My lady, I am Charter Vista of the Scholarship. By chance and fate I am one of the ship's crew, currently serving under Master Grimwing," he said. He took the hoof gently in his hand as if to kiss it, but instead gave a polite nod instead. [i] Got slapped in the face for kissing the hoof that the last time [/i], he thought. "It is my pleasure to be in your presence. May I ask your name?"