I've spent the past... several years, living in the world at large. I wasn't much better trained than you are, when I started, but I had a great many friends to help me on my way.

[She still hasn't told Mary exactly how old she really is - being mistaken for a child has its uses, especially in a city like this. Soon, though... soon. Maybe she'll let her figure it out herself, using her cards.]

[In the meantime, the last of the provisions have been loaded onto the cart, and the head clerk is standing beside it, his hands together and an altogether too nice smile on his lips.]

It looks as if you ladies are in need of a horse to pull your wagon. I happen to have a suitable beast at my disposal... for the right price, of course.

[Aeslyn smiles at the clerk - a perfectly polite smile, at that, nevermind how much she wants to slug this peon.] That won't be necessary.

[Producing a small, carved whistle from her pouch, she gives it a quick blow - and the response is almost immediate. A bird the general shape of an ostrich, but much more strongly built, comes running. His feathers are the same sky-blue as his mistress's hair.] Kweh!