Alexi spared only a brief moment as Katherine moved in the periphery of his sight, noting the series of stretches she began before turning back to his writing. Part of him realized the wisdom in his escort's actions -riding for days would be taxing no matter the person- but for now the draw of his work was stronger. It'd come back to haunt him, most likely, but so would not having the document finished in time. In a question of bodily health versus professional reputation... the latter was more important right now.

Indeed, it had been more important for quite some time. For better or for worse.

Embarrassment at the potentially shameful display he would put on if he tried to mimic Katherine's movements playing only a very small role in the decision, Alexi continued to carve his notes within the wax of his tablet. One break seemed to lead to another, lines and lines making themselves clear in his mind's eye, stylus darting across the wax before him. Not nearly enough room to write out everything on his mind, the scribe settled for shorthand notes- simple words, phrases and numbers scratched out to quickly remind himself of everything he realized now. It was a practice every scribe came to know, each developing their own, subtly different method of note-taking to rely on. It brought up memories of conversations he'd had in the past, sharing examples of shorthand between peers of his trade, each noting how close they looked to one another... yet none being able to truly follow any notes that weren't their own...

...Alexi had to wonder now, if the motions Katherine was going through were similar.

He found himself pulled from his work more and more, as his escort moved from simple stretches into miming a fight against unseen opponents. No one to take the blows she dealt out, no one to block or dodge against but the wind and sunlight, and yet she moved as if surrounded. Her way of remembering? Or simply practice? 

His musings faded as hoof beats interrupted her motions, the scribe glancing sharply up, then relaxing as the messenger galloped past. They were still on the main road, after all, silly not to expect other travelers or roya- oh!

"Ready- Yes, yes of course!" He had taken more than enough notes for now, Alexi carefully stowing his stylus with it's companions before closing and stashing the tablet away. So much for a quick session of notes... but he didn't have the time to feel too embarrassed now. Muscles and joints felt a bit stiff as he rose and made his way back to his horse, but not bad. Probably wouldn't be saying the same later in the day, but for now, at least, he felt fine to ride for quite some time.

Mounting up, he set off once more with Katherine right nearby. He moved his horse quickly to a decent trot, thinking they could quicken the pace somewhat before entering the forest ahead. They'd likely have to slow down within, even following the road could prove dangerous to their mounts if they moved too quickly. 

The forest also had the dubious honor of appearing darker and more foreboding the closer they got to it's leading edge, Alexi having trouble keeping himself from growing painfully tense atop his mount. Close spaces weren't too bad -there was plenty of that in his quarters and the archives he frequented- but recollections of the attack last night were doing little to calm his nerves... and far less at the braches above finally began shading their path.

"So..." Speaking would help, right? Keep conversation to keep calm, that was the trick, wasn't it? "You... mentioned last night you were familiar with the area?"

He turned to Katherine as he spoke, hoping he didn't look quite as wound up as he felt.

"Have you traveled through here often? Or did you take other roads?"