“This can't be the right way.” 

A tall, lithe young woman in a red tunic murmured out loud. She was leaning against a tree with a worn map in her hands, turning it this way and that as if trying to change the contents. Her brow furrowed into an expression of deep thought, and her finger started to wind one of her coal black dreadlocks around and around. 

“The map says ten miles from the river. We've been fifteen. I hope we didn't make a wrong turn somewhere. The last thing we need is to camp in unfamiliar woods. I still have the rash...” The woman scratched her upper arm reflexively, and looked at the large gelding that was calmly munching on some daffodils. “What do you think, Peony? Do we go forward, or try to make it back to the last town before full dark hits?” She realized she had paused, as if to wait for her steed's answer, and snickered softly to herself, shaking her head. 

“I must be going mad from too much time alone. I keep expecting you to talk back.” Rubbing her horse's nose, she looked into the creature's docile eyes. “No, you're far too smart for that, aren't you? You keep your own counsel.” Unfolding the map, she looked it over once more, before folding it up and tucking it into her belt pouch. “Alright then, since it's up to me... Forward! Nothing is gained by delving into the past.” In one easy motion, she put her foot into the stirrup of Peony's saddle, and swung herself over. Settling into proper position, she took up the reins and nudged Peony's sides with her boot heels. The loyal animal nickered and started off.

Another hour of riding went by, and Kijani's worry started to wear away. She could see the signs of human now; firelight, the smell of smoke, people chattering away, animals and refuse... Yes, there was a city, alright. The forest fell away to reveal a sturdy wall of stone and wood, a nice barrier against any potential enemies. Far off in the distance, massive mountains stretched toward the heavens, gray with white-capped peaks. 

After being waved in by the guards, Kijani slid from Peony's back to let her horse rest a bit, as she walked through town. Her eyes caught a carved stone sign. “Stevensdale. Finally...” Exhaling a sigh of relief, she sought the nearest inn with a stable. After paying for a few nights' stay and some meal for her horse, Kijani took time to brush down and feed Peony before going for a wash. 

Even though she'd been at her new life for over five years, Kijani would admit she was likely still a bit spoiled. She hated to smell of sweat and dirt after a long stint of traveling, and she detested bathing in cold water. Even though she would do it if nothing else was available, she didn't have to enjoy it. Luckily she'd had just enough coin to pay for heated water- a small luxury for her now. In the past, it had been something that she'd never thought twice about, except to complain if the water wasn't hot enough. But then... nothing was gained by dwelling on the past. She had learned the value of warm water, a cake of soap, and a clean body.

Once she was suitably clean, she shined her leather armor. Her boots were getting worn, there was not much to be done about that. The rest of it, she oiled and polished to the best gleam she could get. Her sword got the same treatment; cleaning, oiling, polishing, and several minutes practice, just to keep her arm from getting rusty. Her blade was a strange one- or so she'd been told. It was almost the length of her arm, but light, with both edges sharp. It would not cut through a tree branch, but it could certainly shatter badly-made chainmail as if it were mere paper. Kijani's blade was made to move with her, to be agile and accurate, to strike and dance away, strike again and never be touched.

Then again, there wasn't much touching of any kind lately, was there? She hadn't seen any real action, combat or otherwise, in well over two months. Sure, there had been the wild boar in the small shire town. They'd paid her more in supplies than coin, but the boar meat had been tasty and Peony loved the local apples. She'd loved the mayor's son for a night- a decent night, but one a bit too short for her liking. Nothing interesting had happened since. No battle, no bedding, no nothing. 

After laying her armor out to dry, she smoothed her spare red tunic and rust-brown pants, heading out of the inn to seek socialization. Her coin was running low, so she'd have to be easy on the drink. Local taverns were always good for something, though. Either she'd have a lead to something she could get paid for, or she could have a man worth warming her bed for a few hours. With a whistle on her lips, Kijani let the sounds of drunken jubilation lead her to the tavern.