[i]I have made it to Estermere...[/i]

     The silhouette of the great city had been growing on the horizon since high sun. Livet's sojourn from the south, the path of which had meandered all over the countryside, was nearing its intended completion. She knew that once she got to the city she would have some pivotal decisions to make, but she had confidence that even though it wouldn't be easy, she could somehow make some sort of hold there. She knew magic was not welcomed by those unaccustomed to its use (that was to say most people in general) and thought that the best way to hide herself was in the crowds of Estermere. Not only that, but she was curious about the city. Many rumors existed about the grander of Estermere in the surrounding country, some scandalous, some outrageous, some horrifying; most were undoubtedly just tales told by those with fierce imaginations.  Livet had approached the imposing gates of the city with sweat on her brow at the same time the sun crossed the point halfway through its descent to the earth. Her exchange with the guard was awkward, but civil. She thanked him as he let her through.

     Long shadows played on the cobbled streets as she hesitantly stepped past the threshold, the large apparatus behind her groaning as it sealed her inside. The guard had suggested the infamous Leaping Stag Inn. She hadn't much money left and didn't know the best way to go about getting more. She had thought about inquiring around the city to get employed as a serving maid or something of the like, but didn't want to be at the mercy of some perverted innkeeper. Her hand rested on the pouch containing her funds at her belt, the rumor of  cut-purses one of the many thoughts clouding her mind. The city had a colorful crowd although it was small in the few final hours of the day. The sorceress set off at a brisk pace in the direction the guard had given her, keeping her hood up and worn cloak closed. 

     Hazel eyes roamed the picturesque expanse of the city, a sight she hadn't seen since she was a young girl. Colorful flags and tapestries waved in a slight breeze. The citizens she had the chance to observe were obviously preparing for the end of the day. To have to step around and through the obstacles of other hustling patrons, collapsing street carts and displays, and workers carrying odds and ends was something Livet had never experienced before. More than a few times she caused a collision after backing away from one in front of her.  She had to ask for directions multiple times, and was relieved when she finally saw the Leaping Stag emerge from the cityscape. A weary smile appeared on her face. She didn't know if she had enough to cover a night, but if not she could inquire about a cheaper inn or maybe even if there was any work available.

As the young woman approached the door, a muffled roar could be heard from the street and got louder until she pushed open the door, and like a bubble popping, she could hear the sharp cacophony of the lively crowd inside the inn. Livet smiled; once she had adjusted to a more populace scene, she found she enjoyed the festive atmosphere. Her eyes widened as she stepped into the inn proper - it wasn't much larger than others she had visited, but there were so many more people! The room wasn't packed to the point in which no one could walk, but she could see through windows to the backyard that there were many more patrons than those who lingered inside. The air smelled of fresh cooking meat, and in here away from the more intoxicated of the bunch, lacked the subtle sour undertone of vomit. The sorceress swallowed hard; once she initiated conversation, she had no problem upholding it but had trouble getting to that point. Having been raised in semi-isolation, she still hadn't gotten completely over a few awkward tendencies. 

Two pale hands came up and brought down her hood as she strode toward the bar. She wanted to ask the price of a room, though she doubted she had enough with what meager currency still rattled in her coin purse. As her hand touched the counter, her stomach growled, and she made a note to ask the price of a meal. Livet also wanted to inquire about any rumors of work going around, but she didn't know if it were better just to go to the guard and ask about bounties. She didn't know if it was a good idea to just put herself out like that; she hadn't much experience in a bigger city environment. She paused for a moment at the bar, not really sure how to proceed, avoiding getting the attention of a barkeep.