Valerie reached up to squeeze Markus's hand with her own when he placed it on her shoulder, and offered him a small, closed-lip smile in thanks. She took the encouragement to heart, starting to believe her own words about how they could handle the job with little trouble. At the very least, they didn't have to depart right now. She was eager to fill her belly and get as good a night of rest as she could.

It was no private bath, the likes of which she'd had access to in her childhood home, but washing herself of the dirt, sweat, grime, and blood of the day was incredibly relieving. It was something she'd noticed more and more since leaving home behind: what she had at her disposal from town to town was very much inferior, but her appreciation for each bit of it, from the food to the drinks to the chances to wash to the company she came across, was far greater. Risking her life had a way of magnifying the value of the little things.

She found Markus's note quickly after she awoke, slid under the base of her door. The nervousness began to coil back into her belly as she dressed herself and strapped on her gear, but she didn't dwell on it, focusing instead on the smallest of things. Making sure her boots were tightened properly, checking her range of motion after tying on her breastplate, losing herself in the pattern on the sash around her waist. She buckled on her swordbelt, tied up her hair, and headed out the door.

A quick breakfast from the inn was all she felt she needed to get going, and when she was out in the cool morning air she headed north as directed, finding her way towards the little town's marketplace. She did indeed catch the end of the conversation Markus was having with Eloryen, noting his lack of faith in their chances, among his other comments, before the elf cut himself off.

"Have any interest in the fair maiden's sword?" she asked, though only half serious. "She just sharpened it this morning, and she wouldn't mind introducing you." She didn't mind the joking name. After all, she still carried more of the noble girl's appearance than Markus did of his former life, if indeed he'd ever been that way. And she'd been called far worse on some of her first contracts by men with intentions that were actually dreadful.

She took Markus's arm, and smiled back at the elf as they departed. "Don't be jealous of the coin we collect on our return, now."