Aster sat in the spot that was beginning to become her safe haven. A few steps away from the largest of the fountains in the main square, on a firm stone bench, the swordswoman sat and just observed the world around her. She should really be training about now, but for whatever reason, she wasn't. Maybe she was just tired, maybe the many other people around her were too overwhelming, maybe it was just seeing so much. Whatever the case, she was caught off guard when the girl she'd only seen around, but never interacted with, showed up.

"Hi.  You're... Aster, right?  The swordswoman who was with Kajin and Dirk today."  The magess smiled--a bright and well-practiced smile that was welcoming, though it couldn't be called warm.  Her clear, blue eyes remained sharp and focused.

"Yes... That's me. Is there something wrong? I can move if I need to..."

"I actually wanted to ask a favor of you.  I'm a mage, but my weapon skill is Unarmed Combat and I need to practice.  Since we aren't starting until nine o'clock, I was hoping to do some sparring beforehand.  Would you be my sparring partner?  It will be in town, so there's no risk of injury," she added quickly, "and I'll even pay for a bath afterward."

"Oh. Yes, that'd be... fun." She smiled, a bit unsure, but a smile nonetheless. "Yes, I'd like to try that. I haven't gotten the chance to spar with anyone before, and a bath would probably do wonders for feeling more at home here. That sounds wonderful."

"Thank you!  Really, thank you.  I hope you rest well tonight!"  With a smile that this time did reach her eyes, Alisea waved a farewell and disappeared into the night as abruptly as she had first appeared.

Aster watched as the girl left, then stood and brushed herself off, heading back to the tavern area that was becoming a meeting place for other adventurers. Alisea was right. She'd need to stay rested for the days to come. After sneaking through the common area as carefully as possible, so as to avoid confrontation, she paid for a room, then retreated to it, choking down a dry biscuit as a makeshift meal. A real meal, like a stew or meat pie would have been better, but she really didn't want to interact with anyone at the moment. As she drifted off, she thought absently that a roommate would make inn prices much more manageable.

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