Dusk was creeping in, slowly pulling back the honey rays of sunlight towards the ruby stained horizon. Farmsteads and lonely cottages leaked lamplight and chimney smoke, as families settled down for the evening, safe and warm from the encroaching night. 

Stalks of wheat and barley rustled as a chill wind passed them. Waves of blue-cast grass lapped at the dirt wagon trail. It was nearly empty.

Two figures road along abreast. One was a cloaked silhouette that seemed to shift and break, like the smoke of a guttering candle, riding a massive black destrier, muscled and powerful, its breath misting against the air of the waning day. The other was atop a slender mare of pure white. This rider was also smaller, and wore riding dresses too fine for the locality. 

They seemed to be engaged in conversation. A wayside inn came into view, and the pale rider slowed, enough to make the other circle back and slowly draw up back next to them. A voice like gravel and sliding rocks crashed from the horses.

[color=#73716A]“We should ride on into the night, Reshi. Our horses won’t throw shoes on the wagon trail.”[/color]

Then came the response, careful and patient, like a glacier – it spoke in inevitability. 

[color=#2956B2]“There is only so much haste required; we will arrive when we need to.”[/color]

[color=#73716A]“Then at least let us camp in the forest.”[/color]

[color=#2956B2]“You know I do not sleep so well without a bed, and I need to again before entering Oakheim.”[/color]

There was a grumble, like a rockslide, but silence resumed, save for the beating of hooves upon hard packed clay and earth. 

[i]The Traveller’s Respite[/i], a leaning, three-story building, each floor distinct from the others, but no less well-crafted, spoke of the hasty capitalisation of being the final stop along the Eastern route to Oakheim. Smoke billowed from inside a large circle of wagons in the yard behind, orange light dancing upon the canvas, and merriment and music spilling out of every recess.

The two stopped outside, the woman handing her reigns to Karl. As he led both beasts to the stables, Aleora entered the common room. It was a bustling affair, with shouted conversations and sloshing drinks, underneath a thick veil of pipesmoke and plucked strings. She didn’t garner much attention this late into the night, though a few lupine eyes followed her.

A woman rushing around behind a bar, polishing the surface and pulling drinks. 

“Aye lass, how kin aye ‘elp?” Several of her teeth were missing, and the rest seemed in some state of decay. Her face was creased and shiny.

[color=#2956B2]“I would like to buy food and board for the night.”[/color]

Almost immediately the woman shook her head, flicking her oily locks from side to side. “Neh kin do, full.” She set a flagon in front of a man who was slumped over the bar.

[color=#2956B2]“Oh, dear me, that is a shame, what am I to do?”[/color] As Aleora said this she began stroking her chin very slowly with her left hand, her ring on full display. The proprietor’s eyes went large and glassy, and she began waving her hands and stammering, rushing over to Aleora. 

“Oh, nay me thinks aboot et, ye kin haf may rum, free of charge fur sucha leddy as yerself.” She did her best to give an ingratiating smile, but with so many teeth missing the end result was quite the opposite. Nonetheless, Aleora smiled gracefully, though it did not touch her eyes, and bobbed her head ever so slightly.

[color=#2956B2]“How fortunate.”[/color]

The room was adequate; the mattress was stuffed with goose down and it had well-fitted boards, though there was a pervading odour of port and cheese. Karl and Aleora began preparing for sleep in silence, their travelled packs hauled to the foot of the bed. Karl set up his bedroll in front of the door, sword tucked next to it. 

[color=#73716A]“Reshi, when will you tell me why we are here.”[/color]

She looked at him and tilted her head, dressed in a pale blue nightgown. 
 
[color=#2956B2]“You have followed me this far, dear Watcher, I only ask for your trust one night longer, and I shall tell you on the road tomorrow; there are things I am still unsure of, and perhaps tonight my lady will grace me with their elucidation.”[/color]

He was frowning at the floor. She walked over and brushed her lips against his forehead. He seemed to soften, his shoulders dropping.

[color=#2956B2]“I would not keep so much from you if it was not a necessity. I trust you above all else, oh watcher of mine.”[/color]

He nodded slowly. [color=#73716A]“Very well, good night Reshi.” [/color]