Gracie smiled as Izzy continued to love on Turnip, and mused over Valora's words in her head as she thought about them.  [b]"Valora - obviously it was cruel and unnecessary.  My lady wasn't too happy about it - people shouldn't be so cruel to their servants for a simple mistake."[/b]  The maid let out a slight sigh.  [b]"So young too - it's obvious people learn from their parents, at least.  The sooner we get out of here the better - though at least we are all comfortable."[/b]

[b]"Were you talking about something else, though?  I thought these ... strangeness of this land would have been rather apparent, divines cursing us all while we are here."[/b]

[hr]

The footsteps went away after a while, going away from the party's rouge.  The room was once again empty and silent.  Though a new problem arose - from down the hallway towards the dining room a guard was approaching - it was hard to tell why, but his exhaustion was obvious as he let out a large yawn and stretched his limbs.  Lana hadn't been seen yet, and the man's weapons were sheathed at his hip.  Would Lana move, reveal herself, or hide?