The moon was large that night, the stars like miniature flames that danced on a backdrop of black. But even the sand made the sky look like it was dusty, as if it was due for a very big cleaning. Talbot held on to a black pegasus’ reign; this one was probably for a Dark Flier, for the horn that it had on its head signaled that this beast was for a superior Pegasus Rider. The man made sure that it would not fly away, however, it seemed to be accustomed to humans handling her. Once or twice he was tempted to touch her, but he was unsure how she would react. They came upon the gates later that night, and, even though it was cooler, Talbot still sweated. He was afraid that the chill would get him sick. He was already sick, really. He was sick of being on the run, the smell of Pegasus and horse, and the feel of sweat on his skin. He was sick of not being able to have a well-rested night, for the bugs that buzzed around him would always want to suck his blood or bite him. He was sick of Darrian, and he was sick of wishing he was home. Talbot sighed as they walked up to the gate, where a guard stopped them and asked for their name and business. The man that was helping them said that they had been attacked by bandits, and that he was simply delivering pegasi and horses to the stables. He kept his mouth shut- it was more difficult than he imagined. He always had to open his mouth to make a smart remark, but if he did, they would know he was from Ylisse by the way he spoke. He clutched at the reigns out of anxiety. The guard allowed them to pass, thanks to Greyer. He let out a sigh of relief, and smirked a bit. Finally, they could go and sleep in an inn. It was obvious he was pleased. Oh, before he was going to sleep, he was going to take a very nice bath. With actual cold water! Well… if there was cold water. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to bath if they only had hot water. All the wells probably went dry in the morning anyway… he sighed. [i]Well, there goes my dream of actually sleeping well tonight.[/i] --- [i]I hate this type of clothes.[/i] For once, Ambra looked a bit… angry. Her brows furrowed and a frown crossed her lips. Her arms were folded in front of her chest, and she was stiff shouldered. The type of clothing rubbed against her skin and made it irritated. She scratched and itched and complained through mutters and murmurs. At least she wasn’t the only one in this situation. Yet, armor was so much more comfortable! Helena and Alicia were others who had to wear this type of clothing. Her eyes watched them, and then she watched Zaino. [i]I should have patched up his wounds before leaving. I didn’t think they were that serious.[/i] she thought, leaning over and pulling his clothes a bit back. She sighed at the sight of the plentiful gashes and cuts he had on him. Some of them were still seeping blood and running down his body. As soon as they would be able to book a few rooms at the local inn, she would lay him down and give him a good scrubbing. The medicine wouldn’t work if they were just placed over layers and layers of matted blood. She held her breath when the man questioned them. She sat back down and looked at him, and then looked back at Helena and Alicia. Hoping that the guard would let them through, she paused in her scratching and whispers. Yet, the guard seemed a bit dimwitted or new on the job. He should have asked a lot more questions, especially with the war going on. Yet, they were let through. She sighed, running a hand through her hair and making it seem that she was very uncomfortable with the heat that struck the land a few hours before. Ambra wondered if there were going to be any soldiers from Ylisse here. They couldn’t know where they had fled to, right? Unless they used common sense and thought that they couldn’t possibly go to Valm or Regna Ferox. [i]I rather be in Regna Ferox than here.[/i] she thought. The cold winds would provide more comfort to her than the dusty breeze of Plegia. Her throat was sore and she rubbed it. Would they have tea in the inn? Tea, and honey at that. It would soothe her throat. Maybe everyone would want some tea? Then they could all have some sort of tea-party gathering. The childish thought made her smile.