Jester whinnied in protest as Derra removed her from the stall. [b]"Ca'mon ye mutt. Let's go. The kiddies will be by when we come back to bring you your snacks."[/b]

She was getting used to the way she was treated here, being the only pony a lot of the children came to play with her during the day. Derra didn't mind this, as it gave the pony something to do and the children something to keep their minds off of the recent tragedy. The little red pony was as sweet with children as she was vicious in protecting her rider, and she loved treats. She had noticed there were fewer and fewer children in town as the days wore on, many families were escaping the city and moving to places that were more inland and less accessible.

[b]"Ho there, leaving so soon miss Derra?"[/b] this from the stable master, a tall man built for riding horses. [b]"I thought you were to stay a while?"[/b]

[b]"Not leaving for good yet, but things have changed. The healers no longer have a place for me, so I am finding a new way to acheive my clan's goal."[/b] Derra said. She looked up at the man over Jester's saddle -barely.

[b]"Well good luck to you then. Don't see why the healers have no use for you, war's comin' and they'll need all they can get."[/b] the man nodded at her with an understanding smile and walked away.

[i]It would help if those in power looked at me with the same attitude as a humble stable master.[/i] Derra thought as she climbed into Jester's saddle. She was used to being treated as if she was still contagious by those in higher stations, especially healers. They were afraid of the pox she had had as a child, as it was deadly and spared almost no one.

She trotted Jester out of the stable and began plotting her search route, looking for any sign of the woman from the guild board. She headed in the general direction of the docks, thinking that she was likely getting supplies. With any luck she would find her quickly and have an idea what her next move would be.