Now that everyone had finally decided to get along, Axley was more than eager to get this long journey out of the way. Follow the river, and things should go smoothly, right? It was a long journey, longer than Axley had had since her fleeing of her old home. Fitting, in an odd, depressing way. She was not one to grow tired; she spent entire days on her feet working the streets of the Imperial Ruins, and a long trek through the woods would not put her out so easily, especially when she knew that, in spite of her relative worthlessness in the field, the rest of the group was relying on her to stay strong and stalwart, even in the face of danger. Danger that seemed to crop up everywhere they went, even denying them easy access to the first town they came across. She had nearly rushed in of her own volition, expecting, almost hoping that she would find respite from the wear and tear of grief and travel. Unfortunately, it seemed this town had already been razed to the ground by whatever forces stood in their way. How incredibly frustrating. At least they seemed they had moved on...but they still couldn't enter. It was too dangerous if any forces were left behind for cleanup duty or as a sentry.

With a weary sigh, Axley continued to plod onward. Another night in camp was not welcome, but Axley managed to make do by taking the first shift while everyone else slept, leaving her alone to voice her darkest worries to herself with nobody listening. That alone was more than a load off; she was finally able to argue herself out of her inner despair. They would persevere, one way or another, no matter what darkness stood in their path. By the time her shift had ended, she was a reinvigorated woman, filled with the energy and desire to press onwards once more. Her efforts were rewarded by a sleepy fishing village later in the day. Two inns in such a small town...it almost felt as though it were crafted for the both of them. Axley was hurting for some well-prepared food instead of simply survivalist scrap. She normally would have worked a night and gotten her rest. After two days, she figured doing such a thing might work again. Hearing Fergus and Sasuke mention paying for everything brought a scowl to her face. How patronizing. She wasn't of the elite class, but at least she could still earn a living, even out here. She'd just have to prove it.

Funnily enough, Cilia had the same idea. As Axley watched her quickly pull an easy makeover in ten seconds flat, the bard couldn't help but smile. She'd helped Cilia get a bit more in touch with her feminine side when they both lived at Snow's sanctuary, and seeing her blossom so easily was almost a success in her own eyes. She'd grown up so much in just the few years she'd known her. And yet, Snow seemed a bit concerned on the matter of her exposing herself for monetary gain. The glare from Axley as Snow questioned her actions could have cut a metal sheet in half before she softened her gaze somewhat. He didn't deserve that kind of anger for being concerned. "Come on, Snow. Cilia is just doing what she feels is good for us. And do you honestly believe I'd let such a young blossom be deflowered so easily? I've been doing this for a living. I certainly wouldn't allow someone I care for to fall prey to the pratfalls of exhibitionism." Axley calmly dissuaded Snow's concerns before joining the young rogue as she spoke of the pair's talents. "Axley here at your service." The bard took a theatrical bow, lute in hand as though she were about to put on a performance. "I've played at a great number of inns and taverns and would be honored to add your own to my growing list of haunts. For the simple cost of a meal and a bed, I will be sure to leave your patrons enthralled and unwary of the jade they're dropping just to stay and listen to my song."