Darin enjoyed the bath. She enjoyed it far more than she should. She liked being clean. She scrubbed herself until she was raw and red. Then she scrubbed at her hair. She desperately needed a haircut, but she wasn’t sure how to make that happen. She needed short hair to help stay hidden as a boy. She wasn’t sure would be able to pull of the disguise with long hair. She supposed that she could do it herself if she got a pair of scissors. She didn’t have a pair so that option was currently out. Maybe she could find a pair in the market. That would be a worthwhile thing to buy.

Darin changed into a simple green shirt and a pair of dark trousers along with a new pair of socks underneath her one pair of boots. She sighed as she examined them. The soles were wearing impossibly thin and soon her heels and toes would pop out soon. It was all the walking. True she did a lot of riding, but there were times when walking was unavoidable. Maybe she could find a cobbler to resole her boots. The list of things she needed from the market was increasing dramatically and food was the least of it. Darin sighed as she followed after Ridahne. Traveling was more expensive than anyone warned her. She needed to find a way to get more coin. That was not a pleasant thought.

Still it didn’t really matter. Darin was struggling to follow Ridahne and promptly got lost. She had no idea where she was and as she looked around for major landmarks, she felt The Seed Burning against her thigh. It didn’t feel like Mark or the Red Hand. It was more curiosity. The Seed wanted more information about something. It some trial and error but soon Darin was walking in the direction that The Seed wanted her to. She found herself walking across bridges that she couldn’t help stopping and examining. They were fantastic and Darin crossed them with no fear. Soon she traveled down a tree and traveling on the ground. She nodded at the locals as they watched the lone human traveling to who knew where. She wasn’t trying to be rude. She just wanted to find what The Seed was interested in. Of course, she was interested in the city and wasn’t paying attention to where she was going. It was no surprise that she bumped into someone.

She exclaimed in Eluri as she picked herself up, “I’m so sorry! I’ll pay better attention move forward. It’s just the way this city is built.”

A male voice cut her off, “It’s quiet alright young traveler. Lihaelen is indeed built differently then a human like you would be used to. So, your interest is well founded.” He bowed a sort of bow that Darin thought was an Eluri greeting, “I am Goran Malane.”

Darin did her best to copy the hand position and bow, “I am Martin Lively.”

Goran had a kind face that was weathered by age that broke into a smile, “I must say, Your Eluri is fairly impressive for a human thought your accent could use some work.”

Darin found herself smiling in return, “It’s a gift, but like all skill I need practice.”

The well-dressed Eluri laughed lightly before pointing out, “You look a little lost.”

Darin nodded, “Well yes I suppose so, I got separated from my traveling companion while on the way to the market. And now I’m not sure where I am.”

Darin couldn’t very well tell this man that she was wandering the city looking for something The Seed thought was interesting thought she had a feeling she found it. Ever since she bumped into this man The Seed had stopped burning. He felt good, but not in way Darin had ever felt before. Ravi’s goodness was almost divine and untouchable. Ridahne’s goodness had been tempered by having to do things that were necessary but not strictly speaking, good. This man felt like he was going to be good because someone had to be so it was going to be him, and he was going to do the best he could. Darin couldn’t tell how she knew that though. The longer she was The Seed-Bearer the more she seemed to be aware of. It was slightly concerning.

A voice called out, “Councilman Malane! We are late!”

Two younger Eluris rushed up as Goran turned to them, “Yes, so we are.” He pointed at Darin with his whole palm, “My young friend Mr. Lively has found himself lost. Mr. Armin, would you help him find his traveling companion?”

One of the aides bowed a slightly different bow to Darin, “I be honored.”

Darin protested, “That’s not necessary, but you have my thanks regardless.”

The other aide scoffed, “Lihaelen can be confusing and it is not our habit to leave outsiders to wander it alone.”

Darin nodded, “Fair enough.” She bowed to Mr. Malane but was sure she got it wrong, “It was nice to meet you.” Then she turned to aide call Mr. Armin, “I wouldn’t want to waste your time, “Perhaps we should get started yes.”

Mr. Armin nodded, “Yes of course.” He pointed out with his whole hand, “This way.” They started walking and he mentioned you didn’t use the correct bow for Councilman Malane. I can teach you while we walk if you like.”

Darin exclaimed, “Yes please! That would be amazing!”