The book was confusing, and it hurt Darin’s head. There were a lot of words that looked familiar, that should have been familiar, that weren’t. She had to sound out many of the words and she was sure that she was getting it wrong. She wanted to scream in frustration but didn’t want to upset the silence. She was also positive that more than one of the librarians were taking turns just wondering over here to check on her. With a scowl she slammed the book shut and stood up. She carefully put the book back on the shelf and moved to exit the Archives.

Before she left the attendant at the front desk called out, “Your companion needs you back at the inn.”

Darin turned to bow in deference to an elder, “Thank you. Have a nice night.”

The librarian bowed in respect to a student and then Darin left. She didn’t want to go back to the inn. She knew what Ridahne was getting ready for and Darin was nervous. The Elf, on more than one occasion, had mentioned Darin doing the first strike. The human wanted no part of it whatsoever. She couldn’t even hold a quill. She was certain that one way or another she would mess it up. Without thinking about it, Darin found herself wandering. She needed to stop that especially since Ridahne was probably already at the inn and Mrixe was probably torn between doing his actual duty of seeing to The Seed-Bearer’s comfort and his supposed duties of watching the traitor. The human supposed that if they stayed here too much longer, they should stop separating, if only to make his job easier.

Eventually Darin found herself in the market. She wondered about with people looking at her strangely. It was to be expected after the previous night. As such she kept to herself as she weaved though the dying traffic. Evening was coming fast, and people were closing up stalls and hurrying home. Darin did her best to stay out of the way. She had no real goal, but she supposed she couldn’t linger for long. As such she slowly meandered back to the inn. She had still yet to come up with an argument for why she shouldn’t be tattooing Ridahne, but maybe she would after she saw the warrior. Somehow Darin didn’t think so.

Darin spotted Mrixe in the bar portion of the inn talking to anther guard. He waved her over, “Ah! Mr. Lively.” He pointed at his companion, “This is Ulice Macs. She’s good stock and will be keeping an eye on you and your companion tonight. Will that be acceptable?”

Darin shrugged, “I’ll have to ask Master Torenzi.” She told the new guard, “You were there last night, right?”

She nodded, “I was. I keep my promises.”

Darin nodded, “Just making sure.” She gestured towards her room, “I best be headed up.”

Mrixie scowled as he pointed at an empty spot, “I have an inkling of what you two are planning for tonight. You will both eat something before you do. Especially since the last meal was the pastries this morning.”

Darin thought about arguing the point, but then it figured it gave her an excuse to put off her part in the ceremony tonight so sat down without too much of a fuss. It wasn’t long before the server put down a bowl of what looked like fish stew. Darin carefully tried a sip. It was delicious and soon she had finished the whole bowl. She took the roll that came with the soup and used it to mop up the stew she couldn’t get with her spoon. It was how she had always eaten soup or stew. It would probably seem barbaric in some places, but it was how she avoided wasting any food.