As they rode, the landscape changed. Flat, rocky soil turned to rolling hills. Still incapable of growing much, but it at least appeared to be more fertile. Rynn breathed deep as the end of her braid fluttered in the wind. "I much prefer the forests near the border, don't you?" she said to no one in particular. Her eyes remained fixed on the road ahead. "It feels so much more alive."

The horses seemed to huff in relief as the road evened out. Soft dirt padded their hooves as they walked. In the distance, the small cottages and mills of Timberholde became just visible. "Not that much farther now." Just as she had said, they would reach the village not long after nightfall. Even with the hour delay, the sun hovered just above the horizon, as if it were waiting to see them safely to the inn before disappearing.

There was one inn in Timberholde - The Dancing Badger - and by the time they reached its doorstep moonlight had turned the world silver. Rynn paid for their rooms - six in total - and the innkeeper was so happy to finally have a full house that she threw in a free dinner and breakfast. "Be in the kitchens in an hour," she said as she handed out the keys. "We'll have something hot for you."

Rynn thanked the woman and headed for the stairs. Before she retreated to her bedroom, she turned to the group and said, "In case I don't see you again until morning, get a good night's rest. We won't be staying long."