A squirrel wasn’t exactly a succulent meal. Arloke could carry larger prey but she wondered if he either couldn’t find it or went with the easier prey so he could return home to his newly constructed nest. While he was out and hunting, Serphia took it upon herself to build a tiny fire. They were in a barn full of hay and dried grass. If she made a fire too large, it would consume the barn and thus them. So she cleared a large area of any hay or flammable items before making a small flame they could use to at least cook whatever the spider brought back for them. Upon Alroke’s return, Serphia quickly got to work on butchering the squirrel and setting it on the fire to cook. She only changed after butchering the animal, dressing in the only clothes provided for her. Unfortunately, Drow do not exactly have large frames and the tunic and pants she snatched off the clothes line were far too big for her. The tunic hung off her shoulders and gathered above her hands. The pants hung off her hips and she was forced to ask Arloke for some silk so she could tie it to her waist. She looked more suited in a crew of pirates than wandering the wilderness with a wizard but it was all they had at the moment, so she made do. 

After they ate, she got to work on shredding her old tunic and pants. Any pieces that were relatively clean, she tucked into her pack, the rest was thrown into the fire. It was best not to leave such things available for others to find. The things magic wielders could do with blood or bodily fluids wasn’t anything anyone wanted to mess with and growing up in a land where people were known for taking whatever they could get, she was sure to get rid of the bloody clothes pretty quickly.

She spent that night outside the barn, keeping her eyes and ears out for anything that might be trouble for them. Sometime in the middle of the night, Arloke came to join her, finding the Drow with her back against the barn wall, one leg stretched out and the other bent. Serphia dropped her bent knee and Arloke settled into her lap for loving scratches and snuggle time with the one who raised him. They stayed like that until just before sunrise. She went back inside the barn and settled to sleep for a few hours before they hit the road. By the time Malcador awoke, Serphia had been asleep for only about three hours. However, as he began to stir and move about, she woke up quickly. 

As he drew along the ground and contemplated their next move, Serphia got to work on packing any usable items she found in the barn in her pack. She found a few useful yards of rope, some rusted tools that she didn’t find useful, and a crap ton of hay. “I have no problem with stealing,” she said as strolled over to peer down at the map he had drawn in the dirt, stuffing the rope into her bag as she did so. “Though, I am not sure my form of employment would be considered reasonable in this human world.” She was sure she could find feasible employment as an assassin, but Malcador might not like her working that part of the employment field. Also, she mostly left the Underdark [i]because[/i] of her profession and family ties. She wasn’t sure she wanted to stay awake every night because she was fearful someone else would attack them. It wasn’t the best way to live. Though, they already had the guards out looking for them, so they had that going for them in a way. 

When he addressed her as Serphia, she had a pause. It was odd to listen to a human speak her name so casually. The slaves were not permitted to speak to any Drow in such a casual manner. It was like a wakeup to her system. It took her a moment to get over it. 

“Well,” she said with a light throat clearing cough, “If you are asking my opinion, I believe our best option would be to stick to the shadows. At least, until I can get some proper garb that will keep my appearance hidden from sight. I am not too accustomed to the world above the surface but I’m sure we could find some easy targets to rob along the way. Perhaps even find a bandit or two. I’m sure the city would not mind if we rid them of that scourge.” She slung her pack over her shoulder before giving a low whistle to Arloke. The spider came down from his little nest. She picked him up and rested him on her shoulders where he snuggled in close. 

“If we find a wagon along the way, perhaps we could deceive them and take their items.” She gave a light shrug. No matter what path they decided to take, Serphia seemed content to take it with the wizard. He seemed loyal enough, even if he was only human. It was nice to have some company as she got a better feel for the land under the sun. 

“Either way, we should consider making our way out of this barn. I am surprised the family has not come in already to begin their morning chores.” As she was speaking, she began to open the barn door to lead the way out but froze when she heard speaking just on the other side. She pulled the door closed before turning to Malcador with a raised finger. 

“Question. How likely are the guards of Thentia to relate the death of a farmer and his family back to us?”