Amal's long limbs were slightly stiff, but as he sat up to stretch them, he paused to watch Charynrae do the same. Truth be told, his dreams had been more filled with a sense of impending doom than carnal pleasure, but when she placed a hand on his cheek and spoke, it was replaced with desire. 

"So good, I cannot wait for the real thing." He grinned, suggestively. He desperately wanted to pull her down, but he knew she would not go for it. Damn the whole thing. 

After a robust meal, they were out, passed the adventurers and laymen and laborers and cookfires. The Bloodstone lands were far less empty than the true wastes they had left, but compared to the forests and trails of the south, it was still a grim land. 

The wind howled across the ruined and vacant valley, carrying with it a cold that assailed the layers of garments they wore, desperately trying to get in so it could bring the cold to their bones. Amal was still somewhat fascinated that the clothing he wore in Calimshan that could provide shade, could also provide the warmth of his bodyheat so far north, though he sported an extra cloak to be certain he would not be found wanting. Especially after the long days in the tundra and moors with Charynrae. 

Now, here they were once more. He supposed it was better than before. Now they had the promise of profit, potentially, rather than merely trying to survive. 

A shadow passed overhead, and for a moment Amal felt a sense of dread. He glanced up, and saw a large eagle leap off an tor and glide across the wasteland. It was larger than any eagle he had seen, but perhaps he had simply not seen many. It wasn't big enough to harm them, but it was still a sign even the mundane beasts in the wilds were formidable. 

"If only we had stayed in the bed," Amal said with a sly smile, but then he followed with a shrugged. "But I suppose doing so with a pile of coins would be preferable. After noontime, we should walk until we find a cave or another form of shelter, and then rise early again."