image [https://i.imgur.com/p4aVBkQ.png]

There was a knocking on her door. She was not well rested. Only three or four hours had passed since she had laid down. But she was ready.

The air wasn't so cold this morning. The cold would hazard to touch her, then cower in the shadows, the sun was bright and drove the frost away. Perhaps the last warm day of the season. She was used to the cold, especially this tame cold, she grabbed only her cloak from her bag and went down for something to eat.

The Elf greeted her, his smile wide. He waved her over to where he sat. It was hard to believe he'd slept so little, he was far too lively for an Elf. He'd held a seat for her, and had already taken the liberty of getting her a bowl as well. He spoke.

"If it isn't my wondrous traveling companion!"

She almost smiled. She replied.

"We've yet to do any traveling."

"But that is the plan, isn't it? Come, sit!"

She took her seat on the old stool. The rest of the Napping Tarrask was yet to be filled, but a choice few had already come to start their drinking. For a place so busy, she'd seen it more empty than full. She turned to Auryen.

"Anything you still need to do here in Blank River?"

"No, I'm quite done here, It's lovely here though, especially so far away from Esmony's capital. I was a bit surprised when I arrived, actually."

"Rations? Supplies? Everything?"

"Yes, yes-No! Your horse! I'd promised a horse yesterday, didn't I!"

"I'd have rather had the chance to ask for it. I thought you were joking."

"Well we can hardly trade off riding horseback. You finish your soup and I'll head off to that lord Joel. I'll get you a riding horse, and we'll head for the south gate."

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She nodded in agreement, then quickly finished her soup, drinking it wholly.

"Or rather, I'll head out for some shopping. I can’t cross through north Esmony in a leather vest and cloak."

"You do seem a little underdressed for the weather."

"I'd hoped to be in Hell by now, but I just so happened to run into that damned crypt."

"Well I recognize a story for the road when I see it. Hold that thought and let us be to our errands."

Auryen clapped his hands together making his way for the door. Before she could do the same, the innkeep gently grabbed her shoulder. He spoke quietly.

"Wait a moment would you?"

She nodded and sat back down. While she waited, she thought. While she thought, the innkeep disappeared.

Tannen had never left home before, let alone the country. Already she'd met people so fundamentally different than she knew before. Back home she didn't know too many people, the state church coordinators, the few who came to pray to the peacock, however few and fleeting that was, and her mother. They were all closed off, indirect and cold, Blank River was a breath of fresh air. Even her mother was distant at times, devoted more to her god than anything else around her.

Rickum was direct, the boys she met we're open and friendly, and Auryen was warm and kind. Loneliness stalked her no longer, for now a friend followed. Although one day-.

Her thinking was interrupted by something tugging on her cloak just below her. She shifted to look and met the gaze of a young boy. The young boy she saved stood small and shy, struggling to lift a bag. Her bag.

"Miss..."

She slid off her seat and knelt to level with him. She relieved him of the weight and hugged him. He broke from the embrace. Looking in his eyes, she saw it.

An emerald, brilliant green and dark.

A million jewels and jade.

A wealth to make all others worthless.

Innocence.

And the beauty of life.

With faith that it was always there, without ever seeing it until this moment. She saw why she saved the boy. He spoke quietly.

"Thank you..."

She smiled. More than content or satisfied, she felt happy.

"Stay safe, young one."

The innkeep ruffled his son's hair, gently guiding him out of the way to help Tannen stand. She motioned thanks and made to the door.

As she opened the door, she saw a finely dressed man. The cloth was light and loose, muted colors and deep accents. A smooth yellow with blues and purples. One such coth covered his face from below the eyes. From what she could see even for Esmony's people, his skin was dark. A southerner. From his hip hung low two swords, sheathed. Around his neck, his wrists and his waist were bright metal chains. A gold that swirled with a brighter gray. Parram. All of which were carved in the visage of a snake, one with fins and gills. They were the many heads of a Hydrea.

A Head stood before her.