The first day of travel had brought them to nothing but more sand. Taishar wasn't so surprised. There progress had been slow because he called for many breaks. He was worried about the girl's ankle since she refused to allow much more help than an arm. He had thought about a litter but he put the idea down. He was sure that the same reasons she refused his carrying her the night before would keep her from laying on a litter.

At midday of the second day the city lay before them. The white of the walls reflected the sun that the ivy climbed for. Taishar had no idea what this place was called or where it's allegiance laid. He called for a break. They were still a little ways off from the city, at their current pace probably a fifteen minute walk.

He took a seat, the huge sword and sheath on his back tilted to make it possible. He pulled his little bag over his head and sat it on the ground between him and where the girl was standing. There was still food remaining inside if she wanted some, he didn't offer, however. He assumed she should feel welcome to help herself since he had offered nearly every stop they made. The past day he had also made sure that Lestat would feel welcome to the little scraps of meat and berries and roots inside as well, though the man seemed keen on his own jerky.

"After a few minutes we can see what the city ahead holds for us. If it's safe then I'll leave you two and be on my way." His face showed nothing as he said this possible farewell, he knew it would be best for them not to stay with him, though. He was going to go to dangerous places and fight godly beings. He didn't want them in harm's way because of him.

Another break in travel had come about, and Raven brought herself to an abrupt stop to watch as Taishar took a seat on the ground. He grabbed a hold of his bag and set it on the ground between she and him yet remained silent. This was his way of offering food without actually offering. She knew this. While she hadn't been with her companions long, she was learning more and more about them with each passing moment. She liked this because it was the closest she had ever been with anyone before aside from her mother.

"After a few minutes we can see what the city ahead holds for us. If it's safe then I'll leave you two and be on my way." Taishar said from his place on the ground. Raven's jaw clenched shut and her heart sank. Just when she felt that she was gaining some friends, one was already set to leave. She couldn't blame him or hold any grudge, however. She knew there were things that he had to take care of, and probably the same for Lestat. They were both just being nice and helping her get to her destination, where ever that was. It seemed like it was turning into the city just before them, which was just fine with her. As long as it was a place that she could safely call her own she didn't mind.

Slowly sitting down onto the ground, she stretched out her leg with the bad ankle and sighed. Looking down to the ground she mindlessly began to roll the joint, the pain duller than it was a few days ago. She began to feel relatively sad now with the thought of them parting. While it was silly for her to feel that way, she couldn't help it. While there would be plenty of opportunities to meet new people, parting with the first group of friends was the hardest. She wondered if Lestat would stay of it he would leave as well.

“Where...where will you go?” Raven asked quietly, her eyes never leaving the ground. Her long, thin fingers played with the blades of grass on the ground as she waited for his response.

Taishar's eyes went to the sky. It was a light blue, a few clouds swam across it and the sun shone as bright as ever despite the evils that were in the world. He kept his eyes to the sky and responded to Raven as truthfully, but vaguely, as he could. "I don't know. I search simply to eliminate the evils that would destroy this world."

He paused and his gaze went to his pack while his hand rummaged for a small root that he pulled out. He raised it to his mouth and finished. "I wouldn't want to put either of you in harm's way." With that he took a bite and chewed it slowly. A grain of dirt that hadn't been washed off ground against his teeth. He swallowed. It wasn't the first, or last, time he had eaten dirt. You had to live with what you had.

He then looked to the girl, she seemed a little sad by her tone and actions. He supposed that she had become attached. It would probably be best that they didn't become any closer. There would be less pain that way. For them both. Taishar was on a quest that could easily lead to his death and undoubtedly there would be deaths of others along the way. Raven didn't need to be one of them and wouldn't need to cry if he was.

He knew he should say something to console her but they weren't much more than strangers and Taishar's duty to get her somewhere safe was almost done. If this city was welcoming and she accepted it as her new home he would have completed that part of his life and would go back to looking for the Zaleran Empire. The Dark Lord's reign couldn't go on.

"I don't know. I search simply to eliminate the evils that would destroy this world." Taishar said at his place on the ground. The girl stopped twirling the blades of grass and she looked to the man in front of her with an unreadable expression. It was his decision to leave, but for some reason she felt disappointed about it. She scoffed softly as she slowly rose from her seat. Placing as little weight on her foot as possible the girl stepped to the side began to walk forward.

"I wouldn't want to put either of you in harm's way."

“You think you can do it by yourself?” She found herself asking softly. Bringing her hands together she looked down to the ground, her back facing her fellow travelers. Where had her question come from? She didn't even know what dangers he was speaking of. She knew that there were bad people; that was something that the world couldn't be without. But how could one man take it all on? Her thoughts were naïve but valid.

“Harm will eventually meet everyone. But I digress...” She walked to the edge of the tree line, looking to the walls of the city she would soon be stepping into. Maybe once she got there she could forget everything that took place and start over from scratch. She didn't want to have to worry about anyone, but she knew that was something she would never be able to truly ignore. She would just slowly grow numb, perhaps. Would she want that, though? Leaning against a tree she stared at the city, resting her head against the bark of the trunk.

Taishar swallowed another bite of the root. It really didn't have much taste at all, but it was something to eat that he knew to be safe. He watched her walk to the tree line and stare at the city ahead when she asked her question. He didn't want to go in depth about it with her. She didn't need to know about the Dark Lord if she didn't already.

"I mean to do what I can to stop people from getting harmed." He stood, his pack in his hand, and walked forward. It was time to finish their journey and enter the unknown city. "That is why I helped you get here and will continue to help you as long as you need it."

He paused when he came even with the girl and gazed at the white, ivy covered, walls ahead. He had never seen a place like this before. It looked so clean, so peaceful. No apparent marks of war and placed in a forest. The sounds a forest made were beautiful during the day and night.

His mind snapped back to the moment. His past kept coming up in his mind, so many memories he wished he could have again. Taishar's eyes went to the girl and he offered her his arm for support before they started the last small hike.

He wanted to tell her that he was sent to this world to do these things, to help people and destroy the evils that would harm the world. He didn't though. She didn't need to know he was from a different world. He knew, that the biggest reason he didn't tell her though, is that that would be accepting that his purpose in life was to fight. He wanted peace. He wanted to eventually return to that small village in the middle of the woods that he helped build. That place that no war had touched and regret became only a memory.

As Raven and Taishar conversed, I sat against a nearby tree. They seemed almost oblivious of me since the accident a while back. Occasionally, Taishar would offer me food, but I rejected every time. I was fine with just my jerky. Of course, while they slept, I hunted animals nearby. The best I could find were some hares and rodents.

As we progressed through our journey, a city had approached....according to Taishar.
Ever since my Rebirth, I have always staid within the boundaries of the Forest. It had always been my home. Being away from my haven, it had....altered me. I wasn't used to not being omniscient of my surroundings.

Taishar had said something about leaving the group, due to some quest he was on. As he said this, I looked at Raven. Though we had only been traveling for a short time, I could tell she had started to become attached to us. I had guessed that she wasn't used to being around people too much, and she quickly grew attached....Of course, it was only a guess. If one knows what to look for, they can greatly understand a person by just looking at them. However, no matter how good you were, the technique wasn't always accurate.

"He doesn't care too much about surviving, as long as his task is accomplished."I said to Raven, trying to answer her question. Hopefully I was right about Taishar. He seemed like a person who would give everything in this world to find peace again, but knows that the only way that can happen is by risking his own life for the greater good of this world.

"And don't worry, Raven. Though he will leave soon, I plan to remain with you."

"He doesn't care too much about surviving, as long as his task is accomplished. And don't worry, Raven. Though he will leave soon, I plan to remain with you." Lestat said from behind. Raven looked over her shoulder and smiled softly, relieved that he offered to remain with her for the time being at least. She sighed and nodded, all the while keeping her smile on her soft features. Turning to face him completely she said: “Thank you, Lestat. That gives me comfort. I wouldn't want to be left alone any where...At least not right away.” She then stopped herself, afraid of the way it may have sounded to Taishar. Looking to him, she gave him an apologetic glance.

“Not to make it sound like you were dumping me anywhere. I mean...uhm...Sorry. I didn't mean it the way it sounded.” She began to feel flustered and embarrassed. While Taishar was a man who did not wear his emotions on his sleeve, he was human and therefore still felt. The last thing the girl wanted to do was make anyone upset. Quickly trying to find something to change the subject with, she looked back to the city and made up her mind.

“I think I can go on, you know? My ankle is doing much better!” She said, ignoring the blatant throbbing in her foot. Some of her statement was a lie while the other part was truth. It was much better than the other night, however there was still some pain to be felt.

“We should probably get there quickly. We're loosing light as we sit here.” She said, and she slowly began to walk down the small hill towards the city just ahead.

He let Lestat's comment go. There was no use in confirming or denying it. What was was. The girl's comment, though, came as a surprise. It seemed very straight forward for her. Taishar wasn't sure how to take it, though he was simply dumping her. Her and Lestat.

His eyes became locked on the city as she stumbled on her words to explain what she didn't mean by her words. He could accept what she said. Hopefully when they did go their separate ways neither would remember him except for a silent man that traveled with them for a few days.

He said nothing as the girl began making her way to the city in the distance. It was a slow pace and Taishar easily caught up. He slowed when he reached the girl's side and walked quietly as the city grew until they stood in front of an opening in the wall. It seemed a tunnel into the city and, after glancing in both directions, the warrior saw that there were other similar entrances.

It was a long tunnel, 50 meters at least. The wall of this city was massive. At least it was well lit, it seemed these holes were supposed to be used by people to gain entrance to the city.

Raven walked silently as she and the other two approached the city entrance. Taishar walked beside her, and Lestat just a step behind. Her eyes were focused on the ground as she slowly limped to the gate. It was a long tunnel entering into the city, and along the wall of the town there seemed to be similar entrances as well. This place seemed like a massive city, which made her both excited and intimidated at the same time. This place would be massive and a pain to take on, but as long as she had Lestat, it would be somewhat easier to take on. Like she stated before, it was a relief to see he would remain.

She turned her head to the side slightly, giving her the proper perspective to look at Taishar nonchalantly out of her good eye. She knew he wouldn't go into what he was hunting for, but she really wanted to know. The more she kept quiet, the more this issue began to eat away at her. It was obviously going to be a dangerous trip because he didn't want Lestat or her around when he left. Or maybe he just didn't like them? Her gut dropped. She certainly didn't want to be considered a nuisance or annoyance to anyone. She brought her eyes back to the ground and slowly shook her head.

Once at the edge of the entrance, she stopped and sighed. Her ankle throbbed softly, the pain subtle but annoying at the same time. She ignored it, however, and continued to look forward.

"I'm sorry," she said quietly to Taishar, finally looking at him completely. She studied his blank face, wanting to see something as far as emotions went. Sighing inwardly, she continued.

"I hope I didn't offend you a moment ago. I didn't mean anything by what I said...about you leaving and all..."

His voice was emotionless as was his face and eyes. Nothing betrayed anything he might have been feeling. Only he knew what went on in his mind and heart. "It is fine. I am simply leaving you two if this place is to your liking. I'm simply here to make sure you are safe."

He glanced at the girl. She seemed to be sincerely worried that she had hurt his feelings. Maybe she had. If so, though, it didn't matter. He would get over it, he had been through much worse than someone pointing out the truth.

Taishar then turned to face her fully and looked at her ankle. "Are you alright to continue or shall we rest for another couple minutes? I don't know when we might find a place to rest inside the city."

For someone who appeared emotionless he was still human and his mind did worry about those he traveled with. He would continue to ask her how her ankle was until it was better or until he left. His face and voice just never mimicked the feelings behind his questions.

Very considerate of you, but what about taking that consideration for yourself as well? I appreciate the thoughtfulness of you bringing me here to this city, especially since we only met a few days ago, but what about you? Where will you go? Who will you face? Who will you meet? Why am I asking so many questions? Honestly, why do I care so much? We are all strangers who will separate at some point in time, so why worry about it? That point in time is coming up fast, and I'm letting myself get worked up about it. Maybe I'm clinging onto people to fast. Am I really...that pathetic?

Raven sighed once more, gripping her staff tightly. Looking forward, the girl was somewhat thankful for the man's stoic nature; she didn't want to see any hurt or anger in his eyes for what she had said. So, nodding in agreement to his earlier statement, she dropped the issue...for the time being. It would come up at some point again, but she wouldn't worry about it for now.

"Are you alright to continue or shall we rest for another couple minutes? I don't know when we might find a place to rest inside the city." Taishar asked. The girl looked over to him, studying his face for a moment before bearing a grin. Tapping her staff twice on the ground, she nodded forward through the city.

“Let's keep going. We're here, so it shouldn't be too hard to find an inn or something to rest in within the next few minutes. Try to stop worrying about my ankle. I appreciate it, but it really is feeling much better!” She pat the man on his shoulder reassuringly before stepping forward. Looking over her shoulder she looked back to Lestat, her grin still standing on her features.

“Lets go and find a nice place to sit down. I don't want to be in the woods anymore; I'm ready to see what this place is going to be like.” She said and then continued forward.

She walked in front of the men, leading the party through the long tunnel into the city. When she was alone, her smile began to fade to an unreadable expression. Her eyes studied the ground as she walked, looking to the cobblestone road. She was becoming nervous about this new location, and past issues were now beginning to bother her once more.

Well that didn't take long.

She closed in on the end of the tunnel, and immediately her breath caught in her throat as she took in the city. It was truly grand, at least compared to what she had come from. The walls were a bright white, reflecting the sunlight strongly off of their structures. Nature seemed to be a strong aspect to this city, flowers and shrubs decorating every window and decoration of the town. Her smile had returned, softer this time, and pleased with the random choice life had thrown at her. It seemed that for the most part, things were going smoothly. She held a hand over her eyes, blocking the bright sunlight from blinding her. So the girl stood, staff in hand, and looked over her potential home. Who would she meet here, and what would she do? There were so many questions running through her mind, she didn't know what to think.

“I like it,” she said quietly, taking in the sunlight. It felt good. Maybe she would do it more often. She removed her hand from her brow and let it hang loosely down by her side. She took in a deep breath and then turned to look at her companions.

“Well, shall we find an inn?”

((Sorry for the late response. I've been distracted by something. Not sure what. *shrug*))

He turned as she nodded toward the city. She changed herself. She decided to leave what was bothering her behind for now. It would, no doubt, catch up again, though. Then Taishar would have to explain his situation more. He wished and hoped that she didn't know what was wrong with the world. It was truly frightening to know there were beings higher than them on this planet trying to destroy it.

He let a short sigh out as she explained he shouldn't worry about her ankle. Her touch surprised him but he didn't move. He didn't have much of a response to her when she stepped forward. His eyes shifted to the trees. "Very well."

The warrior heard her first steps rather than seeing them and took one to keep up. He looked back ahead and paused when she stopped and looked over her shoulder. At least Lestat would stay and keep her safe from anything that may happen. Maybe they both would be untouched by the Dark Lord and his lust for death.

Once she started walking again, Taishar followed quietly. He was left with thoughts and memories. He had left his peaceful life in a small village, left Lucian in the port town so long ago, watched as men died for the victory that should have lasted forever against the Dark Lord. His time with the Golden Sash had been brief but he remembered the people who died. He couldn't save them anymore than he could have saved his world. He had tried.

The sun glared down on them as they came out of the tunnel and Taishar looked up with his eyes squinted so he could see the blue sky. It was a nice day. His vision went back to the street and the people wandering around. The city was very clean, it looked like. The white of everything he found disconcerting.

He looked for an inn, a sign, and, sure enough, there was one just down the street. He couldn't read the name from where they were. "There." He said when the girl turned around. "If that's full we can find another. In a city this size there will be plenty inns around."

He took a few steps forward then stopped and glanced down an alley. There was nothing there... He then continued. The pace he set was rather slow. He acted like he was wary. His eyes caught everything, he had been used to watching for assassins or thieves. Large cities had often contained many of both in his world. In this world, though, in this city, it was mostly an act. His pace was slow for the girl. He wouldn't ask her about it if she didn't wish him to but he wouldn't stop worrying about it. It was, in part, his fault that she had been harmed.

Taishar seemed to be on guard and weary as he took his slow steps through the city. He had pointed out an inn just head, and butterflies began to flutter in Raven's stomach. She began to walk forward, waving for the two men to follow. She reached the inn door and stopped in front of it, looking at the elaborate wooden carvings decorating the doorway. She placed her hand on the door and followed the carvings, her good eye following the flow of the wood work slowly. For a split second it seemed as if vision came into her left eye, but it faded away just as quickly as it came. She blinked a few times, bringing her hand off of the door and to her cheek, touching it softly. She jumped as she heard a voice from behind.

“Um, excuse me, but can you move? You're in the way,” A woman said as she placed her hands on her hips. Raven whipped around quickly, her hair following shortly after, barely missing the front of the stranger's face. The woman standing before her was not phased by Raven's actions, failing to blink as a reaction to Raven's hair nearly making contact with her face. Raven stared at her wide eyed, and the woman began to grow impatient.

“Hello? Do you understand what I am saying to you?” The woman asked while raising an eyebrow.

“Um...um, yes....I-I do. Sorry...” She stammered, growing quiet towards the end of her statement. She moved to the side, her head down, cheeks flushed, and eyes focused on the ground. The woman brushed passed her and into the inn, and now Raven had second thoughts as far as going in. Running a hand through her hair, she took in a deep breath, trying to make her decision. She considered changing her mind and asking Taishar and Lestat if they could go somewhere else, but they were already here, and Taishar wanted to get going.

“Um, I guess....we can go in now,” She said, her eyes still looking to the ground as she turned back to the door. She opened it slowly and stepped inside. It seemed to be relatively busy, multiple people making their way up and down the stairs as well as in and out of the building. She wasn't quiet sure what to do at this point, but seeing a older, thicker woman sitting behind a counter with glasses sliding down her nose, she walked forward and gave a meek smile.

“Can I help you?” The woman asked with a rather gruff voice. Raven cocked her head to the side and gripped her staff tightly in hand, examining the woman.

“I guess I need a room... I-I've never done this before, I'm not too sure how to go about this...”

“Well, will your friends be needing a room, as well?” The woman asked as she looked over Raven's shoulder to the two men. Raven then turned and looked at the two of them, unsure of how to answer.

“Well, do you...?” Raven asked quietly.

Taishar followed the girl towards the inn and continued his watch of everything. He saw the older woman walk towards the door and stood by while Raven handled the situation. The woman was rude. Some of the people he hoped to save were like her. Others, though, were like Raven and Lestat. That is why he needed to go.

He pushed the door open and entered shortly after the girl. He had to duck slightly to get through the door. Their party drew a few eyes but most ignored the trio and continued whatever they were doing. It was a busy place.

Taishar walked up to the counter behind Raven, and listened to how she interacted. It made him wonder about her. Where she came from that would make her so timid, so unsure. When both females looked back to him he nodded and stepped forward, pulling his pack from his back. "Three rooms. Have hot meals delivered to them as well."

He set his small pack on the counter and brought out a few golden coins. He set them on the counter for the innkeeper to take. Her eyes went wide for a moment, "What kind of coins are these, sir? I've never seen marks like these." but before he could answer she grabbed them and gave a big smile. "Nevermind, it doesn't matter now does it? The rooms are right up the stairs and at the end of the hall. Enjoy your stay. The food should be ready in a few minutes."

Maybe three gold was a bit much for this place. All he had was golden coins from his own world though, it would have to do. Some of the men sitting at the counter did glance at the three when they saw the gold but turned their attention back to their cups when they saw Taishar and his steel.

The warrior thanked the woman behind the counter and looked at Raven, "I'll stay for a couple days to make sure everything here is fine." He slung the pack back over his shoulder and began to make his way to the stairs. He spoke to his two companions over his shoulder, "We can talk about what will happen next over a hot meal."

A hot meal – it sounded amazing. It had been a long time since she had a hot meal, or at least it felt that way. She followed Taishar up the stairs, looking over her shoulders multiple times. She watched as the men sitting at the one of the tables watch them, and that made her feel slightly nervous. She had seen the small handful of coins Taishar had handed the clerk. Raven was naïve, but she surely wasn't dumb. That was a lot of money, and the girl had no idea the man had that much on his person. She had never seen that much money before in her life, so it was quite a shock when he brought it forward. She would say nothing about it, however, seeing as how that would just be rude.

"I'll stay for a couple days to make sure everything here is fine," Taishar said to Raven, “We can talk about what will happen next over a hot meal.”

“Fine with me,” She said softly. She continued upwards, passing a few others on their way down the stairwell. It was strange to finally be around such an amount of people. She watched them interact with one another, speak to one another, and even in some cases, argue. It was so interesting, considering the only people she had ever interacted with was her mother, aunt, and Allen. A strange comparison indeed.

Once she reached the top of the stair, she turned to Taishar.

"She said at the end of the hall, right? I guess it doesn't matter which ones we choose, right? They are probably all the same." She said softly. She walked towards the end of the hall, her staff in one hand and her bag in the other. Grabbing the door knob slowly, she turned it, almost hesitant, worrying that someone may be inside. Once she finished opening it, she noticed that it was in fact vacant, sending a wave of relief through her.

"I'm going to put some stuff away before we get our food. I would like to get as settled in as possible.”

Taishar walked up the stairs after Raven. She could pick her room first. He slowly followed her down the hall and simply stood when they reached the end, it didn't matter which room he got. They were, as she said, mostly the same. A simple bed, a bedside table, maybe. Something to give off light and, if they were lucky, a dresser and mirror.

The warrior watched the girl. She wasn't at all used to cities. This place would be a hard adjustment for her. She opened her door and spoke to him. His arms were folded and he stood in front of the door farthest down the hall. The girl seemed satisfied with hers and Lestat, he was sure, wouldn't mind. They could have the rooms at the very end, just across the hall from each other.

He nodded at Raven in a simple response to her statement. He then opened his squeaky door and saw a stuffed rucksack next to his bed. The room itself seemed to be vacant, no signs of anything else, so he walked in. He decided to leave the door open while he took off some of his things.

He looked around at his room, and, other than the rucksack he saw that the bedside table had been moved to one side of the door and the bed was pushed to the corner of the room with the head of the bed directly facing the door. He also saw there was a dresser and mirror on the wall, though the bed was under the mirror, not the dresser, and the dresser was in the middle of the room. The arrangement led Taishar to believe the previous occupant of the room was very nervous about something.

He looked around at the walls and saw no stains, no signs of any blood or anything else anywhere. Just an odd arrangement of furniture. A table to block the door, the mirror to distract an intruder, the door could have been fixed to squeak when opened to wake up the occupant who would then wake up and be facing right towards whoever was sneaking in. He didn't know why the dresser was in the middle of the room though. It didn't matter anymore anyway.

He pushed the sack under his bed with his foot. It was likely not his to look through so for the moment he would leave it alone. He took off his small pack and tossed it on the pillow. He pulled the sheath with the huge sword on his back off and set it onto the bed. He kept his two smaller blade at his sides while he pushed the dresser under the window.

It looked like his view was the wall and roof of the next building. That means Raven got the street view and Lestat would get the same as himself. The city watch would at least ensure no one would break into Raven's window. Dark alleys and roofs were different though. Better that he or Lestat get a burglar than the girl.

Raven slowly entered into her room and took a look around, her good eye managing to take in every detail that she could. Cocking her head to the side she looked to her large bed, something much larger than she was used to. Her bed at home was the size for only one person, and this bed could fit two, maybe three people easily. Walking over to it, she pressed her finger into the mattress, a little dissatisfied with the comfort level of the piece of furniture. It would feel like a rock, but she would manage to handle it. Taking in a deep sigh, Raven knew that she should appreciate what she was given. Taishar was kind enough to pay for their rooms, so she would take it all in the best she could.

Stepping away from the bed she went over to the second piece of furniture to examine. The dresser sat in front of a large mirror, and Raven looked to her image, her face contorting slightly to a disgusted expression. She was dirty, earth smudged and stretched across her face. Her hair was slightly ratty and tangled, and her clothes were a bit dirty as well. She sat her sack on the floor next to the dresser and began to search through it, pulling out a new, unused outfit. She needed to find a place to wash up, so maybe she could get it done before they were to eat. She just needed to let Taishar and Lestat know. She didn’t need anyone becoming worried.

She slowly stepped out of her room, looking down the hall towards the stairwell. It was quiet for the moment, which gave her slight relief. She didn’t want to be stuck in the middle of the hallway with a stranger, left to make awkward conversation. It could happen, and she hated it when that happened.

She knocked on the door to Taishar’s room softly, and then slowly turned the knob. She opened the door slowly, and then peeked her head in, her eyes slowly traveling across the room. Her eyebrows furrowed when she saw what state the room was in, confused at the strange set up. Her eyes finally landed on Taishar, a small smile quirking upwards. The dresser sat under the window, and the bed was placed directly across from the door, headboard facing the entrance.

“Interesting set up…” She said quietly. “I’m just letting you know that I’m going to try and find the washroom before our food arrives. I’ll just be a moment,” She then grinned as she closed the door and began to walk down the hall. The wood beneath her began to creak as she walked, the setting sun peeking through the windows above the stairwell. Once she made it down the hall, she found what looked like a communal washroom. She slowly stepped inside.

Taishar stopped what he was doing and turned his head slightly when his door opened until he saw it was the girl. She told him where she would be. He appreciated it; he didn't want to find her not in her room and wonder if something happened. He had charged himself to protect her after all. "Enjoy. If you need anything let myself or the innkeeper know."

He heard the door close as she left and grabbed the little rucksack he pushed under his bed. He sat it on the blanket and opened the top slightly to find just a small change of clothes. That told him nothing of who was in this room before or why they were so worried. He closed it and sat it in the far corner of the room.

He looked into the mirror above his bed and saw how he looked. His shirt was torn and ragged from the bushes he went through when he found Raven and Lestat. His pants were in better shape but were filthy from travel. Some time he would need to go into the city and find some new clothes. He took off his shirt, folded it, then set it with his small pack.

He looked into the mirror again and his eyes scanned every scar on his body. He knew where some came from. Those scars still hurt. His thoughts went to the last person he swore to protect. He had promised to live for her, live out both of their lives. He killed her because nobody was more important than the world they lived on but it died anyway. Her death meant nothing.

He walked into the hallway after a few more minutes and down into the common room. The people who were at the counter glanced at him again. They could see his scars and muscles and weapons. Taishar was sure that was all they saw. He didn't stop walking until he was outside of the door.

He leaned on the wall right outside with his arms folded in front of his chest. He felt like feeling the sun on his skin again and took a moment to actually feel it. He wanted to remember the small village he left to come fight again. He used to lay on his roof and let the sun beat down on him. It made him feel at peace.

Before long, though, he walked back in and up the stairs to his room. He didn't want to be gone when Raven came back or she might worry. He laid down on his bed and waited for the girl and the food to arrive.

The girl walked down the hall, the floor boards creaking as she did so. Wrapping around a small corner, Angel entered the public wash room. There were multiple stalls to enter to bathe in, and luckily, no one else was in here. She would be alone to shower, and that was what she preferred. It was awkward to bathe around others. She found that out all too well the other, with Lestat sitting in the tree beside her. Her brow furrowed at the thought, her nose scrunching slightly. She knew he meant no harm; if he did he would have made some sort of move. She trusted the vampire with her life, much like she did with Taishar. It was just...weird. Shaking her head, her platinum blond hair whipped behind her as she wiped the thought from her mind. After a few moments of gathering her thoughts, she stepped forward and into the shower.

Looking into the strange stall, she saw it wasn't as much of a bath or shower as it was a stall with a bucket full of water, and a rag hanging on a small, rusty rail.

“Ew.”

But it was better than nothing, and she would need to get over the sight of it if she wanted to become even remotely clean. So, she stripped down and went into the shower. It didn't last long, so by grabbing a towel off of a rack on the wall, she stepped out and went over to one of the many small mirrors hanging on the wall. With the towel wrapped tightly around her body and her hair slightly damp from washing it. She lacked a brush, so she began to run her fingers thought her strands of blond. It was a slow and painful process, but she was making progress none the less. Well, until a strange sound came from the stall she was once in.

The bucket that she had made sure was safely on a half wall within the stall had fallen, the water spilling out over the tile flooring of the wash room. Cocking an eyebrow, Raven walked over towards the stall slowly, wondering what could have made it fall. Then, a slight tingle in her left eye began to take place. It tickled almost, making the girl rub it furiously.

Then, a strange voice began to hum through the wash room...

The girl's back stiffened, her eye now red from the previous assault. Her hands fell to her side, and her back stiffened in fear. That voice was familiar. She had heard before, and it all happened just a few nights ago in the forest. So it really was all real? She had gone for a few days without hearing it, but now it was back? Could she really be crazy?

Hey there, Raven...

That was enough to send a jolt of energy through the girl. She bolted for the door, swinging it open powerfully. It smacked against the wall of the wash room, and leaving behind her fresh and dirty clothes, Raven ran down the hallway towards Taishar's room. Opening the door quickly, she ran inside, her head dizzy and her breaths heavy. She clutched onto her towel, yet failed to realize that she was still in the towel in the first place.

“Taishar, I...I...um...!” She couldn't get the words out – she was far too disorientated. Taking a look around she tried to calm herself, until she realized how she actually looked. She was no where near suitable for any form of interaction, considering she was still wrapped up in her bath towel and her hair was a tangled mess. Her heart sank and she whimpered as she realized how she was dressed. That was all it took to cause her to go running out of his room and into her own, blushing furiously. She ran to her sack of clothing and quickly changed.

He was in a daze. He didn't know what to do, only what he wanted to do and what he knew he should do. His mind went through the different paths the future could take. What could one man do against a god? He knew he shouldn't stay with Raven and Lestat. He knew he should go and fight with the Empire to rid the world of the evil. But then doubt filled him. He failed one world, there was nothing stopping him from failing this one. There were hundreds of reasons he should go fight but there were also reasons he shouldn't.

His eyes snapped open when he heard footsteps in the hallway. Someone was running. He pushed himself up into a sitting position just when his door burst open. His hand instinctively went to his sword. When he saw it was Raven, her hair messy and only a towel around her, he stood and took a step forward, hand still on the handle of his blade. He didn't know what happened so his mind went to someone trying to attack her while in the bathing room.

She tried to say something but then suddenly turned and ran out of his room. He took a few quick steps to his doorway and looked out in time to see her door slam closed. Taishar looked down the hall towards the stairs and saw no one. He started to doubt his first thought of someone bothering her. What could have spooked her so badly that she would run out with no clothes on?

He stepped out of his room and shut the door and took one more look at the stairs. No one. He could only hear the noise of the common room. He walked to Raven's door and knocked twice. "Is everything alright?"

Taishar's thoughts of the war and the world ending were gone now. All that filled his mind was worry for Raven. He didn't notice that his vow to protect her easily overrode his sense of guilt for his world being destroyed and redemption by trying to save this one.

Two soft knocks came upon her door, and just after Raven finished dressing, she looked over her shoulder to the door. It was Taishar, and his voice confirmed it as he asked if everything was okay. No, not really! I just heard that creepy voice from the other night! Raven thought to herself, her heart pounding. Her face was still flush from the embarrassment she just put herself through, and now she didn't know how the handle the situation. What was she going to do? She could go out there and tell Taishar about what just took place, but what would he say? What could he say? Sorry that happened? Sorry you're crazy. Maybe you should go and check that out? She shook her head, her now unruly hair tangling more and more by the second.

“Um...um...ye-es...?” she stammered, running her hands nervously through her hair. She looked to the mirror, examining her worn features. She was growing tired and needed to eat. Hopefully the food would be here soon. It seemed to be taking a long time.

Deciding that she wouldn't let Taishar sit outside the hall any longer with no real explanation, she walked forward and opened it slowly, peeking her head around and looking to him meekly. She took in a deep breath and then walked around the door, and closed it softly behind her. There she stood, right before Taishar with very little to say. She had no idea how to word what she just went through, and it was slightly embarrassing.

“Sor-sorry....” She said as she looked down to the wooden flooring of the inn, “I didn't mean to worry you. Um....” she paused for a moment, trying to think of a way to explain what happened. She could lie, saying that she saw something out the corner of her eye, or that maybe a rat had crossed the floor beside her feet, but both stories were lies, and she was terrible at lying anyways. And besides, she would be more curious about the rat than afraid of it, wanting to play with the animal before running away in fear. She liked small animals.

“I heard that voice again....or at least I think I did. You know, the one I went chasing after the other night. I got a little scared.” The end of her sentence trailed off to almost a whisper, her cheeks blushing to a bright red. “Maybe I am crazy....I don't know.”

A sound came from down the hall, and reaching the top of the stairs was an employee of the inn with a tray of food in hand. She walked down the hall slowly before stopping in front of Taishar and Raven, a soft smile forming on her lip.

"Your food is now ready. I can put it in your individual rooms or I can set it all in one. Any preference?"

He heard her call from inside that everything was alright but her answer wasn't one that made him feel at ease. It seemed almost a question from her tone. He turned to face the door rather than the stairs when it began to open. He saw that she was dressed now, but her hair was still uncombed. It didn't truly matter to him much whether she had her hair brushed or wore any clothes, he was used to both and didn't have wandering eyes.

He stood and waited for her to speak first. Whatever happened upset her so she should be able to speak of it when she could find the words, or maybe the courage. She started with an apology, which wasn't necessary, but he didn't say so. He could tell her later that if he was to protect her there was always something to worry about... No. That would only make things worse.

Taishar listened to her explanation, his face like a stone. She wasn't crazy he was sure, something made that trap and led her to it in the forest. He glanced to the stairs when he heard someone walking up and spoke to Raven, "You're not crazy. I've seen crazy people and you act nothing like they did."

When he finished a woman with a tray of food came to the top of the stairs and walked towards them. When she stopped she asked where they would like their food, in one room or separate. The warrior thought Raven might appreciate the company at the moment, after being so frightened, so he told the server to put them in his room. "And our other companion should be in his room."

The smile she had never faded as put the food in the two rooms, she set two bowls of warm soup on the desk right by the door and knocked on Lestat's before entering. She was out a few moments later and began to walk down the hall. When she passed Raven and himself Taishar thanked her.

After she was a ways down the hall Taishar motioned to his room. "If you would rather eat alone you're more than welcome to but I thought you would like some company."

"You're not crazy. I've seen crazy people and you act nothing like they did."

Raven smiled softly as her eyes stared down at the hard wood flooring of the inn, a cough of laughter escaped her lips. It was nice to hear that he didn't think she were crazy – that made her extremely happy. She could hug he man, but she knew that wasn't Taishar's cup of tea. She knew that he wasn't...emotional, and she could live with that. She was just grateful to have him around.

And then the woman with the food came. Raven looked up, her eyes wide from being surprised from the visit. She was silent when she made her way up the stairs, and when she made it to the two in the hallway, she asked what rooms they would want their food in. Taishar directed her to Lestat's room, and then told her to place the other two in his room. The girl did as she was told, and after dropping off the food Taishar looked back to Raven and began to speak.

"If you would rather eat alone you're more than welcome to but I thought you would like some company." he said to her. She began to nod.

“I would love some company. That would be nice.” she smiled softly once more before walking towards Taishar's room. As she slowly opened the door, she looked inside the room once more to see it in its strange set up. She walked in and then turned towards the door, cocking her head to the side.

“So, why is your room set up so strange?” She asked. She did realize that he could very well not know why the room was like this, but perhaps he was the one who did this in the first place. There had to be some reasoning behind it.

((Sorry for the long wait. I've been pretty bust IRL))

((No worries. Sorry for my late reply as well...))

Taishar waited in the hall while she went inside his room. He entered as she turned and asked about his room's set up. He paused a moment, thinking of what would be the best way to tell her his guess. "The location of the bed and the mirror above it could just be how the last occupant wanted it. The table and the marks on the floor by the legs show that it was used to block the door."

He looked at Raven before continuing. "The noise that the moving table would make would wake up the person in the bed and the mirror could be used for a momentary shock to the thief. Seeing someone staring back at you could startle you, if only for a moment before you realize it's only a reflection. That moment, and the time it would take to push the table and the door farther to enter, could give the occupant time to get a weapon."

His eyes scanned the room again. He had no answer for the dresser in the middle of the room. Something to keep between himself and his attacker? It didn't matter. "Or it could be that it was the last occupant's preference to have his furniture like this. The marks on the floor could be something else entirely."

He didn't believe they were anything but what he said but he hoped that could put any unease his true thoughts might have caused her mind to rest. He motioned to the only chair, next to the wall. "Enjoy your meal."

Taishar walked to his bed and opened his pack again. He pulled out a different shirt than the other one he wore before. It was in slightly better shape though there were a few red stains on it. He turned it inside out in attempts to dull them but it only worked to a small degree. While looking it over he glanced to Raven, "Do you have any idea what this voice you keep hearing might be?"

After his question he thought about the clothes in the small sack under his bed but they weren't his to use and they likely wouldn't fit him. The warrior pulled on the stained shirt and went to the table. He picked up his bowl of soup and leaned against the wall to eat.