Gery noticed the woman tense as they walked into the Inn. He still hadn't gotten her name and, according to Floryn, she was still locked up as tight as ever. He made inquires with the Innkeeper as to the availability of two rooms while his traveling companion warily paced the common room. After finishing with the Innkeeper Gery approached her cautiously.

"The Innkeeper tells me that there are two rooms available. I've taken the liberty of paying, if you don't mind paying for the meal tonight…?" Rwen thought over what the Herald had proposed. The money she would pay in food and drinks would equal that that had been laid down. It was a fair exchange.

"Yes, that would be agreeable." She said "Who is to show us to our rooms?"

"That'd be me, mum!" A small head capped with a riot of brown curls appeared beside Gery's elbow. It was all Rwen could do not to pull her throwing knives. Slowly, skin tight as new leather, and fingers twitching, she began to relax her suddenly tense muscles.

"How is it that you know the Trade Tongue child?" Rwen enquired of the small boy.

"Ye learn a lot, mum, working among all the for'ners 'ere. 'Comes in useful a time or too ye ken?" While the child had been talking they had mounted the stairs leading to the Inn's upper levels.

"I imagine it would child." Rwen said as they arrived at their rooms. The rooms themselves were not large by any stretch of the imagination, but they were solid, and to Rwen surprise, clean. During the past couple of months she could count the times she'd been in an inn on one hand. Experience had taught her that it was not wise to camp in a place that your enemies could find and track you from.

And now? Whispered a voice…

Now, Rwen answered They're either all dead or they'll be waiting for the spring thaw.

Or they will brave the Comb to get you. Winter is no barrier to their hate… hissed another of the voices.

They are assassins, nothing more. They do not hate, they are paid to do a job. Rwen thought back.

A quite knock sounded at the door, startling Rwen out of her thoughts. Stomach tight she approached to door. Her muscles tensed, readying for flight. Her sword was still strapped to her back, if she had to run… But it was only Gery; his colours blurred slightly through her tensions strained eyes. Pulling the door all the way open Rwen's eyes swept the corridor before settling on the man before her.

Gery looked up into the cowed face before him and once again cursed the fact that he was so short.

"I wished to tell you that I'll be in the common room whenever your ready, incase you went next door and were wondering where I'd escaped to." He said, cracking a grin. Rwen watched as his colours spiked with joy/happiness/contentment. She was beginning to like the Herald in spite of herself.

"That was very considerate of you. I will join you shortly." Gery tipped his head to her before heading towards the stairs.

…

Their meals, when they were served, were surprisingly good. A thick stew accompanied by some sharp cheese and a crusty loaf. Which was washed down by sweet mead. Not one of Rwen's favorite drinks, but the selection here was limited. Halfway through her meals Rwen began to feel more than a bit queasy. It was to be expected really. This was the first real meal she had imbued since leaving the Clan and the food, though good, was a bit rich for her stomach. Despite her discomfort Rwen managed to finish her meal and even managed to concentrate on the Bard who was performing in the Common Room.

….

The rest of the trip to Haven progressed much the same as this first night. Gery paid for their lodgings, Rwen paid for their meals. He talked, tried to question, and sang. She listened, evaded, and sat in silence. Rwen's finger itched all the way to Haven, and there were many times throughout the trip that she had to physically restrain herself from drawing her sword or letting her daggers fly. Despite this the trip was relatively incident free.

…..

:.So love, what do you think?.: Gery heard Floryn sigh

:.I honestly don't know. I can read her no better then when we started. And her letter of introduction is genuine. I find it difficult to believe she could have fooled a Shin'a'in but….:

:.But? If you have any reservations Floryn-.:

:.That's just the thing! I don't!.:

:.But….:

:.But.: Floryn agreed.