Kaneki awoke the next morning with tiredness in his eyes. He slumped out of bed and got dressed in his fisherman clothes and his cape. He opened the door to find Rook lounging in a chair next to his room.

"Have you been sitting out here all night?" asked Kaneki, wondering how he could sleep in such an uncomfortable, wooden chair.

"We pawns do not need to sleep." Rook said. " We aren't like humans. I haven't been sitting here all night; I returned to the Rift from which I was summoned."

"Oh... I see." said Kaneki. "Could you take me to the Encampment now? I'm ready."

"As you wish." replied Rook, getting up from where he sat.

"Excuse me." a woman interrupted. "I don't mean to eavesdrop, but I happened to hear that you were traveling to the Encampment. I also happen to be traveling there, and I was wondering if you could help me get there. You remember me of course?"

"Um... Not really." said Kaneki. The woman was quite beautiful.

"My name is Madeleine, don't you remember? Madeleine? The best peddler in all of Gransys? Well, no matter. I've heard of you, you saved Casardis from the dragon. Surely fate has brought us together! Don't you agree?"

"Uhh, sure..." said Kaneki. Maybe if I lead her there she'll give me free armor or something...

"Than it's set." she said. "We must travel there with all speed."

Madeleine walk out of the inn and signaled Kaneki to follow. "I can't be late, remember?" she said.

Kaneki led the way through the gate and out into the wilderness of Gransys.

^^.

"A-ha! Gold! Now there's a treat!" said Madeleine, stopping to pick gold off the ground.

"Come on, Madeleine, you can't keep stopping like this. I thought you couldn't be late!" sighed Kaneki.

"Quite right." she said, grabbing the gold.

"'Tis safest on the roads." said Rook, motioning at her to keep up.

"Hold a moment! There is aught here!" Madeleine squealed, reaching for her new find.

Kaneki rolled his eyes. Must we stop ever five seconds?

"What a find!" Madeleine said, running to keep up with Kaneki and Rook.

Kaneki sighed and walked a couple more feet until a gate came into view.

"We're here!" giggled Madeleine, walking up to the gate. "And all is thanks goes to your fine work. Best go inside, don't you think?"

She walked inside and Kaneki and Rook followed, glad the trip was finally over.

"This may sound untoward, but..." she said. "Have you aught in the way of coin...?"

"Oh um..." Kaneki murmured.

"Please! I must make for the capital, but times are dark, and my purse is light. It's a terrible, curse being poor. Times are it takes all I have just to keep my tears back. Will you spare some gold? I will repay you, of course... At some point... Most likely..."

"Oh, alright." said Kaneki, giving her about a quarter of the coins he had.

"I am so very much in love with you at this moment! A women's heart is a dangerous creature, but you know well how to tame it. Oft has it been said a poor life is a happy one. I have never found this true. If ever fortune sees you to Gran Soren and me to be setting up my shop, you must come and visit. I shall even give you a discount!...A small one." she blushed and walked a way, smirking.

Kaneki also blushed, as a matter of fact. Some cheap woman... he thought. Ungrateful, too. But beautiful, all the same. He shook his head and walked off.