Nyl shifted her pack strapped to her back and trudged forward through the muddy road. It had only taken fifteen minutes or so to get everyone packed, they traveled light while on the road, but it had already started to drizzle by the time they set out. Amir had pulled out a map and found a small town only about an hour's walk from where they were but it had started pouring within a few minutes of their hike.

They traveled in silence, partly in due to everyone's misery of the downpour but also because of the tension that still hung in the air. Rogvir still had that glare on his face and refused to look anywhere but forward, making him look like he had a grudge against the horizon. Nyl was on the verge of a quip, telling him his face would freeze that way but held it back. Not that she truly cared what Rogvir thought, in all honesty there were very few people whose opinion she held in high regard, but another fight was the last thing the group needed. She had no idea that Rogvir would snap like that; Nyl guessed it was the comment on his father that did him in. She had heard that little tidbit while eavesdropping on him and Amir talking a few weeks ago after one too many bottles of mead. She had joined the duo about six years ago but this was the first time she heard Rogvir actually talk about his father. It was mostly gibberish, he was pretty drunk, but she had heard him mention how his mother had run off with another man and his father did nothing about it, something, according to Rogvir, a coward would do.

She shot another glance at Rogvir, whose gaze was still fixated straight ahead, as she pondered over the predicament. He actually wasn't a bad looking man, she mused to herself, not for the first time in their travels. He had the tall, broad-shouldered look of a Nord, with fair hair done that reached to his shoulders. He normally kept a beard, but a fight with a bandit who happened to know a few Destruction spells caused most of it to be burned off about a month ago. Now there was only bristly stubble that he'd occasionally rub as if it itched. Despite Rogvir being relatively handsome she knew him too well to entertain any romantic notions. The first few weeks she had accompanied Rogvir and Amir she had played with the idea in her head, thinking it would be a fun distraction, but then she got to know him and dismissed the idea quickly. His personality had all of the appeal of a wet blanket and he could barely take a joke. If it weren't for her close relationship with Amir, she would have ditched the group a few years ago, but when someone won her loyalty, not an easy task, they had its unwavering support.

Her thoughts were interrupted when Lywel broke the silence. "This town we are going to, do you think we will find any work there?" The tone of his voice sounded strained and almost falsely cheery but he couldn't be blamed for trying. Nyl liked Lywel, he had maturity beyond his years and was incredibly talented but his age showed sometimes in social situations, and this was one of them. He reminded her faintly of her younger brother sometimes, trying to grow up too fast, which caused a bittersweet ache in her heart. It became clear that neither Amir, nor Rogvir would answer the question, Rogvir still fuming and Amir too lost in his own thoughts.

"It depends on what's going on in the town," Nyl responded briefly. Lywel knew this already but nodded as if he had an answer to his question, which was followed by an awkward silence only broken by the occasional clap of thunder. A little while later they finally rounded the bend to the small town of Rorikstead.

Darkness covered the town thickly and everyone stumbled a few times trying to make their way to the inn. Opening the door, Nyl couldn't help to let a small sigh of pleasure escape her lips. It was a warm, well-lit room with the smell of something meaty and rich cooking over the fire. The innkeeper, a bald Nord, smiled at them from behind a counter.

"If you need a meal or a room, I've got both." His voice was warm and friendly, and had a rich Nord accent that flavored his words nicely. He was an older man and bald but Nyl liked them all ages, and she couldn't deny him being attractive. She wouldn't try anything tonight, she had a weariness in her that she could feel to her bones, but tomorrow was a different story.

Amir strode up to the counter. "We need two rooms, and dinner for each of us."

"For me no plants, only meat," Nyl stipulated. She wasn't particularly religious, but any Bosmer growing up in Valenwood respected their most important god Y'ffre, the Forest Deity.

The tale went how the Bosmer made a deal called the Green Pact with Y'ffre, which in the Wood elves swore to eat only meat-based products and never harm a living plant for their own benefit. She didn't strictly follow this code, when living from day to day as she had most of her life, you didn't stop to think about the moral repercussions of your actions, especially if you had an empty belly. However, if she had the chance she'd follow her people's customs, out of respect more than anything else. Despite her questionable morals and lack of honor, Nyl had a few streaks of integrity in her character.

"I take real coin here, no handouts or bartering," the innkeeper warned. He brightened considerably when Amir pulled out a pouch and counted out the coins necessary.

"Welcome to the Frostfruit Inn friend, I'm Mralki, my boy here will show you to your rooms." Mralki shouted at a young man dozing in a chair who yawned and got up.

"Erik, show these travelers to their rooms, and don't be bothering them with no questions." Nyl caught a glance at the young Nord and had to catch herself from grinning. The young man had his father's good looks but with the certain glow of the vitality of youth, it was going to be a very fun stay.

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So I know a whole lot hasn't happened the first two chapters but I felt like I needed to establish a few things before I get into the fun parts. Hopefully you guys enjoy and feedback is always appreciated. : )