Yrantan adventures (Completed)

[Ezri]

Well, that was almost disasterous. After months of keeping this charade going, Anna couldn't believe she'd just been so careless. She would just have to be more vigilant from now on -- her father was no fool, and she doubted he would be so forgiving if she made another mistake.

In response to Zach's dissonant chiding she just rolled her eyes, although she was more irritated at herself than she was at him. It was lucky that he'd come along when she needed his help and she was grateful, but she couldn't help but dwell on the idea that this was all his fault to begin with. With all the talk of Yranta getting in the way she hadn't had to worry about the marriage, but she could only put it off for so long...

"Your job again? That's too bad. Oh, well... we'll see you at dinner, then." Anna nodded to Zach, her voice light with mock disappointment. But her mind was already wandering; she had to clear this up, with Nate in particular, and as soon as possible. Nerith could probably take a hint and improvise if needed, but Nate was a much less subtle person. As long as she could explain this to him, everything would be fine.

 

[ArcticFox]

Nate was readily chatting with Mrs Penrose in the salon. When Anna and her father entered, the blonde went silent and Mrs Penrose looked at her husband with trepidation. There still was the open matter of Nerith and even though no one said it aloud, they all thought it. And they all waited to see Mr Penrose's reaction.

"I want to welcome you both into our home." He spoke finally, looking at the both men. "Anna told me you were with her in Yranta and I would like to hear more about it." Straight to the point as always, but with welcoming words that seemed to make Anna's mother exhale in relief.
"Oh, dear, let the boys rest a bit first. They traveled for almost a month!" Then she shifted her kind gaze to the two. "You must be very tired, isn't that so, boys?"
"Thank you, both of you." Nerith said, standing up and bowing in respect. "This is a very welcoming reception. Our journey was long, but it was pleasant and we would like to speak with you before anything."
"Yes!" Nate added. "I haven't seen you in such a long time!" His blue eyes instantly found Anna. "I especially need to talk to you!"
"Yes, Nate." Anna smiled nervously. "I would like to speak to you in private for just a moment first, please." Then to everyone. "Of course, if you don't mind." They were excused, but the gazes of Anna's parents did follow them as they walked out of the salon and into a hallway.

"Nate." Anna's tone was and urgent whisper. "Don't say anything about Zach. My parents know nothing about his background and real personality."
"And I understand why!" The blonde exclaimed, which caused Anna to quickly slap a palm over his mouth.
"Shhh. Be discrete, please.
"Mmmffgghh." Then Anna removed her hand. "Fine." Nate said in a slightly lower tone. "What exactly is going on here, Anna?"
"You see..." She shifted uncomfortably. "We kind of... improvised." And then she told him the whole truth.
"Really!" Nate grinned astonished. Then he laughed. "You must be in such a mess right now!" Then he laughed some more. "Don't worry. I won't say a word. And you don't have to worry about Nerith, he is too polite to even mention that subject. But, he'll be glad that it's untrue." When Anna gave him a confused look, he explained. "He seemed pretty sad when we heard about your engagement on the road. You know, I think he still might be feeling something for you." They both fell silent for a moment, but then Nate spoke again. "I, on the other hand, had some very good luck among dark elves. I, my dear Anna, have a very serious relationship currently. And no matter how excited I am to see you, I really can't wait to get back to her."

- Anna is happy for Nate.
- Anna is jealous.
- Anna is intrigued by Nerith's interest.
- Anna wouldn't like Nerith's attention.

 

[Ezri]

"Oh, stop it!" Anna pouted in the face of Nate's laughter -- it couldn't be that funny! She really was in a mess, but he didn't seem very worried at all. Whether she should be reassured by that reaction or not, at least now he could go along with their story and the dinner would go on without incident. Or, she could hope that it would.

Nerith's sadness was bit of a shock to hear about, although maybe it shouldn't have been. He'd told Anna about his feelings, of course, but that felt like it happened so long ago. That night he made it seem like he wasn't too upset by her rejection, but could he have been thinking of her all this time anyway? She bit her lip; it was a flattering concept, and yet she felt guilty just for thinking so. Her love life, if it could be called that, was complicated enough without her second-guessing herself. Nate's romances, on the other hand, seemed to be going much more smoothly.

"Really? Nate, that's wonderful!" Anna smiled, surprised but pleasantly so. To think Nate would have a relationship, and with a dark elf at that... it wasn't something she ever expected, but Anna was proud of him. "You have to tell me all about her later, alright? I'm so curious!"

 

[ArcticFox]

With Nate's promises to tell her all about his romantic ventures among the dark elves and how he overcame all of his prejudices, the two of them returned to the salon where Nerith was right in the middle of his tale about the siege of Yranta. Anna hurried to sit and listen, prepaired to butt in if he started saying something she evaded to talk to her parents about. Thankfully, she had Nate's promise of help.

Nerith did not speak about anything questionable though, and his story fit perfectly with Anna's and when he at one time mentioned how noble and brave Anna was during her lead of the soldiers at the siege, Mr Penrose looked at her, brimming with pride.

Their little talk ended, cakes were eaten and tea drunk and the guys were allowed some rest finally. Led to separate rooms on the second floor two guests said ther goodbyes to Anna for now, they woulf all meet for dinner in a couple of hours.

- Spend that time with Nate.
- Or with Nerith.
- Or find Zach.

 

[Ezri]

Anna was on edge through most of their tea time conversation, but in the end it went on without a hitch. It was a little embarrassing, hearing praise for being a military leader when she wasn't sure she'd done a particularly good job. Nerith was too kind, but it was nice to sense some recognition from her father, and after that she didn't feel much need to worry.

Feeling much lighter already, Anna considered what she should do before the dinner. She spent a lot of time with Zach lately and wouldn't mind doing so now, but his callous words about her friends resurfaced in her mind and she gritted her teeth. She wouldn't seek him out if he was just going to be mean! Besides, she and her guests still had a lot of catching up to do.

She had gotten to speak to Nate earlier, albiet briefly, so Anna decided to check Nerith. Even if he wouldn't say anything either way, Anna did want him to hear the truth about her situation; while Nate would probably talk to him about it eventually, she might as well tell him herself and get everyone on the same page. And Nerith was so reliable -- it would be nice to have a more sympathetic sounding board, for once!

 

[ArcticFox]

As Anna knocked on the door of Nerith's designated room, the dark elf opened it quickly and with a smile greeted her. He was in the middle of changing it seemed. He had taken off his leather armour and the hooded cloak that was dusty after a long time on the road and was now in a light sleeveless tunic and breaches both very well made, but simple and grey. The muscles on his arms were toned and wreathed in old scars that were of the silverish tone on his dark blue skin.

"Miss Penrose, how may I help?" Nerith asked, deep blue eyes focused on Anna.
"I only wanted to talk." She returned the smile. "It's been a while since we saw each other and I understand that you may find my current circumstances a bit... surprising."
"Ah, yes." The elf nodded, his smile turning sour. "There is no need for explanation, miss, I understand completely."
"No, there is." Anna looked down the hallway and then turned to him with a whisper. "May I come in, please?"
"Of course." He moved to let her inside and then closed the door behind her.
"You see, Nerith." Anna begun when she walked into the room. "I am not engaged to Zach, it was just a story we told my parents so they would accept him into their home. I already told Nate, but you should know too."
"Oh." Nerith looked at Anna, eyes slightly widened, but still keeping his composure. "I did not know. But you do not need to worry, I will not say anything." Then he paused, still looking at Anna. "Though, if you will allow me to say this... I am slightly relieved."

- Ask why.
- Change the subject.
- Thank him.

 

[Ezri]

"Of course -- I knew you wouldn't say anything anyway, but I wanted you to know." Anna nodded. His behavior was the same as it always was (kind, but from a safe distance) and she faintly wished that he wouldn't be so formal. They had gone through a lot together, and it was hardly necessary... if Nate was right about Nerith's feelings, however, it probably couldn't be that simple.

She'd almost forgotten about that conversation until now, and she suddenly felt much more awkward. What was she doing, speaking to him alone after learning something like that! Hurriedly she looked away from Nerith and instead at the nearest wall, willing herself to act natural. He might be relieved for some completely innocent reason, still. "Thank you, really. I don't know what you've heard about Zach, but I can understand why his name might have caused some... concern. Nate seemed upset in the letter he sent, too."

 

[ArcticFox]

Nerith gave a small sad smile. "I do not know a first thing about that man, I must admit. But your, and now my, friend Nathaniel seemed to know a thing or two and did not like him a little bit. By his words I judged that man to be a thief and a murderer possibly, though I am aware that Nathaniel is very passionate about his dislikes."
"He is." Anna agreed, nodding. "It's actually a bit more complicated than that."
"I understand." Nerith said. "But I will not insist on any explanations, as it is not my place to." With a slight incline of his head, he shifted his gaze, looking a bit uncomfortable. "I understand that this must be impolite of me to ask, but, have you met with that man you were separated with?" His words made Anna recall the scene where Nerith openly admitted his feelings for her. "I remember the distant look in your eyes when we spoke before the battle. You still have it, though it's much faded."

- Answer truthfully.
- Don't answer.
- Change the subject.

 

[Ezri]

Anna blinked at him, eyes wide. That was certainly and unexpected question -- he met Levon once, she remembered, but they'd never spoken about him. With the war and everything else, they wouldn't have had the opportunity to. For a few seconds she was silent, at a loss for what to say, but she trusted Nerith enough to be honest with him.

"You can see right through me, can't you?" she laughed, although there wasn't much joy in it. "No, I haven't seen him. Honestly, I don't know that I'll ever..." Her voice trailed off, and she shook her head and did her best to smile. Nerith probably didn't want to hear much about this, anyway. "It was a difficult situation, that's all."

 

[ArcticFox]

"You will see him." Nerith's words surprised her. "I'm sure of it. If you care about someone, you will find a way to meet them again." His words had double meanings, but the elf did not allow Anna to speak, giving her a smile. "Thank you for sharing this with me, miss. I appreciate it. However, I would like to bathe and change before dinner, so if you would excuse me."
"Oh, of course!" Anna said, hurrying to go outside of his room. "Have a nice rest, I will see you for dinner, Nerith."
"Thank you." Nerith nodded, smiled again and closed the door.

With still enough time left before dinner, Anna could visit one of her other two friends, or just go to the library and read until it was time to gather again. She could also go and talk with her parents, as her father might have some new plans now that he heard some new facts about Yranta. Actually, Anna did not hear what exactly Nerith said to her parents, maybe there was some new information there for her as well.

- Go to Nate.
- Or Zach.
- Or parents.
- Or wait for dinner alone.

 

[Ezri]

Nerith's statement was surprising enough without the confidence with which he said it. It was difficult to know how to take that encouragement; Nerith wasn't only talking about her and Levon, she guessed. And even if he was, would meeting him again really be so... simple? Her thoughts were consumed with questions along those lines, but she left Nerith's room feeling strangely confident. He really was a good person to confide in.

And while she'd be happy to talk with Nate or spend some time alone, she was stuck. Now that her silly fantasies were being encouraged, Anna was itching to hear whatever she could about Yranta and the possibility of returning. Even if her parents hadn't heard anything, or if her mother would continue to protest going on the trip at all, it would be worthwhile to investigate as much as she could.

 

[ArcticFox]

She found her father in the salon, sitting alone and slowly sipping a glass of whisky. When she entered he turned to her absentmindedly, his thoughts obviously occupied with something else. They sat in silence for a couple of moments, before Mr Penrose put down his glass, and crossed his arms, looking at Anna now with more focus.

"I will travel for Yranta tomorrow." He stated, matter of factly, an abrupt decision that must have been caused by his talk with Nerith.
"What news did you hear, father?" Anna asked.
"Your friend, the elf, told me his scouts went to Yranta some months ago. The city is completely secluded. There are no caravans going to or from it, no ships. The scouts have reported guards on the walls, but everything was eerily silent. For such a large city and an occupying army besides, there ought to be some noise. And how did they get their supplies without trading routes? It doesn't make any sense, Anna." There was a deep worry in his voice. "I have to know what is happening."

- Go to Yranta tomorrow with father.
- Go to Yranta with everyone.
- Go to Yranta with someone.
- Don't go.

 

[Ezri]

"Tomorrow?" Anna repeated, alarmed by the sudden decision. But the report of Yranta did sound awfully suspicious... in addition to the concerns her father brought up, it seemed very strange that Ulmo would take the city so forcefully, and then do nothing with it. They must be planning something, but what? It was all very unnerving, and yet the story gripped her so strongly that she knew she couldn't just ignore it.

"I want to go with you." she stated almost immediately. After a second, the thought struck her that she shouldn't go alone, either. Her father would be there, naturally, but it wouldn't hurt to have more people around in case something went wrong. But, could she ask everyone? She cared about Nate and Nerith deeply -- as much as she appreciated their help and support, she felt guilty for always dragging them into trouble.

Anna frowned; then there was the matter of Zach. He would have no interest, she guessed. He would probably just berate her for even considering going back to Yranta. But she couldn't deny her own curiosities, and even if he rejected the idea she wanted to at least tell him about it. If by some miracle he did come along, she would feel much more safe. "I'll ask Zach if he would accompany us, as well."

 

[ArcticFox]

When Mr Penrose only gave her a nod, his expression grim, Anna made her way to her room, hoping to find Zach there. It was too much to hope for, the rogue seems to have left the house completely. Thus, she was forced to wait until night for him to come back.

The dinner with Nerith, Nate and parents had gone well. They talked and joked and shared stories about their lives in the half a year when they were separated. Nate had changed a lot during his stay with the elves, he had turned more accepting. And Nerith seemed to be very fond of the blonde. Later Anna realised that Nate was actually courting Nerith's younger sister.

Zach did not attend the dinner that night. When everyone else retired to their rooms for the night, Anna went too. As if on cue, Zach entered through the window at the same time when she entered. He smirked at her and approached.

"Had a good night?"
"Yes." Anna answered. "Listen Zach, my father wants to go for Yranta tomorrow. I will go with him."
Zach expression turned darker suddenly. "I'm not going." He said, without even letting her finish. "You can take your good friends with you, but leave me out of it. I'm not setting a foot inside that damn city again." Then he sighed, softening a little. "I know I said that I will protect you, Anna. But, this is too much to ask. I can escort you right up to the walls, but then I'm turning back."
It was apparent that there was no point in arguing, that his decision will not be swayed.

- Take him up on his offer.
- Ask someone else to go with you.
- Don't ask anyone else.

 

[Ezri]

The cheerful dinner only improved Anna's mood further. She got so caught up in chatting with her friends that her excitement about Yranta was mostly pushed to the back of her mind until she left the dining hall. It came back to her suddenly, and fueled by her hopes she hurried up to tell Zach. And of course, he shot her down.

"I didn't even ask yet." she said, although it had been obviously implied. She sighed, more out of resignation than disappointment. Considering how much he hated Yranta, this was the outcome she expected. "No, I had a feeling that you wouldn't want to go. I understand. And I would appreciate it if you came with us to the walls, at least..."

The more she thought about it, the worse she felt about asking the others. Nate had his new life and romance, and she had asked so much of Nerith already. This venture was something that she should do on her own, without relying on everyone else for once; that thought was a little intimidating, yet it steeled her resolve.

 

[ArcticFox]

The night had gone by and Anna got enough rest to be able to start her journey tomorrow. Mr Penrose had taken it on himself to arrange their transport and pack everything with the help of the butler. Zach did not seem to take a lot with him, only some clothes and his so favored knife.

The carriage arrived in front of the villa and they said their goodbyes to the friends and family. Mrs Penrose could not hide her tears, but when Nerith out a reassuring hand on her shoulder, she seemed to calm down a little. Anna's two friends wanted to follow her, but Anna explained her reasoning and even though they protested, they eventually subsided. Nerith promised that he will contact his people and have the scouts close to Yranta, should things go wrong. Anna would have allies close by if she needed to get away. Nate wanted to help her, but it was obvious that he did not have that much courage to venture into the fallen city, so his protests died out soon. The two of them would stay a bit longer with Mrs Penrose and then make their way back to the plains and the dark elves.

Mr Penrose had planned their travels very thoroughly. It actually looked like he had this path already set a long time ago, but was only now able to do something with it. From Odessand, they would go around the mountains that separated the south and north sides of the continent first. Then their path would take them through smaller towns and villages of the Kullari countryside, a farming nation of peaceful people, comprised mostly of humans and wood elves, that lived on the other side of the mountains. After they left their lands, through the thick forests they would travel into the lands of warmer climate and approach Yranta from the south. This was a different path than the one Anna and Zach had taken, longer but safer, considering they had to watch the cold weather from this side of the mountain ridges. It would take them slightly more than a month to reach Yranta, should things go as they planned. And a lot can happen with heir home city in a month.

When they entered the carriage, Zach insisted on sitting besides the driver, despite the cold weather. Their driver was a thin old man, who was much sturdier than he seemed and a veteran to these roads. He would drive them around the mountains, where they would swap their carriage for the long-legged and quick horses that the residents of Kullari bred. Anna's father rode inside the carriage, expecting her to ride with him.

- Ride inside the carriage.
- Ride in front of the carriage.

 

[Ezri]

It was difficult to say goodbye to her friends and mother, but even faced with Mrs. Penrose's tears Anna did her best to remain smiling and confident. As dangerous as their trip might be in the end, it was what she wanted and there was no turning back from it now. All she could do was reassure them all that they would be all right.

Her excitement dwindled as she remembered how long the road ahead of them actually was, but she just shook her head and reminded herself of their goal. If nothing else, they would be heading towards warmer weather -- she shuddered a little and pulled her outerwear more over herself. Despite the months she'd spent in Odessand, Anna didn't think she would ever be fond of the cold.

On that note, she wondered about Zach -- maybe he just didn't want to speak about the journey, and so would rather ride outside. It was a difficult situation for him all around, she knew, so for a while at least he might prefer to be alone. Although, she did shoot him a concerned look and a frown before she climbed into the carriage to join her father -- even now, she was never quite sure what he was thinking.

 

[ArcticFox]

The first week of their journey went well for the most part. They travelled through the lands that belonged to Odessand and then out of those reaches, just below the mountain. It got colder each day they rode and while they slept in the carriage or on the ground for the first couple of nights, nearing the end of the week they had to look out for lodging. The next night they spent in a roadside inn, the night after in the house of a minor noble Anna's father knew very well. Mr Penrose seemed to have it all planned out for them. Zach followed along, not speaking much, but always making sure to be polite toward Mr Penrose and Anna to the point where he kept their cover solid.

Troubles came at the end of their seventh day of the journey, when a carriage wheel broke off in the middle of snowy nowhere. While their driver did have experience in this matter, the wooden beam that kept the wheel in place was split in half and they needed a replacement in order to keep going. The night would fall in a couple of hours and the snow had begun to speed up its pace of falling. It was very cold outside and they were a couple of hours drive from the next inn on the road. They had four horses pulling the carriage so they could take them and ride to the inn, but then all of their supplies would be left there for the taking. And there were bandits on these roads.

- Anna should ride for the inn to get help.
- Anna should ride, with someone, to get help.
- Someone else should get help.
- They should all stay there.
- They should all go.

 

[Ezri]

Just when things seemed to be going well, they were in trouble in an instant. It could be worse, Anna tried to remind herself -- they hadn't been attacked (yet), and no one was injured. They even still had some daylight, although it was dwindling quickly, and whatever heat remained in the air would go along with it. Anna tried idly to pick snowflakes out of her hair, but her efforts were clearly in vain.

It was obvious to her that someone needed to try and go find help and the inn, but not all of them. Staying the whole night in this broken carriage sounded like a nightmare, but if they all left and their supplies were stolen, that would be a significant setback. In the end, she suggested that her father and the driver go for help while she and Zach stayed behind. She would worry if she left her father in the woods, but being separated from Zach at a time like this felt equally nerve-wracking. And while Mr. Penrose had no way of knowing such a thing, her 'fiance' could probably handle any danger with much more ease than the rest of them.

 

[ArcticFox]

Anna's father agreed with this suggestion and the two men took the horses and rode in the direction of the inn. Zach and Anna were left alone in the carriage, feeling the cold seeping through the thin wooden walls. The man opposite of her suddenly gave her a smirk. "I know of an efficient way to warm up." He winked at her. Before she could respond, however, there was a noise outside of shuffling feet. Of course. Why wouldn't things get even more complicated. Zach froze, straining to hear better. His right hand reached for the knife, slowly pulling it out of the holster. He put a finger to his lips motioning for the girl to stay silent. Then he opened the door and slipped outside.

Howling on the outside. So, not bandits - wolves. In a way it was even worse. These wolves were probably half starved by now and very ferocious. It would have been better for the both of them to stay in the carriage until they grew tired and left, but it was too late for that now. Noises of combat reached Anna's ear. There was shuffling and tumbling and growling. Something that might have been a human yelp. Then a slash and a wine of the wolf. Clawed paws running away. The doors of the carriage swung open suddenly and Zach got back inside, considerably out of breath. A thick stream of blood ran down his right side. He put his hand on it to lessen the flow.

"There were only two, thankfully. Still one managed to bite me. I should have been more careful." He said through clenched teeth, obviously in pain.

- Tend to his wounds.
- Stay and wait.

 

[Ezri]

Waiting inside the carriage, with only the sudden and frightful sounds of a fight to focus on, was something close to torture. It couldn't have lasted long, but each second seemed to drag on forever, until finally Zach came stumbling back in. It was an instant relief, until the damage the wolves had done made itself clear.

"Gods, Zach, are you alright?!" Anna cried, although he obviously wasn't alright at all. She rushed to his side, the smell of blood causing a pit to form in her stomach, and started looking for something, anything to tie over his wound. They would have to clean it too, if they could -- animal bites could be quite serious. With effort, she was able to keep her voice relatively calm and reassuring. "Just stay still for a moment, and keep pressure on it..."

 

[ArcticFox]

"I'm fine." Zach said, obviously trying to tough it out, but the amount of blood that seeped through his clothing wasn't to be trifled with. Anna thought quickly on what she could use as a binding for the wound, and having nothing else to work with she had to use what was on her already.
"Give me your knife." She said to Zach, who handed it over with no protesting, surprisingly. Anna cut off the end of her long woolen dress, making it into a strap. Zach watched her with amusement, and then suddenly stood up to reach for something in the shelves above their heads, a painful grimace on his face. They did not have anything to treat injuries here, nothing to disinfect it besides a bottle of whiskey that Mr Penrose brought to warm them up during the cold days. He then took off his jacket and shirt, standing quite bare in front of Anna's nose. There were two deep gashes on his left side, still bleeding, but it seemed the flow had lessened.

Zach poured a couple of drops of whiskey onto his wounds, hissing uncomfortably. Anna then approached to tie the binding around him. This caused her to get very close to his bare torso, her nose almost touching his chest, so she could reach all around him and bind the fabric. She could feel Zach's eyes on her and then his hand that reached up to brush a strand of her hair from her face. It was an unexpectedly gentle motion.

"Thank you." He said when his wound was bound. "I'll be fine." They still stood next to each other and his breath was a very warm.

- Wait for Mr Penrose to return.
- Kiss Zach.
- Talk to Zach.

 

[Ezri]

Zach's state of dress was distracting, but for a while Anna was able to focus intently on tending to his wounds. It was only once she finished that she could think clearly about how close they were, and the fact that they were quite alone in the dwindling light, and how relieved she was that he was alright.

Despite his best efforts, she generally tried not to be so close to Zach. As kind as he could be, especially lately, she felt like avoiding him had become almost a responsible habit she needed to keep up. So when she drew closer to him the motion was somehow automatic, subconscious; once Anna realized what she was doing she had already kissed him, if only for a moment. Immediately she drew back.

"W-well, I'm glad you'll be fine then!" She said, startled at herself and trying to pretend that hadn't happened. Still, his warmth was comforting, and rationality aside she didn't make much of an effort to move further away. "But it is cold. You really should put your clothes back on."

 

[ArcticFox]

If there ever was a chance to see Zach with a baffled expression, it was now. He stood there, looking down at Anna, eyes slightly widened. Quickly regaining his composure he smirked. His fingers were now on Anna's cheek, softly touching her. He waited for her to finish stuttering and then leaned down, giving her a little peck on the lips in return. Surprisingly he did not try anything more than that.

"Don't you like me better in this state?" He asked with a mischievous smile, but after a moment he grabbed his clothes and put them over the bandages. It really was cold after all.

They waited for a couple of hours in the carriage, talking about trivial things, like Zach's supposed job and the cold weather. He did not mention Yranta and generally strayed from that subject whenever possible. After a while their conversation died down and they were both thankful when they heard the sound of galloping hooves. There were more than two riders.

"Anna?" Mr Penrose called opening the carriage. "Get out, we have good men from the inn who volunteered to help us." Mr Penrose's expression was hopeful now, and although his teeth were chattering from the cold, he did not look any worse for wear. The two of them got out of the carriage quickly enough, to see four more riders with them, one with his horse packed with tools and wooden beams sticking out of the pack. They took to working immediately and the carriage was fixed within half an hour, under the lamplight. "Excellent." Mr Penrose nodded approvingly. "Now we can all travel to the inn and get some rest."

They travelled slowly and carefully and it was late into the night when they reached the Sleeping Dragon inn. The innkeeper had already prepared them a hot meal and their bedrooms were waiting. Besides them and the four men that arrived with them, there was no one else in the inn. They dined in the calm, silent atmosphere and then retired to their rooms. Of course, Mr Penrose and the driver had a two bed room and Anna and Zach got the one with a double bed. Zach smirked when they entered.

"And now we encounter the same problem as always!" He laughed, but then his expression turned serious. "For once, will you sleep beside me? I don't look forward to sleeping on the floor. I promise not to touch you unless you ask me to."

- Don't sleep with Zach.
- Sleep with Zach.

 

[Ezri]

If Zach was surprised by Anna's actions, she was doubly surprised at herself. As he touched her face she braced herself, but in the end his kiss was as chaste as could be. If she wasn't already a mess of nerves she might have been relieved -- what had she been thinking? Truthfully, she hadn't been thinking at all. Her small talk was probably obviously strained, and so the sound of her father's company returning was music to her ears. As long as they were travelling or eating, she did her best to think only of Yranta. Of course, she could only distract herself for so long.

"Honestly! Again?" Anna huffed, seemingly venting her frustrations at the bed itself. Sometimes she felt that the gods were conspiring against her, but maybe she should make an exception for once. After that encounter with the wolves, making him sleep on the cold floor would be harsh. It might be stupid to do so, but she was inclined to believe him when he said he wouldn't touch her. "Alright -- you're injured, and I'm not that cruel. But you had better keep your word!"