Thealter was wrong. He miscalculated the travel time; it was a rush to reach Mutoh before sunset. And the field seemed crueler tonight than normal. He could hear a pack of Wolfos howling not too far off, back towards the woods and the cliffs. If Reti, Taver, and Thealter stayed out on the road long enough for darkness to set in, the Wolfos would be there to overtake them. To make matters worse, Thealter had seen Leevers moving not to far off as well. It didn't look like they would cross the Leevers' path, but where there was some Leevers, more would follow.

As they approached the village, there was no clear line of where Mutoh Village started. They passed by a lone standing house; two braziers (torches) stood along the path leading up to the door. They were freshly lit, the house preparing for the dark. More buildings were up the way a little, more braziers burning in the distant. The trio stepped on the beginning of a cobblestone path emerging from the dirt path they'd been following. "Careful not to trip," Thealter noted to Reti, pointing to a fact that some of the cobblestones jutted up more than others, just from general weathering of the path by its travelers. Theatler thought he could see a patrolling guard moving around, carrying a torch in what he thought was the village square.

"There is an inn along the square we can stay at; the innekeeper shouldn't ask too many questions," Thealter told them both. "They might ask questions if they see Taver, or they might not, so it's up to you two whether or not he should stay hidden." Thealter's stomach grumbled a bit. Given that they'd hardly been able to stop to make it to the village in time, they had passed the chance to sit down long enough to enjoy lunch. The trio had eaten some of Thealter's food, but not much. A large dinner would serve them well.

Reti watched her step as she walked along the path. She was still worried about being this far away from the forest, but she didn't let Thealter see her worry. She looked at Taver and said, "I think you should hid in my hood for this. We don't need anymore people looking at us strangely." Taver nodded and flew into her hood. She could feel his warmth in her hood and it gave her comfort being so far away from home. She looked around at the town. This was all so new to her and she was excited to see so many new places in Hyrule. This was such an amazing experience but she was so lost in worry for the Deku Tree that her excitement for this new experience was hidden by her worry for her mission and succeeding at it. She looked at Thealter and asked, "So how many different places have you been too? It must be nice to go where ever you want when ever you wan." She finished her sentence looking down at the ground, partially to keep herself from tripping and partially at the thought of never been outside the Woods until now.

Once she caught herself, she looked around at the town to take in the new surroundings. She wanted to make sure that she remembered as much as she could so she could tell the Deku Tree about her new experiences. She was amazed by how this town was so exotic yet some how familiar to her. It did not look all shiny and new but worn to the travel and to the lives that had been here and lived here. It was quant and surprisingly delightful. Even with the distant sound of Wolfos she was not quite so afraid of the new environment. She looked towards Thealter who was slightly ahead of her now and slightly thanked him in her mind for helping her get this far. She thought to herself that she would not have gotten this far on her own. Taver peeked out of the hood a bit and whispered, "Maybe we should thank him for his help. He didn't have to stop and help us when he did." She looked his way and thought to herself that it was a good idea.

As they walked towards the inn she started to think of a way to thank him for all that he has done.

Thealter stroked his chin in thought as he continued to walk. “I’ve been everywhere that this land has to offer. I’ve hiked the slopes of the Ruto Highlands. I’ve had to slosh my feet across the swamp Moruge.“ His voice grew a bit solemn as he continued. “I’ve seen the sprawling port of Mido and I’ve worried about the safety of those who lived there at the Old South Road blockage.� He paused a moment before drawing up a smile to his face as he recalled something else. “I’ve witnessed the wonders of Deku Woods and of the North Forest as well. Quite a lovely home you have, I might add,� turning his face to smile at her. He waited before saying in a forbidden whisper, “My eyes have beheld the looming Death Mountain while the Beast’s minions were still patrolling its inner tunnels. The only thing I haven’t seen is the Old Land. Which is probably for the best, I’ve heard from knights who’ve been there that it’s no longer recognizable south of the Death Mountain range." He drew back to his normal tone of voice. "But, I do suppose it can be nice travelling where one wishes."

Now, they were in the heart of the small village. The cobblestone path had opened up to a cobblestone square with a small grassy park with a few trees uncovered in the middle. Surrounding the square were some more trees, because nearly all the buildings circling the square had small yards. One building looked like it may have been the mayor’s house. Another seemed like it could have been the estate of a wealthy night. Another was clearly labeled as “The Carpenter’s Place.�

Thealter looked back to Reti. “This is the place. It may be on the square, but the people who run this inn know how to not ask questions.� He tried to give her a reassuring look. “If you don’t mind taking a room together, I’ll keep watch in case you’re worried about any unexpected trouble. Besides, I think they might be suspicious if somebody as young looking as you got their own room. Does that sound find? Are you ready?�

Reti followed Thealter to the square and listened with curious ears all the places he has been. She was a little jealous of his freedom of going where he wanted. But she knew that being a Kokiri and being as young looking as she was, many people would ask questions where she went. But the thought of seeing the world was one that she would always cherish and always wish to follow.

As she followed him through the square she looked around at all the different house and the small yards and wondered what it would be like to live in a village such as this. It was small and there wasn't much place to roam around and nothing really that seemed too interesting to find. But she did not know the area so she knew that she might be making a wrong assumption. She loved her home in the forest and she blushed slightly at the thought that an outsider enjoyed her home just as much as she did. She had only been away for a few days but she missed running through the forest and exploring deep in the woods. It always seemed that there was something new to find.

As she followed Thealter to the inn she looked at it and felt a small tinge of comfort. She thought this place felt rather safe. She looked at Thealter and said, "Yes we can share it doesn't bother me. And no, you don't have to stay up and keep watch. We have both traveled a lot today and both need rest. Besides, I have a good feeling about this place and I think that we will be ok." As she walked up to the door she smiled at Thealter.

Even with only knowing Thealter for a few days, she had a sense of comfort and security around him. It was the same feeling that she got when she was around the Deku Tree. She felt that he had accepted her for her. She knew that she was small and looked rather frail. And it didn't help that she looked like a child. But she had always had self doubt and felt that she was weak. But for once she was starting to feel like she really could do something good.

She felt Taver wiggle around in her hood and thought that he was trying to get comfortable in her hood. She laughed a bit to herself and thought of how she had told him to stay in the forest. If he had he would be trying to adjust himself in her hood right now. But she also thought that she would miss home a little more if he had. Taver had been with her for as long as she could remember. He was always there to talk to her and give her advice when she was down. Also, he was always there with her when she would get lost and he found there way back out. She loved Taver and everything that he had done for her. Taver was her best friend and she was thankful for him and that he was chosen to be her companion. The same way she was grateful for Thealter being their traveling companion.

As they stopped at the door, she looked at Thealter and smiled and asked, "Shall we go in?"

Thealter gave a warm nod to the Reti’s suggestion. “Yes,� he replied, “perhaps you are right. Getting plenty of rest will make tomorrow’s journey quicker. The sooner we get you to North Castle, the sooner we kind find a way to accomplish your mission, Reti.� Thealter still had been wearing his mask, he had barely even removed it to when they had been eating earlier. Of course, they had barely stopped much in the first place, they were nearly constantly on the road all day. The young mage thought of the safety of the inn. He too felt that they would be safe from intrusion or harm, but he also had a working friendship with the innkeeper and the staff. Reti, who had never left the forest before, could tell that this place was safe just from instinct. Thealter noted the Kokiri’s uncanny perception, and he added it to this list of things to be wary of.

He was helping Reti out of the kindness of his heart, and he didn’t want the Deku Forest to suffer. Yet, at the same time, he had a troubled past and his situation now was perhaps even more troubling. He let not the worry show though, and instead smiled through it all. He’d hate for the Kokiri to realize what sort of person he was when he wasn’t helping save the day.

“Here we go,� he told her and the hidden fairy as he opened the door to let them into the establishment. The place was relatively well-lit for a village inn, but it was very dim by sunlight standards. Still, only the corners of the room seem shaded in darkness a little, but even then the features of the tables and barrels that sent in their respective places could be made out through the shadow. The defining feature of the room was the long table near the center-right of the room. The room was shaped like a rectangle, just like the rest of the building. On the left was a counter that stretched from midway through the left wall, out half a dozen feet, curved ninety-degrees, and met the wall that the door they just walked through was at.

The large table wasn’t the only table in the room either as a couple smaller tables hug around the right and back sides of the room, including one strategically placed in the far corner. All the tables seemed to be made of a pale sort of wood – maybe a softer wood; however, they still seemed like sturdy structures. The long table had benches strategically stationed around it, and the seating at the small table were all four legged stools. All the seating matched the furniture. On the far right of the room was a stone section of room – the choice of stone becomes immediately apparent because on the right wall a large fireplace can be found. Currently, seeing as how the season was late fall, the fire was roaring. A cast iron cooking implement hung by the fire, and whatever was cooking in it smelled nice. A huge stack of wood sat by the barrels in the near right corner of the room.

Stairs leading up to the higher floors could be found along the left wall. Most of their rooms would be above, but they probably had a couple rooms on the ground floor for those too frail or injured to climb up stairs. Also on the left wall a large opening with a swinging door, possibly leading to a kitchen – at least based on the smells wafting out of it. On the opposite wall were a handful of doors, one of them likely led to the staff quarters, one of them could have been a cleaning supply closet, and even another could have been a walk-in cupboard. Either way, there were four doors along the back wall. Most of the building appeared wooden. A hanging metal chandelier hung from the ceiling and candles were burning there – perhaps a dozen of them. They weren’t imitating much smoke though. A couple of braziers were set up around the room built into unobtrusive stone fixtures. There was even two stone pillars towards the back of the large dining room and both had large torches attached.

Aside from the furniture, structure, and stylings of the room, it is worth mentioning three maps hung on the opposite wall, framed rather neatly. The first was a village map. The second was a regional map of the great crossroads. The third was a map of all of Hyrule, include the decimated lesser Hyrule, even though it was a very small segment at the bottom left of the map. The large table had a couple of large, empty platters on it. Some of the tables, at least the ones with people sitting at them, had some dishes as well, but most of those dishes looked like they were being eaten out of currently.

And, on the note of people in the room, there was a large, well-built Hylian male who appeared to be in his mid-fifties. His arms seemed about as thick as some of the barrels pushed at the corners of the room. He was balding, but had a very, rich white mustache. He appeared as though he might be the innkeeper, although why he would work such a bookish job with such a build was a bit suspicious. Four patrons of The Carpenter’s Place sat at the smaller tables. One man, a young Hylian, was engrossed in a book in the corner. A middle aged Zora couple who looked like they were still in the throes of young love sat nearly opposite of the door. And a Sheikahn wearing bulky clothes sat silently by the fire, staring into the roaring flame. The figure was too heavily dressed to tell their gender, but their fierce red-eyed gaze gave away their race.

Just as they were almost done looking about and assessing the situation (as this all had been transpiring in a couple of seconds), a young woman –about Thealter’s age - burst from the kitchen, a serving tray held high above her head. She had a kerchief wrapped about her upper head, so it was difficult to tell if her ears were pointed, but she was either a human or a Hylian. Well, she did seem rather tan – perhaps she was part Gerudo. She waved to Thealter and gave him a strong smile as she finished bringing the Sheikah at the fire a bowl of gruel. As she walked back by, she said calmly, but not bothering to whisper, “Hey, Thea. I’ve got to take these platters back but I’d love to get your order if you haven’t eaten yet. Maybe you can tell me what brings you here!� She gave him a sly grin as she went back about her business moving the plates about before he could reply, her jet black hair untidily done up to keep from swishing about as she moved with a ferocious speed.

“An old friend,� Thealter commented to Reti. “My journeying lifestyle often leads me to spend long stretches of time away from people I’ve befriended all about the reaches of Hyrule. No doubt she wants to catch up on what I’ve been up to, but we won’t mention our little quest,� he ended in a hushed whisper. Approaching the innkeeper, he spoke to the man.

“Yo, Geoff, I’m gonna need a room for the night. I’m assuming you’ve got a spot for me?�

Without batting an eye as to why he had such a young-looking person with him, the man who was apparently Geoff nodded. “Been a while since you came by, Thealter. I was worried you might have gotten yourself into some deep trouble. Glad to see you’re all right. I’m sure Amber is too.� He gave a soft chuckle, but still his whole body seemed to shake in a jolly way, despite being muscular and not weighty. His voice seemed gruff, not necessarily befitting an innkeeper. Once again, something else indicating he might not have been suited for this lifestyle.

OOC: I think I’m going to cut off dialogue here for now, in case Reti wanted to interrupt any of the previous scenes. I’m going to give her time to do that and kind of take in the situations evolving before her. Even if she doesn’t have much to say, I figure I shouldn’t type too much and then make you right a really long response too. Now that I’ve spelled out the setting and scenery, I shouldn’t need to type up another long post – if I’m right.

Reti followed Thealter into the inn. her eyes had to slightly adjust to the lighting and as she looked around she noticed how everything seemed to have a place and it felt slightly like home. the smells wafting from the pot in the fire made her stomach start rumbling and she realized how hungry she was. She felt Taver move around in her hood and knew that he was thinking the same thing. She watched the woman rush out of the kitchen and listened to the words her and Thealter exchanged. To her it seemed like they had a long history together and that made her realize that she really didn't know much about Thealter and where he came from or what his past fully entailed. She was rather curious as to his past and where he had been but she knew that it really wasn't her business to ask or really try and find out.

Geoff was a large man. He slightly frightened her with his size and she was rather curious as to why he had become an inn keeper. He didn't seem fit for the job and was wondering what made him choose this specific path. Many people that she had met on this journey made her think this. She had never meet so many different people. But being in a forest your whole life will do that too you.

Reti felt that the inn was a place that she would like to visit again in her life. She felt it safe and warm. She felt the people here were very nice and open to things but also knew that letting them know that she was Kokiri probably wasn't a good choice. She wanted to meet new people and hear their stories of travel and adventure and she knew that this place would be a good way to do it. She always dreamed of adventure and seeing the world. It was something that she knew she wanted to do. But she was always scared of the thought of leaving the Deku Tree. But now the Deku Trees fate rested in her hands. She felt like it had been forever since she had left the forest, but knew that it had only been a few days, but everything that she had seen and experienced was more then most Kokiri had ever experienced. She was happy to have such an honor to be choosen for this task.

Reti looked at Thealter and thought to herself that it was because of him that she had made it this far and by the Goddesses grace that she had met him. She knew that her journey was setout way before she had ever been alive. She had a purpose and she was now finally realizing what it was. Being in such a new environment was something that she knew that most other Kokirir would not be able to handle. To her now they didn't seem all that brave that they had led her to believe for many years. She knew now that being the outcast and always wanting to discover more was why she was perfect for the tasking.

Reti asked Thealter in a hushed voice, "Do you think that after all this is over maybe I could go on a few adventures with you? I would really like to see the world and you know so much about different places you could teach me a few tricks." She felt rather childish asking him to take more time out of his life to satisfy her want see more of Hyrule and knew that there was a chance he would say no, but she asked without even thinking that he may have had his own journey and mission that he had. He could have stopped whatever he had going on to help her and now she felt selfish thinking about it and it made her face turn red a little out of anger at herself.

She looked for an empty table really quick to see if they had a place to sit and found one near the fire place. She then quickly said to Thealter, "Hey, theres a place to sit. maybe we could get some food real quick before going to sleep." She was hoping that he would forget about the question. She didn't want to impose on him any more then she had already and still felt rather silly that she even asked it.

While Reti was looking about the inn and making her observations, Thealter quietly completed his exchange with Geoff. Thealter had told the innkeeper that he hadn’t gotten into much trouble, and he was glad he at least had acquaintances who were worried for his safety. The masked mage went on to explain to the muscular owner of the Carpenter’s Place that they would like their stay to be off the books if possible and he left Geoff a bag weighing a fair amount that was stuffed to the brim in yellow rupees. Geoff gave the client a large nod, and Thealter in turn explained they’d get leaving in the morning to finish their trek to North Castle. The whole conversation was rather brief and quick.

Therefore, when Reti had asked him her hushed question, he was already ready to listen as they were still standing in the middle of the room. He looked at her curiously, scratching his chin with his hand pensively as he thought it over. But, before he could add anything else, she pointed out the empty little table by the crackling fire.

He pulled her chair out for her first before smoothly stepping to the other side of the table and sitting in his own seat. He didn’t take the time to scoot his chair back in. Instead, he stretched out, rubbing his calves a bit from all the walking they had done today. Still, noticing his companion, he gave the Kokiri a gentle smile as though to say that this trip hadn’t really been a bother at all. Finally, after satisfying an urge to pop a few tired joints in his arms and legs, he spoke.

“Yes, food does sound rather nice before bed. And I doubt Amber would go easy on me if we just went to our room and slept. Besides, we’ll need plenty of energy if we plan to really push ourselves to get to North Castle on schedule tomorrow.� Waiting a moment, as though that was all he had to say – that he was just going to contemplate what he wanted to get to eat – he looked back up at her and opened his mouth to add one last thought.

“Reti, you flatter me. Adventuring is just a world I’ve been a part of so long, and for you to acknowledge my experience thusly is truly the greatest compliment I could be paid. Traveling together is something I think we could both benefit from. And yet, if we did adventure together, I’m worried that at some point, you’ll come to realize what a disappointment I am…�

While a complete thought in itself, the way he trailed of made it seem like he had more to add. Clearly though, he wasn’t going to say much else. He did, however, finally remove his mask and set it down on the side of the table. He revealed a Hylian face in its mid-twenties, sorrow hidden deep in this warm, friendly eyes.

Reti looked at Thealter very carefully. She had not seen his face through their journey and she wanted to make sure that she remembered every detail. She knew that they would not always be traveling companions, but she wanted to remember the true face of the man who had helped her get this far.

Her eyes held on to the somber look he had. She sensed that things in his past might not have gone the way he had intended. His eyes stuck out to her because even still with all the sorrow on his face, he still was someone who wanted to do right. She wanted to know what had happened but refrained from asking and knew in her heart that he was trying to do right by his past. She smiled at him and said, "You look like you have seen more then most in your lifetime. And thank you. For everything you have done to help me and Taver. "

She smiled at him truly happy that she had met him. She was hoping that her aquaintanceship would become a great friendship some day. Happy that fate had brought them together, she felt the journey to be one that would never be forgotten. She looked at him all the longer and thought to herself more about his age and how young he was. For someone so young he had seen a lot. His face was someone young but at the same time it showed a very older age. The age of someone who had seen more than any person should.

She decided to shake her head of the thoughts that were unhappy and decided to chance to a happier note. "Well what do you think we should get for food? I don't know what they have here so why don't you decide for us?" she smiled at him and thought that food would be very nice to have right now. She just realized how hungery she really was.

Reti looked at Thealter very carefully. She had not seen his face through their journey and she wanted to make sure that she remembered every detail. She knew that they would not always be traveling companions, but she wanted to remember the true face of the man who had helped her get this far.

Her eyes held on to the somber look he had. She sensed that things in his past might not have gone the way he had intended. His eyes stuck out to her because even still with all the sorrow on his face, he still was someone who wanted to do right. She wanted to know what had happened but refrained from asking and knew in her heart that he was trying to do right by his past. She smiled at him and said, "You look like you have seen more then most in your lifetime. And thank you. For everything you have done to help me and Taver. "

She smiled at him truly happy that she had met him. She was hoping that her aquaintanceship would become a great friendship some day. Happy that fate had brought them together, she felt the journey to be one that would never be forgotten. She looked at him all the longer and thought to herself more about his age and how young he was. For someone so young he had seen a lot. His face was someone young but at the same time it showed a very older age. The age of someone who had seen more than any person should.

She decided to shake her head of the thoughts that were unhappy and decided to chance to a happier note. "Well what do you think we should get for food? I don't know what they have here so why don't you decide for us?" she smiled at him and thought that food would be very nice to have right now. She just realized how hungery she really was.

Reti looked at Thealter very carefully. She had not seen his face through their journey and she wanted to make sure that she remembered every detail. She knew that they would not always be traveling companions, but she wanted to remember the true face of the man who had helped her get this far.

Her eyes held on to the somber look he had. She sensed that things in his past might not have gone the way he had intended. His eyes stuck out to her because even still with all the sorrow on his face, he still was someone who wanted to do right. She wanted to know what had happened but refrained from asking and knew in her heart that he was trying to do right by his past. She smiled at him and said, "You look like you have seen more then most in your lifetime. And thank you. For everything you have done to help me and Taver. "

She smiled at him truly happy that she had met him. She was hoping that her aquaintanceship would become a great friendship some day. Happy that fate had brought them together, she felt the journey to be one that would never be forgotten. She looked at him all the longer and thought to herself more about his age and how young he was. For someone so young he had seen a lot. His face was someone young but at the same time it showed a very older age. The age of someone who had seen more than any person should.

She decided to shake her head of the thoughts that were unhappy and decided to chance to a happier note. "Well what do you think we should get for food? I don't know what they have here so why don't you decide for us?" she smiled at him and thought that food would be very nice to have right now. She just realized how hungery she really was.

“I’ve seen many things that haunt me, but I suppose what has darkened the soul the most are the things I’ve chosen to do,� Thealter commented in response to the Kokiri. He couldn’t seem to take his eyes off of her, as though he could tell she was studying him. Therefore, he did his best to put his soul on display. A warm smile didn’t seem to leave his face, but the sorrows was a little more present in his eyes.

Then, the moment passed. Thealter snapped out of whatever thought he was in. “Everybody seems to find Cuccos delicious – myself included. Do you object to eating meat? I guess I never really had the opportunity to dine with a Kokiri before. They don’t seem to have too strong a taste and the taste more reflects how they are prepared, seasoned, and cooked.� As an afterthought, he added, “And, I suppose, if we continued travelling together, we might go see Lon Lon Ranch sometime, Hyrule’s chief Cucco provider.�

Taking in another sniff of the marvelous scent coming from the pot by the fire and then taking a look back to the kitchen, he completed his notions on food by making a suggestion. “I suppose we could get some crunchy Cucco and whatever soup they’ve got cooking over there, definitely. We could also find out what they have back in the kitchen once Amber comes to get our orders and give us our drinks. I don’t know about you, but I could certainly use some water – perhaps some ale as well.�

His masked still remained at the side of the table, as though to say that it was no longer necessary. And his mood seemed to have lifted a fair amount by talking about food. There was even a glint of cheer in his eyes when he mentioned Amber the food server.

Reti looked at Thealter as he started talking about what had happened in his past. She thought to herself that even though his heart and soul may have been damaged from his past, she knew that he would still be able to heal from the hurt. She looked at him and thought that even though she could see his damaged soul, she knew there was away for it to heal. She allowed a small smile to touch her lips for a moment thinking about may this was part of the reason the goddesses had brought them together on this journey. Reti had been alive for almost a century if not slightly longer. In her years she knew that only time would heal a soul and she wanted to help Thealter with his

Reti's ears slightly perked up at the sound of Cuccos. She had only had it on very few occasions. she was rather puzzled for a moment at the thought of eating meat. She knew that it wasn't a day for festivals back in the forest and was rather confused that he ate meat just whenever he seemed to choose. She thought about it for a moment and decided that Hylians might possibly view meat as and everyday type of food and that they ate it regularly. She thought to herself that it would be strange to eat meat on just a regular day but knew that it would give her strength for the journey, and she remembered how delicious it was and why they savored it only for special occasions.

Thinking of food made her mouth start to water and she said to Thealter, "that sounds like a great idea." She smiled happily at the thought of getting nice warm food in her stomach. Reti was staring and started looking around for the young server woman. She seemed very nice and Reti wanted a chance to talk to her a little more or at least listen to her and Thealter talk about the past, but only if Thealter was ok with it. She wasn't going to try and press into his past anymore then she already had. She could see that the question had brought up some memories that hurt him and she did not want him to feel upset anymore.

If only he could simply tell Reti the truth. Thealter yearned to speak out against himself, to lay his crimes against the Kokiri and her companion bear. To testify to the wrongs he had committed to the citizens of Hyrule as a whole. It weighed on him heavily. He went over it in his head, all the things he knew he had to come clean about.

Well, you see, Reti, to tell you the truth, I lied earlier about what exactly I do. I’m a common thief. While I may be perceived as an associate of His Majesty’s spy ring, because I’ve done work for them in the past, I’ve only really ever been motivated by my own greed and desire to stay out of that infernal North Castle Dungeon. The reason you found me in Rauru town was because I was spending all my effort into investigating a one-armed mage not out of admiration, but simply because I’m obsessed with his former pupil and ex-lover. I haven’t been able to get her out of my head, despite all of these other women I entertain – like Amber in the kitchen. And the fact is, that woman moved on long ago and the only reason she ever entertained the brief fling she and I shared was because I had a penchant for being so detached.

My mother was sick and out of her mind for a very long time. But’s she’s been dead just as long too. So that also was a lie. And while her illness is what first drove my fiendish desire to take that which doesn’t rightfully belong to me, the thrill and the shear wealth of my finds has been the only motivating factor for my continued work. In fact, I’m so pathetic that I had sold one of my oldest friends down the river in exchange for my own benefit. Orpheous, who I mentioned before, and his student, Simon, may have forgiven my betrayal of their location to the enemy in their military engagement against the foe Roronek, however many lives were lost that day – knights and volunteers alike. Ambushed because of my foolishness. I bring only suffering to all those around me, and the only healthy relationship I’ve ever had in my life I wasn’t able to salvage or protect. She was taken from me by the very man I betrayed Simon to – long before the opportunity to betray had ever arose. Roronek killed her like he killed Simon’s parents. And I aided that vile captain.

Even in my quest for atonement, I have continued to lie, steal, and cheat. I’ve continued to use women to hide behind my failures and misery. So, tell me, Reti, can you and Taver possibly forgive me now? Do you still wish to let me aid you on your quest?

But he could not tell her any of that. The girlish forest sprite before him was so fragile from the weight of the task before her already. If he told her all of this now, she would fracture. He believed her to be strong, but not strong enough to bare the weight of the truth from her only apparent friend other than Taver. Her only outside aid in this journey to North Castle. No, much better to tell her later. After she had met Orpheous perhaps. The scribe was everything the young mage-thief was not, and the wise man would no doubt mend Reti’s deep scar from the wound that hadn’t even been afflicted yet. But, it had to be afflicted. He couldn’t allow her to think him a saint forever. The guilt consumed him. And, even though it would hurt her, Orpheous and Simon would no doubt push her to complete the task ahead of her, and she would heal. She and Taver both.

He realized he’d been spacing out for a bit. And, while he tried his best to keep his smile up, it had faded at times and during those moments, a troubled expression flashed across his mouth. A pained, mulling, shut mouth. And his eyes might still be sparkling, but rather than sparkle with the warm of comradery, they had been taken over once more by sadness. Yet, as he realized these things, he brighten his mood, becoming once more the cheerful self he had previously been portraying himself to be. He need to relax, enjoy the rest of this trip and try to put the thought of what had to come after out of his mind for now. If things got too bad at dinner tonight, he could always sneak out into the back with Amber for a handful of minutes – or if things truly went awful – he could visit her room later that night.

Speak – or rather – think – of the barmaid, and she will appear , he thought to himself as Amber came back out of the kitchen. She carried something off to the Zoras’ table before coming over to their own. She looked at them expectantly, clearly knowing that they were ready to order their food. Thealter spoke first, though he did not speak as to his order, not right away. While it might be customary for some adults to order for those who at least appear children, he didn’t want to deny her the experience of placing an order. “Hey, Amber, it’s actually the young miss’s first time ordering food at in in, so I’ll order first to show her how and if she’s up to it, I think she’d enjoy having a go at placing her own order. Hopefully that’s all right?� He was saying in part to Amber, but he also looked at Reti – hoping she would be comfortable with it. But, something about being served directly because of the words from owns own mouth. It sometimes made one feel like royalty – or at least warmed some part of their heart to know that he’d be getting good service at the behest of their own words and a willing worker’s hand.

“I’ll have some water to start, a full pint. And an order of that crunchy Cucco dish and some of that stuff you’ve got going by the fire. It sure smells incredible. Any more and I’m worried I’ll be too full to travel quick tomorrow!� he joked. Amber let out a chuckle in reply. The whole time, she had been attentive to his order, not even bothering to jot it down on the small patch of scroll she had tucked in her side with the ink-quill she kept beside it. She seemed to want to be close to him, and the whole time she watched her, her face grew more and more flushed. It took her a moment after he was finished to look towards Reti, as though snapping out of a daze. Her face returned to her professional smile, and she no longer bore the look of near-longing that had passed over her.

“Are you ready, miss?� asked the waitress to the Kokiri was who over four times her own age.