The birds chirped as they flew from tree to tree gathering their food.

“What in the blazing hell is this? Damn birds! You are a bunch of noisy creatures …ugh too loud… What is so good about morning anyway?” She complained as she woke up because of their …noise as she called it. She stretched lazily then sat up resting her achy back against the tree still running her tired eyes forcing herself to wake up. She gasped as she looked down at her arms covered in scratches and dried drops of blood, “Ugh perfect! And they say nature is not cruel… pft!” The growls of her stomach interrupted her complains. She looked around her more carefully this time as she forced herself up to her feet mumbling again, “It is better to go from here now. I don’t fancy being some animal’s breakfast especially when I need some of that myself.”

She dragged the big bag scuffing, “God! What did this fool put into it? It’s too heavy… Did she pack the whole damn house?” She dragged it anyway and moved on. Her pace was fast and her steps firm and dripping with confidence as if she knew her way and where exactly she was heading.

It did not take her long until she was clear out of the woods and at the edge of a town. She picked up her feet and that dreadfully heavy bag and headed directly towards the first local tavern she found. She walked into the tavern keeping her bag close to her and headed towards the barkeep, “Morning old man… do you have an empty room for me to rent here for few days?”

The old man looked her over with a curious look residing in his eyes then gave a nod, “Yes we do… but are you sure you want to stay here?” It was not a common thing for a woman of what seemed some nobility or standard, at least that is what her appearance showed, to seek accommodation in such a humble establishment.

With a dismissive shrug to his question, “Why not? If you have rooms, I will take one… ah but with two beds. My sister might join me later. I’d better make sure there is a bed available for her.”

The man nodded and turned to a younger lad. After a short exchange between them she did not hear nor seemed interested to know of, the young lad moved around the bar and motioned to her to follow him. He didn’t offer to take her bag or aid her in carrying it. He led the way up some questionable stairs leading to a long, narrow hallway with many doors on both sides.

He stopped in front of one door and turned a rusty key within the lock and then gave the door a kick with his foot before it opened. He stood at the door way and let her walk in first, “This is your room.. keep this key with you. Don’t lose it! There are two beds inside and a basin near the small window. If you need some water to wash up, you can tell us, and I will warm some up for you. I am Mud… when you need something ask for me.”