"Huh? I was under the impression that you lived out in the forest!" I said, sounding surprised. Kasiro simply chuckled. "I'll be right out," he told me as he unlatched the waist-high fence and walked a short path to the door which was apparently unlocked. I looked around at my immediate surroundings which consisted of earth-toned houses. Their skeletons were timber with an outer layer of either wattle and daub or stone topped off with thatched roofs. Carefree children were playing hopscotch as their mothers watched from feet away while washing clothes. A close-knit community it seemed, so I didn't find it strange that I was being eyed warily. Kasiro's door hinges groaned loudly once more. As he turned sideways to pull it closed, I noted he had left his bow behind, having substituted it for a knapsack instead. "Shall we?" Kasiro motioned with an open hand, palm up. "We shall, but where to?" I wondered. "I have a friend who owes me a favor. I will ask her to accommodate you," he informed me. "Because you would have to explain me at home?" I teased. "No, I live alone. It just wouldn't be very becoming for a young lady such as yourself," he explained. "Got it," I replied, after my mild attempt at flirting was shot down.
We had made our way to the town square where Kasiro held the door of an inn open for me. I stepped inside and waited for him to lead the way. A woman was polishing glasses at the bar located in the common area, her back to us. "Welcome to Ingrid's Inn! How may I be of servi-," the woman turned as she spoke and spotted us. "Ingrid," my companion greeted. "Kasiro! Back so soon? And you've brought a friend!" she sounded excited. "Yes, a friend," was his reply. "I see. So what might her name be?" she asked as she set the glass and cloth on the counter. Kasiro glanced in my direction and raised his eyebrows. "Jessica," I told them. "My, my. Did you know that your name means wonderful?" Ingrid said to me. "That I didn't," I grinned at her compliment. "Well, it does. You would do well to find out the meaning behind people's names," she continued. "I'll be sure to," I responded. At that, Kasiro cleared his throat and filled Ingrid in on the situation. We ended up settling on the compromise that I would receive lodging for an undetermined period of time so long as I wasn't any trouble. Shortly after catching up with Ingrid over a couple of drinks, Kasiro excused himself and left me in her care. She handed me a key and directed me toward the chamber I would be occupying. It was the third room at the top of the stairs and Ingrid said I should go find her if I needed anything before leaving me to unpack my belongings. I locked the door out of habit and dumped everything inside my shoulder bag onto the wool-filled cot that held two green cushions and sat on top of a bench draped with brown carpet. My new bed was vertically pressed up against the far left upon entering the rectangular room, and at the foot of it stood an armoire that had a drawer underneath. Pressed up against the far right was a small, square table adorned by a candle made of beeswax. A green chair sat readily available, and a short bookcase stood across from that. Every single piece of furniture looked to be made of inlaid timber. Directly across the doorway was a window with long brown curtains, and there was a decorate, round rug laying in the middle of it all. I worked on unfolding and hanging my clothes inside the armoire so they wouldn't wrinkle further. When I was through, I went and stood by the window. People were busy bartering, and I noticed a stray dog attempting to steal scraps. I palmed my new key after stashing both my journal and the pouch that had previously contained cherries inside the armoire's drawer. Since Kasiro had not asked for it back, I figured I could use it to carry the coins I had saved up prior to running away. Thinking better of it, I took the pouch back out momentarily and pocketed a few of the coins. Then, I placed my book, comb, deck of playing cards, empty jug, and inkhorn on the table.
"Did you lock up, dear?" Ingrid asked as I came down the creaky stairs. "That I did," I confirmed. "Very well. One can never be too careful," she alerted. "I'll be heading out then," I started. "Why, that's a great idea! The annual fair is in town," she said. I excused myself and stepped out into the busy street. I thought I'd be able to run into the dog, but I couldn't find a trace of it anywhere. My best guess is that a vendor had kicked at it, further frightening the poor thing. People were singing and dancing, creating a lively atmosphere. I wondered which performance they were putting on. I walked along stalls that sold cloth, food, fur, glass, jewelry, and spices among other imported luxuries. I had paused to admire a necklace with two dolphins and a blue gem attatched knowing I wasn't going to be able to afford it. What I needed was something to hold my key, so I made my way back to the cloth stall. I chose a piece of black ribbon because I couldn't seem to quit that color, and the seamstress happily obliged after I paid her. Next, I made my way back to a food stall where something called pasta was being sold and wished these fairs were held more often the moment I took a bite. While taking my time with the delectable dish, I thought I felt someone watching me. I angled my head a little to the left and caught the blue eyes of a nobleman. He was pale of complexion and had dark brown hair. I imagined he might have actually been looking at something or someone near me, so I walked forward a couple of paces to test my theory. When I turned back, he was no longer looking anywhere near my direction. I decided I would call it an evening before I acted on the crazy notion in my head to approach the nobleman. He would probably pretend he couldn't hear me if I dared speak a word to him anyway.
