When it got dark out, Ingrid came around lighting candles using a tinderbox and wooden splint. I took the opportunity to ask her about a bath upon which she summoned a chambermaid to prepare the water. Afterwards, I gave myself time to air dry before putting on my nightgown as I washed my clothes by hand and cleaned my teeth and gums with a rough linen cloth. Though my hair remained damp, I concluded it was dry enough, so I cleared out of the bathing area. When I reached the top of the staircase, I overheard Ingrid welcoming a late guest. I decided it wouldn't be rude if I didn't introduce myself at this point, so I opened the door to my chamber and locked it back up, placing my chair against the doorknob for good measure. I lay in bed after spreading out my clothes on the chair and table and faintly hoped the night breeze would fully dry them. I closed my eyes and thought about how good it felt to be clean, and how nice it was to be sleeping on a real bed. I can say I hadn't felt this relaxed in ages which is why I intended to savor my time here.
I wasn't in a rush to get out of bed the following morning because I felt very comfortable, but of course my stomach growled after a while. I got up and dressed before making my way downstairs for breakfast where there were already bodies partaking of Ingrid's hospitality. I caught her coming out of the kitchen carrying a couple pitchers and bid her a good morning. After that, I took a seat at a previously set table where I grabbed a trencher and served myself. "Allow me," I heard as I was reaching for a pitcher. The blue-eyed nobleman from yesterday's fair smiled and held a tankard out to me after having filled it. "Thank you," I told him shyly. "It's my pleasure," he said, taking my hand and kissing it. "Uh, would you care for fruit? Perhaps an oatcake?" I asked, suddenly flustered. "I would love some," he responded, taking the seat next to mine. I grabbed another trencher and began serving him. I couldn't believe this was happening! "You have the longest hair I have ever seen," he began, and then I understood. "It is not for sale," I responded curtly. "I don't mean to buy it. I mean to admire it and the girl it belongs to," he replied. "Surely you jest," I told him, having become annoyed. "I do no such thing," he urged. "What is it that you wanted?" I retorted. He answered me by saying I'd caught his eye the day before and he'd felt an overwhelming need to talk to me. When I asked why he hadn't come up to me at the time, he said he'd been in the middle of a business arrangement. I found his explanation credible and offered my sincerest apologies. He assured me that there had been no harm done and went on to introduce himself as Nean Waller. He then mentioned he'd be in town for a few days because his parents had sent him to start up trading negotiations with local craftsmen. "You probably think I have it easy," he said, sensing I was losing interest in the topic of conversation. "Your job is more distinguished than any I would be allowed," I shrugged. "Well, I hate it to be bluntly honest," he admitted. "True as that may be, I bet you wouldn't trade your cushy life for mine," I challenged. "I like to think I would throw it all away for the right person, given the right reason," he replied. "Yeah, I doubt that," I tried not to laugh. "Won't you give me the chance to get to know you?" he asked. "I could be persuaded," I answered him.
It was now early afternoon, and I found myself writing in my journal. Nean and I had spent the early morning keeping one another company. We seemed to click so well that I began considering asking to accompany him on his travels the next time we spoke. I knew it was improbable, but I didnt know what else to do to help my current situation. It was better to stay on the move than allow my family to find me, for I was not prepared to go back to living a dictated life. According to mother, I was to marry a man of power so that our family may be well off; however, I never did intend to marry for anything other than love. Besides, I was sure the man chosen to be my suitor was corrupt as they come. Time and again I heard threats about being disowned, but I knew I was more valuable as an ungrateful daughter than naught. It hadn't even hurt when I was told this during a heated argument because I'd never felt close to my family. This meant I probably never would, but that was okay because I'd long since made my peace with it. A half hour or so later, there was not much else I cared to write about. I stashed my journal and grabbed my shoulder bag meaning to take a walk. It was a rather pleasant summer day to be out and about, meaning the sunshine allowed stray strands of gold and red in my anthracite hair to show if only you looked closely enough. "How's it going?" came a familiar voice from my right. "Kasiro, it's good to see you!" I replied. "You, too," he told me, giving that chuckle of his. "What brings you?" I asked. He motioned to the buck tied across his back. "What a catch," I tried whistling, and he laughed good-naturedly at me. Suddenly, he put his hands on my arms, spun us around, and had me lead directly in front of him. "Jess," he began, taking on a serious tone, "I'm afraid your keeper is nearby." "How do you figure?" I asked him. "A carriage circling the forest had stopped me and its passenger offered your description," he explained. I truly had expected to be caught up to sooner than later. "Is the carriage in close proximity?" I asked as we continued covering distance. "Not close enough," Kasiro assured me.
