Nightfall

The woman that hailed me slowly approached me, after she warned that she was approaching. Though there is not much danger of having someone visit someone's camping spot, there is a custom that has occurred where you alert someone, from a distance, that you are asking to join. Unless the person that is hosting the camp does not welcome you, you should not visit them.

"Come in." (Rehor)

As I had no problems with a lone wanderer joining me, for this one night only, I did not reject her request. From a distance, I could see that she was only carrying a rucksack, and unarmed from any visible weapons. I might have been wrong, but she seemed to be a safe companion.

On closer inspection, she did not seem to be much older than me. There was still a sense of youthfulness, that had not been worn away from age. While she might not be considered ugly, she was no belle. She had a head full of brown hair, bound together, in some unknown fashion. Other than being a lone traveler, like my assumed role, there was nothing else that made her stand out.

"Welcome.." (Rehor)

"Thanks for inviting me in. I should have stopped already, but I was hoping to get to town tonight." (Woman)

"There is still nearly a day's walk from here. I just came from where you are heading. And I'm sorry to say, it is no town. Just a simple village." (Rehor)

"Dang." (Woman)

"I'm sorry for my lack of manners. I'm Rehor." (Rehor)

"Oh, yeah. Call me Vezena." (Vezena)

"Nice to meet you, Vezena. Make yourself comfortable." (Rehor)

While I would like to ask of her, what the road was like, from where she came, it would not seem a good question to ask, especially at night, right before rest. Tomorrow, before I head off, if there is an opportunity, I will ask her at that time. Some questions should only be asked during the right situations, even the innocuous ones.

"What wares are you selling?" (Vezena)

"I have some pottery that was ordered from a person from the village that I just left." (Rehor)

"Oh, boring. I was hoping you'd have something I could get." (Vezena)

"Alas, my goal is to be a trader, but I don't have the capital as of yet. So, I'm just delivering goods so I can make some money." (Rehor)

"You're trying to be a solo trader? You haven't joined any company?" (Vezena)

"I've tried. But I have no qualifications, as of yet. I have been told by the few traders, that I have had some little chance of talking to, that I need to prove myself before I can be hired." (Rehor)

Um, yeah… I have no idea on what it takes to be a trader. So I have had to throw some random excuses together, just in order to make an excuse that might sound plausible. My ignorance loves to show up whenever I least want it to. The only hope, is that she does not probe any further into my flimsy disguise.

"I hope you have some good luck." (Vezena)

"I hope my skills help me more than any luck. Though I wouldn't deny any chance for some good luck. Where are you traveling to?" (Rehor)

"No where in particular. I've been letting my self go wherever I feel like it. Staying in only one place, makes me feel like a prisoner. I want to enjoy some freedom." (Vezena)

"It sounds like you live a carefree life. I can respect that." (Rehor)

So as not to have to delve any further into my meager story, I had to question her instead. I am not that interested in any conversation right now, but as to seem normal, I have to talk to her. I am trying to keep the conversation going, even for a little bit, but eventually, I can not come up with anything more to talk about, and such, I bid her a good night.

With normal people, talking with her would be relatively simple. She was free with her words, and open to elaborating about her experiences. While she had only been traveling for a limited amount of time, she had experienced going to various areas, which is a rare thing for most people. Just to hear about how somebody else lived there life, in what could be construed as a nearly unimaginable place, would be worthy of attention.

I did end up brewing some tea for the two of us to drink. Yes, I brought a tea pot, and some tea. I have become accustomed to having something other than water to drink. And, tea is easily portable. And, I left her with the remainder of the beverage to drink if she wants.

Laying down to sleep, while the woman, Vezena, remained awake. The sound of the fire, and the pieces of tinder, falling, along with the sounds of Vezena, nearby, is what last I remembered as I let myself embrace sleep for the night.

While it might be the comfort of being beneath my own roof, there is a certain sense of relaxation, of sleep beneath the stars that are still coming out. The sound of the river, crashing against the shore, with the cries of the wildlife, that has rarely interacted with mankind, is peaceful.

It might be true, that I am appreciative of this atmosphere, it does not wash away the ordeal that I will be going through, in the morrow. But still, for now, I am willing to just be.

* * *

"Wake up. Something's coming." (Vezena)

"Huh?" (Rehor)

I was rather suddenly awoken from my sleep. The limited rest that I had earned, through sleeping, made me feel more tired than what I felt before I slept. Groggily, I tried to follow her words.

"I heard something. I'm not sure where it is coming from." (Vezena)

"Please tell me that you are not just scared for some random animal just wandering past." (Rehor)

"I've been by myself, long enough, that I am not scared of that. Now, hurry up, and get yourself ready." (Vezena)