Balnea (Bath House)

I'm in heaven. Rain thought absently, as she sank down into the hot water of the female bath. Ducking under water completely, she scrubbed vigorously at her scalp. Her hair would take forever to dry, but it needed the cleaning. It felt like weeks since the last time she'd bathed at all, much less taken an actual bath. In actuality, it had only been that morning. Still she'd been without a real bath for several days. The baths had been a little pricey though... Clean feels good! She justified, refusing to let herself think of how precious little she had left to buy food with. At least she didn't have to worry about lodging. Not yet anyway. No one had come by the home that Morrin had given her demanding that she vacate it. Nor was it likely that anyone would. It had been bought and paid for after all and she was the only family he had had.

Tears started to fill her eyes as she thought about her lost one. She still hadn't given up on the search. Three months wasn't so very long after all. She had to keep up hope that she would find him. That he would come home. If he hadn't in another three months... By then I'll have found someone to travel with me. Rain assured herself. Traveling at all was hard on her. There were many sick on the road. Even more were injured. Sick was often easier for her to handle. Dizziness, the symptoms of a fever, the beat pain any day. Often sick was easier to correct as well. A large yawn issued forth from Rain's lips and she shook her head to rouse herself. She could go and fall asleep here. She'd drown. Then there would be no chance of finding Morrin. No one to even look for him.

A voice in the near distance drove Rain to her feet. That's why she'd come to the baths at this so very unpopular hour. To avoid the crowds. To avoid other people. She was too tired right now to handle their aches and pains won from an honest days labor. What little she had came from the life of a minstrel, playing in pubs and inns, wherever she could. Her music seemed appreciated. At least the number of coins that she usually ended up with told her as much. She loved people, really truly, but now... Longingly her eyes looked back to the large pool that was the female bath. She wouldn't have a chance like this again. With a smile that was half grim grin, half self depreciating humor, Rain plopped herself back into the water. She needed this, and if there really was someone coming to the bath that she was in, then really it might be worth any discomfort to see who it was.

I'm in heaven. Rain thought absently, as she sank down into the hot water of the female bath. Ducking under water completely, she scrubbed vigorously at her scalp. Her hair would take forever to dry, but it needed the cleaning. It felt like weeks since the last time she'd bathed at all, much less taken an actual bath. In actuality, it had only been that morning. Still she'd been without a real bath for several days. The baths had been a little pricey though... Clean feels good! She justified, refusing to let herself think of how precious little she had left to buy food with. At least she didn't have to worry about lodging. Not yet anyway. No one had come by the home that Morrin had given her demanding that she vacate it. Nor was it likely that anyone would. It had been bought and paid for after all and she was the only family he had had.

Tears started to fill her eyes as she thought about her lost one. She still hadn't given up on the search. Three months wasn't so very long after all. She had to keep up hope that she would find him. That he would come home. If he hadn't in another three months... By then I'll have found someone to travel with me. Rain assured herself. Traveling at all was hard on her. There were many sick on the road. Even more were injured. Sick was often easier for her to handle. Dizziness, the symptoms of a fever, the beat pain any day. Often sick was easier to correct as well. A large yawn issued forth from Rain's lips and she shook her head to rouse herself. She could go and fall asleep here. She'd drown. Then there would be no chance of finding Morrin. No one to even look for him.

A voice in the near distance drove Rain to her feet. That's why she'd come to the baths at this so very unpopular hour. To avoid the crowds. To avoid other people. She was too tired right now to handle their aches and pains won from an honest days labor. What little she had came from the life of a minstrel, playing in pubs and inns, wherever she could. Her music seemed appreciated. At least the number of coins that she usually ended up with told her as much. She loved people, really truly, but now... Longingly her eyes looked back to the large pool that was the female bath. She wouldn't have a chance like this again. With a smile that was half grim grin, half self depreciating humor, Rain plopped herself back into the water. She needed this, and if there really was someone coming to the bath that she was in, then really it might be worth any discomfort to see who it was.

I'm in heaven. Rain thought absently, as she sank down into the hot water of the female bath. Ducking under water completely, she scrubbed vigorously at her scalp. Her hair would take forever to dry, but it needed the cleaning. It felt like weeks since the last time she'd bathed at all, much less taken an actual bath. In actuality, it had only been that morning. Still she'd been without a real bath for several days. The baths had been a little pricey though... Clean feels good! She justified, refusing to let herself think of how precious little she had left to buy food with. At least she didn't have to worry about lodging. Not yet anyway. No one had come by the home that Morrin had given her demanding that she vacate it. Nor was it likely that anyone would. It had been bought and paid for after all and she was the only family he had had.

Tears started to fill her eyes as she thought about her lost one. She still hadn't given up on the search. Three months wasn't so very long after all. She had to keep up hope that she would find him. That he would come home. If he hadn't in another three months... By then I'll have found someone to travel with me. Rain assured herself. Traveling at all was hard on her. There were many sick on the road. Even more were injured. Sick was often easier for her to handle. Dizziness, the symptoms of a fever, the beat pain any day. Often sick was easier to correct as well. A large yawn issued forth from Rain's lips and she shook her head to rouse herself. She could go and fall asleep here. She'd drown. Then there would be no chance of finding Morrin. No one to even look for him.

A voice in the near distance drove Rain to her feet. That's why she'd come to the baths at this so very unpopular hour. To avoid the crowds. To avoid other people. She was too tired right now to handle their aches and pains won from an honest days labor. What little she had came from the life of a minstrel, playing in pubs and inns, wherever she could. Her music seemed appreciated. At least the number of coins that she usually ended up with told her as much. She loved people, really truly, but now... Longingly her eyes looked back to the large pool that was the female bath. She wouldn't have a chance like this again. With a smile that was half grim grin, half self depreciating humor, Rain plopped herself back into the water. She needed this, and if there really was someone coming to the bath that she was in, then really it might be worth any discomfort to see who it was.

I'm in heaven. Rain thought absently, as she sank down into the hot water of the female bath. Ducking under water completely, she scrubbed vigorously at her scalp. Her hair would take forever to dry, but it needed the cleaning. It felt like weeks since the last time she'd bathed at all, much less taken an actual bath. In actuality, it had only been that morning. Still she'd been without a real bath for several days. The baths had been a little pricey though... Clean feels good! She justified, refusing to let herself think of how precious little she had left to buy food with. At least she didn't have to worry about lodging. Not yet anyway. No one had come by the home that Morrin had given her demanding that she vacate it. Nor was it likely that anyone would. It had been bought and paid for after all and she was the only family he had had.

Tears started to fill her eyes as she thought about her lost one. She still hadn't given up on the search. Three months wasn't so very long after all. She had to keep up hope that she would find him. That he would come home. If he hadn't in another three months... By then I'll have found someone to travel with me. Rain assured herself. Traveling at all was hard on her. There were many sick on the road. Even more were injured. Sick was often easier for her to handle. Dizziness, the symptoms of a fever, the beat pain any day. Often sick was easier to correct as well. A large yawn issued forth from Rain's lips and she shook her head to rouse herself. She could go and fall asleep here. She'd drown. Then there would be no chance of finding Morrin. No one to even look for him.

A voice in the near distance drove Rain to her feet. That's why she'd come to the baths at this so very unpopular hour. To avoid the crowds. To avoid other people. She was too tired right now to handle their aches and pains won from an honest days labor. What little she had came from the life of a minstrel, playing in pubs and inns, wherever she could. Her music seemed appreciated. At least the number of coins that she usually ended up with told her as much. She loved people, really truly, but now... Longingly her eyes looked back to the large pool that was the female bath. She wouldn't have a chance like this again. With a smile that was half grim grin, half self depreciating humor, Rain plopped herself back into the water. She needed this, and if there really was someone coming to the bath that she was in, then really it might be worth any discomfort to see who it was.

Phaistos scowled as he entered the bath house. He didn't like the danger of bathing in the city, too many people to see him. But, cleaning after a job was absolutely necessary, else he be stopped for some dried blood on his arm or a spot of dirt from a noble's yard on his face. The tiniest detail could condemn your life in his line of work. He entered the male baths and made his way to the bath farthest from view. As he reached it he began to strip off his clothing. He folded them neatly and placed it on a shelf on the wall. No other clothes were visible. This hour, usually free of other bathers, was perfect for Phaistos. As he placed his pants onto the shelf a small animal emerged from his pocket. It was a beech marten with a brown coat and a white underbelly not unlike Phaistos's own hair. It cocked its head in amusement as Phaistos eased himself into the stone tub. Phaistos shook his head in response; just because it was riskier to bathe here didn't mean he couldn't enjoy it.

The man proceeded to scrub himself from head to toe as thoroughly as possible. He made sure that every speck of dirt and every stain was eliminated from his skin. After what seemed forever, Phaistos felt that the job was done. He could finally enjoy the bath for what it was...warm. Streams and rivers may be refreshing but they could also be cold enough to make him appear a doe instead of a stag. He looked over at the marten who was busy cleaning itself off at the edge of the tub. It would reach down and rub its paws in the water, occasionally splashing some of the warm liquid on to its face. Phaistos smiled at his loyal friend.

"Well look at you," said Phaistos, sarcasm thick in his voice. "How far you've come oh mighty beast. From the days of scurrying around the undergrowth searching for a mere morsel, to lounging in the bath houses of Aiatse. The mighty boar himself would bow before you, the great and majestic Nixta!"

The marten ceased its own bathing to give what many would consider to be the specie's best attempt at a glare. It chattered angrily at the hunter, than proceeded to continue bathing.

"I'm one to talk?" responded Phaistos, tone shifting to amusement. "So, you're saying without you I'd still be scrounging around in the dirt too, with much less luck than yourself. The way I remember it my fuzzy little friend, is that I saved you."

Nixta turned its head, pouting. It stuck its tongue out at Phaistos and scurried toward the female baths.

"I really hope there isn't anyone there." said Phaistos through gritted teeth. "I'll catch all sorts of hell if she gets caught."

Skin still smarting, and a little red, from the scrubbing she'd given herself when a person had not followed the voice, Rain lounged in the pool forcing her mind to a song that she was working on. After all, you had to create to ever become a full bard. Bards could play anywhere, for nobles and royalty even. Surely if she were a bard she could find someone to accept her as friend. A place that was all her own. One that she had earned through her own hard work. A place she would be wanted. Morrin wanted me. But Morrin was gone now. Rain had to accept that. She knew she did. Not that she would give up looking that easily.

"That doesn't keep me from giving up hope," She whispered, slipping back under the water for a moment. Hoping the warm comforting caress of it against her bare skin would take away the bad thoughts. Return her sense of warmth, hope, and home. She opened her eyes, ignoring the bite of the water against them and watched her hair swirl around her. The patterns that it made where so very pretty, so she kept watching them. How long it was until she had to resurface to breath she wasn't sure. It couldn't have been too long. Even still, there was a new person in the room when she broke the surface.

Perhaps person isn't quite the right word, Rain chided herself. People seemed to think it odd that she put as much stock into the welfare of animals as she did into humans. Many didn't understand how she could look at them and see people. Very different yes, but then there were different races of man all over the place weren't there?

"No, I won't hurt you," She called softly, voice full of regret as the small, weasel like animal skittered back a few paces and chattered angrily at her sudden appearance. "How did you get in here?" She asked cocking her head at the animal as it came to a halt by her clothes. The animal glanced at her cocked it's head right back, then started to nose around in her clothes. Rain giggled. "There's no food in there sweet." Nor were there supposed to be animals in the baths, but that obviously hadn't stopped this one. Logic would imply that the small creature must belong to the owner of the voice that she'd heard earlier.

"Do you have a human around here somewhere?" She asked, not really expecting to get a reply. When the animal looked up from it's perusal of her boots just long enough to nod, she clapped in delight. "You're the most enchanting little creature." She murmured, and the thing preened. There was no other word for it. Then, without any warning at all, the little creature took off like shot from a sling, dragging her delicate well cared for and rather well polished brace of throwing daggers along behind it.

"That's mine! I need those!" Rain protested, coming rather clumsily out of the bath, and onto the tiles around it. Her body sluggish from the heat of the water, it was a wonder that she didn't slip and fall. She kept her feet, and grabbing a thick robe off of one of the benches, she donned it, holding up the bottom so that she didn't trip. Mobile, if not as graceful as usual, and decent enough now to be seen she headed after the small mammal with all the speed she could muster.

The warm water was incredible on Phaistos's aching arms. His muscles had relaxed from their usual tense state. He knew he should feel vulnerable but it wasn't often that he got to relax. The life of an outlaw wasn't geared towards much luxury. Unfortunately, his peace was short lived. Phaistos started as Nixta came dashing around the corner from the second set of baths. In her mouth she carried an exquisite brace of throwing daggers. He quickly leapt from the bath as Nixta jumped into his arms and scurried up to his shoulder. She had a grin that stretched from one end of her face to the other as she dropped the daggers into his hands.

"What where you thinking?" exclaimed Phaistos.

The marten began to chatter wildly, bobbing up and down with excitement.

"This doesn't make you useful Nixta!" said Phaistos, starting to panic. "This makes you a liability. What part of low profile don't you understand?"

There argument was short lived though, as the sound of rushed footsteps became more audible with the second. Before Phaistos had time to react a woman with an incredible length of red hair came rounding the corner. For the first time in his life Phaistos was at a loss for what to do; his partner had just stolen a brace of daggers that most likely belonged to the woman, he was fresh off a job, and worst of all...he was naked.

Who would have thought that such a small creature could drag my daggers that quickly? To be quite frank, Rain was impressed. She doubted she would be able to catch the little thief unless it stopped moving. Still, she wasn't going to give up that easily. Those daggers had been Morrin's birthday gift to her. Unaccustomed to running barefoot, much less on the stone floor of the bath house, Rain followed the little creature around a turn. Then skidded to a halt when she came face to abdominal level with a very much naked man. Or rather she tried to skid to a halt.

She had no more than half a second to gawk at the male form, which up until now the 14 year old girl had never seen so lacking in clothing. Then she was slipping, sliding on wet feet, and damped floor. Her muscles, still far from recovered from their time in the hot relaxing water, Rain had very little control over her direction. Before she could react, Rain plummeted into the pool that she could only assume that the dripping man had just vacated.

It was a soaked Rain that came up spluttering, tugging a suddenly uncooperative robe closed tight around her, while simultaneously trying to push a very heavy curtain of extremely wet hair from her face. Luckily she came up turned away from the naked man. "Give me just a moment, and I'll get out of your bath," She murmured face flaming. "You wouldn't have happened to see a small animal dragging an arm brace of throwing daggers not so very much smaller than it come this way would you?"

It wasn't that bad to look upon was it? Rain knew that voice. It was the one that got her into trouble. Made her ask unwise questions, or stick her nose where it truly had no right to be. It was also the second hardest part of herself to deny. Still, despite suddenly having a strong wish to see exactly what all of the fuss was about when it came to male bodies, this was one of those things that she just shouldn't let herself do. It wasn't polite. Has that ever stopped you before? Well, she really did have to admit that it hadn't.

"Could you possibly give me a hand out of here? This robe is so very heavy when it's wet." She pleaded as she started to turn around.

Well, thought Phaistos, this is embarrassing. He wasn't exactly practiced in human interaction, and this was certainly a first for him. As the woman turned back towards him he remembered the very important fact that he was still naked. Phaistos quickly grabbed his pants off the shelf and began quickly throwing them onto his still soaking body. Nixta leapt from his shoulder at the sudden flurry of motion and landed on the shelf. She quickly took up chattering angrily at her partner.

"I'm very sorry for the trouble Nixta has caused." said Phaistos.

His cheeks were flushed red now, and not just from the soak. Bare chested he knelt down and helped the young woman out of the bathtub. The woman's unfortunate tumble into the tub had soaked her to the core. Her robe seemed heavy on her tiny frame and her mane of red hair clung close to her body. Despite her disheveled appearance Phaistos had to admit that she was a very pretty girl, if not a little young. He grabbed the daggers from the floor and handed them to her.

"She means well, but doesn't really consider the repercussions," he continued, "If I can compensate you for the trouble please allow me to. I have a little money, or if you could use my services I could compensate you that way. Just, if you could leave the authorities out of this I would greatly appreciate it."

"She was no trouble, really. I promise," Rain replied as she completed her turn in time to see him affixing his pants in place. Ahh well. If it's anything like the difference between male and female animals I doubt I'd wish to see it anyway. "Thank you," She gave the man her most dazzling smile as she accepted his help. Watching the muscles move under his skin. It was always pleasant to watch the way that muscles. A good strong body was a sign of good health, and her senses told her that he was indeed in good health. That was always a relief when she encountered random people.

She straightened her robe to better cover herself as soon as she was soundly on her feet, a puddle forming at her feet. It was growing rapidly but Rain wasn't so very worried about it now that she wasn't running, and her muscles were working again. "There will be no authorities, there is no need,"She agreed looking up at the much taller fellow as she accepted her daggers back. He was blushing, though she couldn't begin to imagine why. What was there for him to be embarrassed of?

"Animals will do as they will, and if these were not so very special to me, I'd have let her have them. She's a very wonderful creature. Fully deserving of whatever prizes she manages to gain for herself by means foul or fair." Rain held her hand out towards the animal in question. She really was a beautiful thing. A crafty one too. "It must be great fun to have a companion like her," She remarked, momentarily. A wave of loneliness swept over her, but she shook her head, shaking it off. "I doubt that there is much that you could do for me. So please, do not feel that you must repay some imagined debt. Do you think that she would let me pet her?"

"Of course; Its the least she could do, after the trouble she's caused," replied Phaistos.

He was surprised at how polite and understanding the young woman was. His past experiences with other people had often been wanting in that aspect. He muttered a few words in the strange speech of the marten. Nixta answered by jumping from the shelf on to Phaistos's shoulder and then making a second leap to the young woman's shoulder.

"My manners escape me," said Phaistos. "My name is Phaistos, I'm a hunter. Should you ever need my skills please don't hesitate to ask. I'm also an excellent tracker should the hunt not be your forte."

It was then that he noticed the person's eyes, a golden hue. She was gifted. A faint twinge of pain flashed through Phaistos, feelings of abandonment and betrayal beginning to creep to the surface. He quickly pushed those feelings down, down into the abyss where he kept all those unpleasant memories. But even after he subdued his unfavorable emotions a strange feeling still remained. He felt like he needed to do something, like there was something this girl needed him to do. Unconsciously he began to rub his temple with his index and middle finger.

"How many times must I tell you that it was no trouble?" Rain's assurance broke off into a delighted giggle as the small animal jumped onto her shoulder. "Oh, you are quite the beauty," She crooned to her, scratching lightly under the animals chin. Vaguely she heard the man introduce himself. Heard him speak his profession. Oh what use I would have had for a tracker three months ago. She lamented silently, eyes never leaving the other female present. "I am called Rain. A minstrel by trade. This one would be a wonderful thing to write a song on. What is her breed?"

She turned her eyes back to him then. Saw him rubbing at his forehead. "Is something the matter?" He wasn't in pain, not in the physical sense anyway, she'd have known it. She always knew. Something was wrong. "Have I given offense? Is there something that I have said wrong?" Rain cocked her head to the side that didn't have the animal on it, and frowned. "If I have please tell me what."

Her eyes caught on his then. They were golden in color. Not so very unlike her amber ones, and his eyes were on hers. "Is there something wrong with my eyes? When people see them, they all seem to start acting differently, but no one will tell me why." She sighed then, and put her hand to the animal intent on giving her back to her rightful friend, taking her leave. "I have taken up quiet enough of your time I think. I'll go now, and leave you to the peace of this place."

Something in the back of his head insisted that he not allow this woman to simply leave. Her query into the color of her eyes hit home for Phaistos. One of his memories began to creep up from that dark place. It was of his father, not being able to make eye contact as he left the boy at the city gates. Phaistos shook it off, there were more important things at hand. He nodded to Nixta, who crooned in the hopes of more preening.

"Please," said Phaistos. "Don't leave just yet, it seems Nixta wants to here more about these songs. She would never forgive me if I didn't allow you to elaborate on your offer to sing about her. She has quite the ego for a Beech Marten."

Phaistos took a seat on a stone bench against the wall, leaning his back against the warm stone. His lids drooped a little, not from exhaustion but in a sort of relaxation. Inside his head a part of himself began laughing at him. He hadn't let his guard down like this in years. What was it about this girl? Was it because of her eyes, the mark of the gifted? Or was it her apparent innocence, something Phaistos felt was long lost in the current era.

Phiastos words halted Rains movements, and she turned back towards him, slowly. He looked half asleep with his eyes merely slits beneath their lids. Lounged on the bench as if he had no cares in the world, he seemed content. All intention of fleeing left her then. "A Beech Marten you say? She looks nothing like a tree," Rain teased. "Yet she's a beautiful creature all the same, and a very impressive personality to go with it." She smiled softly, and took a few wistful steps forward, then halted herself. Her smile turned sad. "Though for all that I doubt her ego to be falsely gained, I think perchance I should not stroke it more."

Rain took one reluctant step backwards, eyes closing against inner conflict. Here was one who was willing to grant her companionship. At least for a small while, she wouldn't be alone. It would be almost as if Morrin was back with her to have a companion who was strong, and healthy of body.Not just like perhaps, but close enough that perhaps her world could feel right again. That he had such an inspiring creature for a friend was doubly wonderful. She'd been so very lacking in inspiration since Morrin's disappearance. So alone. Here was someone who seemed to want to be friends, she didn't want to turn him away. What do I have to offer them? She lamented silently. What could a starving minstrel possibly give to them. I will not make myself a burden to another. Well, there was one thing at least. "Do you have a place to stay in the city?"

She opened her eyes then, and watched the fellow as she continued. "I've a spare room if you do not. You're welcome to it for your kindness. I would be quite glad to have you. I've not had company in..." She stammered to a halt then, feeling her cheeks flush slightly. She'd very nearly admitted to how lonely she had grown. That would never do. There was no need to share her burdens and make them others burdens as well. "There's little enough to recommend it. I warn you of that now. Just comfortable furniture, and good insulation. It's small, but I've tried to keep it feeling like a home. I fully understand if you've other lodgings, but if you want it..." She stopped herself then, biting her lip to keep from saying more. Digging her grave that much deeper.

The hunter was taken aback by the girl's offer. For someone to make such a suggestion without a request attached was something Phaistos had not experienced in quite some time. After the labyrinth he'd spent his whole life working for every little thing, from the clothes on his back to the gold in his pouch. The kindness of the offer was almost earth shattering to him. Whether or not he could accept was an entirely different matter.

The benefits were evident. He would have a warm, safe place to stay for now while he attempted to find more work. He couldn't make his way out of the city just yet because it might draw attention to him. However, if the authorities did somehow manage to connect him with his latest hit they would be more easily pressed to find him in the city, rather than the mountains. Finally, if they did do such a thing he would implicate the girl in his misdeed without her ever even realizing. Could he really do this to the first truly good person he'd encountered in so long?

As he gathered his thoughts he looked over towards the girl. It hit him like a charging boar. She was lonely. It was evident in her eyes, and her stance. This poor girl had evidently lost someone very important to her and was hoping this stranger might fill that gap, if only partially. Those were feelings Phaistos could clearly empathize with. He remembered the first weeks he'd spent in the mountains as a child. Stumbling over the rocks, searching for food with nothing but the cold wind to talk to. He felt ashamed for only considering how this situation might affect him.

It was settled than, he would accept this girl's offer. But at the same time he would keep his ear to the ground at all times. If the city guard were to discover his true occupation he would flee before they could ever connect the girl to him. He stood up from the bench then, and bowed to the young woman.

"Your offer is truly one of the kindest anyone has presented me with," replied Phaistos. "I graciously accept. However, I will find a way to repay your kindness. I swear it on my life."

"I fully underst-" The words halted as Rain heard the rest of what the hunter had to say, and a delighted smile appeared on her face before she could stop it. "Really, you needn't worry about repaying me. It will be good to have the room filled. Three months empty is more than enough." The impulse to throw herself at him in a hug was squashed before it could reach her muscles, and she took a few steps backwards instead. "I should go get dressed. I still need to go by the market before it gets to late or there will be nothing worth having left for dinner. Meet me in the entrance area when you're ready?"

Too excited to wait for an answer, Rain moved back towards the ladies baths and her waiting gear, arm brace clutched to her chest. There was no telling how long this would last, but for now, she wasn't going to be spending nearly so much time alone and that made her much happier than she would have anticipated. It had never occurred to her how deeply the loneliness had been biting at her. Only time would tell her if it was missing her dearest friend, or loneliness that had been causing her the greatest amount of pain. That there was any doubt in her mind brought a frown to her face. Her joy at having made a new friend dimmed greatly.

Rain dried herself thoroughly, and began to slowly dress in the clean dress that she'd brought with her. It was a deep forest green color, with accenting in a darkened amber. The skirt of it was full, and swirled lightly around her ankles. The bodice was loose, but fitted, and modestly cut with long, loose sleeves that came to the middle of her hands. The arm brace containing her throwing daggers found its way up her left sleeve. When she was dressed, she unwrapped her hair from the towel she'd attempted to contain it in, and braided it as neatly as possible, then twisted it into a coil on top of her head. That completed, she sat down to pull on soft dark brown boots.

Finally dressed, and still a little nervous about what she'd done. Disappointed in herself for forgetting, even if it had only been for a moment, her mission to find Morrin. Or at least some trace of what had become of him, Rain made her way towards the entrance hall. Still, despite her inner flagellation, she smiled. It was not Phaistos's fault that she was having an inner turmoil, nor did she want him thinking that she had changed her mind. It really would be good not to be alone anymore, and she was always happy to be of assistance. Taking a deep breath, Rain started into the entrance hall suppressing the nagging feeling that her quiet, simple life was going to change. That she was taking steps that would ensure that nothing would ever be the same again. I'll be alright it's not like I've changed. He's a good man, this hunter, it shows. It's simply the fear of the unknown, nothing bad could come of this. After all what kind of trouble could a simple hunter get them into? None that she wouldn't manage to get herself into she was sure.

"Aye," said Phaistos. He was quite enthused by the fact that at last, something had gone right today. Maybe his luck was finally starting to turn. That, and the girl was making dinner! Though it might be too forward, the thought of a true cooked meal sent his heart a flutter. How long had it been since he'd had anything but crispy rabbit, or boar's meat if he was lucky. Phaistos was indeed a great hunter, but a cook he was not. Even Nixta refused some of his meals.

As the girl turned back to her own bath chamber Phaistos started to gather his things. He threw on his tunic and strapped on his modest pieces of armor. He tucked the trusty knife into his belt and slipped the quiver and bow over his shoulder. He took a quick look at his reflection and straightened his unruly hair the best he could. Nixta climbed onto his shoulder and begin cleaning herself as well. Phaistos smiled at his constant companion. How many times had the tiny creature managed to change the course of his life? She had been his first real friend to enter his life after the labyrinth, and had brought about what might become his second. He reached up and gently stroked her back. Nixta answered by rubbing her body affectionately against his neck.

"I guess you were right," said Phaistos gently. "I would be lost without you."

Nixta chirped happily at her friend's praise. Phaistos took a deep breath before turning and walking towards the entrance. As good as he felt right now, something still bothered him. He couldn't discern what it was quite yet, just that it wasn't good. He pushed the feeling back again. After all, nothing had presented itself that he couldn't best. At least not yet. So he made his way to the entrance, ready to follow Rain out into the city.