It was early in the morning when she first stepped outside into the crisp morning air; it was somewhat frigid outside but was peaceful. Few vendors stretched lazily as they struggled to get moving at the start of the new day while doors remained latched. Apart from the low activity of the village nothing else stirred giving Rai the chance to explore her surroundings. Still tired she had hoped to rest more but her curiosity would not have it. Now finding herself on the threshold of the inn she started moving off at a brisk pace. Inside she felt as though she needed to see everything at least once because there was a sense of knowing that her time here would be short, if only it were longer. She took in the few shops that were laid out before her and soon doubled back to the inn taking in its disorderly appearance.
Looking the inn up and down she was about to head back inside when she spotted two people speaking to another in a far corner. “Turokko’s Stables are just over, now they have some fine breeds, and you can find the inn and other shops in that direction” the older man said pointing in Rai’s direction. What younger stranger kindly thanked him and took off in the opposite direction obviously not interested in what this village had to offer. Rai turned on her foot and headed straight for the older man had white hair and a weathered look on his face. “Pardon me sir, but did you mention that there were stables in this village?” she asked tucking a lock of her hair behind one ear. “Why indeed, it’s just over there” he said pointing off in its direction. “Thank you very much” she replied now eager to go there. The older man waved her off and soon she was off at a fast pace, her hair whipping around her face as she picked up speed. Finally she came to an abrupt stop as she came to stand before the Turokko’s stables, warmth flooded throughout her body as she stepped into the familiar.
Rai hadn’t felt this happy since she left the stables in her past homes, her love for such magnificent creatures extended beyond anything else. Noble and strong she had always admired their will to please and carry such a gentle disposition. For Rai, they were the only company she ever had at times when she was alone. It was because of this that she had decided to devote her life to caring for them like they did for her. Taking careful steps inside the sweet smell of oats and straw filled the room and the gentle hoofs that came down against the ground. Walking up to a small mare she placed her palm up to stroke her head. The mare moved closer and muzzled Rai’s face, laughing she patted the mare. “Hey girl, how are they treating you here?” Rai asked pressing her face up against the mare, she replied with a soft neigh. Smiling Rai left and came back with some food to share with the mare and slipped inside the mare’s stable where she began to brush the mare’s coat with a brush Rai had found on the ground outside. Closing her eyes she began to sing as her new friend remained content in eating the oats she had been given.
Tossing over in his slumber Nazagan was awoken by the quiet sound of song, and the stables seemed an odd place to be hearing songs in the early morning. It was that which threw Nazagan off and caused him to tumble from the loft above the stables and landing rather ungracefully on the straw covered floor of the stables.
Bringing himself to his feet rather quickly Nazagans bright yellow eyes fixed upon the only other person in the stable, one of his large red hands went to the hilt of his sword strapped to his back, his other hand raising palm faced to the girl in a gesture of calm, the last thing he needed was to defend himself against a whole village.
"If you can manage not to scream I can manage not to draw my blade, now I clearly overslept and I need to leave the town, I understand this, but I don't need to leave the town followed by the local militia ok?"
Nazagan spoke calmly through a mouth with two long sharp teeth that seemed to appear more as tusks, looking around Nazagan was trying to decide what to do 'Wait for the girl to scream before you make a rash move... you still have time to think of a quiet way out of here..... break her neck?... one death, as opposed to many?... no... no. fight the bloodlust.'