Russ knocking on the door, as expected

Several loud raps startle you from your slumber. It felt as though your head only just hit your pillow, but when you stagger after rolling out of the bed, you realize that you must have been out for at least a few hours. You can hardly see in the dim light, but quickly enough, you're able to orient yourself in the right direction and clumsily make your way to the door.

You can see Russ' frown by the light of his candle when you open the door wide for him. "What's wrong? Did I oversleep?" Some part of you hopes it's that, rather then the real possibility that your hair is badly messed from your sleep. You've never been one to consider your appearance - beyond keeping yourself properly groomed, of course - but something about the man prompts you to quickly run a few fingers through your crimson locks.

"I promised I would not let you, and I'm not a man known for breaking promises, least of all to a maiden as fetching as yourself... and lest it concern you, I find you even more fetching today for having spent a few hours apart." Dammit - how did he know?

He catches your hand and brings the back of it to his lips. Before your emotions can settle whether you should swoon at the casual contact or be casually indifferent, he has already glided past you to set down his candle. He proceeds to inspect each corner of the room and inventory his possessions. "Is it common practice for you to open your door without asking who is on the other side?"

Maybe you're still asleep, but you're pretty sure you heard him correctly. "I... suppose I've never had to think about it before."

He stops and cocks an eye at you before sighing and smiling again. "Ah, but of course not. What would you have to fear from fellow sisters other than a well-intentioned jest? I suppose you're unaccustomed to locks on your door as well?"

Oh, that. You can't very well explain that you UN-locked the door after a temporary lapse of judgment, so it's probably for the best if he thinks its more of your naivety. "I see your point. An innocent woman never knows when unscrupulous types might be skulking about."

"Ah, so my rose has thorns. I shall take that as a challenge - you will see in due time that I have scruples to spare. But I think we're finished here. No harm done, so let us away." With his trunks in tow, you gather up your own meager possessions and exit the inn.

It's well before first light - no one is awake to see you leave, or to help saddle your horses. Soon enough you're riding slowly along the Splinter Road once again, Russ atop his own steed, a beautiful, chestnut-colored mare and likely very fast though not nearly as impressive as Aegis. The road is still soft from the recent rain, and the clothing Russ provided does little to keep out the cold of morning. For that he produces a heavy wool cloak, which you wrap tightly around your body.

You ride together in silence until the town is well out of earshot. The first rays of morning light have yet to peak above the horizon when Russ speaks again. "It's half a day's ride to Slurry from here. The town can be rough, and not very welcoming to travelers, though I'm sure exceptions would be made for a treat such as yourself. All the more reason for us to pass through quickly. Still, we should arrive in time to break fast, and there are precious few stops along the way to resupply. We shouldn't attract too much undue attention if we eat quickly and rest our horses, but I'd understand if you'd prefer to ride through without stopping."

You weigh his words. You're not keen on the idea of attracting any sort of attention, whether due to your womanhood as Russ has implied or otherwise, and the sooner you arrive at Gerlangen the better, but it's also unreasonable to think that you could ride the rest of the way without stopping again. "Let's see what shape we're in when we arrive."

He nods. "Forewarned is forearmed. I merely advise you to bear it in mind as we approach."

After that, lighter conversation prevails. Russ tells you tales of his travels, women he's romanced, duels he's won... all of his accomplishments are impressive, relative to your lack of worldly experience. Somehow though, he always manages to turn the focus back to you, and before you know it, you've told him nearly as much about your life as you can possibly remember. Admittedly, there isn't much to tell, but he's a better listener than you had expected. The hours pass by in a flash, and you do not realize that morning has actually arrived until long after the sun has already risen.

Eventually the forest gives way to rugged hills. It's when you have climbed to the top of one of these hills that you can spot a quarry down below, and a small, bustling town ahead along the road. There seems to be some sort of commotion, but there's no way to tell what the matter is until you get closer.