Take the road

While the road was more exposed than the forest, Venus much favored the slightly smoother surface of the road. Furthermore, the road's exposure was also a blessing, as it afforded some visibility, even in the darkness that surrounded her. The forest would be much more cramped, leaving her little, if any, room to react to an attack.

Shouldering her pack, Venus turned and set off up the road, heading towards Namina as fast as she could, her eyes and ears searching the depths of the darkness for any signs of trouble. The darkness, made even deeper by the thick forest canopy overhead, limited her view to not more than a few meters at best. Small rocks and branches dug into her bare soles with almost every step, causing her some discomfort. Several times, she found herself walking off the road without realizing it, only catching herself because the ground beneath her feet changed from packed dirt and gravel to much softer grass.

About an hour later, at her best guess, she found herself drifting off the road again, this time nearly tripping over a fallen tree that had been **** just far enough off the road to allow a wagon to pass. Wincing slightly at the pain in her feet, she briefly checked her surrounding, then wearily sat down on the tree to take a quick breather.

Massaging her battered soles, Venus sighed gently, wishing yet again she had her boots. Peering around her at the pitch-black shadows, Venus contemplated slowing her pace, ensuring she stayed on the road. She knew there was a fork in the road coming up, and she didn't want to miss the turn to Namina. A slower pace, however, meant any potential pursuers would have a much easier time of catching her. A slight rustle made it's way to her finely honed hearing, though she couldn't make out where it came from, or how far away it was.