You meet a kind older woman

Wandering the streets, it strikes you just how cold it is here. Unfortunately, you are a bit lacking in funds at the moment, so an inn is most likely out if the question. Perhaps a church would provide shelter to you for the night? You had just resolved to go find a church when you hear someone calling out. "Monsieur, excuse me monsieur!" In the lamplight you can make out a well-dressed blonde woman, probably in her early to mid thirties, waving at you and walking quickly in your direction. "I'm so sorry to bother you" she says, slightly out of breath, "but I did not realize how late it was when I left my friend's house. Could you, perhaps, walk me home?" She smiles winningly at you.

"Sure," you say, "but where is your husband? Why can he not escort you?" Her smiles dies instantly. "He departed years ago. Please, it isn't much out of your way I'm sure. I don't feel safe walking alone, I would appreciate the company so much." You shrug. "I'll do it, but why trust a stranger?" She shrugs too, less visibly in her thick dress. "I assume a ruffian would be hiding in the alleyways, no? Honest men walk in the middle of the road like you." Honest may be a bit much, but you'll take the compliment. You hold out your arm in a crook, and she takes it happily.

Your new friend, who you have learned is named Marie, guides you through the poorly lit streets to a small wooden general store near the center of town, where she apparently lives in the rooms above the shop. You stop outside the front door, and she turns to talk to you before parting ways. "Merci monsieur, I am so grateful." She smiles again, wide and toothy. "I hope I did not put you far from your destination" she says, resting a hand on your broad shoulder. "No, not at all. I actually don't really have a place to go; I'm new to town. I was just going to find a church to spend the night in." Your strolling companion brings her hands to her cheeks suddenly and dranatically. "Mais non, this cannot be allowed! You cannot sleep on those cold cobblestones, not after you have helped me! Please, come inside. You may sleep on...the extra bed." You hesitate to accept, but she practically drags you in from the chilly night. Now that you're inside, you can appreciate how much better it would be to sleep here, at least from a comfort perspective.

Marie leads you up the creaky wooden stairs, opening the door to a rather bare but clean room, having only a window and a bed. You thank Marie for her hospitality, then the two of you bid one another good night, and you crawl into bed. It is the best, most comfortable rest you've had in weeks.