Jack led them past the stairs and showed them to what may have been the only guest room on the ground floor, it was immediately adjacent to the exit. The door opened inwards on a somewhat plain room that had just the slightest hint of a feminine touch to it. It had a queen sized bed with a single creme covered pillow and a thick comforter over plain sheets. The windows were closed and shuttered, but some sort of embroidery was just visible through the curtains.
"This was Bonnie's room. Technically it's for staff, but no one has used it since she left. It seems right that you stay here, but please, sneak out as early as you can manage." He turned to leave after his explanation.
Nancey held up the coin purse and he simply shook his head and kept walking. "Save your coin, I think you'll end up needing it more than I do."
They entered the room and Nancey latched the door behind them. It was dark, but Nicole could just barely make out shapes of things in the room. Not from light coming in from outside, but from the light of Nancey's aura. It had returned to its regular dim gray.
"How the hell did you do that? What the hell even was that? I saw your aura change!" Nicole wanted some answers.
Nicole's vision tracked Nancey across the room and soon a lamp light was overcoming the dim light from her aura. "Hmm," Nancey pondered, "There was a lamp outside when we came in, but we couldn't see it with the door closed. I bet you can't see the light of the room from outside."
"You're just going to ignore my question?" Nicole's irritation grew as her question went unanswered.
Nicole slid off her pack and placed it against the edge of a wardrobe along with her water skin. Other than the bed and a small table that had held the lamp, it was the only piece of furniture in the room. She ran her finger along the head board and the foot board. She walked over to the table, repeated the gesture, wiping her finger tips around the edge of a basin and then the edge of the table. She then looked at her fingers.
The table held a basin and a vase of water "If this Bonnie is gone, why is the room so clean?" Nicole asked. "And why is there water in the vase?"
"Other than a couple towels and cloths, this wardrobe is empty," noted Nancey as she hung the lamp from a ceiling hook.
"Oh, thank goodness!" exclaimed Nicole, she crossed the room, snatched up a towel and wash cloth and headed for the table. She poured water into the basin, stripped off her top and tried to channel heat into the water.
"Damn it," she quietly cursed. Nancey crossed the room, stuck a finger in the water and stirred it a few times. Steam started rising from the surface.
"So, you'll let me see now, but not channel?" Nicole asked, clearly disappointed.
"While we should be far enough away that channeling is safe, you have all the sorcery of a kitten at your disposal right now. It's not a good idea for you to channel yet." And then, her eyes laughing, "So, you're just going to jump right in, huh?" Nancey nodded towards Nicole's exposed breasts.
"Oh, sorry, I've been in the woods for a while," She explained as she dipped the wash cloth in the basin and began wiping down her face, neck, arms, and body. She removed her leggings and repeated the process on her thighs, legs, and feet. Her calves were especially sore from the walking, but she didn't feel any soreness in her arms, chest, or back like she should have after their duel yesterday. She collected her clothing and began using the cloth to wipe flecks of dirt from her shoes and pants. She slid the undershirt back on and then placed her remaining clothes in a pile at the bottom of the wardrobe and climbed into the bed.
Nancey grabbed another wash-cloth and started in on a similar ritual before finally offering an explanation, "I'll show you some other time." It was a horrible explanation.
Not to be dissuaded, Nicole asked, "Where did they get those flowers? I've never seen anything like that. And did you know about them or that writ they were talking about? And how exactly are you keeping me from seeing or channeling?" Now that they were finally alone, Nicole was hoping for some answers.
"That's the latest and greatest botanical miracle in the Kingdom's fight against all forces foul. They wilt in the presence of a sorcerer. Somehow, because they're plants and it furthers their own goals, the Kingdom doesn't consider them to be evil. Even though they're magic." Nancey hung her cloak on a hook in the wardrobe and stacked her clothing next to Nicole's. "And I don't think they're entirely natural. It's a little more than selective breeding, but the Kingdom can get away with it. And that's all the explanation you're getting tonight."
"Move over." Nancey started to climb into the bed. "You know, since you're my apprentice I shouldn't have to tell you that, you should learn to defer to me by default."
"Or I could wait for you to fall asleep and then smother you with this- Ow!" The same hand that had caught the coin earlier when she took the oath had flashed hot in warning.
Nancey actually chuckled. "I was wondering how long it would take for you to get around to that. But don't worry, it only gives you a warning if you start to seriously consider harming me. Or if you contemplate any other breach of the oath. 'Night."
They both fell silent.
Nature's call had them both up well before day-break. They dressed, re-made the bed, retrieved their things, and upon opening the door, discovered a small sack hanging from the door. Nancey picked it up, looked in, and then announced, "Cheese and bread?"
"Thanks, Jack," Nicole uttered as they left the room.
Nancey pulled out a piece of bread and motioned for Nicole to come over. She put the remaining food into the large pocket of Nicole's backpack and then they continued out the door. They moved quickly and quietly, closing the doors behind them. Nancey split the bread in half and handed one piece to Nicole. They resumed their trek northwest towards Basil.
They didn't see another soul on their way out of town.
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Image is, again, my own.
