Two Crows Watch from the Gallows Tree (part 6)

(finalllllly reset xD)

"Sounds good," Ky said with a nod, mind flicking back to the fur, suddenly anxious to have that as well. Even though it was filthy. And smelly. And yet it was a reminder that she wasn't crazy. And she needed something to ground her chaotic emotions right now. "Thank you."

She unlocked the door and pushed it open.

(Welcome back!)

Inside was an expansive bed chamber with a fireplace at the far end and a wide window to the left, with heavy green curtains to keep out the cold. The bed was a massive double, even bigger than king size and adorned with multiple furs, blankets, and pillows. It was a true luxury. Several book cases lined the walls on either side of the bed with a couple shelves left empty for her to fill. The rug was made from grizzly bear fur and all fluffed up for her to lie on in front of the fire. Two armchairs sat facing each other on either side of this rug. A lovely tapestry of two pine trees and a family of ravens perched upon and below them was hung above the fire.

Ky stared, taking it all in with wide eyes and not quite daring to step inside. This was bigger than her entire house had been in Austraka. And far, far, far more costly. The bed was the size of an island — and no small one at that. And she’d rather die than step on the rug.

"There you are," Gaius said with a small smile, watching her reaction. Good; he'd hoped this one would blow her away. "There's an adjoining bathroom and toilet, along with a closet rather than a wardrobe."

(He’s kinda adorable lol heheheh I shall impress this young, volatile human)

Ky shook herself, suddenly realizing that she was thinking aloud, as Papa used to call it when she let herself get lost in her emotions rather than keeping control of them herself. She gave a nervous grin. “Wow! Thank you! This is… incredible.”

(Gaius just tryna do right by his nieces
Oh shit I forgot Lyra
My girl, I forgot my girl)

(ooooof)

"No thanks needed," Gaius assured her. "Only the best for my nieces. Lyra will be just down the hall."

(Hahaha I wondered, but figured you’d sent her with Sara to reduce number of POV to deal with hahah)

Ky nodded, still smiling a bit as she stepped into the room.

(Let's say that's what I did then :0 )

"Take some time to settle in. As I said, you have about an hour." Gaius turned to Pratik and Ada. "You two follow me, if you please."

Ky nodded and stepped further inside, gently shutting the door behind her. She turned back towards the rest of the room, still reveling in the sheer luxury of the room. There was no chance whatsoever she was going to wear shoes in this room. Or, really, any article of clothing that had also been outside. No. This room was basically a temple that she needed to be reverent in.

She slipped her cloak off and hung it up on a hook and considered taking her shoes off, then decided she was going to go see Zander the literal instant the hall was emptied so that she could.


Pratik dipped his head obediently, waiting for Gaius to lead the way. This should be an interesting meeting.

Gaius headed in the direction of the stairs, limping heavily. "You had no trouble getting here, I trust?" he asked coolly, demeanor shifting now that his guests were squared away.

"None," Pratik confirmed. "Roland got us squared away before we left and then..." He hesitated. Ada was going to tell him if he didn't. And even if by some miracle she managed to keep her mouth closed, the bill would come sooner or later. "I heavily implied to the innkeeper that you'd be paying for the third horse for Rickard. But if you don't want to then I can return it on my way and pay the interest out of my cut. Whatever."

"Fine." That may be the least of his troubles, depending on what Rickard was like. "Were you pursued at all?" If so, he hoped they covered their tracks sufficiently. Even with the snow, Tarr's hounds would pose a problem.

"If we were, they weren't anywhere close," Pratik said. "No sight, scent, or sound of them -- fires, hounds, nothing that I could tell."

"That's good." He headed down the stairs. "We'll save further conversation for downstairs, away from prying ears."

Pratik glanced over his shoulder, back towards where they'd left Zander. "Yeah, what's with--?"