[Ardyne D'Enae]

36th of Optia (Summer), Era II of the Celestine Mandate, Era XIV Post Fractum

Ardyne looked up at the burnt city walls and buildings in awe. The air smelled of ash and the overcast sky added to the gloom of this place. She had travelled for some time, following roads on instinct. What had led her to this place, she didn't know, but it seemed that there was a need for able souls. She considered moving on, taking the road back and perhaps following another route. There was so much for her to learn of herself and this charred city had little to offer her in this quest. Though she was tired, in need of rest and a good meal. With a sigh she reluctantly entered the city which was sure to snatch her up with work in some way delaying her quest.

She cautiously entered the city, watching the depressed people move about. Some were still demolishing building that could not be saved, others trying to recover what could be salvaged from their homes. And still others salvaging what was not theirs ...

"HEY! YOU! STOP!" she called. The short, dirty man that had just exited the charred building through a window and sneaked past a sleeping elderly human, jumped and turned to see the elven woman running towards him. Clutching his bag of stolen goods he took flight towards the crowded streets of the market. Ardyne ran as fast as she could, but he had already blended into the crowd. Shaking her head she thought, "Not even half a brightening have I been here!" Brathing heavily, she returned to the sleeping woman, and tapped her lightly on the shoulder.

"Mm?! Wha? M! Who might you be?" the raspy voice asked, as the older woman straightened in her chair and blinked the sleepiness from her eyes to stare at the woman standing before her.

"My name is Ardyne. I'm sorry, but I saw a man climb out your window with a bag and it seems he may have robbed you of something. I tried to catch him, but he was lost in the crowd." she replied with a frown.

The older woman gruffly stood and without a word, taking Ardyne by the arm for support, made her way up the 3 steps into her home. Ardyne slightly unsure of what else to do for the woman allowed her to take her arm and followed her into the home. Once inside, the old woman released Ardyne's arm and shuffled across the floor inspecting her tables, closets and kitchen. "OooH!" cried the old woman. Ardyne called from the hall where they had entered, "What did he take? Is there anything I can do to help?"

The old woman shuffled out of the kitchen and motioned for Ardyne to come sit with her at the table. Eager to comply and let her feet rest, Ardyne sat in the chair across from the small chubby woman. "Since the fire, food stuffs have been scarce, one of the greater needs being grains. I had a whole sack of flour ... I used to be a baker you see, worked for many years at Iris's I did, and I still love to cook. I always kept a good amount of supplies. Some people still come to me from time to time for a loaf of sweet bread, a cake here and there ... " The woman waved dismissively and shook her head. "He stole some of my flour."

"Is there someone we should tell?" Ardyne asked.

"Don't worry about that now, I thank you for your help and for trying to stop the man. You seem to have come from a great distance. Let me get you something to eat ... a piece of my famous bread perhaps?" Without waiting for an answer, the old woman was already up and in the kitchen. She had quickly prepared a small snack of bread, cheese, and nectar.

Ardyne muched happily on the bread and cheese. "Mmm ... this is truly delicious! Thank you!" She took a quick sip of the nectar and smiled at the human. "I appreciate your hospitality. Perhaps you could tell me where I might stay the night and get some supplies for my travels."

"The market has several reputable places to purchase supplies, you'll be able to tell which ones they are. I really don't know if any of the inns are still standing and those that are will most likely be full. Hmm ... perhaps you should find those related to the relief effort. They are aiding those who are injured or lost their homes. Perhaps they will be able to help you find a place to stay."

Ardyne took the last bite of her snack, followed by her last sip of nectar and nodded. "Thank you. I will try to locate where the relief effort is taking place then." The old woman shuffled slowly behind Ardyne as she walked her out of her home.

"Be careful, young one." She said with a small wave of her hand before she closed her door again.

Ardyne, feeling quite well after her snack, decided to venture further into the city and see what she could do about lodging.