“<i>A family matter</i>.”<br/><br/>Esperanza let Katya’s words speak for her as well, not interested in making herself out to be a mad-women with her dreams of this place. While no one thing stood out as recognizable to her deepest memories, all of it felt familiar. More of an emotional connection to this place than any real physical connection. It was almost as if the land itself spoke to her. She belonged here. Now all she had to do was convince the locals of this fact.<br/><br/>“We have coin,” Esperanza insisted, jingling her change purse. Whatever worries or trepidation the locals may have towards outsides, money spoke every language, and opened many doors. “And, because we arrive so late in the day, with such little sunlight remaining, we would pay handsomely for shelter against the storm. Nothing fancy is necessary, not even a bed. A roof and four walls would do for the night.”<br/><br/>Brushing back a dripping lock of hair, she offered the man a smile.  A shy smile, a vulnerable smile. A smile that promised so much gratitude for the smallest of favors. A smile that usually worked well for her, a young, attractive woman of means with an impressive family name. “Esperanza Sergovia, of the Krotice Sergovia’s. And you are?”