Esperanza followed Bucren through the town, eager to get out of the rain. The storm seemed to worsen by the moment, and soon they’d be at more risk than mere discomfort. Not to mention the grow howls, louder and more imminent than the boom of thunder. He remained cold towards them, but at least he offered to show them to the inn and negotiate in their favor, unlike the others who encouraged them to die off quickly.<br/><br/>Shabby as it might be, the inn was more than welcome refuge against the storm and the howls and the general distrust of the village. Even if that distrust. seemed to follow them in here. She didn’t miss the way the men gripped their hilt, as if expecting trouble.<br/><br/>Esperanza didn’t argue the point , dropping money on the table and taking a place by the fire. She had questions of course, too many questions really, and besides not knowing where to even begin, she needed to get warm first. So she hung up her cloak, kicked off her boots and began wringing out anything else she could take off while still remaining decent.<br/><br/>Esperanza briefly wondered if there was anything worthwhile to be gained by making conversation with the locals, but decided against it for the moment. Everyone they’d so far encountered were so rude and uncouth, she had a hard time believing if could be worth her time.<br/><br/>Perhaps her life of privilege had left her woefully unprepared for her lack of welcome here. She was a young, attractive and unmarried woman, from an important and wealthy family. Most people tripped over themselves to meet with her. Here, however, none of that seemed to matter so much as her status as an outsider, earning her derision and suspicion.<br/><br/>Finally, once she was as dry as she could get without completely disrobing, she made her way to the bar and offered more coins. “Rooms for the night, and glass of wine for now. I don’t suppose there is any warm food available as well?”