Connor wandered idly through the woods. How would he spend today? Could he simply meander just outside of his father's grasp? No. Too simple, and yet too costly in the end. Because he knew that if he lingered long, he would surely be found, and brought back into his father's unwelcoming arms. The only option was to push forward. Thus far, Connor had remained in very familiar woods--literally. Connor strolled down a well beaten path he had made many times when he was just out for adventure's sake. To the passerby his well-trodden path would appear nothing more than a bit of forest; untraveled and teeming with vivacious plants and mossy overgrowth. To Connor it was home.<br/><br/>At the present, Connor was considering what the nearest town would be he could go to. It had to be close enough that he could get there by nightfall, yet not so close as to remain within his father's search radius. Connor surmised that his father would be looking anywhere within a 20 kilometer radius of his grounds, which meant that the town of Irmingshire--approximately 14 kilometers due east--should suffice for the night.<br/><br/>As he made his way briskly towards the general direction of the still rising sun, Connor wondered whether or not his mother would approve. He knew that he had long gone past the window of time that his father tied him to, and so he would soon be even more unfit in his eyes. But his mother...would she see him the same? Connor did not doubt that if given the chance, his father would put him under a spell that would bind him, and indeed all who he pretended to love, to his own bidding. But enough of this. Connor could not afford to waste time doting on the multi-faceted relationships that comprised his family and the few ties he could call friends.<br/><br/>Sometime later Connor was beginning to enter into a clearer path, this time, a one road beaten down into the earth. He could see plainly where many carts and horse riders had traversed the area, and, quite accurately guessed that it was a trade route. Connor drew his shawl tighter to his face; it would not do to be discovered so easily by his father's guards in disguise. As he made his way swiftly into the crowd of the still bustling streets, Connor slowed to a walking pace. He was blended with the locals now; no more a novelty than the drunken ork on the corner. Connor took a deep steadying breath. He loved neutral towns. It was in these places that he knew few prejudice existed. Whatever you race or descent, you could at least be met with the level-headedness of those who had taught themselves not to care.<br/><br/>Spotting an inn, Connor quickly turned aside down a different road. He could remember the spot and come back to it once it had grown darker. The time was high noon, and Connor was feeling a bit peckish. He could do with a spot of food and a nice cool drink. He scanned the streets rather conspicuously for a bar he might enjoy. When he found none evident, he decided it would be best to move on to another location within the pleasant town.<br/><br/>Turning a sharp corner, Connor walked lithely into a bustling market corner. The local merchants were buzzing around the area, conversing in a variety of languages to all sorts of people. There was a carpenter, attempting to sell a rather old bit of carpet to a horn-tailed lizard; a graying cook who was trying to force some roasted animals on a local elf. Still another was approaching him, pushing a cart filled with a wide assortment of multicoloured liquids in many different volumed containers.<br/><br/>"'Ow about it sir, vould ze mas'er lik' to peruse my assort'd tonics?"<br/><br/>Connor gave the scaly demona a quick once over. Perhaps should could fill him with empty promises and lies about how effective her concoctions were, but he wouldn't give her the chance.<br/><br/>"No, thank you." he responded curtly, turning on the spot to head away from the market district. The creature was fast however, turning the cart on one wheel and making her way deftly around him so that they were facing each other again.<br/><br/>"Oh...but I 'av for you ze mos' tasteful of products 'at vould make vones head spin lik' a top! You could share with a lady..."<br/><br/>Connor was poised to move again, this time to simply ignore the blustering comments of the merchant.<br/><br/>"Best price for you sir, best price!" she called shrilly as he began to walk away.<br/><br/>"What am I going to do in this place?" he wondered aloud. Surely there must be some excitement to be had before he left. Unfortunately a persistent apothecary just was not going to cut it. Just as he was beginning to stroll down yet another cobbled street, a scream issued from across the busy market district. Someone was obviously not happy with their newly purchased love potion.