<em>Fate moves swiftly today</em>, Neniel reflected, watching Rain go up the stairs.<br/>Fenneil was watching as well, seemingly lost in thought. Apparently making up his mind about something, he made to follow the bard with heavy, thudding steps. Back at the bar, the Den's proprietor was alternating between staring and blinking at the golden bracelet left by Belrac. The elf gave a small shrug when Harlan looked at him questioningly. Who could say what compelled the doomseeker? Whether it was out of some strong sense of honor, or sheer nonchalance over material matters, there was more to Belrac than met the eye.<br/><br/><em>Maybe.</em><br/><br/>Sometimes, things were simple. This trek into the heart of a massive and hostile land, however, was likely going to be anything but. Neniel had his own questions to ask, beginning with the fiery haired woman who had gotten the whole affair started. He had not missed her reference to an 'old companion'. Coupled with her apparent rush to leave the city, the ranger wondered what Rain's situation really was.<br/><br/>Questions, questions. The door opening and closing signaled Belrac's departure and Neniel moved to follow suit. Without a plan of travel, it was difficult to gauge what kind of supplies, as well as how much, would be required. As a ranger, he was used to traveling light, living off the land. The swamp had an evil reputation, and rightfully so, but it was far from barren. Fresh water needed to be carried, at the minimum. Swamps had no lack of water, but little of it was drinkable. Bedrolls? Dry land could be a luxury, come nightfall. The thought of spending a night in the fell lands, however...<br/><br/>Ever more questions. There was nothing to do but wait for answers, at least for now.<br/><br/>Shaking his head, Neniel reached for the door. Then the door reached for him. Placing his hand lightly against its edge, the elf stepped aside without skipping a beat, making it seem as if he was opening the door for the newcomer.<br/><br/>"Your pardon," he gestured with his free arm as she stepped in. Tall, for a woman, she had flaxen hair bound in long braids, and a stern, but not unlovely countenance. It was her eyes, however, that gave Neniel pause. There was something both familiar and fleeting, something... but the moment soon passed. The ranger glanced at the upper landing, but remembered that the companion Rain had mentioned was a man. Turning back to the woman, he seemed to consider her silently for a brief time.<br/><br/>"The lady is at the stairs," he said at last. "If you are swift, you may catch her before she retires to her room."<br/><br/><em>... no mere coincidence, after all.</em>