Naomi watched as Daemion headed off towards the stables.  An interesting man to say the least and her little foray into the world of the Fae had been enlightening.  Trust though was another matter.  She just met the man or Fae or whatever he might be and, although his words and promises of fulfilling her dreams sounded good, Naomi was certain he, like everyone else, had his own agenda.  If the young Bard was that anxious to leave the city Naomi thought it wise to find her and caution her about traveling the out roads at night.  Besides she had not been formally introduced to the Bard as yet and it might serve her to hear Naomi’s thoughts.  Leaving at first light would permit the Bard and whoever else had joined her little band to get a good nights rest.  It would also give them time to gather the necessary supplies and equipment they would need for a long journey.<br/><br/>The last time Naomi saw the Bard she was headed towards The Fiddlers Den with a small group in tow and that is where she now headed.  The sun was near to setting and the Night Watch was out lighting wall torches and beginning their patrols.  There were fewer people along the broad central avenue at this time of day and if the Bard and her party had already left the Den Naomi would certainly run into them.<br/><br/>She ran lists through her mind as she walked.  What supplies were needed, clothes, weapons other sundry items.  If she was able to convince the young Bard to leave at first light she would most likely sleep in the stables, but if the Bard was insistent on leaving immediately, then her plans would have to be adjusted.<br/><br/>As she drew close to the Fiddler’s Den, Naomi paused in the deepening shadows of an alcove.  Sleep may or may not come to her this night but then sleep had always been both a friend and an enemy.  Closing her eyes she bowed her head and took a deep breath.  The evening air was smudged with the scent of wood smoke and roses.  Taking the tiny blue vial from around her neck she opened it, touched her tongue to the lip of the vial, closed it and replaced it back under her shirt.  Instantly her vision cleared and she could see through the evening shadows.  Scanning the surrounding area she saw no one lurking in any of the alcoves, shop entrances or alleys.  Her hearing became acute and she listened for any whispered conversations nearby.  She heard only the footfalls of the Night Watch as they made their way through the nearby streets.  Laughter and music from one of the cities taverns drifted on the light evening breeze while the call of an evening Thrush echoed over the buildings.<br/><br/>In the two years she had lived in this city Naomi had never really explored it.  She had no real interest in making any permanent connections or setting down “roots” here.  This city was a stopover, a place to make plans and if this “Shadow” thing and the Bard and Daemion could help her fulfill her desires then so much the better.  Shifting her weight and adjusting her belts, Naomi stepped out of the alcove and crossed the short distance to the Den.  Taking one last look around, she opened the door and stepped inside.<br/><br/><br/>