Beneath the hood, Neniel narrowed his eyes. He turned away from Fenneil as the newcomer made a warning that sounded suspiciously close to a threat. Apparently having said all that he was willing to, the Man left hurriedly.<br/><br/>"I would rather we have some respite on the road," The Ranger said absently, watching the dust slowly settle back down in the man's wake. "Precious little we will find in the lands of the enemy..."<br/><br/>A shriek split the air, but it was soon revealed to be one of the guardsmen taking a little extra liberty inspecting a peasant maiden's goods. Trying to cover his indiscretion, the guard laughed loudly and half ushered, half pushed the young woman on her way. Neniel briefly wondered at the presence of so many guards, and some zealously inquisitive ones at that. The bard's image came unbidden to his mind, but left just as swiftly. Night was arriving, and port towns could be especially rowdy in the darker hours. Already he could see the furtive faces of those with secrets best left untold, emerging from whatever dank recess they dwelt in, far from the light of day.<br/><br/>"... or here, before long."