Kara spend some time debating over just what she should write in the emails to her boss and her friend. She didn't want to make them think that she was in danger, and she hoped that no one had discovered the scene at her parent's house. In the end, she decided on a short message to her friends, telling them she was on a road trip. To her boss, she wrote that she would be taking a leave of absence, and for him not to worry. She included her apology about the short notice, and asked him to relay to her parents that she was fine if they should contact him.<br/><br/>She felt lighter after she sent off the emails. Kara had not realized how much it had weighed on her to let those she cared about know she was safe and happy. After she set the cell to recharge, she leaned over and kissed Hallbjorn on the cheek. “Thank you. I really needed to do that.”<br/><br/>Soon Kara took the book back onto her lap and used the light over her seat to read. Music on one of the satellite stations played softly in the background. Aside from that, the drive was mostly quiet. The exception was when Kara found something particularly interesting and mumbled such things as, “Puss demons. That sounds horrible.”, and “I wonder how one has three parents. That must be confusing to the valkyries.”<br/><br/>One of the first things she scanned through the book for was information on berserkers. Sadly, there was not much more then what Hallbjorn had already told her. Though she did find a bit written about Aiden the Fierce. She felt sorry for the poor berserker who was doomed to reincarnate over and over in search for his love, Reginleit the Radiant.<br/><br/>The approaching lights of the city had her putting the book away, then rubbing her eyes. Reading under such low light was not fun. She was ready for her enhanced vision any time now. When they reached the city, Kara's face was nearly glued to the passenger side window. San Antonio was far, far different from Jackrabbit Junction. It had to be the biggest city they encountered yet.<br/><br/>When Hallbjorn pulled into the Grand Hyatt hotel, Kara's eyes traveled up, and up, and up further. She knew he was spoiling her, but it didn't stop her from enjoying it. Excitement was written on her face when she turned to look at Hallbjorn. “We get to stay here?”<br/><br/>As they checked in, Kara managed to stop gaping at everything long enough to hand a bunch of more clothing over to the concierge to have cleaned. Even as she held onto Hallbjorn's hand while they made their way to the elevator, she was grinning with amusement at the sight of such big cowboy hats on the few men that were around. Their very large belt buckles had her choking on a laugh. While she had seen belt buckles and cowboy hats in her home town, they had not seemed so large.<br/><br/>Once they reached their suite, Kara paused before she made her mad dash to check everything out. “I'd love to, Hallbjorn. But tonight you pick the movie, because I want you to enjoy it too.”<br/><br/>Then she was off as she checked out the living room, the dining room and kitchen, their bedroom, and the bathroom. She gasped at the sight before her, then called out to Hallbjorn, “That bathtub is huge!”<br/><br/>Kara saved the balcony for last. She pulled back the curtains, then slid open the sliding glass door. Being so high up made her feel a moment of vertigo, but she was able to work through it. She just had to not look directly down. But she was able to look out over the city, and the view took her breath away.<br/><br/>“Hallbjorn, have you seen this?” Kara's voice was high and breathy as she held onto the railing. Lights glittered all around below them, and they seemed to go on forever.