The road was long, but clear enough, and the trip passed smoothly. The wildlife was unusually passive, and other travellers had buttoned up warily at her approach; another easily explained circumstance. When one looked to the north, on a clear day, they could still see the distant smudge of lingering smoke. There was a war on, after all, and though most of the rumours were probably only rumours, there was still the possibility that some of the orcs could sneak a small party across, somewhere. It wasn't unheard of, in the past, but exceedingly rare nonetheless.<br/><br/>The time almost seemed to flow, and a feeling of something like anticipation would arise, provoked by proximity to the forests. Wulai itself was a small, bustling place. A small community, mostly permanent citizens, a bare handful of transients. Her ashen skin drew a few odd looks, but no comments. The town itself was serviced by only one tavern, and an inn, a separate building, slightly down the road, just outside of the town proper. The forest, not a half-mile distant, was lush and bright, verdant, in the cool, crisp, late-summer air. At the time of her arrival, there was roughly two hours until the sun set, and the small groups of guards had begun their cheery patrols, talking and smiling as they walked. Their weapons were held at a relaxed guard, as if they expected no trouble. Even the lone arrival hardly drew notice, beside her appearance; the lands, here, were tame and populous enough that it wasn't unusual for people with errands to travel alone, especially on horseback.