The wagon bounced up and down the roads, passing terraced farms cut into the sides of the hills.  Most homes were now dark after the sun had set, as was the way of farmers the world over it seemed.  Though a few homes showed the dim light of a candle or lamp burning within.  Finally well after night had finally fallen and the sun's pale sister moon had risen did they reach the gates of Hillcrest.  The gates stood open and appeared as if they closed rarely if ever.  The ground near the gates seemed undisturbed, which lent a strange clue to the 'problem' of orcish raiders.  The raiders must not make it as far as the village itself, and be giving problems to the outlying farms or maybe hunters who ventured out further into the wilds.<br/><br/>Lucille gracefully rejected the gnomes offer of sharing a room when they reached the inn at the center of town, looking out across the large open 'square' that was obviously used as a meeting place and market, though it was dark and empty currently.  She also noticed the temple to Pelor set above and behind the inn, up the hill slightly.  It made sense that a temple to Pelor would be situated where it would receive the most sunlight of course.  But right now there appeared to be no lights coming from the windows to the temple.  So she decided to get her own room for the night, she had more than enough spare coin for a smaller community like this.  Besides she didn't need much in the way of comfort.  Sleeping on a bed instead of a tent would be luxury by comparison.<br/><br/>So she gathered her belongings and said goodbye to the gnomes before entering the Inn.  It seemed a sleepy little place and there was but one older looking man dozing on a chair when she first entered.  A sitting room with comfortable and well worn furniture was all that was apparent in the entry room, and it appeared that this inn did not have a tavern attached, as many did across the realm.  Though Lucille had noticed a tavern across the square that seemed bright and lively as she'd entered the inn.<br/><br/>It took only a few moments before she was entering her humble rented room to find exactly what she'd expected.  A sturdy bed, a single chair and flat table, a foot locker with a questionable lock that would likely keep out no one determined, and a single candle.  The walls were thick with lathe, white washed and clean, and a small window that looked out on the town, though if Lucille stuck her head out, could see the square in one direction and the temple in the other.<br/><br/>It was late and she was weary, but the idea of a hot meal at the tavern across the square didn't sound bad at all.  Maybe she should just get to bed though and be up early in the morning.  There was also of course Feela's little gift.  She'd been hesitant to make use of the smooth wooden device while on the road, but now, in the privacy of a rented room with a door that locked, it did occur to her that it wasn't just food that her body craved.  Still, that wouldn't be the most pious action after all.  Right?