A Tavern on the Outskirts of Val Royeaux, Friday Evening

[seeks_truth]

"I believe we have done enough sightseeing," Cassandra said, as she packed her few belongings into a bag. "We should make for the White Spire soon. They should be able to help us divine a way to return you to the island - or at least give them proof that my missives about it have been true."

She took a deep breath, then pulled a small package out

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[crimson_sister]

Lucille did want to return to the island, but she also quite enjoyed Val Royeaux. She had never stayed in a large city before, and she found it exhilarating.

"A gift?" she said, accepting the package. "But you will not return with me?"

[seeks_truth]

"Not for long, if I do," Cassandra said mildly. "I do still intend to return home to Montsimmard."

[crimson_sister]

Lucille had known that Cassandra would return home, and even if she had hoped it wouldn't be so soon, she didn't say anything more about it. Instead she unwrapped the gift.

"A book!" She opened the first page. "Do you know what it is about?" Looking up at Cassandra, she smiled. "This is a beautiful gift."

And one that would remind Lucille about the times they had spent reading together.

[seeks_truth]

"It is a romance between a noble lady and her love, a chevalier - an Orlesian knight," Cassandra said.

She blushed. Somewhat. "I... quite enjoyed it."

[crimson_sister]

"Then I'm sure I will too." She clasped the book with both hands. "Thank you."

[seeks_truth]

"You are welcome," Cassandra said, offering her a small smile and a nod of her head. "But we should be on our way."

She lifted her bag.

[crimson_sister]

Lucille rose too, putting the book in her own small bag and looked at Cassandra. "Is it far?"

[seeks_truth]

"You remember the large white tower at the center of the city, yes?" Cassandra said. "It is there. Though we may have to walk through the city outskirts to get there. We are rather far out."

[crimson_sister]

If it's quite a walk, perhaps we shouldn't linger," Lucille said, casting a final glance around the tavern.

[seeks_truth]

"I agree," Cassandra said. She offered Lucille another small smile. "Are you ready?"

[crimson_sister]

Lucille gave a small nod in reply.

Outside the tavern the street was busy. Lucille thought that perhaps she would enjoy the quiet surroundings that she was used to once she get home. Then she remembered that she was sharing a bubble hut with Ringo, and suddenly saying seemed like a better choice. But she wasn't going to object; she had no reason not to return to Fandom. It struck her that she now thought of the island as home.

[seeks_truth]

Cassandra was more concerned with other matters: specifically, how their choice was between a road that circled around the city, touching on potential danger, or through a side of the city that was likely to be dangerous this time at night.

She frowned, then shook her head, and picked the road leading out of the city. "At least now you can see the lights at night, I suppose."

[crimson_sister]

Lucille took no notice of dangers. "I believe I will enjoy that," she said,
following Cassandra.

[seeks_truth]

They went out through a smaller gate, settling on a small path that turned into a bridge and then filtered through lush, still carefully tended-to greens. But it was quieter, and they left the last of guards behind them after only a few minutes. "I had almost forgotten how quiet it gets here," Cassandra mused. "Even though we are still so close to the city."

[crimson_sister]

"A pleasant contrast," Lucille said. "Not that I minded the noise of the city. Do you think it will be possible to visit again? I'd love to see another play at the theatre."

[seeks_truth]

"Perhaps," Cassandra said mildly. "The path to Thedas was clear, last time I ventured here voluntarily from the island. But I am pleased you have enjoyed yourself here, at least."

Did she hear rustling in the bushes? Perhaps.