Seekers of the Stone Maker

Myla closed the door behind her, immediately filling the room with the smell of bacon and eggs that she carried in. Ana pushed her pillow against the wall and sat against it as Myla set both plates on the bed and sat at the other end. Though she could see the snow coming down, blanketing everything in sight, it was warm and cozy in their room, the small metal rods at the floor by the walls pushing heat through and filling the space with warmth that reminded her of home.

She was excited to be in a new place, but her worries crept into the back of her mind last night and made it difficult to sleep. She loved traveling, but Aramore had been nothing short of terrifying so far. The crowd yesterday, the leaders that she would have to meet at some point, and being unable to help those mages… She knew that she and the rest of her new friends would have to be careful.

The only one she wasn’t too worried about was Myla. While she was born with gifts, she had nothing inherently magical about her. For her, this was just another village. For the rest of them, though, they would have to keep their guard up, and ensure they didn’t use magic except in dire circumstances. Even then, it would have to be hidden.

“What’s on your mind?” Myla asked between spoonfuls of egg.

“You don’t already know?”

Myla sat her spoon down and looked around for a moment. Ana could tell she was focusing on something but was unsure what.

“It’s odd, but no. Even since the visions with Odin, it’s been easier for me to keep everything quiet. I don’t hear others’ thoughts unless I actively try now.”

“That’s got to be nice.”

“Yeah, it is.”

“Well, I’m thinking about today. As thankful as I am for having you all here, it’s still scary.”

Myla looked at Ana, a sense of sadness coming over her face as she imagined that Myla was running through the recent memories of yesterday.

“I think I’d like to do a few things today, and I would like some company if that’s okay with you?”

“What do you have in mind, Ana?”

“If you could, would you help me write a letter to the Valdimars, then come with me to send it?”

“Of course. I think I could do with a nice walk anyway.”

“I’d also like to see if there are any gem stores here. Gisela mentioned that I should find some bloodstone rubies for Sir Nibs. I need to figure out if there’s a way to make any money here, too. I’m getting a little short on coin.”

“I think that’s possible during our walk. We should let the others know, too. I’d like all of us to know where we are at all times. This isn’t the safest place.”

“Agreed.”