Hearing another coming to her aid, she had figured enough to let the traveler fight for her, seeing that this land was older than her own and still might live by the ancient laws of chivalry. Stepped back to watch, she took another sip of her ale, trying to suppress a light giggle as she saw the drifter thrust his knee up into the man’s groin. A cheap attack to be sure, and one not often used by a male against a male, a give away the traveler was not who he pretended to be.

It invigorated her to watch a fight, eager to join in, but also curious by this stranger now, even more so when she saw the sword that was pulled. Quality craftsmanship it seemed, and anxious to get a better look, she had stepped closer to investigate, only to be more surprised when she saw the traveler’s hood fall to her shoulders, thus revealing the blonde beauty that had been hidden in the shadows.

She stood there gawking, not really able to help it, as she leaned over the bar, not even blinking as she watched this warrior take down the drunk. Her bright blues following the movements of the woman, as she moved to the door, those sea green eyes seeming so lively in this dark hovel, and with one last glance about to those in the tavern, she quickly followed the other out into the snow.

Back down the slanted steps, she felt the cold air slip about her exposed skin at her neck, lifting her hair to slide about her like a scarf, snuggling in there and warming as it settled. A soft smile passed along her lips as her gaze once more settled upon the woman, hurrying to pull her hood up and block out the cold, hiding her femininity once again.

Finally, as she watched the woman take a few steps through the snow, it hit her. People always failed at the concept of minding their own business. Humans always seemed to butt in when they really didn’t have to and definitely when it wasn’t wanted. It had kept her from fighting, but even then, the human contact she would have obtained from a fight would have cooled her need for interaction for a good long while, at least until she could figure out where on earth she actually was.

“So what’s your name?” came the female voice she’d heard in the bar, though not quite as demanding now as it had been back there, then again, that could just be that they were outdoors where sound could be distorted rather easily by the elements. Letting her bright blues drift off away from the woman, to the buildings around them with their slanted sidings, one with a porch swing that swung crooked. She busied herself by pulling up her hood and tucking her hair carefully into the folds of the cloth.

“I said, what’s your name?” Pushy-pushy this one was, though perhaps she was simply trying to make small talk or something, as it certainly seemed she wasn’t about to get any from the other people of this crapshoot.

“It’s none of your concern,” she replied coolly, still pretending to fuss with the crimson locks. What kind of rouse would this answer bring? Just how hot was this woman’s temper?

“I just saved your life, it is the least you could do to answer a simple question!” came the rising voice of the woman again, now buzzing in her ears a bit. Her hands finally dropped from her hair, no long able to keep pretending to play with it, her gaze following with it to land on the woman, a soft stare for a moment before just a shrug. Saved her? Like she was ever one who needed saving. This heroine was just a tad pushy and egotistical. Seemed she didn’t much like it when things didn’t go her way either.

“My name is Jasmin, but that’s all I will tell you. My life is my business. I’ll be on my way now,” was her simple reply, moving already to walk down the street. Ears perking as she marched right past the woman, hearing gentle footsteps following behind her, too light to be a male. Picking up her pace, she walked faster, but knew already this girl would not give up. Some just never did.

Ignoring her as she continued on, taking note of the inn not two building further, she whispered softly under her breath, the winter wind sweeping along behind her and the other woman, their tracks being covered by snow to ensure none of the drunken men thought to pursue. It wouldn’t be a terribly occurrence though if they did; she craved a good fight and something to release her pent-up energy upon.

Where she had come from there were many to fight and spar with, a land far away from this one. A place she couldn’t fully remember, but knew full well it was not like this place, not like it at all. A new life and a new purpose had called to her though, and she had answered, needing the time to think and consider what she wished to do with her life, as well as a desire to see more of the world she had only heard about.

As the nausea of the dream came again, her body shuddered and nearly forced her to her knees. It was forcing itself upon her. It desired something more of her. Her eyes were instantly moving about, looking for any place she could be alone, to ride this feeling out. Her feet stumbled now as the rush came upon her again, forcing her to move against the buildings for support as she put one foot in front of the other, wanting to only keep on her feet long enough. The inn was now only fifteen steps away, she was so close.

It was getting worse, and getting there fast. The steps of the girl were no longer registering in her mind. She didn’t know if the girl had moved off to be on her own again or was watching her stumble about drunkenly. Pushing off the building once more, she took three more steps, forcing her body to keep its upright stance, though the steps now looked far more crooked than they had not a minute ago.

Another few steps she managed when the nausea hit her full force and she fell face down into the snow, her body struggling to keep a conscious state. The blackness slowly seeped in around her, her world fading from the cold whiteness of the snow to the warm, welcoming blackness that called her name.

~*~*~*~*~