Ankaa opened her eyes as the first shades of morning crept through the dull glass, warming her cheeks just slightly. She didn't bother looking over at the bed- she knew already that the other girl had left.

That'll be my good deed for the century.

She checked her pockets and the small pouch she kept slung across one shoulder. At least the brat hadn't stolen anything from her, besides a perfectly good opportunity.

Make that two centuries.

Ankaa rose to her full height, which was even with most average human males, stretching out the kinks that had arisen from sleeping on the hard floor. Her heavy cape was buckled down the front, and covered with dirt and a persistent grime that hung on her clothing from sitting in the tavern. A change of clothing would be needed…and soon.

She wiggled her toes beneath her worn leather boots…the Juca leaves she had stuffed there would be good cushioning for at least a few more miles yet. Supplies. She would need to have her daggers sharpened, and acquire some dried meat for the long journey through the mountains. A nearby town then…one that catered to vagrants. After that, there would be few stops.

Yawning, she tossed her nearly white gold hair back from her neck before tucking it into the folds of her heavy cape, pulling it over her head until the only gleam of her olive eyes would be visible to a distant traveler. When traveling, not being noticed was a necessity.

Especially when one was in Ankaa's predicament.

She quickly got to her feet and walked downstairs, slipping the key onto the desk. Opening the heavy Inn door, she hopped out into the daylight, squinting unconsciously at the full sun that greeted her.

The closest village was a little ways up. Taragos. They had a decent assortment of shops there, and she could stock up before braving the mountain pass.

Ankaa's eyes traveled along the possible paths. The Mountains were out of the question, for now, and the plains were too open for her liking. The small forest path would be perfect- it would give her the chance to relax, and aside from the plains path, it was the quickest way across, and speed was a necessity. After all, Tarakan wanted his treasure as soon as possible. And when Tarakan wasn't appeased, problems were sure to follow. Ankaa was in no hurry to incur his wrath.

At least, not yet.

One hand on her sword hilt and the other swinging carelessly at her side, Ankaa pulled up her cloak and disappeared into the brush.

~*~*~*~*~