"Yes," replied Natalia, "I am seeking lodgings and you were recommended to me. Do you have any rooms available?"

"We do, Miss. Would you like to see?"

"Might I enquire as to the rates?" asked Natalia.

"Two crowns a night, Miss, including breakfast and dinner. We also offer longer-term accommodations. Are you new to Draybourne?"

"I am," admitted Natalia, "and I've travelled rather a long way to get here."

"Then let's get you settled in, shall we?" the girl said. "If you'll follow me, I'll show you to your room."

Natalia followed the girl through the common room, into a hallway at the back of the building. It was a single storey affair, with tall ceilings to draw away the heat in summer and polished wooden flooring that felt warm to the touch.

The girl opened a door, revealing a scene inviting to Natalia's purse; a simple single room, although it was nicely furnished with a relatively large bed, nightstand, table and chairs, along with a vanity topped by a mirror. Servants had left out a jug of water and a washbasin with towels, which she could not wait to use.

"Is the room to your liking?" the girl asked.

"Yes," said Natalia, "this will do nicely, thank you."

"Here is your key," the girl said, handing it over. "Morning meals are served between sun up and noon. Dinner is served any time after the bell tolls three. If you have any other requirements, feel free to contact us at the front." The girl gave a little curtsy and left, leaving Natalia to wander into the room.

She made her way to the bed, sitting on it to examine her shoes in more detail. The elegant footwear was little more than a pair of slippers, an excellent choice for navigating the marble floors of the Volstrum, but evidently not the most suitable attire for a city such as Draybourne. The mud had finally dried, that much was clear, and it didn't look as though it would take too much effort to clean them, but better shoes would have to be found. First, however, she must clean the filth from her feet, a task made all the easier by the washbasin and jug nearby.

It didn't take long for Natalia to clean up, and then she sat back on the bed, thinking about her limited funds. She pulled out her purse, spilling out the contents. The coins had taken her this far, but she was fully aware they would not last forever. Beyond escaping her fate, she had given her flight little thought, but now, the end of the trip upon her, she must decide on what her next course of action should be.