As they reached the village’s entrance, Breven leaped off Gara’s back, tossing her some strips of dried meat from his pocket. 

“You did well, old girl,” Breven said gently, petting the wolf’s long snout. Gara took a racing start and jumped back into the sword, leaving behind a puff of smoke. 

“Now we just have to find ourselves a cheap inn,” Collin said, crossing his arms. 

“Hello~” sang a sweet voice. Collin and Breven turned their heads to see an old woman standing in front of a shop. She wore a purple, silk nightgown with a feathered fringe. Her eyelids were painted with a bright blue powder, her lips a thick, glossy red. She held a long mahogany pipe between her fingers.

“A pair of lost little lambs?” she chuckled, chewing on the stem of her pipe. 

“Is this an inn?” Collin asked exhaustedly. 

“Sort of,” the woman explained, her blush somehow managing to darken even further. “I have a spare room upstairs if you need a place to stay.”

“And what do you get out of this?” Collin inquired skeptically. 

“A pair of cute young men at my establishment would surely draw in some more customers.” the old woman laughed. The building behind her was made of tan stucco, with elegant arched windows glowing with candlelight. It was a very rectangular building, with a low roof decorated with plants. 

“Fine,” Collin mumbled reluctantly. 

“Splendid!” the old woman swooned, clapping her hands together. She led them inside, the door swinging open with the jingle of bells. Inside, they were surrounded by wooden cabinets with brass handles. Dried herbs stuck out from cabinets' mouths, pinched between the corners. Bottles filled with strange liquids hung from the ceiling by bundles of rope. Pushed up against the far wall was a counter cluttered with all sorts of strange things: beakers, crystals, flowers-even small animals' skulls.

“A potions shop?” Collin asked, peering around. 

“Oh, the very best!” the old woman said gleefully. “You can’t find a better quality in the entire country.”

A person walked into the room carrying a box of bumpy, green gourds in a crate. Their skin was a beautiful reddish-brown, speckled with dark freckles. They had curly brown hair that flowed down past their shoulders and over their bare chest. They wore baggy satin pants with golden braided cords. 

“Oh, visitors,” they said politely, placing the crate onto the floor.

“Animus, these two will be staying the night. Poor things had nowhere else to go.” the old woman explained. “By the way, could you be a dear and grab me one of those dried turnips?” she added, pointing to a bag on the top shelf. 

“Sure thing,” Animus said. They’re legs began to change, growing long, slender, and hooved. They stretched up to the top shelf and plucked the bag with ease, tossing it down to the old woman.

“I see you are surprised by my abilities.” Animus said as they grew back to their original size. “I am Animus. A shapeshifter.” they introduced themselves, bowing gracefully. 

“Shapeshifting is quite the rare trait,” Breven said. 

“My abilities know no bounds…” Animus explained, transforming into a weasel-like creature with curved horns. “...not between man or beast…” Their body returned to human, transforming from feminine to masculine. “...nor male or female."

“Animus just wandered into town one day. I’m a sucker for strays, so I let them stay with me. They’ve been a wonderful help around the shop.” the old woman said sweetly. “Speaking of which-! Let me show you to your room!” 

The old woman ushered them up the stairs to a room at the end of the hall. It was a humble little room with a window and bed. “Sorry, I know it's not much,” the old woman said, taking a paper fan from her pocket and shyly covering her face. 

“It’s perfect. Thank you, ma'am,” Collin said politely. 

“My name is Lady Holiday.” the old woman said. “But you two may call me Holly. If you need anything just give me a call.” Holly closed the door gently behind her and crept back down the old, wooden stairs. 

“You can take the bed, I’ll sleep on the floor,” Collin said, grabbing a blanket. 

“Here,” Breven said firmly, taking the blanket from Collin's hands. “I imagine it has been quite some time since you last laid in a real bed. Allow me to take the floor.”

“Alright,” Collin said softly. 

Breven summoned Gara from his sword, using her as a big, fluffy pillow. They settled into the corner of the room while Collin crawled up into the bed. He blew out the candle on the nightstand, casting the room in dark blue hues. 

“It seems as though your past is more complicated than I first thought,” Breven said, staring up at the ceiling. “I will not pressure you to tell me why the Knights are after you. But if you ever wanted to, I will not turn my back on you, even if the truth is…distasteful.” 

Breven was met by silence. He rolled his head onto its side to find Collin’s back facing him from up on the bed. “Asleep already. Well, we did have quite the adventure today. Let’s hope tomorrow is just as thrilling.” Breven whispered. 

But Collin was not asleep. He was crying, as softly and quietly as he could. Raz emerged from the rune, curling against Collin’s chest.  Raz cooed softly, licking the tears off Collin’s cheek.