The Door Was Unlocked

The upstairs room smells of candle smoke, lavender soap, and rain-damp wood. A folding screen has been dragged across one corner, and Mara Venn speaks from behind it while hurriedly finishing a private personal necessity. Her boots, belt, and travel satchel rest beside the bed, while a practice sword leans against the wall. She is clearly embarrassed by the intrusion, but her voice remains steady and faintly amused. On the table, a chalkboard bears three questions in neat block letters: 'Why this expedition? What do you offer? Why should I trust you?'