In the middle of summer, the relative cool of northern Serendipity was probably a relief to many people choosing to come this way. To Xirofel, however, it was something of a curse. He missed the tropical island summers of Yoreiq, and though he enjoyed the thousands of unique sights and sounds to be had here, he also missed his home. In his opinion, the adventures of the past few years had been quite enough peril for anyone. Rather, the confinement of the past years had been enough for anyone. Peril didn't bother him especially, though he wasn't fond of it, and he certainly liked having the freedom to do as he willed. But trading was a lonely thing, and the cities of the mainland were nothing like his village, where everyone welcomed him with enthusiastic affection. Still, it was better than being regarded as some exotic pet, he supposed. Better to be alienated than trapped, right?
Sunrise had brought with it clear weather, and though it was still early in the morning Xiro was fairly eager to be on his way. He'd brought a fair number of hides he'd had tanned -- the skins of creatures to be found further south, and thus, he hoped, they would be worth more in Darken Vei. The city was visible down the valley, though it was yet some miles off, and he hoped that he would be able to reach it early enough to begin selling his wares. Many nights had gone by since he'd last utilized a bed of any variety, and there was in his mind the insistent hope that he might once again experience a sleeping cushion other than the ground. Besides which, his pack was heavy, piled high with furs and trinkets as it was, and he hoped to turn a fair profit. Xirofel wasn't bad at his craft, really, but he hadn't had a lot of time to expand his financial hoard and he hoped that it would begin to accumulate significantly in the coming months.
Over his head, tall evergreens loomed, partially blocking out the dim light. Though he traveled on one of the many footpaths leading to Darken Vei, the trader was wary of the shadows, and as he moved down the path he kept one hand on the knife at his hip. One could never be too careful, he had learned, and there was no telling what would appear in these darkened woods. With the sun yet not risen high enough to completely illuminate the valley, the forest was dark, and there was a damp chill still hanging in the air, seeping through his clothes and settling in his bones. Best to keep moving, if he wanted to reach the city before midday. The chill could be shaken off by walking, but it would be another hungry night if he didn't sell anything.
