“I know what you think, but the rules are written on paper. Pay or don't enter.” The guard repeats the words he was tired of saying, pointing to a nearly disintegrated piece of paper at what might be called his guard post.

"We'll pay, nine copper."

"Take this, it's good for five days. If you want an extension, go to the garrison, it's not far away, ask and they'll know where.” The guard hands them some small pieces of skins with some words written on it and with an indistinguishable seal, urging them to leave, clearly he didn't want to deal with such an abnormal group.

The night progressed and few people were seen walking in the street, and those that were, hurried to enter their houses in search of warmth. Lyaria and Ezer walk trying to attract as little attention as possible and Irene seems to imitate them, maybe she wasn't very good with people.

It doesn't take them long to find the inn, after a few climbs and a slight curve in the road, a large hanging sign with three paths engraved in the wood, all with a common goal, the inn, becomes visible.

"Let's go inside." Ezer points out.

The interior was well lit and relatively warm, several people could be seen sitting and standing, all having a pitcher of mead while laughing out loud. However, Lyaria instantly perceives glances directed towards them with unfriendly intentions, in fact, it wasn't the first one that day.

"Two fine ladies, on a night as cold as this... it seems that the gods finally heard me." Without even being able to get close to the bar, trouble blocks the group's path.

A tall man, tall enough that Ezer had to lift his head to meet his eyes, approaches them with an expression that is difficult to recognize due to several scratch scars that go down from his right ear to almost reach his chin.

"I'm sure your bodies are cold. Why don't you join me at the table for a few drinks by the fire?" His words sounded kind, but his expression, tone, and the way he blocked their way said otherwise.

“We are tired, we want to register and rest.” Lyaria tries to avoid him, though the man blocks her path again.

"I don't think you understand me... YOU HAVE to come with me." The man smiles this time, his eyes turning colder and more violent as he grips Lyaria's arm tightly.

Irene backs away hiding with her hood, apparently trembling slightly, Ezer steps forward to intervene noticing how the situation worsened. However, before he could even do anything, Lyaria stops looking down at the ground and stares into the eyes of the man in front of her.

At first, the man is surprised to see the incredible exotic beauty of Lyaria, but this surprise quickly turns into fear that gives way to terror. Before the man's eyes there was no longer a beautiful woman, but the reflection of his worst fears and nightmares. It was only for a second, maybe less, but it was enough for Lyaria to make her way, leading Ezer and Irene.

The man stands with his gaze fixed on one point, that single second was enough for him to remember his worst experiences, forcing him to look for a chair to process all the information that flooded his brain, it was clear that for the moment, he had forgotten Lyaria entirely.

"What did you do to avoid him?" Irene asks intrigued.

“Lyaria can instill fear if she wishes.” Ezer smiles wryly.

Silence reigns in the inn after the strange development of events, but when the group reaches the counter, people seem to forget and laugh again as if nothing had happened.

"Are you looking for a room or a hot meal?" The innkeeper receives them hiding his curiosity professionally, it was not the first time that strange people stepped on his establishment.

"Both, do you have enough rooms?" Ezer is the intermediary knowing that Lyaria had already drawn enough attention for today.

“Normally at this time we are struggling to fill the rooms. But a group of soldiers has most of them occupied, without paying, of course. They're not at the inn now, though they'll be back when their rounds are done, things will get more vivid when they do. I suggest you eat before the place fills up.” His frustration was obvious with words. "But that's not what you wanted to know, right? Sorry to digress, I only have one left for two people, I also have a special room available if you are willing to pay for it.”

“One is enough for the two of us, but Irene...”

“Don't worry, I'll pay for the special. I prefer comfort and I have money to spare for that.”

“So... three copper coins for the common room, includes a soup for dinner, if you want more you have to pay separately. For the special it´s seven copper, includes full dinner.” After paying, the group goes up some stairs near the counter guided by the innkeeper's young son. Irene is shown to her room while Ezer and Lyaria settle into theirs.

The room was narrow, with two beds on top of each other and a small window that looked out onto an alley on the side of the building. In short, a room worthy of being called common, but at least it was clean.

"Did you use your eyes on that man? Did you confuse his mind?” Ezer asks as they both put down their heavy travel packs.

“I only showed him what he didn't want to see. I don't know what he saw reflected, but judging by his reaction it wasn't good at all.”

“It's a good way to avoid trouble.”

“Yes and no. Depending on how I use it, it can draw even more attention, plus I can only confuse a single person, if a group runs into us... I can't do the same as with the beasts that are guided only by instinct.”

“Well, people are not stupid, they know when something strange happens. We should listen to the innkeeper, eat early and rest, tomorrow we have to gather supplies and leave.”

"I'd rather do it as soon as dawn breaks, but there's no way we can get what we need before then."

"Because the soldiers?" Do you think they are still looking for me even after all this time?”

“I'm not sure, it's strange that there are so many gathered in the village. They are looking for something or someone... I had planned to look for information and rest a few more days, but I see that it will not be possible.” The town itself had a garrison in charge of security, but it was clear that these soldiers came from outside and did not belong to it.

“Let's go eat, I want more time to sleep a full night.” Ezer missed a deep sleep without the need to make rounds to monitor the surroundings.

“Yes, you're right, I'm hungry.” Lyaria answers putting her hand to her stomach.

The dining room was more crowded than before, but with enough space for several more people. At the moment there was no sign of any soldiers and according to the innkeeper, it would take them two hours to finish their rounds.

Lyaria draws many glances, although this time, no one approaches them allowing to enjoy their food.