Title At the inn
Author Stana
date 11/14/99

Stana turned her face into the rain as the droplets began to fall large and
earnest on the travelling party. She heard Teri's muffled exclamation of
dismay but ignored it, closing her eyes and letting the water trail down her
cheeks and over her tired spirit.  For a few seconds there was peace in the
patter of the water, the rustle of droplets in the leaves.

She wanted this moment to go on forever.

It was over all too quickly as Clip snorted in disgust. Lifting his legs
fastidiously in the quickening mud around them. The disbelief in his eyes
was comical--as if he expected to walk above the more, or anticipated teh
dirt to not cling to his velvet skinned legs. The mud was sticky and viscous
as it mired in his mane and tail. He snorted louder and whinnied his
protest.

Stana lowered her eyes, focusing on the mists ahead. She felt a heavy
indifference lapping at her mind, crooning her thoughts into a listless void
where nothing existed, nothing cared. Least of all, where nothing mattered.

Nothing did, really.

The murmurred encouragement offered by the undaunted ambassador fell on
deafened ears as she continued to ride unheeding and bland on the Unicorn.
The rain blocked out the setting sun, and the reminder that sleep would soon
be upon them all.

Sleep, and the dreams that she was trying so hard to avoid.

The medical bpack jostled at her side, the leaher whispering against her
jeans. Inside was Hensbane. The Healer had given it to her with barely a
twitch. Even knowing that Hensbane, used in large enough doses, was lethal.
When not used with the moost careful dread, it would induce a heavy coma,
and then, death. No cure. No last minute reprieves, no time to regret.

Merely an endless sleep that harboured no dreams. She hoped.

Her hand brushed the leather sash at her side gently, almost lovingly, and
withdrew it only at the anouncement that they had arrived at the inn.

Without another word to anyone, she dismounted, and followed the Ambassador
inside to the dry warmth of the shelter, shaking her long auburn hair free
of the droplets.  The fire lapped up the moisture hungrily, hissing as every
bit of water touched its tongue.  Her eyes roved disinterestedly over the
few patrons, her hand again stealing to her side.

"I'd like the use of your apothocary." she said quietly "if you wouldn't
mind."

"Are you a healer then?" asked the keeper with a friendly grin. "you've not
the normal cloaking of one."

"A student." Elainas said smoothly "of mine. We've a long journey ahead, and
Id have her prepare."

"We've a small kitshen in the back. Not much of it, but should serve your
need."

"Yes." Stana agreed "I'm sure it will."