Princess Saya suggested that Deneve perform the Pilgrimage of Aal. She explained that it would gain the peoples’ trust and increase her influence in dealing with the royal family besides the Black Spirit thought it could provide some answers in finding his home or gaining more power.

Before they parted, Saya told Deneve to seek out Yis Kunjamin. After finally reaching Valencia City with no incident, Deneve found Yis immediately, who explained that she would need to start by going to the Sanctum of Fast.

After Yis pointed Deneve in the direction of the market and Inn, Deneve left to retire for the evening as the trip had left her exhausted.

Upon getting to the Inn, she found that Barhan had left word that she could use his residence while in the city. Purajin, one of the market vendors, was kind enough to give her a quick tour of the city as he led her to Barhan’s residence.

Thanking him, Deneve turned to open the door to be stopped by a gentle hand on her arm. Purajin looked at her blankly for a moment before he said, “Beware the stone chamber.” Deneve glanced at him curiously for a moment.

“I don’t know,” He replied to her unspoken question. “I just felt I had to say it.”

“Ummm, thanks?” Deneve responded, confused. But Purajin had already started walking away.

She let herself in the house and was immediately stunned at how ornate it was. Deneve was struck by the fact that this man was royalty. She gazed at the grandeur around her. There were beautiful handmade gem vases, paintings, and ornate rugs. Bareed’s situation had left them in less elaborate places, so she never considered how wealthy the royal families were. Chandeliers lit the house that seemed to have two levels. As she walked upstairs, the massive bedroom had a large veranda that held a fish tank and a thermal bath. Deneve had no idea such technology existed in this world.

She set her pack down, looking longingly at the bath. Grabbing a bottle of wine, she peeled off her travel clothes and lowered herself into the steamy water. Uncorking the bottle, she took a satisfying swallow before leaning back into the steaming water. As she soaked, the water seemed to pull all the soreness from her muscles. Deneve enjoyed this time of reprieve, taking a drink from the bottle occasionally while she relaxed.

“What a beautiful painting you would make, Princess Deneve,” A voice said haughtily.

Deneve started at the sound but realized that it was Lord Red. Her face burned that he had caught her in the bath, and she recognized that it would be silly to jump up and cover herself. So she merely met his gaze straight on as she took another swig of wine before she asked. “What do you want?”

Lord Red’s gaze raked over her lecherously. “I hadn’t expected to find you in such a state, but to find you this way is a delicious discovery.”

“That is what happens when you don’t bother to announce a visit,” Deneve replied with an eye roll. “And you didn’t answer the question.”

“I thought to bring you some information, but you have been a bit less than welcoming,” He said, looking facetiously hurt. “If I had asked for an audience, would you have accepted?”

“Probably not,” Deneve answered bluntly. “But it would be nice if you would get the point. I’m starting to prune.”

“Ah well, we can’t have that? Can we, princess?” Lord Red teased.

Deneve wasn’t sure what game he was playing, but she was done playing. Standing up, she stepped out of the tub. Deneve turned her back to Lord Red. Calling on Marg, a warm breeze quickly dried her body as she pulled a tunic out of her pack. By the time she slipped it on, she was dry.
Grabbing her comb, she started untangling her hair as Lord Red walked into the room.

“Here,” he said, dropping a small package on the bedside table. Deneve barely noted the flash of light as he teleported away.

She quelled her curiosity long enough to plait her still damp tresses before picking up the small box, opening it, a necklace laid in it with a note.

Deneve,
I know you have no reason to believe me but be wary of the Nesser family. I’ve done some poking around, and they each have their agenda. This Letusa Necklace should help you in your travels. I didn’t need it.
Lord Red

Wait. Is Lord Red behaving friendly and even helpful? Deneve shook her head, confused. Perhaps it’s a trick. It wouldn’t be the first time Lord Red performed charmingly to get his way. But he did seem a bit odd when he visited. He seemed cockier rather than his usual venom. Perhaps his teleporting in on her state of undress had something to do with it. She snickered at the thought. But he had prepared the package. Unsure of his intentions, she did a quick preliminary scan on the necklace, but it simply seemed to improve strength. She could give it a thorough check when she woke.