Rowena and Cersie rode their horses through a variety of landscapes, by rolling hills dotted with vibrant wildflowers and through dense forests filled with towering trees and tangled underbrush. The changing scenery provided a sense of adventure and discovery, each new view more beautiful than the last. Their horses' hooves pounded against the ground, a steady rhythm that reverberated through their bodies, their strong muscles rippling beneath their smooth coats. The breeze brushed against their skin, bringing both a cool relief. The gentle sway of the saddles beneath them was a constant reminder of their progress, as they passed through varying terrain and landscapes.
The air carried the scent of pine and earth, mixed with the crispness of fresh dew and the lingering perfume of wildflowers. Occasionally, a whiff of animal musk or the sharp tang of a nearby stream would pass through their senses.
The journey was long and arduous, leaving a dry and salty taste in their mouths. Cersie offered Rowena the dried fruits and nuts from her pack, providing a small reprieve from the blandness and repetitiveness of travel food. As they rode, the two women snacked on their dried fruits and cured meats, the sweet and salty flavors providing sustenance and energy for their journey.
The road had led the duo to a sprawling market town, nestled at the intersection of well-traveled paths. The lively hum of activity was evident from afar, as merchants shouted and beckoned from their colorful stalls. The air was rich with the mingling of scents; warm and inviting aromas of exotic spices, freshly baked bread, and the sharp tang of blacksmiths' forges. The bustling atmosphere engulfed them, pulling them into its vibrant and chaotic embrace.
As the duo came closer and closer to the vast market town nestled at the crossroads of bustling roads, the cacophony of activity became impossible to ignore. The vibrant stalls of merchants overflowed with an array of colorful goods, from shimmering silks to intricate metalwork. The air was thick with a heady mix of scents - the warm aroma of exotic spices, the comforting scent of freshly baked bread, and the sharp tang of blacksmiths' forges. It was a sensory overload, with each stall vying for attention and every street corner alive with noise and energy.
Cersie and Rowena guided their horses through the lively thoroughfare, the assorted array of goods and the cacophony of voices providing a stark contrast to the serenity of the open road. Rowena, her eyes sparkling with curiosity, suggested exploring the market. "This looks like a busy place. Perhaps we can gather some more supplies and learn more about the corruption affecting these lands."
Cersie, nodding in agreement, steered her horse toward a clearing where merchants had set up their stalls. The vibrant tapestry of the market unfolded before them, each stall a kaleidoscope of colors and textures.
Merchants beckoned them to peruse their wares, offering everything from intricately woven fabrics to gleaming trinkets. Cersie's eyes lingered on a display of enchanted crystals, their soft glow capturing the essence of mystical energies. Two in particular had caught her eye, two small emeralds earrings. The way they shone almost as bright as Rowena's eyes when she laughed. Cersie blushed and glanced quickly back to see where Rowena was, before buying the two gems for three pieces of silver.
Rowena, drawn to a booth adorned with herbs and medicines, struck up a conversation with the elderly vendor. "Excuse me, kind sir. We're travelers on a quest to cleanse the corruption spreading through these lands. Do you have any knowledge or remedies that might aid us?"
The elderly vendor, his eyes clouded with wisdom, hesitated before giving her an analyzing look. "Ah, the corruption... A foul curse that lingers like plague in the land. I've heard whispers of ancient remedies, but..." He hesitated gain and looked around before leaning in close and whispering, "I've heard only a witch can cure the corruption... All who are like us have tried and failed, so Witch hunters gather and imprison any witches they can find to try and use their magic to get rid of the corruption... However they haven't been able to yet and if they can't they get put to death for treason... I'm sorry I can't share much more..."
Thanking the vendor, Rowena navigated the bustling market to find Cersie who had disappeared from her sight. Looking around as she called out for Cersie she noticed a stall which had jewellery on one immediately caught her eyes. A large pale blue sapphire necklace laid on the vendors table. "How much for this necklace?" Rowena asked the vendor, they smiled and said, "Six silver darling! Who's the lucky person?" Rowena blushed as she handed over the silver.
"It's just for a friend..." Rowena mumbled for the first time in her life as she felt far too embarrassed to look up. "Rowena! There you are!" Cersie startled Rowena from behind. Rowena hid the necklace behind her back as as she spun around. "What ya got there?" Cersie smiled as she leaned closer trying to see what was behind her back. "I-it's nothing! Lets go!" Rowena clenched her hands together and sped away back towards the horses. She quickly put it inside her inner pocket. Cersie laughed and followed behind her back to the horses. The Old woman at the stall watched the two leave with a knowing smile on her face as if she knew the growing bond between the two. "They just might be able to do it." She hummed to herself as she clicked her fingers together and her stall vanished as if it was never there to begin with...