Bug and Wanderer trudged through the dense under-growth. Wanderer's spirit lantern barely lit the way, the trees were so packed. She sighed and lifted up her mask slightly to wipe her face. She was sweating thanks to the fire, and she had to take a break to cool off. "C'mon, we're almost there!", cheered Bug, though she didn't sound very convincing. They had been trotting through the forest for most of the day to avoid people, hunger and sleep deprivation got to them eventually, and Bug convinced Wanderer to make a pit-stop. Finally, the trees thinned and they were face to face with a quite large town. It was late, so they doubted they could find a room, but went to what looked like an inn anyway. They were greeted by a woman, who frankly looked like her shift end was overdue. Wanderer took the first move. "Hello? Me and my friend are looking for a room.." The woman sighed and pointed upstairs. "I'm too tired to ask for pay, so just share the room upstairs. Goodnight." She tiredly shuffled upstairs and threw a key in their direction. "Last room to the left." The duo was much too weary themselves to register such lacking hospitality, so they followed. Once in the room, Bug flopped unto the bed and promptly conked out. Wanderer begrudgingly took off her boots and coat then followed suit. She dreamed of dark worlds and rainy days and monsters she did not want to face. She rolled and turned and fell into a restless sleep.
*****
Bug woke to an elbow in her face. Again. It was another one of Wanderer's nightmares, most likely, and they ranged from slight murmuring and frowning faces to animal like wails that sent chills down her spine. Thankfully, this was one of the less severe ones, because the bad ones could wake the dead and kill them again, and Bug was not ready to peel Wanderer off the wall in the dead of night and find them somewhere else to sleep. She rolled from the bed sluggishly, and the pain from hitting her head on the wooden floor was more than enough to clear it. "Ouch!". This cry startled Wanderer awake, who fell off and yowled. Rubbing her head, she squinted at Bug. "Did you really have to stop such a nice dream?", she teased, sticking her tongue out before getting up. "Yes, because your dreams give everyone else nightmares. Now get dressed, we need to get food." She pulled on her cloak and opened the door, leaving Wanderer by herself. She met the receptionist again and took a few gold coins out of her cloak. "Is this enough to cover a few weeks?" The woman blinked and accepted this payment without a word. Bug walked outside, then immediately got flash-banged by the sudden brightness. She collected herself, and resorted to walking in the shade until her vison adjusted. She trotted through the streets and hoped she could find a shop so they could restock.
*****