Garvan lets his breath go with a sigh as he rides past him.

Good thing he switched his cloak!

'Gods, I am hunted in my own city!' he thinks as he resumes down the busy street.

He considers attempting to flee the city once more. He is unknown outside these walls, and there is a vast world in which to hide. The claws of homesickness, though, drag him back.

His mind races as he keeps strolling with no particular objective, attempting to sort out how he'll escape this situation alive.

His buddy Lina's house comes to mind as a possible sanctuary. Her first encounter with him was unique. He and his late friend Omar saved her from the bandits, which is how they met and became friends as a result of that.

Omar worked as a municipal guard in a high-ranking position. Omar's goal of being martyred for the state has come true. Garvan is dissatisfied, despite Omar's joy at realizing his dream. Garvan misses him a much because they've been friends since childhood and share a lot of memories. Garvan has been enraged as a result of all of this.

'Today is his birthday, and here I am, chased by my own people.'

Thinking about all this, Garvan has become upset.

Then reality sets in, and he slaps himself in the face with both hands. 'Now is not the time to be upset. Bring your mind to clarity, Garvan!'

Lina is a candle merchant's' daughter.

The candle shop is close by, and before he knows it, he is standing in front of a wooden sign covered in candle drawings rather than words. After all, in Dawn Wheel Kindom's outer cities, or at least this neighborhood, few people can read.

Peering through the window, he sees a tall man stooped over a table, pouring something—perhaps wax. Garvan is not sure if it's a good idea to just walk in and ask for Lina. He'll want to know Garvan's name and affair.

It's possible she's not even here, in which case it's best if he doesn't bring attention to himself. He doubts the city guards haven't yet arrived to interview Lina, but he anticipates them to do so soon.

He decides to take a chance and walk around the store to see if he can get a better look inside. The alley between the buildings is quite narrow, requiring him to bend sideways in order to pass.

There are a few metal barred windows around the sides and back, enough to let in light despite merely affording a view of the neighbor's wall. The windows are, unfortunately, too high to see through.

He is looking around for something to stand on for a boost when he hears crying. He knows that crying. It's the same sob and whine he heard back at the bandits' place when he found Lina.

She must be mourning for Omar. After the rescue, the two became intimate, and eventually they fell in love.

He side-steps his way along the alley a few meters and then listens, repeating this process until he thinks he can tell which window the sobbing is coming from. He is about to call out to her when he hears, "Pssst, you! This is not a road! Off with you!" an old woman hisses from a neighbor's window.

He decides she's right. This is no place to be skulking around, attracting attention. It's time to talk to Lina.

What should he do?

Three ideas pop up to his mind. Sneak past Candle-maker, ask the candlemaker to see her, or charm candle-maker. Charming will cost mana.

He weighs his options.

'Certainly, no one yet knows I am hunted', he assures himself.

He walks into the front door and approaches the candlemaker. "Good sir, I humbly request to see Lina."

The candlemaker looks up from his work, his eyebrows raised slightly, "I am her brother, Henry. Who might you be?"

What should he do? He can lie, or he can tell the truth and say who he is.

'I'll try to avoid lying as much as possible.'

Garvan pulls off his hood and introduces himself.

Henry drops his work and shouts, "My sister's savior!" He approaches Garvan and gives him a hearty embrace.

He then thanks Garvan again and again until Garvan eventually puts his hand up and says, "She is a good woman and it warms my heart to have aided her. If you please, I am anxious to see how she fairs now."

"Ah, yes, of course. I believe I noticed her thin shadow pass me earlier as I toiled. Perhaps she rests in her chamber." He begins walking toward a door.

"No, I insist I not disturb your work. Please, allow me private council with her. I will not be long."

He smiles conspiratorially, "Yes, yes, I am sure she will receive you warmly. Her chamber is at the end of the hall."

Following his directions, Garvan discovers her door and listens. Lina is as yet wailing.

He makes a gentle knock.

"Henry, leave me be," Garvan hears the plaintive voice from inside.

The door is unlocked and he slips inside.