"I am." Rydia nodded and, after a brief glance around, followed Kain out of the village. It was a pleasant enough place, but there was no reason to linger. She spared a glanced his way, wondering how long she would have his company until he insisted on being a hermit again. Well, only one way to find out.

She continued along the winding path with him, following its course and keeping alert for any sign of trouble heading their way. Monsters were as plentiful as ever, and Rydia kept an eye out for epitaphs in particular. She was quite willing to repay the trouble dealt them both, but to her disappointment, none emerged.

Despite the length of the trek, Rydia didn't complain. She continued at a steady pace until the sun approached the horizon, then glanced to the dragoon. "We'd better find a decent place for camp, while we still have light available to us."