((Bah, short. I didn't know what else to write...))

Gage wasn’t having much luck. It didn’t seem as though there were many Nircoti in Jinmae and none were willing to become a guide, even for a good amount of money. He didn’t necessarily want to move too far from the inn for worry of Lola, and that Marin couldn’t necessarily defend either one of them as well as she thought she could. The trading post wasn’t too far from the inn, and possibly the only place Gage hadn’t looked yet. He’d been avoiding the place, but now it seemed the only thing left.

He went into the store first and foremost, but almost regretted his decision. The peace seemed to be disturbed by a few belligerent men, but as he turned to make a hasty exit, their voices died down and a confident female spoke in place of them. He paused at the door, looking into the shop. He couldn’t quite see the front counter behind a few others and a shelf. He moved around to just inside the shop, pressed against the wall. She was definitely a Nircoti; a strong one at that. Perhaps she could help them find their way through the wilderness.