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It had been a simple errand that Rowan had been sent out on. One that a child such as herself should be more than capable of handling alone and with acceptable competence. Her aunt Corwen had sent her along with a written set of directions to the apothecary shop - not the usual apothecary shop. There was something different about this one, though aunt Corwen hadn't deemed it necessary for Rowan to know what that important difference was.

It should have been simple, at least. And Rowan had absolutely no idea how she had gotten so terribly and firmly lost. The little Oblivionite frowned, making her way towards yet another corner with street names that she had never heard of before. This part of Obsidian city was darker than the rest, which in itself was quite a feat. The buildings seemed closer together, and they twisted and leaned over the street as if reaching out to each other. Most of the windows were darkened, and the streets were unusually empty for such a cosmopolitan city. The passersby Rowan had tried to ask for help had merely ignored her and sped up their steps, hurrying away down this alley or that twisty little side street.

"Double drat!" Rowan cursed under her breath, stepping in a muddy puddle that discolored her pale boot. Somehow, today was just not quite working out the way she had expected. She should have the goods from the apothecary and be home by now, curled up with a nice big text book and a snack. But no. She was lost, and the way things were looking, she may never find herself in a recognizable part of town again. "Drat!" She cursed again, the markings on her face and hands - which usually just glowed dimly - flared in a bright flash of light.

Rowan had several conflicting reactions to the older Oblivionite woman when she was approached. First was relief - here was someone who may be able to help her! Indeed, the woman's words indicated that she would lead Rowan out of this unfamiliar place. Second was admiration, the woman was beautiful - so poised and commanding, the very picture of what Rowan herself hoped to be one day. Then, however, the insults within Adrastea's comments managed to penetrate Rowan's mind and she bristled faintly, no one could ever consider her dull! Rowan was confident that she knew her own strengths, and cleverness was certainly one of them. In fact, Rowan prided herself on being clever. It was hardly her fault that she was lost, the city was huge and she was only twelve years old, after all.

The woman was walking off, she hadn't stayed to witness Rowan's decision. The younger Oblivionite paused for the briefest of moments, but the decision was really quite an easy one to make. Clearly the red-headed woman knew more about this area - and probably many other things - than Rowan did. She might even share some of her wisdom, if Rowan played her cards right. And anyways, this was probably her only chance to find her way out of this warren.

Rowan's short little legs had to work to catch up with Adrastea's longer ones, but she caught up with her and trotted alongside her. "I don't know what district this is." Rowan told the woman in a low voice, assuming since Adrastea had whispered it would be smart to behave similarly. Perhaps there were spies nearby. "My aunt sent me on an errand, and I got lost."

"I just moved to the city to live with my aunt two years ago." Rowan, said, peering around the apothecary's shop with interest. "I lived somewhere else before." She didn't want to go into detail about before. Before was confusing and painful to think about, and she would rather avoid it. Rowan didn't even discuss her lost family with aunt Corwen, and Corwen was family. "But I only started going out by myself a few months ago." She added, proudly.

Adra's other comments regarding her safety and this district niggled at Rowan's conscience, and she felt the need to justify her aunt's actions to this strangely compelling woman. "I don't think that my aunt meant me to come to any harm." She said slowly, "but if I am to learn to survive, and if I am to be successful, I must be able to handle challenging situations." This was said as if she considered herself a fully grown Oblivionite, and not just a mere slip of a girl. In reality, Corwen probably hadn't given a great deal of consideration to the location she was sending her niece to. Her expectations for a girl so young were staggering, and Rowan had begun to think of herself as much older than she actually was due to the pressure.

The older Oblivionite's praise warmed Rowan's heart. She didn't get a great deal of praise, despite her hard work and striving to impress her aunt. She was certain that once she had chosen a profession and started her training in earnest, Corwen would become a little bit warmer. And she knew that her aunt approved of her and was proud of her. But she didn't get words of praise often, and she found herself both blushing and smiling under the kind words.

When the apothecary came out, Rowan watched with interest to see what Adrastea was ordering. And once she had received her items, it was Rowan's turn. "She actually sent me to this shop. Except I got lost." Rowan said, turning to the apothecary and informing the woman she was picking up the monthly order for Corwen Sodur. Rowan, too, received a bulging bag. She didn't bother to find out what was inside it, she just stood on her tiptoes and plunked her own money down on the counter. Then she turned back to Adrastea.

"My name is Rowan." She said, realizing that she had been horribly impolite, and feeling significantly more comfortable after Adrastea had said such nice things to her. Praising Rowan's dress or looks would get you a smile. But praising her cleverness and skill would garner you her admiration. "Thank you for helping me. I... I don't suppose you could help me find my way out of this part of town?" She was hesitant to ask, Adrastea had already been so helpful and she didn't want to impose. But she was fairly certain that if she tried to find her own way out of this warren, she would get lost again. And she wasn't eager to repeat that experience.

Rowan trotted after Adra, feeling much safer now that she had an escort out of the tricky part of town. She was able to relax enough to take in the sights and memorize the route they were taking. It was deliciously creepy and seedy, though Rowan wasn't entirely sure whether or not she was actually intrigued, or just grateful for being rescued.

"Thank you." She said, in response to Adra's offer of aid. "I haven't been very far into the forests yet. Though I'm sure I will find my way there, since I will have to learn how to hunt for ingredients and things. I live in the sable district." She added, naming an area of town that was known for it's elaborate homes and wealthy citizens. "Maybe..." Rowan paused, unsure whether or not the request would be appropriate or not. She was rather awkward with social situations, preferring books to other people most of the time. "Perhaps you could show me through the forest, sometime." She said, the words coming quickly as if she just wanted to get them over with.

Rowan couldn't hide the flush of pleasure that colored her cheeks when Adra said she would be willing to show the younger girl around. She didn't have many friends, becoming close to people was not something Rowan was very good at. But Adra seemed so nice. And competent. And smart. And tough. She was the sort of woman an Oblivionite girl could look up to. Her steps took on a lighter, almost skipping quality to them.

"Thank you." She managed, grinning up at Adra. The disconcertingly close and dark streets were widening out, and Rowan recognized the main thoroughfare they were coming up to. "I mean it, thank you so much. I... I can find my way from here." Rowan hesitated a moment, and then dashed in and gave Adra a quick, tight little hug. It was utterly unlike her, but something in Rowan missed the casual affection her family had shared before they had been taken away. And she wanted to show her appreciation for all Adra's help. Blushing furiously and feeling a little embarrassed about her show of affection, Rowan didn't give Adra a chance to respond. She dashed off down the street, turning once to wave at Adra.