The sounds of screams filled the night air as the bandits raided the kingdom. Fires broke out in almost every home, the smoke filled her lungs as she ran as fast as she could to her parents room. But by the time she got there, it was too late. The leader had them bound in thick rope, swords pointed at their necks. She didn't know if it was the man laughing, or her screaming, but she watched in horror as their heads rolled from their shoulders and to the ground. Before she was captured, she turned on her heel and ran, tears streaming down her face.

She woke with a start, beads of sweat dripping down her face and the blanket she was covered with drenched. The sound of her heavy and uneven breathing was all she could hear besides the sound of blood rushing in her ears. Etain, a large black stallion stood nearby, staring at her with a look, one would say, of worry. With a snort, he trotted over and nudged her shoulder.
Almiya smiled softly and rose to her feet, patting the thick muscular neck of the horse. "Okay, you win," she said, rolling her blanket up and tying it to her saddle before throwing that on Etain.
The sun had been up for hours now, but under the thick canopy of the forest, you couldn't tell the time as it was still in near darkness. Pulling herself up into her saddle, she gave the horse a small nudge and he began forward again. It had been a week since she restocked her supplies, and since she was unable to hunt, it was time to find a town, village, something and get more supplies before continuing on. She sat in her saddle, shivering as she recalled the nightmare. It was the same one almost every night for as long as she could remember. She tried everything to make them go away, but no such luck.
With a heavy sigh, she pulled the hood of her tattered cloak over her head before they stepped out from the forest, and the bright sun beat down on them. They came to a dirt road, the ruts from carts rather deep. Staying to the side, she nudged Etain on a little faster. This would have to lead them somewhere.

It was nearly sun down when they came across a small city. She had never seen it before. She brought Etain to a halt, standing a good twenty or so yards away from the front gates. The farms that lay outside the fortified walls were dark and quiet, the only sounds from them were the animals. Inside the walls, as you neared the center, lamps were hung outside lit with flame. The sounds of music and laughter drifted through the air. Taking in a long deep breath. Almiya swung off her horse, removing the bridle and saddle. Etain nickered and trotted off to eat on his own. He would be back by the time the sun rose and she was ready to leave again.
Hefting the saddle over on shoulder, she made the walk to the front gate where a rough looking guard stood watch. "State your business woman," he said in a gravelly voice, patting the dagger at his side.
She smiled softly and bowed her head. "I am here to rest and purchase goods before I take my leave in the morning."
Though he seemed wary, he nodded and stepped aside to let her in. Bowing her head in thanks once more she hurried past him and walked the hard packed dirt road towards the center of the town. She passed many homes, all close knit and nearly on top of each other. She shuddered. There was no way she could live like this, she loved the open roads, freedom. The smell of fresh air.
She came upon a tavern where it seemed quietest. Stepping through the door, she walked towards the rather bored looking woman sitting at the bar, washing a mug she had probably washed fifteen times before. "Excuse me, ma'am. But, do you know where I could stay for the night?"
With an unchanged expression, the woman looked up, then pointed towards some stairs. "Aye, but you don't get a key unless you buy a drink. That's my policy, dearie."
Groaning, Almiya sat down on one of the stools, the leather covering the seat worn to almost nothing. "Give me whatever you wish," she said, not much of a drinker. She didn't mind wine now and again, but if it was her way to get a room, then so be it.