What Davian would not give for a good Saldean stallion. He had always enjoyed riding, when he could get the opportunity to. Now, however, he would have to make do with a forced march. He hauled his pack across his shoulder and brushed the fringe of his hair aside. He had definitely looked better, but he had been told the rough, unkempt look accentuated his features. Not that an Aes Sedai would likely notice. 

"Well, the bloody one power map pointed north, Zoya, but we should make east for Godan. It is not far out of the way, and we'll need to stock up on some provisions before we truly begin our journey in earnest. A few good horses would not hurt, either. We could gain miles at twice the speed and spend a night in a soft bed." He reasoned.

"And if I were to say we simply go north?" Zoya asked, casually eyeing him with a neutral look the Aes Sedai were always so good at weaponizing. Davian shrugged. 

"Then as your guide and companion, I will follow you. Though I heavily advise against it before reaching a settlement, and Godan is the only one in a hundred miles." He replied. "The choice is yours, Sakura Sedai." Davian gave an ostentatious bow, and she took the jest in stride. Playing along, she stuck her nose in the air as she walked past him, making a show of giving an imperious response to his suggestion. 

"I suppose a thief taker can have a suggestion of merit, every now and again." She said with an ironic faux humility. "Very well, Godan it is." 

Davian smirked, and as Zoya turned to regard him, she saw him grab the small sack with her things and sling it over his other shoulder. He saw her look and gave another shrug. "You're paying me and it's not a big pack, happy to help" He said, earnestly. She smiled back, and the pair began to move eastward, turning from the beach as it curved to the south. Little did either know that Godan, though a chance at respite, would also prove to be more trouble than it was worth.