There was something rather soothing about going out to collect mushrooms. On the rare occasions when she had a bit of time to spare, Ariadne would often go out with the palace healers in Valeria, collecting herbs and flowers and remedies. Generally, these outings were accompanied by pigs, digging for truffles. As a girl, Ariadne would get somewhat competitive with the pigs, trying to outshine them.

Possibly in her mad desperation to prove her worth.

Older now, and more comfortable in her skin, Ariadne still found a shivering thrill when she knelt down in the underbrush and managed to find one.

Alastrians didn't need pigs to sniff out treasure, thank you very much.

She dropped the third she'd found into a basket, when a noise and unfamiliar scent caught her attention. Sitting up straight, she turned over her shoulder, catching sight of an omen running straight after her, followed by a stranger in a long coat and mask.

Well, that wasn't at all foreboding.

Ariadne remained still as a statue. Except for her fingers. She flexed them straight. The last thing she wanted to do was fight, but she was always ready. And when you couldn't see a person's face, you had to be ready.