53rd of Ashan, 718
*Common*
Following his lead she kept their hands linked, using him as a lean post gratefully when she needed and as something focus on aside from the open doors. Those were unexpected, she had though that with the trials theatrics and chaos people would distance themselves but it was not so. In this city where manners and order seemed prized, usually, people opened their doors to help those who needed it. But the dancer had no desire to pay the toll of gossip at the moment. All she craved was a break from the events of the riot, leaving her to latch onto the tendrils of conversation he fed her.
“Maybe we have or or you remind me of--" The words caught heavily in her throat, enough to make her stomach swish uncomfortably again. Thats why she could keep calm, because of this hand, a familiar comfort wrapped around hers. Someone to soothe her fears like a child, helping, leading, not real in the way she wanted it to be regardless of the nostalgia and sense of safety it brought. Val closed her eyes for a moment, feeling the instant burn of water beneath her lids that she didn't try to hide before she finished ungracefully, "no one. You remind me of just you—but I think thats an inn?”
The dancer lifted her free hand to wave in the direction of the inn, giving a the finest of tugs to their hands. Inside there would probably be towels for her to wash up, and at least a fire to keep warm. The thoughts alone made her shuffle her feet a little faster at the thought of being finally inside and away from the riot.
It was a small, probably ran out of house but the common room was large, fire going and a small gathering of wet souls lingering while an older man manned a simple desk, calling out to them around the couple in front.
“Need a room?” The man glanced at their joined hands with a smirk but the look on Vals face made it fall, prompting him to start around the desk till she shook her head, “Are you alright, miss?”
“Mm, got caught in—“ She waved her hand sluggishly, “that. Can we sit?”
“Common rooms always open, clean up after yourselves.” He said after a moment, busying away to help the next person but keeping an eye on the two in the least subtle manner.
Taking the approval instantly Val slumped in the nearest seat, hand still holding onto her companions while her head thumped to her knees in silence for a few trills before she mumbled into her legs ungraciously, “I’m Val.”
It was this same position that would keep her from noting a guard entering their momentary haven though she did not seem to be looking for them and if she did not recognize them, perhaps there would no trouble but her voice ringing out was enough to make the dancer flinch in her chair, fingers tightening around the hand she held and refusing to lift her head. It took less than a five bits for the guard to announce herself to the room at larger, her voice echoing sternly.
"Citizens of Andaris, we ask that for your safety you stay indoors while the riot is contained and I am here to remind you that any involved in the riot are to be reported and anyone who knows who started it or caused damage to-trial that it is your duty to report it."