The final streech to Stream Well wasn't too much ground to cover. Odd as it was to stop so close to town, and odder still was Wards insistance that August be rested, there seemed to be a scheme about. August didn't mind, the two and a half weeks spent as apart of Ward's caravan did him a great deal of good. Not to mention the food, Rewa's teachings in herbalism and alchemy will prove to be invaluable, if only in the dream.

It was midday if the sun was to be believed. High noon and all that.

High noon? That's ludicrice. Noon is derived from nine, so that saying pratically means 9 A.M.- August had lost himself in thought as he was walking in step with Ward that when the large man stopped, August almost ran into him. He replanted his feet, then refocused his attention to see... Reese.... What...???

“August, this is Reese. He’s a sellsword, and a fine one at that.” Ward said. “Reese, this is August. He’s a Healer.” August swallowed. He hadn’t expected the barista to be here. Reese took in a quick breath, then spoke:

“Ah! Good Healer! I am Reese of Woodplate. It is a pleasure to meet you.” Reese of Woodplate said, walking the short distance between himself and August. He took August's hand in his own, then softly laid a kiss on the back of it while bowing. August’s heart sped up, but he wasn’t with the real thing was he?

“M’lord.” August said, a barely hidden smile on his face. He bowed in turn, laying a kiss on Reese’s hand as well.

“A title is certainly unnecessary, good healer.” Reese said, clearly caught off guard. “I am Reese. A mere sellsword, not much more.”

“You’re too modest, lad!” Said Ward, clapping Reese on the back. “You certainly are not a simple sellsword.” Ward turned consperiorally to August, "Saved my Shoes at the start of fall, you see. I'd never seen more focus in a sellsword as this."

“Praise like that doesn’t come commonly.” August gave him a second glance. He wasn’t wearing lavish armor, but the quality was just the same. It didn’t look rich, but it certainly cost him a good amount of money, or a good favor.

“This is true! I am not one for praise!” Ward said, claping a hand on August's back with a laugh.

Reese, the sellsword, gave Ward an inquisitave eye then turned to August. "Maybe not a Simple sellsword. My time with Lord Orwell has done me well.

“Ah. That brings me to it. I may not be one for praise, but I'm one for employment, which was my reason to introduce you two.” he said, clearing his throat.

“To business, then?” Reese asked, hand resting lazily on the bottom of the sword.

What was that called again? The Hilt?

“To business! Reese here’s master, Lord Orwell Cypress, wishes to take on the services of a healer such as yourself. Said as much to me two cycles ago." The way people in the dream spoke about time refered to the phases of the moon. Exactly 14 days in a cycle, 2 cycles in a span.

"We met last Cycle, Ward. Why didn't we speak on this sooner?"

"Hadden't crossed my mind sooner, lad. Particularly with Pep's leg lame as it was." August could give it to Ward. His son having broken his leg was fair enough reason to space things. Sure magical potions that alchemy made were amazing but they wern't a cure all. If August hadn't set the leg right, the potion wouldn't have healed the break properly.

“Indeed.” Reese said clearing his throat, “Lord Cypress’s personal medic has moved on to other prospects. As such, M’lord wishes to hire a healer with a monthly retainer.” August almost balked at that. He’d heard of more generosity from the trees outside of Pinesap than from the local nobility.

“What is the caveat?” August asked, looking at both Reese and Ward.

“No caveat, boy, just employment!” Ward said, a broad smile on his face. August sat and thought for a moment.

Reese was here! In the dream!

He wouldn’t feel awkward staring at the man here, would he? August didn’t so much mind being on the noble’s retainer, after all. He could always return a month’s pay to the noble, and dismiss himself. Healers were thought to be a mysterious sort, after all.

“If sir Woodplate would be so kind as to offer safe travel to his lord’s estates, then I see no reason to refuse this request. Ward- I hope you’re making a good commission off of this.” Ward nodded with enthusiasm.

“More than you’d like to know, lad. Lord Cypress has had my ear on this particular task for Spans.”

Reese knodded at Ward. "M'Lord Cypress has had my hear to talk about this job since you brought me to him." Reese glanced at August, "I assure you, Ward here will be compensated lavishly, and you will be delivered safly and in good health."

"How will you get back to Barron Cypress's estates, lad?" Ward asked Reese.

"I and some others of Lord Cypress' guard have accompanied M'lady Barroness Cypress to Stream Well this day, Ward. If I explane to her the letter of the situation, I suspect she'll be pleased to have the good healer along.