For them, there have been many nights like tonight. Cold wind, tasting of salt and rain, cutting through the trees, and a heavy fog caught in the low branches. Up in the sky, no stars or moon to guide their way, no light to bring them home. There is never any light. They walk to the water instead, stare out over the dark, endless sea. Maybe one day the clouds will lift, and the stars will appear, illuminating their path. But for now, the water churns, the storm is coming, and they will be caught in the rain.
Another long day on the road. New faces, just passing through, as well as the same tired fools they’ve been with all this time. Their feet ache, legs tired, and they’re grateful for the ride tonight, jostling along in the back of a cart. The sun is just setting behind them, long shafts of golden light falling across the road, illuminating the clouds of dust kicked up from the wheels and the horses. For a moment they just watch the city fade behind them, the sky growing dark. They reach into their jacket then, closing their eyes, grasping a card deck and thumbing through blindly. Pick a card. Pulling their hand from their jacket, they squint at the card in the dying light. The Star. A small smile, barely there, and they tuck the card away, staring up at the stars slowly appearing up above.