Morning arrived with a gentle breeze drifting through the open windows of the inn.
The scent of fresh bread and wildflowers filled the air, mixing with the aroma of breakfast coming from the kitchen.
John stretched as he walked downstairs.
For the first time in a long while, he couldn't remember the last time he'd slept so peacefully.
The innkeeper noticed him and smiled.
"Good morning."
"Morning."
"You seem well rested."
"I think Greenhollow is having that effect on me."
She laughed.
"I'll take that as a compliment."
---
Breakfast was as lively as ever.
Nathan had somehow convinced his parents to let him eat at the inn again.
The moment John sat down, the young boy hurried over.
"I finally did it!"
John looked up from his plate.
"The third swing?"
Nathan nodded enthusiastically.
"And I didn't lose my balance!"
Lythriel smiled into her tea.
"I don't think I've ever seen someone so excited about footwork."
"It's important," John replied.
