Morning sunlight poured through the windows of the Crossroads Inn.
The common room was quieter than it had been the previous evening. Many of the travelers who had shared stories over dinner had already departed before dawn, each returning to their own journey.
John adjusted the strap of his backpack as he walked downstairs.
The innkeeper noticed him and smiled.
"Leaving already?"
John nodded.
"We've rested long enough."
She handed him a small cloth bundle.
"For the road."
John accepted it with both hands.
"You don't have to keep giving us food."
The innkeeper laughed.
"I run an inn."
"Sending travelers away hungry would ruin my reputation."
Lythriel leaned over to peek inside the bundle.
"...Fresh bread."
John immediately closed it.
"No."
She looked offended.
"I wasn't going to steal any."
"You were thinking about it."
"I was considering it."
"That's close enough."
Sylvara couldn't help but laugh.
Even Aerion smiled.
---
