Journey of the Half-Elf - Book 1

Chapter XXII - A Good End To The Night

The Sun had set behind the tall buildings of the North Alfrindon Outskirts. The cool sky was navy blue, dimly lit by the last lines of amber light, strewn with all sorts of orange, fluffy shapes. A flock of seagulls soared over the emerging stars, revealing themselves one by one as the summer day was turning to night.

Though some people were still walking in the streets at this time, most of the residents had chosen to stay indoors, sat at the table with their families or sound asleep in their beds.

As Guinevere and Gastan approached Old Bilbo's, their bellies rumbled with every step, eagerly awaiting hot and hearty food.
This was a special occasion, something they could only do once every few months. Though Gastan did feel deep down that he needed to enjoy himself after Aeledwyn, he was mainly thinking of his daughter, and how important it was for her to feel some semblance of normality again, even if he could neither give her an Elven Manor, nor provide maids and cooks to serve her.

Royal blood ran through her veins, but she could no longer live the life she deserved.

Guinevere and her father entered Old Bilbo's, met at once with a handful of curious glances. As the people around them slurped their soup and spoke to each other, she and Gastan searched for a vacant table, finding one and sitting down at it.

"So, what you thinkin' of?" Gastan enquired, gently scratching the side of his scruffy brown beard.

"Hm... what's available to us, Father?" She returned, adjusting her black bandana to fully cover her ears. "Also, what's cheapest? I know this is a special occasion, but money is still scarce."

"Let's find out." He said as the young-looking tavern waitress approached him, clutching a brown cloth in her calloused hands.

"Evenin'. What can I get ya both?" She asked with a smile as warm as the fireplace.

"What you got?" Said Gastan.

"First time, hm? No worries, mate. We got bread, soup, cheese rolls and ale. It ain't much but, it's better than nothin' at all.
Alright, you two think about what you want. I'll come back." She told them, walking away to serve the other customers.

"Wanna get all of 'em?" Gastan asked.

"Can we even afford it?"

"Sure we can, kid. It won't cost that much. We're still in the outskirts, remember?
Don't worry about the coin, you just pick what you want. Think of this like... your birthday present." He said, lightly laying his palm on the burnt back of her hand, his hazel eyes looking down on it for a few seconds.
"Ya know, I think we should've asked Ardith for socks and gloves for ya. They weren't on display but she might've had a few hidden away."

"It is fine, Father. I'd like them both but, they're not essential. Let's worry about them another time. For now, let's have... all the foods. Why not?" She grinned, swabbing the side of his thumb with her own.

The waitress returned, still gripping the ale-stained cloth. "Decided yet?"

"Uh yeah, I'll have a bit of bread, a bowl of soup and a couple cheese rolls. No ale for me though, but I'll have a water if I can." Gastan said.

"Sure, I can get you a water with all that. And you?" She turned to Guinevere.

"I'll have the same, but uh... I'll have an ale, instead of water." She replied, baffling her father.

"You sure you want ale, kid? It ain't good for ya."

"I'd like to try it, Father. I may actually enjoy it."

"Fair point." He responded, looking to the waitress with a quick nod. "That's all, love. Cheers."

"No worries. Won't be long." She informed them, walking away to the kitchen.