Arteline

V

Arteline, who had been silently listening to the exchange, couldn't help but agree. The wanderer's unexpected appearance had been a shock, but his calming presence had helped diffuse the tension in the room. "Thank you," she echoed Easley's earlier sentiment, offering the wanderer a small smile.

The wanderer returned her smile, his eyes crinkling again. "You're quite welcome, my dear," he replied, his tone gentle. "It's never pleasant to see people fight, especially over a matter of the heart."

Arteline's smile faded slightly at the wanderer's last remark, her thoughts going back to the initial argument that had been interrupted. The mention of 'matters of the heart' reminded her of the distance between herself and Easley, a distance that had been increasing all evening.

The wanderer noticed the change in Arteline's demeanor, his eyes reflecting a hint of understanding. He shot a quick glance at Easley, then back to Arteline, clearly sensing the tension between them.

"It seems like there's more to the situation than just a drunk man's unwanted advances," he remarked, his voice soft, almost musing. "Am I right?"

Arteline shifted uncomfortably in her seat, feeling a bit embarrassed at being so easily read by a stranger. She glanced at Easley, who seemed determinedly focused on the tabletop, avoiding her gaze.

Easley's body language spoke volumes, the tension in his shoulders and the way he steadfastly refused to meet her eye saying more than any words he could have spoken. The wanderer seemed to notice this too, and his thoughtful expression deepened a little.

The wanderer, apparently sensing that the two weren't comfortable delving further into their issues, didn't press them further. Instead, he smiled kindly and offered a simple introduction.

"Well, it's been a pleasure meeting both of you," he said, pushing his chair back slightly. "I go by the name Walker, and I'm just a wanderer, passing through these parts."

Arteline and Easley, grateful for the tactful segue, offered nods of farewell. "Nice to meet you, Walker," Easley said, nodding in acknowledgement. "Thanks again for your help."

Walker stood up from the table, his smile warm and unassuming. "No need for thanks," he said, waving off the gratitude. "I just did what anyone should do in a situation like that."

He put on his hat, adjusted it at a jaunty angle, and offered one last nod. "Until next time, my friends," he said, his voice holding a hint of mystery, and turned to leave the inn.

After Walker left, the tension between Arteline and Easley seemed to weigh heavy in the space he'd left behind. Arteline fidgeted with a stray strand of her hair, looking anywhere but at Easley.

Finally, Easley broke the silence. "About the room..." he began, his voice a little gruff.

Arteline's eyes flicked to him, her heart rate quickening a little at his words. "What about it?" she asked, her voice coming out a bit higher pitched than she had intended.

Easley shifted in his seat slightly, his gaze fixed on the tabletop. "Maybe it's not a good idea for us to stay in separate rooms," he said, his voice low and slightly reluctant.

Arteline's eyes widened a little in surprise. She hadn't expected Easley to suggest they stay in the same room so bluntly. "Why... why do you say that?" she asked, the question coming out a little breathlessly.

Easley's jaw tightened for a second before he spoke. "That drunkard earlier... he seemed pretty aggressive. I don't want to take any chances with your safety," he said, his voice taking on a protective tone. "It would just be safer if we stayed together."