Elpida heavily sighed as they walk into a new village. Rain had constantly been pouring down for the past day and a half, and although the group had cloaks, they did little to keep them dry. She pushed a strand of her hair out of her eyes as it stuck to her cheek.
Looking around, she saw it was a small village, but they were surrounded by a large ocean. Merchants dragged large nets and carried crates filled to the brim with fish. Very few booth owners were shouting their wares, hoping to catch anyone's eye.
The group walked through a small crowd. Eyes watched them as looked for a warm place to sleep and dry their belongings. Elpida kept her head down, afraid to be recognized by her captor. Her eyes darted, looking for his familiar face. Although she constantly assured herself that he'd never find her so far away, she always felt watched, mostly at night when she was keeping watch.
Lovell sat next to her as he turned his head to look at a group of scantily clad women. "Quite a lively town, isn't it? Rather quaint as well."
Elpida glanced at him only briefly. "We won't be staying long Lovell. Don't get you're hopes up."
He shrugged. "It doesn't hurt to hope. It has been quite some time since I last felt the warmth of a woman. Care to volunteer?" He leaned towards her, a charming smile on his face and eyes bright with mischief.
Before she could answer, Mikro ran between the two to interject. "Not a chance! Elpida is too good for the likes of you!"
Lovell laughed and then leaned down towards the dwarf. "Then how about you? You're not a woman but I suppose it will be like holding a small child."
Mikro's face burst into red as he stuttered a response. "I would-how dare-Lovell!" He huffed and the turned to walk next to Psilos who struggled to hold back his laughter.
Elpida laughed quietly. "Honestly you two. Come on, I see an inn."
The pack stopped in front of a humble building, but it was bursting with life. Laughter crawled through the windows, the smell of fresh bread and meat swam through the air, pleasing all who passed by.
The three horses were taken to a barn next door and the group ran into the inn. Warmth hit them and warmed their bodies instantly. Elpida let out a small sigh as she looked for an innkeeper.
Not much later, a large stout man wondered out of the crowd, cheeks red as he laughed. He spotted the group and rushed to help them. "Welcome travelers! My name is Quincy and this is my inn! What can I help you with on this cold night? Let me tell you now, my wife just baked some fresh bread that will warm your cold bones!" He gave a loud laugh before grabbing a quill and book. "How many rooms then?"
Elpida smiled at his laugh and removed her wet hood. "Two please, with three beds in one and two in the other, if at all possible."
He nodded before smiling and dipping his quill. "Very possible miss. Though it may take me some time to sort out the beds. If you'd like, I can offer you a cheap meal that comes free ale, homemade may I add, and a place by the fire to dry yourselves. "
Her smile grew as she nodded. "That sounds wonderful Quincy. Thank you. How much for the rooms?"
"For yourselves that will be 40 pieces, meal included. What name are you under then?"
Elpida froze. She then smiled as she gave him a false name. "Tokia. Tokia the Wanderer."
He scribbled it down as she dug in her satchel for the money. Taking it, he gestured to an empty table besides a large fireplace that was already lit. "Have seat right there. My wife will bring out your meal while I prepare your rooms." With a last grin, he ran into a back room to briefly talk to a woman, Elpida guessed his wife, before running up some stairs, huffing all the way.
YOU ARE READING
An End
AdventureI held up my lamp, my sword in my other hand. Although the light was bright, it wasn't bright enough and I couldn't see all that was in front of me. But I could still hear. And it was silent. So very silent.
