By late afternoon, they had reached the small town on the Northern Marin. The day had turned quite cold, and Justin was sure it was below freezing. This was confirmed as a light snow fell. It only spoke of how quickly they had climbed in elevation over the previous two days.

It was hard to guess this town’s population, but Justin supposed it probably held about two or three hundred people. Farmers in the fields gave them friendly nods as they passed into the town’s main drag, a dirt road lined with sturdy stone buildings with thatched roofs, all letting out gentle plumes of smoke.

Justin saw the people bundled in warm clothing, their breaths visible in the crisp air. Men and women wore woolen cloaks and fur-lined hats, children scurried about with rosy cheeks, and elderly folk sat on porches, knitting or whittling wood, nodding to the travelers as they passed. Already, a layer of white was being added to the quaint town.

Despite the cold, or perhaps enhanced by it, the town had a welcoming atmosphere. A few stores caught Justin’s eye: a general store with a wooden sign swinging in the breeze, a blacksmith hammering away at his forge, a potion shop with colorful vials displayed in the window, a tailor, a butcher, and a watermill turning slowly by the river’s edge.

At the end of the town stood a two-story building, the only one in town, that had the look of an inn about it. Its stone walls were weathered but sturdy, while ivy crept up one side, adding a touch of rustic charm. The windows were framed with dark wooden shutters, and the thatched roof looked recently repaired, shedding light snow as it fell. Lanterns hung from the eaves, casting a warm glow. A sign above the door read “The Pine and Hearth.” Indeed, on the inn’s left side was a tall white pine tree, for which the inn was likely named. The inn looked inviting, with smoke curling from its two chimneys and the sound of laughter and the merry piping of a flute faintly audible from inside.

Justin had never seen a more welcoming sight. Lila’s steps were lighter, but Justin couldn’t help but notice that Kargan looked unsure. Indeed, everyone in this town was likely to be human. Justin hoped the Orc wouldn’t face prejudice.

“You’ll be fine,” Justin said. “You’re with us.”

Kargan gave a slow nod but said nothing.

Eldrin opened the sturdy front door, throwing it back. They were greeted by a rush of warm air and the comforting aroma of roasting meat and fresh bread. The common room was inviting, with wooden beams overhead and a large stone hearth crackling with a welcoming fire. Villagers and travelers alike filled the room, conversing while enjoying the bard’s lively tunes from a corner. Wooden tables and chairs were scattered about, almost all occupied by groups. Justin was surprised by the nearly full common room, but perhaps that was because of the weather.

A pretty barmaid with rosy cheeks and a warm smile wove between the tables, carrying trays laden with mugs of ale and plates of hearty food. The flickering light from the hearth and the lanterns created a dance of shadows, adding to the inn’s cozy ambiance.

Justin noticed a group of children huddled near the fire, listening intently as a white-haired man regaled them with a tale full of adventure and heroism. The atmosphere was one of camaraderie and warmth, a stark contrast to the snowy world outside.

As they headed for the counter, the innkeeper, a stout woman with graying hair pulled back into a tight bun and warm brown eyes, greeted them warmly. “Welcome to the Pine and Hearth. With the festival, space is limited. It’s forty coppers for the dorm. A silver and twenty if you want something larger.”

“Nothing in between the two?” Justin asked.

“We’re out of our smaller rooms,” she replied with a sympathetic smile. “We’ve got two big ones left, while we still have a few cots in the dorms.”

“We’ll take the two larger ones,” Eldrin said. “Are they next to each other?”

“Yes,” the innkeeper said. “They also have the option for a larger, private bath brought directly to your room. It’s thirty coppers per room.”

“We’ll take it,” Eldrin said. “Around ten this evening works for the bath.”

“Very good, sir. Will you be taking dinner this evening? If so, it’ll be twenty coppers a head, and thirty if you’d like drinks.”

“Yes,” Eldrin confirmed.

The innkeeper, Justin had noted, had perfected the art of the upsell.

The innkeeper gave him the total. “It’ll be four silvers, twenty coppers.”

Eldrin slid over a fat, five-silver coin. “Extra for your discretion.”

“Of course, sir.” She slid across two brass keys. “You’ll be in rooms 11 and 12, with a westward-facing view.”

Justin did some quick mental calculation, giving Eldrin one silver and twenty-five coppers, as did Lila and Kargan.

“Let’s drop our stuff off first,” Eldrin said.

They headed up a narrow wooden staircase to the second floor. The corridor was dimly lit, the floor creaking at their passage. They found their rooms at the end of the hall. Inside, they were cozy and well-furnished, though simple. Each had a sizeable bed with thick quilts, a small writing desk, and a wooden chest for belongings. A small iron stove, already prepared with wood, promised to keep the rooms warm and cozy as the night turned colder. The windows looked out over the snow-covered town, offering a picturesque view of the white-dusted rooftops and the pine tree beside the inn.

Eldrin placed his pack on the chest in one room and turned to the others. “We should get situated and then head back down for dinner. It’s been a long day, and we deserve a good meal.”

“So,” Kargan said. “Who’s with who?”

“You can stay with me,” Eldrin said. “I imagine it’s been a while since you’ve felt a comfortable bed, and a Ranger is just as comfortable on the floor.”

“Thank you,” Kargan said.

“Let’s go drop off our stuff, roomie,” Lila said to Justin.

Justin and Lila did so, though out of habit, Justin kept his cane, as well as the trusty dagger Eldrin had given him long ago. “Flip a coin for the bed?”

She watched him strangely. “There’s room for both of us. It’s not like that small one in Whispering Pines.”

“I see,” Justin said.

“Or would you rather sleep alone?”

“It’s just sleeping together has certain…implications.”

Lila laughed. “Sometimes, I forget how modest you are. It’s cute. As long as you don’t snore or hog the quilts, we won’t have any issues.”

“Well, if you’re okay with it, I am, too.”

“Great. Let’s head downstairs. I’m starving.”

With that settled, they headed back to the common room. Eldrin and Kargan were already waiting, sitting at a prime corner table not too near and not too far from the hearth. A glass window behind them had revealed an increase in snowfall and the rushing rapids of the River Marin.

Justin and Lila settled in. The barmaid soon approached, a pretty woman about in her late thirties, her cheerful demeanor instantly putting even Kargan at ease. Her chestnut brown hair was tied back in a neat bun, and her bright blue eyes sparkled above a light dusting of freckles across her nose.

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

“Welcome to The Pine and Hearth, travelers,” she greeted, her eyes lingering on Eldrin a moment longer than on the others. “Here for the Autumn Festival, or just passing through?”

“Passing through,” Eldrin replied smoothly, his tone warm and charming. “Though from the lovely ambiance, it feels like a grave misfortune to leave so soon.”

The barmaid giggled like a girl twenty years younger. “Yes, many come for the fresh mountain air. Even though it’s gotten unseasonably cold, that hasn’t stopped the people from coming in. What’s your pleasure? Food, drinks, or both?”

“What’s on the menu?” Eldrin asked, leaning forward slightly to give her his full attention. “A hearty stew would do wonders for me.”

“We’ve got a delicious venison stew, freshly baked bread with rosemary butter, roasted pheasant, spiced apple tarts, and a selection of sharp cheeses. For drinks, we have our famous honey mead, blackberry wine, and a strong ale brewed right here in town.”

“Just bring out everything you can. I’ll try the mead.”

“Blackberry wine for me,” Lila said.

“Ale,” Kargan said.

“Same,” Justin said.

The barmaid flashed a smile, her eyes taking in Eldrin most of all. “Of course. You won’t be disappointed with any of it. If you need anything at all, I’m here. I’ll be back with your meal shortly. I’m Mira, by the way.”

She gave a quick bob and headed for the kitchen, casting a glance over her shoulder.

“So, that’s how a Ranger flirts,” Lila said playfully.

Eldrin chuckled, a slight blush coloring his cheeks. “Just being polite, Lila. Nothing more.”

“Polite?” Justin asked with a wink. “She said anything at all, Eldrin.”

Kargan remained silent, apparently uncomfortable with the conversation. It was hard for Justin to remember that he was just a teenager sometimes.

Within a couple of minutes, Mira brought their drinks back, and Justin couldn’t help but notice Eldrin’s was in a larger mug than theirs, perhaps by a few ounces.

“Enjoy,” she said.

Once she was gone, Lila gave Justin a knowing smile as Justin regarded Eldrin. “Who knew Rangers had rizz?”

Eldrin took a swig of his mead. “Rizz?”

“It’s what the kids from my lands call Charisma.”

Eldrin took a swig of his mead and shrugged with a smile. “I wouldn’t be a Ranger if I didn’t know how to leave a mark.”

Justin grinned, a teasing line coming to mind. “Just make sure it’s the right mark, Eldrin. We don’t want her tracking us down later with a broken heart.”

Lila joined in with a playful glint in her eye. “Yeah, we’re already being chased by a Baron, but a woman scorned? Far more dangerous.”

Even Kargan couldn’t help but laugh.

Eldrin, enjoying the banter, smiled and leaned back. “If I leave a mark, it’s because I know how to cover my tracks. No broken hearts, just fond memories.”

The group shared a good laugh, the tension easing as they settled into the welcoming atmosphere of the common room. The crackling fire in the hearth added a cozy warmth, while the lively chatter of villagers and travelers filled the room with a comforting hum. For the first time in days, Justin felt himself truly relaxing.

Lila’s attention was drawn by the dartboard in the corner. “Anyone fancy a round?”

“I’m game,” Justin said.

Kargan, however, seemed more interested in a dice game going on in the corner. He was already standing up to look.

“Enjoy yourselves,” Eldrin said. “I think I’ll hold our table.”

Justin followed Lila to the dartboard, watching as she picked up the darts and handed him the red ones. “You know how to play, right?”

He eyed the board, which seemed no different from his own world. “First to zero wins, right?”

Lila nodded, a mischievous glint in her eye. “I have to warn you, though—I’m pretty good.”

Justin raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Well, I’m not so terrible myself.”

Her smile widened. “How about we make it interesting with a little wager?”

“What were you thinking?”

“Ten silvers.”

“Whoa, what about honor and glory?”

She laughed, her eyes sparkling. “What’s the matter? Afraid to lose to a girl?”

“Not at all. It’s just…you’ve got skills that enhance your throwing. Hardly seems fair.”

She pretended to consider it. “All right, how about this? If I win, I get the spot closer to the stove. If you win, you get a kiss. Deal?”

Justin couldn’t help but smirk. “Sounds like you win either way. You either get a kiss from a devilishly handsome guy like me, or you get the warmer spot.”

She tilted her head, her smile playful. “So, what’ll it be? I promise it won’t be just a peck on the cheek.”

Mocking a wipe of sweat from his brow, Justin pretended to weigh his options. Truth be told, he liked it cool when he slept, so there wasn’t much to lose. “All right, you’re on.”

Unsurprisingly, it turned out Lila was the far superior darts player. They laughed and joked as they took turns, the friendly competition lifting their spirits. Kargan, meanwhile, was still watching the dice game, his curiosity piqued by the enthusiastic cheers of the players. He was already reaching for his coin pouch to place some bets.

Justin glanced over at the bar and saw Eldrin chatting up Mira, the two of them sharing a quiet conversation. So much for guarding the table, though Justin supposed their drinks were doing a good enough job of that. The barmaid was batting her eyes and even leaning forward to enhance what was already quite abundant. Eldrin’s demeanor was relaxed, his smile genuine as he listened to her talk. Mira’s laughter rang out occasionally, and she seemed to enjoy his company as much as he was enjoying hers. He was telling her some amusing story or other. Clearly, Eldrin had a lot more experience in the ladies’ department than him.

After a few more minutes, Mira returned to their table, carrying trays laden with steaming bowls of venison stew, freshly baked bread, roasted pheasant, and spiced apple tarts. As everyone took up their chairs, she set the food down with a flourish, her eyes twinkling.

“Enjoy. If you need anything else, just let me know.” She gave Eldrin a special smile before heading back to the bar.

The group dug into their meal, the delicious flavors and hearty portions a welcome treat after their long journey. The stew was savory, the bread warm and crusty, and the pheasant perfectly roasted. The spiced apple tarts provided a sweet finish, their flavors a delightful blend of cinnamon and nutmeg. Justin felt himself relax further after he’d downed a couple of pints.

Justin, edified by alcohol, mingled with some locals, learning the name of the town was, fittingly, Pinecrest, and Windfall was about a two-day journey north on the dirt road leading out of town. He learned Windfall was a large city of stone, built into the mountainside, filled with staircases and tunnels intermixed with the buildings themselves. It was a border city, guarding the Wind Pass between Aranthia and Daeloria. Justin regretted they wouldn’t have more than a day to explore it. From the sound of things, it would be the largest city he’d seen so far, Eldareth notwithstanding.

The traveling bard continued to perform, adding to the lively atmosphere. Apparently, the Autumn Festival was a country-wide holiday in Aranthia, and not just in Silverton. Justin listened as Eldrin and Kargan discussed their plans for the next day’s journey, while Lila hummed along with the bard’s tune.

As the night wore on, the common room emptied somewhat, and the fire in the hearth burned low.

“We should get some sleep,” Eldrin said. “Long day tomorrow.”

Justin nodded, stifling a yawn. It was nice to relax after they’d been through so much. “Thanks for allowing this, Eldrin. We needed it.”

The Ranger nodded. “Well, rest is important. Just be careful what you say and who you speak to.”

Justin nodded, but the warning made him second-guess every conversation he’d had that evening. He didn’t feel like he’d revealed anything important, but maybe his questions about Windfall would be enough to raise suspicions should Gareth’s company find themselves in this place. Certainly, their party would be remembered.

Justin supposed Eldrin was counting on them staying ahead. Gareth coming here probably wasn’t too likely if he was going on the Plainsway, as Eldrin supposed. Either way, Shadowflight would return tomorrow with more information on Gareth’s whereabout.

“I’m off to bed,” Kargan said. “See you all in the morning.”

“Same here,” Lila added with a yawn. “Time for a bath and then straight to sleep. Good night, everyone.”

Both Lila and Kargan headed upstairs, leaving Justin and Eldrin alone in the common room.

Eldrin took out his pipe, lighting it as the barmaid wiped down the counter, though it was already spotless.

Justin hesitated, not wanting to intrude on whatever plans Eldrin might have, but also not wanting to walk in on Lila having a bath. He hoped the Ranger understood his need to linger a little longer.

“Well,” Eldrin said, exhaling a puff of smoke, “Gods willing, it’ll be a peaceful night for everyone.”

Justin’s gaze drifted to the barmaid. “Looks like you’re on your way to a relaxing evening. Lila’s yet to give me that kind of look.”

Eldrin chuckled. “Patience, lad. A night’s distraction is one thing, but the best things take time. The path to someone’s heart isn’t always straightforward. Lila cares about you—you’ve seen that. Who knows? If you want it, this could be the start of something real.”

“She’s hard to read,” Justin admitted. “One minute, it seems like she’s into me, and the next, she pulls back.”

“She’s afraid,” Eldrin said, his tone wise. “Show her you care, not just with words, but with actions. Be there for her, especially when it’s tough. Trust grows in those small moments. A woman like Lila—she’s worth the effort.”

Justin nodded, taking Eldrin’s words to heart. “Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind.”

Eldrin smiled, his eyes twinkling with a mix of mischief and wisdom. “Now, get some rest. Tomorrow’s another adventure.”

Justin watched as Eldrin approached the barmaid, his demeanor relaxed and confident. The Ranger had a way with people that went beyond mere Charisma—it was a natural ease, a blend of experience and self-assuredness. Justin realized he still had much to learn.

As the night deepened, the inn grew quieter, the crackling fire casting a warm glow over the room. Justin finished his drink and stepped outside for a breath of fresh air.

Justin took in the snowfall, which was layered a good three or four inches by now. Hanging lanterns from the various town buildings added to the ambiance.

He stepped from beneath the awning to get a better look at the street, when he noticed something from the corner of his eye.

There, sheltering in the eave next to one of the inn’s lanterns, was a bat. It wasn’t any usual bat, but one that was a good two or even three times larger than a normal one, with fangs to match. And unlike any other bat Justin had seen, it seemed to have decent vision, for its black, beady eyes had locked right on him.

Justin immediately got his staff out, but with a high screech, the bat fluttered off on leathern wings. Within seconds, it was flying into the snow.