I spent another half hour exploring the cobble streets until I came across the estate steward's office, even though it had probably been no more than fifteen minutes.

The building was a modest two-story structure, its front a weathered mix of stone and timber. A faded wooden sign hung above the door; its paint had recently received a fresh coat. It proudly proclaimed "Roland Hightown, Estate Steward" in elegant script. A collection of property notices and announcements partially obscured the narrow front window.

What was the etiquette here? Did I just barge in?

I knocked a couple of times.

"Yes. Yes. Come in," a muffled voice called from within.

As I stepped into Roland Hightown's office, I was greeted by a cramped, modestly furnished space. The room was small, with a single window allowing a sliver of light to penetrate the dimly lit interior. A weathered wooden desk, its surface covered in a scattered array of parchment, quills, and ink pots, dominated the center of the room. Shelves lined the walls, filled with ledgers, scrolls, and various odds and ends. The air carried the scent of dust and aged parchment.

The man who greeted me was in his mid-fifties, with a quick tongue and an air of someone who loved to gossip.

"Hello, Mr. Hightown, I'm Varix…"

"Ah, hello, good sir. Returning soldier, I see. Fine and well. Fine and well. Welcome home.” He interjected. "Ah, yes. What brings you to my humble place of business? Is there a residence that has caught your eye? I can offer excellent rates on a corner tenement. The previous owner, well....” He paused again, removed a handkerchief, and dabbed at his sweaty forehead. "Well. The tenant no longer has need of the room. The stains came out readily enough. I can make you a deal simply too good to pass up. I'm Roland Hightown. Did I already tell you my name?"

"No, but I gathered as much from your front door."

"Ah, yes. The sign. New paint. I had forgotten. So, what can I help you with, good sir?"

"I'm interested in starting a new venture in this village."

"I do love that word. Village. We are nearly a town. I dare say a few hundred more people, and we will be granted the title."

"It truly is a lovely place. I'm sure the damaged buildings will be repaired quickly."

"We have a resilient population. What you say is true. Now. What might interest you here?"

"A tavern. I want to buy one, if one is available."

Roland eyed me up and down, his gaze skeptical. "Well, I'll be honest with you, Varix. Taverns aren't cheap, and I'm unsure if you have the funds to make such a purchase. Again, my apologies, but you don't look like a man of means. I know many are returning from the war with funds, so I'll hear you out."

I felt annoyed at his assumption, but I kept my expression neutral. "I understand your concern, but I assure you, I have the means to make this happen," I said with confidence, hoping I could back up my bold words.

Roland hesitated for a moment, then shrugged. "Alright, I suppose there's no harm in showing you what we have available. I have two taverns for sale at the moment – The Shadow's Respite and The Wandering Boar."

"I wandered by The Shadow's Respite. I gotta be honest, Roland. It was kind of run down."

"Yes, but it has very good bones, my friend. Very good bones. Let me get the keys, and I'll give you a tour."

I shrugged. "That sounds good, Roland. I'd love a tour. Keep an open mind, buddy. I have the means."

Roland clapped his hands, stood, nodded enthusiastically, and grabbed a set of keys from his desk. "Follow me."

----------------------------------------

As we walked through the streets, Roland chattered away about the village's history and the various properties he had sold over the years. I half-listened, my mind preoccupied with the sights and sounds. I'd already come this way, but walking through a genuine medieval village was still a shock.

When we arrived at The Shadow's Respite, my heart sank once again. The building was in a state of disrepair, with several boarded-up windows and a sagging roof. As we stepped inside, the stench of smoke and decay hit me like a wall.

"There was a fire here some time ago," Roland explained, gesturing to the scorched walls. "The previous owner never bothered to fix it up."

I walked through the main room, taking in the broken furniture and cobweb-covered corners. Only a few tables and chairs remained intact, and one table leaned against the wall, missing several legs.

"Let's take a look at the rooms upstairs," Roland suggested, leading the way.

"Who is the woman living up there?"

"I'm sorry?" Roland paused.

"I saw a woman. She was pretty regal-looking, like an…aristocrat." I said the last word, hoping it meant the same thing here.

"I know of no aristocrats here, and certainly none living in this squalid building."

"Squalid?"

"Er. It's a most excellent building. Most excellent. However, why would a woman of means be–?" He gestured around the room with one hand. "Here?"

He had a good point.

The rooms upstairs were no better than the main floor. Dust and debris covered every surface, and the air was thick with the musty smell of neglect. As I turned to leave one of the rooms, I froze.

Standing in the corner was the same woman I had observed in the window—an elf! She was dressed in a stunning gown adorned with intricate embroidery and delicate lace, which seemed to shimmer in the dim light. I stumbled back, my eyes wide with shock. Her eyes were just as wide, and her mouth dropped open. Like the dead paladin Garin, she had a slight white shimmer around her form.

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Roland, who had already moved to the next room, called out, "Mr. Vel'Naris, is everything all right?"

I blinked, and the elf was gone. I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts. "Y-yeah, I'm fine. Just, ah. Saw a mouse or something."

"A simple fix for mice: a cat. I know a woman in the village whose tabby just had a litter. I'm sure I can procure one for you should you decide to purchase this property."

"Let's see the other location."

The next tavern, just a half dozen blocks away, was the picture of cozy.

As I stepped into the second location, The Wandering Boar, I was immediately struck by the differences between it and The Shadow's Respite. Where the previous location had been neglected and gloomy, this tavern oozed warmth. The floors were spotless, and the wooden planks gleamed as if recently polished. The scent of fresh pine filled my nostrils, a refreshing change from the musty odor of the first tavern.

My eyes were drawn to the fireplace, which sat empty but clean. The tables and chairs appeared newer, their surfaces unmarred. I ran my hand along the smooth grain of one of the tables, appreciating the superb craftsmanship.

Roland led me to the kitchen, and I couldn't help but grin at the sight. A massive stove dominated the space, its iron surface polished to a shine. Beside it sat what appeared to be a wood-fired oven. The kitchen was well-organized and spacious.

As I explored further, I found myself picturing the potential of this place. I could see it filled with laughter and the clinking of mugs, a gathering spot for the people of Everspring. The tavern had a certain charm that tugged at my heartstrings.

I nodded, still taking in the details of the tavern. "It's perfect," I said, a smile spreading across my face. "This is exactly what I've been looking for."

"I'm sure it is. Lovely, yes? Very lovely. The former owners did quite a few renovations."

"It's exactly what I'm looking for. How much?"

"Ah. The price, yes. It's quite expensive."

"Sure. Sure. I imagine it is."

"This is a prime location. It's near the market, and six empty rooms on the second floor can be rented out. It's a real profitable venture."

"I bet it is. So?"

"Yes. So. Well. The truth is that Baron Swiftwood has shown considerable interest in this property. He has the means to purchase it."

"Come on, Roland. Stop beating around the bush. What's the price? And give it to me straight."

"I beg your pardon, sir. The price difference between the two properties is quite substantial," Roland explained, his hands clasped before him. "The Wandering Boar, being in prime condition and located in a highly desirable area, is currently listed at 5,000 Gold Crowns."

My eyes widened at the figure. Five thousand Gold Crowns? I had no idea how much that translated into my old world's currency, but it sounded like a hefty sum. "And what about The Shadow's Respite?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

Roland cleared his throat. "The Shadow's Respite, given its current state and less favorable location, is priced at 1,500 Gold Crowns. It is still a significant investment, but considerably less than The Wandering Boar."

I nodded as I tried to process the information. Even the lower price seemed daunting, especially considering I had no idea what resources I had available. "I see," I said, trying to buy myself some time. "Well, Roland, I appreciate you showing me both properties. I'll need time to consider my options and gather the necessary funds. Can I get back to you tomorrow with my decision?"

Roland smiled, and his eyes glinted with a hint of skepticism. "Of course, Mr. Vel'Naris. Take your time. I'll be here whenever you're ready to proceed."

As I left Roland's office, my thoughts were consumed by the challenge ahead. I desperately wanted The Wandering Boar, but the price tag seemed like a daunting obstacle.

Suddenly, I remembered Caden mentioning a feast at his family's home. Perhaps my new friends could offer some guidance, or even help me find a way to secure the funds. I turned to Roland. "By the way, you wouldn't happen to know where Caden and Alic live, would you? They invited me to a feast, but I'm still learning my way around the village."

Roland's face lit up with recognition. "Ah, yes! The Ashfall boys. Fine young men, they are. Their family home is just a few streets down from here. Take a right at the baker's shop, then a left at the old oak tree. It's the third house on the right, with the red door. You can't miss it."

I thanked Roland for his directions and set off, my mind already working on a plan to make my tavern dreams a reality.

----------------------------------------

As I approached the Ashfall home, laughter and revelry filled the air. Even from half a block away, I could make out Doan's booming guffaw. The closer I got, the more I heard the distinct voices of my companions from the caravan.

Caden practically tackled me in a bear hug when I stepped through the doorway. "Varix! You made it!" he exclaimed, his face split in a wide grin as he pounded me across the back with his palm. He dragged me into the heart of the festivities, where I was greeted by the smiling faces of Mira, Doan, and several other soldiers I had grown close to during our journey.

Alic puffed his chest up when I stepped into the room. "Welcome back, Varix. How are you finding our humble little village?"

"It's truly lovely." I had to raise my voice to be heard over the celebration.

Alic turned and picked up a mug, filling it with an amber liquid from a barrel lying on its side. He held it up for me, and I took the drink with a smile.

"What's this?"

"Our local ale. It's quite good. It has a hint of honey.”

I took a tentative sip, swallowed, and forced a smile. "Oh yeah. That hits the spot."

"Which spot?" Alic asked.

"A figure of speech. It means this is really good and hits well." I pointed at my belly.

"Yes. I see it now. The spot."

The ale was not good. I wish it were, but the swill was all bite and very little flavor. It was like someone had purposely removed the hops… that was it. It did not have the flavor of hops.

"To Varix and his money-making skills on the road!" The others cheered and raised their drinks in agreement. A warmth that had nothing to do with the ale they pressed into my hands spread through my chest.

As the night wore on, the music grew louder and more lively. Family members and Doan broke out instruments, filling the room with a joyful melody. Mira approached me, her eyes sparkling. "Dance with me, Varix?" she asked, holding out her hand.

Dance? I couldn't dance on earth. What in the hell did I know about dancing here? I couldn't help but notice how enchanting Mira looked in her sky-colored blouse, paired with snug tan trousers that seemed crafted from soft leather.

"I have to warn you. I'm not much of a dancer. Let me get a little more liquid encouragement in me first. In my mind, at least, I'll think I'm good," I said and sucked down half of the ale. I came up for air and drank a little more, even though the taste bordered on repugnant. Didn't this place have real beer?

Doan didn't seem to care about the taste. He was slurping from a mug twice the size of mine while twirling around to the music.

I took Mira's hand and let her lead me into the center of the room, where we whirled and spun to the music. I didn't know what I was doing, but Caden and Doan were dancing with glee. Legs flailing, bodies spinning, arms thrashing. I laughed as we stumbled through the unfamiliar steps. By the time the ale kicked in, I was having the time of my life. Mira laughed along with me. We danced around each other, touched, and generally acted like a couple of teenagers.

After my third mug of ale, the room spun around me, and I needed some air.

I found myself sitting on a bench outside, enjoying the cool night air. Mira joined me. We sat in comfortable silence for a moment, simply enjoying each other's company, even if I felt like I was going to fall off the bench at any second.

"I'm glad you're here, Varix," Mira said, her gaze fixed on the stars above. "It feels like you've always been a part of our little group."

I smiled. "I'm glad to be here, too," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. "This place, these people... I don't know. It feels like I'm home, even though I've only been here a short time."

And it was true. In that moment, surrounded by the warmth and acceptance of my new friends, I realized that I had found a place where I truly belonged. The worries of my old life seemed to fade away. I silently wished that I would never have to leave this world, this village, and the people who had become so dear to me.

Mira and I went back inside for another round of dancing.