The following morning, Seraphina arrived as I stepped outside The Shadow's Respite to stretch my legs. Delighted by her visit, I greeted her with a warm hug. She had been occupied with multiple projects for Everspring, including one to help not only locate the pre-cataclysm city beneath Everspring, but also working on a lighting solution that would illuminate the streets at night with her own form of solar energy.

"Are you sure you don't want to stay? I'll make breakfast.”

Seraphina placed her hand on my chest and grinned before she pulled me in for a hug. She whispered in my ear. "I'd love nothing better, but I have to get this work done as soon as possible. I don't want our friends to get lost or hurt down there. They’re bashing around blindly in the caverns."

"I heard from Alic that you had devised a clever solution to help them find their way toward Everspring."

"And back to where they started. It's a simple stone that changes color depending on the direction it is facing. I have a lodestone in my shop that works like a magnet. Think of it as finding north on a compass."

"That's amazing. I'm glad our friends won't get lost," I said and then filled Seraphina in on the loud banging we'd heard the night before. "I wonder if there's a simple, natural solution to the mystery, like rocks shifting. Maybe the gnolls knocked something loose down there."

"I suppose that is a possibility,” she said.

I looked away. "Possible, but unlikely. I don't want my tavern to sink into the ground if a huge sinkhole opens up. Well, my tavern, and other parts of Everspring."

I smiled and hugged her close. We chatted for a few more minutes, but she had to get back to her shop. We walked to the door and stepped outside. The morning air was fresh, and the sounds of the village waking filled my ears: horses clopping, a dog barking, and a mother yelling at her kids to take their shoes off.

I hugged Seraphina close. Our kiss was long and passionate. Her body melted against mine, and the world fell away for a moment. When we finally broke apart, her face was flushed, and I'm sure mine was too.

"Should we be making out in public?" I whispered in her ear.

Seraphina giggled and asked, "Who's going to stop us?" She was so warm. Her dark hair tickled my ear. All I could think about was how much I didn't want moments like this to end.

I impulsively leaned in closer and said, "I think I'm in love with you."

She pulled back and looked me in the eyes. Her lips quirked into a smile, and she replied, "I know."

"You know?" I laughed, then grew suddenly serious. "I… I mean it."

"I know," Seraphina said again. She leaned in and put her head next to mine again. She stood on tip toes and put her lips next to my ear, sending chills up and down my spine. "I'm in love with you, too."

I wasn't sure what else to say, so I just held her.

"I'm sorry, Varix. I really have to get to work, even though I would like nothing more than to spend the next few hours with you. Have a wonderful day, Varix," she said softly. "I'll see you soon."

"I can't wait," I replied, my voice suddenly thick.

As Seraphina left, she glanced back, offered a sweet smile and a little wave, and disappeared up the cobblestone road. As I was about to head back inside, I spotted Roland walking past. "Good morning, Roland!" I called out.

He waved and greeted me warmly at the tavern's back door. "Varix, good to see you."

"Likewise," I said. "Do you have a moment? I could use your advice on something."

"Of course," Roland replied. "I'm happy to help however I can."

I had to shake my head to get my mind off Seraphina. I swear I could still feel her warmth against my chest. The smell of her still lingered. Fighting the urge to close my eyes and daydream about her, I shook my head again. I needed to dunk my face in a bucket of ice-cold water.

"Are you alright?" Roland asked me.

"I am. Thank you. I'm more than alright." I grinned.

Roland turned his head and looked in the direction Seraphina had departed. "Ah. Yes. From the look of you, I will only say this. You are a very lucky man, Varix."

"I know." I smiled.

We went inside the tavern, where Lady Churl was working in the kitchen. She looked out and saw Roland, who still offered her a lukewarm greeting.

"Can I getcha some tea, Roland?" Lady Churl asked.

Roland, somewhat taken aback, nodded. "That would be lovely, thank you."

Some of the residents of Everspring were still distrusting of green skins, and Roland was one of them. At least he was coming around.

I placed the guild charter documents on the barstool and turned to Roland. "Why didn’t you warn me about the tavern guild? They’re out for blood.”

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Roland examined the documents, his eyebrows rising in surprise. "This is quite unusual, Varix. Most of these rules are long out of practice. In fact, most taverns seek out the guild, not vice versa."

I frowned. "I suspected as much. My guess is the baron put them onto me."

Roland nodded in agreement. "My hands are tied, I'm afraid. Baron Swiftwood is related to royalty, even if distantly. He can get away with a lot. That being said, what you hold here is archaic. I would hazard a guess that these rules have not been followed in over a hundred years, but I'm afraid you will have to play the game. What else did they tell you?"

"Dulmore Thornton brought the documents to me. He informed me I would have to go before the guild in Crownforge and plead my case."

"Ridiculous. I know Dulmore. He's a good man with an unenviable job. Is he still in the village?"

"I don't know," I said, sighing with relief. So this was all a ruse put on by the baron, just as I had guessed. Maybe you should ask Dulmore to see if the baron is in compliance, as well."

Roland guffawed at the suggestion.

"What's good for the goose is good for the gander."

"Pardon?"

I blinked. "Oh. Uh… Just something my mother used to say. People should be treated fairly."

"Indeed, indeed, friend Varis. You have a wicked sense of humor. It is always a delight to keep company with you. If I can locate Dulmore, I will put this suggestion in his ear.”

“Back atcha, Roland, and thanks."

Lady Churl emerged from the kitchen carrying a steaming cup of tea. She set it down on the bar, and the aroma of herbs and spices filled the air.

"Thanks, Lady Churl." Roland took a tentative sip and raised his eyebrows in surprise. "This is quite good. I had no idea goblins were such skilled tea-makers."

Lady Churl grinned, revealing her sharp teeth. "Aye. Reckon we're full 'o surprises."

Roland sipped his tea while I stared at the documents and pondered how to respond to them.

“How are preparations for your event night?"

"Hectic. I hope this will bring in new business," I said, trying to stay optimistic. "The baron has seen to it that I lost many of my regular beer and ale vendors."

Suddenly, Roland snapped his fingers. "Speaking of which, I've heard that the renowned bard, Kieran Darkrune, will be passing through Everspring soon. If I can track him down before the baron does, would you like to meet him? A few nights of him performing at a tavern or inn can pack the place, so much so that there's no room to sit."

"Is Kieran Darkrune the legendary bard you mentioned the other day?"

"He is one and the same."

"What do you think brings him here?"

"Work, of course. A traveling bard must stay on the move."

I braced my elbow against my crossed arm and tapped my lips with one finger. "Do you think I can get him to perform here?”

"Most assuredly, friend Varix. I will put in a good word for you as soon as I locate him."

"Thank you, Roland.”

"I’m always happy to help the tavern owner who put that in place." Roland pointed at his brass plaque and smiled.

“It’s well deserved.”

"I have a feeling this could be the perfect confluence of events to get your business back to normal, Varix. Between your event night and Kieran Darkrune, The Shadow's Respite will be the talk of the town."

Roland and I chatted a bit more while he finished his tea. He bid me farewell and called into the kitchen. “Have a nice day, Lady Churl.”

“Yeah. You too, Roland.”

We had another successful day selling outside the walls to orcs, workers, and travelers. When I opened the doors to The Shadow's Respite that night, it was with a limited menu. Our success at the food wagon had nearly depleted our supplies, forcing Milo and me to scramble for ingredients at the market an hour previous.

Shellen had come through with a hefty delivery of sausage and ground meat. I quickly enlisted Jessara and Milo to help prepare a massive batch of shepherd's pie, though we dubbed it "Farmer's Pie" for our menu. As I worked, I reflected that this dish seemed universal, as was the love for it.

Grondak eagerly pitched in, peeling potatoes and getting them boiling. Soon, we had a huge pot of mashed potatoes ready to top our pie.

I seasoned the meat sauce generously with thyme and garlic, then added corn and diced carrots to the gravy. As I stirred the mixture, Lady Churl peered into the pot.

"Glad ya didn't put any vile onions in there," she commented, wrinkling her nose.

I grinned at her. "I thought of you when I was writing up the recipe."

My eyes drifted to the recipe book Seraphina had given me, and warmth spread through my chest. I'd been meticulously recording my best recipes, using neat penmanship and maintaining a consistent format.

Jessara updated the menu board to reflect our new offerings: sausage poppers, Farmer's Pie, and spicy chicken breast with sides of fresh roasted green beans. However, I noticed with a mix of both pride and concern that we'd completely sold out of shrimp during lunch.

As the evening progressed, the tavern grew busier than usual. Many customers inquired about the upcoming event night.

"It's going to be epic," I told them, hoping my enthusiasm would be contagious. Bring your friends. I have it on good authority we may even have a traveling bard to entertain the crowd." I silently prayed Roland would come through and secure Kieran Darkrune's performance.

An hour after opening, a couple entered the tavern. They looked around with what appeared to be a hint of disdain. At least from the male half, since he had his nose turned up. That's when I recognized the elf I had embarrassed myself in front of the other day. The same older woman was with him, and her beauty was evident despite her years. I guessed she was in her late sixties or early seventies. The elf doted on her as they surveyed the interior, though I couldn't help but notice something unpleasant in his expression.

I approached them and plastered on my best smile. "I'm so glad you decided to stop by the tavern," I told the elf.

The older woman hooked her arm through the elf's arm as she regarded me.

"Would you like to be seated?"

He looked me up and down, and his reply was cool. "I suppose that will be necessary, though I can't imagine there is anything particularly palatable here."

I bit my tongue, resisting the urge to respond to his rudeness. Instead, I opted for a slightly snarky comment. "Well, we do our best to accommodate all tastes here." I lowered my voice. "Even those of the overly pretentious."

The elf's face remained impassive, and he turned as if to leave. Just then, Seraphina walked in, and I smiled broadly. "Welcome, Seraphina! As soon as I can get this couple out of the way–"

She interrupted me, her voice gentle but firm. "Good evening, Varix. Um… I'd like you to meet my mother and father."

The color drained from my face as the realization hit me. I stood there, mouth agape, trying to process this new information. The rude elf and the elegant older woman were Seraphina's parents.