Miss Lorna waved me over as I made my way towards the counter. I couldn't help but feel like I was interrupting something, but neither seemed particularly bothered by my intrusion. Durin had one elbow on the counter and was leaning his weight against it. While he had a smile on his face and seemed to be relaxing, there were dark lines under his eyes, and he held his shoulders tense. It had likely been a long day for the man. "You need an inn to stay at?" He spoke up when I stopped a few feet away from him.

I nodded. Tonight, I wanted to sleep in a bed. It had been years since I had last slept in one, and the thought of doing so made me feel like I was regaining my humanity. "Yes, please, i-if you don't mind."

He grinned, "'Course I don't mind! It's a pretty rough an' tumble place though… I dunno if it's really suitable for a young lady…" He rubbed at his chin with his free hand as he pushed himself off the counter, fixing his posture. Once again, I found myself staring in wonder at his impressive stature. What did a man have to eat to get to reach that height and pure amount of muscle mass? While I didn't exactly want to be as muscle-bound as he is, I certainly wouldn't mind a little bit more here and there…

"I can handle it. I don't… Have anywhere else to stay at." My poor crate flashed into my mind. I couldn't help but sigh. My home… One day, I'll have an even better home. One I'd defend with my life. Resolute, I straightened up and forcibly met his eyes. I wanted to stare at the wall, the floor, or anything else really, but how was I supposed to improve for the better if I just kept running away all the time? He chuckled slightly before ruffling my hair. I yelped in surprise and glared at him in embarrassment.

"The guild master told you earlier: we take care of our own here," His tone was firm but not harsh.

"He's right, hon. You're not alone. If you need somethin', you gotta tell us," Miss Lorna's tone was also that of a reprimand, but she, too, did not sound furious. If anything… They reminded me of the scoldings my parents would give me before they passed away. The warmth in their voice was almost too much for me to handle. How can they care about someone they've hardly known for more than a full day? My heart ached. Am I really not alone anymore? My eyes stung. I blinked hard and was quick to force back the tears. I can't cry over something like this. I'm not that weak.

"It's getting late, so we oughta head on over to the inn. Come on, kiddo," Durin said, giving my hair one more ruffle before letting his hand drop away. I obediently followed him out the door but not before waving goodbye to Miss Lorna.

Outside, the temperature had dropped further. The twilight that had enveloped the landscape just a short time ago, and night had unfolded. The stars seemed to shine brighter than usual in the dark blue sky, with little clouds to hide their brilliance. The moon, too, was on full display, and it provided ample light to the places the street lanterns did not reach. Our footsteps echoed on the cracked stone pavement. The city seemed almost abandoned; a few guards on patrol could be seen here and there, and there was the occasional person that was still wandering about.

However, I knew that was not necessarily the case everywhere. The market was likely still bustling, albeit with a different crowd than it saw during the day. There were taverns aplenty there. There were also those who scurried about until the protection of darkness, though the moon was bright enough it likely limited their activities. Still, it made me uneasy. In an attempt to live an honest life, I rarely ventured around after dark. "Don't worry. You'll be safe," Durin said confidently and reassuringly.

I glanced at his imposing form, illuminated just enough to make the major details of his armor stand out. I nodded, despite knowing that he couldn't see the gesture with his back towards me. His words were reassuring. Ever since the adventurer that saved me, Valern, died from his wounds, I've been all alone. There hasn't been anyone who would look out for me, and I had to struggle by myself. I wanted to be an adventurer to follow in his footsteps and become some worth giving his life for, but… I also wanted to find a place where I belong. The year before he passed away, he told me of all the different adventures he had gone and requests he had taken, the impressive and the unassuming. He told me of the camaraderie that can be found between members of the Guild. Even those who don't get along are willing to stand together at the end of the day.

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

"Thank you," I said, just barely loud enough to be heard against the quiet night. We made the rest of the walk in silence. As we drew closer to the inn, the rambunctious noise of the building's patrons "The inn's rooms are located on the upper floor, but the ground level duels as a tavern. As thank you for putting up with the noise, the inn includes a free breakfast for every night spent here," Durin explained as we pushed our way past the door and up to the service counter. I felt a swell of gratitude. With that, perhaps I'd be able to eat more than one meal a day…

"'Ey! I brought a customer!" Durin shouted, leaning over the counter. A few nearby patrons turned toward us momentarily, and I felt my embarrassment starting to show on my face. However, perhaps they were used to such scenes, as they quickly returned to their conversations and the drinks in front of them.

A well-bodied and shapely woman appeared from a nearby room, likely the kitchens from the smell of it. "I can hear you just fine without all the shouting. Not all of us are deaf," Her voice, while unmistakably that of a woman, was rough and gravelly. Her face was plain, but a several scars marred it. More can be seen peeking out of the collar of her blouse. A particularly harsh one extended from just above her ear on her cheekbone to her collarbone and crossed her throat in the process. Her appearance was homely at best, but while she was no beauty, or maybe because of it, she had an unmistakable charm about her.

"Therisse, this is Ami. She's new at the Guild, but she's already a hard worker. She was looking for a place to stay, so I thought to introduce her to the best place around," Durin grinned as he thumped be on the back. He must of put more strength into the gesture than he realized, and I stumbled forward, meeting the eyes of the woman, Therisse.

"U-um… It's very nice to meet you," I took the corners of my dress in hand and gave a slight curtsey. My face burned as my embarrassment deepened.

"She has manners, unlike someone," She eyed Durin for a moment, before returning her attention to me, "Like he said, my name's Therisse. I may or may not look it, but I was an adventurer once, back in the day. That's how I met my husband, and he's the one who runs the inn, though I help out when I have the time. I'm a blacksmith these days. Drop by when you're ready for some new equipment." She smiled. While it seemed a harsh contrast to her looks, it was packed with emotions. It was an inadvertently comforting smile.

"I-I can't afford it just yet, b-but! I'll definitely make sure to come after I've made more!" I had just been thinking that I was going to have to replace my daggers before long, and it probably wouldn't hurt to get a bit more in the way of equipment. If I was going to remain a solo adventurer, I needed to take all the more precaution, and since I didn't know anyone close to my rank, it was looking more and more likely I would stay that way for the time. Before that though, I would have to see about getting proper attire.

"It'll be seven Bronze per night with breakfast included. Lunch and dinner will cost you, depending on what's being served. You can pay in advance, or you can pay day by day. Does that work for you?" She asked, her tone changing to be more business-like.

I shook my head up and down before counting out my coins. I quickly handed over seven of my coins, leaving me with just one, "I'd like to pay by day. I-I'm sorry…"

"Nothing you need to apologize for. Adventuring is honest work. I was in a position like you once. Just give it your best shot, and you'll be alright," She accepted the coins before passing an old, bronze-colored key back to me. Attached to it was a small wooden card with the number seven on it. "That's the key to your room; you'll have to return it after you complete your stay. If you lose it, you'll have to pay the cost of replacing plus the cost of the room until it's replaced, so make sure to take good care of it. It's not something worth going into debt for. Like the card says, your room is number seven. If you go up the stairs over there, it'll be at the end of the hall."

I thanked her and listened to her and Durin talk for a little bit longer before I bid them goodnight and headed to my room. "Make sure to close your door tightly and lock it behind you," Durin called out behind me. Numbers were etched onto thin wooden slabs and nailed to the wall outside each room. Two windows and a few lanterns lit the hall. The lock on the door groaned out a rusty click, and I shut the door tightly behind me, not forgetting Durin's warning to lock the door.