Robert settled into a vacant table, the warmth of the inn offering a welcome respite from his journey. No sooner had he taken his seat than a young woman, her movements quick and efficient, approached his table with a friendly smile. "Welcome to the Golden Oak!" she chirped. "Tonight's special is our Hearty Traveler's Stew. It's a rich and savory blend of tender venison, root vegetables, wild mushrooms, and barley, simmered to perfection in a hearty broth seasoned with herbs and a touch of Dwarven stout. Served with a crusty loaf of freshly baked bread, it's sure to satisfy even the most ravenous appetite." She paused, her eyes twinkling. "We also have a fine selection of ales and wines to complement your meal."
"It sounds delicious," Robert replied, his stomach already rumbling in anticipation. "I believe I'll try the stew." He hesitated, then added with a grin, "And perhaps a side of those roasted potatoes you mentioned. My journey has given me quite the appetite."
"An excellent choice, sir!" Anya beamed, her cheerful demeanor radiating warmth. "And will you be dining alone this evening?" "My ward will be joining me shortly," Robert explained, a hint of amusement in his voice. "But a lady should never be rushed when indulging in a well-deserved bath. I'll place my order now, and she can make her selection upon her arrival." He paused, his gaze sweeping over the selection of beverages displayed behind the bar. "I believe I'll sample your ale as well. Something local, perhaps?"
"Wonderful!" Anya declared, her smile widening. "I'll have your order out in a jiffy. My name is Anya, by the way. Don't hesitate to call if you need anything at all." With a final nod and a swish of her skirts, she bustled away, leaving Robert to savor the anticipation of a well-earned meal and the cozy atmosphere of the inn. His gaze drifted around the common room, taking in the scene. The family he had noticed earlier had departed, but the table of adventurers remained, their conversation flowing with lively energy. One of the men, however, sat in relative silence, nursing his drink with a contemplative air. He caught Robert's eye and offered a courteous nod of greeting, a silent acknowledgment of shared presence in this haven for travelers.
Minutes later, Anya reappeared, laden with a tray that held a feast for the senses. With practiced grace, she set a steaming bowl of stew before Robert, its aroma filling the air with a tantalizing blend of savory spices and roasted meat. A small plate piled high with golden-brown potatoes followed, and finally, a frothy mug of ale, its surface shimmering in the warm candlelight. "One Hearty Traveler's Stew with roasted potatoes," she announced. "Enjoy your meal, sir. I'll return when your ward arrives to take her order." With another friendly smile, she departed, leaving Robert to fully appreciate the culinary masterpiece before him. He inhaled deeply, savoring the rich fragrance that wafted from the bowl. It was evident that the Golden Oak boasted a skilled cook; the stew smelled divine. Lifting a spoonful to his lips, he confirmed that the taste matched the enticing aroma. The venison was tender, the vegetables perfectly cooked, and the broth infused with a depth of flavor that hinted at hours of simmering care. The potatoes, crispy on the outside and fluffy within, provided the perfect complement to the hearty stew. It was, without a doubt, an excellent meal.
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As he neared the end of his satisfying repast, Elara emerged from the hallway, her face refreshed and her eyes sparkling. "My, that smells wonderful!" she exclaimed, taking the seat beside him. Before she could continue, Anya reappeared, her timing impeccable. "Welcome back," she greeted Elara with a warm smile. "Are you ready to order?" Elara, her appetite piqued by the enticing aroma, opted for the Traveler's Stew as well, though she declined the potatoes, her hunger not quite as ravenous as Robert's. A simple glass of water would suffice to quench her thirst. Anya returned shortly with Elara's meal, and soon both were immersed in the enjoyment of their dinner, exchanging satisfied murmurs and agreeing that the Golden Oak's culinary offerings were indeed exceptional.
With their hunger sated and a sense of weary contentment settling over them, Robert and Elara bid each other goodnight and retired for the evening. Robert, seeking to soothe his travel-worn body, made his way to the bathhouse. The steaming water and fragrant herbs worked their magic, easing the tension from his muscles and calming his restless mind. After returning the bathhouse key to Orin with a grateful nod, he climbed the stairs to his room. Closing the door behind him, he sank onto the surprisingly comfortable bed, the soft mattress a welcome change from the unforgiving ground he had often slept on during his dungeon trials. But despite the physical comforts, his mind was a maelstrom of emotions. The events of the day, the farewells, the uncertainties of the future, and the gaping hole left by his family's absence weighed heavily on his heart.
He reached into his inventory and retrieved a framed photograph, his fingers tracing the smiling faces of Sara and the children. A wave of longing washed over him, a physical ache in his chest that threatened to suffocate him. The realization that this picture, this frozen moment in time, was now his only tangible connection to his loved ones brought fresh tears to his eyes. For what felt like an eternity, he sat there, enveloped in the quiet solitude of his room, allowing the grief to wash over him. He wept for the stolen moments, the missed birthdays, the everyday joys of family life that he would now be denied for an immeasurable time. He wept for Sara, his beloved wife, and the children who were the light of his life. As the hours crept by, and the moon climbed high in the sky, casting long shadows across the room, a sense of weary acceptance settled over him. He carefully tucked the photograph away, a promise to himself to cherish it, to keep the memory of his family alive in his heart. Climbing into bed, he closed his eyes, surrendering to the exhaustion that finally claimed him. Tomorrow would be a new day, a new chapter in his life. He would face it with courage, with determination, and with the unwavering love of his family as his guiding star.
End Book 1