{-Llewel-}

It seemed that, once they’d left the attention of the others, their apparent excitement for their victory was gone. They walked to the inn without mentioning it at all—instead discussing what they could get done tomorrow.

They’d barely been greeted by Tiolfe when it became apparent this was where their paths diverged for the day.

“We’ll probably be here bright and early tomorrow,” Zetai remarked. Reynneak and Tinath gave nods of agreement. “I don’t think any of us have any other plans.”

“There’s no rush for you two, though,” Reynneak added. “We’ll leave when you’re ready.”

The twins both nodded and watched as the players left. They then wandered to one of the open tables, listening only to the surrounding ambience of a slowly quieting down inn.

It wasn’t long after that Tiolfe walked up to them with some food. “Heard the five of you participated in Natharie’s little game—and scored pretty high, for that matter! Congratulations.”

“Thanks,” Llewel mumbled. “Didn’t really feel as significant, though.”

“Yeah, we might’ve gotten third, but it felt like they didn’t care…” Myr mumbled.

“Having some troubles with them, then? I suppose it can’t be helped. But I do have something that could make it better.” Tiolfe sat the food down on the table. “Figured the two of you would appreciate a good, satisfying dinner after all of your running around! It’s on the house. Don’t argue, it’s only gonna get you more free food.”

They thanked her, then Myr asked, “Are you going to need to help anyone else? We won’t mind if you join us.”

“Unfortunately, there’s still a bit too many players for that. It goes a bit beyond my usual special treatment for cleaning.” Still, she gave them a smile. “Just enjoy the meal for now. I’ll be back in a little bit once I’ve sent off some of these other players.” Then she waved and left to tend to someone else’s needs.

Myr quietly started eating. “I wish I could say ‘I’ll be glad when everything’s back to normal’ but I don’t think that’s going to happen…”

“Different situations call for different approaches. We’ll need to be careful.” Llewel shrugged, as if it didn’t matter, and took the other half of the food for himself.

“Would it help if we actually understood what else they had to do?”

“I don’t think there’s a reason to focus on it—I doubt we’d ever understand it. Better to bring our attention to something else.”

“We both know that’s kinda hard to do…”

He offered the closest thing he could give to a reassuring smile. “Well, there’s always Bezyu. We’ll definitely run into her sometime while we’re here. She can help keep your mind off the rest of it.”

“I hope so. I wonder if she’s been doing okay…”

Tiolfe appeared right beside them again. “Bezyu? She’s been doing pretty well, from what I could tell. We talked a few days ago.”

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“Are you done talking with the players?” Llewel asked as a first response, trying not to make it obvious he hadn’t been prepared for her.

She nodded, which prompted Myr’s question, “You’ve talked with Bezyu recently?”

“Mhm. Sounded like she was really looking forward to seeing the two of you again. Kind of.” Tiolfe considered it for a moment. “It’s why I figured I’d come back to talk to you, in fact.”

He knew he immediately didn’t like the sound of that. “Was it about something important?”

“I mean, it wasn’t anything bad, if that’s what you’re really asking.”

“You should know that that really isn’t the kind of answer I’m looking for.”

“Suppose so. I don’t want to give you any false impressions anyway.” Tiolfe looked around, though the few players there didn’t seem to care about them. “Have you heard from Casrane at all?”

Myr shook her head. “We haven’t seen her since Kehnore…”

“Did something happen?” Llewel prompted. “Does she need us for something?”

“No, nothing that serious. Bezyu just mentioned her a bit. She almost made it sound like Casrane already talked to you about it. I guess she’d just been following closely instead of actually traveling with you.”

“What did you think Casrane had already talked to us about?”

Tiolfe paused. “I think that’s something Bezyu can explain once you meet with her. I mean it, don’t worry—it’s not as serious as you might think it is. I know things have been… strange, to say the least. We’ve all heard it. But I don’t think you should dread meeting with her. I think it’s something worth looking forward to.”

“That does not help me become overflowing with confidence…”

“Well, I’ve done my part.” She stepped away from the table. “You’ve probably got a lot to do tomorrow, don’t you? Let me know when you’re ready for a room. I’ll have one cleared out for you in no time.”

…

Of course he was still concerned. Nothing good ever came from being pulled aside and told something vague like that. But he just had to deal with it and try to forget it in favor of getting some sleep.

When he woke up again, he noticed that Myr was still sleeping—he didn’t bother her. He just made his way downstairs, following the sounds of the familiar voices with the unfamiliar conversation.

“Don’t see why it’s worth mentioning. Not here…”

“Well, when this is the only time I see you, I don’t see any other opportunities.”

“Come on, what happens when the twins come down?”

“Don’t use them as an excuse. I’m being serious here. You know, you’ve dyed your hair for so long I forgot you were blonde.”

“Maybe I decided to change things up a little.”

“Given how you acted in middle school, I don’t believe you.”

A third sigh. “He’s got a point. You’re just avoiding it.”

“You’re not even a part of this! Just stay out of it!”

“And the fact I’m not involved just means you’re just that much obvious.”

The second voice again. “Look, I’m not accusing you of everything. Just, as a friend, I can’t help but be a bit concerned…”

Llewel stepped out enough that they could see them and, with Zetai’s gesture in his direction, their conversation appeared to be over. It looked like she was about to ask something before he heard Myr.

“Good morning!” She wandered past him and over to the table and he followed. “Have you come up with any ideas on what we’re doing today?”

Reynneak nodded. “I think we decided we’d stay around the city. There’s a lot of different quests here and most don’t require too much running around. We could basically make a circle through the city and get them all as we go.”

Tinath stood up. “No use staying here if we’re all ready. Lead the way, Zetai.”