“Pardon?” Grillion said. “Can you repeat that?”

“Diver vampires,” Rufus pronounced as clearly as he could.

When the merchant saw how dumbfounded the group of four was, he scratched his left cheek again.

“Well. Vampires don’t need to breathe air to live, right lads?” He asked the group and got a nod. “And they have perfect night vision too, as long as there is a little bit of light, they can see everything clearly.”

Rufus took a deep breath and gave a long, long sigh.

“So some drunk genius told a vampire all that and said they should just carry a bag full of rocks with them when they dived into the sea. That way, the vampire can walk on the sea floor while going against the current. Guess what? All the vampires in the region gathered and did just that. They formed a pirate group that aimed for our ships and made the ruins their hideout. We send people down there, but they can simply pop our air bubble Skill to force us up to the surface. Fucking diver vampires.”

The group went dead silent. Only the rain continued to fall. The rain was like Rufus' tears that had gone dry.

“That’s interesting,” Toby said. “And smart too.”

Everyone looked at Toby like he was the insane one.

“What? You have to give credit where credit is due. That’s one smart move.”

“Thanks to that drunk lad.” Rufus sighed again. “They have been a big headache for us for years now. I wish the stars would just send someone, anyone, to kick their pale sterns out of the water so we can take care of the rest."

He waved at the group, "Anyway, goodbye, lads.”

With that, Rufus took his workers into the Merchant Guild.

Walking through the drizzle, the four moved toward the inn at the end of the street. It was a comfy-looking orange light from inside that highlighted the inn. It was made out of the same Sea-stone and Driftwood, weathered by years of rain and storms like every other building in the city. But unlike other buildings, the walls had a clear absence of moss and discoloration on the stone.

Beneath the entrance was a wooden sign engraved with the image of a bed and a piece of bread. The sign gently sways in the breeze like a welcoming hand, waving at the next guest. Below the bed read the word “Dancing Song Inn” in dazzling gold color. A bold choice to show pride.

Grillion led the group in as he opened the front door made out of Driftwood, carved with swirling patterns resembling waves. Upon stepping inside, a warm and inviting feeling immediately washed over the group, contrasting completely with the gloomy sky outside. The lanterns on the walls on both sides illuminated the place with their warm, fuzzy orange light like many mini suns. On the right side of the room was a large stone fireplace that still flickered no matter how much the sea raged. Its warmth was a welcome change from the slightly chilling wind.

In front of the fireplace were three round tables, five chairs for each table, and a bunch of round, deep blue or green cushions. The tables and chairs weren’t made from the same Driftwood as the building but rather a kind of smooth-looking wood that almost looked like they were made from plywood. Below the soft, cotton-candy-like cushions was a big tapestry depicting glittering stars above a raging sea.

“It’s so warm in here,” Lukas said as he looked around.

A voice equally warm to the atmosphere of the inn answered Lukas.

“Welcome to the Dancing Song Inn, the best inn in Eldium.” A bald orc with budging muscles and a majestic curly mustache said as he raised the curtain leading to the room in the back. He quickly pulled his sleeves down, hiding his thigh-size arms ridden with old scars. But it was useless, as his brown shirt couldn’t hide the strength behind those biceps.

When the orc came out, an irresistible smell of freshly baked bread and warm, hearty stew assaulted Toby. He couldn’t wait to indulge himself in that food if the smell alone was enough to make him drool a pool.

The orc walked toward the small counter next to the kitchen and stood in front of the wooden board where he hung all the room keys.

“I Grak'Thorak, owner of this inn. You can call me Grak. What can I do for you, travelers?” The orc smiled calmly.

“Hello, my good fellow. I’m Grillion, an adventurer.” Grillion showed his Bronze tag. “I want to get two rooms to stay three days, for the time being. After we discuss what to do next, we might stay longer.”

“Three days. Got it. One room, one night is ten copper coins, three days for one room is thirty copper coins. That will be sixty copper coins for two rooms, three days. Breakfast included.”

Lukas's ears and tail stood on end. “Sixty copper coins!”

“Maybe we could get somewhere else, Grandpa Grillion,” Lily suggested. “We shouldn’t spend so much money right away like this. A meal with bread and soup only costs two copper coins, but a room a day is ten. We can save money by getting only one room.”

Toby listened attentively as he put the value of commodities in this world in his mind.

“You two don’t have to worry about that.” Grillion turned toward Grak. “Rufus recommended this place for us, and I’m a Chef. I can help you in the kitchen, and in return, we can have lunch and dinner here too. What do you think?”

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Grak held his chin and thought about it.

“Don’t owners usually keep random Chefs out of the kitchen since they could steal the place’s signature dish?” Toby asked.

“Someplace rejected my offer immediately, but some agreed. You will never know unless you ask.” Grillion answered.

After thinking for a bit, Grak nodded. “If Rufus recommends you, then I can let you work in the kitchen. In exchange, all meals are included, and your room's price will be six copper coins for a room, a day.” He reached his hand out for a handshake.

“Deal.” Grillion reached out too but was taken aback when the orc grabbed his forearm instead of his hand and shook it.

Grak turned back, took two keys from the board, and handed them to Grillion.

“Your rooms are on the third floor, on the left. The room’s numbers are on the keys. Dinner is after dusk. I will take you on your offer starting tomorrow. Rest for today.”

“Thank you.” The group said before they went to their room.

Toby and Grillion shared a room, while Lukas and Lily shared a room. Each room had two beds, a nightstand in the middle of the beds, a small lantern on the nightstand, and a closet. The wall was painted with a smooth combination of yellow sand and bright blue sea color – giving the room an airy and spacious feeling to it despite its small size.

But the thing that caught Toby’s attention the most was the window. There were Driftwood shutters on the window to both keep out even the worst storm and let the clear air of the sea in on calmer days. There was also a window nook with a built-in bench padded with the same cotton-like cushions as the ones on the first floor. It was a slow, tiny corner to let the guests sit and gaze at the canals and the distant sea. The sea was raging, and the storms were approaching, but there should be days when the sea was calm and the music of waves slapping against the dam was played.

Feeling a bit tired, Toby threw himself on a bed. The soft and warm turquoise and white blanket was the best as Toby slowly sunk into its warmth. Mental exhaustion from the battle and the trip finally settled down on Toby’s eyelids. Not even the soft light from the lantern on the nightstand could keep his eyes open any longer.

“Sleep well, little Toby.” The goblin said.

Toby didn’t answer, as he had already fallen into dreamland. He traveled to the past. To the time that was too painful for him to remember.

He dreamt of taking care of his sister while messing around and laughing like goofballs.

He dreamt of cooking with his mom, only to make the most horrible burger in the history of burgers.

He dreamt of the day when the three of them went on a bullet train to the big city. No one there knew who they were, no one there pointed at them and judged or insulted them just because they carried the name Moriarty.

Only in those moments did Toby feel happy. Only in those moments did he feel like it was where he belonged. Anywhere his sister and mom were, it was his home.

Toby slowly opened his eyes as he woke up from the past. “Gramp?”

He called out, but there was no one there. Using his flipper to wipe the tears away, Toby floated out of the room. When he opened the door, voices echoed from below. It was the sound of cheering and laughter. Something he hadn’t heard for quite a while.

Toby floated toward the room next to him and knocked on the door.

“Lily, Lukas. Time for dinner.”

“Please come in.” Lily's voice came from inside.

Toby used [Magic Hand] to open the door. Lukas was sleeping soundly like a baby next to Lily, who was sitting on the bed while leaning on the wall to read a book. The turtle couldn’t help but smile at the sight. It was such a precious sight.

“It’s dinner time. Let’s eat.” Toby as he shook the wolf boy.

“Noooo… a little bit… more… I’ll train all day later…” Lukas mumbled while turning his back toward Toby.

“Would you do the honor?” Toby looked at Lily.

“It would be my pleasure.” She answered. Lily grabbed one of Lukas’s ears and pressed gently on it. This caused the boy's eyes to open wide, and he shot up on reflexes. He held the ear that was pressed on by Lily with a tomato face.

“Stop doing that, sis Lily. You’re being a meanie. If you do that, I’ll never speak to you ever again.”

Lily chuckled. “I’m sorry. I won’t do it again.” She turned toward Toby. “I’ll be in your care.”

“You know, why do you suddenly use polite language with me all of a sudden? That just doesn’t feel right, Lily. It feels weird.”

“…You did save my life.”

“And that is not an excuse to put a wall up and be polite.”

“…I’m also relying on you to move around.”

Toby looked at the strong little girl. It was eery how similar her gaze was to that of his sister. The kind of gaze that would accept fate but would also fight against it with all their might. The gaze that refused to let them owe anyone.

And I thought kids don’t want to leave the nest. He sighed.

“I have something for you.” He said as he thought. I don’t know if this will work, but I sure hope it will. System, buy [Float] and [Push] but not for me.

[Purchasing Rank 2 Skill – Float and Rank 1 Skill – Push]

[Life Exp cost: 70. Life Exp: 110 -> 40]

Two balls of light appeared in front of Toby and landed on the ground in front of him. When the light disappeared, two parchments with magic circles drawn with ink that had Mana in them showed themselves once again.

Both Lukas and Lily went wide-eyed as they saw what was happening.

Toby picked the two pieces of paper up and put them on Lily’s lap.

“These are two Mage Path’s Skill, [Float] and [Push]. It’s how I have been moving around like this. You should be able to learn them since your Path is a branch of Mage Path.”

Lily looked down and tried to say something but was interrupted by Lukas.

“This is amazing." He shouted. “You are a Scroll Maker too, big bro Toby? I didn’t know that. Is that why you can use so many Skills even though you keep on calling yourself a Healer? That’s amazing.” His eyes twinkled.

“Yeah. Something like that.” Toby tried to play it cool and brushed it off.

“Anyway. Learn those, and you can move on your own, Lily. We can’t always be together after all.” He looked down with sadness in his eyes. “Being able to move on your own is a blessing that many don’t cherish.”

“Toby, I… no.” She shook her head. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Toby nodded. “Do you know how to use those things?”

“Yes, I do. But.” Lily hesitated.

“Huh? Is something wrong?”

“I’m sorry, but I might have wasted your goodwill.” She looked at the turtle, who was tilting his head. “These two are Skills from Mage Path, yes, but they are from Elementalist branch. Usually, people have to learn the Skill [Fly] at Rank 4 or higher, so this is an amazingly creative way to fly. But I’m a Nature Herald so I can’t learn these.”

Toby opened his eyes wide. “So you can’t learn these even though your Path is also a branch of Mage Path?”

Lily nodded to Toby’s disappointment.

“But there is no harm in trying, right, big sis Lily?” Lukas said, still looking at the paper with starry eyes.

Lily sighed, “I’ll show you.” She grabbed the two papers and poured Mana into them. But when the papers started to turn into light particles, she couldn’t hide how shocked she was.

She looked down at her now empty hands, then looked up at the smug turtle and equally smug wolf boy.

Toby shrugged. “Guess our little genius can be wrong sometimes.” He turned to Lukas. “I’ll give you some Skills too. But not right now. Wait for a bit, ok?”

“Roger that, big bro Toby,” Lukas answered with a cheerful smile.

“Come on, Lily, let’s go eat.” Toby picked the still-stunned Lily up and went downstairs with Lukas.

Only to find a dead drunk, half-naked bard standing on the small stage.