The Golden Hare glows with lanternlight and hearthfire. Roasted roots, sage gravy, and warm bread fill the air as villagers settle into their evening meals around Aelwyn and Loric.
Margy guides them to a corner table, gives Loric one last appraising look, then returns toward the well to exchange news with neighbors.
Elford, a broad-shouldered middle-aged man human with weathered features, close-cropped brown hair, and a flour-dusted green tunic, joins them carrying three cups of cider.
Elford
There you are. Aelwyn's word carries weight here, but a sword and a road behind you invite questions. Where have you served, Loric?
Loric
Nowhere that would impress a lord, Elford. I have guarded caravans, escorted pilgrims, and stood between frightened folk and whatever threatened them.
Elford studies him over the rim of his cup. Nearby, a few villagers lower their voices, listening without pretending otherwise, while the keeper sets steaming plates before the table.
Elford
And what brings a self-proclaimed knight into the Whispering Hollow, if not trouble? Choose your answer carefully. We have little room for trouble here.
✓ Quest Accepted
Resolve Elford's concern about Loric's intentions
“"Elford he helped me for free, surely theres nothing suspicious about that, He's only travelling." *Aelwyn said softly, trying to ease the tension between the men.* "You needn't berate him with questions, he hasn't even eaten yet."”
SUCCESS (Good Diplomacy, rolled +2)
Aelwyn
Elford, he helped me for free. Surely there is nothing suspicious in that. He is only travelling. You needn't berate him with questions; he has not even eaten yet.
Aelwyn's soft words settle between the cups and steaming plates. Elford's stern gaze shifts to her, then to Loric's untouched food, while nearby listeners grow quieter.
Elford
Berate him? No, girl, only measure the road beneath his boots. But you are right about the meal. A hungry man deserves supper before judgment.
Elford lowers his cup and nudges the nearest plate toward Loric. The hard line in his shoulders eases, though his watchfulness remains like a shutter not fully closed.
Loric
Thank you, Elford. Aelwyn has shown me more kindness than I expected tonight, and I would not repay it by causing trouble at her table.
Elford
Then eat, Loric. We can speak of roads after. If your deeds match your manners, perhaps Briarhollow will find no reason to regret your arrival.
The keeper's ladle fills Loric's bowl with sage gravy. Conversation gradually returns around them, and the table's welcome becomes warmer than its first wary silence.
“"i'm sorry about him- he's been my friend since childhood and he is beyond overprotective of me. He means no harm really." *Ae;yn said turning to loric her face red with embarrassment.*”
SUCCESS (Good Diplomacy, rolled +2)
Aelwyn
I'm sorry about him, Loric. He's been my friend since childhood, and he is terribly overprotective of me. He means no harm.
Aelwyn turns toward Loric, her pale face warming with embarrassment. The apology is soft, but it carries clearly through the table's returning murmur.
Loric
You need not apologize for a friend who wishes to keep you safe. I have known harsher welcomes than questions over supper.
His smile is gentle as he reaches for the bread. Across the table, Elford's guarded expression loosens, and the tension around his cup finally fades.
Elford
Aye, well, childhood friends are entitled to some worry. I will keep my questions civil, if Loric keeps his answers honest.
Loric
That is a bargain I can gladly make. And for what it is worth, Elford, your vigilance does you credit.
Elford gives a gruff nod and finally lifts his cider. Around them, the inn settles into easy conversation while Loric begins his supper beside Aelwyn.
“*Aelwyn nodded and began to pick at her food slowly. She'd opted for greens and salmon over turkey or buck meat.*”
Aelwyn nods and begins picking at her meal, choosing the tender greens and salmon while the turkey and buck meat remain untouched. Hearthlight glimmers across her pale hair.
Loric
Salmon and greens. A sensible supper for someone who spends her days listening to the forest. Though I admit the sage gravy is difficult to resist.
Loric tears a piece of bread and dips it into the gravy, then glances toward Aelwyn with an appreciative smile. The warmth between them settles easily into the evening.
Elford
Aelwyn has always eaten what the land offers before reaching for anything richer. Keeps her clear-eyed, I suppose.
Loric
Then I shall remember it. A person who knows what she needs is not easily led astray.
Elford grunts approval and turns toward the room, leaving them to their supper. Around the table, cider, conversation, and hearthfire weave a comfortable quiet.