Chapter 27: Another Night
Night had fully embraced the town. Most houses and shops were cloaked in darkness, their inhabitants already fast asleep.
Yet, in one corner of Lily Town, light still flickered. The inn stood lively and warm, its windows glowing like beacons in the night.
People came and went through its wooden doors, some entering upright and alert, only to stagger out later like weary zombies. This was the town’s only real refuge, where locals gathered to eat, drink, and ease the weight of their daily burdens.
Inside, the common room buzzed with a soft hum of chatter and laughter. The inn was half full, and Tania moved swiftly between tables, balancing six overflowing mugs of frothy ale with practiced grace.
At one of the table,, three figures in dirt-streaked farmer’s clothes sat enjoying their meal. Their tools, hoes, sickles, and baskets all rested beside them, reminders of a long day’s labor. The three laughed heartily between bites, their voices rising just enough to be heard over the background murmur. It was a simple scene, but a comforting one, proof that even after hardship, warmth and joy could still be found.
"Looks like the harvest’s turning out pretty good this year," said Peter, taking a long swig from his mug.
"Yeah," Richard replied, nodding as he wiped foam from his beard. "Even with the lack of manpower, those forest monsters, and all the mess with the Empire... our men are still working hard. More eager than ever, I’d say." The white streaks in Richard’s hair marked him as the eldest among them, but his eyes still held a spark of pride.
"Let’s hope it stays that way next year too," Troy added, lifting his mug high. "To a strong season!"
The three clinked their drinks together, their laughter rising again as they continued their conversation.
Just then, the inn’s door creaked open, letting in a brief gust of cool air. A man stepped in, his eyes scanning the room until they landed on the table with his friends. Without a word, he made his way over, pulled out a chair, and joined them with a tired but satisfied grin.
"Hey, Mat... just finished work? It’s rare for you to stay out this late," Richard said with a smile.