As we neared the first of the buildings the road turned into small stones and we could now hear the clopping sound of the pony's little hooves. The buildings were amazing to look at. Some had two floors and others had only one. The buildings were made of wood slats and some where even painted with flat or peaked roofs. Each building was adorned with a decorated sign either hanging or was part of the wall. There was a clothing shop and a trinket seller. General goods to small weapons and armor. There was even a book seller and a shop for various mystical items, but the door was boarded shut as it appeared to be empty at the moment. The armor shop had a small forge built on to the back and the farrier also repaired the various metal bits used through out the town and farm lands. One of the two floor buildings was an Inn and the other was the mayors house. The buildings all seemed to be pointed at the lush garden that makes the center point of the town. The buildings were arranged around this and the roads sort of resembled a spiders web because alleys linked each road behind the business buildings and behind them were various houses.
Most of the people would either run and hide at seeing Gro or just stand there, frozen in fear. I didnt know of this bothered him or not because he never wavered in his stride or expression. "'Ere we are now. The Lucky Coin Inn." Morlin jumped from the cart and ran through the swing doors at the entrance. I slowed the pony and he whinnied in relief. A few moments passed by and Morlin returned all excited, "Well my friends, its time to part ways i'm afraid. I got you two rooms for a few days. After that, lads and lass, is up to you." Morlin clapped my shoulders and nodded at me.
"I would bring you to my home but there is no room," Morlin patted Cassa on the head then inclined his chin towards Gro and pounded his fist against his chest and Gro returned the gesture. "Thank you Morlin. This would not have been possible without you." The merchant just smiled at me, "one thing though. Can i ask you to deliver letters home for me and possibly Gro as his Keep is on the way?" Morlin scratched the stubble on his chin as he thought for a few seconds, "Sure thing, my boy. But i ask a gold coin for each delivery, bussiness ya know." I laughed at him, always the merchant. "The rooms are on the ground floor and right beside each other. Should be enough room." Morlin said the last part looking up to Gro then back to me. "I welcome the solitude. You two can share a room," Gro was a little annoyed at the liveliness of Morlin and stomped into the Inn and a few scared halflings came running out right after. I gathered Gros helmet and sword and Cassa climbed onto my back and tightened her grip on my shoulders when i protested, but i just shook my head and waved to Morlin when he kicked up the pony again.
Inside the Inn i saw Gro standing at the desk and his hands were clenched into fists and i grew concerned. I walked up to him and gave him his helmet and sword. I looked to the little red headed girl behind the desk and inquired about our rooms. She tossed two brass keys on the desk and stepped back pointing at the far wall. I took the keys and thanked her then grabbed Gro by the arm and pulled him towards the rooms. "Whats the matter?" I asked Gro as we neared the rooms and he grunted at me, "I have never been so hated before."
I unlocked one of the rooms and it had a single bed so i gave that key to him, "Maybe that is part of what you are supposed to learn to be a great Chief like your Father." I told him and he looked at me and nodded. He puffed his chest and stepped inside the simple room with only a grass pile and woven blanket next to a smll box that had a key hole in the lid then he closed the door and i heard the lock click. Cassa nuzzled my neck when we were alone, "Ered wise human," I used the key and opened our room and groaned out loud as Cassa started jumping on my back all excitedly. 'I swear i will beat that halfling when i see him again."
The room had only one bed!
Cassa scrambled off my back when i walked in and she perched herself right in the middle of the wood frame bed. I could see she had a huge smile on her face at being so excited about this, i thought she would fly apart. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath then let out a long sigh.
Knock Knock "Hello?"
I looked at the door and it was the desk lady, "Hello and welcome to the Lucky Coin.....AAAAAHHHH!!!" she finally noticed Cassa and ran screaming for the back of the Inn. I just hung my head and closed the door and locked it. I heard a low rumbling from Gros' room and thought 'is he laughing?' then waved my hand at Cassa for her to move as i stepped near the bed. She moved over and i fell face first into the soft straw filled sack that was made into a mattress and Cassa laid down right beside me then pulled my arm over her. I closed my eyes as the sun was setting and welcomed the night time escape from reality into my own dreams. I could feel Cassa shifting around under my arm then she stopped. I was hoping she would stop soon so i could sleep and i moved my arm under my head. I could feel her continue to move around on the bed then i heard what sounded like cloth hitting the floor and figured she took off her cloak to get more comfortable so i put my arm around her again and she grabbed my wrist and clenched it close to her. The last thing i remember before i slipped into my dreams was something soft and smooth under my hand....