Vivian and Gerald, their faces flushed from the exertion of lugging the last barrel of wine upstairs, stood in the hushed bar. The usual boisterous atmosphere had dissipated, replaced by an eerie quiet.
'Why did they all just leave? We brought all this wine from the cellar for them.'
Gerald, his brow furrowed, scanned the room. "Seriously? It was packed just a moment ago."
Lynn approached them, a puzzled expression on her face. "I guess we didn't need as much alcohol after all."
Gerald crossed his arms. "No one wants to drink anymore?"
"Apparently not," Lynn replied. "A big-shot knight showed up, and everyone decided to sober up in his presence."
Gerald scratched his head. "I don't know whether to be relieved or annoyed. We went through all that trouble for nothing."
"Let's just be grateful we made it through the night unscathed and made a decent profit," Lynn suggested.Gerald nodded slowly.
"I suppose you're right."
Lynn turned to Vivian. "Thank you for your help. We wouldn't have made it without you and your girlfriend."
Vivian nodded, her eyes scanning the room for Crystal. She hoped they were thinking the same thing - asking the barkeep and his wife for free lodging. Lynn noticed Vivian's search.
"If you're looking for her, she's over there serving wine to a knight." She pointed towards the back left corner. Vivian nodded and headed towards the corner. As she approached, she heard a man's deep voice.
'That voice...'
Her blood ran cold as she recognized it. It was the man who had turned her world upside down.
Her heart pounded in her chest as Crystal giggled at the man's compliment.
'I can't believe he's here.'
Crystal tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Thank you, but I can't right now."
Vivian's body reacted before she could think. She closed the distance between her and Crystal and grabbed the woman's wrist, pulling her behind her.
She couldn't look him in the eyes. This was the man who had taken the life of the closest thing to family she had ever known.Her spine tingled with a mix of anger and fear. She was ashamed that she couldn't look him in the eye.Feeling his gaze, she slightly raised her head and looked directly at his chest plate. Her face was still twisted with distaste when Crystal tapped her shoulder.
"What's wrong?"
Edgar Conners chuckled. "Seems like the lad has a jealous streak."
The knights surrounding Edgar laughed at another comment he'd made, bringing Vivian back to the present. Upon not getting a response, Edgar laughed. "It was a simple joke, son. Don't take it to heart."
Silence hung in the air. Vivian could feel the tension rising.
"He lost his voice," Crystal explained. "He didn't mean anything by it."
"A little overprotective though, don't you think?" Edgar replied.
"It's just that..." Crystal stammered.
After Vivian finally felt sensation in her legs again, she wasted no time grabbing her friend's wrist and walking her back towards the barkeep.
"What was that about?" Crystal asked, waiting until they were out of earshot.Vivian's throat felt as scratchy as sandpaper, but she eventually found her voice.
"I just wanted to grab you to ask about the free lodging for a few nights."
Crystal sighed. "I was going to do that anyway. You didn't have to snatch me away like that."
Crystal headed towards Gerald, and Vivian followed, feeling very much like a weakling. She couldn't find her courage when faced with him despite her determination to get revenge.
'I couldn't even look at him. How could I be so cowardly?'
Vivian was pulled from her thoughts by Gerald expressing his gratitude once more. "I still can't imagine what we would have done had you two not shown up. I can't tell if it was luck or if the goddess Silva has answered my prayers, but I am grateful nonetheless." Gerald bowed to the two in front of him.
"The goddess Silva only grants the wishes and desires of soldiers, darling," Lynn replied.
"How cruel! I'm sure she'd grant mine too. I was pretty close to being a soldier," Gerald complained.
Crystal cleared her throat, and the couple looked back at their two helpers as if they'd forgotten they were even there.
"If you both don't mind, would it be okay if we take you up on your earlier offer?" Crystal asked.
"Absolutely dear," Gerald replied. "Have you made a decision? If you'd like some of the profit, we'd be glad to share."
"Actually, we were wondering if we could have a room for a few nights," Crystal said. "It's pretty late, and..."
"Consider it done!" Lynn exclaimed. "Our luxury suite is open. I'll go grab the key for you."She grabbed the key and handed it to the pair. "Look for number 12, and if you need anything, don't hesitate to come see me. We'll be out here closing up."