Laussinna's voice gently broke through the lingering silence, her words addressed to Illyanna and me. "It's getting late, you two should be off to bed. I don't want my heroic children to be sleep-deprived," she chided, an edge of motherly concern slicing through her usually playful tone.
Turning to Lucianna, she asked, "Are your family waiting for you back home?"
Lucianna blinked, taken aback by the question. Her voice faltered, words tumbling out clumsily, "Um, no, actually. I'm... I'm alone in Tarvernia." Her nervousness hung in the air, almost tangible.
In response, Laussinna gave her a resolute nod. "In that case, you'll stay with us tonight."
Before Lucianna could protest, Laussinna swiftly rose and approached the tavern owner. They exchanged a few words before she handed him a hefty amount of gold coins. I watched her, my mind a whirlwind of curiosity and bewilderment.
After concluding her business, Laussinna strolled over to us and said, "Max, you're in charge of leading everyone to Room 2610."
Puzzled, I quirked a brow, "Room... 2610?"
She chuckled lightly at my confusion, clarifying, "This tavern has an inn upstairs, dear." Understanding dawned on me and I nodded, filing away the information.
"But... will you be sleeping with us, mom?" Illyanna interjected, an uncertain look crossing her face.
Laussinna sighed, a small wrinkle appearing between her brows. "I'll join you all later. My singing shift might be over, but I still have duties as a waitress," she admitted, her face flushing with a tinge of embarrassment. We all nodded, acknowledging her situation.
Seemingly in a rush, Laussinna suddenly swooped down on Illyanna and me, enveloping us in a tight hug. Her lips brushed against our cheeks, leaving a trail of warm kisses. "I'm proud of you, my little heroes," she whispered, her voice filled with affection and pride. "Goodnight and sweet dreams. I love you."
My sister and I echoed her sentiments, expressing our love in return. Then, with a glance at Lucianna, who seemed somewhat uneasy, I decided to lead her upstairs with us. We'd do our best to make her feel a little less alone tonight.
As we ventured upstairs, I was struck by the surprising expanse of the space before us. It wasn't just a room; it was a series of rooms, echoing the layout of a lavish hotel. A sudden hush enveloped us as we marvelled at the grandeur.
Illyanna's eyes sparkled with delight, her wonder impossible to conceal. "I've never stayed anywhere else besides our home," she admitted, her voice filled with barely suppressed excitement. Her statement hung in the air, causing the rest of us to reflect on our own experiences.
Matterinna nodded sagely, a hint of nostalgia playing across her features. "It's been quite some time since I shared quarters with other adventurers," she mused, reminiscing about her own adventures.
Meanwhile, Lucianna seemed to shrink into the shadows, her silence looming in stark contrast to the excited chatter. She stood alone, her body stiff and her gaze firmly affixed to the floor.
Reading her discomfort, I decided to take the initiative. I guided her to an unoccupied room, the door slightly ajar. "You can settle in here, Lucianna," I offered, my voice a soothing whisper against the dull hum of the tavern below us.
Encouraging her further, I reassured, "Don't be shy. You're safe here with us." My words seemed to hang between us, a fragile promise in the vast expanse of the room.
At that, Lucianna gifted me a faint smile, her gratitude radiating from her. "Thank you, Max," she murmured, before disappearing into the room, leaving me standing alone in the dimly lit hallway.
After they each bathed in turn, they found their individual corners in the expansive room to nestle into. Illyanna and I shared a room, the twin beds an echo of our childhood back home, while Matterinna and Lucianna claimed their own private spaces.
Yet sleep proved elusive for me that night. My mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, a relentless surge of questions about my reality. Was I marooned in this alternate world, forever adrift from my original reality? Why couldn't I awaken and return to the 'real world'? These questions swirled around me like a tormenting storm, with no answers in sight.
Just as I was about to surrender to the pull of these thoughts and rise from my bed, I felt the tight grip of Illyanna's arms encircling me. The sound of her soft murmurs pierced through my internal storm, her innocent sleep-talk warming my heart. "I love my family so much... especially you, big brother," she mumbled, her words laced with affection.
I couldn't help but let out a soft giggle, her unexpected sentiment pulling me away from my worries. Gently, I unwrapped her arms from around me, careful not to rouse her from her peaceful sleep.
Finally extricating myself, I padded over to the plush sofa, sinking into its welcoming embrace. In the quiet of the room, under the watchful gaze of the moonlight streaming in through the window, I attempted to quieten my restless mind.