Alexander noticed my distraction and followed my gaze. His eyes narrowed slightly, but he said nothing. Instead, he turned back to our group, engaging Liam in a conversation about the next steps of our journey. I forced myself to focus on their discussion, but my mind kept drifting back to the enigmatic figure at the bar, Lord Ravenscroft. There was something about him that both intrigued and unsettled me.I excused myself from the table and made my way over to Lord Ravenscroft. "What are you doing here?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady."Enjoying the local hospitality," he stood and bowed his head politely before replying smoothly. "And keeping an eye on certain developments."I frowned, not entirely convinced by his casual demeanor. "You seem to show up at the most unexpected times."He chuckled, a low, rich sound. "Let's just say I have a knack for being where I'm needed."Before I could respond, Alexander appeared at my side. "Lord Ravenscroft," he greeted with a nod. "What brings you to Braedon?""Business, Your Highness," Ravenscroft replied, his tone respectful but with a hint of amusement. He slightly bowed his head. "And perhaps a touch of curiosity."Alexander's eyes flicked to me before returning to Ravenscroft. "I see. Well, I trust you business arrangement will be agreeable.""I'm sure I will," Ravenscroft said, raising his glass in a mock toast.Alexander escorted me back to our table leaving me with no chance to continue my conversation with Lord Ravenscroft. As we returned to our table, I couldn't shake the feeling that Lord Ravenscroft's presence was more than mere coincidence.The common room of the inn was lively, filled with the buzz of travelers exchanging stories and locals enjoying their evening. The scent of roasted meats and fresh bread wafted through the air, making any stomach growl in anticipation. Just as I was beginning to savor the aromatic herbal red tea, a sudden commotion erupted at the entrance.A group of round, furry creatures burst into the room, rolling and bouncing in every direction. They were twice the size of Tumblefluff, with the same mischievous glint in their eyes. The creatures caused instant chaos, knocking over chairs and sending plates and mugs flying.The innkeeper, a burly man with a bushy beard, rushed forward, trying to shoo the creatures away without using any weapons. "Out! Out, you little devils!" he shouted, waving a broom at them. The knights, including Liam, joined the effort, attempting to herd the furry intruders toward the door.Despite the chaos, the creatures were non-violent, more interested in creating mischief than causing harm. They darted under tables, climbed onto shelves, and generally made a mess of the common room. I couldn't help but laugh at their antics, even as I tried to avoid being bowled over by one particularly energetic furball.In the midst of the pandemonium, I felt a hand on my arm. Lord Ravenscroft's voice was low and urgent in my ear. "Princess, come with me. We need to talk."Before I could respond, he was guiding me through the throng of people and creatures, maneuvering us toward the back of the inn. We slipped out a side door and into the cool night air, the sounds of the commotion fading behind us.Lord Ravenscroft led me around the inn to a secluded spot behind the stables. There, tethered to a post, was a magnificent unicorn. Its coat was a shimmering white, almost glowing in the moonlight, and its mane and tail were a silvery gray. The creature's large, intelligent eyes regarded us calmly."This is Arion," Ravenscroft said, patting the unicorn's neck. "He's a rare and powerful ally."I stared at the unicorn in awe. "He's beautiful," I breathed. "But why are you showing him to me?"Ravenscroft reached into his coat and pulled out a small, intricately carved box. He opened it to reveal a glowing blue crystal. "This is a Luminara," he explained. "A rare and powerful artifact. It has the ability to reveal hidden truths and guide us to what we seek."He handed me the crystal, and I felt its warmth and energy pulse through my hand. "But it must be used with caution. Its power can be overwhelming."I looked from the crystal to the unicorn. "How does this help me?""The Luminara can be used to call Arion to you, no matter where you are," Ravenscroft said. "If you ever find yourself in danger or need to escape, use the crystal, and Arion will come to your aid. He can also help you search for someone or something."I nodded, feeling the weight of the crystal in my palm. "Thank you, Lord Ravenscroft. This means a lot."He smiled, a rare softness in his expression. "Be careful with it, Princess. The Luminara is powerful, but it's also a beacon. Others may sense its presence and seek it out."I tucked the crystal into a small pouch at my waist, feeling its reassuring weight. "I understand."Lord Ravenscroft reached out and gently squeezed my shoulder. "Stay safe, Princess. And remember, you are not alone in this."With that, he turned and began to walk back toward the inn. I stood there for a moment, processing everything that had just happened. The chaos inside, the mysterious Lord Ravenscroft, the beautiful unicorn, and the powerful crystal now in my possession—it was a lot to take in.As I returned to the inn, the noise from the common room had died down. The furry creatures had been herded out, and the innkeeper and knights were busy cleaning up the mess. Alexander spotted me and made his way over, concern etched on his face."Where did you go?" he asked, his tone a mix of worry and irritation."I needed some fresh air," I replied, avoiding his gaze. "It's been a long day."He studied me for a moment, then nodded. "Just be careful. We can't afford any more surprises."I nodded, grateful that he didn't press the issue. The rest of the evening passed in a blur. After dinner, I excused myself and went to my room, needing some time to process everything. I sat on the edge of the bed, pulling out the Luminara and staring at its glowing blue light. It was mesmerizing, almost hypnotic, and I felt a strange sense of connection to it.Holding the Luminara, I felt a surge of resolve. Whatever lay ahead, I would face it head-on. I would use the gifts and allies I had been given, and I would see this quest through to the end.I placed the Luminara back in the box and lay down, closing my eyes. Sleep came slowly, but eventually, I drifted off. But before that, as I reflect on recent events, I am deeply moved by Lord Ravencroft's unexpected benevolence toward me. I am haunted by the mystery of his true identity and the hidden motives behind his actions.