As the dust settled from the clash in the inn, the girls found themselves catching their breath, their bodies still thrumming with the adrenaline of battle. But their moment of respite was short-lived, as the innkeeper approached them with a grim expression on his face.
"You've caused quite a bit of damage," the innkeeper grumbled, his voice laced with irritation as he surveyed the aftermath of the brawl. "Tables overturned, chairs broken... I'll be lucky if I don't have to close down for repairs." As angry as he was, it was with cautious words that he approach the wealthy travelers.
Belial stepped forward, his expression calm as he addressed the innkeeper. "I apologize for the trouble, good sir," he said, his voice smooth as silk. "Please allow me to make amends for the damage, we certainly did not intend for any ill will toward your establishment."
With a flourish, Belial produced a small purse from his robes, its surface shimmering with magical energy. He opened it to reveal a stack of gleaming gold coins, removing five of the golden coins he offered them to the innkeeper, their value far exceeding what would be needed to cover the damage.
"Here," Belial said, his voice firm but not unkind, as he handed the coins to the innkeeper. "Consider this a gesture of goodwill. I trust it will more than compensate for any inconvenience we may have caused you this evening."
The innkeeper's eyes widened in disbelief as he counted the coins, his expression shifting from anger to astonishment. "This... this is far more than enough," he stammered, his voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you, my lord. You are most generous."
With a nod of satisfaction, Belial turned away from the innkeeper, his attention drawn to a bard sitting nearby, strumming his lute in the corner of the room. The bard's eyes lit up with excitement as Belial approached, eager to entertain his newfound audience.
"Would you care for a song?" the bard asked.
"No, your music does not entertain me. They would," Belial replied tipping his head toward the girls as he tossed a gold coin toward the bard.
As he caught the coin as it flew through the air, he smiled and his voice filled with enthusiasm as he launched into a lively tune. The girls exchanged glances, their spirits lifted by the prospect of some much-needed diversion after the tension of the evening.
Their attire now reflecting the fashion of the medieval era, with Claire adorned in a flowing gown of rich emerald green, her fiery hair cascading in loose curls down her back. Ellie wore a practical yet elegant ensemble, her soft features framed by a hooded cloak of deep blue. Rachel stood tall and imposing in a suit of armor, her sword gleaming at her side, while Hannah's nimble fingers were adorned with gloves of supple leather, and her body covered with her shimmering cloak.
As the bard played, the atmosphere in the inn shifted from one of tension to one of celebration. The girls laughed and sang along with the music, their cares and worries melting away in the warmth of the fire and the camaraderie of their companions. Hannah and Ellie stood up together and began to dance to one of the songs, drawing cheers from other patrons watching the festivities.
After finishing a tune, the bard made his way to Clara's seat. Taking Clara's hand the bard gazed into her eyes, and guided her to stand beside him, "My fair maiden, this poem I have composed, just for you." He whispered as he began to recite his poem.
"In fair England's meadows, by yonder stream, There blooms a rose, fairer than a dream. Her eyes, like stars, sparkle bright and clear, Her laughter, like music, to all hearts endear.
With every glance, my soul takes flight, Enraptured by her beauty, my heart alight. Oh, how I long to hold her hand in mine, And taste the sweetness of love's divine wine.
Though words may fail, my love shall never wane, For she, my dearest, in my heart shall reign." He then bowed and kissed her hand. Clara blushed, just for a brief moment. She knew the others would find an opportunity in the future to tease her about this event.
For a few brief moments, they allowed themselves to forget the dangers that awaited them, reveling in the simple joys of music and laughter. It was a night like they had never dreamed possible, and as they savored every moment, they knew that they would cherish the memory for years to come.
And as the bard finished the last of his songs, he approached the girls with a bow, a grateful smile on his face. "Thank you for your patronage, my friends," he said, his voice filled with genuine appreciation. "Here, take this as a token of my gratitude."
One after the other, he took their hands and gently kissed them, their faces lighting up with delight at the unexpected gift. With a final flourish, the bard returned to his corner, leaving the girls to bask in the warmth of the evening's festivities.
As the four sat back in their seats, Hannah had a serious look on her face. Turning to the others, "Did you here what the bard said? What he said in is poem?"
The others looked at her and shook their heads with Claire blushing as she replied, "Don't listen to him none of that was true, he just made those things up about me to keep our attention."
"Not that," Hannah rolled her eyes, "he said, 'In fair England's meadows', we really are in maybe 14th century England. We really have gone back in time 600 years!"
With this realization, the girls again looked at Belial and wondered at the power he truly possessed. The power to transport them to other places, then the power to transform them, and now, moving them through time. Al these things within his power to control.
As they settled back into their seats, they pushed the question of Belial's power from their minds, there was nothing they could do about it even if they wanted to. For now, they were content and at peace for the first time in what felt like ages, they knew that no matter what trials awaited them on their journey, they would always carry with them the memory of this night—a night of revelry and friendship that reminded them of the joy that could be found even in the darkest of times.