Lucy finished her meal, gulping down her wine before filling it again from the steaming jar. She then took bowls, filled them with soup, handed them to Ethan and Wendy, and filled a bowl for herself.
"Squee, our biggest threat is you three. We need to focus for this expedition, not to turn it into an orgy."
"I-I-I-I say it is not our fault. We will try our best to keep the teasing to a minimum."
"Alas, my friends, just be yourselves. Do not worry about it."
Ethan wanted to change the subject. He took out a pouch that he had taken from the bandits' leader. He also took their money bags and emptied the coins into one bag. Silence fell as he placed five heaps of silver and copper coins on the table. Ethan piled the coins, counting as he did. He pushed the coins towards each other in turn.
"Alas, Lara, thirty-seven silver coins and sixty-eight copper coins. Thank you for your generosity."
Lara blushed red as she took the coins, shaking her head in acknowledgement that she had shown him her panty. Ethan could see that she had looked flustered, but in a good way. Ethan realised that she had enjoyed the naughty moment.
Maple thirty-seven silver coins and sixty-eight copper coins."
Ethan handed each of them their coins, which were divided equally. He had emptied the leader's pouch in his bag. When he returned from the hunt, Ethan would talk to Shaw. The leader had a hundred and twenty-seven silver coins in his pouch. Ethan guessed that it was the payment the Skinwalker had given him to attack them. Ethan would use this amount to secure their lodging for a few months at the inn. Grace took the coins, dropping them in her coin pouch.
"Why give us the coins? We did not earn any of it. How will we repay you for your generosity."
"Alas, we are going to be away for a few days. Ladies like yourself have womanly needs, such as what you need tomorrow in the city before we leave for the hunt."
"W-W-W, why give us coins? What do you expect in return."
"Alas, I want your loyalty to the party now that you mention it. We share. Equally. There will be no favouring when loot is divided."
Everyone shook their heads in agreement as they put their coins away. Grace said she would check if there were any quests for dire wolves. Maple promised to bring many healing potions and spices to cook for them. Lara had found them a large piece of leather stitched together, which she would use to make a shelter for them if needed. Ethan did not plan to sleep in the forest, preferring the inn. Grace took Ethan by the arm.
"Everyone will meet me at the adventure's guild. We need all of us if we accept a quest."
Ethan enquired why, and Grace informed him that they would need to each lick their thumbs and press it to the parchment with the quest to be recognised as a party on the quest. The guild stone would then register their names under the pursuit. The guild stone resided at the back of the guild, and only employees saw it. Shaw stood by the door, his carpet in hand, ready to take the three women home. Lara stood awkwardly near Ethan, clasping her hands before her. She wanted to say something but could not find the words. Ethan kissed her, holding the kiss for four seconds before straightening.
"Alas, good night, Lara."
Maple looked like she wanted to turn back as she and Grace stood at the door next to Shaw. Wendy touched Ethan's hand.
"Hail, one day they will be ours."
Lucy hugged Wendy from the side.
"Squee, hopefully, sooner than later."
Ethan handed Miley to Penny and picked up his backpack. Wendy and Lucy gathered their gear from the floor.
"Squee, a warm bath and then bed."
"Alas, I agree. Let us go up. Good night, Penny and Melisa. Have a good evening."
Ethan could see a few patrons were still talking, and they would be leaving within the next hour. Being an innkeeper was hard work and long hours. Penny touched his arm and then went to a table, ordering spiced wine. Ethan watched the two playfully tease him from inside the tub. Lucy leaned her chin on the side of the tub as Wendy washed her hair.
"Squee, did you see me tank that shifter? He did not stand a chance. My body moved as if on its own."
Ethan had to admit that their excitement was rubbing off on him. Bathing turned into ploughing. Two hours flew by in the bathtub. The inn was quiet when the door to Ethan's room closed. Ethan kissed Sophia, tucking her in for the night. It took a bit longer as the women wanted to kiss and make out before he tucked them in. He realised they wanted to spend as much time with him as possible.
The air in the room felt warm as the chimney heated the place. Ethan could feel Wendy and Lucy in his arms as they slept. It was going to be a busy day. Sophia threw her arms around his neck, kissing Ethan with passion. Ethan greeted each of them, giving them time with him. He loved holding them in his arms, listening to their wishes and dreams for the future. Ethan opened his eyes as Lucy entered the room.
Lucy slipped under the covers as Wendy entered. White fox ears appeared from the covers. Lucy kissed Ethan as she mounted him. Wendy slipped in under the covers, hugging his side. The chill in the air would soon be dispersed as the chimney warmed up. Lucy had a shy side, but she had no fear when alone. Wendy waited her turn as the blankets warmed from Lucy's vigorous riding.
Ethan looked down. A small body sat in his usual place. Orange ears listened, barely making it above the rim of the table. Melisa brought a bowl of porridge with a mug of milk.
"Meow, she has been waiting there since she woke this morning. I do not know what you did, but she adores you."
Miley looked up, her tiny arms reaching out to Ethan. Ethan picked her onto his lap, and Melisa placed the bowl and milk before Miley. Miley took the spoon from her big sister and ate happily as she sat on Ethan's lap. Wendy and Lucy came down ready for breakfast.
"Hail. Ethan will make a great father."
"Squee, they look adorable together."
Patrons voiced the same opinion. Breakfast consisted of eggs and meat served with steaming bread and butter. Shaw placed a pitcher of milk on the table.
"We do not want Miley to have coffee. She is a bit young."
"Alas, we understand, my friend."
When Ethan poured milk for himself, Miley would hold her mug. Ethan poured milk for her. Penny wiped her hands on her apron.
"Meow, we usually struggle to get her to eat or drink milk in the morning. You have a certain touch with her."
Miley looked up. Her mouth, chin, forearms, and hands were covered in porridge. Penny wiped her daughter's face and arms. Shaw brought three bowls covered in cloth.
"For Grace and the others, they have not come in for breakfast. Please look after those three rascals."
Ethan placed his hand on Shaw's shoulder, nodding his head.