The warm glow of The Golden Hearth Inn enveloped Caelum and Lunara as they stepped through the heavy wooden doors into the lively common area. The large hearth at the center of the room crackled cheerfully, its golden flames dancing in time with the gentle hum of laughter and clinking tankards. Polished wooden tables filled the space, their surfaces worn smooth by years of use, while well-worn chairs creaked under the weight of adventurers sharing tales of glory and failure.
Gerald, the stout innkeeper with a ruddy complexion, greeted them with a booming laugh from behind the bar.
"Back already? Thought you two might be out stirring trouble somewhere!"
"We've had enough trouble for tonight,"
Caelum replied, his tone dry but edged with a faint smirk. He and Lunara weaved through the crowded room toward the stairs, their steps deliberate as the familiar scents of roasted meats and freshly baked bread followed them.
