Thane ascended the creaky stairs, his legs aching from the long descent. He unlocked the door to his room, revealing a simple but clean space. A hot bath is all that he could think of aside from his hunger, It's just that he wanted to wash away the grime and fatigue of the past thirteen days. "Ah, a spring, it's been edges since l actually got in one". Thane felt his muscles relaxed, his mind clearing off the mental fog that had plagued him for so long. "Ah, this is the life. He dressed in simple but clean clothes provided by the inn, feeling almost human again.
Downstairs, the innkeeper had prepared a feast fit for a king. Thane devoured the food, savoring the flavors and textures. For the first time in days, He felt like he was eating like a normal person, rather than a starving animal. "What's this type of food? I've never seen or tasted anything as good as this, is it what they call human food," Thane exclaimed, gobbling down the food. The Innkeeper handed him a cup of hot cocoa. "Here's your refreshment, kid." Thane's eyes widened as he took in the aroma. "Ah, there's more to it, the smell is quite alluring." He took a sip of the hot cocoa, and his eyes lit up with delight. As the rich, velvety liquid touched his tongue, Thane felt a deep sense of satisfaction and comfort. The warmth spread through his chest, filling him with a cozy feeling that seemed to seep into his very bones. He closed his eyes, letting out a contented sigh as the stresses of his journey melted away.
The hot cocoa was like a warm hug on a cold day, and Thane felt grateful for this small but exquisite pleasure. "You look sate, you must have liked it ah. Thane replied, "Is there more". With a smile on her face, "Sorry kid but we're out, that was the last cup." Thane replied, "what, how was that the last cup. " Hey Anna, was that boy worth that last drink just like that" a man stood up from the murmuring crowd. "Anna, is that the name of the innkeeper" Thane thought. "The Guys said the mine might probably blow up [meaning gold] tomorrow", anger dripped from his words. " I thought l reminded you to keep some for me" slowly the man spoke. "Anna replied, "Oh come on Jeff, it's been almost a year and that mine is not paying up, everybody knows that so do you want me to keep holding on to that cup of cocoa you can't afford, plus the boy paid more than enough so get outta here." Jeff looked at Thane with a disdainful look and the broke man walked away. "Sorry about that kid, but l hope you enjoyed your meal." Thane replied, " it was delicious, thank you and the hot cocoa was tasty too." Anna smiled and took the dishes and left.
As the night wore on, other people left the inn and others succumbed to slumber. Thane's eyelids began to drop. He retired to his room, feeling a sense of satisfaction washing over him. "Another day, another win", Thane said. "It's time to get some rest, l will be returning to the mountain tomorrow, Ah". Thane's gaze drifted at the door. His eyes narrow while seated to his bed. "creak, creak!, creak!!", the stairs echoed through the silence. "Footsteps!, someone is coming, l don't sense any ill intentions.. yet and it is clear that this person is coming this way". Three slow deliberate knocks echoed through the room. The door squeaked open as the unknown entered. A figure loomed in the doorway. Thane stood up. "Long time since l have seen you, Sorin".
The figure stepped fully into the room, tears streamed down her cheeks as she gazed at Thane with a mix of shock and sorrow. Thane's eyes widened "Lana".
"My parents left me the day l was born. I was told that l came from a poor family and my parents could not manage to make ends meet to feed three mouths, so they abandoned me. I spent half my life in the hands of the orphanage, and then Gorin took me in . He considered me as family because he knew my parents". "If you don't eat your vegetables l will beat you to a pulp". "Gorin is funny, he always makes me smile instead of just threatening me to eat my vegetables. " But he would actually beat me if l mess around with his equipment, his a blacksmith, he gets cool when his swinging his heavy hammer around".
"Hey Sorin". Gorin exclaimed, " What", Sorin replied. "If you can lift that hammer l will start teaching you how to forge", Gorin said. "Really, you will teach me how to forge powerful weapons like the ones you make", Gorin burst in laughter. " In your dreams kid, l will first teach you how to forge gardening tools otherwise you will end up ripping your arms". "It doesn't matter let's start now". Sorin replied with great enthusiasm. Sorin ran to get iron. " Ok slow down or you get hurt, don't forget to turn on the furnace".
" You're starting to get good at this Sorin keep it up, soon you won't need my guidance to forge simple tools like rakes and hoes", Gorin speaking. "L'm starting to get good at this, l will be making weapons soon". Sorin replied. " This kid, he got all the basics in just one year and is starting to make small daggers on his own, if there where schools in this village he would have been top of the class", Gorin thought. "What about if l teach you how to craft weapons tomorrow", Gorin spoke. "What really, you will", Sorin jumps with excitement. "Yes kid, l will". "Oooh yeah l'm going to be a master craftsman", Sorin was hyped while removing his protective glasses. " To celebrate let's heard over to Anna's lnn, l heard she got hot cocoa this year", Gorin said while smiling. " Ok then let's not waste time let's go, come on", in a rush Sorin pulling Gorin".