"That's good. Thank you. I was worried for a second there....."

"Why? What's in there??"

"Er...Nothing much...just...." Espy trailed off into a mumble. "It would have been bad if Cronis had gotten his hands on more fire talismans, especially after what happened to the farmland...."

"Well, if that were to happen, I'd just use my magic to counter his."

"Ah. Okay." Espy nodded, clearly distracted by past memories. I'm sure those were mine he used....

"Hello?? Is there something I should know??"

"Nope, none at all," Espy replied with a forced grin. "I...should get going..." She stood up and walked over to the door.

Gabe gets up to stop her.
"Hey, wait! It's getting lat, so shouldn't you wait until morning?"

"I haven't paid Rem to stay another night, and, besides, I've been sleeping on the run the past several days."

Espy paused and then hastily corrected herself. "I meant to say 'on the road'..."

"Well, you can have my room if you want. I find it a little hard to sleep alone, anyway."

"No, it's fine. I shouldn't bother you any longer..."
With that, Espy slipped out the door and flew out of sight.

Awwww, I was hoping she'd stay and keep me company.... she thought, sighing

Storm peeked into the Inn.

"Uhm....is the Innkeeper around...?" Peering around and seeing no one around, except for a lady clad in white, he stuttered, a bit red, "Er...well, I guess not...I'll get going then. Sorry."

"Sorry. Rem went to bed already."

"Ah, ok. Oh! Am I allowed to just sleep on the rafters? I can manage...Do you think Rem will be okay if I pay him with what I have?" Storm asked, his long blue hair suddenly gleaming orange as he stepping into the Inn, eager to get out of the cold. He dumped out what few coins he had in his bag.

"I don't see why not." Hmmmmmm, there's something odd about him....