Handing The Tavern Over

"The second door on my left is an empty quarter. The one in front is a bathroom. Go," stated Layla, refusing to look at Matt.

The bunny said his thanks and went off to the room as Layla let out a sigh of relief. As she heard the door lock, the Dragoon went back to the fireplace and sat down in front of it, looking at the flames dancing about.

Since they were half-dragons, the race of Dragoons didn't need to sleep to regain power. Particularly for Layla, quietness was enough for her to replenish her Elemental Energy levels.

After a few Chimes had passed, Layla stood up from her place, walked towards the shelf, and took out the books on the middle shelf. The Dragoon stuck her arm in and pushed the loose wooden backing of the shelf, revealing it to be a door that dropped horizontally.

She then stuck her hand into the compartment to fish out a sword without its blade. Its guard was gold with curved ends pointing downwards while its handle was dark brown and the pommel was a solid red sphere. 

The Dragoon gingerly examined the artifact as she turned around, wondering if it was a good idea to take it from her brother's arsenal. She then shoved that idea away and went over to her room to begin packing.

Meanwhile, the male Loplin had managed to calm himself down and was lying on a nice, comfy bed with a woolen blanket over his body. The poor rabbit hadn't brought a change of clothes, so he had no choice but to lay in the bed with nothing but his tank top and boxers. 

"I pray that this Tavern doesn't have any extra pillows," said the bunny man.

Matt pondered about the night's events and how quick it was for him to have a partner for the journey. His eyes widened as he looked around the room, old wooden boards everywhere with only a shelf and a nightstand.

Why was he so trusting of this young lady? Moreover, she wasn't a skilled combatant… Wouldn't it be much easier to recruit or team up with someone else with more experience?

Was it because she had some kind of charm? Or it's because he had already spent days looking for someone to help…

Matt turned to his side, trying to fall asleep as he thought back to his past, eventually drifting off to sleep.

Dawn soon broke and Matt woke up to find that Layla had gone. Finding himself alone in the living room without food, Matt did the only thing sensible for a person to do at the time. He went back to sleep.

Meanwhile, the Tavern was closed for the day so Layla was doing some stock takes and adjustments to the inventory. Before she could attempt to count the kegs, Raiyen burst into the area. 

"What's gotten you so riled up to destroy my front doors? You are fixing that for me," complained Layla as she placed her hands on her waist. 

The male Dragoon rushed towards Layla and cupped her cheeks, shocking the poor girl. 

"I heard from the neighbors that you were in a fight. With a mystery man? And that you had to fly towards the forest area to finish him off?! Are you hurt? I won't forgive that thing if it manages to hurt you…" exclaimed Raiyen, scanning the female for any signs of wounds. 

"I'm fine… You sound as if I don't know how to fend for myself…" grumbled Layla, pushing Raiyen away. 

"I know you can fend for yourself, I'm just worried because you haven't fought against many opponents before. Anyways, how long are you going to shut your doors? So I would know how to plan my upcoming days…" asked Raiyen, ruffling the poor girl's hair. 

"Maybe forever… I'm tired of this mundane life and I want to go and explore the world… maybe I could find my twin again or have some romantic flings," answered Layla, turning her back away from her most trusted employee. 

"I see… So, I have to find another job then…"

"You don't sound surprised? I thought you'd bring up a thousand reasons why my plan would be terrible and -"

"There's no point changing a person's mind once their hearts are set on it. All I ask is for you to remain alive for as much as possible. And to experience as much of the world as you can."

"I can't because I have a girlfriend and a landlord to pay. But for you, I'd say go chase that dream."

Layla was dumbfounded… Raiyen had been her loyal worker from the very beginning of the Mystic Tales Tavern. And he always had a history of not being very supportive of change.