Sweet Sleep

Continuing his journey with his new friend, Nathan arrived at Glimmerforge shortly before sunset.

As he approached the city gates, he couldn't help but notice the two guards he had seen when he first entered the city.

One of the guards, recognizing him, exclaimed in surprise, "It's you! You're the young man who arrived with those wine merchants, right? Do you know your friend... um, what was his name? Ah, yes, Lucas. He was searching for you in the mines, and he specifically asked us to tell you to meet him at the inn."

The second guard, equally astonished, chimed in, "But how did you survive? And what's the story with that creature?"

Nathan pondered for a moment, thinking, "I probably shouldn't mention that Cosmo was in the mines devouring their ores. That might not go over well."

With an affable grin and a sheepish rub of his hand against the back of his head, Nathan replied, "Oh, well, I stumbled upon a hidden tunnel through a crack in the cavern that led to the forest behind us. And as for this little guy,"

he added as he gently caressed Cosmo's head, "he got hurt in the forest, so I helped him heal, and he's been following me ever since. Don't worry, he's harmless."

The second guard, though still a bit skeptical about the monkey, decided to let the matter rest and said.

"Alright, then. You should head over to see your friends, especially the older one. He looked like he was ready to wring Lucas's neck when we last saw him."

Nathan chuckled, thanked the guards, and waved them goodbye as he entered the city.

Entering the bustling city, Nathan spoke to Cosmo, "Hey, Cosmo, you're in for a treat. The city is going to be quite a sight, and I can't wait for you to meet my closest friends and family."

In response, Cosmo expressed his excitement with a series of joyful "ki ki" sounds. As they strolled through the city streets, the monkey gazed upward, captivated by the intricate, tinkering ceiling that resembled a starry night sky.

Amused by Cosmo's fascination, Nathan chuckled and said, "It's a lot to take in, isn't it? But first things first, let's get you something to eat. You must be hungry."

They made their way to the inn, a place familiar to Nathan. However, upon reaching the inn's door, He heard the voices of Liam and Winston engaged in conversation.

Eager to know what was being discussed, Nathan carefully pushed the door ajar, allowing him to eavesdrop on their conversation.

Liam sat at a table in the inn, a piece of cloth in his hands, tears streaming down his face. He muttered in a choked voice, "Oh, what should I do? What if I had never left him there?"

Winston, visibly frustrated, shot back, "First of all, stop crying! You're causing a scene. And don't be too hasty. Nathan's a resourceful lad. I doubt he's just waiting around to meet his doom."

Liam, still weeping, continued, "But what if he gets lost? If something happens to him, I'll be executed by the king, and I'm still unmarried!" He then shouted, "Please, Nathan, come back soon!"

Nathan, who had been eavesdropping outside, couldn't hold back a chuckle as he pushed the door open and entered with a stoic expression. He said, "Well, I'm back. Did you miss me?"

At the sight of Nathan, Liam jumped to his feet and practically lunged at him, wrapping his arms around him in a bear hug.

He buried his face in Nathan's chest and exclaimed, "Waah, Nathan, my life, you're back!"

Nathan, trying to push Liam away, retorted, "Hey, step back! You're smearing snot all over me."

Winston, relieved to see Nathan safe and sound, discreetly wiped away a tear that had welled up in his eye.

Nathan, with a playful grin, teased, "Are you crying, Winston?"

Winston, regaining his composure, responded, "No, I'm not crying. I'm just relieved that you're safe."

He then turned around and asked with a composed expression, "But what's that on your shoulder?"

Nathan carefully lifted Cosmo off his shoulder and held him in his hands.

He explained, "This is my new friend. I found him in the forest, and I'm not sure of his species, but I call him 'Cosmo.'"

Winston examined the monkey closely, intrigued by its unique appearance.

He commented, "Hmm, this creature...I've never seen anything like it. It's possible that it's a rare species or one that rarely comes into contact with humans."

Nathan carefully placed Cosmo on the table, allowing both Liam and Winston to examine the unique creature up close.

Liam, his tears now replaced with excitement, leaned in closer to Cosmo.

He reached out a piece of bread from the table, twirled it above Cosmo's head, and said, "Where did you find this little guy? It's like nothing I've ever seen before." While Cosmo  playfully tries to catch the bread.

Nathan, concerned for Cosmo's safety, suggested, "I think we should go to our room to talk about this. He could be in danger here."

Following Nathan's lead, Winston and Liam followed him to his room.

Inside, Nathan recounted his journey into the cavern and how he had discovered Cosmo underground while searching for a way out.

He described their escape from the underground and detailed their battle with the Bloodmoon wolves, emphasizing Cosmo's remarkable power and intelligence.

Winston chimed in, "It's indeed an extraordinary encounter. Prince, I believe you should consult your father, King Rodrick. He had a profound interest in monsters during his younger years and possesses knowledge akin to that of a scholar. This creature might hold great importance."

Cosmo, seemingly understanding the conversation, let out a series of "ki ki" sounds, as if he were participating in the discussion.

Nathan smiled at his new friend and gently patted him. "Don't worry, Cosmo. You're in good company here."

Winston, as he stepped out of the room and stood at the door, remarked, "Well, it ends here for now, Prince. You should rest. We will depart for our kingdom." He then left the room, taking Liam with him.

As the evening sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in warm hues of orange and purple, Nathan found himself in the comfort of his room.

He lay in his bed with Cosmo nestled beside him.

The events of the day had left him feeling both exhausted and exhilarated.

Cosmo, now in his smaller and more relaxed form, curled up next to Nathan.

The room was filled with a soft, gentle energy that seemed to radiate from the unique creature.

Nathan couldn't help but marvel at the bond that had quickly formed between them.

With a contented smile on his face, Nathan drifted into a peaceful slumber.

The day's adventures and the battles he'd faced seemed like distant memories in the warmth of the moment.