Inconvenience in the tavern
After looking at her and nodding, I went through the portal, remembering that you can not stand for a long time next to the arch, I stepped aside, followed by Keirin. The portal through which we entered again stopped working. Looking around, we found ourselves in some kind of cathedral, where there were chairs and directed to the center. Not understanding what they were for, I started looking for someone to find out where the nearest inn was.
After going around the buildings inside, we found no one and went outside, the cathedral was on a hill in front of the city, you could see the magic lights that illuminated the road to the city. Heading along the road, we listened to various sounds of animals and insects living near the city.
Approaching the gate, we saw that two guards were standing next to them, one had a simple torch in his hands, coming closer to them, I saw that they did not take their eyes off us, one of them was an elderly man, there was a deep scar across the floor of his face that went up to a short gray beard, the second guard was also there a man and as I noticed he was young, short hair and did not take his eyes off Keirin.
- Wait, who's coming? The wary voice of an elderly guard was heard.
Stopping in front of them, I saw a young guard start to grab his sword, but an elderly one stopped him.
- I am a stufon of the academy, arrived on assignment to escort a caravan going to Midgen. - I said in a calm voice, addressing the elderly guard.
An elderly guard came closer and looking at us asked to provide him with a paper, taking out a piece of paper with a task, I handed it to him after running through it with my eyes and whispering something to himself, he returned it to me.
- Why did you arrive at night? - The guard asked, relaxing after checking the task sheet.
Realizing that it was better to arrive in the afternoon, but I decided not to wait for the morning and arrive as early as possible.
- I wanted to see the city, I didn't get out of the kingdom before entering the academy. - By telling a lie, I tried to speak as convincingly as possible.
The guard nodded understandingly and ordered the young man to open the gate for us, we heard the gate open and we could see the city street.
- Tell me where you can stay? - I asked.
The guard grunted knowingly and took out a piece of paper from his breastplate and handed it to me. Most likely, many who arrived in the city were interested in where they could stay.
- There is an inn marked here, of course not a bedroom in your academy, but what are you rich in. - Explaining, the guard said observing my misunderstanding.
Thanking him, Keirin and I went through the gate and headed towards the tavern through the deserted streets of the city, it was possible to notice that the city was not particularly rich, there were a lot of wooden houses, as well as the road was a rolled earth. Keirin, seeing my expression, laughed merrily.
- Is this the first time you've been to the border town of Trey? - Keirin asked in a cheerful voice.
Unlike me, she traveled for a long time and her princess habits disappeared and for her what I saw was not so terrible.
- He may not be rich, but those who live in him love him show them respect, remove your arrogant look. - Keirin said with a smile.
Sighing, she was right, the residents are not to blame for the fact that the city is far from useful places for trade and the kingdom in which it is located.
Following the instructions in the piece of paper that the guard gave us, we approached a two-story building, lights were on in some rooms, but it was clear that it was not from magic lamps, coming to the door, a strange unpleasant smell hit me in the nose.
Not understanding what kind of smell it was, I tried to figure out where it was coming from, deciding to open the door, I heard it creak. Entering with Keirin inside, I saw a large room with tables in one part and representatives of different races sitting behind them, they were discussing and laughing while drinking something from large mugs, the room was immersed in semi-darkness listening to voices, I realized that they were having fun, in the other part there was a table at which a light elf sat with a bored look.
- Good night, we would like to stay for one night. - Keirin turned to the elf.
The elf, hearing her voice, silently took out a piece of paper from under the table and put it in front of Keirin.
- Two rooms please on the same floor. - Said Keirin looking at the elf.
Keirin didn't care about the cost of the overnight stay, she knew that Trey had gold in excess with him.
- No, there is only one room with one bed will you rent? - The elf asked emotionlessly.
It seemed to me that my ears were playing a cruel joke on me, Keirin had a similar look of disbelief.
- How can there be no free rooms? - Keirin asked uncomprehendingly.
The elf looked at Keirin with a tired look.
- The whole caravan moved in with us and only one room remained of the rooms. - The elf replied.
Keirin shifted her gaze to me, and I noticed how her cheeks were starting to turn red.
- Yes, we rent this room. - I said, taking out a gold coin and putting it on the table.
The elf turned her emotionless gaze to the table expecting to see silver coins and copper coins there, but instead there was a gold coin. The elf only saw a gold coin once, not believing her eyes, she touched the coin with trembling hands, running her fingers over it, I could see how she checks the coin with magic. After making sure that the coin was real, she looked at me incredulously.
- I won't give you any change, young master. - The Elf stammered without looking into my eyes.
Not understanding the strange reaction of the elf, I turned my gaze to Keirin, who was looking from the gold coin to me and back again.
- Trey, in such cities it is customary to pay with silver coins. - Keirin said, puzzled.
I began to understand the elf's behavior and couldn't help but shake my head, why did Keirin miss it and didn't tell me?
- Keep it for yourself, you don't need change. - I said in a calm voice, smiling at the elf.
I saw how the elf looked at me, then at the coin lying in her hand, it seemed to her that the coin was pulling her to the ground.
- As you say, sir, my name is Li'oy, here is your key to the room. - The elf thanked me, handing me the key to the room with trembling hands.
Watching her thank me, I saw that it was not a hoax, it was really from the heart gratitude. After accepting the key, I noticed a small plaque attached to it after looking at it, there was a floor designation and a room number.
Thanking the elf, we went upstairs, stepping up the stairs under our steps, we could hear the creaking of wood, climbing to the second floor, we got into the twilight near some of the walls hung magic lanterns.
Inserting the key into the lock and slowly opening it, the familiar creak of the door was heard, going inside we found ourselves in a small room with a magic lamp turned on, there was only one bed with a nightstand in the room, feeling the same smell as downstairs, I assumed that the smell was rising from below.
- And how are we going to sleep Trey? - Keirin asked without taking her eyes off the bed.
Looking at her, I saw how she was embarrassed, her behavior amused me.
- Together Keirin, do you want to sleep near the wall or not? - I asked her.
Sitting down on the bed, I felt how hard it was, the bed was next to the window and you could see the night street where no one walked.
- You'll sleep next to the wall. - Keirin answered, trying to look calm as she locked the door.
Nodding to her, taking off my shoes and lying down facing the wall, I didn't have any thoughts about Keirin, I felt her carefully lie down on the bed. And then I felt her arms around me, as she buried her head in my shoulders.
- Don't turn around, Trey, let's sleep like this. - Trying to hide her nervousness, Keirin said.
Listening to her breathing and pleasant smell, I could not refuse her little request.
- Okay, good night Keirin. - I said, closing my eyes.
Feeling her relax and slowly begin to fall asleep, she snuggled closer to Trey.