Author's Note: I have no explanation for these events, but no apologies, either. Enjoy!

Reshi being out meant that it was guaranteed to be a fun day. Of course Bast had to see about everyday business at the inn, but that left him plenty of time to himself. While Reshi did not often forbid Bast to do things, he tended to adopt a certain expression of resigned disappointment that made it near impossible to misbehave sometimes. It was a lot easier for Bast to entertain himself when he was not in danger of running into that look.

Fortunately, Bast was actually in the front instead of causing trouble when someone came in. It was a surprise, certainly—mostly because Bast did not recognize him. Strangers were a rarity in this tiny place. And even if strangers did appear, they were definitely not Adem.

There was no mistaking that blood-red clothing, though, or the way the man's gaze swept the room and then rested naturally at a downward angle. Bast had been hoping for something to amuse him, and here he was. The Fae sauntered directly into the man's path and put his hands on his hips, grinning widely. "Hello, good sir!" he greeted enthusiastically, voice lilting. He adopted a drawling provincial accent for the occasion. "What can I do for you this fine morning?"

The Adem continued to stare blankly at Bast's midriff, unfazed. His hand moved slightly, but not in one of the few gestures Bast would recognize. "Good morning," he returned politely.

"Isn't it?" Bast clapped him on the shoulder and steered him to the bar. "Have a seat! What can I do for you?" He danced around behind the bar as soon as the Adem was seated. He had begged and begged and begged until Reshi had taught him a single rude Adem gesture, and he made sure to slip it into his movements as he tossed a rag aside and leaned against the bar. The other man's expression flickered, and Bast's toothy smile broadened. One point. "Maybe some breakfast? Got some left over from earlier."

The smallest of muscles pulled in the man's arm; he was making gestures again, even with his hands behind the bar. "No, thank you."

"I insist!" Bast spun about and grabbed half a loaf of bread. He hummed obnoxiously as he sliced it up and put honey on a few slices. He made sure to burst into heartfelt song just as he turned around with a filled plate. The Adem stared at the bar as if he hoped it would rise up and knock Bast unconscious. Bast finished with a ridiculously long note and dropped the plate in front of the other man. "There you go—eat up!"

The Adem just inhaled and exhaled with a little too much control.

Bast leaned against the bar again, grinning smugly. "What brings you to these parts?"

"Looking for someone."

"Ooh, really? We don't get a lot of Adem out here," Bast drawled. "Who're you looking for?"

The Adem paused, possibly considering. "Kvothe."

Bast stopped, breath hanging in his throat. He lowered himself slightly, shoulders at sharp, predatory angles. "Who?" he asked, and his overbearing, countryside manner was gone. His voice was low and dark and smooth.

The Adem's eyes snapped up to assess him and his change in nature before answering again. "Kvothe."

Bast slid back around the bar and behind the man, leaning against his shoulder amiably and baring a sharp-toothed smile. "So sorry, but you won't find anyone around here who knows that name. Since you gave me a useless name, maybe you can give me a solid one next…like yours."

The Adem spun away from Bast's weight and stood in one smooth motion. He took a moment to gauge whether he would suffer any other attacks—and another moment to stare at Bast's feet. Only then did he speak. "I am Tempi."

Bast cocked his head to the side—but it was hard enough for a mortal to lie to him, much less about his own name. The Tempi had honestly found his way into the inn. Bast's shoulders fell back and his chin tilted up as he laughed delightedly. "So you are! Tempi—sit back down." Bast followed his own advice, hopping gracefully onto a stool. "He is here, by which I mean this place is his. He should be back soon."

"Not surprised," Tempi noted as he perched on the barstool he had recently abandoned.

Bast smirked. "Not even a little?"

Tempi turned one hand over in what could have been a shrug. "Kvothe and the Fae," he replied disinterestedly, as if that explained everything.

Well, he was certainly sharper than your average farmhand. Bast grinned. "I think you're going to be very fun to have around." He brightened. "Why not start now? I know you have some tales of Reshi when he was a misbehaving young man."

"I will wait until he returns," Tempi answered patiently.

Bast sighed melodramatically as he kicked up his legs and propped his hooves on the nearest table. "I was wrong. You are not entertaining at all."

"You are the innkeeper," Tempi pointed out. "You are supposed to entertain." His face was blank and Bast couldn't read gestures, but the Adem's voice was decidedly amused.

Bast scoffed with a muttered comment about uppity mortals and made sure to include the Adem insult in his general movements. Tempi was boring in that he did not respond.

Fortunately, Bast did not have to wait for long; Reshi returned. Bast bounded out the door and slumped against the side of the inn. "What took you so long?" he demanded.

A hint of a smile appeared. "Have you been studying?" Reshi asked.

"Well, I would have been," Bast began, and Reshi pinched the bridge of his nose and looked trapped between laughing and sighing. "But someone actually came by."

"Did you see to them?"

Bast spread his hands noncommittally and began strolling back inside.

This time, Reshi did sigh. "Bast, it is our business, and it is not that hard. I know you have it in you to take five minutes out of your day to—" He stopped halfway through the door, weary inkeep's countenance brightening until it was almost gone.

Tempi rose, hands already moving enthusiastically. "Kvothe."

Reshi was completely still for a moment before taking two long steps and gripping the Adem by his shoulders. "Tempi!" he said, and it came out half-choked but joyful. Tempi laughed and ruffled Reshi's hair, and then they were both signing and talking animatedly. Bast just sat back and smiled complacently at them. The locals would not have noticed, but Reshi was standing just a little bit taller; his smile was less purposeful than usual, and his voice had a livelier cadence. He was more the man he had been.

That decided it. Tempi was staying around as long as Bast could make him.