"Edwinn! Edwinn!" The rushed man's voice broke the silence of the early morning. All of the customers had either left or retired to their rooms, leaving only the workers quiet shifting as they prepared for the new day.
Everyone looked up from their work as Edwinn hurried to meet the man. "What is it? Is it Milani?"
"Yes." He confirmed. "She just went into labor."
"Then let's hurry. Ginny, look over the place while I'm gone." Before anyone could answer, he was out the door and running down the street. Everyone turned their attention from the closed door to Ginny, who seemed unfazed by the sudden responsibility.
"Go about your regular business. That's all." She announced in a monotone voice, looking back down to the pages of her book. She slowly turned a page, her eyes scanning over the words as if searching for something mildly entertaining.
The workers dutifully continued with their work, but an air of uncertainty hung around many. Edwinn was the living, breathing heart of the Quester's Rest inn. How would they manage without him?
Pavo watched the day pass by. Despite Edwinn's absence, the inn ran smoothly. Ginny was surprisingly competent, even though she expressed no enthusiasm about doing so. Her indifferent demeanor concealed her quick-thinking mind and expert problem solving skills, and she easily kept up with her duties as a banker without issue.
However, Pavo noticed that the inn felt like it lacked something. Anyone who had ever been to the Quester's Rest before could feel it. The inn was missing its spark, the vibrant life that welcomed every person who walked in. The employees attempted to be extra cheery to lighten the mood, but it couldn't replace the missing vital ingredient. The normally comforting atmosphere, relaxing the travelers and workers from the stresses of daily life, seemed hollow and fake.
Edwinn didn't return for the next three days. Pavo heard the workers, and soon the customers, talking about him. They said that his wife had died while giving birth to their daughter, Erinn, and didn't want to leave his baby's side. On the third day, the employees were noticeably anxious and stressed. Ginny glanced up from her book more often, checking over the inn with a careful eye.
Finally, Edwinn returned, reviving the inn's fading flame. Everything resumed as if he had never left. The only way someone would ever know what happened was in the whisperings of the workers, or when Edwinn abruptly left at nightfall.
Pavo spent the next few years in a simple routine; go to the Quester's Rest just before the sun rose, leave for the well shortly after Edwinn, train physically and magically inside the well, and sleep. Her proficiency with portals greatly increased, and she was able to even reach her sense all the way to the Observatory. She would briefly search around for Aquila's presence before immediately pulling away, afraid of sharpening her yearning and loneliness. Since she couldn't speak with the humans, she often stayed out a few minutes at night, when the Guardian of Stornway would be back at the Observatory. A few stray cats or dogs would come out, and she would talk and spend time with them. Of course, they couldn't speak back, but it was the only time when she could speak with another living being. The cats often reminded her of Jaturou, and she would have to force down the rising feeling of longing.
When Erinn became old enough to walk, Edwinn started to bring her to the inn with him. Erinn was exactly like her father; she knew how to keep customers happy, and even showed incredible judgment on matters concerning the inn for her age. She checked all of the customers' tables, making sure everyone was having a good stay. If she found someone that was having a less than enjoyable time, her childishly sweet efforts to make them happy always brought a smile.
One day, a lone traveler entered the Quester's Rest. She was a young woman in her mid-teens, calmly casting her gaze around the inn. She wore a long dress with a bodice, which emphasized her generous bust. Her boots, though high-heeled, showed scuff marks and worn laces from countless steps taken on her journey.
Erinn, only four years old, quickly strode up to the newcomer. "Welcome to the Quester's Rest, miss." She leaned into a small, practiced curtsey.
The woman kneeled down to Erinn's height. "Well, aren't you just the sweetest thing. My name's Patty. What's yours?"
"I'm Erinn. You're really pretty Miss Patty." Erinn said, looking up at her.
Patty chuckled. "Why thank you, sugar. But you can just call me Patty, okay?"
"Okay!"
"Now, who's the manager of this inn?" Patty asked.
Erin happily pointed to Edwinn, who was currently conversing with two armored men at a center table. "My daddy is."
Patty stood up. "Thank you, sweetie. Now, I'm going to go talk with your daddy. You can come talk to me anytime you want."
"Okay, I will." With that, Erinn left to greet another new customer who had entered. Patty walked over to Edwinn, who just finished his conversation and was checking the other tables.
"Excuse me."
Edwinn turned around, a cheerful smile on his face. "Hello! Do you need something?"
"That little sweetheart over there," Patty looked back at Erinn, "Said you were the manager here."
"Oh, I should have introduced myself. My name is Edwinn, and yes, I am the manager. I see you've already meet my daughter."
Patty nodded. "You have a nice place here. I've never been to an inn this…welcoming before."
"I'm glad you like it. We all work hard here to do the best we can. And if I may say so, you don't really talk like most people your age." He stated.
Patty grinned. "Maybe not here, but it's pretty common back home."
"If they're all as nice as you, then it must be a great place." He complimented.
She waved her hand, as if to dismiss it, but her grin never left. "You really know how to sweet talk a lady, Edwinn. No wonder Erinn over there is so polite."
"Yes, everyone says she takes after my personality and her mother's looks." He paused for a moment, his eyes dimming. Then, just as suddenly, he perked up again. "Anyway, did you want to ask me something?"
"Oh, yes, I almost forgot. You see, I've been traveling for a while now, but I decided that I needed to take a break for a while. I need a job, and I was wondering if you had any use for a Party Planner."
"Party Planner?" he questioned.
"Yes. Basically, I can help travelers who want another person to travel with. I will keep track of the guest list and help them find a person. It's always more fun to travel with a friend, right? You can give me other jobs too, if you like." She explained.
Edwinn pondered for a moment, and then shrugged. "Sounds good to me, the more the merrier. Welcome aboard!"
I hope you enjoyed and please review!
