"Why do we have to stay in such a hovel?" asked Frieren, looking around in disgust. This old, wooden hut with no furniture was well below the standards she was used to.
"It's because you spend our entire savings," said Heiter reproachfully, pointing at the huge package under her arm, "on that stupid dragon skull!"
But Frieren only frowned, unimpressed with the scolding.
"I said I didn't know we were on a budget. Himmel always had some secret savings."
Without giving her friends a second glance, the elf went to put her new treasure on an honorable spot above the fireplace.
"Don't worry about it," stated Himmel warmly, his head tilted to the side. "What is an adventure without some obstacles?"
Eisen slowly nodded, not entirely opposed to taking another break in their quest.
"We could use this opportunity to spend more time together," he said thoughtfully. "Maybe get to know each other better."
His approach seemed to cheer Heiter up. Any opportunity to drink with his comrades sounded appealing on so many levels. Humming under his breath, he was the first to prepare himself a sitting place and bring out the last bottle of booze. Himmel and Eisen soon joined in.
"I'll pass," said Frieren, taking out a sleeping bag. "I'm tired. See you all tomorrow."
While she snored with her back turned, the rest of the party drank, laughed, shared funny stories, and talked late into the night.
In the morning, Heiter and Eisen woke up early. To their surprise, Himmel wasn't up yet.
How odd.
Gathering his clothes from the ground, Heiter shouted,
"Himmel, come on! It's time to –"
He paused, feeling Eisen's fist prodding him on the arm. The priest turned to check out whatever the dwarf was staring at.
His brows went up when he saw Frieren laying across Himmel, fast asleep with her head against his shoulder. The hero's eyes were wide open and his finger over his mouth.
"Shh, I don't want to wake her." His gaze went back to Frieren, as he watched her sleeping form with affection. Under his breath, the man added, "Please let me stay like this just a little longer…"
Heiter sighed, giving his friend a knowing look. His expression was understanding, even though a little sad.
"Of course," the priest replied, placing a hand on Eisen's shoulder. "Come on, someone has to get a job."
As they were getting ready to leave, Himmel lied motionless, trying not to breath too deeply. All he could hear were shreds of conversations.
"Hurry up, man! The sooner we're done, the sooner we can visit the local inn."
"Wait with the drinking until noon, will you?"