The sky is cloudless and bright, the sun warms everything it touches. The air itself smells like grass and ripe fruit, and the birds are chirping loudly, trying to speak even louder than each other. The inn stands in a small clearing, surrounded by a lush green forest. From the windows on the ground floor, you can see the courtyard with an ancient oak tree growing in the center.

The sunlight seeped through the green stained-glass window, illuminating the common room in emerald glow. The wooden floor was dusted and the tables were cleaned and washed, the bar counter polished to a soft warm shine. The soft scent of fresh herbs and tea made the air feel slightly lighter.

It was still before the inn opened, and there was no noise except the faint sound of birds outside the open window, as Miles was in the kitchen preparing for the day.