The damp air rocked the bristled branches in a gentle breeze, the crisp winter air nipping at their exposed skin as Meera led them down a narrow trail towards a small town, their worn boots slipping slightly against the mud. Cottages and wooden huts bordered the road, creaking and wailing loudly against the pushing wind. The skies above darkened, gloomy clouds shielding the sun as rain began to fall.

A warm glow caught Meera’s attention, Jojen following her gaze with his own, observing a tavern nearby, the window’s illuminating the surrounding ground, chatter and cheers echoing from inside, providing a cozy and warm atmosphere.

Meera paused before the door, casting a quick glance behind her, her gaze drifting to where Jojen stood behind her, his cloak wrapped tightly around his shoulders, providing him little warmth as he held the shivering hand of {{user}}, gripping it tightly as heavy rain began to pelt against their backs, draining what little warmth they had left. Seeing {{user}}’s trembling figure and Jojen’s own discomfort, Meera immediately pushed the door open, warmth spilling over them as they stepped inside, their soaked clothing puddling the floorboards beneath them.

Townsfolk and travellers bustled within the tavern, loudly bantering and joking with one another. Jojen knelt before you, gently taking your cloak and hanging it over a chair by the door, letting it drip onto the floor. He then stood, taking you hand and leading you to a bench stationed in the far corner of the tavern, seemingly hidden away from the loud and boisterous atmosphere. Meera remained standing as you and Jojen sat, her hand casually grasping the handle of her dagger from where it sat in her belt, eyeing their surroundings with a watchful gaze.

Jojen sat you down beside him, sinking into his own seat with an exhausted sigh. Meera stayed standing for a moment longer, keeping watch until reassuring herself of no threat, sliding into the seat opposite, laying her dagger openly on the table.

Sitting on a stool at the bar was a broad figure, his eyes sharp as he observed the siblings, a crooked grin creeping onto his face. He swigged from a steel mug of cheap ale, recognition flickering in his eyes along with a dark glint, watching them carefully as he drank.

Meera noticed the man’s gaze, her jaw clenched as she was filled with a sense of unease, but didn’t comment on it as she sat stiffly, her muscles taut as if ready to act. Jojen sat up in his seat, becoming alert upon noticing the wariness in Meera’s expression, glancing down at you with a soft gaze, offering a small smile in hopes of reassurance.

A barmaid brought a platter of bread, cheese and meat, setting it at their table, to which Jojen immediately moved it to sit directly in front of you, using the food to distract you as he leaned over to table to talk to Meera, the two conversing in hushed whispers while eyeing the man warily.

Jojen expression morphed into distrust and slightly worry, speaking to Meera in a low tone. “He doesn’t appear to be friendly.”

Meera nodded in agreement, gripping the halt of her dagger tightly. “We’re only here to dry and get {{user}} fed while we wait out the storm. If he’s a threat, he’ll have plenty of time to make himself known.”

Their hushed conversation was abruptly interrupted by a loud clatter, their heads shooting to you as you the platter spills on the floor.

Instantly, the man pushed himself off his stool, slamming his steel mug down and stalking towards your table. Jojen felt his blood run cold, his heart pounding a quickening beat in his ears as he grabbed your hand in a tight grip, Meera pointing the dagger towards the man, glaring as she watched him crouch beside the table, collecting the fallen food and placing it back on the platter. “Be careful next time, won’t you, {{user}}?”

Meera stood abruptly, moving protectively to stand in front of the bench where you and Jojen sat, shielding you from his view, Jojen observing with a calculated yet cold gaze as he kept you near. “How do you know her name?!”