Issac looked at his traveling party and smirked. His voice calm and reassuring as he brushed a lock of silver hair from his face.

“Well, now that Xanther is no longer a threat, I can teleport us somewhere safe for the night,”

The moonlight glinted off his intricate robes, embroidered with ancient runes that seemed to pulse with a faint, magical glow.

Raziel frowned, his brow furrowing in skepticism. “Teleport?” he echoed, his deep voice tinged with doubt. His dark eyes, usually so fierce, now held a glimmer of uncertainty.

Issac chuckled softly, a hint of amusement in his eyes. “Yes, teleport. It’s safe, and the destination is secure. It will be about ten miles east of here. We need to get far enough away to avoid any more powerful beings who might come looking for trouble.”

Raziel sighed, the weight of exhaustion evident in his posture. His dark, battle-worn clothes seemed to sag with him, the once perfect threads now had tears and holes in them. “Fine, I suppose we can do that.”

Elrian, his purple eyes sparkling mischief. His long, black dreaded hair cascaded over his shoulders. “Raziel needs rest and food. Using that weapon of his is exhausting.”

Issac nodded, his expression understanding. “Fair enough. I’ll come with you for now.”

With a wave of his hand, Issac began to chant an incantation, the air around them shimmering with arcane energy.

The ground beneath their feet glowed with intricate runes, and a soft, blue light enveloped the group. The sensation was like being wrapped in a warm blanket, and in an instant, they were transported to a quaint inn nestled in a peaceful village, the transition so smooth it felt like stepping through a doorway.

The four of them looked around and felt an air of relief. A moment of reprieve.

The innkeeper, a plump woman with rosy cheeks and a welcoming smile, greeted them warmly as they checked in. The inn’s interior was cozy, with wooden beams and a roaring fireplace that cast a comforting glow.

The scent of freshly baked bread and roasting meat filled the air, making their stomachs rumble in anticipation.

After securing their rooms, they made their way to the tavern, the sound of cheerful chatter and clinking glasses welcoming them.

The tavern was bustling with life, patrons laughing and sharing stories of their own adventures. The walls were adorned with tapestries depicting legendary battles and mythical creatures, adding to the enchanting atmosphere.

They settled at a corner table, the flickering candlelight casting a warm glow on their tired faces.

As they waited for their meals, Raziel leaned back in his chair, a smile tugging at his lips. “I suppose this isn’t so bad after all. It is better than picking mushrooms.” he admitted, his voice softer now.

Elrian laughed softly, patting Raziel on the shoulder. “Rest up, my friend. We have a long journey ahead, but for now, let’s enjoy this moment of peace.”

Raziel suddenly remembered, “Venus, you never told me why my bow led me to you.”

Her expression darkened, her sapphire eyes narrowing slightly. “I was hoping you would have forgotten,” she replied, her voice tinged with a mix of regret and reluctance.

Raziel eyed her with curiosity, his gaze unwavering. “I haven’t. It’s been on my mind ever since.”

Venus sighed, her red hair cascading over her shoulders like a fiery waterfall.

She glanced around the room, ensuring they were not overheard. “Can we discuss this at another time, with better company?” she asked, shooting Issac a hard glare.

Issac only smirked, leaning over the table toward Raziel. “She does not like me, boy. We have a lot of history, and it isn’t good,” he said, his tone light but his eyes betraying a hint of old wounds.

Raziel’s curiosity only deepened. “What kind of history?”

Venus crossed her arms, her blue and white robes rustling softly. “The kind that’s best left in the past,” she said sharply. “Issac and I… we’ve had our differences. Let’s just say our paths crossed in ways that were less than pleasant.”

Issac chuckled, though there was no humor in it. “That’s putting it mildly.”

Raziel looked between them, sensing the tension but deciding not to press further. “Alright, we’ll leave it for now. But I do want to know Venus. When the time is right.”

Venus nodded, her expression softening slightly. “When the time is right,” she agreed. “For now, let’s focus on getting some rest and preparing for what’s to come.”

The group fell into a contemplative silence, the flickering candlelight casting long shadows on the walls.

The air was thick with unspoken words and unresolved tensions, but for the moment, they found solace in each other’s company.

Raziel feeling comfortable in his present company decided to take out his map. “Father what do you make of this?”

Issac furrowed his brows. “What do I make of what?”

Raziel wrinkled his nose. “Of this map?”

“What map? Has the days battles gotten to you boy?” Issac looked at his son with concern.

Raziel frowned. “No map I suppose.” He put it back into his satchel.

Venus smirked but said nothing. Elrian just quietly observed.

Their meals arrived, hearty plates of stew, bread, and cheese, accompanied by mugs of ale. The warmth of the food and drink seeped into their bones, easing the tension of the day’s battles.

They ate in companionable silence, each lost in their thoughts but comforted by the presence of friends.

As the night wore on, the tavern’s lively atmosphere began to quiet down, and the party retired to their rooms.

Raziel, Elrian, and Issac each found solace in the soft beds and the promise of a peaceful night’s sleep, knowing that tomorrow would bring new challenges, but for now, they were safe.