The World of Rhune

Robin stroked Pan’s neck while watching Niko finish brushing down Janie. She sat on the stall’s door, “Thank you again, Niko.” Niko glanced up from Janie, “Of course. You are my best friend, Sarah.” Robin smiled at him and jumped off the stall just as Niko finished. “Well I am starving,” he declared, stepping out of the stall. “Well let’s go see how this inn is,” Robin answered, leading the way out of the stables.

The inn’s food turned out to be quite good, well at least better than a piece of fruit and some bread. They were served pork chops and rice with some mead, though Robin drank only water. It was dark by the time they finished catching up with each other. They headed upstairs, where Niko paused awkwardly at the door. “I didn’t really think about it. If you want another room I…” Robin stopped him, “Oh, please, Niko. We’re practically brother and sister. It’s okay.” Robin opened the door and stepped in before Niko could say anything. “Sorry, Sarah,” He said following her into the small room. “You shouldn’t be. It was nice, just unnecessary. I mean, we slept in wagons in the caravan together, I don’t think a room is any different.” “Yeah, of course. Just been awhile, I guess,” He replied.

Robin started to unroll her blanket on the floor. “Okay, well at least take the bed,” Niko complained, “Honestly, you’d think I have no manners.” Robin laughed, “Most of us don’t. But I’ll oblige you.” Robin finished rolling out the blankets and then moved to the bed. Niko put his pack down and went to the blankets. He started to close his eyes, but Robin threw a pillow in his face. “Honestly, Niko,” was all she said. Niko smiled but said nothing. Robin blew out the candle in the lantern, and climbed into the bed.

Robin was nearly asleep when Niko said, “Sarah?” “Shut up, Niko. I’m asleep,” Robin mumbled into her pillow. “So you’re awake,” Robin could hear the smile in his voice. “No. I just like to have conversations in my sleep,” Robin said and threw her other pillow at him. She heard Niko startle as it him, it was a moment before he replied. “Will you ever go back home?” Niko asked. Robin rolled over, “Maybe, but not yet. I feel like there is something I have to do first.” “Okay,” Niko said and then was quite. “Hey, Niko?” Robin said. “Yeah, Sarah,” He replied. “Can I have my pillow back?”