Chapter 54.

What could the trio say ? Their minds and bodies were not capable of wondering and pondering about any kind of mystery. They had scars to get used to, and thoughts to forget. Not waiting one more second, they climbed those stairs in a hurry, found the last door to the left and entered without any more thinking. Seeing a large bed able to welcome more than three people, the humans rushed in, Nick locking the door behind while the two women let go of their backpacks and outer garments, collapsing on the mattress unceremoniously. He joined them in slumber a few seconds later.

…

They slept however long they needed and did not know what that amounted to, only feeling happiness beyond belief. Lightly stretching their bodies on this soft, comfortable surface that they all had dreamt about multiple times, they awoke. What time of the day or night was it ? As always, hard to say when no sky nor stars hanged over them, only a rocky ceiling. Nick had unconsciously followed the barmaid's advice, retracting his mind from the Nexus just before passing out on the bed. Though, he did not know if the others had done the same.

Looking around, he took in the view of this room. It was quite large considering the size of the inn, almost fifty square meters, with a smooth wooden floor, polished and engraved stone walls, and a fireplace. As if the owner knew someone was going to rent that bedroom, a fire had warmed the place while they slept. There were a few furniture : a large wardrobe, a dresser, a coffee table on a colourful carpet in the middle of the room, and a table with four chairs. The ceiling sported a candelabra with many lit candles.

Not wanting to wake the other two, the man tried to get out of bed stealthily and failed miserably. Unsurprisingly, the three of them were light sleepers, as it was dangerous around the Maze. Whether they were as such before or changed through recent experiences, that could only be guessed. Sitting up, Enora and Rose looked around just like Nick did a few seconds earlier, discovering with wonder and distrust the room they had rented. After a silence during which Enora stared at Nick, she frowned and said :

- You disconnected.

- Yeah, sorry., he answered to this non-question. I don't know why, but the barmaid's advice felt important.

While he spoke, he restored his link towards their small community, feeling relieved in some way, like finally removing a bandage and seeing everything healed. They began using their new light energy to heal the small injuries and cuts that the Agamai had overlooked while talking.

(Enora) You actually listened to her because she is hot !

(Nick) Come on ! It's only partially for that ! Don't you think it's odd how not only she knew we performed the Nexus of Minds, but she also had an advice to give on the matter ? To me, it meant something.

(Rose) True, even if you seem to believe strangers a bit too easily. To think I am supposed to be the naïve one.

(Nick) Not you too !? Are you really going to blame me for something so small ? There is nothing wrong about finding someone pretty, and my curiosity was legitimate. A little naïve if you insist, but legitimate.

(Rose) I don't care about the woman. She's indeed hot. Enora's the annoyed one.

(Enora) Shut up.

After such a satisfying sleep, away from danger, the three of them were as lively as they were hungry. And they would not settle for the same crap they usually had to eat. No, this time they wanted real, tasty food not made of monstrous creatures they had to fight and kill. Of course, Nick left his spear in the room as it would have looked weird, and it was cumbersome. They together got out of the room, locked it and went downstairs, noticing the low number of customers, meaning it was the equivalent of late evening.

- You needed the rest apparently., said a teasing voice from the counter, a few meters away.

She was still there, at the same place, the red-skinned female. With her white pupils, she observed them in details, a slight smile on her face. She had pleasing and conflicting facial features, with these soft high cheeks and exotic traits, but also this small scar on her lower lips and partly torn right ear. She had seen things.

- How long ?, curtly asked Enora.

- Almost a day., answered she in the same tone.

Clearly, she did not enjoy being talked to in such a manner.

(Nick) Calm down, please. Let's not make a scene so early after getting here.

With a grunt, Enora conceded in exchange for not being the one to interact with the barmaid.

(Rose) Childish …

Rose mentally laughed, enjoying her friend's petty and cute behaviour.

- Sorry about that., said Nick. We would like to eat please, is that possible ?

- Naturally., answered a mellow but firm voice. Go and sit somewhere, I'll send a waitress to bring you food.

He nodded a thank you before following Enora to a table not too far, back against a wall. She did not feel comfortable having people behind her, even though she saw what the other two could see. It was like an instinct. Few minutes went by in a peaceful silence until the delicious aroma of tender meat and flavourful side dishes invaded their noses. The feast was served and consumed in what could only be called a 'violence of forks and knives'. Towards the last bite, Nick suggested that they went to speak with the barmaid, as she probably knew things that would be useful to them.

(Enora) I don't like her.

(Rose) Duuh !

(Nick) You were so subtle about it, who would have thought ?

This bickering did not last long though, as even Enora understood the danger of treading this city without any knowledge whatsoever. It would have been like trying to cross a vast river without knowing how to swim. The barmaid was the bridge they needed. Rose went to the counter alone and called for the barmaid.

- You know, about the stuff you said yesterday …

- You are curious about how I know., she gently interrupted, making Enora frown all the way from the table. Wait for a bit, I'll come to you soon.

With a nod that meant 'thank you', the small blond returned to her seat. Not five minutes later, the red-skinned woman appeared near them, sitting gracefully on the last chair. She planted one elbow on the corner of the table and plopped her chin in that hand, looking at them.