"Stay close to me," she said, pointing Silver in the direction of the town. "There may be no evil king in charge, but there are plenty of less...savoury types there."<br/><br/>She led them up to the gate, where the guards let them through without seeming to bat an eyelid, before leading them down the main street to a tavern, set slightly away from the road, outside which a boy of no more than thirteen was sat sleeping, a helmet covering his eyes and a large spear close to hand. Ariadne stopped in front of him, mouthing to them to dismount and keep quiet as she did the same, walking up to him while pretending not to notice him.<br/><br/>"I heard Boar's Head Tavern was protected by a great warrior," she said nonchalantly. "But all I see is a boy who cannot keep awake on duty."<br/><br/>"How dare y-" the boy started saying as he sprung up, before a grin crossed his face as he recognised her, pulling her into a hug that even surprised the elf. "Auntie Ariadne, it's been ages since you last visited."<br/><br/>"I know, I'm sorry Nathan," she said, ruffling his hair affectionately. "But my friends and I were passing through and I couldn't go through town without treating them to one of your famous drinks."<br/><br/>"Don't let Dad hear that," Nathan said, laughing. "He has a big enough head already. Do you want me to take your horses to the stable for you?"<br/><br/>"That would be wonderful Nathan," she said, smiling as he walked away. "And when you're done, tell your father we need to speak to him." She turned to them, a sad look on her face. "The landlord isn't his real father," she said. "I found him when he was still very young next to the bodies of his parents in the forest. I knew he couldn't live in the forest, but I also knew the owner of this tavern had just lost his wife to illness and needed something to make his life whole again, and as they say the rest is history. Just...be careful talking about it around them."<br/><br/>With that she lead them into the inn, the patrons looking up at the new arrivals, but the sign of her ranger uniform convincing them to go back to their drinks.<br/><br/>"Find us a table," she said to them. "I'll get our refreshments." With that she vanished in the direction of the bar.