He jumped from Petal without a sound and gave her a smile, letting her stay in front of the inn freely - she did not need his input.
He stepped into the dusty room, it was not his own but it was close enough. His eyes flew over the faces around, some he had known well, some he had only seen, some unknown to him still. The strangers would look at him, exchange a whisper.
I had never worn a hood in here, I don't plan on starting now.
He walked over to the counter, his eyes glancing over the scratched wood from pure force of habit. His eyes met the ones on the other side, a knowing look pacing between them. I do not thank him enough for all that he does.
It was time to ask, to confirm the dream he held onto for so long. They would see each other once more, they would talk, they would laugh aga-
The room grew dark. The faces of those around them twisted into grimaces, watching him menacingly. The walls around him started crumbling, burying him alive in this desperation. Not... him...?
He grabbed onto the wooden counter in an attempt to still himself. The quiet conversations around him started ringing in his ears as piercing cries. The smell of spilt ale bit into his senses and he felt suddenly as if he would collapse.
He could not utter any thanks, no, not for this. He stumbled into the door, desperately gasping for air. The outside gentle breeze now felt as if it was cutting his skin with a coldness he had never felt before.
No... no... not him... NO!... not now... not like this... I beg of you, no...
Somewhere in his mind, he cursed the pouring rain upon his face. But the sun shone brightly upon his faded cloak and not a single cloud was seen. He felt himself climb onto Petal, she did not wait for his command.
They were already leaving.
