"Your secret is safe with me," Lencar winked. "Enjoy the meal. Holler if you need another round of ale."
Across the room, Rebecca was balancing her own tray, moving from table to table with a bright, welcoming smile. She caught Lencar's eye over the heads of the patrons and shot him a warm, appreciative look. Lencar nodded back, feeling a deep sense of contentment. There was no grand destiny here, no kingdom-shaking battles. Just good people, hard work, and the simple joy of belonging to a community.
The afternoon melted into evening. The chaotic lunch rush slowly transitioned into a steady, relaxed dinner crowd. By the time the sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the sky above Nairn in vibrant shades of purple and burnt orange, the tavern had mellowed out considerably.
Lencar and Rebecca stayed behind for another hour, helping Gorn wipe down the tables, sweep the floorboards, and prep the dry ingredients for the following morning.
"Not bad for your first day back, Lencar," Gorn grunted approvingly as he tossed them each a small leather pouch containing their daily wages. He also handed Rebecca a paper-wrapped bundle that smelled distinctly of fresh, sweet rolls. "Take these to the little monsters. Tell them if they don't eat their vegetables first, I'm coming over there to eat the rolls myself."
Rebecca laughed, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'll be sure to pass along the threat, Gorn. Thank you. We'll see you tomorrow."
"Have a good night, boss," Lencar added, pulling his cloak over his shoulders.
"Yeah, yeah. Get out of here, the both of you," Gorn waved them off, though there was a fond, paternal glint in his eye.
The walk back to the Scarlet household was peaceful. The evening air was cool and crisp, a welcome relief from the sweltering heat of the tavern kitchen. The cobblestone streets of Nairn were quieting down, illuminated by the soft, flickering glow of oil lamps hanging outside storefronts.
"You really didn't have to push yourself to work a full shift today," Rebecca noted softly as they walked side by side. "You've been on the road. You deserve a break."
Lencar glanced at her, a genuine, easy smile touching his lips. "I wanted to, Rebecca. I promised I'd be back to work after my vacation, didn't I? Besides, I genuinely missed the place. Barl's terrible meat-tenderizing technique and Gorn's yelling included. It feels good to be back in the routine."
Rebecca studied his face for a moment, searching for any sign of hidden fatigue or forced cheerfulness, but found none. He was completely relaxed, his shoulders loose, his breathing steady. She smiled, bumping her shoulder playfully against his. "Well, we missed having you around. The kitchen is always a disaster without you keeping Gorn organized."
They reached the familiar, cozy wooden structure of the Scarlet household. Even before they opened the door, they could hear the muffled sounds of children running and laughing inside.
The moment Lencar pushed the front door open, a small, heavily-freckled missile launched itself at his legs.
"Lencar!" Marco yelled, wrapping his arms around Lencar's knees in a fierce hug. "You're back! Did you bring food? Are we playing knights? I practiced my sword swings while you were gone!"
Lencar laughed, a deep, rich sound that filled the entryway. He reached down and ruffled Marco's messy hair. "Slow down, Marco. Yes, we brought food. And yes, I'll inspect your sword technique. Where are your sisters and brother?"
"Here!" Luca skipped into the room, holding little Pem by the hand. Pem was currently chewing happily on the ear of a stuffed cloth bear. Luca beamed up at Lencar. "We were being good, just like Rebecca said! Can we play now?"
Rebecca hung up her cloak and sighed, though she was smiling. "Alright, you three. I need to get dinner started. Lencar, do you mind keeping them occupied so I don't trip over anyone while I'm cooking?"
"It would be my absolute honor," Lencar declared dramatically, puffing out his chest. He looked down at the kids with a wide, theatrical grin. "Alright, recruits. The kitchen is lava, and the living room is our fortress. We have to defend it from the invisible goblins. Form up!"
For the next hour, the living room transformed into a chaotic battlefield. Lencar completely threw himself into the game. He didn't use any magic, but his natural agility and strength made him the ultimate playmate. He hoisted Marco onto his shoulders, charging around the room as the boy swung a wooden spoon like a broadsword. He built a massive, impenetrable fort out of every available blanket and pillow for Luca, and he spent a good ten minutes playing peek-a-boo with Pem, feigning absolute, utter shock every time the toddler pulled his hands away from his face.
Lencar's laughter echoed through the small house, mingling with the joyous shrieks of the children. It was pure, unadulterated fun. He wasn't thinking about spells, or kingdoms, or the future. He was entirely present, fully engrossed in the incredibly serious task of making sure the invisible goblins didn't breach the pillow fort.
Eventually, the delicious, savory aroma of roasted chicken and vegetables wafted from the kitchen, signaling that their playtime was coming to an end.
"Alright, goblin slayers, wash up!" Rebecca called out, carrying a large platter to the dining table. "Dinner is ready!"
The children immediately abandoned their fort, stampeding toward the washbasin. Lencar followed behind them at a more leisurely pace, picking up the scattered pillows and restoring the living room to some semblance of order.
Dinner was a loud, happy affair. The food was excellent—Rebecca was a fantastic cook in her own right—and the conversation never ceased. Marco recounted, in excruciating detail, a beetle he had found in the garden. Luca proudly showed off a new braid she had managed to tie in her own hair. Lencar listened attentively to everything, interjecting with questions and praise, perfectly content to just be a part of the family dynamic.
As they finished the last of Gorn's sweet rolls, a comfortable, lethargic silence settled over the table. The evening was growing late, the candles casting long, warm shadows against the walls.
Marco suddenly perked up, his eyes shining brightly. He looked across the table at Lencar, a pleading expression on his face. "Lencar... it's been weeks since you told us a story. Can you tell us one tonight? Please?"
Luca immediately joined in, bouncing in her chair. "Yes! Please, Lencar! A story!" Even Pem babbled something that sounded vaguely affirmative.
Rebecca began stacking the plates, shaking her head gently. "Kids, Lencar just worked a full shift at the tavern after traveling. He's tired. We should let him rest."
"Nonsense," Lencar interrupted smoothly, leaning back in his chair with a relaxed grin. He looked at Rebecca. "I'm perfectly fine, Rebecca. Honestly. I've got plenty of energy left for a story. It's the least I can do after missing out for so long."
Rebecca looked at him, hesitant, but seeing the clear, bright enthusiasm in his eyes, she relented with a fond sigh. "Alright. One story. But then it's straight to bed for all of you."
"Yes!" Marco cheered, immediately scrambling off his chair to grab his favorite blanket.
They all moved to the living area. The children piled onto the large, woven rug near the hearth, wrapping themselves in blankets and staring up at Lencar with rapt attention. Lencar took a seat in the sturdy wooden armchair opposite them, leaning forward, resting his elbows on his knees. He took a moment to dramatically clear his throat, letting the anticipation build in the room.
"Alright," Lencar began, lowering his voice into a hushed, theatrical whisper. "Have I ever told you the story of Sir Reginald and the Great Singing Frog of the Whispering Woods?"