Pio's voice, this time with a soft kindness hidden in its low tones, spoke from the shadows. Laurie moved into the light and was then able to see the innkeeper's familiar form.
‘A favor, if you will, Laurie. Fetch another glass for yourself and bring it back. We’ll sit and have a snack and you can ask me what you will.’
Laurie murmered an assent, her voice still rather weak with relief. She left the room and walked into the kitchen before pouring herself a glass of cool water from a pitcher left on the counter. She took a small sip, the refreshing, tasteless liquid soothing her throat and nerves. All of a sudden, a great noise of shouting burst through the doors of the common room and Laurie choked on her drink before hurrying out to discover the disturbance.
She was greeted with the sight of Miss Pio talking sternly to two elves who were glowering at each other; the tankards they held were both broken and Laurie assumed they must have been shattered in a fight until she saw the knives glittering among the spilled ale. Pio whirled back to her room, gray eyes flashing dangerously and Laurie followed meekly, a short distance behind. She re-entered the room to find the Elf sitting with her head propped on her hand, much the same as Laurie's had been.
"Miss Pio," Laurie began firmly, "you are tired. Get some rest and we can talk in the morning when things are settled down. I dare say I could use a long night's sleep myself."
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