To the Temple and Back Again

A young man with medium-length wavy hair and a fair complexion walks into an inn sitting at a table near the back, makes a few markings into his journal, and looks around the space before finding the innkeeper waving him down.

"How may I help you, sir?" the man says with a scoff after walking across the floor.

"I was curious; what are your food options?" The man perfectly articulates as he ignores the rude tone from the staff.

"You can get soup or meat. Either way, you'll get some bread."

"I'll have the soup, and do you have a wine?"

"My regulars can't pay for the wine. The nicest thing I've got is a rum."

"I have my own if that is fine by you?" The boy asks politely as he flashes a bottle of red liquid.

"Suit yourself." The innkeeper walks off, returning with a hot potato soup which he carefully places on the table. The boy then puts a gold coin in the man's hand.

"Thank you." The man looks down at the coin then back to the boy with disbelief.

"Sir? The soup was only five silver."

"I don't believe I asked... what I gave you will suffice."

"Yes, I just wasn't sure you meant to give so much."

"Please just take the money. I would like some time alone to enjoy the food." The boy then pulls a silver spoon from his bag, filling it with soup, before looking back at the innkeeper.

"Yes, of course. May I just ask the name of my generous patron?" The man gives a partial bow.

"Aristodemo, though most settle for Demo."

"Thank you, Sir Demo." The man gives another bow before continuing with his duties. Aristodemo then eats his soup while glancing at a book filled with crude maps and travel notes. After he's finished his food, he remains at the table for some time, reading and taking notes. Some hours have passed when the man returns.

"Sir Demo?" He waits for permission to continue with his inquiry.

"Yes?" He stops writing mid-sentence. "What is it?"

"It is getting late; I wanted to know if you'd be wanting a room?"

"That would be a good idea. How much would that be?"

"It's 20 silver a night. Unless you'd like the bigger room we have, then it's 25." Demo takes a moment to think then leaves ten gold on the table.

"I'll take the larger room; I'd like it if you could get some eggs and sausage for my breakfasts and see if you can get some wine."

"Right away, sir." The innkeeper collects the coins from the table and quickly places them in his purse. "Your room is the entire third floor. Stay as long as you would like." He then gives Demo a key before going off behind the bar. After another twenty or so minutes, Demo begins to pack his things to head upstairs when a woman with a pale complexion sits across from him.

"Is it true you intend to see your sister?"

"Let me guess you're one of her children?" Demo looks the woman over.

"I am Erin Monte; your sister is my Sire's Sire."

"Why should I care? This is her business, not mine."

"I was only hoping you would let her know Trystan Monte has passed, slain by a human prince."

"Trystan? He wouldn't be the Trystan from the year 862?"

"The very same. I know that you and your sister shouldn't have to deal with our trivialities; however, I believe this is news she would rather know."

"You'll tell her yourself I need an assistant. Either way, I can't have a mortal around; your grandmother might eat them." He finishes packing and stands. "Come, I have the room upstairs; you can tell me how it happened over a glass of wine."