The night at the tavern went on like any other: the smell of beer filled the air, candles flickered casting large shadows on the walls, the laughter of drunk patrons mixed with the sound of dice rolling across the tables.

Alana was working as usual. A week had already passed since Cain disappeared. Not even Eleanor, who spent most of her time at the church, had heard any news of him. While absentmindedly fiddling with a small spoon, Alana half-listened to Daiki and Yadiel arguing about who had won more coins in bets that week. Everything seemed normal… until the door suddenly flew open.

The sharp sound of the metal handle hitting the wood echoed through the place, making several customers turn their heads. Some did so out of curiosity, others with caution. But his figure was unmistakable—it was Cain.

But there was something strange. His armor, worn and scratched in several places, showed dark stains along the edges. His face was pale, his lips cracked, as if he had gone days without eating or sleeping. Although he tried to stay upright, his posture revealed how exhausted he was.

Eleanor: Cain! —she exclaimed, quickly approaching him.

He raised a hand, as if trying to signal her not to worry, but as soon as he took a step forward, he stumbled. Alana immediately set the mugs down on the bar and ran to catch him before he collapsed, but as she got closer, Alana noticed a nauseating smell coming from her companion.

Alana: What did they do to you? —she murmured, feeling how thin and tense his body was.

Caín: That doesn’t matter now… —his voice was rough, barely a whisper—. I need your help to…

Before he could finish the sentence, he collapsed completely. Daiki, alerted by the situation, quickly stepped forward and lifted him up, since neither Alana nor Eleanor had the strength to hold him.

The bustle of the tavern died down a little. Some customers, intrigued, watched with curiosity what was happening to the half-elf. Wilbur, noticing the small commotion, called out to Alana.

Wilbur:  Look, kid, take him to one of the rooms upstairs. He doesn’t look good. If you need anything, I’ll tell Orin to come check on you later. Take the rest of the night off.

He immediately handed her the key to one of the rooms and gestured for them to take him away. Alana, without many words, nodded gratefully to the dwarf. Then, going up the stairs, Eleanor, Daiki, and she carried Cain to the room.

Alana: Eleanor, calm down. Cain will be fine. —she said, trying to reassure her with a calm tone.

Eleanor wasted no time and, with her new sacred symbol in hand, tried to use her magic to heal him. She was still fairly new to it and it took great effort to use it, but after a few minutes, a faint light began to surround her.

Then, there was a knock at the door and Alana went to see who it was. When she opened it, she found Orin, a young man of about fourteen or fifteen years old, quite tall for his age, with copper-colored hair and a face covered in freckles. He had been working for Wilbur for some time and, although he didn’t talk much about himself, he always wore a big smile.

Orin: Wow… I’m sorry, Alana. Wilbur asked me to bring you this. —he pointed to the bucket with a slight shrug.

Alana: Thank you very much, Orin… Hey, do you really not need help downstairs? It looks like there’s quite a bit of work tonight.

Orin: Everything’s under control. —he assured her with a smile—. Yadiel is helping us keep the customers entertained.

Then he lowered his voice a little and added in a playful tone:

Orin: Besides, I don’t think Wilbur would be very happy if you went back down. He told me he gave you the night off… and you know how people are. They saw you go upstairs with him. We don’t want rumors to start.

Alana let out a sigh.

Alana: Alright. Thank you very much… and get home safe.

Orin: Don’t worry. —Orin laughed—. I’ve got things covered here. —he said proudly.

Alana smiled gratefully at him and ruffled his hair before returning to the room with the water ready to tend to Cain. She took the bucket Orin had brought and placed it beside the bed, soaking a clean cloth in the cool water. Carefully, she passed it over Cain’s forehead, who was still unconscious and seemed to have some fever, but looked calmer than before. Eleanor, sitting nearby, held her sacred symbol with both hands, murmuring a prayer in a low voice. Her face showed a mix of exhaustion and determination, but also paleness, a sign that she had reached the limit of her energy.

Daiki, who had been watching in silence, approached Eleanor with a serious expression.

Daiki: You’ve done enough. Don’t use your power anymore. If you keep this up, you’ll collapse too, and that won’t help him.

Eleanor looked up, her tired eyes clearly worn, but full of concern.

Eleanor:  But I can heal him. I can’t leave him like this. If I can’t use magic, at least I’ll stay and watch over him. I can’t abandon him.

Daiki frowned, clearly uncomfortable with the situation. Although it was obvious he didn’t fully like Cain, he was learning to live with him after everything he had proven. Still, he spoke harshly, but not out of lack of concern.

Daiki: I’m not saying you should abandon him. I’m just saying don’t kill yourself for him. The rest he has to heal on his own. You’ve already done more than anyone would have asked of you.

Alana, who had been watching the scene in silence, approached Eleanor and placed a hand on her shoulder.

Alana: Daiki is right, Eleanor. Cain is strong. If you rest a bit, you’ll be able to take better care of him. But if you stay like this, you won’t be able to help him when he needs it most.

Eleanor looked at Alana, then at Cain, and finally nodded.

Eleanor: Alright… but I won’t leave. I’ll stay here, even if it’s just to keep watch. In case his fever rises.

Daiki sighed, clearly frustrated, but didn’t insist. He knew Eleanor was just as stubborn as they were, and arguing further would be pointless.

Daiki: Suit yourself. But if you faint, don’t expect us to carry you like we did with him.

Eleanor gave him a slight look, but didn’t reply. Instead, she adjusted herself better in the chair to rest, since using healing magic had left her exhausted.

Alana and Daiki exchanged a look before leaving the room. In the hallway, Alana stopped and leaned against the wall, letting out a deep sigh.

Alana: What could have happened to him?

Daiki crossed his arms, his expression tense.

Daiki:  I have no idea, but it doesn’t look good. He’s pretty stupid, but he’s not the type to get into dangerous places by choice.

Alana nodded, sharing his concern.

Alana: Whatever it is, when Cain wakes up we’ll know. For now, all we can do is wait and rest.

Daiki grunted in agreement, though his expression remained serious.

Daiki: Well, for now I’ll go see what Yadiel is up to. There’s no point in us spending the rest of the night worrying. The worst part of his condition was his smell.

Alana nodded, and they went their separate ways. She took the opportunity to rest that night, leaving Eleanor to watch over Cain in the room.