The next morning began without an alarm.
John woke naturally.
For a moment, he simply lay there, staring at the ceiling.
No emergency.
No shouting.
No monster attack.
No strange voice coming from an ancient ruin.
Just another morning.
He smiled.
"Nice."
He got dressed and headed downstairs.
The dining hall was already busy.
Adventurers were coming and going, merchants were eating breakfast before heading to the market, and several guild workers were discussing paperwork near the entrance.
John spotted Lythriel immediately.
She was sitting at a table with Sylvara.
Lythriel noticed him.
"Morning."
"Morning."
John sat down.
"Where are the others?"
"Aerion went to the smithy."
"Darius is at the guild library."
John nodded.
"Of course he is."
Sylvara laughed.
"He said he wanted to check something about the Silverwood."
John picked up a piece of bread.
"He's taking this seriously."
"He always does."
---
After breakfast, John decided to explore the city alone.
