"Innkeeper!" a familiar voice rang out over the relaxed hum of the midday tavern, prompting Khayr away from the easy chat she was enjoying with a few patrons. The lad was grinning, making his way steadily from the entrance toward her with a letter raised high in hand.
"Another from your pirate friend," he informed, nestling the folded paper into her waiting hand as they met halfway. Seemingly just as eager about its contents, he fists the hem of his shirt as if keeping his hands at bay.
"For the hundredth time, he's not a pirate. He's a...he's a nomad of the sea." The flimsy excuse left her lips just as soon as she felt it ridiculous. With an airy chuckle and an amused head shake, she turned the letter delicately in her hands, breaking the wax seal with a flick of her thumb.
"My dearest Ky," it began, the messy writing tinier than usual to accommodate all the things said. "I hope this letter finds you in good health and greater spirits. I hear word of a plague crossing the lands. It has been many weeks since I last wrote and, for that, I apologize. But it was not for naught! I have much to share..."
The woman smiled, refolding and tucking the letter among her garments to give due attention later, and addressed the messenger once more. She appraised him with an appreciative smile, briefly nodding her head in a silent thanks before voicing it.
"Thank you, Tomas," she smiles before putting a warm hand on the younger man's shoulder, gently coxing him toward the nearest table. "You look haggard. Why don't you take a few minutes rest before heading back out, mh?"
