The innkeeper yawned, stretching his back with a groan, and nodded. "Alright, alright. Can't keep travelers from the road." He turned his head toward the hallway. "Daru!" he called, voice hoarse. "Come guide their horse around."
Footsteps echoed from the hallway, a boy not much older than sixteen appeared from the side door moments later, tugging on his boots, hair wild with sleep. "Right away, sir." He gave a small smile to the family as he led them outside into the cool morning air.
Megan's breath clouded slightly as she stepped into the chill, tightening her hold on Callia. Orion walked ahead, Kaelen nestled close to his chest, his tiny hands curled near his face. Daru kept glancing sideways at Megan's hair as they walked, unable to hide his curiosity. The pure, snow-white strands caught the moonlight in a way that didn't feel entirely earthly.
