Much to everyone’s surprise, the next morning was full of sun and good fortune. And, even more shockingly, Jos was there bright and early in the morning, despite not having stayed in the inn. But every single one of them was buzzing, including Oliver, and they were all in an even better mood than before. Julian was excited, Alice was happy to have some kind of break from her job, and even Oliver had to admit that he was looking forward to the circus. Though, much like Julian, he hadn’t experienced anything like that in what was considered a ‘normal’ setting.

The journey to Dracraek was also more pleasant than anyone had expected! Jos and Julian walked ahead of the others, bickering a lot like little children. But, Oliver was surprised at how Jos hadn’t annoyed him at all. It was turning out to be a good day for all of them! Well, that was until they actually reached their destination.

The relaxed atmosphere which half of them (the inexperienced Oliver and Julian) were expecting was not present. Even barely a few metres into the outskirts, and it was almost annoyingly busy. Posters were pasted all over the walls, creating a strange, but endearing collage of colours. Bunting was strewn about in a somewhat ordered chaos, but the most noticeable thing was the crowds.

Yet, Julian was like an excited little puppy.

Of course, he'd seen such craziness outside of places like the palace, but he'd never been in the midst of it. He was overwhelmed, and he had absolutely no clue how Jos and Alice were able to seem so carefree and nimble, despite the sheer amount of people.

However, Oliver was the one feeling the most uneasy this time, though he'd never admit it. It wasn't exactly the fault of the crowd, but more his paranoia about the attempts on Julian's life. Such a busy atmosphere would make a great place for assassination, and so he made it his duty to stay as close to Julian as possible. He had no doubt of Alice's abilities to protect Julian, but as far as he knew Jos was a bumbling idiot with minor magical abilities, and unknown intentions.

'I'll try and find some place to stay overnight! Might be a little difficult though...' Jos mumbled the last part under their breath, not audible to the others due to the constant chatter around them. 'Anyone want to come with me?!'

'You can go alo-'

'Sure!' Julian smiled and shuffled slightly closer to Jos, which was difficult due to the stream of people pushing through and around them. 'Go look for something fun to do, we'll catch up!'

Before Oliver could object, Julian and Jos had already left in search of accommodation, leaving Alice and Oliver confused. They stood in awkward silence, neither of them sure what to say or do. They hadn't seen each other for a while, and the last time they met Alice thrashed him in a fight. Of course, Oliver was still feeling a little sour over it.

'So we just left Julian with a complete stranger with unknown intentions, whilst we know people are trying to kill him?' Alice asked with an arched eyebrow in Oliver's direction.

'Yes... A stranger with unknown intentions and, most likely, magic.'

'Oh this just gets better and better... Maybe we should go after them.' Alice looked over to Oliver, then back at the sea of people. Julian and Jos had already vanished. 'Okay, maybe not...'

'He's dead. He's most definitely dead. Nice knowing him! Actually, that's not true, I hate that selfish and reckless bastard.'

Oliver paced back and forward in the small space he head before stopping and gripping his head in frustration. A small smile crept its way across his face, though it was creepy and full cynicism rather than happiness.

Meanwhile, Julian and Jos were off without a care in the world. At least, that's how they presented themselves to each other. In reality they both had more problems than they wished to admit.

'I see an inn there, I think...' Julian squinted off into the distance at a shabby looking building which had the word inn crudely painted on a sign just outside of it.

They looked at each other, and Jos shrugged, already heading off in the direction. Julian struggled not to fall behind and, thoughtfully, Jos decided to slow down their pace so they didn't lose Julian in the crowd. They knew he would barely last a minute without them.

As they entered, Jos noticed how small the inn truly was. There was no bar like there was at most other inns, and the only person to be seen was a small and angry Halfling who sat at the half broken counter. Jos glanced at Julian, before stepping towards the Halfling who now seemed to be giving them a rather harsh glare.