The Gilded Grox

Inside was warm. And loud.

A big fire was in a stone fireplace. People sat at tables. They talked and laughed. A man in the corner played music. It smelled like meat, drinks, and wet cloaks.

Bob's eyes were wide. He tried to see everything. A tall woman with pointed ears laughed. A short man with a beard hit his cup on the table. A rock creature sat in a corner. It did not move. Bob was not scared. He was curious.

Traveller led him to a dark corner. "Stay here," they said. "I will get some food."

Bob sat down. He put his stick-sword on the table. He watched Traveller go to the bar. He could see the whole room. It was strange.

Then, his eyes saw something.

A big, bald man sat at the bar. A small, furry thing was sleeping on his shoulder. It was small like Bob's hand. It had four little legs.

Bob had to see it.

He got off the bench. He forgot he was hungry. He forgot to stay. He walked to the man at the bar. His steps were quiet.

He stopped next to the man. He looked at the sleeping thing. He reached out his finger and poked its fur.

The creature squeaked. Its six legs moved. It opened its big, dark eyes.

The bald man looked down. "Hey! What are you doing, kid?" his voice was a low rumble.

Bob did not answer. He pointed. "What?"

Traveller came. A hand was on Bob's shoulder. "Sorry," Traveller said. "He’s just curious."

The man looked at Traveller's white robe. Then he looked at Bob. Bob pushed his hood back. The man saw his plain, wide eyes. The man's face was less angry. He grunted.

"It's a Fuzzmite," the man said. "Harmless." He turned back to his drink.

"Come, Bob," Traveller said. They went back to the corner. "The food is here."

Two bowls of hot stew were on the table. There was bread, too. Bob saw steam rise from his bowl. He had never seen steam before.

Traveller gave him a spoon. "Eat."

Bob held his spoon like Traveller. He put it in the stew. There was meat and plants in it. He took a bite.

His eyes went wide.

It was warm. It tasted good. It was the best.

He ate fast. More and more. He ate until the bowl was clean. He said nothing.

For the first time since the hill, a real smile was on Bob's face. A happy smile.