They stayed by the notice board a little longer, listening as others spoke. Most of the talk was ordinary—weather, crops, a broken fence that needed fixing. Nothing sounded urgent.
Caria stepped back first. "That's enough for now," she said. "No bad surprises."
Rhys nodded. "Agreed."
They moved away from the square and toward a small eating place near the road. It wasn't a full inn, just a place that served food and drink during the day. A few people were already inside, eating quietly.
They ordered something simple and sat at an empty table. Puddle settled beside Rhys's chair, still and unnoticed by most.
While they ate, Rhys spoke quietly. "If the east road is clear, we can leave after this. No need to stay long."
"Yes," Caria said. "We have supplies, and we know what to avoid."
They finished their meal, paid, and stepped back outside. The village looked the same as before—calm, steady, unchanged by their presence.
