The Little Fairy fluttered its tiny wings in front of Serious Mouse, put its hands on its hips, and burst out laughing again. As it laughed, its smile suddenly froze, and it dropped straight down, headfirst.
Ruger took a sip of wine and leisurely reached out, catching her at just the right moment. He discovered that the smug Little One had already fallen asleep.
After another brief scan with his mental power revealed nothing unusual, he set the Little Fairy beside its wineglass.
Serious Mouse glanced at her twice, then simply picked her up and stuffed her into the apron pocket on its chest. Before long, snores drifted from the pocket that held the menu, along with some indistinct sleep talk.
Ruger and Serious Mouse exchanged smiles and, in unspoken agreement, began enjoying the peace of the inn together.
Only a faint sound came from that apron pocket.
Sometimes, quiet was the best way to relax. With a glass of slightly cool Sour Mushroom Wine in hand as well, it became an unparalleled pleasure.
At least, that was how Ruger felt. Perhaps meditation and spells had left his mind overworked and his spirit weary. Learning to enjoy the quiet put his whole being at ease.
And quiet did not mean loneliness. There was, for instance, a plump friend standing silently behind the counter.
After the peace and quiet came-
The same daily perseverance.
Of course, Ruger enjoyed it. He believed most Wizards were much the same.
But perseverance could not truly be equated with enjoyment. Even with something one loved, without persistence, slackness would eventually set in, and progress would slow without one noticing.
So fear that others would be unable to find him was not the only reason Ruger usually stayed alone on his island.
The lonely little island,