#technically two

Fritz scrambles to his feet, sprinting out from behind the counter, heart in his throat at the thought he’s going to die. If not by her hand if she decides to chase him down in order to be properly executed, then by the fierce blizzard waiting patiently to offer a snow filled grave. This was the only building he saw after walking for miles. He was actually lucky to find a place filled with fire-lit hearths right as the gales strong enough to throw him off his feet started up.

Of course, he got greedy. A half-dead halfling can hide effortlessly if he’s only sitting in one spot. But if that same halfling attempted to sneak past a human of all people, he sealed his own fate.

It’s just snow. At least the few hours he had had surrounded by warmth and the smell of food reminded him of-

“OOF!”

Fritz falls onto his back after running into a support beam, the breath knocked out of him. But he can’t lie here forever. The woman, she was upset, he needs to run. Where did this beam come from, anyway?

“Now where is a little thing like you running off to?”

His blood runs cold as the wooden beam starts speaking in common. Fixes amused hazel eyes on a thieving halfling that just ran at full speed straight into him. Finally registers as a human smirking down at what must be quite the sight.

Before an apology can be spouted, an angered huff sends Fritz skittering behind the man. Meaning he just keeps digging his own grave.

“It was running from me,” has him flinching. “I apologize for getting you caught up in the mess, Mr. Harrison, but I can take it from here.”

He should run. Why isn’t he running?

The halfling stares with wide eyes as a hand that effortlessly covers the flaming red hair suddenly ruffles the unruly tufts, unable to move away from the calming action. “What happened?”

“It’s a thief. Tried to take a whole meal right from under my nose!”

Fritz chances a glance up at the man he might consider a building, a bit disbelieving someone who’s radiating respect and authority isn’t trying to shake him off. Maybe even chase him out of the inn himself. Anyone being told someone tried to steal would immediately side with the poor woman who hasn’t done anything to deserve it.

His gaze is caught, and nothing but a thoughtful look is given. Not even a hint of disdain.

The man, Mr. Harrison, removes his hand to straighten the tie adorning a suit he’s only seen royal merchants wear, and he should really start running...

“I’m assuming winter coming early meant you couldn’t stalk up properly.” A few coins are placed on top of the counter. “I’m also assuming halflings aren’t the most prepared of folk.”

More along the lines of a teenager never expecting to lose his mother the way he did.

“I’ll pay for the meal he stole, along with two more. I’ll also be renting a room for a week in which he’ll be staying.”

He, as in-

Fritz’s head snaps up from its tired hang as he processes what’s being discussed above him. He’s too close to the counter to see the woman’s expression, but the sound of money being accepted says his inexcusable actions have been forgiven. Not only that, but a room has been purchased. For Fritz.

“Come along.”

The halfling doesn’t hesitate to dart after the generous man striding away. “Th-Thank you, sir! And I wanted to apologize for running into you!”

“It’s appreciated,” Mr. Harrison grins. “You’re well under half my size, though. Nothing’s been torn, so no harm’s done.”

Fritz shakes his head, wincing when the action makes the world spin. “I feel like there has been. If I didn’t run into you, you wouldn’t have paid for my mistake. I-I want to repay you!”

His benefactor suddenly stops beside a door, making him skip passed on accident before racing back to stand beside the person he owes his life to. Keeping him safe. Giving him a warm and sheltered room to hide from the blizzard if only for a week.

“That’s the first time someone hasn’t waited to offer repayment,” Mr. Harrison muses. The door swings open and Fritz allows a yelp as he’s suddenly swept up in order to be set on the bed. “What’s your name?”

“Fritz Nobleroot!”

The man frowns, shaking his head. “Fritz I can work with. Your last name is far from professional, however.”

Fritz is only half listening. He understands he’s being given a chance to redeem himself, but his mind can only think about how soft the bed is. How long it’s been since he’s slept. How it’s been over a month since he’s really felt safe. Wanted.

“Go to sleep,” has him obediently flopping against the pillow as soft as down. “I have business to attend to. Just follow the instructions.”

Instructions. He can follow instructions...

He’s asleep, unaware of two plates of warm food being set on the table for when he wakes up. Nothing but an unknown force subconsciously pulling him to the clothes and letter left beside it for him to protect with his life.

David strides out of the room without bothering to lock it again, smiling at the thought of how perfect everything’s come together. The inn keeper he’s been trying to make a deal with is finally willing, and it’s all thanks to the creature slumbering away. Who knew acting protective over something would finally break her resolve.

A smile appears at the thought of how much he can do with such an innocent thing in his pocket. A halfling, of all things, despite dealing with thousands of humans, elves, and dwarves.