Hyacinth grins and hip-bumps her back.

She giggles for a moment, then tilts her head and hums. "Just thought of an argument for an eventual apartment or house rather than endless inns: no questions about bloody sheets if we have an interesting night."

"I will confess that was already on my mind, yes. Think I could lock a cleaning spell? I bet there's something for it in persistent magic if I look..."

"Good thinking. It's certainly worth a shot."

"Then I shall return to my first love: mechanical optimization."

Hailey laughs and squeezes Hyacinth closer. 

The town walls start to become visible in the distance.

"Do you wanna risk the darkling thing, or should I expect Sable to show up any minute now?"

"I'm tempted," she replies, tilting her head thoughtfully. "Parcosia is chiller about it than some places, for sure."

"I'll support you. Whatever happens."

"Let's try it," she finally decides, and she keeps walking toward the gate with her horns and wings and tail showing.

Hyacinth nods, squeezes Hailey's hand, and walks on with her. 

The guards arch an eyebrow at the darkling walking in, but after a moment they nod. The girls are allowed inside without incident.

Hailey gives Hyacinth a small grin once they're past the gate.

Hyacinth grins back. "D'you want to explain to our friend at the inn, or should I just say you're with me?"

"I'm down to just say I'm with you, but Sable's betting he's going to figure it out somehow."

"The purple outfit's probably a hint. But far be it for me to prevent you from having some fun."

"Probably," she agrees. 

As they walk in, Jorem turns to greet the two girls, then pauses a moment, squinting at Hailey, before grinning wryly and arching an eyebrow.

"I thought there was something interesting about you, lass. Welcome back, the both of you."

"Hey again," Sin says, and gestures to Hailey. "This is Hailey. She's been helping me out today, and should have the proof for the bounty on those moose."

Still grinning, Jorem nods. "Hailey, eh? Well, good to meet you, lass." He spreads the blanket out for the proof.

She nods and spreads out the five racks of antlers. "Here you go."

He counts them up, nods, and sweeps them off the counter before pulling out two pouches of ten crowns. "That'll do nicely." As he passes the bags over, he speaks a little quieter.

"And how many are you, lass?"

Surprise crosses Hailey's face for the barest instant.

But then she's right back on an amused grin as she replies. "Five, if you're asking what I think you are."

"Well hello to all, then. Supper should be ready in half an hour, stew again. We'll be serving for three hours."