(Regret?) She wasn't quite sure what he was talking about, but she was grateful to have the ring back--She returned it to her sword's feathery hilt.
...all of them walked into the inn, past rouge chairs sprawled all across the lounge. Yet, unlike the expected bustle in a busy hotel, there was almost no one in it...
"Thorn! Running away from the castle, as always." The jolly gray-haired cat behind the counter, the owner, said to him after he made sure the other guests were out of earshot.
"Aw, Uncle Seph, I've only done it once before--or twice..." He turned around to some of their confused faces. "He really isn't my uncle--"
"But I sure treat him as if I were!" Seph came out from behind the counter and chuckled, patting Thorn's head and ruining his perfect hair.
"Seph, you know how dad can be--" Thorn said, rapidly moving his hair back into place.
"As of lately, everyone's been knowing." Seph frowned. He changed the subject. "I see you brought some friends--"
"Can we stay in secret? Again? Please?" Thorn begged.
"Well, with all the crazy stuff happening guests have been dwindling, and the inn won't have enough money to keep going--I'd be grateful for a single silver coin! Also, I'm afraid your father would really take my head this time if he found out..."
"Seph, he doesn't even know a person like you exists, or that I've stayed here at all. I haven't told him anything--Look, they're here to help!"
Seph scratched his head and chuckled. "Of course, of course! I'll even let you show 'em around! Just be careful. I care for you that much, Boy."
Thorn picked the last strand out of his eyes and smiled at them. "This place's got three floors--Rooms with open doors are unoccupied, so you can take any of those ya want. I'll see you guys in the morning!"
Thorn hopped up and down gaily, ears twitching in glee that he could help someone for once.
(He let us stay here free of charge--He must be a really good friend to Thorn...) Wing thought, smiling. Trying not to make the action visible to anyone, she leaned against the counter and put her hands behind her back, quickly slipping several gold coins into the tip jar... (The inn should be alright for a few months.)