Two Paths Diverged in the Woods - Part 2

The stairs creaked with her weight as she descended back into the eating area.  Fe'male could smell the food being prepared. She reached the bottom of the stairs and quickly glanced around to see most of the others tenants were already sitting, ready to eat.

Fe'male entered the room and began to survey for the safest table for herself, but mid-glance the owner made her way through with a large pot and sat it on the long center table. Her young boy followed her with bowls and spoons that he placed beside the pot.  "We're all going to eat here like civilized folk" she said gesturing towards the large center table.

The tenants reluctantly grabbed their belongings and moved towards the table. Fe'male took a seat towards the end closest to the door but took up enough room that none could sit too close to her and still eat comfortably. Surveying the room she could smell human, but also a hint of elf.  A very dark figure sat at the other end of the table and was obscured by his coat and top-hat, but definitely smelled like a half-elf.  The man beside him looked almost afraid to eat and was dressed in a bright robe. Between this cowering human and Fe'male sat a large half-elf in shiny armor.  He seemed a little over-dressed for breakfast, but Fe'male commended his preparedness.

Yet again, a light meal. The innkeeper apologized for the lack of meat, but her apathetic tone was of one who had repeated this apology for many mornings. Fe'male wondered if she would ever eat a full meal again and whether these light meals would impede her mission.  She would have to test her endurance soon to make sure.

Towards the end of breakfast, but before any had finished, there was a loud ruckus outside and a band of men entered the inn. They strutted into the place like they owned it.  Fe'male glanced back towards the innkeeper and her face showed both anger and fear.  Fe'male's opportunity would come sooner than she anticipated.