Larel finished his bowls and with a satisfied sigh set the last one down, however just as he did the server brought him another, an older woman who just winked at him and offered a kind smile before walking off.
Apparently this one was on the house which Larel wasn't going to turn down as he bowed his head once in thanks before digging in again, his eyes glanced over at Hotaru mid consumption and he stopped at the mention of awkward situation, but he only lowered the bowl and smiled fully finished with his meal.
He watched her drink from the gourd and gave her a pat on the shoulder offering a bit of silent support seeing the expression on her face.
Turning back to the restaurant he watched the people talk and laugh with one another and he couldn't help but smile seeing the happiness of all the people around him, it was a rare sight and he regretted not seeing it all that often.
"I came across places like this before when I worked for the shogun, not very often but at least once a season" Larel said crossing his arms. "I always thought lowly of the people then, in a time of war they were just living so carefree while we were out risking our lives. I didn't realize how childish that was until I was on the run, after that I wanted nothing but peace like this."
Larel eyes narrowed a little bit as another thought came to mind, he wasn't proud of the connection he made but he couldn't deny the logic or heart in it.
"I hate admitting it, but if this the kind of peace that annoying man is fighting for I see why he's so tenacious."
"I believe that was a compliment."
Larel quickly turned around to see Alari a few feet away, Larel's eyes widened and his mouth was agape slightly though the smile on Alari's face snapped him out of his shock pretty quickly.
"A part of me used to want a place like this, settle down, have some kids that whole thing," Alari said looking at the small restaurant. "My age shows a bit from that however, you'll understand it yourself when you're older Larel. Reality however prevents me from chasing that dream now, but it's not bad to think about every now and then."
"You sound like an old man," Larel said sighing. "I'm also pretty sure you'd be a bad father."
"Who knows but you'll sound like me one day, I'm sure even Hotaru will think about it one day, if she hasn't already. I'll head ahead to the inn and leave you two be."
With that Alari turned and walk away and Larel put his head in his hands shaking it slightly.
"I said something nice about him...it hurts."