“At least I can be sure that it’ll be interesting,” Crow laughed when Penelope said that they would be going to a tavern Olivia approved of. It did sound promising though. Even though he preferred to stay sober, he’d always enjoyed spending some nights out with the other villagers on the border. The rowdiest taverns had been his favorites too, since the people who showed up were usually friendly and adventurous. It had felt good to spend a few evenings forgetting about the stresses of life to drink, dance, gamble, or do whatever else was popular that night. He didn’t know what to expect at a tavern meant for the upper class, but he was hopeful that he would have fun with Penelope and Naida regardless of what anyone else was doing.

Finishing up the rest of the food on his plate, he nodded when the knight announced that she needed to pick up a cloak before she joined them. “See you there,” he said, swallowing his last bite.

Naida offered a few parting words as well and then turned to her half-brother, “Want to go wait for her by the door?”

“Sure,” Crow stood up and slid his cloak over his shoulders. The fabric still felt too warm to wear indoors but, knowing how cold it would be once they stepped outside, he didn’t mind building up a little more insulation before they left the castle walls. He glanced at Percival, who had also risen to his feet, “I’ll see you around.”

The knight dipped his head politely, “Be careful.”

“You don’t have to worry about me,” Crow grinned, finding his advice amusing. “I’m not the type to go stumbling home after a night out.”

“What’s the fun in that?” Naida rolled her eyes, giving his wrist a tug as they began walking toward the door.

“Someone has to keep an eye on you, so you don’t cause too much trouble,” he teased, shooting her a wry smirk.

“This coming from the former criminal who caused so much trouble he landed himself behind bars,” she quipped back.

“Harsh,” Crow gave her arm a shove, though a good-humored smile played on his lip.

The two siblings continued bantering amongst each other until they reached the main entrance of the castle, where they stopped to wait for Penelope to catch up with them before they would all brave the snow together.