The next day, the village was still buzzing with the remnants of the previous night's celebration. Villagers gathered in the square, waiting for Alaric to emerge from the house where he had been staying. The village elder, leaning on his wooden staff, gently knocked on the door. "Master Alaric," he called softly.
Alaric slowly opened the door, his eyes looking tired but still filled with humor. "Morning, morning everyone. What's going on? Don't tell me you want another party," he said, yawning and stretching.
The village elder smiled, shaking his head. "No, no, Master Alaric. We have something more important to ask."