But Maria looked at the queen and said, "Wait a minute.
Before you go, first let's stay for the night. We deserve a banquet."
Her voice carried both insistence and a certain stubborn pride.
The kind that comes from fighting hard and surviving even harder.
The flicker of candlelight reflected in her determined eyes.
Giving her an almost regal glow despite the exhaustion lining her features.
Aria, standing a few steps away, pumped her fist in agreement.
A broad grin lighting up her face.
"Wise words, Maria! I'm feeling famished after the fight.
My stomach hasn't forgiven me yet for all that running around and swinging swords."
She slapped her own belly dramatically.
Eliciting a small chuckle even from the usually reserved members of our party.
Sarah, however, only deadpanned at her, one eyebrow arched in quiet accusation.
"What do you mean, you didn't fight at all," she said, her tone flat, almost bored.
But…the undercurrent of humor didn't escape anyone.
