![](https://static.penana.com/images/chapter/1217628/9R_Jasu_javitott_nev.png)
The rain began to beat louder against the windows. Thunder shook the night. Although the mood had lightened, there were still voices of misgiving from several tables.
- How is your little girl, Hobb?
- She is in good health, thank you for asking Mest. She's not a little girl any more... she has grown quite a bit - for a few moments he just gazed at the candle flame. The shadows on his cheeks stretched almost unnoticably - I am eternally grateful to you. I don't know what would have happened to her without you. No... I know... - he called out towards the crowd - Anne, come here for a moment, please!
The girl, who had been collecting empty plates and mugs from the tables, hurried to the counter, and after setting down everything she carried, walked over to them. She appeared to be about twenty years old. In front of her plain shirt and pants she had put on a slightly shabby apron, so that the dishes would not stain her clothes. A few tufts of her light brown hair hung down over her face, and when she brushed them back they fell again before her eyes like the branches of a weeping willow over a sky-blue lake.
- Sweetheart, were you so caught up in the hustle and bustle that you didn't even notice who the wind blew in? Or have you forgotten uncle Mest so much that you don't even recognize him? It's true that the last time he came to visit us was quite a few years ago when you were very ill, but you should remember him from when you were younger.
Anne watched Mest dreamily for a slow breath, and after a moment she jumped into his arms with such joy that they almost fell off the chair.
- How could I have forgotten! I thought you would never come again!
- Of course I would - Mest tried kindly to put her back on the floor, but she was still clinging to him tightly - I'm glad to see you too. It's been so long since I've been here, I hardly recognize you. Just... be gentle or you'll strangle me.
Anne released her grip and raised her eyes to him.
- It has already been six years since you were here. So long ago... and I haven't had a chance to thank you since...
- What for? Don't be silly. I'm happy to have cured you, and even happier to see you so very healthy.
Anne smiled lovingly at him. She put her hand on Mest's hand and looked him in the eye.
- I thank you from the bottom of my heart...
For a moment time stood still around the counter. The noise of the inn had faded to a low murmur. Hobb's heart was filled with sorrowful happiness.
- And I thank you too...
Mest hugged Anne and stroked her hair.
- Help your father to cope with all the guests. I'll stay for a few days, so we'll have plenty of time to talk later, just the three of us. Tell me all about what happened here while I was away, and I'll tell you where I've been. Both of you'll get bored of it before I finish.
- Not a chance - Anne smiled, then smirked at him suspiciously - I'll hold you to that... - she hugged Mest once more, this time more gently, so they wouldn't fall over - I'm glad you're safe and here with us. I missed you so much. Please come more often, not in six years...
- I will, I promise. We'll talk soon.
Anne looked at him with sparkling eyes for a few moments longer, then hurried back to the tables.
The boy who was helping with the dishes went over to her hesitantly. After they had exchanged a few words, his eyes widened. One could easily read his lips. "Uncle?" He glanced towards the counter, when his eyes met Mest's. Blushing suddenly, he began to clear a table diligently.
Mest smiled.
- She doesn't exactly dress like a lady.
- Rigth? - laughed Hobb - It's not as if she doesn't have the means to do so... But it's all right that she's got a bit of a boyish temperament, and hasn't turned into a dainty little princess.
- How is her leg? - asked Mest, watching Anne's gait.
- No better, no worse. I would rather not let her help at the inn, but she insisted. She came in here by herself, and couldn't be put out... People love her, you can't help it. Imagine, she still calls you uncle. Remember what you used to call her when she was little?
Mest hummed.
- Of course. Little hairpin. She was small, skinny, and if she didn't like something she could stab you with her eyes in a way that made even the toughest troublemakers flinch.
- Exactly - his friend laughed merrily as old memories came flooding back to him.
Mest furrowed his brows.
- There are a lot of new people here... No problems with that?
- No. She always wears the earrings you gave her, so it's all right. She loves them. She says they remind her of you. And in case there were to be a problem... - Hobb reached under the counter where something made a heavy, deep noise - I haven't forgotten how to swing it yet - he and shook his head - Every day I think that maybe she shouldn't have been brought up here. I know there's a reason why we finally decided so, but still, maybe she could have had a happier life. Maybe then she wouldn't have to hide her true self.
- Hobb...
- She got that damn disease because of my blood - Hobb gritted his teeth - Maybe she shouldn't even have been...
- Don't say it... - Mest's grim gaze glared at him reproachfully - How would she feel if she heard that? She loves you with all her heart, and I'm sure you've given her all the love and care that a child can get. You did the right thing. The past can't be changed and the future is sometimes not worth changing. Be at peace with yourself.
A deep sigh shook Hobb's chest.
- I give thanks every day for I've been able to give her as good a life as I could... and for she is healthy... and indeed, you are right. I shouldn’t say such things.
His gaze faded briefly into the distance. As he pondered the sad yet beautiful memories, the shadows on his wrinkled face slowly lengthened. He cleared his throat and wiped his eyes with his sleeve.
- Your damn smoke... it always flows this way...
Mest pulled the corners of his mouth into a bittersweet smile. He knew where his friend's dreamy gaze wandered. Not only did he know his sorrow, he felt it and understood it. He puffed on his leaf, then put the embers out by the candle.
He tapped gently on the counter.
- My old friend, let us drink to your health. Provided you offer me one more of that great treat you so ingeniously call "the distillate".
- Of course, of course! - the serene cheerfulness returned to Hobb’s face - who knows when I'll be able to drink with you next time.
He poured themselves a fair share each.
Mest stood up. They looked into each other's eyes, happily, yet seriously, as if paying respect to the time that had passed, and raised their cups.
- Here's to you and Anne, Hobb, and long may you be in good health.
- And here's to your returning to us many more times safe and sound, my friend!
The little cups clinked. This time they were in no hurry, and did not drink the strong spirit in one gulp, as was their custom. They savoured the rare occasion. A pleasant warmth spread through their bodies and hearts. They quietly placed the empty cups on the counter.
Hobb hummed contentedly.
- And tell me, where have you been since we last met?
ns 172.71.255.21da2