Hospitality

Beatrice continued, "I left a few years ago, and ended up in Petrona, where I met Henry. That was about the time when he was thinking about retirement from the sea. Captain Shirk has some influence somewhere, and several men from his crew settled down here. It is a remarkable place, don't you think?"

"Remarkable is an understatement."

"Well, breakfast will be served in about four hours, so you may want to get some more sleep. I know that I need some."

"I thank you and Henry for the hospitality."

"You are more than welcome. Everyone of Captain Shirk's crew has been grateful for hospitality when it is offered, as they were often far from home. Remembering all the terrible times when that hospitality is not offered, and the feeling of being very alone in a hostile place, makes those feelings much stronger, I think."

Astra replied, "I will take your advice and retire to the hayloft. I hope that you have a pleasant rest of the morning."

As Beatrice left, Astra climbed into the hayloft, and tried to go back to sleep.

1. Astra feel asleep quickly. Adventuring is tiring! She woke to the brightening of the lights.
2. Astra could not get back to sleep. She was thinking about the previous day's events.

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