{velaris}
The laughter lingered for several more seconds.
Caleb leaned back in his chair with a satisfied grin, looking far too pleased with himself. "So," he declared, folding his arms behind his head, "we officially own expensive paperwork."
A chorus of chuckles answered him.
Benjamin shook his head, the corners of his mouth tugging upward despite himself. "When you put it that way, it sounds like we wasted an entire day."
"We absolutely did," Caleb replied without missing a beat. "An entire day and one thousand gold."
"On paperwork."
"Very expensive paperwork."
Even Henry let out a quiet laugh. The sound was brief, but genuine. Gradually, the amusement faded, leaving behind a comfortable silence.
Beyond the table, the late afternoon breeze drifted through the trees surrounding the camp, carrying with it the gentle rustling of leaves. Somewhere nearby, Snow barked happily before chasing after something only he could see.
