His body and mind rejuvenated by the brisk water, Cain slipped out of the palace courtyard, issuing a curt farewell to the guards standing at the front gate, and ignoring the strange looks that they gave him because of his wet hair and face. The knight began his trek back through the town to reach his home. Every now and then, Cain would stop to answer questions, reassure worried townsfolk, and entertain the children that stopped to gawk at him and his armor. As with every trek from the castle to his home, regardless of the fact that he was still tired, Cain stopped at a small bakery and purchased three sweet rolls and a large loaf of bread to bring to one of his neighbors and her children, a habit that he'd developed not long after the woman had become a widow. 

"We're going to have a good harvest this year Olaf. While on patrol I found that the wheat had already grown higher than my waist. Between that and the pumpkin and spice patches, business once your wife starts making those pumpkin pies of hers. Speaking of Sheryl, how is she? I trust that she's gotten over that illness of hers?" Cain inquired as he watched an older and grizzled man packaging his order, "[i]Aye, she has. Those herbs of yours did wonders for her, thanks. Between you an' me though, she couldn't get better a moment sooner, running this place alone almost makes me wish that I hadn't retired from my duties as a soldier![/i]" Olaf said before patting his slightly bulging belly, "[i]Then again, they may not take me back on account of this gut, my knee, an' my age. Heh heh heh.[/i]", "You never know old man, between you and me, we could use a few more seasoned fighters. After all, I turned out alright with your teaching. This new lot though, they can barely use their war lances on horse back without toppling over. Maybe I should take a page from your book and force then to ride logs down the river while trying to strike targets" Cain shot back jokingly. The men shared a short laugh at the idea before Cain bid farewell to his mentor turned bread baker and continued on his way home.