Crossing into Slovenia brought a fresh wave of challenges for Mila, Leo, and Irina. The countryside remained beautiful, with its emerald hills and winding rivers, but there was an unspoken tension among the trio. No one in the small town they had stopped at seemed to understand their language, and even gestures and simple phrases weren't bridging the gap.

After a long day of travel, they found a modest inn and settled into their room, where Mila dropped onto the bed, weary from the day's efforts. "Who knew crossing just one border could make things so much more difficult?" she sighed.

Irina nodded, looking equally frustrated. "I was hoping someone here would speak a bit of Polish or even Hungarian, but everyone looked at us like we were from another planet."

Leo, ever the optimist, tried to keep spirits up. "Tomorrow, we'll search the town center again. I'm sure there's a merchant or perhaps a traveler who knows a bit of one of our languages. We just need to be patient."

The innkeeper, an elderly woman with a kind but worn face, brought them a simple meal. Leo attempted to thank her in every language he knew, but she merely nodded, her eyes warm but uncomprehending. Mila chuckled, watching his attempts, grateful for the small reprieve from their language barrier, even if just for a meal.

As they ate, Mila couldn't help but feel a rising worry in her chest. Their journey had already stretched them thin, and now, even something as simple as asking for directions or buying supplies was nearly impossible. "We need to find a way to communicate," she muttered to herself.

Leo overheard and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We'll find someone, Mila. Travelers cross these routes often; maybe we just need to stay in one place for a few days until someone passes through."

Irina glanced around, determined. "Agreed. Tomorrow, we'll try every shop, every tavern, and every inn if we have to." Her tone was so firm it made Mila laugh.

That night, despite their frustrations, they shared stories of home, letting the warmth of memories ease their worries. Mila even sketched a bit by candlelight, capturing the cozy interior of the inn and the expressions of her friends as they talked, their laughter filling the room.

Tomorrow held uncertainty, but they were here together, and that was enough for Mila to feel just a little more at ease.