Seraphina looked stunning despite wearing casual attire—tan trousers and a long-sleeved top, and a dark corset with green ribbons tied in a neat bow. I tried to think of an excuse to skip going on a date with her, but I found myself tongue-tied by her proximity.

"I... I'm sorry I haven't talked to you lately," I managed, my voice shaky. "I've just been so busy with the tavern and, um, everything."

Seraphina smiled, her violet eyes sparkling with understanding. "I know, Varix. You've had a lot on your plate. But I'm glad I caught you."

As we walked toward The Wandering Boar, I couldn't help but notice people's reactions. They smiled as we passed, some whispering and waving at us.

I waved back.

"What's that all about?" I wondered aloud.

Seraphina chuckled softly. "You're becoming quite the celebrity, Varix. Word has spread about how you convinced the orcs to help defend the village and the incredible feast you put on. Not to mention, you've taken over The Shadow's Respite, and rumors are flying about your innovative food ideas. There is little you can do in Everspring that won't quickly reach ears because gossip is an easily well traded commodity in Everspring. I've heard that some of your recipes are out of this world."

I faltered in my step, caught off guard by her words. Out of this world? I quickly recovered and tried to play it cool. “That’s an, uh…an interesting saying.”

“I guess I’m just full of surprises.”

We continued to walk together with her arm intertwined with mine. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of rightness, for lack of a better word. Being with Seraphina felt good.

We reached The Wandering Boar, and I went to open the door for Seraphina. She smiled, her eyes meeting mine. "Thank you, Varix," she said softly as she entered the tavern.

The refined interior immediately struck me. Elegant tapestries adorned the walls, depicting scenes of heroic knights and mythical creatures. My tapestry of a little knight racing up a mountain toward a castle paled in comparison. A chandelier made from animal horns, lined with several large candles, hung from the ceiling and cast a warm glow around the interior.

The seating furniture was made from dark wood and upholstered in rich velvet fabrics. Plush armchairs and ornate tables sat near a wall with small tables between them. Several older men sipped drinks while they puffed on pipes and chatted quietly. Along one wall, an impressive collection of stuffed animal heads was displayed. I wondered if the Baron had hunted them himself.

The bar had a polished surface. It was surrounded by drinking patrons, and their laughter and chatter filled the air. The mood was festive, and I had to admit, I was jealous. This was what I wanted my tavern to look and feel like. Clearly, Baron Swiftwood had spared no expense in establishing The Wandering Boar as the upscale tavern. The attention to detail and the sheer amount of money poured into the place were evident everywhere I looked.

I escorted Seraphina to a table near the back, where a pair of candles flickered and cast a romantic glow. As we settled into our seats, a server appeared. She was dressed in a fitted, long-sleeved black blouse and a dark gray skirt, which probably allowed her to move swiftly among the bustling patrons. A light apron cinched around her waist had a few stains, probably from a long day on her feet.

“I’m Jessara," she said. “Would you both like some ale?”

“I’ll take a mug,” I said, turning to Seraphina. “Same?”

“I’d like some sweet wine. Bring me something dark.”

“Plum?”

“Delightful.”

Jessara departed to get drinks. I had to admit this was a well-run establishment.

“So, Varix. How is work progressing? Are you close to the grand opening?”

"It's been an interesting last few days," I said, my voice stammering slightly. "The orcs have been helping out around the tavern, if you can believe that. Those guys are useful, but they are single minded. They’re convinced the tavern needs to be guarded. Otherwise, I've been working long hours preparing everything for the grand opening."

Seraphina listened intently, her violet eyes fixed on mine. I felt a pang of guilt as I remembered how I'd neglected to see her after the night of the chili feast.

"I'm sorry I didn't come to see you after that night," I said, apologetically. "Things have just been so hectic, and I..."

Seraphina tilted her head to the side, a curious expression. "Did I get the wrong impression the other night, Varix?"

Her question caught me off guard. I fumbled for the right words, my mind racing. "No, no, it's not that. It's just... I'm not sure I can have a relationship right now. The timing might be wrong, with the tavern and everything..." I knew my excuses sounded lame, even to my own ears. The only thing I hadn't said was: "It's not you, it's me."

“Oh.” Seraphina sat back.

Thankfully, Jessara returned with our drinks, which was a welcome interruption. I gratefully took my mug and tried to quietly gulp it down, hoping for a little liquid courage. Seraphina had laughed at that saying the other night.

I came up for air and took a few more sips.

“Want to order some food?” Jessara asked.

I wasn’t very hungry. It came with the territory when you’re tasting recipes for hours on end.

Jessara recited the menu in a flat, disinterested tone. "We have roasted boar with tubers, mutton stew, and a garden salad with beets and butter rolls. It’s new. The bowl has lettuce and then a bunch of vegetables on top. I’ve never tried it, but it’s getting reviews.”

“Good reviews?” I asked her.

She shrugged. "Oh. There’s one more meal. It’s something new to the kingdom. They’re going crazy for it in the capital. It’s called an onion burger."

I choked on my ale, coughing violently as the liquid burned my throat. Pounding my chest, I managed to swallow the offending sip, my eyes watering.

Across the table, Seraphina’s mouth dropped open behind her glass of plum wine.

"The nerve of this guy," I muttered under my breath.

Of course, Baron Swiftwood would steal my signature dish and try to pass it off as his own creation. Seraphina had mentioned that gossip was a traded commodity here. I didn't even blame my friends for discussing my dishes; I encouraged it. How else would I quickly build a clientele?

The onion burger was my baby. I mean, I’d borrowed the recipe fair and square from YouTube videos back on Earth.

Seraphina set down her wine glass. "Such an interesting-sounding dish. I don’t know that I’m brave enough to try it. I'll have the boar, please."

“I’ll brave it. Bring me the onion burger, please, and leave some pink."

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“Pink? You want me to put something pink on your plate?”

“I mean, don’t cook the burger until it's well done. I’d like it a little pink in the middle.”

“You want raw meat in the middle?” Jessara asked and turned to the side to fight her gag reflex.

“Not raw. Nevermind. Just the onion burger.”

“Alright."

While we waited for the food, Seraphina and I continued to chat; I found myself relaxing more in her company, and she seemed to have already forgotten that I had tried to blow her off.

My nervousness faded, replaced by a genuine enjoyment of our conversation. We talked about the weather and the latest gossip, which seemed to revolve around me, but I brushed it off. We talked about our favorite local foods. I couldn't help but notice how her eyes lit up when she laughed or how gracefully she tucked a strand of hair behind her slightly pointed ears.

"So, how's business been at the gem emporium?" I asked, genuinely curious.

"It's been quite good, actually. We're starting to get more traders passing through, and a lot of them need imbued gems. I make them for a variety of reasons. Yesterday, a trader came into the shop and asked for a gem to help him with the weather. I made a clear gem that would change depending on the precipitation around him. It turns blue when rain is on the horizon."

"That's amazing. How much warning does he get with this gem?"

"About fifteen minutes. Enough time to try and seek cover while he determines how much will come down."

"Sounds like you're doing great business. Congratulations, Seraphina. If you ever need extra security, I know a few orcs who are itching for guard duty."

She laughed softly, shaking her head. "That's very kind of you, Varix, but I have my own protection methods. I've placed wards in the store to keep it quite safe. Anyone trying to steal from my store would be in for quite a shock. Literally." She laughed. "You know, it’s been interesting that you keep orcs around your establishment. Some have talked and don't like their presence in Everspring. Not to mention Lady Churl living inside. It's brave, I'll give you that."

"It's hard to reason with the orcs. I have politely tried to steer them back to rejoining their warband out in the woods, but the orcs are stubborn. Especially Urzan. He seems to have taken a liking to me. Or as he might say, " I lowered my voice and mock growled, "Urzan like Varix! Orc stay for free food!"

Seraphina laughed.

My interest piqued. "These wards you mentioned sound fascinating. Is it the kind of thing anyone can learn to create?"

"Some have the calling for magical abilities. Mine was, let's say," Seraphina said, leaning in slightly, "a skill that's been passed down in my family, but I came upon it more abruptly than simply being born with it. Isn't it funny how that works out?"

As she spoke, her eyes drifted to my chest, and I felt a sudden jolt of panic. Was she looking at where the Heart of Shadows lay beneath my clothes? Noticing my discomfort, Seraphina reached across the table and took my hand in hers. She leaned in close, her voice dropping to a whisper.

"Varix," she said softly, her eyes meeting mine, "I understand you may have a secret. It's okay. I want you to know that I understand—I do."

It was all I could do to continue holding her hand. And breathing. My pulse shot up. Did she know? Was she about to turn on me and launch a blackmail scheme? Had she been playing with me this whole time, to pull a "He was Morthisal all along!" move? I swallowed and tried to keep a poker face, but my cheeks were suddenly flushed. No. None of that made sense. My mind raced, and it was all I could do to blink.

Jessara arrived with our food, saving me from bolting out the door.

She put the plate of boar and roasted vegetables in front of Seraphina and the burger before me.

"Another round?" Jessara asked.

"Yes, please. Oh, I forgot to ask. How much do the drinks cost?"

"A silver per," she said, then looked up as if reciting something off a UELA. "The drinks are the finest quality in all of Everspring. And you get more in each cup than you would at any other tavern in the village."

That was at least double what I expected. It gave me a good baseline. As soon as I had a steady source of ale, I would price accordingly. One thing I knew from working in the restaurant industry while in college was that drinks could keep a place afloat, thanks to their markup.

Seraphina's meal looked tasty. The meat was drenched in what looked like a thick and succulent sauce. She leaned over and smelled the food. "Delightful."

My meal was not delightful, but I was glad it took my mind off its current trajectory, which had been headed toward full-blown panic.

I stifled a chuckle. I'd been worried that the baron had stolen my recipe. All he had taken was the idea.

The "burger" was technically meat on a bun. A dry chunk fell on the platter when Jessara placed it in front of me. The beef lacked cheese, and they had piled at least half an inch of sliced raw onion on top and then smashed the bun down until it looked like a car crash.

I picked off the top and examined the interior. There was no sauce of any kind.

"Huh," I muttered.

"I'll share. Yours looks, um, not good."

I leaned in and said quietly, "I made these for my friends. Word must have gotten around. I'm surprised they aren't serving a chili knockoff yet."

"Give them time."

We ate, and I pushed my fears out of my head and focused on staying in the moment. I was blowing this all out of proportion. There was no way she could know who I was. The best thing I could do right now was finish my meal and figure out a quick exit for the evening.

I finished my meal by pushing the disappointing burger to the side, unable to choke down the dry-ass thing. Seraphina had long since cleared her plate, and we sat in comfortable silence for a moment.

"Well, shall we settle up?" I asked, catching Jessara's eye.

She approached our table, her face as blank as ever. "Calling it a night?"

"How much do we owe?"

"That'll be seven silver and eight copper. The burger is more expensive because it's the hot new meal in the kingdom right now."

I had to bite my tongue to keep from laughing out loud. Hot new meal indeed! I reached for my coin purse, but Seraphina's hand on my arm stopped me.

"Let's split the cost," she insisted. "After all, I did spring this date on you at the last minute."

I wanted to protest, but her smile was disarming. "Alright," I agreed, fishing out my share of the coins.

As we left The Wandering Boar, I wracked my brain for an excuse to head home.

"Well, it's getting late," I began, but Seraphina cut me off.

"Would you mind escorting me back to my store?" she asked, her violet eyes twinkling in the moonlight. "It's not far."

I hesitated, then nodded. "Of course."

We walked in silence, the cool night air a welcome relief after the stuffy tavern. All too soon, we arrived at the Everspring Gem Emporium. Seraphina unlocked the door and turned to me with an inviting smile.

I considered racing back to the tavern, but Seraphina said, "Won't you come in for a moment?"

There was something about the way she asked—maybe it was a sparkle in her eye. Something told me she didn't have malicious intent. We entered the store, and she turned and locked the door, then closed her eyes for a moment. For a split second, the room lit up, and my skin tingled.

"Woah! Was that a ward?" I asked her.

She nodded, grabbed my hand, and quickly pulled me toward the back. We went through a set of curtains and ended up in a small hallway with a door at the end.

"I should probably get back," I tried to protest.

"This way. I won't keep you much longer," Seraphina said, pulling me through the dimly lit passageway.

She opened the door and ushered me inside. My eyes were immediately drawn to the exquisite chests scattered across the floor, with intricate locks set in each one. I had no doubt they were also guarded by wards. In the center of the space stood a small, circular brown table. Resting on top was a substantial tome, its weathered leather binding adorned with runes. Near it sat a gold box with a small latch. It was covered in little crystals. I wondered what kind of protection it had.

Positioned before the table was a solitary chair.

Herbs were arranged on a shelf along one wall, while smaller corked jars containing vibrant liquids lined another. Long, diaphanous silks hung from the ceiling as decoration.

The room smelled of vanilla and cinnamon, which gave me a craving for a latte.

"Is this where you work?"

"It is," Seraphina said. She opened the gold box and withdrew a blue gem almost the size of her palm, closed her eyes for a moment, and murmured words I couldn't make out.

A hush fell across the room like we were suddenly in a vacuum, or a soundproof room.

"What was that?"

"Just a precaution. I know you have some strange companions around you. I don't sense them now. They can't enter this room, and anything we say or do here is completely obscured to anyone, and I mean anyone."

"What?" I stammered.

She looked around and let out a little sigh. Seraphina untied her corset ribbon, pulled them loose, and said. "Phew. These things are still hard to get used to. I miss shorts and tank tops, but those would cause a hell of an uproar in Everspring."

My mouth dropped open. "What?"

Her eyes narrowed as she studied my face. "Okay, Varis Vel'Naris. What's your real name."

I was suddenly baffled, but even as my mind swirled, a few pieces started to fall into place. "Wait. Are you…?"

"Varix. I'm also a visitor here. My name on Earth was Sara."

"Are you fucking kidding me?" I exclaimed in complete shock.