As the party strolled into the bustling town, they were enveloped in a symphony of sights, sounds, and scents. Stalls lined the cobbled streets in colourful rows, each bursting with goods both familiar and exotic. Merchants called out in cheerful voices, hawking everything from woven silks and fragrant spices to enchanted trinkets that shimmered with magic. The air was thick with the scent of freshly baked bread, roasting meats, and herbs, mingling with the earthy aroma of the stone underfoot.
Lorian walked ahead, whistling a lighthearted tune that echoed above the crowd. With his hands clasped casually behind his head, he looked as if he hadn’t a care in the world. Cheese perched in his bag, his tiny head peeking out, his wide eyes darting eagerly from stall to stall, entranced by the vibrant scene.
Elira’s gaze swept the marketplace with sharp, appraising eyes. Her stomach gave a low growl as she scanned for food, zeroing in on a baker’s stand where the scent of honeyed pastries and warm bread made her mouth water. Her face lit up, and she darted forward, her determination clear as she appraised the loaves and pies with the same intensity she brought to battle.
Nearby, Darius slowed his pace as he approached a stall showcasing weaponry and armour, his eyes narrowing with interest. His massive frame towered over the stall, yet he leaned in with a practised eye, scrutinising the blades for quality and balance. He ran a finger thoughtfully over a polished greataxe, nodding with approval at the craftsmanship.
Seraph, Riven, and Magnus walked together, their conversation flowing as naturally as the gentle hum of the marketplace around them. Seraph’s soft laughter blended with Riven’s dry wit, and Magnus chimed in with a chuckle, the three of them immersed in an easy camaraderie.
“What’re we gonna do?” Caelus asked, glancing over at his companions.
Elira shrugged, stretching her arms overhead with a lazy grin. “Dunno,” she replied, stifling a yawn that hinted she was ready to unwind.
“Lunch?” Seraph suggested, her warm smile inviting and full of encouragement.
“Sounds good right about now,” Riven agreed, giving her stomach an approving pat.
They wandered down the winding paths, following their noses and instincts, until they came upon a cosy shop nestled between two larger buildings. Eventually, they paused in front of a quaint little shop with a wooden sign that swayed in the breeze, etched with the words The Hearth and Hallow. The place had an old-fashioned charm, with ivy creeping along its stone walls. A soft, inviting glow spilled out from the windows, casting a warm light onto the cobblestone path. As they neared the quaint, low door, the taller companions had to duck slightly to avoid knocking their heads against the wooden frame. Riven, being a halfling, breezed through with ease, her short stature allowing her to pass beneath the threshold without a second thought. Lorian, with his usual easy confidence, followed, his height causing him to stoop just enough to clear the doorway. Cheese, perched snugly in Lorian’s bag, poked his head out, watching curiously as the group filed through.
Inside, the shop revealed itself to be far more spacious than expected. The low entryway opened down to a warm, inviting tavern area with a surprisingly high ceiling that had wooden beams running across it. Firelight flickered from a grand hearth at the back, casting a golden glow over the dark wood beams and scattering light across the rustic tables. Candles glimmered on every surface, filling the room with a soft, welcoming warmth.
The scent of roasting meats and fresh herbs filled the air, making Elira’s stomach rumble audibly. They took seats in a row at the bar, with Caelus between Lorian and Darius.
Behind the counter stood the bar lady, a tall, statuesque woman with silvery hair braided down to her waist and eyes that shimmered with a mischievous sparkle. Her presence was both warm and commanding, like an ancient storyteller in the body of a tavern keeper. As she looked over the party, a welcoming smile softened her sharp features. “Well, well, what’ll it be, travellers?” Her voice was rich, with a honeyed warmth that settled over them like a blanket. “We’ve got hearty Pegasus Stew, a Spiced Mandrake Root Cider that’ll put a bit of fire in your belly, and a Mushroom and Flamefruit Pie for those feeling particularly adventurous.”
The champions exchanged quick glances, their eyes alight with a mix of eager anticipation and hunger. Each face was a mirror of curiosity, their expressions softening as the scent of the food wafted through the air. Elira’s lips parted slightly, her gaze lingering on the display of dishes on the menu as if she could already taste the flavours in the air. Lorian’s eyes sparkled with playful intrigue, his fingers tapping on the table, while Darius’s heavy brow furrowed with focused interest. Even Seraph, usually the calmest of them, couldn’t hide the gleam of excitement that flickered across her face. Together, they shared a moment of quiet, collective anticipation, united in the simple yet irresistible promise of a good meal.
Caelus, after a moment’s thought, ordered the Pegasus Stew. A few minutes later, a heavy earthenware bowl was set before him, filled to the brim with a thick, savoury broth. Steam curled into the air, carrying the comforting scent of slow-simmered spices and tender meat, as if the stew itself had absorbed the wild essence of the Pegasus. Vegetables were nestled among the pieces of meat—chunks of crimson carrots, sunroot potatoes, and green sprigs of an herb that released a bright, piney aroma with each stir.
Next, Lorian received his Mushroom and Flamefruit Pie. The dish arrived in a piping hot ceramic skillet, its golden-brown crust dusted with flecks of something that sparkled faintly under the dim lights. A lattice of buttery pastry topped the pie, and beneath it, Lorian could see hints of deep, earthy mushroom browns and bursts of Flamefruit reds and oranges that glistened like embers. “Best eaten while it’s still hot,” the bar lady advised, her eyes twinkling. “Each bite’s got a bit of fire to it.” Lorian’s eyes lit up as he inhaled the rich, complex aroma—a unique blend of smoky and sweet, like autumn leaves caught in a warm breeze.
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Darius, meanwhile, took an interest in the freshly baked bread, which was delivered as a whole, crusty loaf. The bar lady handed him a small, lidded pot, inside of which lay a gleaming butter enchanted with a faint, magical green glow. Darius slathered a thick layer onto a slice, and when he bit into it, he was met with a burst of herbal freshness that softened into a rich, creamy warmth.
Cheese, perched on the counter, reached for a small glass of water with both hands, lifted it carefully over its head, and tipped it back. It guzzled the entire glass at once, the water pouring down its tiny body in one go. It seemed to swell slightly, visibly plumping with contentment.
The group dug into their meals, savouring the warmth and comfort of the food after a long day on the road. The tavern’s cosy atmosphere and the rich, savoury scents enveloped them, creating a rare moment of peace.
Darius tore off a hefty piece of bread, glancing at Caelus with a knowing grin. “The other day, I had the ‘honour’ of meeting the royal dragons,” he began, his tone infused with that timeless, storytelling energy. “The elder mages introduced me, and let me tell you—those dragons are absolute mischief-makers.”
Caelus looked up, intrigued, as Darius chuckled and shook his head, clearly amused by the memory. “Oh, they might look regal when they’re soaring overhead, but down here? They’re tricksters. They hide in the clouds, dive-bombing anyone who isn’t paying attention, and one of them even nipped me right on the tail,” he added, rubbing the spot as if still feeling the sting.
Caelus laughed, picturing it. “Sounds like they weren’t exactly rolling out the red carpet for you.”
“Not in the slightest,” Darius replied with a hearty laugh. “They make you earn their respect, believe me. Back when I—or rather, the soul I was reborn from—was a commander, learning to ride them was a rite of passage. Aerial tactics were ‘my’ specialty, but those dragons weren’t just going to let me lead them. Every day was a battle for respect, for learning to read their moods and instincts. Let’s just say flying was the least of the challenges,” he added, his eyes twinkling with fondness.
Caelus leaned in, clearly entertained. “Did you ever get the hang of it?”
Darius leaned back, a nostalgic grin spreading across his face as he nodded. “I guess. Training to handle those dragons was no small feat. At first, flying felt downright unnatural—one moment, I was just a human, and the next? Scales, wings, and suddenly I’m supposed to know how to soar through the skies like it’s second nature." He shook his head, laughing at the memory. "You should’ve seen the first day… let’s just say I wasn’t exactly graceful.”
He paused, lifting his mug to take a thoughtful sip. A flicker of something softer crossed his face as he looked down, his smile turning wistful. “You know, my daughters would’ve loved to hear about this,” he murmured, almost to himself, his voice tinged with both pride and a hint of longing.
Caelus froze mid-bite, the spoon hovering just before his mouth as Darius’s words registered. He looked over at the older warrior, eyes widening in surprise. “You had daughters?” he asked, his voice a mix of curiosity and disbelief, as if he’d glimpsed a part of Darius’s past he’d never expected.
Darius paused, his mug hovering just before his lips. For a moment, his gaze softened, and a faint smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “Yeah,” he said quietly, the warmth in his voice a stark contrast to his usual hearty tone. “Two of ‘em. Bright as stars, both of them.”
He took a slow sip, his eyes distant, as if briefly lost in a memory. Then, with a small chuckle, he returned his focus to his stew, his demeanour shifting back to his usual, easygoing self. Caelus, sensing the depth of Darius’s words, didn’t press further. Instead, he let the moment settle, a quiet respect passing between them as they continued their meal.
When they’d finished their meal, Caelus fished around in the pouch the king had given him, pulling out a handful of silver coins to cover the meal. Elira, sitting across from him, couldn’t help but smile at the sight.
“You’re still holding onto that coin pouch?” she teased lightly, her eyes glinting with amusement. “Just put it in your inventory, Caelus. It’s 100 times more convenient.”
With a shrug, Elira opened her Soulbound Interface. However, as the interface unfolded, it revealed a jumbled, cluttered mess of items—odd bits of half-eaten food, random trinkets, crumpled maps, and an old, random dented pot. At the very bottom of the inventory, her shield rested precariously next to a stack of tangled ropes and a bundle of clothes that looked like they hadn’t been folded in days.
He opened his own interface, the familiar glow of the system filling the space in front of him. With a simple mental command, he “dropped” the pouch into his virtual inventory, watching in quiet fascination as it vanished from his hand. His fingers hovered in midair for a moment before he smiled, impressed by the simplicity. How convenient.
“All right, I’m heading back to train,” Riven said, stretching her arms above her head, the soft creak of her leather gear accompanying the movement. She pulled her hood over her head, casting a shadow over her features, her face unreadable as always. She swiftly drained the last of her water, then tugged her mask back into place, her gaze sharp and alert as she prepared to move.
Caelus raised an eyebrow, his tone firm but not unkind. “First light, though. Day after tomorrow. Remember?”
Riven gave him a quick, dismissive nod, the edges of her mouth twitching into a half-smirk. “Yeah, yeah, I’ll be there. You’ll see me. Don’t worry about it.” With a casual flick of her hand, she waved him off before turning to the door.
She pushed it open with a soft groan, the hinges protesting slightly, then slipped out into the cool evening air. The door swung shut behind her with a quiet thud, leaving the rest of the party in a brief moment of silence.
As the others drifted away, the lively hum of the tavern faded, leaving Caelus and Lorian standing together in the warm glow of flickering hearthlight. The air smelled of roasted meat and spiced ale, mingling with the faint scent of worn leather and old wood. Laughter and the clinking of plates grew distant, softening like echoes as the room settled. Lorian’s eyes sparkled with a quiet thrill as he turned to Caelus, a smile playing at the corner of his lips. The shared silence held a certain promise, an unspoken understanding passing between them in that moment, as if they were both on the edge of something about to begin.
“Shopping spree?” Lorian’s eyes gleamed with a mischievous spark, his grin widening as he leaned toward Caelus, the excitement in his voice contagious. His tone danced with playful anticipation, as if the very idea of it was a thrilling adventure. Beside him, Cheese gave an enthusiastic squeak, its tiny body bouncing with energy. The little creature’s eyes, two dark, gleaming dots, were fixed intently on Caelus, as if silently urging him to join in the fun.