Memories of late nights in his one-room LA apartment, his minimum wage job, only afforded a few luxuries. Putting himself through college, he survived on chicken noodle soup. He always added garlic powder to give it a little kick, and this situation was no exception.

Lost in his reverie of the past, he hadn't noticed the two figures standing before him. Taking in their appearances, he smiled, showing a sincere and welcoming presence. It was James and Sally, the two fighters in his fantasy league.

Sally was the first to speak. Her voice was not high-pitched or deep, but somewhere in the middle. "Hi there, wizard, may we join you?" She was polite. He had a sense it was artificial, to put people at ease.

Al had no problem; he did not object to such falsehoods. He nodded, gesturing the two to sit. They both did so and put their respective soups and drinks down. Now, with the three seated, a moment of awkwardness set in.

Al didn’t seem to notice or simply didn't care. He kept on eating his delicious soup. Finally, someone spoke up after a few minutes of silence.

James glanced at his compatriot before looking back at Al. "Thanks for helping me out lad, that dagger would have gutted me had you not intervened." The bulky man spoke. His accent reminded Al of a mixture of old English and Irish. It was welcome, as it reminded him of some of his friends.

Those Irish gangsters from New York were no joke, the best drinking buddies a guy could ask for. His thoughts soured, recalling how relations between his former gang and theirs went. But that was all in the past. He cut his old gang affiliations when he left them to be a model citizen.

Then he got summoned to a magical world and killed loads of people. Guess he failed at the whole model citizen thing. Sure, most of them were bad people, and some he was iffy on. But that was him rationalising again. In his defence, most of them tried to kill him first.

Shirking off those memories, he responded with mock confusion. Gesturing to himself with an exaggerated point. This elicited a small chuckle from the man and a slight scowl from her.

She immediately corrected, quite annoyed. "Seriously, I saw you use force magic. You're a wizard. That's obvious to anyone with half a brain." She turned to James with a smirk. "I'm sorry, James, I know it's a touchy subject for you." The lack of derision made it obvious she was joking. In response, James acted being offended.

He leaned over to her, clenching his fist, showing just how large it was. "Oh, we can be on the same page, Sally, when I knock out half your brain." He slammed his fist into his open palm.

Sally replied with a flick of her hair and a snappy comeback. "You wish your tiny fist could damage this work of art?" She pointed at her head, calling attention to her symmetrical face.

Al mused on their conversation, specifically her mentioning force magic. He needed to study the magic of this world. It would be far too convenient for it to be the same as on Matesh. They didn’t have categories like force magic. Most wizards used runic lettering for spells. They didn’t categorise by magic type.

Both stared at each other before eating their respective soups. Sally glanced at Al and after taking a sip of the tasteless broth, showed no genuine enjoyment.

"So, are you part of those snobs at the union?" Her left eyebrow rose.

Tilting his head in confusion, Al pondered her words before realising the significance. He shrugged and then nodded in reply. "By snobs, you mean the wizarding union?" Replying, he too started eating without a care.

Slurping her food, a trickle of broth stained her lips. She wiped it away before speaking. "Yeah, I'm talking about the wizarding union. Uppity snobs the lot of them."

It was clear she held disdain for them, possibly directed at Al if he was not careful. Clearly, the lady had an issue with wizards, something Al didn't much care for.

He played it cool and speak normally. "I suppose I will join the union." He stated his intentions nonchalantly, a passing statement.

In response, Sally flashed a contemptuous look. This did not go unnoticed by those present, and James cut in. "Hey now, no need to frown, there is nothing wrong with a man following his path." Trying to lighten the mood, he showed a sincere smile.

Al noticed how he was stepping into problematic territory. Despite that, he remained calm. "The Wizarding Union offered me a position; it seemed practical to take it." He stated matter-of-factly that it was the most obvious thing in the world.

This elicited a sharp scowl from Sally. She was just edging on the precipice of a tirade. The fear in James's eyes was becoming more noticeable. The man attempted to make himself smaller. Quite the feat for someone built like a tank. Despite his fear, he seemed to recoup his resolve.

Before he could even get out a word, Al spoke instead. "You seem to not approve, please speak your mind." Gesturing, he asked her to let loose said tirade.

The response startled the female mercenary, but she quickly regained her composure. "The Union are a bunch of snobs; their standards are so high you would need to climb the tallest mountain to reach them and don't get me started on how they discriminate against spirit contractors." The pitch of her voice spiked; her shoulders heaved as if out of breath.

She quickly reclaimed her senses, clenching her fists and taking a swig of ale, downing the contents. She slammed the mug with a satisfied gulp. Shuffling in her seat, inhaling a sharp intake of breath, before burping.

James chimed in with a snort. "That wasn't very ladylike." It was clear he was teasing her. The wide grin made it quite obvious.

The reaction was to be expected. Her I'm going to kill you glare came out. He shuffled back in his seat, frightened like a child. The staring contest lasted for a short while.

"I can make you ladylike with a sharp implement taken to your lower anatomy." The grin on her face made you think she was just teasing. Still, James gulped in fear.

Al decided it was time to cough and chime in. "I get the sense you have an issue with the Union." Raising his mug, he took a small sip, his right eyebrow raised. The response was James nearly spitting his drink.

"Just be wary of those bastards. They will drop you the first sign you're not up to snuff." The indignation she held was obvious. Her expression was a scowl, held back by sheer will.

Al tilted his head to the side and ruminated on her words. Taking another sip, he nodded. "I take it you are talking from experience?" He asked.

Casting a glance at her armour, weapons and general demeanour. She reminded him of a Valkyrie or a Viking shield maiden. There was a sense of skill and grace along with the brawn and violence. He smiled. The presence of a powerful and skilled woman reminded him of her.

Bringing himself out of that reverie, he adjusted in his seat to listen. "Yeah, the bastards called me a two-bit witch, barely capable of intermediate spells." Slamming her empty pint onto the table, she yelled to the barkeep for a refill. Additional alcohol was required for this conversation.

While waiting for her refill, she went on and explained her experiences. "I shelled out my life savings to get in the door. I had the gift for witchcraft and after two years of training they dropped me because my magic wasn't adequate." Gesturing with her hands to signify mock quotation marks and an annoyed snort.

James remained silent. He had become used to the situation. Al expressed a piqued interest. "Is this a common occurrence for the Guild?" He asked, more out of curiosity rather than concern.

He had little interest in retaining his membership long term. All a means to an end, such is life and limb. The internal quote sprang from the deep recesses of his mind.

Shockingly, Sally expressed incredulity. It was clear she had not expected this. Then she realised, and she quickly shifted to a smile. With the strange expression, her tone equally changed. "Aww, poor little ignorant boy, so innocent to the ways of the world." The words oozed a patronising tone, something Al did not take well.

A flash of annoyance welled up inside, but it was only for a fraction of a second. He quickly regained his composure and smiled back.

Deciding to humour the woman. "Yes, this innocent boy requires your help," the woman humoured.

She smiled, folding her arms, smug superiority on her face, but not an arrogant smugness. Akin to elders looking down at a child, knowing they have superior intelligence and experience.

"Yes, I will help you understand the ways of the city. Let the illustrious and beautiful Sally be your guide." She threw her hands in the air with a theatrical flair.

James snorted, watching the situation unfold. Sally turned to look at him, eyes wide open and unblinking. She glared at the annoying insect chirping in the background. Al suspected she may swat him away with a newspaper. Note to self: check if they have a newspaper in circulation. He noted in the memory palace he called his mighty brain.

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Both of them stared each other down. "Come on Sal, why do you have to call him a boy? I mean, he is clearly of a similar age." Pointing out the similarity in age between Sally and Al. He immediately shrank back, trying to make his massive bulk as small as possible.

Her expression never changed. Not a single facial muscle flinched. Al suspected that someone may have cast a paralysis spell on her. Of course, she proved him wrong when she finally moved.

"I am trying to help him, James. When do I ever have time to be an elder sister?" Turning back to Al, she provided a truly beaming smile.

Normally, such an expression would warm a heart. But it genuinely scared him stiff. Now he was suspecting she cast a spell on him. He mentally checked his defences and found no breaches.

James harrumphed. "An elder sister, but Sally, you are an elder sister. You have three younger brothers." Pointing out this very fact seemed like a foolish attempt to challenge her argument.

As swift as the wind, she shifted back to James. Glaring at the man who had claimed her ire, she leaned over. Her presence dwarfed her bulky companion. "We do not speak of those brats. They did not respect my authority as elder sister." Lifting her chin, she turned her down her nose. It was as if she could see her siblings beneath her.

James scratched his head just to the right of his temple. It always itched whenever he was in trouble. With a quick intake of breath, he psyched himself up. Performing his usual routine of a mental cage fight with Sally. Despite having dominion over his mental world, she always won. She also always ended up on top, straddling him. He shook that image away, trying to keep the blush down.

He resolved to speak and matched her word for word. "Come on Sal, you can't still hold a grudge, they were young and stupid boys, besides our Al here is the same age as you, perhaps even older." Gesturing as if to place the man as an example. To plead his case, he gathered and organised valid evidence.

Her stare was ice cold. It was as if James had transformed into that which she despised most. "I said before and I will say again, do not mention those ingrates again, under penalty of a beat down in front of every man in this tavern." Delivering her ultimatum, she beamed with joy at the sight of a grown man of such a stature, cowering before her verbal might. "Besides, we don't know how old our dear Al is. He could be younger than I."

James grumbled one last semblance of defiance against his lady and mistress. A title she had taken for herself and one James allowed and could not fight against. "Well, that's because to this day I don't know how old you are." Chiding his companion with this very fact, he expected the expected blowback.

Her response was fierce and straight to the point. "That's because it is rude to ask a proper lady such a question." Lifting her chin, she fluttered her hair to the side. Crafting the mock air of a prim and proper noblewoman.

James shrunk back, lowering his head and pouting. The frown seemed to pull out an equally similar pouty face to Sally. Proceeding to raise her hand, Al suspected she might hit him. Instead, she patted his head, ruffling it pleasantly.

Al swore he saw the man groaned in delight, like a puppy pet by his owner. "There, there, I forgive you." She stroked his hair a few more times before she realised they had company.

They stopped, embarrassed, the slightly reddened cheeks attested to that. Al pretended to pay it no mind, withdrew his garlic powder and sprinkled some more. He knew it was too much, but that flavour was too intoxicating for moderation.

James eyed the soup. "What is that, if you don't mind me asking?" He directed Al to the small pouch of garlic powder.

He looked down and exchanged glances with the two. Raising the pouch and displaying its contents, both leaned over, taking deep whiffs of the pungent scent. Sally recoiled from the odd smell, scrunching her face in a scowl. James tilted his head in contemplation. He remained there for a short time before the glow of recognition appeared.

"Is that garlic?" After giving the powder a few more sniffs, he nodded to confirm.

Al responded with a warm yet thin smile, replying in the affirmative. Afterwards, he offered a taste for his two companions. Both agreed eagerly, and he sprinkled the powder onto each of their soups. James dug in quickly, savouring every bite. Letting out a shrill groan of satisfaction. It was as if this was the best food he had ever tasted. Al cocked his head to the side, confused.

Turning to Sally, who was sipping the soup, one spoonful at a time. It seemed like the addition held no difference to her. Yet, a slightly satisfied grin couldn't help but escape her lips. She hid it well, perhaps not wanting to express herself overtly.

Out of the side, James tried to speak, soup dribbling down his mouth. "I can't believe no one has thought of grinding garlic into a powder and spreading it on soup." The wide-brimmed smile on his messy soup-covered face was comical. Al had to stifle a laugh, lest he offend the man.

He still found it odd that this would be a new concept to them. They know what garlic is, yet they don't have garlic powder. Perhaps they hadn't fashioned the process yet? His thoughts turned to speculation, which was quickly dashed. He neither had the time nor the need to ponder such things.

Sally scowled. His messy eating unnerved or perhaps embarrassed her. James noticed and quickly stopped his ravenous eating, adopting the dining habits of the noble-born. Standing up straight, wiping off his mouth with his sleeve, and picking.

Sally returned to Al, giving an apologetic look. "I apologise to my companion; he is a beast sometimes." Shaking her head from side to side.

It was as if she attempted to rid herself of the image. James gave her a look like he was again a puppy dog, whining to his owner. Sally tried to look away but couldn't help herself and looked back.

Her expression softened, meeting that cute face. She reached over as if to caress his cheek. Instead, she wiped away a slither of soup, gently. Smiling, she smacked him over the head. He grunted in pain, and the pouting face returned.

Once her little punishment ceremony was complete, she turned back to Al. "Don't mind James, get used to him." She added.

Al didn't mind and gestured, so the table atmosphere dropped to a pleasant air. This quickly shifted when Sally started blurting out words.

"So, Al, are you going to hold up in some dusty library like the guilders, or are you going to get some real adventure in you?" She blurted, as if it were a race against the clock.

He tilted his head to the side, curious. Thinking for a moment, he replied. "I suppose a bit of both. The library holds knowledge and I would be a fool not to seize the advantage." Her shoulders slumped as if she was plotting to sway the man. Her head tilted downwards, perhaps feeling defeated. "Then again, the road is a brilliant teacher and I dare not resist her siren's song." That seemed to raise her spirits, like a light shined upon her soul, proving the world was a beautiful place.

She smiled widely, and the verbal bombardment began in earnest. "That's the spirit, indeed the road is a skilled teacher. Though I don’t know what a siren is." Paraphrasing his words, she wholeheartedly agreed, and Al noted the lack of Siren’s in this world. "If you want a true adventure, you must venture out. How about it? Have you got an adventure?" Al shook his head. It was the truth. He only had a goal, not a path. "That's terrible, you know what? How about you come with us? We have a job up north." Making the offer, she waited expectantly.

His eyes fluttered with confusion. "Thank you for the offer, but." He stopped for a moment, realisation dawning on him. The north. Al wondered in his mind. His eyes widened, clamping down on his surprise. Regaining his composure, he spoke again. "The north, you say?" He queried.

She nodded. She had him hooked and pressed to her advantage. "Yes, we have a job at the northern border. Barbarians have been attacking caravans." She explained.

Frowning at this sudden news, Alistair pondered his plans within the confines of his head. Ikarus is in the north. Perhaps I can cross the border and gain access accompanying these two. Thinking, he weighed the options, eventually nodding in agreement.

Everyone pleased with the idea collaborated on planning their journey. Al explained his intention to visit the Guild library and would meet them in two days. They all settled on the idea, especially James, who expressed his joy at the future spices he could drag out of him. The three parted on good terms, with a promise to meet again in two days' time. Al left the inn with the barkeep's thanks and made his way to the Wizards Guild.