“So, you come here often?” asked Leo.

Marem laughed, the small annoyance on her face fading, “Is that a shitty pickup line? No, I don’t really come by here often. Normally, I go here whenever I’m in Edheim, but it’s been a while.”

“Do you live around here? Like, when you’re not adventuring?”

“Sorta, I used to live with my family a few miles from the capital. Been away from home for nearly a year.”

“You know, you never told me about your family or why you left. I just know that you’re returning.”

Her demeanor turned sour, “Well, if you must know, I was out on an adventure. My dad sent me on a quest, which I failed, and now I need to return.”

“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. What type of quest was it?”

“It was a quest I knew that I’d fail. Not everyone was made for certain things.”

“Wait, so what does your dad do? I know you said it doesn’t matter, but he not only meets with the king but also just sends his daughter out on quests.”

“We’re friends, Leo, but never ask me about him again. It’s a complicated subject that I won’t be getting into.”

Leo paused, “Okay.”

A silence spread over them after Marem’s statement. He didn’t want to prod any further if this was a sensitive subject. The two sat there awkwardly while they waited for their food. Leo could smell the aromas surging from the kitchen. If he wanted to, he could easily focus on their meals instead.

“I had a rough family life growing up,” said Leo.

He continued, “I mean, it wasn’t bad, I guess. It just wasn’t good. I just sort of existed before I left. Then things changed when I hit the road. I finally was somebody, and it felt better than anything I was before. So, I don’t know how to feel about it. Can I really be upset about my childhood if I’m happy with where it took me?”

Marem looked shocked at everything that Leo had said. She reached forward and placed her hand on his. The two shared a look that could only be shared by people who knew each other. Knew the ways that the other was hurt, and not only understood, but have also experienced it.

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Marem didn’t find it in her to say anything in response. Yet, the silence between them subtly changed. They didn’t need to know everything. They just needed to know that the other was there for them. Friendship is the bond that keeps people strong, even when they feel weak.

The creaking of the wood alerted them to the approach of the waiter. The young elf struggled to hold their plates as he stumbled over. It was a fight for him to cleanly place down their meals, which were oversized plates heaping with food.

Marem’s wererabbit stew had a powerful earthy aroma that filled the air. The rabbit meat was empowered by the plentiful vegetables that floated around the bowl. The bowl had more than enough soup for two people, but Marem didn’t seem to have any doubt in her eyes.

Leo’s demon-hog pulled pork sandwich was served with a heaping pile of fries. The sandwich was stuffed with so many herbs and powerful spices that the air around it started to burn. Leo cautioned a first bite, only to discover that this sandwich was a perfect balance between spicy and savory.

The two of them devoured their meals. Each bite was packed with flavor and lovingly crafted. Leo had struggled with eating the adventurer’s rations that they had packed for the trip. While rations weren’t bad, they had an almost artificial taste to them. This, on the other hand, tasted like he was back in Irontree eating Koram’s meals.

Once they finished devouring their meals, the two of them relaxed in their seats and continued to talk.

“So, we’re about to meet with the king. Could you tell me what he’s like?” asked Leo.

“Only ever met him twice, and I was a kid the first time we met. He was trying to build support in his bid to be king. He used to be known as Duke Plebeius, changed his name for obvious reasons,” chuckled Marem. “So, I can’t really tell you much about what he’s like. Just treat him like any other noble, really.”

“I know this may shock you, Marem, but I haven’t met any other nobles. Is there anything I need to know or do?” responded Leo.

“Just be respectful and make a good impression. There really isn’t that much to it,” she answered.

“Alright, that shouldn’t be too hard,” said Leo.

“We still have some time before we meet with the king. Do you want to walk around Edheim while we wait? There are some nice sights that I can show you,” offered Marem.

“Sure, I’d be happy to spend some time looking around.”

The two of them helped clean up their table and made their way out of the restaurant. Leo found himself impressed at the quality and size of the meals served there. The food was so good that Marem and him managed to eat their entire plates. The most shocking part was how few people seemed to give the restaurant any notice. It was practically dead the entire time they were there. He hoped to return in the future, this place felt like an undiscovered gem that tasted of home.

The streets were bustling with life, the afternoon seemed to cause a surge of activity. Marem led Leo past the rows of buildings and flood of people to the northern side of the city. The setting sun to the west shined down with a deep golden hue. He looked to see it illuminating the backdrop of the castle, as if it was a work of art brought to life.