The Hanging Bridge Brews was a sanctuary of warmth and charm, inviting its patrons to indulge in a world of enchanting flavors and stories. The interior was a cozy haven, illuminated by dimly lit lanterns that hung from the wooden beams above, their tendrils of ivy and vines lending an air of rustic elegance to the space. Cushions adorned the floor, where patrons gathered in small groups, their laughter and animated conversation creating a symphony of camaraderie. The atmosphere was not just welcoming; it was a testament to the very essence of Hollowhaven, where unity and diversity danced hand in hand.

Ryden, fueled by the weariness of their journey and the promise of a hearty ale, approached the bar. There, a towering Efreeti-Kin tavern keeper named Kyro awaited them, a living embodiment of fire and strength. His fiery veins pulsed beneath his red skin, casting a mesmerizing glow like molten magma. Though bald, a long, distinguished beard cascaded down his chest, adorned with fiery ornaments piercing through his nostrils.

With a warm smile that matched the twinkle in his eyes, Kyro greeted the group, his voice carrying a hint of fire's crackle. "What can Kyro get ya folks?"

Without hesitation, Ryden blurted out, "Ale!" His simplicity brought knowing glances exchanged between Argus and Akiko.

"Of course, we have an excellent Cinderborn Ale, brewed right here below the tavern," Kyro replied, his tone resonating with pride. "Could we get four ales, please?" Argus asked with a weary yet appreciative smile. "Do you happen to have any rooms available?"

Kyro leaned in with a hospitable offer. "We only have one available. You folks look like you've been through quite the battle. Here's what I'll do for ya: if you pay for the room for the night, I'll give you four ales and an extra night in the room, on the house. Consider it Hollowhaven hospitality."

"Deal," Argus agreed, placing coins on the table for the room. "Go find some seats, and I'll have my daughter Feria bring over the drinks."

"Thanks, Kyro," Akiko smiled.

With their ales ordered and the promise of rest in their near future, the group found seating on the floor, cushions beneath them. The tavern's warm and welcoming embrace enveloped them, reminding them that Hollowhaven was not just a city of architectural wonders but also a place where stories and lives intertwined.

Akiko, her curiosity ever unquenched, looked to Argus. "What's the plan, Argus?"

"I think we stay in Hollowhaven for a couple of days," Argus replied thoughtfully. "Skoll will be sending his spies here at some point, and I want us gone before that happens. They will give up when they find out Hati was thrown into the Gorge, and we pass into Babylon. The skirmishes between Babylon and Frotia are the norm, but I think Fenrir would want to avoid a war by sending spies after the five of us. We are nobodies, just deserters, to be quite honest."

"I think you're right," Akiko agreed. "I'm just happy to be out of Frotia. They kept me in chains until they forced me to fight," she confessed, her gaze fixed on the ground. "I'm thankful Enkidu removed the brand keeping us from leaving. But there must be something he wants. Why save us?"

Argus shrugged. "I don't know. Our only choice is to head to Babylon and, from there, come up with a plan."

Edrigan, ever the quiet scholar, interjected, "I would like to get some books from Hollowhaven before we leave."

"Sure thing," Argus replied, acknowledging his companion's intellectual pursuits.

At that moment, a small Efreeti-Kin girl, no older than twelve, approached their table with four pints of ale. The drinks were hefty, but she carried them effortlessly, her demeanor a blend of youthful innocence and the confidence of her heritage.

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

"Here ya go," she said, her voice light and childlike.

"Thank you very much," Ryden said, patting her head affectionately as he placed a silver coin in her outstretched hand. Together, the group didn't have much currency left.

"My father Vaario is in Babylon. We can go there," Xiah announced abruptly.

"That's the plan for now, then," Akiko chimed in. "Crossing the desert will be tricky; we may have to find passage somehow."

Argus nodded in agreement. "We'll do that tomorrow. Let's finish these drinks and head to the room. I think this day has been exhausting enough."

With that, Ryden grabbed two more ales, and as a group, they retired to their room. It was a small but comfortable space, offering them a respite from the challenges of their journey.

While the others settled in, Edrigan took a moment to read a book he had swiped from one of the tavern's drunken patrons. The title, "The Fae's Whispering Eye," left no doubt about its contents, offering a moment of light-heartedness amidst their somber circumstances.

As they sipped their drinks and their surroundings grew quieter, the night slowly descended upon Hollowhaven, wrapping the group in a warm embrace of rest and dreams.

The next morning, the group stirred from their slumber in the comfortable quarters of the Hanging Bridge Brews. It was a well-deserved rest, and as they descended the creaky wooden stairs, a tantalizing aroma greeted their senses. Breakfast was laid out before them, a feast of freshly baked bread, exotic fruits, and an array of fragrant herbal teas.

Seated around a low table, they delved into conversation about their plans for the day. The journey to Babylon would be fraught with challenges, and they knew they needed information.

Argus cast a keen eye around the bustling tavern, searching for potential contacts or tidbits of information. Just as he was about to voice his thoughts, a hushed murmur rippled through the patrons, drawing their attention to the entrance.

The entrance parted to reveal two figures, a striking male and a regal female. Their presence commanded immediate attention. They walked with grace, water droplets clinging to their attire and skin, glistening like liquid diamonds.

Alzeria, her voice melodious as the ocean's gentle lullaby, spoke first. "Good morning, Kyro. The usual, please," she said, her azure eyes locking onto Argus's with an intensity that hinted at her commanding lineage.

"At once, Princess," Kyro replied with deference.

Alzar, exuding electric energy with his slender features, nodded in acknowledgment to Kyro. There was an unspoken respect between the two.

Akiko, never one to shy away from camaraderie, extended her hand with a warm smile. "I'm Akiko, and these are my companions: Argus, Ryden, Xiah, and Edrigan."

The twins exchanged a knowing look, and Alzar smiled at the group before leading the way to a private section not typically available to regular patrons. Edrigan couldn't help but cast an intrigued glance at the book Alzar was reading.

Alzeria extended her hand to shake theirs in turn. “I’m Alzeria, and that was Alzar. I haven’t seen any of you in the city before. What brings you here?”

"Just passing through," Argus replied cautiously as he approached. The others remained seated, partaking in the sumptuous spread Kyro had provided.

"Interesting. So the five of you came from Frotia," Alzeria continued, her gaze inquisitive. "Conscripts into Fenrir’s army? And I assume you are no longer in said army."

Argus took a step back defensively, Akiko stood her ground, seemingly unfazed. "Don't worry about it. I couldn't care less about what happens in Frotia. Those wolves can rot up there."

Akiko interjected with a compliment, "Love your hair! Where did you get those beautiful clips?" She gestured to Alzeria's cascading navy-blue hair adorned with an octopus-shaped clip made of various gems.

Alzeria smiled, "A gift from my father."

“Well we will leave you to your meal” Argus said, pulling Akiko gently away from the twins, said, "We should try not to draw too much attention to ourselves. Even if you're eager to make friends, Akiko."

"That was Alzeria Tempeswell, Princess of the Deep, and Alzar Tempeswell, the Maelstrom Prince," Edrigan chimed in.

"The Tempeswell Empire. That's the last thing we need right now," Argus muttered under his breath. "Edrigan, stop staring at the prince!"

Edrigan, a bit flustered, replied, "Ah, yes, sorry. I'm still learning not to be 'weird,' as Xiah says."

As the twins finished their meal and left, Alzeria glanced over at Argus and Akiko, offering a farewell smile. "So, the plan?" Xiah looked at Argus expectantly.

Argus considered the options. "I'm open to suggestions, but I think we should find a traveling merchant and see if we can tag along when they head through the desert."

Ryden, mouth still full of food, chimed in, "We should just go now. The desert will be a cakewalk compared to the north. We can handle it ourselves."