Argus leaned in, his gaze focused as he assessed their options. "I don't think that's the best option, Ryden. The only one among us who has navigated the treacherous paths of Babylon's desert is Xiah. What's your take on this, Xiah? Do we brave it alone?"

Xiah's lips curled into a sly grin as she regarded her comrades. "And risk becoming a midnight snack for a Desert Worm? Hell no," she retorted with a confidence that was characteristic of her. "We should find a group heading out and tag along. They might demand a price, but that's a price worth paying for survival."

Argus nodded, taking in Xiah's assessment. "Very well, let's explore Hollowhaven first. We need to gather information and resources. We'll meet back here later tonight."

"Me and Xiah will stick together and take the Sapphire Bridge," Argus continued, making their plan clear. "Akiko and Ryden, you take the Ruby Bridge. Edrigan, if you stumble upon any knowledge that might aid us, don't hesitate to reach out."

Edrigan quietly acknowledged Argus's instructions before departing from the tavern, leaving the group to discuss their peculiar companion. Xiah leaned closer to her friends and whispered, "He still weirds me out."

Argus, ever the defender of his comrades, offered his perspective. "Edrigan means well, Xiah. He's had plenty of chances to leave, but he chooses to stay."

Ryden chimed in with a blunt but valid point. "And let's not forget that Edrigan has bailed us out more times than we can count in these past few months."

The group shared a knowing nod, appreciating the enigmatic presence of Edrigan in their lives. Akiko took the lead, recognizing that it was time to move forward. "Well, we should get going. Come on, Ryden," she said, her three tails swaying in a graceful dance as she led her companion out of the tavern.

Argus and Xiah

As Argus and Xiah made their way out of the cozy confines of the Hanging Bridge Brews, they set out on an expedition to explore the sprawling expanse of the Emerald Bridge. This impressive structure spanned the southern side of Hollowhaven and made of an emerald-colored stone, creating a bustling thoroughfare adorned with an eclectic array of dwellings. The diversity of architectural styles ranged from elegant elven abodes to rugged orc hovels, making the bridge a microcosm of Hollowhaven's eclectic population.

The streets were alive with the city's residents, each embarking on their daily routines. Most of the merchants they encountered did not call Hollowhaven their permanent residence, opting instead to collect their wares from various corners of the realm and then travel to the city to trade. The true heart of Hollowhaven, its residents, toiled in various roles within the city's infrastructure. Some repaired and cleaned its cobblestone streets, while others constructed new homes or became part of the city's ever-evolving political landscape. Many among them harbored dreams of departing Hollowhaven for the grandeur of Babylon, yet the treacherous desert that lay in between served as a daunting deterrent.

Amidst the lively atmosphere, one particular house captured Argus's attention. It bore the distinct architecture of the Light Titans, a style he had encountered only once before, in a faded childhood painting that had accompanied him to the orphanage in Frotia. In that painting, his parents' visages had been maliciously scratched out, leaving behind only the image of their home perched atop a mountain, overlooking a magnificent ravine. From his father's obscured figure, Argus gleaned a striking similarity in their long, cascading hair, a hereditary trait passed down through his Titan lineage. His father was holding a large lance eight feet tall with intricate designs from his titan born ancestry. The shaft is made from a pristine, ivory-white material that seems to emit a soft, golden glow. The shaft is adorned with intricate engravings of celestial motifs, depicting stars, moons, and suns, all accented with shimmering gemstones like rubies, diamonds and Topazs. At the tip of the lance is a gleaming, crystalline blade and the grip of the lance is wrapped in supple, ethereal leather that seems to shift colors in the light, ranging from silver to gold.

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Argus's gaze was drawn to the house's stunning exterior—a masterpiece of Light Titan craftsmanship. The three-story structure reached skyward, its crystalline towers bathed in a soft, opalescent glow that lent an ethereal ambiance to the surroundings. Graceful arches framed rounded ivory doors adorned with intricate filigree, creating celestial patterns that seemed to ascend into the heavens. Luminescent floral vines cascaded from the window sills, further enhancing the ethereal beauty of the structure.

Without a second thought, Argus approached the door and gave it a knock, his heart brimming with hope.

"Uh, whatcha doing, Argus?" Xiah inquired, her curiosity piqued by his actions.

"This house," Argus began, his voice tinged with a mixture of nostalgia and longing, "it resembles my parents' home, just like the painting."

There was no immediate response, and as they inspected the dwelling more closely, it became evident that it had fallen into disrepair over the years. Their quest for answers led them to a neighbor—a wise, elderly mountain dwarf adorned with a long, braided white beard and neatly tied back hair.

"None live there anymore, son," the dwarf informed them, a hidden smile lurking beneath his impressive beard.

Argus pressed further, eager for any tidbit of information. "Do you know who used to live here and where they went?"

The dwarf scratched his beard thoughtfully before replying, "Sorry, they left well over fifteen years ago, and I'm afraid I have no knowledge of their whereabouts. The man's name was Volion—a decent fellow, he was a Light Titan, although we don't see many of them around these parts, except for you," he added with a wink. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to make my way to the atrium. It seems some adventurous youngsters attempted to climb the Hollow Crystal and ended up in a bit of a scrape. Need to get to the bottom of it and decide who needs a stern talking to. Have a splendid day, youngins."

With that, the dwarf sauntered away, revealing the platinum emblem affixed to his uniform—a symbol that Argus had noted among the city's guards. Left with a multitude of questions and a sense of bittersweet nostalgia.

Argus heaved a sigh, the weight of the past bearing down on him as he cast a glance toward Xiah. "Let's go," he murmured, his voice tinged with a melancholic resignation.

Xiah, ever perceptive, could discern the pain hidden within Argus's gaze. She knew that beneath the facade of strength he wore so well, he was wrestling with the ghosts of his past. Despite her often cheeky demeanor, she responded with a rare, genuine smile. "Sure," she replied, her voice carrying a warmth that offered solace to her companion.

Together, Argus and Xiah embarked on a journey across the entirety of the magnificent Emerald Bridge. It was a grand thoroughfare that stretched as far as the eye could see, eventually leading to the illustrious Diamond Bridge—an arterial road that spanned from Frotia to the arid deserts of Babylon. As they ventured further south, the hustle and bustle of city life gradually gave way to a peculiar sight: the city's denizens hastily packing their belongings and scurrying indoors.

A uniformed guard dashed past them, and Argus couldn't help but call out, his voice cutting through the air as a resounding horn sounded the alarm. "What's happening?"

"A zephyr storm! Get inside! It'll be here in a few minutes!" the guard shouted back, his urgency palpable.

Cursing under his breath, Argus glanced at Xiah. "Damn, we're a few hours away from the tavern," she exclaimed, her words carrying a note of frustration.

Just as they contemplated their predicament, a welcoming voice beckoned from a short distance away. A burly Rhinoxian, standing beside a large caravan wagon, waved energetically at them. "Hey, you two, get in here! Storm will be here soon" he called out.

Without hesitation, Argus and Xiah hastened toward the inviting wagon, clambering aboard to find a few other figures nestled inside. Among them were the twins they had encountered back at the tavern, their presence a surprising twist in this unfolding drama.