"So, what's next?" Cooper asked they exited Anne's shop.

Reta pondered for a moment before answering. "Truthfully speaking, I can't think of anything necessary we might be missing."

"I can. Food." Tommy stared at the Reta and Cooper with hunger in his eyes.

"We ate not that long ago, how can you be hungry again?" Reta asked with astonishment in her voice.

"I'm a little hungry too still, haven't eaten too much recently." Cooper admitted.

"See? Food, where?" Tommy asked.

"I suppose we could go get food at some place other than the guild. There's a tavern I know a few streets down. If it's still there that is." Reta took the lead and started walking down the cobbled path.

"I wouldn't mind exploring the town before the sun sets, when we're done eating that is. Don't want Tommy to snack on the buildings we pass by." Cooper half-joked, which earned a stare from Tommy.

"You can certainly do that. Inside the walls is safe. Even outside the walls is safe until you get to the forest. Just don't go into the old mines. I might head back to Anne's after, catch up and all that, if you're okay with exploring on your own."

"I am, I assume Tommy will come with?" Cooper turned to Tommy with a questioning look.

"Yes." Tommy answered.

"Can't seem to get a lot of words out of you when you're hungry." Cooper said, turning back around, greeted by a hanging tavern sign.

"Here we are. In we go?" Reta turned around only to be met by Tommy rushing past.

"I guess you have your answer." Cooper motioned for Reta to go inside, which she did.

Entering the tavern Cooper noticed that the entire mood was different from what the guild's tavern was like, there were more people for one, the people were laughing and talking loudly and there was something going on everywhere.

"This is a lot more than the guild." Cooper simply stated, slightly in shock.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

"We can try to find a quiet corner if it bothers you, there usually are some. It's also later in the day so more people." Reta tried to soothe Cooper's overloaded mind.

"It'll be fine, now, come, food." Tommy stepped in before Cooper could respond.

Tommy stopped at the nearest table and took his seat, followed by Reta and Cooper. The trio had barely sat down before a man came to their table.

"What will you be having today?" The man asked.

"Any meat, beer." Tommy hastily replied.

"Do you still do the Hopper special?" Reta queried.

"We do. Will you be having that, then?"

"Yes, with the drink that it comes with." Reta affirmed.

"What's the Hopper special?" Cooper turned to Reta.

"You'll like it." Reta nodded and smiled.

Cooper turned to the man. "I'll take the same then." The man nodded and left their table.

"Am I going to be missing out? What's this Hopper special?" Tommy asked, concerned.

"Impatience is not a virtue, Tommy." Reta said, eyes closed with a smug smile on her face, Tommy grumbling in response.

"So, what do you think this urgent business the Captain and Darren we're called in for is?" Cooper started.

"Well, I don't imagine they called Darren specifically but the Captain's been training Darren for a leadership role for a while now, so I assume he's there to learn." Reta responded. "But as to what this whole thing is actually about, no clue. Safe to say it's got something to do with that force of Paladins we saw on the way here."

"Pompous idiots." Tommy chimed in.

Cooper ignored Tommy's remark. "I don't really know much about the Paladins but they seemed capable on their own, so why the worry?"

"While the Paladins and the various orders they are a part of are not a weak force by any stretch, they often lack flexibility when it comes to combat and tactics. Almost all the holy orders focus heavily on either tough frontline fighters or supporting magic users. Or both." Reta explained, sparking only further curiosity from Cooper.

"Do they not have a choice in the matter? As in, are their class choices set in stone before them if they wish to join an order?" Cooper inquired.

"Not as such, no. It comes down to the holy or religious magics being rather restricted in their growth, there are very few members of any order that differs from the usual paths they take. There are of course some and they tend to be very powerful and end up being in leadership positions more often than not." As Reta finished explaining, their food arrived.

"That was quick. Good. Give." Tommy stretched his hands out in impatience towards the man holding his food platter, acquiescing to Tommy's request, the man gave Tommy his food.

"And for the two of you, the Hopper special." The man slid their plates in front of them. Cooper stared at the very large frog-like creature on his plate. It didn't look unappetizing to Cooper, just surprising. The colour was reminiscent of the Wamper meat he'd eaten before on the way to Trand. Cooper looked at Reta who motioned Cooper towards his meal and cautiously sliced a small chunk off with the knife that was provided with the meal and ate the chunk.

"It's very good. So juicy!" Cooper declared after having swallowed. Tommy looked jealous and Reta seemed pleased. Cooper went back for more.