As Miriam returned to the kitchen, I exhaled and allowed myself to finally relax, the weight of the day momentarily lifted by the promise of warmth and nourishment.
We began eating, the stew's warmth spreading through us with each bite. The flavors were robust—the meat succulent, the vegetables tender, and the herbs perfectly balanced. The crusty bread was the ideal accompaniment, its golden exterior giving way to a soft, airy center.
"This is amazing," Sam declared, savoring a mouthful. "I don't think I've ever tasted anything quite like it."
"It really is," Alex agreed, tearing off another piece of bread. "Compliments to the chef."
A comfortable silence settled over our table as we continued to enjoy the meal. The ambient sounds of the inn—the crackling fire, the murmur of other patrons, the gentle harp music—created a soothing backdrop that allowed us to momentarily forget the uncertainties of our journey.
As I dipped my bread into the rich broth, I couldn't help but reflect on how far we'd come since arriving in this world. The comforts of the inn contrasted sharply with the challenges we'd faced, and I felt a renewed sense of gratitude.
Alex looked up thoughtfully, swirling the cider in their mug. "You know," they began, their tone shifting to a more serious note, "according to my interface, we have an updated quest."
I raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "Oh? What's it say?"
Alex broke the comfortable silence over dinner. 'We’re supposed to meet with the town’s headperson,' they said, their tone thoughtful. 'I’m not sure who it is, but it seems important.' Sam nodded, confirming that they had received the same update.
I set down my spoon thoughtfully. "In Aetheris, the leader was called Elara, but things might be different here as Elara was an NPC, and Al said there were no NPCs in this world. Either way, it could be a good opportunity to gather information."
"Agreed," Sam said, leaning in slightly. "Whoever the leader is, they might have access to resources or knowledge that could help us."
"Plus," Alex added, "it could be beneficial to establish ourselves positively with the local authorities."
I nodded. "We'll need to plan our approach. Perhaps we can arrange a meeting tomorrow after we've rested."
Ana, who had been quietly nibbling on her bread, looked up with sleepy eyes. "Do you think they’ll know anything about getting us home?" she signed slowly. Her gaze lingered on her plate for a moment, as if she were weighing something she couldn’t quite express. Though she'd asked about going home, I wondered if she was really as eager to leave as she'd once been.
"It's possible," I replied gently. "At the very least, she might answer some important questions."
"Then it's settled," Sam said decisively. "First thing tomorrow, we seek an audience with this headperson."
A sense of purpose settled over us, mingling with the comfort of the meal. The challenges ahead felt a bit more manageable with a plan in place.
"By the way," Alex said, a slight smile returning to their face, "we should definitely compliment Miriam on this stew before we leave."
"Absolutely," I agreed, glancing toward the kitchen door where the aroma of baking pastries now wafted through. "Her cooking is exceptional."
As we finished our dinner, our conversation turned to lighter topics—the unexpected charm of Gyrica, the warmth of its people, and the small, simple pleasures we’d rediscovered here. Alex noted how the town felt alive in a comforting way, as though each lantern and warm-lit window offered a quiet welcome. Sam mentioned the street performers we’d passed earlier—the fire breather sending plumes into the night sky and the musician whose flute music seemed to weave through the air, adding a sense of wonder to the cobblestone streets.
“It’s the small things, isn’t it?” Sam mused with a soft smile. “The warmth from the inn’s hearth, the smell of fresh bread from the bakeries. It’s hard not to feel comfortable here.”
I nodded, glancing around the dining room. Each detail, from the tapestry-lined walls to the crackling fire, felt like a thread in a larger tapestry, one that invited us to settle in and let the stresses of the past fall away. Despite the strange circumstances that brought us here, Gyrica had an unexpected allure, something we hadn’t anticipated finding so soon.
Ana, though drowsy, managed a small smile as she traced her fingers along the wooden grain of the table, her gaze softening as she spotted a group of children laughing near the doorway. “It feels safe here,” she signed thoughtfully, looking up at me.
Oddly enough, none of us mentioned going back, as if the thought had lost its urgency, at least for the moment. Instead, our voices softened as we shared quiet remarks about the comforts of the town, the sense of newness around every corner. It felt like we were settling in, almost ready to start fresh in this place, yet not quite ready to let go of where we’d come from.
We sat together in comfortable silence, the fatigue of the day beginning to settle in. Tomorrow would bring new opportunities and, hopefully, some answers. For now, though, we leaned into the warmth of Gyrica, feeling oddly at peace with the idea of staying just a little longer.
Ana ate slowly, her eyelids drooping. Halfway through her meal, she set down her spoon and leaned heavily against me.
"Not hungry?" I asked.
She shook her head slightly. "Just sleepy," she signed.
"Try to eat a little, and then we can head up to our room," I suggested.
She managed a few bites before her head began to nod. Before long, she was fast asleep, her cheek resting on her folded arms atop the table.
"Looks like someone's ready for bed," Sam observed with a gentle smile.
Alex looked over with a gentle smile. "I was thinking of heading up myself," they said. "I could use a good rest."
Sam nodded. "Same here. It's been a long day."
Harold, noticing our predicament, approached with a sympathetic smile. "Long day on the road?" he inquired quietly.
"Yes," I admitted. "She couldn't stay awake any longer."
"No worries," he said gently. "Would you like some help carrying her up to your room?"
"I can manage," Alex offered, standing up. "I was heading up anyway."
"Very well," Harold nodded in agreement, a warm smile on his face as he handed Alex a key. 'Your suite is called the Sparrow’s Nest, second floor, third door on the right.' He then passed a second key to me, his gaze reassuring.
"Thank you," I said gratefully.
Alex carefully lifted Ana into their arms, her head resting on their shoulder. She didn't stir.
"I'll join you shortly," I told them. "I just want to finish up here."
"Take your time," Alex replied before heading toward the stairs with Ana.
As they departed, Miriam returned to our table. "Is everything all right?" she asked, concern in her eyes.
"Yes," I assured her. "She's just very tired."
"Poor dear," Miriam said kindly. "I'll have some warm milk and honey sent up for her in the morning."
"That's very thoughtful of you," I replied.
"Think nothing of it," she said with a wave of her hand. "Now, can I get you anything else? Perhaps some dessert? I have fresh berry tarts."
"That sounds lovely," Sam said.
"Make that two, please," I added.
"Coming right up," Miriam replied with a smile.
As we waited, I took the opportunity to observe the other patrons. A group of merchants discussed their wares over glasses of ale, a pair of travelers recounted tales of distant lands, and a solitary figure in the corner seemed lost in thought, a hood shadowing their features.
"Tomorrow's going to be interesting," Sam mused, drawing my attention back.
"Agreed," I said. "We have a lot to accomplish."
"Do you think Albert will be in town?" Sam asked cautiously.
"It's possible," I admitted. "Considering he's connected to the Skyward Rangers, and they have a presence here."
"Would that be a good thing?" Sam probed gently. Maybe they noticed my hesitation earlier in our meeting.
I paused, considering. "I think so. It might help us understand more about this world and why we're here."
Miriam returned with the berry tarts, placing them before us. "Enjoy, dears," she said before moving on to another table.
The tart was delectable—the crust flaky, the berries sweet with just a hint of tartness.
"This is incredible," I remarked after a bite.
"Absolutely," Sam agreed. "We should get the recipe."
We finished our desserts, and the weariness of the day began to settle in. "I think we should head up," I said, stifling a yawn.
"Sounds good, I want to see how Alex and Ana are doing."
We settled the bill with Harold, who refused to accept extra payment for the cider and desserts. "Hospitality is our pleasure," he insisted.
"Thank you for everything," I said sincerely.
"Sleep well," he replied. "We'll have breakfast ready in the morning."
We climbed the wooden staircase, the inn now quieter as the evening wore on. Soft light from wall sconces guided our way.
When we reached our suite, we found Alex sitting in the common area, a contented expression on their face, reading their hunting book.
"How's Ana?" I asked.
"Fast asleep," Alex replied. "I laid her down in your bed. By the way, I just had a wonderful bath. You both should consider taking one before turning in."
"That sounds heavenly," Sam said.
"Absolutely," I agreed. "How did you arrange it?"
"There's a bell by the door," Alex explained. "I rang it, and a maid came up to assist. She helped prepare the bath and used some kind of magic to heat the water. It was quite relaxing."
"Thanks for the tip," Sam said, already moving toward their room. "I think I'll do that now."
"Me too," I added.
Alex stood up. "I'll let you both get settled. Sleep well."
"Goodnight," I said as they retreated to their room.
I entered our bedroom to check on Ana. She was tucked snugly under the covers, her breathing steady and peaceful. Satisfied that she was comfortable, I noticed a small bell on the table by the door.
Curious, I gave it a gentle ring. Moments later, there was a soft knock at the door.
"Come in," I called softly.
A young maid with auburn hair stepped inside. "Good evening," she said politely. "You rang?"
"Yes," I replied. "I'd like to have a bath prepared, if that's possible."
"Of course," she said with a warm smile. "My name is Elina. I'll have it ready for you shortly. There's a bathing chamber connected to your room."
She led me to a door on the other side of the bedroom, which opened into a quaint bathing chamber. A large porcelain tub sat atop clawed feet, and shelves along the walls held neatly folded towels and fragrant soaps.
"I'll fill the tub for you," Elina offered. She turned the taps, and water began to flow. "The water isn't hot at first, but I can take care of that."
Once the tub was filled, she placed her hands over the water's surface. A soft, iridescent glow emanated from her palms, and steam began to rise as the water warmed beneath the soft, iridescent glow that emanated from Elina's palms.
"That's amazing," I remarked, watching in fascination.
Elina offered a modest smile. "Just a touch of elemental magic. If it gets too hot, you can always add cold water from the tap." She spoke so casually, as if it were nothing, yet it made the presence of magic in this world feel suddenly tangible. I had seen hints of it before in my plant book, but witnessing its practical use firsthand made it undeniably real.
"Thank you so much," I said sincerely, appreciating the simplicity and wonder of the moment.
"I'll leave you to your bath," Elina said, heading for the door. "If you need anything else, just ring the bell. And when you're done, you can pull the plug at the bottom to drain the water."
"Actually," I added, just as she was about to step out, "could you also prepare a bath for my friend in the adjoining room? Their name is Sam."
Elina nodded warmly. "Of course. I'll see to it right away."
"And in the morning, could you prepare one for my daughter, Ana?"
"Of course," she said with a nod. "Ring the bell when she wakes."
"Thank you again," I said gratefully.
After Elina left, I undressed and slipped into the tub. The warm water enveloped me, the scent of lavender and chamomile soothing my senses. I let out a contented sigh, allowing the stresses of the day to melt away.
As I relaxed, my thoughts drifted to the day's events and, inevitably, to Albert. Memories of our past encounter surfaced, vivid despite the years that had passed.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
It was five years ago, on a crisp autumn evening. I stood outside the pub, my breath coming in shallow, nervous gasps. The night air was cool against my skin, but it did nothing to calm the storm raging inside me. I stared at the door, the dim glow of the pub's neon sign casting a flickering light on the sidewalk. My heart pounded so hard I could feel it in my throat, each beat echoing in my ears.
Why am I doing this? What do I expect to happen? These questions kept swirling around in my mind, but no matter how many times I asked them, I couldn’t find an answer that made sense. Mundifico—Mundi—had said he was going to be here tonight, meeting up with some friends. I had seen his message, and something inside me had shifted. I knew I shouldn’t be here, but I couldn’t help myself. I just wanted to see him, to see what he looked like in real life. Maybe if I could see him, I’d feel closer to him, even if he didn’t know I was there.
But standing here, staring at that door, I felt like the biggest idiot in the world. What was I thinking? I didn’t belong in a place like this. I didn’t even know if he’d really be here. What if he wasn’t? What if he was, but he didn’t look anything like I imagined? What if he looked right through me and didn’t even notice I was there?
I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. The urge to turn around and leave was almost overwhelming, but something kept me rooted to the spot. Maybe it was curiosity, maybe it was desperation. Maybe it was something else entirely. Whatever it was, I knew I couldn’t just walk away, not yet.
Finally, I forced myself to take a step forward, then another, until I was standing in front of the door. My hand trembled as I reached for the handle, hesitating for a split second before I pushed it open.
The pub was warm and loud, a stark contrast to the cool, quiet night outside. The smell of beer and fried food hit me immediately, mingling with the sound of laughter and the clinking of glasses. I felt a wave of panic rising in my chest, but I swallowed it down and tried to act like I belonged.
As soon as I stepped inside, I was met with the watchful gaze of the bouncer standing just inside the door. He was a big guy, with a broad chest and arms that looked like they could snap me in half without much effort. His eyes narrowed slightly as he looked me over, clearly sizing me up.
“ID?” he asked, his voice deep and gruff.
I nodded, fumbling in my pocket for the fake ID I had spent too much time obsessing over. My hands were shaking as I handed it to him, praying he wouldn’t see through the lie.
He took the ID and held it up to the dim light, scrutinizing it for what felt like an eternity. I could feel my heart pounding harder with every second that passed, the fear that he’d know, that he’d kick me out, growing with each beat.
“Not every day we get someone like you in here,” he said, his eyes flicking from the ID back to my face. “What’s a girl like you doing in a place like this, anyway? You don’t exactly look like the regulars.”
I opened my mouth to respond, but my throat felt dry and tight. What could I say? I couldn’t exactly tell him the truth—that I was here on some ridiculous whim, hoping to catch a glimpse of a guy I only knew from a game.
“I’m just meeting some friends,” I lied, my voice barely above a whisper.
He raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. “Meeting friends, huh?” He glanced around the pub, then back at me. “You sure about that?”
I nodded, trying to muster up some confidence. “Yeah, they should be here soon.”
He stared at me for another moment, then handed back my ID with a grunt. “Alright, kid. But if you cause any trouble, you’re out, got it?”
“Got it,” I said quickly, stuffing the ID back into my pocket before he could change his mind.
He stepped aside, allowing me to pass, but I could feel his eyes on me as I made my way further into the pub. I could still turn around, leave before anyone noticed me, but I’d made it this far. There was no going back now.
The noise inside the pub seemed to grow louder as I moved deeper into the room, the laughter and chatter blending together in a cacophony of sound. I scanned the faces around me, searching for someone who might look familiar, but all I saw were strangers.
A waitress walked up to me right as I came through the door, her smile friendly but curious. She must have noticed I was alone. “Looking for a table or just the bar?” she asked.
I glanced around, my eyes landing on a small table in the corner. “Could I sit there?” I asked, pointing.
“Sure,” the waitress said, nodding. “Anything from the bar?”
I hesitated, then asked for a Coke, trying to sound casual. “And maybe some fries,” I added quickly. I wasn’t really hungry, but I needed something to do with my hands, something to keep me from looking like I didn’t belong.
“Coming right up,” the waitress said with a smile before walking away. I made my way to the table, slipping into the chair and glancing around again. Still no sign of him, but I wasn’t even sure what I was looking for. It wasn’t like I knew what Mundifico looked like in real life.
The waitress came back with my drink and a menu. “Here you go,” she said, placing them in front of me. “Fries will be out in a bit.”
“Thanks,” I mumbled, taking a sip of the Coke and trying to steady my nerves. The cold, fizzy drink helped a little, grounding me, but I still felt out of place, like I was intruding on something that wasn’t meant for me.
I picked up the menu, pretending to be interested, but my eyes kept darting around the room. I wasn’t even sure if he was here yet, or if he was coming at all. For all I knew, he could have changed his plans or been somewhere else entirely. But I couldn’t shake the feeling that I needed to be here, to at least try to see him.
When the fries arrived, I picked at them, one by one, nibbling just enough to make it look like I was eating. I wasn’t hungry. My stomach was in knots, too anxious to really focus on food. I just kept nursing my soda, trying to keep my hands busy, trying not to look too desperate or out of place.
Time seemed to drag on, every minute feeling like an hour. I couldn’t tell if I was relieved or disappointed that he hadn’t shown up yet. Maybe this was a stupid idea. Maybe I should just leave and forget the whole thing.
But just as I was about to give up and go, the door swung open, and a group of guys walked in. They were loud, their laughter cutting through the noise of the bar, drawing attention to them. I felt my heart skip a beat as I watched them, wondering if one of them could be him.
Two of the guys had thick brown hair and shared similar dark eyes and strong facial features, making it obvious they were brothers. Another sported a closely shaved head and had a rugged, imposing presence, as if he didn’t take crap from anyone. The fourth was blond, standing slightly apart from the group with a distracted, distant look in his eyes. The fifth, was tall with deep ebony skin that gleamed under the pub’s ambient light. His hair was closely cropped, and a neatly trimmed beard highlighted his strong jawline. His expressive eyes reflected both wisdom and a vibrant sense of humor, and he wore a blend of modern and traditional attire with colorful fabrics and intricate patterns that hinted at his cultural heritage. His friendly smile made something inside me relax, just a little.
As they walked in, the waitress from earlier leaned in close to the black-haired guy and whispered something to him. He glanced in my direction, and I quickly looked down, pretending to be engrossed in my drink.
“Hey,” a voice said, and I looked up to see him standing at my table, his warm smile making me feel slightly more at ease. His presence was both commanding and approachable, and I noticed the subtle elegance in his attire. “You here alone?”
I nodded, trying to keep my voice steady. “Yeah, I’m just staying at a hotel in town and wanted to get out for a bit.”
He nodded, glancing back at his friends. “How about you join us? We’ve got a bigger table, and there’s plenty of room.”
Before I could answer, the blond one, Erik, looked over at me, seeming more reluctant than the others. But after a nudge from Albert, he finally gave in, his expression resigned. “Come on, it’s better than sitting alone,” Albert encouraged.
I hesitated for a moment, but then nodded, gathering my things and following them to a larger table near the center of the bar. My hands were trembling slightly, but I hoped no one noticed. I wasn’t sure what I was doing, but I didn’t want to be alone anymore.
As we sat down, they all introduced themselves—Jake and Mike, the brothers with thick brown hair; Tim, the tough guy with the shaved head; Albert, the tall man with deep ebony skin and a friendly demeanor; and Erik, the reluctant blond.
“I’m Ani,” I said softly, offering a brief nod as I shook their hands, avoiding direct eye contact.
The conversation flowed easily after that, mostly about random things—sports, funny stories from nights out. Albert had a way of drawing out my reserve, making me laugh without pushing me too hard. I remained quiet, enjoying the surrounding laughter and the easy camaraderie. They respected my silence, occasionally including me in the conversation without pressing me on anything.
When work came up, I noticed how the atmosphere shifted. Erik brought up his project, his face tense.
“Man, that project is killing me,” Erik muttered, looking around at his friends.
“Forget about it, Erik,” Tim said quickly, almost like he didn’t want to go there. “We’re out tonight. No work talk, remember? We all need this.”
“Especially before we get dragged back into it,” Mike added, giving Erik a pointed look.
Erik sighed but didn’t argue, settling back into his chair. It was clear they all worked together, but whatever they did was stressful enough that none of them wanted to think about it tonight.
I listened quietly, feeling a little more at ease now that the initial awkwardness had passed. The guys were friendly, and the conversation was easygoing, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something else beneath the surface. The way they avoided talking about work, the tension that crept into Erik’s voice whenever it was mentioned—there was more to their story, something they weren’t saying.
As the night wore on, I found myself slowly relaxing, letting their jokes and stories distract me. Albert was especially kind, making sure I didn’t feel left out. He seemed genuinely interested in me, asking questions about where I was from and what I was doing in town. I kept my answers vague, not wanting to reveal too much. I wasn’t here to make friends or get involved in anything; I was just trying to see Mundi, to figure out if there was something real between us or if it was all just in my head.
But the longer I stayed, the more I realized that maybe this wasn’t about Mundi at all. Maybe I was here for something else, something I hadn’t even known I was looking for.
It was getting late, and I was contemplating my exit when Albert noticed something. He leaned closer to Erik, his keen eyes observing me quietly. I couldn't quite catch their conversation, but I sensed a shift in their demeanor. Albert’s friendly smile softened as he pieced together the information he had gathered throughout the evening.
“Hey Erik,” Albert began, his Nigerian accent smooth and reassuring, “Ani is staying at a hotel just a short walk from here. She mentioned she walked over to the bar alone.”
Erik glanced in my direction; his expression thoughtful. He seemed to hesitate for a moment, as if weighing whether to extend the offer. Finally, he softened his tone. “Do you mind if I walk with you back to the hotel?” he asked gently, uncertainty flickering in his eyes.
I paused, feeling a mix of relief and apprehension. “Yeah, that’d be nice,” I replied quietly, nodding.
Albert gave a reassuring nod to Erik, who then turned his attention back to me. I began to gather my things, my hands still trembling slightly. Erik stood up, giving his friends a quick nod of acknowledgment before moving towards me. His presence was calming, and I felt a bit more at ease knowing someone was offering to help.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A gentle knock on the door pulled me back to the present. "You still int he bath?" came Sam's voice from the other side.
"Yes, just finishing up," I called out.
"Ok," they replied. "Sleep well when you turn in."
"Thanks, you too," I said.