A very confused Rygic followed Skoshi inside and was immediately greeted by a short stocky woman with fiery red hair as she hurriedly walked by, carrying a tray laden with large mugs of fizzy ale. A giant stone fireplace sat in the center of the room providing ample light and a welcoming atmosphere. Though you could see the age of the furniture, everything appeared to be well-kept. A gnomish server with wild, frizzy hair walked in from a door, which Rygic assumed led to the kitchen. She was carrying bowls of stew and freshly cut baked bread. As she passed by, the smells from the food wafted towards Rygic and he couldn’t help but gaze longingly at the meal. He was hungrier than he realized.
“Come on, I see a seat towards the back,” said Skoshi who had been looking for an empty seat ever since they walked in.
Carefully making their way through the crowded dining room, they eventually found a small, empty table with two chairs tucked away towards the back of the inn. Taking a seat, Rygic couldn’t help but glance around at the other tables. Based on their attire, he could tell that the crowd was a mix of both commoners and nobility. At the table closest to him, a very short human with black hair and a scraggly beard was clearly enjoying his meal, failing to look up when the two walked by to take their seats.
“It has been a while since I have seen it this crowded,” commented Skoshi.
“Skoshi, where are we? Were we not supposed to go to the House Olden’s manor? Why have we stopped at an inn?” a very perplexed Rygic said.
Before Skoshi could answer him, the short human finally looked up and shouted, “Skoshi! You’re back!” He then looked at Rygic, a huge smile forming on his face.
Laughing, Skoshi answered, “Yes Quart, just came back into town today.” He then gestured toward Rygic, “This is Rygic Olden,” he said with a smile as big as the one formed on Quart’s face.
A moment passed as Quart processed Rygic’s surname. With a burst of clarity, he exclaimed, “Olden!” Turning to face Rygic, he continued, “Welcome to House Olden, Rygic!” Quart smiled before quickly shoving another spoonful of hearty stew into his mouth. He then proceeded to sharply inhale and fan himself before guzzling down some cold, crisp ale. Rygic couldn’t help but smile at the display from the rather informal and friendly gnome. Quart pumped his tiny fist into the air. “Yes! I am not the newest person anymore!” he excitedly announced.
“While true, I am afraid you’re technically still the newest member Quart,” teased Skoshi with a grin. He then pointed to his ears and nodded toward Rygic.
“An elf! We haven’t had a newly arrived elf the entire time I have been here,” chimed Quart with raised eyebrows.
“That is a call for a celebration!” exclaimed the red-headed woman Rygic had seen when they first arrived. She had just walked over with the empty tray tucked under her arm after delivering some fresh food to a couple nearby.
“Hello,” Rygic greeted. “No need for a celebration on my account.”
“Nonsense!” replied the fiery redhead. We haven’t had a new elf join House Olden since Skoshi.”
“She is right, of course,” agreed Skoshi. “Allow me to introduce my dwarven friend, Yaz Firebeard, Innkeeper of the Rusty Cow and an honorary member of House Olden.” He then nodded to his right, “And the gnome is Quart Derminous, our latest recruit.”
“Hi, Quart,” greeted Rygic. “I am confused though; which is it, the manor of House Olden or the Rusty Cow Inn?”
“Both,” answered Skoshi. “With me being the only elf belonging to House Olden, the manor was feeling a bit empty. So, I made an executive decision and recruited honorary members to fill the manor. Since we were low on members, we needed a way to bring in extra income, so I thought, why not an Inn?” Nodding, Rygic agreed with Skoshi’s reasoning.
“Seems unusually busy tonight though,” remarked Skoshi as he scanned the room filled with occupied tables. His gaze lingered on a well-dressed human with a long nose and slicked-back hair sitting at the next table over. Cocking his head in the general direction of the human, he looked at Yaz and inquired in a hushed tone, “Who is that? He looks familiar.”
Without looking, Yaz leaned in a bit and answered, “He’s Troper Harbs. Well-known food critic in the cities up north.” They both spared a quick glance and found the human was taking small bites and then studying his dish with the utmost scrutiny.
“Think it's busy tonight because of him?” asked Rygic, who was trying his best to look around Yaz and get a glimpse.
“No, I’ll wager most of our guests tonight are here for the magic affinity tests tomorrow,” she replied. Rygic was on the verge of responding to her comment, but live music started playing nearby, capturing his attention with melodious sounds coming from the band.
“Who are they? They sound amazing,” Rygic inquired as he observed the band. He couldn't help but feel a surge of fascination, particularly for the bearded musician with glasses who skillfully played a stringed instrument. The notes resonated through the dining hall, creating a spellbinding effect that captivated Rygic's senses.
Yaz glanced at the crew with a confident smile. “It's the traveling bard group, the Atlantean Thrashers! They’ve been playing here regularly. Probably why it's even busier than previous Affinity tests.” Her expression changed as she tilted her head and asked, “Hey, have you two eaten yet?”
“Only a quick meal while on the road. Can we get two of whatever tonight's special is?” asked Skoshi.
“That’ll be the vegetable stew! I’ll have it right out for you both. You must be famished!” answered Yaz who then hurried off towards the kitchen to fill their order.
“You two seem to know each other well,” commented Rygic.
“Yes, I trust her completely. We used to adventure together, years ago. Saved my life on more than a few occasions,” replied Skoshi as he leaned back in his chair. “You are in for a treat. Yaz’s specialty is stews, and her vegetable stew is my favorite.”
“I am sure I’ll like it, especially if it’s hot and savory,” answered Rygic. “So, this magic affinity test Yaz mentioned... what does it involve?”
“Hmm, hard to describe really,” grinned Skoshi. He noticed Rygic had perked up when Yaz mentioned it. “You’ll find out soon enough. Tomorrow, in fact.”
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Rygic gathered there was much more to be explained but could tell Skoshi wasn’t going to reveal everything by the mischievous grin that was plastered on his face. Out of the corner of his eye, Rygic noticed Troper Harbs continuing to glance over at them. Curiosity getting the better of him, Rygic turned to face the person directly.
“Magnus Skoshi Olden?” asked Troper with widened eyes. He seemed to be frozen in disbelief as he held his spoon over the bowl. “The Magnus Olden who was at the battle of Debama? You single-handedly turned the tide in our favor!” He haphazardly placed his spoon to the side and nervously dabbed his mouth clean even though there was nothing there.
Smiling, Skoshi replied, “Yes, I was there, though I wouldn’t say single-handedly. You can just call me Skoshi. No need to address me as Magnus outside of a formal setting.” Troper beamed as if Skoshi had just handed him a present.
“This will most definitely make my review all the more enticing! Not only does the Rusty Cow Inn have excellent food, but it seems even distinguished guests dine here too,” Troper finished as he took a long drink from his tall glass of water.
“What happened at the battle of Debama?” asked Rygic. If Troper’s admiration was any indication of how adept Skoshi was, Rygic’s mind conjured grand images of Skoshi wading into a horde of enemies and emerging victorious, the previous day’s fight still fresh in his mind.
Skoshi was just about to describe the battle when Yaz returned with a tray full of tantalizing food and cold, fizzy ale, much to Skoshi’s relief. He always felt uncomfortable talking about his battle prowess. She placed two large bowls, filled to the brim with vegetable stew in front of them. They thanked her and eagerly began to eat. Rygic closed his eyes and smiled after his first bite, savoring the warmth and the taste. This was his first proper hot meal since coming to Terra. While he enjoyed the meals he had with the guards, the stew was levels above in terms of flavor and comfort.
Skoshi was the first one to break the silence. “Quart come join us at our table, I’d like to ask you something.” Quart quickly stood up and hurriedly grabbed his near-empty bowl and mug of ale. After setting them down on Skoshi’s table, he dragged his chair over to them. Rygic could see the chair was specially made to allow those not tall enough to comfortably sit at a table. Once settled, Skoshi asked, “Would you mind taking Rygic with you tomorrow?”
“Sure! It would be nice to have some company as we wait for our affinity tests,” replied Quart, who was wiping his mouth with his sleeve after a long pull of ale.
“Excellent. I would go with you two, but I need to meet with the Adventure Guild and report on a matter.”
“That's quite all right, Skoshi. And thank you, Quart. I do not want to get lost trying to find where the tests are being held,” answered Rygic. Though if he was honest, he had hoped Skoshi would take him there.
“Then it is settled. Quart, you have my thanks. Hopefully, I’ll be back by the time you two are finished,” stated Skoshi.
Yaz came back around to check up on the three to see how they were doing. She hastily wiped away tiny beads of sweat that dripped down her forehead. Though it was clear she had not been able to rest much, a bright smile was on her face. She quite enjoyed how busy the tavern was.
“Yaz, would we happen to have a spare room for the night?” asked Skoshi in a hopeful voice. Seeing the inn was full of so many people, he had a suspicion there would be no available rooms. He released a slight chuckle at the fact that even though he was the owner of the Manor, there wouldn’t be enough room for another member of House Olden.
Slightly frowning Yaz replied, “Sorry, we are full. I should’ve had the foresight to have left at least one room free for events such as a new House member! Let me see what I can do.”
“If you don’t mind sharing a room with me, Rygic, you are welcome to stay with me,” Quart quietly offered.
“I wouldn’t want to intrude,” answered Rygic. Inwardly, he was shouting with glee. He half expected he’d have to either sleep huddled next to the fireplace in the center of the room or in the stables.
“I insist. Besides, it will make things easier if I don’t have to look for you in the morning,” reasoned Quart with a grin.
“In that case, I would be most grateful,” Rygic quickly returned.
“That was awfully nice of you to offer, Quart,” commented Yaz.
“It's not a big deal,” replied Quart who seemed to be slightly embarrassed with the praise being directed at him. “Only trying to help.”
“It's a big deal to me though. I would have been stressing all night if I couldn’t find a place for Rygic to stay,” smiled Yaz who then hurried off to a table that was trying to grab her attention.
Finished with their meals, the three sat back and enjoyed their ales. Troper, who was also finished with his meal, wished them well before leaving the inn. Yaz returned with a giant birthday cake, beautifully decorated with lily-white icing and a display of colorful, fresh fruits meticulously arranged on top. She gingerly placed it in the middle of the table with a big smile. Rygic asked her how she had known but had quieted as soon as the words left his mouth. Yaz, being Skoshi’s longtime friend, would probably have been told at some point. She smiled and wished him a Happy Birthday before walking away to attend to the other guests. The three eagerly devoured the indulgent cake, exchanging remarks about its decadent flavors. They contentedly leaned back in their seats as they chatted merrily. Over time, the conversation drifted to the rumors of the Kosany Empire building up their armies for another war. Rygic mostly remained silent as he had little to add and much to learn. Skoshi and Quart talked of recent troop movements along the border. From the way Skoshi was talking, it sounded like yesterday’s skirmish was becoming more of a regular thing. He suspected the Kosany were testing Viltis’ border strength, and while Quart agreed it did seem as such, mentioning the ongoing nature of such tests over the years, Quart complained the Council of Lords was loath to declare war on the Kosany and had become complacent with how things had been.
Rygic interrupted the conversation to ask, “Sorry, but who is the Council of Lords?”
“Oh, sorry about that,” apologized Skoshi. “You have been blending in so well that I forgot all of this is very new to you. The Council of Lords is the ruling body of Viltis. They are nobles who govern each of the city-states, such as Rinkon, which Lord Stephan Dormyre rules. Every ten years, the Council of Lords convenes to elect a King or Queen who serves as Viltis' central leader. Queen Margeen Attenday currently holds the throne.”
Rygic listened as he attentively absorbed the information. "I see.”
“Don’t worry, you’ll hear about them often enough, I am sure,” remarked Quart in a low whisper just before taking a long drink of his ale. Skoshi, who heard him, smirked at the comment.
Rygic merely nodded. He wasn’t quite sure what Quart meant, but seeing how Skoshi smirked, he figured it couldn’t be too bad. The excellent ale, paired with a hearty meal and dessert, began to induce a very relaxed, content mood in Rygic. He tried to fight the drowsiness but was losing as he yawned widely.
Seeing Rygic yawn, Quart couldn’t help but yawn as well. “Shall we head up to our rooms?” he ventured.
“Sounds like a good idea,” replied Skoshi. We have been traveling most of the day, after all. It's going to be so nice to sleep in comfort tonight.”
With that, the three stood up. Skoshi walked over to Yaz, Thanking her for the meal. Though members of House Olden ate free, they always made it a point to be courteous. He bid her a good night and made his way over to the back of the room and followed Quart and Rygic up the stairs leading to the rooms above the dining area. The floor above was cozy enough, complete with paintings on the wall and little tables with chairs spaced out around the landing. Six doors were positioned evenly along the corridor, each presumably leading to a separate room. Quart walked over to the closest room. Taking out a key, he unlocked the door and motioned for Rygic to follow him. Skoshi bid them a good night before walking up another flight of stairs to his room.
Quart’s room was quite small with just enough space for a bed and a small dresser. Other than a couple of candles on the dresser, the only other light came from the moonlight that streamed in from a small window.
“You can take the bed if you want, Rygic,” offered Quart.
“It’s your room, I am happy enough with my bedroll, a roof over my head, and a warm room,” answered Rygic. He was happy to see there was just enough room for his bedroll and a small walkway to the door. He bid Quart a good night and quickly fell asleep.