Chapter 13: Discussions in the Tavern.

The tavern in Green Arbor was alive with laughter, the crackling fire casting a warm, golden glow that made the rough wooden walls feel almost cozy. The familiar scent of freshly baked bread and roasted meats mingled in the air, and the hum of conversation provided a comforting backdrop. Ava, Lucas, and Talon sat at their usual table near the fireplace, their mugs of ale in hand, the warmth of the room a welcome contrast to the brisk night outside.

Talon leaned back in his chair, his face lit with a mischievous grin. "I’ll be honest—Echo freaks me out. A talking face on a screen that knows more than anyone here? Yeah, no thanks."

Ava chuckled, shaking her head as she took a sip of her ale. "It’s just because you don’t understand him. He’s like a fancy book you’re too stubborn to read."

Talon raised an eyebrow. "And what, you’re some kind of expert now?"

Ava smirked. "Let’s just say I think of him as a very annoying voice on the radio. Basically, like talking to you."

Lucas nearly spat out his drink, laughing as Talon playfully swatted Ava on the arm. "She’s got you there, Talon."

Talon grinned, rubbing his arm as if the playful jab had hurt more than it did. "Yeah, well, maybe. But I’ll take being a ‘smart arse’ over that creepy AI any day."

Lucas shook his head, the smile lingering on his face as he leaned forward, his tone growing more thoughtful. "Echo is something else though. All that knowledge he’s got stored, it’s... overwhelming. We’re just scratching the surface. The real challenge will be figuring out how to make use of it."

Ava nodded in agreement, her mind briefly drifting to the possibilities. "We’ll get there. We always do."

Her gaze shifted to Callie, who sat across the room with another female cadet, a quiet girl named Lara, her dark hair pulled back into a neat ponytail. The two had become fast friends since arriving in Green Arbor. Ava watched as they spoke quietly, Callie occasionally glancing over at their table, still a little unsure of her place but trying her best to fit in.

"Speaking of figuring things out..." Ava began, turning back to Lucas. "I wanted to talk to you about Callie. She needs more time here—time to grow, to learn. I think Green Arbor is the right place for her."

Lucas raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "You sure about that?"

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"Yeah," Ava said, her voice filled with certainty. "She’s got potential. She just needs someone to believe in her—and maybe a bit more training to build her confidence."

Lucas smiled knowingly. "I had a feeling you’d say that. Honestly, I already made up my mind. She’s staying here. It was a done deal the moment we left those ruins."

Ava looked at him, surprised. "Wait, what? That was a gamble, Lucas!" She lightly slapped his arm, her voice half playful, half serious.

Lucas leaned back in his chair, a satisfied smile spreading across his face. "Not a gamble, Blondie. I just know you."

He continued, leaning forward a little. "Truth is, one of your old trainers reached out to me. Callie was struggling back at the base, losing her confidence. They thought bringing her here, to meet you—the legendary Ronin—might give her the push she needs. And clearly, it’s working."

Ava sighed, shaking her head with a soft chuckle. "You’re impossible, Lucas. But... I’m glad you did. She’s a good kid. She deserves the chance."

Lucas grinned. "I knew you’d say that."

Ava waved Callie over, catching her attention. The young cadet hesitated for a moment, then stood and walked over to their table, Lara trailing behind her. Callie’s nervous energy was palpable as she approached, her hands fidgeting slightly.

"Yes, Ava?" she asked, her voice a mix of hope and uncertainty.

Ava gave her a warm smile. "Lucas and I talked it over, and we’ve decided you’re going to stay here in Green Arbor for a while. We’re going to train you, help you build up your confidence, and make sure you’re ready for your last year in the wasteland."

Callie’s eyes widened, the surprise clear on her face. "Really? I get to stay here? Thank you—thank you so much!"

Before Ava could respond, Talon leaned in with a grin. "Well, now that we’ve got the serious stuff out of the way, how about a drink to celebrate?"

Ava quickly reached out, slapping his hand away from Callie’s empty glass. "She’s 17, Talon. And a cadet. No drinks for her."

Talon threw his hands up in mock surrender, laughing. "Alright, alright. No drinks for Callie. But welcome to Green Arbor, kiddo. We’re happy to have you."

Callie beamed, the weight of uncertainty slowly lifting from her shoulders. "Thanks, Talon. I promise, I won’t let any of you down."

Lara, standing beside her, gave Callie an encouraging nudge. "Told you they believed in you," she whispered, her shy smile brightening her face.

Ava glanced between the two cadets, her heart warmed by their budding friendship. "You’ve got a good friend here, Callie. Don’t forget that."

Talon, ever the troublemaker, raised his mug with a mischievous grin. "How about I drink enough for all of us?"

Ava rolled her eyes, playfully shoving him. "You already do."

The three of them—Ava, Talon, and Lucas—clinked their mugs together, the sound of their laughter filling the tavern. It was a moment of calm, a moment of warmth and camaraderie amidst the chaos of their world.

As Callie and Lara returned to their table, Ava watched them, a thoughtful expression on her face. She didn’t realize it yet, but she was becoming a mentor to Callie, offering the kind of guidance and support that she had once received herself. And as the night went on, she found herself looking forward to watching Callie’s growth, knowing that the young cadet had the heart—and the strength—to become something great.

The night passed with stories and laughter, the tavern alive with the energy of new friendships and old bonds.