It took Lantera a moment to get past the guard.

It, unfortunately, involved a bit of flirting.

A subtle grin betrayed her desire to unleash a swift kick to their hindquarters, but she chose the path of diplomacy for now.

Once through the gate, she turned left and lined Aiden's path past the houses.

***

As Aiden entered the Black Boar Tavern, the warm, inviting aroma of simmering soups and succulent roasted meats filled his nostrils.

A chorus of laughter and lively conversation washed over him, interspersed with the clinking of tankards and cutlery.

Aiden weaved through the bustling half-full tavern, his eyes trying to find an unassuming spot to settle.

Finally, he found refuge in a dimly lit corner, where a solitary table beckoned him.

A man perched upon a modest stage, his fingers dancing gracefully over the lute's strings.

Aiden found himself captivated, entranced by the rich, resonant voice that interlaced with the melodies.

He could feel a subtle undercurrent of magic coursing through the very fibers of the lute's wooden body.

In the hills of verdant green,

Where the winds of change convene,

Lies a land of mystic lore,

By the sea with secrets stored.

Oh, the magic in the air,

Whispers hope a tale to share,

Through the green straits, we shall find,

Songs of old, forever entwined.

The others were loudly amused. He suddenly had the feeling that he was alone there.

Waves of bittersweet melody permeated through him.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

***

Lantera watched from a distance, biding her time. She knew she'd wait for Aiden's meal to be served, and when the moment was ripe, she'd join him.

The mage was pensive and focused on the man singing on stage.

Oddly focused. As if he wasn't even aware of his surroundings.

***

The man with the lute left. But Aiden will never forget this song.

Some of the greatest things can be found in the most unexpected places.

The mage woke up from deep concentration. He found food steaming in front of him.

As Aiden relished his victuals, a nagging sense crept upon him that someone had his gaze fixed in his direction.

He scanned the tavern, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

Then, just as he was about to dismiss the feeling of paranoia, a woman approached his table.

"Mind if I join you?" she asked with a sly smile.

Aiden raised an eyebrow but gestured for her to take a seat.

There she is. Woman with those golden-brown eyes.

"I'm Lantera," she said, introducing herself. "And I think we need to talk."

Aiden narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "I think so. I am Aiden. So… what do you want? Why are you following me? And last but not least: Who are you, and why did you let me go in that village, hm?"

As he tore into his food with a fierce appetite, his eyes bore into her, a silent challenge demanding the truth.

Caution might have been the wiser path, but he had grown weary of skulking in the shadows.

He wanted to leave the country as soon as possible and with the artifact he left in the village. The sands of time were slipping through his fingers.

It wasn't a time for a conversation about the weather.

Lantera leaned forward, her voice low and urgent.

"We need your help with… something. Look. You don't know me, I know. I am sure you think this is some kind of trap. But we both are now on the same… you can grab me and take me to the soldiers; I can do the same for you. So, what about trusting each other for now?"

She threw innocent eyes at him and bit into a chicken thigh from his plate.

How dare you lady? My plate is untouchable.

"Besides, I assume you also need someone to help you improve your thing." She winked at him.

That hurt.

There was no need to remind him that he hadn't put on his best show back in the village.

But the day before, he had fought a group of very unpleasant soldiers who were quite insistent and persistent. Scoundrels.

After the fight, he was at the end with his strength and nerves and hungry to boot.

An undesirable combination.

"Your reasoning is weak." Smiled at her. "What makes you think I can help?"

Lantera grinned mischievously. "Because you have something we need. Oh, don't play dumb. You know I am talking about your magic. I saw it."

"And what makes you think I'll help you?" Aiden asked, his tone cold.

As this skinny guy with a pipe said, some will try to exploit your gift for their own selfish purposes.

But isn't he the same?

He also needed help and would have gladly used it.

But on the other hand, this is different. He wouldn't have just walked away if he had promised help in this matter.

Simply because he is like that.

A lousy trait in today's world.

Put aside this angel-devil battle, told himself.