The Full Pot was a cozy establishment, with rough-hewn wooden beams intersecting the low ceiling and a stone hearth that radiated warmth and a faint scent of wood smoke.

The walls were adorned with various weapons and shields, and the floor was made of polished flagstones gleaming in the oil lamps' flickering light.

Heavy oaken tables lined the walls, and a few customers conversed over their drinks.

The burly innkeeper stood behind the bar, his sleeves rolled up to reveal a network of scars crisscrossing his brawny forearms.

At one of the tables sat Tunka, Melog, and Lantera.

"Where've you been?" Tunka greeted Lantera. "You know there are all kinds of trouble hanging around here at night."

"Don't worry," she replied with a knowing smile. "I've been watchful. I have a surprise for you."

Melog eyed her curiously, took a pint from Botti, and sat.

"Remember that village before Sentara?" Lantera enjoyed the anticipation in her friends.

"I sensed magic there. It turned out there was a mage hiding there. I left a message from the market's elder." She grinned, waiting for a reaction.

Tunka's "I'll punch you in the face" expression said it all.

"Already talked to him?" Tunka waved and nodded at Botti. A good guy with a rugged exterior.

Botti brought a beer and joined them. "Not sure if I want to be here. Tunka's about to explode. What happened?"

"We're not that weak to ally with anyone. A mage? You'd be dead if he was wise. They're hunted like animals. Taking him in makes us a target. Word will spread. We'll have someone who can't control his power. I smell trouble." Tunka's tone was sharp.

Seeking assistance, she turned to Botti with a resigned expression.

He casually cleaned a speck on his cooking apron, seemingly aware of Tunka's expressive gazes aimed at him but avoiding.

Melog tried to stay positive. "Not ideal, but we must be in Medhoos in two weeks, where others await. It would be good for us if we came with the mage. We will be a bit higher at this hierarchy thing in Medhoos. "

No one raised any objections.

Lantera shared all from her encounter with Aiden. After that, the gathering parted ways, each delving into the shrouded night to attend to their own undertakings.

Some secrets, after all, were best left in the realm of shadows.

A fellowship with such an understanding held a value that surpassed even the most sought-after Sanguine Synergy Jewel.

Only Botti remained seated with his beer.

His "thing" was just getting underway. A fight was brewing in the tavern. Some burly locals clenched their fists in anticipation. Botti, however, watched calmly, waiting for his moment.

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Then his time came.

Out of the tavern door flew one man after another.

Another night at the tavern, another night of keeping the peace.

One tavern keeper fell asleep that night, satisfied.

***

The soft morning light filled the room. It was still early, and almost all of Sentara was resting after a stormy night.

Aiden opened his eyes.

Oh, I'm still alive. There's nothing better than waking up in the morning with all limbs intact and one's head still attached.

A loud yawn escaped.

The room was partially trashed. A promise to the innkeeper to cover the damages would be necessary, as the responsible party had vanished.

What time is it? Already running late. No points for first impressions.

He dressed, rinsed with cold water, and ran to the Full Pot.

As Aiden stepped inside the inn, he saw the innkeeper bustling behind the counter. The man looked up at the sound of the door opening.

"Welcome, traveler. Have you come from a faraway land? If you wait a moment, I'll prepare you some breakfast. My culinary skills are almost magical, if I may say so myself," he chuckled.

The innkeeper's good mood surprised Aiden. He thought this must be the only amicable innkeeper in all of Iridia.

"My request will sound strange, but I must mention two names: Melog and Lantera." Aiden searched the innkeeper's eyes for any sign of understanding or confusion.

"I see, I see... You're... that one... one of those you know. A mage." the innkeeper said, lowering his voice. "One must be cautious these days for fear of the guards knocking on the door." And again, he laughed.

The man's infectious enthusiasm instantly lifted Aiden's spirits, banishing the shadows of despair that had plagued him.

"Yes, that's me. I'm sure Lantera has portrayed me already. I thought I was late. Are the others coming later, or?" Aiden wished for their meeting to reach a quick resolution.

"Nah, man. They are all here. Let me lock up to keep out unwanted guests. We'll head to the back room." Handing Aiden a heaping tray of food, the man dashed off to secure the premises, with Aiden trailing behind.

Then the mage just followed the innkeeper.

Inside the spacious chamber, an impressive array of weapons adorned the walls - swords, shields, daggers, and something massive, sharp, and definitely deadly.

The others intently observed Aiden.

A young man with a slim figure and a mop of unruly blond hair that fell across his forehead greeted him with a nod. "Hi, I am Melog."

Melog could be a few years younger than him, so 23 maybe. Aiden noticed that the boy had a habit of fidgeting with the hilt of his dagger, and his blue eyes darted about nervously as if he were perpetually on guard.

"Welcome." Lantera greeted him cheerfully, approached him, and lightly touched his shoulder, gesturing for him to join the others.

Her chestnut locks tumbled in gentle waves down her back. Finally, Aiden had the opportunity to look closely at all of them.

Lantera's face was strikingly symmetrical, with delicate features that included a petite nose and softly rounded cheeks. Her fair complexion complemented her warm, golden-brown eyes. He was sure this was a woman of many faces, which made her all the more dangerous.

Tunka pointed her dagger at him. "You love a good night's sleep, don't you?"

Tunka's striking beauty really complimented her sharp demeanor. She was unmissable, eyes in the darkest shade of black and white hair bound in a tight braid that snaked down her back like a serpent.

Her features were firm and angular, a reflection of her uncompromising attitude.

Brushing off her remark, Aiden responded, "I'm here now, and we can discuss all necessary matters." He then proceeded to introduce himself.

The innkeeper, who he found out in a moment was named Botti, invited everyone to eat and set about it himself with gusto.

Hunger can be quite a distraction. But before they knew it, the group was deeply engaged in a lively discussion.

Aiden paid close attention, filling in his knowledge gaps from the past two weeks.

Attacks all over Iridia.

Casualties and ruthless executions. The king deployed spies, resistance groups formed but faltered, and looting ran rampant.

Whispers of a formidable mage supporting the king circulated, though none could confirm or deny the rumor.