As they walked, Loden broke the companionable silence. "You know," he said, a hint of nostalgia in his voice, "it's been a long time since I've made this journey. Brings back old memories."

“How long has it been since you’ve been to the capital Loden”.

Loden paused, thinking back on the question and the passing of time. "Oh, it's been quite a while," he replied, his tone taking on a contemplative edge. "I'd say...around three years or so." He chuckled and continued, "Funny how time flies by, isn't it? It feels like just yesterday when I last came through these parts."

“That long, why did you leave if you don’t mind me asking?”

Loden 's expression grew more serious at the question. "Well," he began, his voice carrying a hint of contemplation, "it was a combination of factors, I suppose." He paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts before continuing. "There were some... personal reasons, and also a desire for change. I felt the need to step away and take a different path for a while."

Kaiden thinks to himself. Maybe this is where Marcus and Loden distanced themselves. He would ask another time. “Is there anything fun to do in the capital?”

Loden nodded, a small smile returning to his face as he perked up slightly at the question. "Oh yeah, there's plenty to do in the capital," he replied. "It's a lively place, full of distractions." He thought for a moment, mulling over the various activities available. "There are taverns with lively music and entertainment, public markets with all sorts of goods and trinkets, and of course, the palace."

Kaiden thinks it over, “It sounds lively. Could we stay at an Inn this time maybe?”

Loden chuckled at Kaiden's eagerness to opt for an inn this time around. "Yeah, sure, we can stay at an inn when we reach the capital," he agreed.

He smirked mischievously. "You're tired of sleeping on the ground, huh?"

“Yes, I don’t know how you can do it. I need a cot or a bed or at least a blanket. The ground is so hard.” Kaiden kicks the dirt. “I hate roughing it.”

Loden chuckled, clearly amused by Kaiden's aversion to sleeping on the ground. "Ah, I guess I've just gotten used to it over the years," he said, shrugging nonchalantly.

He gave Kaiden a small nudge with his elbow. "You're pampered, you know that? Afraid a little bit of nature will ruin your delicate sensibilities."

Kaiden shakes his head, “That’s not it. I’m just use to my life back home. It’s a little more convenient and I’ve gone camping before but at least I had a sleeping bag to use or even a tent.”

Loden chuckled again, unable to resist teasing Kaiden a bit further. "Oh, a sleeping bag and a tent, huh? You're practically a native," he joked, his tone playful. "But I get what you mean, “he added, his smirk softening into a small smile. "It's always a bit of an adjustment when you're not used to the elements. Don't worry, we'll find a nice inn in the capital with a soft bed for you to rest your delicate head."

Kaiden lets the conversation end with that. The two walk in silence until they get to a gate that is the entrance to the capital. As they approach the capital city's gate, Loden and Kaiden are greeted by the sight of men in armor standing guard, checking on the people and carriages entering the city. Loden notices the heightened security and murmurs to Kaiden, "Looks like security's tighter than it used to be."

They continue walking and approach the gate, waiting for the attention of one of the guards. Loden hoping to avoid the guards, quickly walks with the purpose of bypassing the guards and the checkpoint.

The guards spot Loden attempting to bypass them discreetly and immediately step forward to intercept him. "Hold on there! Where do you think you're going?" one of them barks, eyeing the duo with suspicion.

Loden pauses before the guards, realizing that running would only attract more unwanted attention. He turns to face the guards, forcing a smile and putting on a calm demeanor.

"Just passing through," he replies casually, hoping to downplay any suspicions. "My friend and I are heading into the city."

“What business do you have in the city? Do you have a permit to sell goods or just passing through?” The guard barks, his eyes focusing on Kaiden and then falling onto Loden.

Loden feigns surprise at the guard's question about their business in the city, casually shifting his position to partially shield Kaiden from their gaze.

"No, no, nothing like that," he replies, his voice still calm but holding a hint of annoyance. "We're just traveling through, no business to conduct. And no permits, we're just regular folks passing by."

The other guard steps forward, stern and hoarse, “If you have no business in the capital then move along to another town. We don’t need beggars and thieves within our walls.”

Loden 's frustration mounts at the guard's harsh and dismissive tone. He takes a deep breath, attempting to mask his irritation and avoid drawing further suspicion.

"We're not beggars or thieves, mate," he replies, his voice staying even but with a hint of irritation. "We're just passing through, simple as that. We can pay for our stay in the capital."

Kaiden sensing Loden’s irritation, steps in and speaks in a nice voice, “We are searching for some friends that could have traveled through. And needing to purchase some supplies for our trip. Could we be allowed to enter for this purpose?”

The guard who previously spoke eyes Kaiden as he interjects. After a momentary pause, the guard nods slightly, seeming somewhat softened by Kaiden's calm demeanor.

"Alright, if you're just here to look for friends and buy supplies... but don't cause any trouble, understand?"

“No sir, we will not cause any trouble at all. Thank you so much.” Kaiden says, grabbing Loden and pulling him away from the guards and gate into the capital.

Loden allows himself to be pulled away by Kaiden, his irritation slowly fading as they enter the capital. "Nice one," he mutters to Kaiden as they move away from the gate. "Your friendly approach paid off."

Kaiden releasing Loden’s arm, says, “What approach were you using? You got so irritated by his questions. You could have just told the truth. We are here to find the other warriors. And get some supplies.”

Loden sighs, scratching the back of his neck self-consciously as he responds. "I don't know... I just didn't appreciate the guard's tone. He was treating us like criminals, and it got to me. I guess I wasn't thinking clearly."

Kaiden lightly pats Loden’s arm and then drops his hand, feeling awkward for that moment. “So, where should we be heading now that we are in the capital? This place is huge.”

Loden gives Kaiden a quick glance, appreciating the gesture before quickly moving on. As Kaiden looks around at the sprawling capital city, Loden ponders for a moment.

"Right, let's focus on our objectives since we're here," he says, a determined expression on his face. "First, we need to gather information about the warriors. Maybe there's a tavern or someplace where people gather and talk. That would be a good place to start."

“Right, lead the way.” Kaiden says confidently.

Loden nods and looks around, familiarizing himself with the layout of the capital. He spots a lively tavern nearby, the sound of laughter and clinking glasses reaching their ears. "That looks like our best bet," he murmurs, nodding towards the tavern. He gestures for Kaiden to follow him as he makes his way toward the tavern, pushing open the door and stepping inside.

As Kaiden follows Loden inside, he feels a pull in his stomach. Hopefully this doesn’t end like it did last time they went into an inn. As they enter the dimly lit tavern, the sound of boisterous conversations and the clinking of glasses fills the air. A handful of adventurers and locals sit at the tables, enjoying food and drinks. Loden leads the pair toward the counter, seating themselves at a couple of open stools. Behind the bar, a middle-aged woman with a friendly expression approaches them.

"What can I get you folks?" she asks, wiping down the counter in front of them.

Loden glances over at Kaiden before turning his attention back to the bartender. "We'll have two ales, please," he replies, resting one arm on the counter.

As the woman nods and goes to pour their drinks, Loden leans closer to Kaiden, keeping his voice low. "Keep your ears open and listen to the conversations around us," he whispers.

Kaiden whispers back, “why”?

Loden maintains his low voice, keeping their conversation discreet. "We're here to gather information, remember? The people here might have information about the other warriors. Listen in on the conversations and see if we can pick up any useful info," he explains.

Kaiden nods, the bartender drops their ales on the table. “Any food for you all?”

Loden pauses for a moment, contemplating the food question. He glances over at Kaiden, silently asking if he wanted something to eat. Kaiden shakes his head, not sure what he could or should eat. He didn’t care much for the ale but at least it was something to drink. Loden notices Kaiden's reluctance to order food and gives a slight shrug in response. Turning back to the bartender, he politely declines her offer.

"No food, thank you," he replies, taking a sip of his ale. He eyes the rest of the tavern as the locals and other adventurers talk amongst themselves, keeping an ear out for any interesting conversations.

As the pair sit and drink at the bar, Kaiden gets sleepy from the journey and ale and drifts off, his head on the countertop. Loden notices but ignores it for a little bit to listen in to a few conversations happening around them. Loden keeps an eye on Kaiden as he slowly drifts off, his head resting on the wooden counter of the bar. He continues to listen to the conversations around them, picking up on snippets of conversations, but nothing of particular interest.

After a few moments, Loden's focus returns to Kaiden. He nudges him lightly, trying to rouse him from his slumber. "Hey, wake up. We're here to gather information, remember? Not take a nap."

Kaiden doesn’t stir from Loden’s nudge. Loden shakes his head. He thinks to himself, I am on my own. Loden tries again, shaking Kaiden's shoulder slightly harder this time. "Kaiden, wake up. You can't just fall asleep here. We're here for a reason."

When Kaiden still doesn't stir, Loden sighs and looks around the tavern. He spots a table nearby with a group of rowdy adventurers, they seem like they could have some information that could help. Loden contemplates waking Kaiden up, but leaves it be. Loden moves over to the adventurers to chat and maybe collect information. Loden makes his way toward the table of rowdy adventurers, approaching them with a casual smile. He catches the attention of one of the group, a burly man by the name of Grom.

"Hey there," Loden greets them in a friendly tone. "Mind if I join you lot for a moment?"

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Grom, looks over Loden before saying, “Only rough adventurers can sit with our group.”

Loden keeps his friendly demeanor, slightly amused by Grom's challenge.

"Rough adventurers, eh? I think I can handle myself well enough. Mind if I prove it with a friendly little bet?"

Grom interested, smirks, “What do you have in mind stranger?”

Loden grins back, confident and casual. "How about a simple drinking contest? First person to pass out loses, of course. Loser covers the winners' drinks for the night."

The group looks at one another and laughs, Grom extends his hand. “You got a bet; men be ready to drink your fill.” His men shout with glee. Loden looks back at Kaiden asleep, he should be okay for now. No one was disturbing him. Loden shakes Grom’s hand. “Deal.”

Loden shakes Grom's hand firmly, accepting the bet. He can't help but glance back at Kaiden again, noting that he remains asleep at the bar counter. Turning back to the adventurers, he takes a seat with them.

"Alright then, let's see who can hold their drink the longest," he says with a grin, raising an eyebrow in challenge.

What no one noticed in the tavern was that Kaiden was not actually asleep but in a trance. His body emanating a soft glow that no one could see which protected his body. He was having a conversation with the celestial wolf deity Astralyn. Loden and the adventurers, including Grom, remain unaware of Kaiden's trance and the subtle glow around his body. They are solely focused on the drinking challenge, already pouring ale into large flagons and preparing for the contest.

Grom grins, his eyes fixated on Loden as he raises his full flagon. "You ready to lose stranger?" he asks, his voice confident.

Loden raises his own full flagon, “You will be the one losing.”

The adventurers around the table chuckle and cheer, clearly amused by Loden's confidence. Grom grins back, raising his own flagon in response.

"We'll see, stranger," he remarks, his tone challenging. "Don't say I didn't warn you."

With that, Grom downs his first flagon in one swift gulp, slamming it down on the table with a satisfied gasp. Shifting perspective to Kaiden, his body still in a trance as he appears motionless to the others around him, but in a heightened state of awareness. Kaiden's mind is transported into a celestial realm, where Astralyn stands before him. The celestial being appears as a towering, radiant figure, his presence both awe-inspiring and calming.

“We meet again priestess. How is your journey thus far?” Astralyn says.

Kaiden inclines his head in respect as the deity addresses him. "Greetings, my lord," he replies, his voice calm yet filled with reverence. "The journey so far has been filled with both challenges and growth."

“As most journeys are young one, you will struggle at times, but you will always come out with better resolve and results with trials and effort.”

Kaiden nods in agreement, his expression attentive as he listens to the deity's words of wisdom.

"I understand, my lord," he responds, reflecting on his previous experiences. "Trials and challenges have indeed strengthened me, shaping my character and resilience. I am determined to face whatever comes next with courage and conviction."

“That is great to hear my young one, to help you along the way on your path. You will be glad to hear that there are two celestial warriors within the capital walls. Both with fierce loyalty to the empire and to me.”

Kaiden's eyes widen with interest at the deity's revelation.

"Two celestial warriors in the capital?" he repeats, a mixture of surprise and hopeful excitement in his voice. "That is indeed news I am happy to receive. Do you know of any specific locations where they can be found?"

“My young priestess, I cannot give you their locations since it is your duty to find them yourself and recruit them to follow you on your path. I just gave you a gently nudge in the right direction or some words of advice.” Astralyn says covering his mouth at the last line almost like he is trying to keep a secret.

Kaiden nods, understanding the deity's guidance.

"I understand, my lord. The journey and the search for the celestial warriors will be part of my path. Your advice is appreciated, and I will trust in my own ability to find them."

Kaiden notices the hidden smile from the deity, wondering what secrets the deity might be holding back. He decides to press further.

“My lord, could you give me any other kind of advice for the road ahead. That could aid in our quest and to summon you to the mortal plain.” Kaiden says.

Astralyn seems a little taken aback by Kaiden's request for further advice. He looks at Kaiden with a knowing expression before nodding slightly. "I suppose I can provide a little more guidance," he replies. "While I cannot give you specific information that would make the quest too easy, I can give you some broad advice. Firstly, trust in yourself and in your companions. The path you walk requires strength, courage and loyalty. Secondly, remember that perseverance is vital, and even if you encounter setbacks or obstacles, do not let them break your resolve."

Kaiden nods and takes the deity’s advice to memory. Kaiden squeezes his palms together, “My Lord, if I could be forward for a moment to ask you for an answer to a concern of mine that I hold. For I do not know why this would be happening to me to cause so much pain and discomfort.”

Astralyn gazes at Kaiden with a concerned expression. "Of course, my young one," he replies, his voice gentle but curious. "What is troubling you? What is causing you such distress and pain? Speak your worries openly, for I am here to listen."

Kaiden nods, trying to make the words come to his head and out his mouth the best he could, what comes out is a blurted mess. “Why did you give me power, but it is causing me pain that can only be eased when Loden touches me? What is happening to me?”

Astralyn sighs, his expression solemn. "Ah, the celestial power within you, you mean," he says, his tone contemplative. "It is a true gift, yet it comes with a challenge. The energy that flows through you can bring great strength and protection. However, it seems you have not yet learned to control and manage it effectively. The presence of pain and the need for physical comfort is your body's way of telling you there is a limit to what you can handle."

“How do I learn to control it then, so it doesn’t cause me pain? I felt tired the first time and the last time it felt like I got branded by a piece of metal. What will happen if I don’t control the power, and it comes out anyway?”

Astralyn looks at Kaiden, his expression serious. "Learning to control the power is crucial, my young one," he says. "It will require time, practice and patience. You must be mindful of the energy flowing within you and learn to direct it safely. Pushing yourself too hard or allowing the energy to build too much can result in adverse effects. However, I cannot tell you what exactly will happen if you fail to control it. The consequences may vary depending on the amount of energy, the circumstances, and your own limits."

“What is the best course of action for practicing to learn to control the power? Is there a technique or training that I must undergo somewhere to be able to control it safely?”

Astralyn nods, acknowledging Kaiden's eagerness to learn. "There are indeed ways to practice and learn control," he informs. "You must focus on understanding the nature of the energy within you. Meditate to feel its pulse, to recognize its presence and how it flows. Then, begin working on directing it through simple exercises. Start with small amounts of power, visualizing its control within you. Gradually increase the amount of energy you handle as your control becomes more precise and comfortable. Mastering this power requires both patience and discipline."

Kaiden nods, taking the deity’s words to heart and memory once again. “Why is it that when I was close to Loden that the pain subsided the last time?”

Astralyn smiles gently, sensing Kaiden's concern and curiosity. "Ah, your connection with the Celestial Warrior Loden," the deity says, his tone thoughtful. "It seems that his presence, perhaps his energy or aura, has a calming effect on the power within you. It may be that his presence helps to stabilize and soothe the chaotic energy that causes you pain. It is not uncommon for certain individuals to have this effect when in close proximity to one another." Astralyn nods, a hint of contemplation on his face. "Indeed, it is possible that the presence of a Celestial Warrior may have a similar soothing effect on your power. As they possess similar energy and have a mastery over it, they may indeed have the ability to absorb and control the energy that is causing you distress."

Kaiden nods, that can explain a few things for sure. Kaiden feels his body relax a little. His concerns now clarified and now a plan in place to help him control the power through training.

Astralyn watches as Kaiden processes the information and seems to relax somewhat. "I am pleased to see your determination and desire to control the power within you," he says, his voice soft but encouraging. "Training and practice will undoubtedly help you gain the control and understanding you seek. Remember, it is a journey, and you will have victories and setbacks. But with patience and dedication, you will master the power and the pain will subside."

“Thank you my lord.” Kaiden says bowing respectfully.

The celestial being inclines his head in acknowledgment, a gentle smile on his face. "You are most welcome, Kaiden," he replies. "May the stars guide your journey and may strength be your constant companion."

Astralyn waves his hand gently in the air between them. The scenery around them dissolves. Kaiden wakes with a start, his head shooting up from the table within the tavern. Kaiden suddenly jerks awake, his vision clearing as he finds himself back in the tavern. He's no longer in the celestial realm, but back in the noisy and crowded room filled with patrons and adventurers. As reality sinks in, the conversations and laughter around him flood his senses, starkly contradicting the quiet and ethereal encounter he just had in his spiritual meeting with Astralyn. Kaiden spots Loden at a distant table, engaged in a boisterous encounter with a throng of men, their expressions flushed with alcohol-fueled excitement. The men surrounding Loden are hooting and hollering with raised tankards in the air, clearly egging Loden on in some sort of challenge or game. The atmosphere is rowdy and rambunctious, filled with laughter and raucous conversation.

Kaiden maneuvers through the crowd of men until he reaches the front. He pushes himself between the last two men, finally getting a clear view of the table. Loden can be seen sitting in the center of the group, his hands around a sizable flagon filled with ale. Around him, the men are egging him on, shouting and raising their own flagons in cheer. The atmosphere is thick with the scent of alcohol and a palpable air of competition. Loden's eyes widen slightly as he spots Kaiden appearing in front of him. A hiccup escapes him, the effects of the alcohol already making its presence known, but it doesn't stop him from lifting his giant flagon even higher, seemingly addressing Kaiden in between hiccups.

Grom, noticing the interaction, smirks and nudges Loden. "Hey, looks like your friend's finally back from his nap," he chuckles, his voice slightly slurred.

Before Kaiden can utter a word, he finds himself being seized from behind, a man gripping his shoulders and speaking into his ear. "Hey, there you are! You missed a fair bit while you were snoozing, mate," the man says, his words slightly slurred by alcohol. "Loden and Grom here are having themselves a merry old drinking contest. Can you believe how much ale those two are putting away?"

Kaiden startled a little at first relaxes, remembering what the celestial being said about his powers. “How much have they drunk? Who is winning?”

The man loosens his grip on Kaiden's shoulder, clearly excited to recount the events. "They've been at it for a while, let me tell you," he chuckles. "Must've downed more ale than a sailor after a long voyage. As for who's winning, it's hard to say. They're both still standing, but then again, we all know Loden can drink like a damn camel."

Kaiden taken back, “How do you know Loden can drink that much?”

The man chuckles again, clearly amused by the question. "Who doesn't know about Loden's legendary drinking feats around here?" he replies, grinning. "The bloke's like a bottomless well. He can down ale like water and still stand on his own two feet. We all learned not to bet against him in a drinking contest."

Another onlooker nearby overhears their conversation and chimes in, elbowing the first man in agreement. "Exactly!" he exclaims. "Aye, Grom's doing a right good job keeping up with Loden. Most folks would've passed out long ago, but those two seem like they can go on all night."

As if on cue, Grom and Loden simultaneously down two more flagons of ale, their movements almost synchronized. Grom finishes his drink, slamming the empty flagon on the table with a loud thud, then immediately slumps forward onto the table, causing it to creak ominously.

The crowd gasps, a chorus of "Damn!" and "No way!" rippling through the room. Some men look at Grom's unconscious form with a mixture of awe and shock. With Grom passed out on the table, a look of smug victory passes over Loden's face as he stands, his flagon still gripped in his hand. He raises it high in the air, letting out a victorious cheer that's immediately picked up by the crowd.

"Another win for me!" he exclaims loudly, a wide grin on his face. The men around them roar in approval, cheering for Loden's triumph. Some men pat him on the back, while others raise their flagons in salute.

Kaiden shakes his head in amusement, sighing at the predictability of the situation. He approaches Loden, maneuvering his way through the cheering crowd. As he gets closer, he calls out to him, raising his voice over the din of celebration. "Looks like you had a little too much fun there, huh?"

Loden raises his eyebrows, “Kaiden, you missed all the action.” Kaiden responds with, “I got the highlights from a few men, and I saw the ending. Maybe you should rest now, and I will speak with you later about some important information I received from Astralyn.”

Loden grins, still riding the high of his victory. "You should have been here for the whole thing, mate. It was an absolute riot!" he says, his words slightly slurred from the alcohol.

Kaiden's words catch his attention, and Loden 's expression becomes a bit more serious. "Important information? From Astralyn, the Wolf Deity? Sounds heavy. What did they tell you?"

“What did he tell me, you mean? You need to sleep this off. I can’t deal with you like this.” Kaiden turns to leave to ask the bartender about a room when he pulls Loden pull him back.

Loden grabs Kaiden's arm as he tries to walk away, his grip surprisingly strong despite his drunken state. "No, wait," Loden protests, his speech slightly slurred. "You can't just drop that on me and then leave. Tell me what the deity told you. I gotta know."

Kaiden huffs, “There are two warriors here in the capital. We have to find them ourselves though. That’s all I got.”

Loden's eyes widen as he absorbs the information, his expression becoming more focused despite the alcohol. "Two warriors, huh? So, we have to find them ourselves. Got it."

He releases his grip on Kaiden's arm, the intensity of his gaze betraying a hint of sobriety amidst the alcohol-fueled haze. Kaiden returns from speaking with the bartender, only to find Loden standing amidst a group of his rowdy friends. Loden grins like a fool, proudly declaring that his friends have purchased rooms for them. Kaiden lets out a resigned huff, his frustration visible as he crosses his arms. He casts a sidelong glance at the group of men, all of them clearly under the influence of alcohol, and silently prays for a quiet night's rest.