After finishing their meals, Loden has finished sharing the entire sequence of events that transpired during his argument with Kaiden and Wulfric, leaving no details untold to Grim. In the wake of this recollection, a moment of contemplative silence envelops the table. Grim, seemingly deep in contemplation, remains quiet, considering the details that have been laid out before him.

Loden's patience begins to dwindle as he anxiously awaits Grim's response. He leans forward slightly and poses the question with a hint of urgency in his voice, "Well? What do you think? How do I fix this?"

Grim looks directly at Loden, his head bobbing slightly in the affirmative. He opens his mouth to speak, but before the words can escape his lips, he suddenly taps Loden on the forehead with a firm but gentle swat. "Idiot," Grim mutters with an air of affectionate reproach.

Loden rubs his forehead gently, grimacing from the brief sting caused by Grim's playful tap. "Ouch!" he exclaims, "What was that for? That hurt, Grim!”

Grim raises his leg, planting his foot against Loden's bench. Using his foot for leverage, he successfully rocks the bench off balance, sending Loden wobbling precariously on top of it.

Grim chides Loden, his voice laced with a mix of frustration and concern. "Think before you act or speak with Kaiden," he says firmly. "You're allowing your emotions to cloud your judgment, leading you to lash out and hurt the kid." Grim applies further pressure on the bench, causing Loden to tilt even more precariously.

Grim swiftly interjects, cutting off Loden's response before he can utter a single word. "You're dealing damage to him emotionally," Grim emphasizes, his tone firm yet laced with a hint of compassion. “The consequences of your words and actions are like this rocking bench, and if you continue to let your emotions take control, it will lead to an irreversible outcome. In this moment, you're Kaiden, perched precariously on this bench. And if you don't find a way to stabilize yourself, you'll end up falling off.”

Grim increases the force against the bench, causing Loden to cling onto it more firmly in an attempt to regain his balance. Grim chuckles softly at Loden's discomfort. Loden responds with a mixture of annoyance and pleading, "What are you trying to convey? Please stop rocking my seat!"

Grim swiftly withdraws his foot, allowing the bench to crash back onto the floor with a thud. He continues firmly, "In the heat of the argument, you said to Kaiden, 'I can't always be your babysitter. I'm not your brother or boyfriend who's going to constantly coddle you.' Is that correct, and did it cause Kaiden to shed tears in response?"

Loden nods in affirmation, his expression confirming the accuracy of the memory. "Yes," he responds, the recollection of the moment etched vividly in his mind.

Grim articulates Loden’s words word-for-word, his tone unwavering and resolute. "You further stated to Kaiden, 'You're supposed to be a priestess, a role typically reserved for women. It's more forgivable for them to cry over words and be coddled. But you're a guy. Guys don't cry, and they shouldn't need someone carrying them around.' Am I correct?"

Loden nods in confirmation once more, silently acknowledging the accurate recounting of the hurtful words he had spoken to Kaiden. The weight of guilt and regret grows within him, the shame becoming increasingly palpable.

Grim's head shakes in disapproval as he presses on, closing in on the climax of the argument. "You further went on to assert, 'Perhaps the primary issue at hand is Kaiden himself. Astryaln should have summoned a girl, not a boy.' Is this true?"

Loden nods reluctantly, his shame evident as he admits sheepishly, "Yes, I did say all those things. I didn't mean to in that moment, but I understand how hurtful my words were. I feel terrible about it. Please, stop reminding me of it."

Grim makes a pointed motion, firmly pressing his finger against the tabletop. "Each phrase you hurled at him was like a wave that rocked the bench, Loden. Kaiden is now left uncertain about where he stands with you, and your words inflicted a different kind of pain within him, probably feeling like relentless waves crashing against his psyche. He's already burdened with enough to deal with." Grim continues gravely, "It's imperative that you address this predicament to re-establish trust and stability in your relationship. Though your hurtful words have already taken their toll, they bear the potential to cause a significant rift between the two of you. If Kaiden cannot rely on you in times of strife, it could lead to physical harm on his part. That's the danger of a rift between a Priestess and their warriors."

Loden's eyes widen in realization as he acknowledges Grim's wisdom. "I hadn't considered it from that perspective," he admits. "You're truly insightful, Grim. What should I do now to seek Kaiden's forgiveness and rebuild his trust in me?"

Grim motions discreetly for the barmaid, beckoning her to their table. He leans forward and whispers something inaudible into her ear. Intrigued, Loden watches the exchange with curiosity, bewildered by Grim's secrecy. The barmaid nods and quickly retreats away from their table, leaving as quickly as she was summoned.

Grim nods and looks Loden straight in the eyes, “You can start your efforts by fulfilling your original intention of presenting him with the sword and instructing him in combat. However, when doing so, it's crucial to emphasize that your aim is to protect him, rather than implying that he's weak. Make sure your words and actions reflect your genuine concern for his safety."

Loden listens intently, acknowledging Grim's suggestion. "Understood," he affirms, eager to delve deeper into the matter. "What else should I do?"

Grim shakes his head slightly, emphasizing the importance of Loden's actions. "There are two primary steps you should follow," he proceeds to softly smack Loden's forehead, driving the point home with a gentle but firm gesture. “First and most importantly, you must apologize sincerely to both Kaiden and Wulfric for the way you've behaved. It's imperative that you acknowledge the harm you've caused and express genuine remorse for your actions."

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Loden rubs his forehead again, grimacing slightly in response to Grim's playful but firm rap. "Okay, okay," he concedes, a hint of mock annoyance in his voice. "I get it. You've made your point clear. Can you please stop knocking on my head? I promise I won't forget what I need to do. No more beating it into me, alright?"

Grim affirms with a nod, a hint of satisfaction creeping onto his features. "Now that you've grasped the necessary steps to take, let's unwind. We could both use some ale. I need a drink, and it's essential that you relax a bit before attempting to apologize to Kaiden. Take a moment to calm your nerves, and let's share a tankard of ale."

As if on cue, the barmaid promptly arrives with a tray laden with two hefty tankards of ale. Grim seems to have expertly timed the delivery, a smug smile on his face as he accepts the refreshments. He slides a tankard towards Loden and picks up the other one for himself.

The barmaid is about to leave, but before she can depart, Grim calls out to her with a chuckle. "Hold up, darlin'," he says with a warm smile, "We're going to need more ale than this. Keep 'em coming—enough to water a horse, if you please."

The barmaid nods in understanding and hurries off to fulfill Grim's request. Meanwhile, Loden watches in mild surprise as Grim easily drains his entire tankard in one swift gulp. Grim follows it up by wiping his mouth with his arm, a contented expression on his face. Loden savors his drink a bit more deliberately, taking a slower approach than Grim. As he places the empty tankard on the table, the barmaid returns, this time carrying an additional four tankards filled to the brim. The table in front of them becomes increasingly cluttered with the fresh batch of ale and their empty plates and bowls.

Loden's mind flashes back to their previous drinking session, recalling the somewhat out-of-control drunken state he had succumbed to. He reminds himself to exercise moderation this time around, mindful to avoid repeating the same mistake.

Loden was keenly aware that Kaiden was not present at the bar with them, and he knew he had to sort things out with him before the ritual tomorrow. The need to reconcile with his friend and partner was crucial, and he didn't want to wait until the day of the ritual to address their issues.

Grim raises a tankard into the air, holding it firmly in front of them, and declares, "To friendship!" Loden picks up a second tankard, preparing to toast Grim, and proceeds to shake his head in mild amusement. He then raises his tankard higher, meeting Grim's in the air. With a synchronized motion, both men drink deeply from their tankards, quickly emptying their contents in a single gulp.

Time gradually passes, and evening draws near. The tavern has become bustling and noisy, filled with the noise of animated banter and laughter, blending with the sweet scent of ale. Loden observes Grim and the other men engaging in their familiar talks about battles and past skirmishes, the tankards on the table piling up as the evening progresses.

Loden finds himself losing track of how many drinks he has consumed and how much he has eaten throughout the day. He suddenly becomes aware of Grim's other companions, who had apparently arrived at the tavern at some point, without him noticing. The alcohol has clouded his senses, making it difficult to keep track of time and his surroundings.

Loden touches his head, feeling the grogginess that now clouds his senses. He realizes with a pang of self-reproach that he has succumbed to the effects of alcohol, losing control of his consumption. He berates himself internally, questioning how he allowed himself to reach this state.

Loden attempts to rise from the bench, but in his tipsy state, he accidentally bumps into the men seated next to him. Taken aback by his own carelessness, he instantly shrinks back, feeling apologetic for the disturbance he caused. He nearly loses his balance, on the verge of toppling over backward onto the floor until someone firmly grasps the back of his shirt, steadying him and setting him upright again.

The first man observes Loden's disheveled appearance and comments, "You don't look too good, pal. You've got a bit of a green tinge to ya." The second man, firmly clutching his shirt, suggests, "Perhaps you should rest for a while. You're in no shape to be going anywhere right now."

Loden drunkenly waves off the man holding his shirt and attempts to stand, though his balance is precarious. Looking over the group, he spots Grim sprawled out on the table, completely passed out and almost completely buried under an army of empty tankards and half-finished ale.

Loden speaks up, his words slurring and somewhat impaired. "I need to go back to the palace and apologize to Kaiden," he declares. It's clear that his alcohol-induced state is affecting his speech, but his determination to make things right with Kaiden remains evident.

Loden attempts to leave the tavern, but his impaired balance causes him to stumble and fall, rendering him unable to take more than a few steps. He ends up collapsing onto the floor and falling into a drunken sleep.

Grim's companions chuckle, amused by Loden's predicament. One of them jokes, "Looks like our friend here couldn't handle his alcohol this time around."

Grim's men share a light-hearted chuckle, their words tinged with sympathy. "Seems like he'll be spending the night here again," one remarks, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Looks like that apology will have to wait until tomorrow." Another man lets out a laugh and accidentally spills his drink, causing the group to chuckle even more.

The tavern workers and Grim’s men diligently guide the incapacitated Loden and Grim up to separate rooms in the establishment, expelling plenty of effort to bring the heavily intoxicated duo to their temporary resting places. They make sure the men are settled in safely for the night, allowing them time to sleep off their drunken state.

———

Loden awakens at the crack of dawn, stirred from his sleep upon the mattress. A slight headache serves as a reminder of the previous night's extravagance, and he silently berates himself for his own foolishness. He swiftly comes to the realization that he is not in the palace. Confusion washes over him as he surveys his surroundings, taking in the unfamiliar space. Loden emerges from his room, promptly descending the stairs to the main tavern. As the realization sinks in that he is still in the same tavern from the previous day, he wastes no time and swiftly leaves the premises. He bursts out of the establishment and races into the early morning streets, urgently making his way back towards the palace.

As Loden dashes through the streets, his mind flits briefly to the matter of his drinks. He silently hopes that Grim has taken care of the bill, or at least that he will settle the tab the next time they cross paths. Loden's hand unconsciously touches the handle of the new weapon, feeling the new blade strapped to his belt, providing a certain reassurance during this early morning rush.

Loden continues to hasten, his thoughts swirling around the upcoming conversation with Kaiden. Additionally, he contemplates what he will say to Wulfric as well. In the not-too-distant view, Loden can just make out the palace, its outline faintly visible from the street. Given his current condition, he opts against making a daring rooftop leap, opting instead to approach the palace on foot.