As the group returned to the inn, the sound of their jovial banter preceded them, disrupting the quiet that had settled in the corridor. Moments later, Pao and Bao emerged from their room, curiosity and a hint of annoyance playing across their features.
Pao's elegant appearance was more noticeable now without the cloak she wore. Her long black hair flowed smoothly down her shoulders, framing a face marked by serene and mysterious deep green eyes. Her stature was petite, accentuating a delicate yet distinctly mature presence. Bao, while sharing the striking green eyes and the familial resemblance, bore a more athletic build, her chestnut hair cascading in waves and giving her a wild, untamed look. She was slightly taller and leaner than Pao, carrying a quiver that never seemed far from her reach.
"Why didn't you tell us that you were leaving?" Bao's voice cut through the corridor, her gaze flitting between Bral, Amukelo, and Idin. Her tone, although light, carried a palpable frustration.
Pao's expression mirrored her sister's annoyance, her arms folded as she awaited an explanation.
Bral, caught slightly off guard, offered a sheepish grin, "Ah, sorry, sorry—we just got caught up with things. But look, we have a new guild member!" He stepped aside, gesturing towards Amukelo who had been partially obscured behind him.
Amukelo, now donning his new armor which fitted him snugly, gave a modest smile, noting the subtle changes in the sisters' expressions. Bao's initial irritation softened into a reluctant smile, while Pao's cheeks flushed a soft red as she took in Amukelo's refreshed appearance.
Seizing the moment to lighten the mood further, Bral clapped his hands together, "We're going to pick a new quest tomorrow, but tonight we celebrate our new member. We're heading to the pub—my treat!"
Bao arched an eyebrow, her voice laced with skepticism, "Are you sure you want to spend all your savings?" The concern in her tone was not masked by the lightness of her words.
Caught by his own enthusiasm, Bral's laughter filled the hallway as he realized his impulsive declaration might have been a bit too generous. "Well, maybe not all," he admitted, his laughter mingling with the group's growing mirth.
"Well, I don't mind either way," Bao said with a playful shrug, turning to lead the way. "I will accept this if you're so eager."
Their spirits buoyed by the plans for the evening, the group followed Bao down the stairs to the inn's pub, a warm, inviting space often filled with the lively tales of travelers and the clinking of glasses. As they entered, the atmosphere enveloped them—a mix of mellow torchlight and the rich aroma of spiced ale and roasted meats teasing their senses.
The warmth of the pub enveloped Amukelo and his new companions as they settled into the large table by the wall. The rustic charm of the place, with its dim lighting and the murmur of various patrons sharing their own stories, added a cozy backdrop to their gathering. Waitresses navigated the busy floor expertly, balancing trays laden with foaming mugs and plates of hearty fare.
A cheerful waitress approached their table, her genuine smile a welcome sight in the bustling atmosphere. "What can I get for you tonight?" she asked, pulling out her notepad.
Bral, taking the lead, ordered a hearty stew known to be a specialty of the house, and Amukelo decided to follow his lead, not yet familiar with the local cuisine. Bral, feeling particularly festive, also ordered a round of the pub's finest ale for the table, hoping to lift the spirits even higher.
As they waited for their food, the focus of the conversation naturally drifted towards Amukelo. The first round of beers arrived, and Amukelo, examining his mug with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension, admitted, "I've actually never had a drink before."
Pao, surprised, leaned in and asked with a playful tilt of her head, "Really? How old are you then, Amukelo?"
He paused, calculating his age, as it was years since he paid attention to it, finally responding with a quiet, "Nineteen."
The table fell into a brief silence, eyes widening slightly. It was a revelation; Pao, previously considered the 'baby' of the group at twenty, now passed the baton to Amukelo. The realization seemed to shift the group dynamic subtly, a mix of surprise and newfound protectiveness weaving through the air.
Idin, intrigued, leaned forward, his voice mixed with genuine curiosity, "Nineteen? That's quite young to be on such a path. What made you start traveling so young? And how did you become so skilled?"
The rest of the group nodded in agreement, their expressions a blend of curiosity and concern. They were keenly interested, not just about his capabilities, but the story behind the quiet strength they had witnessed.
Amukelo felt the weight of their gazes, each carrying a blend of camaraderie and curiosity. He took a slow sip of his beer, the new taste curling in his mouth as he considered how much of his past he was ready to share. His life, marked by trials and a deeply personal quest, suddenly felt very distant from the warmth and laughter of the pub.
He glanced around at the eager faces of his new friends, each showing a mixture of patience and anticipation. They weren't just asking out of mere curiosity; there was a genuine desire to understand him, to welcome him not just into their guild but into their lives. The room seemed to quiet around him, waiting for him to weave his past into their shared tapestry of stories.
Amukelo exhaled softly, his decision hanging in the balance. How much should he reveal? How much of his vulnerability was he willing to expose to these people who had, in a very short time, shown him nothing but kindness and trust?
The silence stretched a little longer as he gathered his thoughts, the ambient noises of the pub fading into the background. His heart beat a steady rhythm of hesitation and resolve, knowing whatever he chose to say next might deepen the bonds he was only just beginning to form.