Sonder stood by the window, her brow furrowed as she watched Vell lean back in his chair, laughter rising from the crowded table around him.
Her initial confusion quickly turned to a mix of light curiosity and, strangely, light irritation.
It was still before noon, so whatever political business he and Lunt Senior had to attend to surely couldn't be finished already. And where was the old dwarf, anyway?
Also, where was the old dwarf at?
Taking a deep breath, she pushed open the heavy wooden door and stepped into the tavern.
The unpleasant smells she had caught outside were only stronger inside.
Vell hadn't noticed her yet, too engrossed in whatever lively conversation he was having with his tablemates.
Sonder wove through the crowd until she stood directly beside him.
"Vell," she called.
He turned, a faint smile crossing his face. "Sonder," he greeted, leaning forward on the table. "What brings you here? This isn't exactly a place for young girls."
"I just happened to come by," she said, crossing her arms. "But I was wondering—did you and Lunt Senior finish your business already?"
Vell chuckled softly, unbothered. "I'm still attending to it," he replied, taking a sip from his mug.
Sonder crossed her arms, not very amused. "This doesn't look very important."
He sighed, setting the mug down and gesturing to the seat beside him. "All right, all right. Sit down, and I'll explain."
Reluctantly, she slid into the chair. The atmosphere of the tavern didn't suit her, and the stares from nearby patrons didn't help. Vell motioned subtly to his tablemates, who quickly took their leave without protest.
Once they were alone, he leaned closer, his tone turning serious. "I am attending to business," he began. "Well, in a sense. Right now, there's a version of me sitting in a council meeting, nodding along to every dull speech and tiresome debate."
"A version of you?"
He nodded. "A double. A magical construct I created to look and act like me. I use it for situations that require... less of my personal attention."
Her arms uncrossed, but her frown deepened. "Don't you think those meetings are important?"
"Not all of them," Vell admitted with a casual shrug. "Most of what happens in those rooms is just posturing and empty words—arguments that go in circles. It's not that I don't care. I do. But I don't need to be there in person for every minor squabble." He leaned back, his voice dropping slightly. "I still attend the critical meetings, the ones that actually matter. Until then, I trust my double to handle the tedium."
Sonder tilted her head, fascinated despite herself. "And no one notices? They can't tell it's not really you?"
"Not unless they're looking very closely, and most people aren't. The double is designed to mimic me in every way that matters—my mannerisms, my tone, even my magic. It's an old trick I learned a long time ago, though I only use it sparingly."
She stared at him for a moment, processing his words and wondering how such magic even worked. "So, while your double handles politics, you're here drinking ale and laughing with strangers?"
"Exactly," he said.
Sonder shook her head lightly. "That's—"
"Efficient," Vell interrupted, raising his mug again. "And, if I may say so, more effective. My mind stays sharper when it's not dulled by endless speeches."
She gestured to the now-empty table. "And who were they? Part of your... efficiency strategy, too?"
"Let's just say they're good company for when I need a break from the serious side of things. Besides," he added, gesturing to the skewer she still carried, "it looks like you've been enjoying the market. I'd say we both made good use of the day."
"I think you're slacking off," she muttered, intending it only for herself, but the words slipped out louder than expected. Her lips tightened, worried she might have spoken out of turn.
Vell laughed, his tone warm and amused. "Sass from the apprentice?" he teased. "My, how bold. But life's about balance, my little blackbird. Balance."
Sonder straightened in her chair, her expression serious. "I hope none of this double business is going to mess with Lunt Senior's plans."
"Never," Vell said, raising his mug in a mock toast. "I would never let my friends down."
Though his reassurances eased her irritation, she still wasn't entirely convinced. Watching him take another sip of ale, she wondered if this carefree attitude was truly as harmless as he made it seem.