That evening, Lyra and Phelixes came downstairs for dinner. After ordering bread and stew, a familiar figure slid into the seat beside them.
"Hi, I'm Serena. Mind if we get to know each other?" She grinned brightly, her braid swaying as she spoke.
Neither Lyra nor Phelixes answered.
Undeterred, Serena tapped the table and called to the innkeeper. "Tracy, one ham sandwich, please!"
Turning back to Phelixes, she propped her chin on her hand. "I'm a famous doctor around here. You've heard of Lyra Shedd, the Valkyrie of the Alliance, right? I have the same healing superpower as her."
Phelixes, hearing her repeat the claim, feigned surprise, his face twisting slightly.
He cast a glance at the impassive Lyra, then raised an eyebrow. "That's pretty impressive."
"Of course it is," Serena replied, puffing up with pride.
