Davina dedicated the majority of her evening to assisting Gerrick at the bar. While most of the patrons were pleasant, she couldn't deny that a handful of them departed with more than just their beverages due to their unpleasant demeanor.
She found herself spending the entire night at Gerrick's place, enjoying the company and conversation. The next morning, she had to leave early to keep her promise to meet Evan. Fortunately, Gerrick wasn't there when she departed. She felt relieved that she didn't have to explain the unusual sight of her wearing a wig and men's clothing if he had been there.
The morning sun beat down with intense heat, surpassing any previous temperatures of the season. The stifling weather made it particularly challenging for Davina, who was adorned in multiple layers of clothing, a wig, and wrapped in bandages like a mummy. Despite the discomfort, she remained resolute in her commitment to her craft, refusing to voice any complaints. "I must go on." She gave herself a boost.
By the time she arrived at the meeting spot, a small restaurant in the town center, Evan was already seated there, waiting for her. "Sorry for arriving late." She apologized quickly.
If it weren't for the poor woman who mistook her for her deadbeat husband who ran away, she would have made it there much earlier. Davina shuddered at the memory of the woman chasing her down the street with her purse as if she were a thief - I mean she was a thief but the context was completely different.
"No worries, I got here not too long ago." Evan smiled at her reassuringly.
"How's your mother doing?" Davina asked as she sat down in front of him.
"She's much better than last I saw her - at least she says she is."
Davina noticed the creases of concern on Evan's forehead and the furrowed lines around his eyes as he spoke, worry etched onto his face. It made her contemplate whether Gerrick wore a similar expression when he worried about her. Offering what comfort she could muster, she reassured Evan, "I have faith that everything will turn out fine. You're doing everything you can to ensure that." A gentle smile accompanied her words, a small gesture of solace amidst the uncertainty.
Picking up the menu from the table, Evan said. "No need to put a dampener on the mood... What should we order?"
"I'm fine with anything you order." Davina wasn't a picky eater, and besides, she couldn't exactly enjoy her meal while her internal organs were being squished up by the force of the bandage.
As Evan nodded at the waiter and signaled for his attention, he considered what both he and Davina would enjoy. After a moment's thought, he decided to order a dish that was universally popular in the town: a serving of cold rum, accompanied by fried meat and a steaming bowl of rice.
"Lendorr isn't as expensive as other places," Evan started the conversation once their meal arrived. "Where I'm from, fried meat was only affordable for those with stable jobs but here, everyone can by it at a much more affordable price."
"Oh, you're not from here? Where do you come from?"
"Just a neighboring Kingdom."
Being a person who paid great attention to detail, Davina caught a slight second of change in Evan's face the moment she asked where he was from. It was clear to her that that wasn't something he wanted to discuss so she quickly changed the subject. "Uh - yes, that's one of the few redeeming qualities this kingdom has; Making things affordable for the people... I mean it's the least they could do after stealing from the poor for so long." She complained, munching down on a piece of fried meat with a frown.
Evan couldn't help but let out a chuckle. "That's quite a personal intake you have there."
"Oh it's very personal," Davina started, moving in her seat to get closer to him as if she were spilling some sort of secret. "For years now the King has been increasing our taxes to such a ridiculously high amount all the while stealing the produce the farmers worked hard to grow. I wouldn't complain if it was done in moderation but there's nothing moderate about this... they don't even try to hide their evil acts!" She exasperatedly complained.
By the time she was done talking Evan had already burst out laughing, holding his stomach in pain. "You're quite passionate in proving your point." She spoke after managing to regain some composure.
"I bored you with my talk, huh?" Davina slouched on the chair dramatically causing Evan to burst out laughing yet again.
"I haven't laughed like this in such a long time," A genuine smile spread across his place face, "I believe the kingdom needs passionate people like you in its court."
"That's what I mean!" Davina threw her hands in the air, "I don't mean to toot my own horn but I would be an amazing dutch - duke, I mean." She smiled awkwardly after nearly exposing herself.
"I don't doubt that for a second." Evan smiled. Being with Davina brought him immense joy and shelter from the problems he was dealing with back at home. It was a refreshing moment for him.