Before long, the trio had arrived at their neighborhood and went their separate ways to prepare for the event ahead.
A couple of hours later, the night had arrived; the Fireflies and Luminous trees had lit up the environment. Taverns, take-out shops and various vendors had opened their businesses to earn their keep, whereas somewhere in the capital, a particular set of people were preparing to honor these vendors' wishes in lights of celebrating their dreams and achievements and hunger.
Three consecutive knocks fell on the door. Khay stood on the Rajagalia household premises. The wide compound served as grounds for flowers all around as that was what one would be greeted with upon entering through the main gate. Through the path that bled into the mansion; flowers of all kinds were planted in pots at the left and the right for about 10 meters long until the compounds elevate porch. On it, Khay stood in front of the door and yet had turned his attention to the pool of flowers that was behind him. Then, the door pried open.
"Oh dear, Khay!" she exclaimed. "Aren't you early?" she inquired. She wore a straight dress, much like that of a maids, but it was dark blue in color. Her black hair that was tied at the end hung down low over her right shoulder and she shared the same complexion with the twins.
The door closed behind them as they went indoors to the kitchen.
"Auntie." Khay called. "Are they ready?"
"Of course." Trilith voice interrupted, seated at the dining table with his legs over the table showing a black jean trouser and a blue-black long sleeve top "I've been ready."
"Really?" Khay doubted.
"Of course. I just wanted to get some work out in before you got here."
"Legs off the table young man." Zara sighed.
"You heard her." Khay retorted, retracting one of the chairs and sitting at the table.
Khay wore an ash cotton like long sleeve top and a blue-black jeans trousers. The night was still young and the two were set and Lilith was the only missing ingredient.
While they waited, Zara brought snacks and the two ate away at it to pass the time. She came to serve them water, then.
"Auntie Zara, is Lilith ready yet?"
She giggled and smiled in response. "A girl needs more time to freshen up you know, give her some time." Zara, mother to the twins and a single parent leisurely responded. On closer look one could tell where Lilith got her looks from.
"I still can't believe how that little boy has grown so much, Little Khay, how's your mother and everybody? I haven't seen Isove around lately, how's he?" She inquired.
"Everybody's doing fine Aunt Zara, but I haven't seen Isove in a while, I thought you'd know where he was."
"Oh Khay don't be silly, it's not like Isove and I are a thing."
"Mom… He didn't say you were…" Suspiciously concerned with the biscuit stuffed in his mouth, he starred on silently, chewing slowly.
"Ahhh… No wonder. The last time I saw Isove, he started acting weird just when I mentioned you."
"Love stricken Isove." Trilith jabbed.
"No… that's not… it's not what you think… Isove and I … we're …uhm…" She fidgeted like a teenage girl that's been accused of having a love interest. Then, sudden footsteps descended as Lilith came down the stairs and like an angel descending from the skies, all eyes were on her. She wore a silk bright blue straight dress that had yellow flower patterns with a white hem.
"Why are you all looking at me like that?" Her cheeks flushed and her voice was shaky but she inquired regardless. The voice that came out was rather soft and innocent to top it off.
"As expected of my sister" Trilith gave a vote of confidence with his thumbs up and proud smile while he nodded.
"Khay, how long do you plan on looking? Say something." Zara whispered silently to his ears.
"Ahaha… that dress looks good on you Lilith." He giggled and blushed.
"Ahaha. Thanks. So does yours." She smiled, also blushing.
Bam! Trilith slammed his hands on the dining table.
"Tril…"
"Finally, it's about time we set out already." Without a moments delay he ran towards the two and grabbed them by the hands and ran out of the house as quickly as he could.
"Don't stay out too late you three!" Zara giggled as she waved at them from the porch.
The three friends were out of the Rajagalia compound and finally on their way to start their night, with idle chatter and laughter, they finally arrived at their destination; Aziza Tavern, owned by Adjoa and Zizza Suth. These two were widely known for their great service-indiscriminate of whoever came to them, not that Dolrea was a land to discriminate but people had their way of going around things. Violence on the other hand was one thing which was strictly forbidden in the tavern and because of this, it became a place where guildons could come and stretch their legs and cut away from all the noise of the world.
The doors of the tavern clapped in and out and the taverns lively atmosphere embraced them. Off-duty guardians, soldiers and citizens were savoring the taste of sweet wine and sumptuous food bickering and relaxing in the lively music that blended in perfectly.
"Auntie!" Khay signaled, walking to the counter.
"If it isn't the stubborn bunch, to what do I owe this visit?" Adjoa welcomed them.
"I know we don't visit as often… but." Lilith replied.
"We're not here to visit!" Trilith finished his twins' sentence. "That's right; we're here on a special occasion." Trilith snickered.
"That's great news." She replied.
"So can we finally have something strong?" Khay relayed.
She starred at the trio seated at the counter and couldn't help but sigh. "Look, I'm always glad to see you guys but I've told you countless times, you're not ready for that, alcohol is bad for your young health. So why don't you guys try something else, what you normally order?"
"Come on Adjoa, it won't hurt to give them a minimal amount." Zizza; her husband, calmly grabbed her shoulder.
"Zizza, minimal amount or not, alcohol is still alcohol and they're just kids."
Defeated by her unyielding resolve, they sighed in unison.
"Adjoa…" Zizza said softly. 'I'll tell you what, go ahead and pick a table, take your seats and maybe I'll give you kids something stronger than usual.'
"I knew you would understand." Khay said.
"Thanks Zizza" Lilith cheerfully responded.
"On to party!!" Trilith roared.
Adjoa stood with her arms folded. She felt defeated by her own husband and couldn't help but sigh. "Even Lilith. Zizza, you're going to spoil these kids."
He gently hugged her from behind. "Come on honey, it isn't so bad to allow them to let loose once in a while, the way I see it, they only have tougher journeys ahead so.. Maybe a little bit of fun wouldn't hurt?"
She sighed in defeat. "Fine! I can't win against you."
To the right hand of the counter, the trio had already joined in on the merrymaking at one of the taverns round tables and chattered leisurely.
"This place is noisier than usual. But I guess that's only normal, it's a tavern after all." Lilith said.
"It's very lively if you ask me, I mean… people eating, making merry, just take a look at the smiles on their faces, that's the adventurer life, that's what makes a tavern.'
"Don't forget the melodious music." Trilith clearly taken by it swung his finger like a conductor to the melody.
"I guess you're both right." Lilith surrendered.
"Come on Lilith, don't look so uptight. You'll have to learn to let loose once in a while you know… And we're celebrating, so just relax." Khay assured.
"I don't know guys, a lot seems to be going on and here we are…"
"Lilith…" Trilith tossed a lazy glare her way. "You're clearly over thinking stuff."
"Ahhhh…" Khay suddenly bawled out in a scream but compared to the noise around, felt right at home. Taking Lilith by surprise "What?!" She asked in return.
"Kobby is late, maybe he overslept or something…"
The taverns double door clapped in and out and within all the merrymaking, goes unnoticed by most.