Ending on lunch.

Karl led the group to The Shattered Anchor, weaving through the busy streets with ease. 

The city's energy seemed to spike around this time, with vendors now selling their goods with determined shouts. 

"Ice cream here! Get your ice cream

"Pickled vegetables, one copper for a jar!"

"Chocolate, get your fresh chocolate. It's the best in town!"

But while the world was loud, Alexander was silent.

His mind drifted back to thoughts of the pathfinder and his battles against various monsters and enemies.

It felt nice to lose yourself in a fantasy. 

No responsibilities, no training, and no drama, just pure fun and entertainment.

It was all he wanted after the past couple of years. 

Just a moment to be himself. 

"We're here," Karl said, snapping his fingers. 

Alexander looked up to see the inn. 

A cozy and inviting place nestled on the street corner. 

Large windows gave a glimpse into an intimate space. 

A charming mix of old world charm and modern flair. 

As Karl led the group inside, the smell of fresh bread and roast wafted through the air.

"Oh goodie, more customers!" A high-pitched voice rang. 

Alexander quickly looked in the direction of the voice, spotting a small woman with massive feathered wings speeding towards him. 

She couldn't be taller than six or seven inches, (17 centimeters) but her wingspan was almost double her height in width.

She hovered before Alexander, dressed in a tiny blue dress with her hair tied high in a bun. 

She smiled warmly, her eyes bright and curious. 

"Welcome to The Shattered Anchor, boys! I'll be your hostess, Esther."

"A-Alexander." Alexander stammered, his eyes still wide. 

Esther giggled alongside Karl and Jules. "Hi, A-Alexander, first time seeing an Echo I take it?" 

She leaned closer.

"Well guess what, it's my first time seeing you too." She teased, before moving to stand on his head. 

A shiver ran down his spine as he felt her small weight settle atop his head. 

Though she was barely noticeable, her presence was overwhelming.

This caused Alexander to freeze on the spot, unsure of what to do. 

He glanced at Jules and Karl, who were stifling their laughter as Esther perched on his head. 

"Oh Esther, don't overwhelm the poor guy." Karl joked, reaching out his hand. "He's had a long morning."

Esther giggled as she leaped off Alexander's head and into Karl's hand. 

"Oh, fine, fine… but how have you been, Karl?" She asked curiously, sitting in his hand. 

"It's been ages."

Karl smiled warmly. "I've been attending the academy, didn't have time, you know?"

Esther nodded. 

"Well, you better make time." She ordered with a stern finger, before giggling. 

"Anyway, let's get you boys seated!"

She gestured towards a corner table, and Karl soon led the way. 

As the group walked Alexander soaked in the interior. 

Exposed wooden beams crisscrossed the ceiling, and the walls were adorned with trinkets and pictures. 

The faint hum of conversation mixed with the clinking of glass and scraping of utensils. 

"Now you boys just take your seat, I'll be right back." Esther giggled as she launched off Karl's hand to greet the new customers. 

Alexander took his seat in the corner, followed by Jules and Karl sitting on either side of him.

Karl picked up a menu, opening it with practiced ease. 

"Hm… seems Leo updated his menu." He mused. 

"Who's that?" Alexander asked, reaching for his menu. 

"He's the owner, a marine." Karl explained, "All he does is travel the world, and eat… at least that's what Esther told me." 

Alexander leaned close, "Speaking of which, who… or what is she? I've never seen anything like that in my life."

Jules perked up. "I'll be answering that, Sir Alexander."

He moved his seat closer. 

"Prepare yourself for a tale–"

Karl sighed before cutting Jules off. 

"She's native to the New World. Her home was lost to a tribal raid. Leo found her on patrol, and he then brought her home and opened a restaurant. She now runs it and occasionally Leo sends home new recipes from his travels." 

Alexander and Jules both stared at Karl with their jaws open.

"You fool!" Jules exclaimed frustratedly, "I was prepared to spin a tale of grand scale!" He waved a fork at Karl. 

Alexander and Karl chuckled. 

"Sorry, I wasn't interested in listening to a ten-minute ramble session." Karl shot back with a wink. 

Jules huffed as he ran a hand through his hair. 

"Your loss, Karl."

Alexander smiled as he looked down at his menu. His eyes wandered over the list of various dishes. 

Some were familiar, like fish and chips or roast and stew. But other items were completely foreign. 

Wyrm egg omelettes, Elder tree roots, and… is that grilled kraken?!

And the drinks were something else entirely, one of them called Dragon piss. 

Alexander quickly closed his menu and set it down. 

"Uh… what are you guys having?" 

Alexander asked sheepishly, tapping a finger on his menu. 

Karl closed his menu, "I'll be having a full Ambur with a pint of cider."

Alexander then looked at Jules. 

Jules smiled. "I think I'll take a Wyrm omelette. I wanna get a taste of the New World."

"And you?" Karl asked. 

Alexander shrugged, attempting to be nonchalant. 

"I'll just stick with the roast and cider, that's what you suggested, right?"

The boys nodded.

"Good call," Karl added.

Then as if on cue, Esther returned with a small pencil and notebook. 

"Alright, boys, what will it be?" She asked, landing on the table. 

Karl listed off everyone's orders confidently. 

Esther scribbled on her notebook with dramatic flair, she then looked up with a wink. 

"Your meals will be back in a jiffy." She replied, before taking off with the menus in hand. 

They looked comically large in her hands, but she handled them like a champ.

Alexander exhaled slowly, relaxing in his seat as the boys began a conversation. 

Alexander barely paid attention, instead, his gaze lingered on the window. 

Outside the capital continued to buzz with life. 

Being free from the academy's oppressive atmosphere had been a major gift. 

All of his struggles seemed so distant now, as if he were unburdened by what had been.

This… this is what peace feels like.

"Hey Alexander, you okay?" Karl asked, tapping his arm. 

Alexander blinked before turning to face him. 

"Y-yeah. Just lost in thought." He replied.

Jules grinned as he sat his chin on his hand. "Missing her highness are we?" He teased.

Alexander immediately frowned. "Go to hell, Jules."

The boys remained silent for a moment, but soon burst into laughter.