The Unexpected Feast

Devon and Thomas walked through the crowded streets of Rakllan, the cool crisp air filled with the scent of roasted nuts and sweet confections carried by nearby vendors. Both men were dressed in cloaks over their armor, dressed down so as not to stand out as they looked for an appropriate place to celebrate. After a short walk, they decided on a luxurious restaurant with its polished exterior and warm amber lights promised both comfort and excellent food, a stark contrast to the modest inn they had been staying in.

The inn was very much functional, yet far from inviting. Its rooms were cramped with narrow beds while the walls after years of wear looked dull and food served at that place was hardly better than passable. By comparison, the restaurant was a grand upgrade. With the feeling of accomplishment and celebration, Thomas made the booking before the two returned to the inn.

Devon entered the inn quietly with his face not showing any change in expression as usual. He passed the room where his brother and Leif were resting, their fatigue evident even from behind the closed door. Not wanting to wake them up, he went to another room where Galen, Kaiser, and Patricia were already waiting for him.

It was a sad but solid place with two wood beds made up and covered with clean sheets. Galen sat on the edge of one, Kaiser leaning against the windowsill but his eyes were ever fixed on the sky coming in shadowy grey while Patricia stood near the door with her arms crossed, her sharp eyes flicking to Devon as he entered. Thomas with his armor off sat in a sturdy chair and his eyes were fixed on the ceiling.

The knight commander's face was uncharacteristically distant. Under his commanding presence, his mind churned. How can I get more advanced medications for Melch? If my rank increase within the Order then maybe I'll be able to access the alchemy vault of the Verdant Shield. That could… He let out a soft sigh cutting off his own line of thinking.

It was Galen who broke the silence. His voice was laced with a thread of concern. "Tomorrow's the final test. If they pass, it means we will move from this place. Do you think the young master is prepared to take care of himself? And Leif… Well, that boy isn't exactly known for following rules."

Kaiser looked back at the window. "Leif may well be careless but he is ingenious. He'll find a way and with the young master " he motioned toward the closed door that led to Melch's bedroom "you underestimate him rather badly, Galen."

Patricia ever practical the one also got in the conversation. "Both of them survived the mountain. That's a testament to their capability but we all know the academy is a different kind of challenge. They'll have to adapt quickly."

Devon finally opened his mouth from his silent post on the second bed speaking calmly. "They'll be okay. Melch has more going for him than he knows he does and Leif. well, Leif might just win by being such an annoyance." A rare smirk broke through on his lips earning a chuckle from Kaiser.

Kaiser looked out the window once more, seeing that daylight was rapidly failing. "It's time." he declared with rising away from the windowsill. "The restaurant should be ready now."

Thomas and Devon put back on their armor moving into their usual attire and were ready. Patricia knocked on Melch and Leif's door with cool determination. "Time to eat. Get ready" which left both Leif and Melch to throw them off of there thoughts of the future they had when they were laying in the bed.

By the time everybody had finally emerged outside the carriage was already readied by Kaiser. Galen took his side seat at the reins making way for the others to settle down inside.

When the carriage rolled through cobblestone streets, Leif filled the air with his chatter. His voice animated as he recalled random anecdotes from their mountain adventure. "And then, right when I thought we were doomed my trusty bag saved the day. He began to tell the tale to Devon Vasti." he declared with dramatic flair.

Devon seated across from him watched his brother in silence for a moment before placing a hand on Melch's shoulder. "Don't dwell too much on the past." he said softly. "You've done well, little brother. Let yourself enjoy the moment for once and be open when you face any problem."

Melch glanced at Devon startled by the rare display of warmth. He managed a small nod though words escaped him.

Leif leaned forward. "Hey Melch, you're not allowed to sulk tonight. That's an order. Consider this your first lesson in surviving the academy and also learn to celebrate victories, no matter how small."

Despite himself, Melch couldn't help but smile faintly.

They went into a restaurant with a lavishly decadent entrance and magnificent lanterns. Inside, lively yet refined tones filled the air from soft pieces of music while the aroma of roasted meats and freshly baked bread assailed their nostrils.

They sat down at a huge well-polished table close to the fireplace. The warmth of the flames was quite a welcome from the chill of the outside world. As they settled in, the group began placing their orders.

Unsurprisingly, Leif was the first to speak. "I'll take the biggest roasted chicken you have with you." he declared with a grin.

Devon ordered a hearty soup whereas Patricia opted for the famed golden cake and while both Galen and Kaiser chose ginger-spiced ale with fresh bread. Thomas ordered a Berzas pie and Melch ordered a simple loaf of bread feeling modest.

As they waited for their food, the conversation soon became light hearted. Kaiser recalled an old story from his days in the field, which brought laughter to the group. Thomas shared a few words of wisdom about facing challenges though he kept the tone relaxed.

When the food arrived, the table fell silent for a moment as everyone dug in. The flavors were rich and satisfying with a stark contrast to the bland meals they had endured during the exam.

Leif between the bites of chicken couldn't resist making a joke. "You know, if the academy served food like this then I'd pass every test just to get to lunch."

Devon shook his head though a small smile played on his lips. "If the academy served food like this, they'd have no budget left for anything else."

The lively atmosphere at the table was interrupted when Melch's gaze shifted toward the entrance. His eyes widened in surprise which even made his bread forgotten in his hands. Following that Leif to with Melch's gaze nearly choked on his chicken.

Their faces changed from shock then to something harder to define. The table fell silent, the air suddenly heavy with tension.

The door creaked shut behind the newcomers and the sound of their footsteps echoed through the restaurant as they approached.