Inside a quaint pub, in a quiet corner sat Aylin and Cal. The pub was unusually empty for the time of a day due to fear of contracting an illness. There were still a few people who made their way out to their favorite meeting spot at the usual time.
The bar maid noticed Aylin and Cal in the corner walked over to them.
"Welcome in, I'm Gretta, anything I can get you." She asked
Cal looked up and answered "A laager and fried fish for me." Then he looked over at Aylin
"I'll have a pale ale and the vegetable soup." Aylin responded.
"Alright then, I'll go get that for you." Gretta said. Then left to retrieve the order.
Aylin and Cal sat there in a moment of awkward silence before any of them spoke.
Cal first broke the silence by asking Aylin "Where did you acquire your medical knowledge from? You don't seem to have studied at a university, but you're quite knowledgeable."
"I was adopted by a doctor after my mother had passes away when I was ten years old. I learned all sorts of things about medicine from him. Unfortunately, he passed away by the time I reached adulthood. I have been on my own ever since." Explained Aylin.
"I'm sorry to hear that. I didn't mean to bring up bad memories." Said Cal.
"It's alright. It's been almost ten years. It doesn't bother me anymore." Aylin said.
Gretta returned with their beverages and sat the drinks on the table.
"Here you go. One laager and one pale ale. I should be back soon with the food." Gretta said.
She walked away leaving Aylin and Cal alone again. They both picked up their glass and took a drink. Aylin begun to speak again.
"It's not that bad being on my own, and my medical knowledge has helped me get by in life. I make a decent living for myself. No need to to feel sorry for me." Aylin spoke out.
"Still it must get lonely being on your own and not having any family." Cal responded.
"I'm not lonely. I have a great friend who comes to visit me often." Aylin said back to Cal and then continued. "Besides, you have better things to be concerned about."
Gretta came back with their food. She sat the plate of fried fish in front of Cal and the bowl of vegetable soup in front of Aylin. Gretta walked away. Aylin and Cal ate their meals. After finishing eating Gretta returned with the tab.
"Was the food good?" Gretta asked and then continued. "If you're getting ready to go, it will be six silver."
Cal reached into his pocket and pulled out the silver coins and handed the coins over to Gretta.
"Here are six silver and some extra to keep for yourself." Cal said as he handed the silver to Gretta.
"Thank you" said Gretta "I've been short this week since my regular Mr. Willis has been gone for the capitol this week. He'll be back in a couple days this should hold me over until then."
Aylin and Cal stood up and gave their thank yous to Gretta as they left. Outside of the pub Aylin turned and looked at Cal.
"Did your hear what she said about Mr. Willis going to the capitol. I think it might be a good idea to talk to him when he returns. Knowing how the disease is spreading outside might help us." Aylin said
"You think so? I guess it can't hurt to have a conversation." Cal responded.
Aylin started to walk away. before she could get too far she turned around to face Cal.
"Thank you for the meal" Aylin said shyly. "I'll see you tomorrow morning at the same spot and time."
Aylin started to walk away, but turned around one last time."
"Make sure you come dresses appropriately this time." Aylin shouted playfully.
Cal stood there for a moment with a dumbfounded look on his face before going back to his lodgings.
Back at her cottage Aylin sorted through the data she collected. She did this the next two nights with the data she collected with Cal during the day. She stayed up late on the last night piecing the puzzle of the start of the disease. She finished preparing her findings she will present to Cal and Sir Ellias.