The sun was leaning low when Vaidya, Ada, Razille, and Captain Larielle finally made their way back into thr center of Pompom Village. The humble buildings, rebuilt with the determination of tired but proud hands, stood as proof that even after devastation, life could claw its way back.
Maglina's Inn stood at the heart of it all—a cozy, welcoming place with a hand-painted sign swinging in the warm evening breeze. It wasn't grand, but the lanterns glowing by the door, the smell of baked bread and roasting meat leaking from the windows, and the gentle chatter inside made it feel like the very soul of the village.
Razille slowed her steps slightly, glancing at Larielle. "It's best we talk inside," she suggested. "Maglina may not officially be the village leader, but after her father passed... well, people look to her whether she wants them to or not."
Larielle nodded, her expression firm. "Understood."
They pushed the door open and entered.
Inside, the inn was lively but not crowded. A few farmers nursed drinks, a merchant polished his boots by the hearth, and a handful of children giggled in a corner, their cheeks smudged with crumbs. The warm, rustic atmosphere immediately set a calmer tone, but tension still flickered under the surface of their group like a low-burning flame.
They chose a table near the corner, away from the busiest part of the room. Razille sat beside Larielle, while Vaidya and Ada took the seats across from them.
As soon as they were settled, Larielle wasted no time. "Now," she said, folding her hands atop the table, "explain why you sent the emergency message, Razille. I was under the impression Pompom's troubles were under control."
Razille's expression grew grim. "That's what we thought, too. Until a few days ago."
She glanced briefly at Vaidya, as if seeking silent confirmation, before continuing. "There's a group—calling themselves the Ashlight Circle. They're after a boy here... Phill. They believe he's a key to opening something ancient. A veil. A seal that supposedly guards ancient Sagacian knowledge."
Larielle's face changed subtly, a slight narrowing of the eyes, a tightening of the jaw. She wasn't just concerned—she was alarmed.
"Ancient knowledge?" Larielle repeated slowly, voice lowering. "The old records always mentioned the dangers of tampering with the Veils. If they break one open…"
Razille nodded. "It could be catastrophic. For all of us."
The weight of the words hung heavily between them.
But before Larielle could press further, a light, familiar voice broke through their hushed conversation.
"Evening, travelers!" Maglina called warmly, approaching their table with a worn leather menu tucked under her arm.
She wore her usual simple attire—a linen blouse, a dark skirt, and an apron dusted with flour. Her hair was tied back loosely, and her sleeves were rolled up as if she had just come from kneading dough or fixing something herself.
"Can I get you something to eat?" she asked, smiling at the new face—Larielle.
Larielle immediately stood, extending a respectful hand. "Captain Larielle, Sagacia Postknight Division, Rank A. It's an honor to meet you, Miss Maglina."
Maglina chuckled lightly, shaking her hand. "Miss Maglina sounds strange. Just call me Maglina, Captain."
"Only if you call me Larielle," the captain responded with a small grin, settling back down.
Maglina's eyes twinkled with curiosity. "Postknight, eh? We don't often get officials from Sagacia visiting unless there's a trade issue or some trouble brewing."
"Both, in a way," Larielle admitted. "I came primarily to check on Pasture Lane. It's critical for maintaining Sagacia's trade lines with the outside kingdoms. Without it..." She shrugged lightly, though the weight behind her words was clear.
"It's been restored," Maglina said proudly. "Thanks to a group of young knights who took the job."
She turned, giving Razille and Ada a knowing look. "I'm guessing you know them well."
Ada puffed up, elbowing Razille playfully. "Well, don't be shy about it, Razille. Solis was the one who led the effort. Cleared the creatures, secured the road, and even restored the bridges!"
Before Razille could retort, the door swung open, and a familiar figure walked in, dusted from travel but carrying himself with easy energy.
Solis.
Vaidya smirked. "Speak of the devil."
Solis blinked at the gathering around the table, then offered a half-grin, running a hand through his hair. "Hey, what'd I miss?"
Ada laughed, beckoning him over. "Just us bragging about you. Pull up a chair, hero."
As Solis grabbed a chair and dragged it over, Maglina handed around menus with a little shake of her head, amused at the noise their group was already making.
Larielle studied Solis with an impressionless look but said nothing for the moment.
Once the menus were distributed, Maglina leaned a hip against the side of the table and addressed Larielle again. "If you're here to see Pasture Lane, then your mission's nearly complete. But… if you're offering help," she added, voice softening, "I won't say no."
Larielle inclined her head. "Sagacia owes Pompom more than one debt, especially after the wars. If there's anything we can do to strengthen this village, I'll make sure my superiors hear about it."
Maglina smiled—a tired, sincere smile. "We're rebuilding. Little by little. Maybe... maybe it's not about going back to what was lost, but making something new."
Larielle seemed to consider that deeply, nodding once.
As Maglina bustled back toward the kitchen to place their orders, the group relaxed a little, the earlier tension easing under the glow of camaraderie and the promise of warm food.
Solis leaned closer to Razille. "Who's this big-shot knight? And why her ears are pointy?" he whispered, jerking his thumb at Larielle.
Razille smirked. "Behave. She's a Captain, A Ranker."
Solis suddenly stood up and bows down in order to show his respect to Larielle. This action puts Larielle surprised. She asks, "H.... Hey cut that out."
"Sorry I made judgmental mistake not recognizing you ma'am."
"There's no need to call me ma'am. I am also a young knight like you all."
Their conversation turned lighter as the minutes passed—Vaidya and Ada exchanging jokes about their earlier missions, Solis recounting a funny mishap on the road when a stubborn goat refused to move out of his path, and even Larielle sharing a few amusing tales of her days as a rookie Postknight.
But underlying it all was a sense of readiness. A tension, quiet but firm, that tied them all together now.