The Union bar was once again in business as the hall was filled with tables and chairs. Beers and light refreshments were served as customers brought in the food served on the Union compound and chatted excitedly but in a hushed tone as they traded and exchanged their stories. Most of the customers were eyeing curiously to a large group which merged their tables into one and feasted silently. Upon closing in, Lucious caught the insignia of roaring lion inscribed on the armour of the knights when Floki greeted the group with his booming voice. “Ha! Do you miss me, fellas?” “...Still alive, geezer? Thought you really have it this time...” “Oh, so sweet of you...” Hugging their necks, Floki seemed to be fitting in quite well as he greeted the members one by one.
Looking at the prattling group, Lucious felt a pang of loneliness. He was the outcast in among the camaraderie shared by these people. “Guys, I’m gonna seat elsewhere. Getting intel from Lucious.” Lucious felt a hand on his shoulder and saw the firm expression that was almost familiar to his lost brother when he was concerned about something. “...Hmm, diligent as always, Cassian. Don’t go and choke on the meat...” “Who in the right mind will choke on a mere pottage...” Returning the jeer, Cassian led Lucious to an empty seat at the farthest corner from the bar. “Ah, are you still too young for this?” Lucious shook his head as Cassian gestured a cup for drinking. “I think I can, but I never try just yet.” “Hmm...Hmm...Then, let’s get your first time right away.” “Eh...” Lucious could only protest weakly as Cassian ordered for four cups and a large helping of nuts. Four? “I’m sure he would love to join us...” Lucious stopped and looking at Cassian in wonder. “Did he really knew my brother...? Then...”
“And Merri is getting our meals. She will also join us too.” Lucious nodded and say nothing more. Again, an uneasy silence hung between them as they waited nervously for the drinks to be served. The server put down the wooden cups and a bowl of nuts while giving Lucious a wary look, and then walked away. Lucious quickly grabbed his drink before Cassian could stop him. A series of coughs was cackled as Lucious convulsed from the sudden burn and bitterness coursing down his throat, shaking his shoulders while attracting some gazes. “Hmm...hahahaha...” Recovering, Lucious wiped his mouth in irritation as Cassian could not hold the laughter and enjoyed his minor misadventure. “...You should not gulp it for the first time...Just take a sip at a time...” Cassian still hung over the matter, sniffling his laugh as he taught Lucious how to learn to drink. “Alright. Alright. I get it. Can you get off my back, Sir Clypeus?” “No, not at least you drop the politeness. Just ‘Cassian’ or I keep laughing...” Lucious pulled his face as Cassian looked smug at his own childish prattle. How long has it been, since the last time he had such casual time with others?
“Looks like you gentlemen get along well.” “Ah, you came just in time.” Cassian stood and helped Merridian to distribute the bowls and spoon while Lucious helped to take the skillet and put it down on the middle of the table. Merridian went off again and returned with a loaf of bread while Lucious filled each bowl with a rich helping of meat and peas pottage. “To our meeting with Lucious, cheers!!” Cups were clicked and throats were gulping as they sat and drank around the table before attacking their meals in gusto. “So, what was it, of Floki?” After his first bowl, Lucious grow relaxed and started to ask casual questions. “Ah, you mean getting all tight-necked with us? Well, as I said before, he was with the Principle, in Jercflosey. For about twenty years or more, with Old Grawyrad...” “Wow, so they are a team...” “Yes, though I don’t know much. They used to be our drill and field instructor, teaching us how to fight in groups and getting us ready for the actual battles...”
Merridian also joined in as they gossiped about the middle-aged bald. “...You have no idea how condescending and obnoxious he can be...” “...In fact, yes. I can understand the feeling...” “...Save some shouting and who knows, maybe his hair might be still intact...” “No...no...no...I heard he got his hair burned by pranking trainees as revenge...” “My salutation to whomever brave souls they were and prayed for their bones to be rested in peace...” Waves of laughter rang across the table as they hugged their belly and giggled. “So, how is Jercflosey looks like? It is like a fantasy dream for everyone on the continent...” They took their second helping in leisure as the hunger quelled and more questions were thrown.
As if anticipating the question, Cassian and Merridian looked at each other with their eyes motioning each other to go ahead.
“Ah...hem...At the centre of Slamaeldonia lies the lone beacon of light...”
Merridian cleared her throat and began. Her voice attracted the attention of the drinkers and gossipers nearby and they stopped and listened to the female swordswoman as she stood and gestured gracefully with each sentence.
“...A gem discovered and founded by a group of braves and mythical.
A treasure granted to Valeans to protect and to shine the light amidst the overwhelming darkness.
A city where towering ramparts were erected and stand the test of time.
A centre of the origin for the arts and cultures of Valeans.
A fortress of light with her brave knights and wise seers.
A palace with lustrous curve and flow impossible for stones.
A square where fountains burst and sprayed high with vitality.
A home where children play for the day and rest for the night.
A pearl that released such light that it drove the beasts and demons of Abyss to their accused lairs and tombs.
Behold the miracle of Slamaeldonia, Jercflosey.
The house of the Principle with their loftiest spirit.”
The silent bar erupted to whistles and cheers as listeners clapped and cheered to the name of the miracle that descended to their salvation.
Merridian saluted with a deep bow with her right on her heart. The ovation died down moments later with excited drinkers and guests talking loudly to each other, sharing tales and legends of the most fascinating city of the continent. Lucious was still clutching his fists in excitement when Merridian sat down and finished her cup. “Wow...Don’t be so aroused. This is only the prologue for a wonderful tale...” “...Seriously, Merri. You actually memorise the whole thing from A Miracle Named Jercflosey...” “My dear Cassian, I’m surprised you know the book. Herozoan did have a way with words. Perhaps you should study a thing or two...” “Not a chance. Too cheesy for me...” Even as Cassian and Merridian started to have a bout of fuss, Lucious was deeply embroiled in his inner fantasy of Jercflosey, imagining the building, the wall, and the Union with urgent quests that affect the whole continents. Dreamed of the adventure, Lucious suddenly sulked as he lowered his gaze in regret and frustration. “That’s right... Everything has ended...So why...?”
Sensing the grimness of the youngest member on the table, Cassian and Merridian looked at Lucious thoughtfully. “Lucious...Lucious...Ooo...Lucious” “...Ah...yes...Lady Harpe...What is...” “Hmm...” Lucious choked on his words as he saw the menacing curve on Merridian’s lips as she narrowed her eyes at the stunned boy. His hands started to sweat and his back was shivering like a toad when it was caught by a viper. “My dear Lucious, do you know where the meat from the pottage came from?” Meat? What...Wait, we don’t really have much of it to spare for such feast...So maybe from the Vorgion...? What is so...Eh...Ehhhhhh...!! The terrifying smile widened as Lucious caught on the message Merridian tried to convey. “A smart guy like you, my boy. You should know the beast was quite a mess. Who knows who it had its fang on...” Lucious stared at his remaining pottage in disbelief as his thought ran all over the place, trying to search for a way out. But that is not possible...if it is, then how is everyone...”
“Alright, that is enough of a joke, Merri. I’m trying to eat here.” “Nah, he is about to catch it on his own. We got a brainer here, although he still needs some practice...” Cassian’s interference broke him straight out of the trap as Lucious breathed and wiped his sweating brow in relief. “Lucious.” The young boy snapped his back straight at Merridian’s call. With her widening grin and narrowing eyes, Merridian brushed against Lucious’s cheek softly with her words as if she was toying with a potential prey. “Wipe that sour look away and finish your dinner. You will have what is deserved if there is a sliver of leftover in your bowl. Are we clear, my boy?” Lucious nodded slightly. “And...Call me Merridian, or I will snap your pussy tongue out of that sorry case of a mouth. You read me?” Yes, ma’am!! Lucious could only nod vigorously at the frightening figure of the female swordswoman as the onlooking Cassian swallowed his laughter, feeling the shiver reaching down and numbing his tongue.
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