Fantasy I Was Supposed To Become a Hero but Got Stuck in a Deadend Job Instead

[TanteRegenbogen]

"I'd be pleasured to have a drink." Kren replied to Jayce.

The others seemed to be fine with going to the nearby bars even with the dress code. But to Hekate and Jax, it seemed they were interested in what happened to Aenera in the past and why she left the capital.

Aenera sighed and all of a sudden Kren became nervous. "It is a long story. The short version would be that I did something really, really bad and got bailed out from a worse fate by let's say a friend in a high position and cooperation with the authorities to combat corruption." Aenera said. She took a short pause before taking out her commu.

She turned on a small TV screen that was in the room and connected her commu to it. She went to a video platform and typed in the search bar: " Aenera Manavyndir os Aenfyandes Grand High Wizard..." before she could write the name of the wizard, tons of results popped up. All with sensationalist titles such as "Arcane student kills grand high wizard Aevanmeadow", "Student researcher at arcane university murders grand high wizard." and "A new tyrant? Arcane university student kills grand high wizard.".

"This happened. I killed the one of the chief wizards of the country in self-defense." Aenera said. "It is interesting that many people have forgotten my face."

"Long ago, when I was a child, I was considered a prodigy in the use of magic or at least in regards to my natural amount of mana. The former governor of the old city reported it to the academy and representatives of the academy came to scout me. In the end, I was forced to come to the academy. My parents were allowed visitation rights. But the academy took me for fear that I could become the next tyrant. Tyrants being magic users strong enough to conquer the continent. Only three have existed this far and the first one was an ancestor of mine. Soon after I got to the academy, they implanted this crystal in my forehead to limit my mana usage. It was one of the worst experiences that I have had. They don't even give you anaethetics and it hurts like hell. The crystal is fused into the skull and basically touches the mana veins in the head. I remember crying for days." Aenera explained.

"Anyways, despite the limiter, I became a very promising apprentice. I was first of many of my theoretical classes, but in actual magic usage was more middle of the class. Soon I found books in the academy library on chronos magic, a magic type known to my people and the first tyrant. Many in the academy had tried using it before, exhausting from it's simplest spells. Yet when I tried it, it was easier than other magics to me. Some thought it was a bad omen and began to avoid me. Meanwhile the grand wizards saw an opportunity and took me under their wing. Fast forward a couple years and I am a student of the academy's university wing, researching chronos magic and magic enhancement. My superiors want me to concentrate on magic enhancement. I managed to create a substance to enhance mana, but it had great drawbacks. It was very addicting and was lethal if too much was used. It made people burst with mana. Literally vaporized them. That substance today is called crystal magic." Aenera continued.

"Within a year, many wizards were hooked on it and the formula ended up getting leaked into the public with many alchemists and mages making their own batches to profit off of. The instances of lethal overdoses became more frequent and they needed someone to take the fall. I was given the blame even though I only created it and didn't distribute it. I wouldn't stand for the fault of my superiors. In a confrontation, the grand high wizard Aevanmeadow tried to coerce me into taking the blame, but I resisted. He pulled rank and attacked me, however defending myself I cast the wrong spell. Instead of reflecting his attack, I created an anomaly, a crossdimensional portal inside of him, basically imploding the grand high wizard. Kren was the only person who witnessed it. He was my lab partner at the time." Aenera paused again.

"After that, I was arrested and sent to high court. During the recess of the process, I was approached by the head of the arcane matters control council, who offered to put in a word for a more lenient prison sentence instead of execution, if I cooperated with them in rooting out the corrupt wizards. I agreed and told them all I knew. In turn, the court handed down a 15 year prison sentence for manslaughter. However, at the time, the king stepped in and converted the sentence to ten years probation with supervision and ten years exile from the capital. For those ten years, I also wasn't allowed to use my official name, but had to go by Manabrook instead. I had to leave the capital within a week and start anew somewhere. Which led me to Quarrytown. Why the king changed my sentence I can only speculate. I am guessing he still wants me to find a way to unfreeze the frozen army or maybe wants me to marry a noble or one of his sons. I don't know. Only heard rumors so far." Aenera said.

Kren looked very nervous. He definitely knew something that wasn't being said. Or maybe the nervousness may be from trauma. "Kren? You don't look well. Maybe you should take a seat?" Aenera's voice sounded muffled in his ears. He sat down. "I think the situation was problematic for ol' Kren here. He did see someone die in a horrifying way after all and had to recall it in court. I don't blame him and have forgiven him from the start. He only did the right thing. Isn't that right, Kren?" Aenera said. Kren nervously nodded, sweat pearling down the side of his face. "Y... yeah. Of course. Sh-she was n-nice enough t-to let me live... h-here all this time. With b-barely any rent." Kren said. The pause after the "live" had been awfully long. Aenera began massaging Kren. Kren gradually began to relax.

"That's right. Relax. It's long in the past." Aenera said as she rubbed Kren's shoulders. "Why don't you lay down a bit?" Kren laid on the sofa.

Aenera then played one of the news clips from ten years ago. On it, a younger Aenera was seen. It all seemed weird. Compared to usual suspects, her head wasn't sunken and she wasn't trying to hide her face. " Aenera Manavyndir os Aenfyandes, the killer, on her way to the high court. She doesn't appear much like what you expect of a monster." The reporter said. The young Aenera smiled towards the camera. The smile wasn't sinister or so. It rather seemed like the kind of smile a friend would give or someone who cared about another would give. Aenera appeared sympathetic. Almost like someone who was wrongly accused in the report. The reporter then approached Aenera in the clip and said: "Do you have anything to say about the case?" The smiling Aenera then said: "Justice will take it's course and I will have to atone for my mistake. If I get prison and ever get out, I hope that I can be forgiven." The young Aenera was then led away. The reporter at first seemed speechless but then said: "There you have it."

After the clip ended, Aenera said: "I heard that I had a fandom briefly because they though I seemed sympathetic enough. Unsure if it is true though. Others said that I was creepy in a way. But it has been ten years. I don't think many will remember me. Maybe the higher ups but not the younger ones. Or maybe they will know my face and not remember my name."

"Anyways, any questions?" Aenera asked.

(Sorry if I delved a little into Mary Sue territory there. I hope it isn't too much though.)

 

[JayOokami]

"And i thought my teen years were bad." Jayce chuckles as he starts to prepare a more calming tea for Kren. He then turns a bit more serious, " I was never one for the news so I never really heard anything about you. Yfirryn told me about the Tyrant Aenfya though. He mentioned that she tried to unite the nations under her and that she froze an entire army. She ended up surrendering to keep her people safe if I remember what he said." While he wait for the water to boil for Kren's tea he finishes his own, stirs in some honey and takes a sip, "at least what you did was in self defense even if it was overboard."

 

[CasualTea]

As Aenera told them about her past, Hekate began to recall things she heard from the news. Of course, she was eleven, she didn't quite understand anything at all. She was only told by her parents that the little girl didn't do anything wrong. That was that. Remembering it now, she supposed her past isn't as fucked up as Aenera's. Noticing Jayce talk about his teen years, looks like everyone had a visit in the shit hole part of their youth. She assumed Jax had it too or maybe he didn't. When Aenera asked if she had any questions, she shook her head. "No. No questions here. I'm surprised no one put a hit on you or anything." She said bluntly but unknowingly as if it slipped out. Though, Hekate soon caught on to her slip up and cleared her throat and explained herself a bit more. "I mean, with something like that happening, someone would've been bound to have a salty grudge and would want to take things into their hands using some... shady methods. Y'know what I mean?" She asked as she smiled nervously, not meaning to bring up something related to her current occupation. She still did not plan on telling the others anytime soon what her work was and would just rather come off as unemployed. She let out a nervous chuckle before rubbing the back of her head. "Well.. It's good nobody resorted to that. Not yet, at least. A-Anyway, back to what we were discussing earlier. Jax said that he's up for the bars around here and... Y'know, I'll up that vote too. How about you guys?" She asked, looking at Jayce and Yfirryn, hoping to change the subject about this topic or else someone's going to ask her to elaborate more why she brought up the possibility of someone putting a hit on Aenera for her past.

 

[Xafin]

Jax gives Hekate a weird look at the 'put a hit on you' bit, but otherwise doesn't say much. They take another sip of their tea, absorbing the information. Then, they say, "Must have been an awful lot for someone so young to experience. My sympathies to you, especially because you haven't been able to tell your story until now." They side eye Kren with an unreadable expression, of almost... judgement maybe? Scrutiny? It's pretty hard to tell. "My teen years weren't nearly as bad as all that, obviously. It's hard to stand out in a big family, though."

 

[TanteRegenbogen]

In response to Jayce, Aenera said: "I see. Aenfya was our ancestor. Until ten years ago, I was looking for a way to unfreeze the frozen army. But there are some ethical questions such as if it is right to unfreeze them over a thousand years in the future. They will have great difficulty with the modern world or the modern form of language. Additionally, I don't know how much I look like my ancestor. They could attack me."

When Hekate mentions that Aenera was lucky that no one put a hit on her, Aenera replied: "Uhh. I must correct you. In the first two years I was in Quarrytown, people did put hits out on me. Luckily all were unsuccessful. I heard one of the hitmen went into retirement afterwards and another went missing. The lack of success of the hitmen was mostly because police caught onto them pretty quickly since I was so heavily observed in my first years of probation and in two instances, I had managed to defend myself."

Jax expressed their sympathies to Aenera's troublesome past. Aenera smiled and said: "The past is in the past. Most of the bad guys got what was coming to them. Now that I have finished my punishment and can go back to the city, all my enemies can do is envy me."

Regarding hitting the bars, everyone seemed to agree on staying in the local area: "Alright, great! If you need clothes, either check the closets if you find something fitting, otherwise I can check the pocket dimension if there is a robe or a decent shirt for going to the bars. Usually clean pants (trousers) and a dress shirt are the bare minimum for the bars, however a casual suit, a dress, robes or mages outfits are more appreciated."

Kren still seemed to be on edge. Talking about the past drove shivers down his spine. It made him fear Aenera. He got up and went upstairs, only saying "I need to get up and get some air." Once upstairs, he mumbled under his breath: "It wasn't an accident. Just stay obedient and take it to your grave and everything will be fine." To normal ears, is mumbling was inaudible.

"Kren, don't forget about the bars!" Aenera called up. "It will be like old times." Aenera was concerned about Kren. She hoped he wouldn't let something slip out that is not intended for other ears. Aenera turned to the others and said: "Excuse be for a minute." as she went into another room. There she picked out a couple ingredients and brewed a concoction. Minutes later, she came back with a flask containing a dark red liquid. "Kren seemed to be too jumpy at the moment. This will help him relax." Aenera said shaking the flask. "It's a potion I created while at the academy. It basically takes a burden off of someone's shoulders and lets them repress trauma, even if only for a day or so."

 

[JayOokami]

Jayce finishes Kren's drink as he listened to Aenera, "that is a difficult situation. If you free them they would get overwhelmed by the modern world, but leaving them like that is also wrong because they've lost their lives effectively." he takes a sip of his own tea, "and the family resemblence presents anotheer problem as you've mentioned. Those soldiers could also bear a grudge against your people as a whole as well." Jayce simply gave his opinion on freeing the victims but he thought about Aenera's situation as well. While he has no reason to doubt her, he also lacks the entire story.

When Aenera mentions the concoction she made Jayce has an idea, "Aenera, if you don't mind, could you allow me to take that to him? I have his tea ready as well, but if this is indeed due to his trauma it might be better fo someone uninvovled to take it to him." He also finishes a drink for Hekate and hands it to her, "if you'd rather Inot interfere, I'll respect that as well."

 

[CasualTea]

Hekate felt relieved that the hit topic she brought up didn't extend into a request for her to elaborate, it would've been very awkward. She still wanted to keep her job as a hitwoman a secret so as to not somehow sow distrust among her new group of friends. She accepted the cup of tea Jayce had made for her and nodded as a sign of thanks. Though, she practiced her new trick again and listened in on Kren. She heard his mumble just faintly, but made out that it wasn't an accident and he was just being obedient in silence. After that, she didn't listen further in order to not damage her hearing and have a ringing sensation while with the group. It'd be awkward to explain her deafness if she was called upon suddenly. She took another sip in response to her new found information. So Aenera's story seemed to have been sugarcoated or at least changed to make her seem better than what it actually was. She kept this information to herself though, there was no way she could challenge against Aenera without concrete evidence and cannot just say that she can hear everything. She hasn't even told her new friends about her abilities nor the new tricks she had developed recently. When Aenera brought up the potion, she felt a bit iffy about it. Was it really a potion that does as she just described or was there more to it? If only her true sight can also see what chemicals or magical energy traces were in the potion or generally anywhere. Maybe she should try learning to do that. Finding traces of magic energy would be a neat trick to track someone down.

 

[Xafin]

"I think Jayce should take the potion to him as well. He seems rather jumpy around you, huh Aenera?" Jax snorts, finishing up their tea. "You have many enemies left? You're so easy to get along with, you'd think you'd have less." They pause. "Then again, nobody likes a person with power, especially that which they don't entirely understand."

 

[TanteRegenbogen]

When Jayce offers to bring Kren the potion since the whole ordeal was linked to Aenera, Aenera said: "Yeah, sure. Bring Kren the potion. I only want him to be able to relax. Just tell him it was made with love." She then handed him the vial with the potion.

Aenera then began to make her way up the stairs. "Well time to get changed for going out to the bars. Better get that done before it gets too late. If anyone cant find anything to put on, just let me know. Anyways I should be done changing within a couple minutes." Yfiryyn got up and followed Aenera to their room.

Once there, Aenera chose an outfit from her pocket dimension. It was a white collared blouse with a short blue tie, a black knee length skirt, black tights and black ballerinas. Yfirryn chose something feminine with a long white collared buttoned dress, black leggings and simple black choker. Aenera had already told Yfirryn that he should be surprised if people try to flirt with him, thinking he is a woman. So she only remarked: "You look pretty. You will get lots of attention this evening."

Once done changing, Aenera and Yfirryn came back down the stairs in their new outfits.

 

[JayOokami]

Jayce nods, getting the tea and the potion, "I'll take it up and get ready after." He heads to Kren's room and knocks on the door, "Excuse me, Mr. Kren, I'm one of Aenera's Friends, Jayce. I brought your tea and a potion made by Aenera with love." After a moment passes he adds, "I'd also like to talk to you for a moment if that's ok." He knew he had to be careful with how he words anything he says. He is slightly worried but he wanted to get more information.

 

[CasualTea]

Hekate watched as Aenera, her brother and Jayce all headed upstairs to do their own things. She might as well be next. She finished her tea, putting the cup down and began heading upstairs as well to get dressed. Once she got upstairs, she found an outfit in the closet that would definitely look like someone as high classed as an authoritive office worker of a massive corporation. Almost like a CEO. She also found some aviators which was pretty cool. The shoes were cool too, though she wondered how this outfit seemed tailored for her exactly. Though, she didn't mind. She was going to rock the office look so she even put on the tag that came with it. She did check what tag it was and it was not Kurosawa's company. It was another company that she hadn't heard of before. She sort of just wondered who left their business suit in here?

 

[Xafin]

Jax also makes their way upstairs. While they're up there, their commu buzzes with a message. 'Where r u???' They scoff and delete the message quickly while rolling their eyes. "None of your business, Hannah." They mutter to themselves as they shut their door behind them. They quickly get dressed in black slacks and a purple button down, running a hand through their short hair. They avoid looking in the mirror in the corner the entire time they're getting dressed, and once they're done they glance briefly at the glass while shoving their feet into some shoes. They frown at what they see within it's surface, pinching at their cheek as their frown turns into a scowl.

 

[TanteRegenbogen]

Kren looks up at Jayce, still shaken. When Jayce mentioned the potion and that Aenera said it was made with love, Kren let out a nervous laugh and said: "She really wants to feed me that thing again? Last time, I made an ass of myself after drinking it. Thank you for the tea though."

Kren took a sip of the tea and said: "It tastes good. You probably want to talk about my breakdown and possibly Aenera right? I am sorry, I still haven't processed the events of ten years ago too well. The potion Aenera made is likely one made to make me content and ignore certain thoughts. It also lowers some inhibitions, hence why me and Aenera went pretty wild in the bars on the night before the murder. But I guess I will just have a little bit this time. Just enough to make me relax a little. I wont down the whole flask though. I doubt she will try anything funny when people are over."

Kren toke only a single sip of the potion, after which he was visibly more relaxed and his expression looked slightly upbeat. "Anyways, what is it you wanted to speak about?" He said as she went behind a dressing shade to put on something for the bar trip. He put on slacks, with a dress shirt of which he left the top two buttons open. He topped off the outfit with a long jacket embroidered with patterns known from mages outfits. "Still got to represent. I am an educator after all and drinking in this area you need to present yourself as such if you are a magic user."

Aenera and Yfirryn were downstairs waiting for the others. The others seemed to need more time. Aenera decided to braid Yfirryn's hair while they were waiting.

 

[JayOokami]

Jayce listens to what Kren has to say, "yes... I'd Like to speak about the ... um... incident." He says carefully, "it is not that I distrust Aenera's word and I have no interest in conflict, but I'm curious if there's anything she hasn't told us. I have'nt done much study in magic but it seems to me the magic necessary to kill the grand wizard in the way she described seemed like a bit much for self-defense. If she was already that skilled at that age she should have had better control to only incapacitate the man... right?" He sighs, "but you would probablly wwant to avoid going back to that time in your memory. it's ok if you don't want to tell me anything specific, but could you tell me if she's at least being fully honest with us?" Jayce learned a lot about reading people and situations from his work, something certainly felt of about the story but he knew very little of it. If he could just leaarn a bit more he should be able to let it go.

 

[CasualTea]

Hekate was ready to go as she concealed her iron in the jacket. She soon came out of her room and made her way downstairs, waving to Aenera and to her brother on the way down. "I'm all ready. What about the others?" She asked trying to somewhat make conversation. She just joined Aenera at the bottom of the steps. She knew that something was off about Aenera's story already from Kren's self-mumbling so she didn't need to use her new trick again. Plus, she was right next to the lady in question. It would be weird if her hearing were to fail suddenly.

 

[Xafin]

They thump loudly and heavily down the stairs, about a minute after Hekate does. Jax's frown still remains, in a lesser form but still present. They scratch at their cheek as they lean against the wall near Aenera, then crossing their arms over their chest, trying to relax and failing miserably. "I guess we're almost all ready, then?" They ask, raising an eyebrow at Aenera's braiding skills.

 

[TanteRegenbogen]

"It might be better you ask Aenera yourself. If I tell you anything specific, I will not only put myself in danger but potentially you too. All I will say is that the high wizards death wasn't accidental." Kren said to Jayce. "Now let's get ready for the evening out. We can't let the others wait too long." Kren went downstairs. For the dress code, his usual attire was formal enough. Before heading downstairs, Kren looked back and said: "Be careful. Aenera is dangerous. It is better to be on her good side and be a friend than be a foe. It is probably safer to be on good terms with her."

Kren then headed downstairs. It was true that Aenera was dangerous for Kren but she would have his back as long as he didn't reveal the truth to the authorities.

After braiding Yfirryn's hair, Aenera responded to Hekate and Jax: "Just Kren and Jayce are missing." In that moment Kren came down. Aenera got up and hugged Kren: "I am glad you are doing better." Kren then told Aenera: "I believe you need to be honest with the others about back then. They arent with the government, so it should be safe with them." Aenera considered the idea and said: "Only if they investigate further. It is better that people don't know, but I don't think anyone can do anything against me anyways."

 

[JayOokami]

Jayce stays silent, listening to Kren. After Kren went out he quickly grabbed his luggage from the kitchen and is glad he brought his work slacks and a white polo. Sure it wasn't much but he figured it would pass. Jayce looked into the mirror and mutters to himself, "not accidental?" He sighs. He decides to not push for now, it would do no good to risk alienating anyoned. Still, it was a concerning thought that she killed him with intent.

Jayce runs a hand through his somewhat shaggy brown hair the heads down to meet the others, "this ok?" He asked somewhat nervously scratching the back of his head.

 

[CasualTea]

Hekate saw Jayce and gave him a thumbs up. "It'll do." She said with a smile. With her new trick, her hearing got a bit better so she actually heard what Aenera and Kren were talking about. She decided to keep it to herself but she would like to investigate further. True, she probably couldn't do anything to Aenera at this moment but at the same time, she wants to know how Aenera felt in that moment. How she felt about killing another. All she ever knew initially was killing for revenge and then killing to make a living. Sometimes she felt guilty about it but was never haunted by it. To her, it was a bit concerning. Maybe if she got something from Aenera she'd mature a bit more. Perhaps more into a killer or their values of another's life. If she was hiding the fact that she's a hitwoman, does that mean something?

 

[Xafin]

Jax gives a lazier thumbs up towards Jayce, their eyes twinkling with barely contained excitement. They push off the wall, and reach forward to clap Jayce on the back. "Looking good." They say in a deep voice, before laughing in their normal tone. Their eyes drift towards Aenera. "Where to first?"

 

[TanteRegenbogen]

Aenera smiled at Jayce and said: "That will do." After everyone gave Jayce a thumbs up, Jax asked where they should go to first. "Well I'd say we go downtown governmental district and see what it has it store for us. But I'd like to go to the Summerfell Wyvern if it still exists." Aenera said turning to Kren expecting him to tell if it was still there or not. Kren shook his head and said: "Old Oren retired last year and didn't find anyone to take over the Summerfell Wyvern."

Aenera frowned and said: "I guess we will have to check out the student bars or the places where academy folk hang out if we want to get affordable drinks." "Just don't try to draw attention to you then. Plenty of people among the older mages and wizards who still don't like you. Most of the younger ones probably wont recognize you." Kren said as they walked out of the home.

As they were out on the sidewalk, a "concerned" neighbor came by and said: "Hey! Can you move that auto? That monstrosity is an eyesore to this neighborhood." Aenera rolled her eyes and said: "That eyesore is my auto and no I wont move it since it is my place." "The audacity! I..." The neighbor seemed to have frozen in place thinking seemingly remembering that Kren didn't own the place but was merely renting it (even though it was only for an annual package of good wine). "Y-you are the landlord? I have seen you before. It was long ago. I can't think of the name." "It's Aenera. And the fact you find it audacious to talk back to you but not your bickering is amazing. Now please don't bug us anymore. Nobody likes busybodies," Aenera replied.

The neighbor then seemed to be lost in thought: "Aenera... Aenera... Hmm... Aenera?!" He suddenly looked up to Aenera giving him a smirk. "I apologize for my bickering. I... I don't... I should be on my way." The neighbor said with a nervous tone. Aenera then called behind him: "I hope you don't go spreading rumors about me now." The neighbor then picked up his pace as he walked away.

Aenera then continued towards down the road towards the bar district. "Sadly, the most annoying part about living in the governmental district is that the neighbors are arrogant snobs and busybodies." "He is probably the worst one around here. Constantly bickering about the lack of development behind the tower and overgrown brushes that are intentionally overgrown because of alchemy." Kren said.

After a couple minute of walking, they came around a corner to an avenue where the buildings were much larger and the council building and the academy were visible in the distance, illuminated in the night. Along the avenue were bars and pubs. It was teeming with people. The more traditional pubs had more fantastical names like "The Blue Dragon", "The Drunken Tyrant" or "The Dwarf's Belly". The more upscale bars illuminated by crystal lights had slick names such as "Summer" or "Ysirio's".

"Where to first? Pub or bar and which one?" Aenera asked.

 

[JayOokami]

"Whichever place is fine. I Don't go out drinking often so I'll let you guys take the lead here." Jayce says as he walks along with the group. He is looking forward to the experience, though he'll have to be careful not to drink to much. Jayce was still concerned about Aenera's past but he decided to think about that later and focus on having some fun.

 

[CasualTea]

As they were confronted, Hekate just looked at the neighbor questioningly, knowing the same outcome would come as what happened with Kren. Though, this one was able to play it cool and just walk away before seemingly a leg was gonna be broken. Luckily, no further action was needed and they could go on their merry way. When asked where to go first, originally she thought of going to the bars. However, it's pretty much night time already and they hadn't had dinner yet. Hitting a pub would be better since everyone could eat their fill and get drunk off of whatever alcohol they got if they wanted to get drunk. One of the names stood out to her, the Drunken Tyrant. She looked at Aenera and offered her opinion. "Well it's pretty much near dinner, right? Let's go hit a pub. The Drunken Tyrant sounds interesting. Anyone else feeling a bit hungry?" She asked as she looked around to the others with a soft smile.

 

[Xafin]

"I could always eat." They reply to Hekate, still thinking about the neighbor debacle. They knew that Aenera could be scary sometimes, but they've never actually seen it directed towards someone she clearly doesn't care about. They shove their hands in their front pockets as the group walks, thumbs sticking out. It kind of ruins their put-together look. "Somewhere with fried food, maybe? That's going to be most pubs, obviously. The Drunken Tyrant does sound pretty interesting." They look at the upscale bars with a little bit of apprehension. They'd prefer not to go into there, thanks.

 

[TanteRegenbogen]

The others felt like eating and Jax and Hekate had decided for the Drunken Tyrant, a quaint pub in an older more traditional building made of both stone and wood with a thatched roof. The building must have been at least two or three hundred years old. The first and second floors seemed to be illuminated and seemed to be the main pub areas, the third floor was less illuminated and then came the large thatched roof that probably made up half the buildings height. The windows were a square latticed glass. Next to the building was a small inner courtyard surrounded by buildings on three sides. In the courtyard was an oak tree surrounded by a stone base where people could sit on. Around the tree were tables, but they all looked occupied.

"Well outsides full so I guess we will eat and drink inside. Plus it might be better in case it gets chilly." Aenera said. "But I maybe have been to this place once in the past. I heard it has been around since the third tyrants death. So possibly four or five hundred years. Supposed to be really affordable so it's probably popular with students and apprentices."

Aenera led the way into the pub and said to someone who looked like they worked there: "A table for... let me think, me, Jayce, Jax, Hekate, Yfirryn and Kren, that's six. A table for six, please." "You are just in luck. A table big enough to seat you all has just opened up." The barmaid said. The barmaid was a busty elf woman with very long dark blonde hair tied into a braid. She wore a dark blue dirndl type dress with a lacey short sleeved white top, a white apron and a dark blue ribbon choker.

The barmaid let the group to their table a little to the back in an arched cellar kind of room. It was still part of the main room, but it just had the arched ceiling known from wine cellars. It was warm inside and well lit with light yellow crystal lights. The follow was mostly tiled and there was a lot of wood. The tables and benches were massive wood. Some wall panels were made of oak wood. There were wooden beams made of oak wood and the bar area was made of oak wood.

Aenera and Yfirryn noticed the smell of food in the air. It didn't dominate the air but was noticeable. It smelled like a thick slice of meat with either a well spiced roux sauce or a spice crust. Possibly basilisk or moor wyvern meat. "That smells so good. I want some!" Yfirryn said with increased salivation. Aenera then chuckled: "Hold your horses. We first need to get the menus first. Maybe there is even better stuff here.

After briefly being gone, the barmaid came back with the menus for everybody. "Can I bring you something to drink already?" The barmaid asked. Aenera looked over the drinks section in the menu and then ordered: "Can you bring me a pink of Dirmestead Red Ale?" "A Dirmestead Red for the lady. Can I take your name to put on the coaster?" The barmaid noted then asked. Aenera thought of a nickname just in case the barmaid ended to yelling her name for everyone to hear. "Call me Aeane (pronounced Ayen)." Then while the barmaid wrote down the name, she muttered: "Ae..ane,,,"

Turning her attention to Yfirryn, the barmaid then asked: "And for the beautiful young lady?" "I'm a..." Yfiryyn started before Aenera interrupted. "My younger sibling here will have your house ale. A pint of it. Oh, and call'er Yfie (E-fee)." Yfirryn looked over to Aenera in disbelief: "Yfie?" But then eased up. "At least it's a cute nickname."

Aenera looked around the pub. Very many mages here. Most of them young and possibly still students or journeymen, but of drinking age. Nearly all of them wore mages garbs or robes. Only a few wore suits or nicer "casual" clothes like a buttoned shirt with a blazer. So far she didn't see anyone she knew among the other guests. However some seemed to noticed Kren. But it didn't surprise Aenera much. Kren did teach alchemy and lost arts theory at the academy.

Kren chuckled over the Yfie part and then told the barmaid: "Gemme a good ol' house brand praline porter. A medium glass. And the name's Kren."

Aenera and Yfirryn began looking at the food menu. Everything from sliced carrots to a hog roast platter. The usual known from Quarrytown, the Fiordanfeller salamander curry wasn't available. The closest they had was a spicy basilisk curry bowl. Yfirryn already spotted what he wanted: An assorted meat platter with crinkle cut fried potatoes. Aenera felt like getting the mountain buffalo breaded cutlet with winesauce and garden greens. "We will wait for the others to order their drinks before we order food. Not to overwhelm the barmaid." Aenera said as she waited for the others to order their drinks. Aenera had only one question for the barmaid: "Is it okay to smoke manaherb in here?" "As long as it is in a handheld pipe, you can smoke it back here, upstairs in the smoking room or outside in the courtyard. Larger devices that produce more smoke will have to be used outside. I can bring you an ashtray if you desire." The barmaid said. It made Aenera wonder if there were incidents with waterpipes here.

"Only if the others at the table don't mind it." Aenera said. Kren smiled and said: "Manaherb doesn't stink like the other crap people smoke, so it's fine by me." "I don't mind." Yfirryn replied.