Aidan stepped out of the clinic, stretching his sore muscles as the cool evening air of Velthar brushed against his skin. His wounds were still fresh, but thanks to Kara's treatment, the pain was tolerable. Behind him, Kara called out, "You need to come again tomorrow for redressing your wounds."
He turned back, nodding. "Got it."
Kara gave him a long look before disappearing back inside, leaving Aidan alone with Lyria. The lively streets of Velthar stretched before them, illuminated by warm lanterns and the chatter of merchants packing up for the night.
Lyria nudged him with her elbow. "So, now what?"
Aidan exhaled, his mind still tangled in confusion. "I don't know," he admitted. "I don't know where to start. This world is… overwhelming."
Lyria opened her mouth to respond, but before she could say a word....
GGRRRRMMMBBL!
A loud, unmistakable grumble echoed through the air.
Aidan stiffened. Lyria blinked. Then, the corners of her lips curled upward before she exploded into uncontrollable laughter.
"Pfft—HAHAHAHA!" She clutched her stomach, nearly doubling over in amusement. "Oh, wow! That was loud! And here you are, acting all mysterious and serious!"
Aidan merely watched her, amused.
Lyria wiped a tear from her eye. "You may not know where to start, but your stomach sure does! Let's go get something to eat first."
Aidan raised an eyebrow. "And who's paying?"
Lyria smirked. "You, obviously!"
Aidan stared at her blankly.
Lyria cackled. "Kidding! You don't have a single coin on you, do you?"
Aidan shook his head.
"Then it's my treat," Lyria said, spinning on her heels. "Come on, let's find a place to eat."
They walked through the bustling streets of Velthar, weaving past vendors selling roasted meats, baked bread, and exotic fruits. The air was thick with the scent of spices and sizzling meat, making Aidan's stomach grumble again.
Eventually, they stopped in front of a small inn with a wooden sign that read The Rusty Mug.
"This place has the best roasted meat in town," Lyria said confidently. "And cheap, too!"
Aidan followed her inside. The interior was cozy, filled with the warm glow of lanterns and the hum of conversation. Patrons sat at wooden tables, clinking mugs of ale and feasting on steaming plates of food. A burly innkeeper stood behind the counter, barking orders at the kitchen staff.
Lyria guided Aidan to a table near the corner. "Let's order something good!"
A plump waitress approached them with a notepad. "What'll it be?"
Lyria tapped her chin. "Hmm. Let's get a whole roasted boar leg, some garlic-butter potatoes, spiced rice, and...oh! Some honey-glazed bread!"
The waitress scribbled the order down before turning to Aidan. "And you?"
Aidan shrugged. "That sounds fine."
Lyria gasped. "Just 'fine'?! You're about to have the best meal in Velthar, my friend!"
The waitress chuckled and walked away. Within minutes, their table was filled with steaming plates of food. The roasted boar leg glistened with juices, the garlic-butter potatoes were golden and crispy, and the honey-glazed bread smelled absolutely divine.
Aidan wasted no time, grabbing a chunk of meat and taking a bite. His eyes widened slightly.
Lyria grinned. "Good, huh?"
Aidan nodded. "Not bad."
Lyria laughed. "'Not bad,' he says. That's the best reaction I'll get from you, huh?"
They ate in silence for a while before Lyria leaned forward. "Alright, tell me about this 'Earth' place."
Aidan glanced at her. "What do you want to know?"
Lyria shrugged. "Everything. What kind of world is it?"
Aidan thought for a moment. "It's… different from this place. No magic, no strange creatures. Just people, technology, and science."
Lyria raised an eyebrow. "No magic?"
"None," Aidan confirmed.
Lyria whistled. "Sounds boring."
Aidan smirked. "It has its own excitement. Wars, conflicts, adventures of a different kind."
Lyria chewed on a piece of bread. "You ever been in a war?"
Aidan nodded. "Plenty."
Lyria paused. "Huh. That explains why you fight so well."
Aidan didn't respond, his focus shifting to his drink.
Lyria leaned in, eyes glimmering with curiosity. "Do you miss it? Your world?"
Aidan exhaled. "I don't know. Right now, I just want to understand how I got here."
Lyria nodded. "Fair enough."
As they continued eating, Aidan reached for the pitcher of wine and poured himself a full cup. Without hesitation, he downed it in one go.
Lyria's eyes widened. "Hey, hey, hey! Leave some for me!"
Aidan smirked, setting the empty cup down. "You're a minor. Not allowed to drink."
Lyria's mouth fell open. "What?! First of all, I'm not a kid! And second, who made you the drinking police?!"
Aidan leaned back, amused.
Lyria groaned. "You're the worst!"
The waitress returned with the bill, which Lyria reluctantly paid. As they stood to leave, Aidan stretched, feeling somewhat refreshed despite everything.
Lyria crossed her arms. "Alright, now that your stomach's full, what's the plan?"
Aidan exhaled. "One step at a time. I still need answers."
Lyria grinned. "Well, stick with me, and I'll make sure you don't get lost in this world."
Aidan smirked. "We'll see."
As they stepped out into the night, the city of Velthar stretched before them, full of mysteries, dangers, and possibilities.
...