2 The Taverns Tale

The owner of the tavern, Jeremy, greets Vidar as a new face when he arrives. "A new customer! Business is just booming today!" he exclaims with a warm smile, motioning for Vidar to take a seat.

Vidar, curious about the place, leans in. "This tavern looks like it has a lot of history. How did it come to be?"

Jeremy's eyes twinkle with nostalgia as he begins his tale. "Well, you see, this tavern has been around for over three centuries. It was founded by a brave adventurer named Silas Pyro, who stumbled upon this cave during his travels. Legend has it that he was searching for a lost treasure, but instead, he found this hidden cavern. Silas decided to turn it into a haven for travelers and adventurers like himself. And here we are, still welcoming folks after all these years."

As Jeremy concludes his story, Vidar can't help but admire the rich history of the place. Just then, the Cavern Master named Aiden walks up to them. Vidar and Aiden lock eyes, and there's a palpable sense of power between them. "Who are you?" Vidar inquires, intrigued by Aiden's aura.

Aiden offers a polite nod. "The name's Aiden. I oversee the operations here at the tavern. What do you think of this place?"

Vidar, still fascinated by the tavern's history, replies, "I know this tavern is at least 300 years old."

Aiden raises an eyebrow, intrigued. "Interesting that you know that information as a newcomer."

Meanwhile, Sprite, still nestled within Vidar's subconscious, chimes in. "Didn't Jeremy just tell us everything about this tavern? He must have a lot of trust in newcomers or senses that we aren't a danger to him."

Vidar, while slightly puzzled by the voice in his head, nods discreetly in agreement, not wanting to create any confusion.

"I'm looking for someone," Vidar tells Jeremy and Aiden, his voice tinged with determination.

Jeremy leans in, his tone more serious now. "Who are ya looking for, kid?"

Vidar proceeds to describe the tall and ominous-looking figure who took Reya. He looks at the two men and asks, "Do you know where I can find him?"

Jeremy goes silent, his face growing grave, then finally speaks. "His name is Xenon, and those posters you see everywhere throughout Lenart are about him."

Vidar, eager to see if he can confirm Xenon's identity, asks, "So is this what he looks like?"

Aiden interjects, "He decides how he wants to be seen."

Jeremy gives Vidar a warning glance. "You don't wanna go down this road, bud. This is not for the faint of heart."

Before Vidar can respond, he thinks he hears a commotion outside but decides to ignore it for now.

Vidar's determination shines through as he states firmly, "My only wish is for my sister to be saved. I wasn't able to protect her. He has to pay for what he has done, and I will bring him to justice."

Jeremy nods gravely and offers a piece of advice. "I'm not saying that you should do this, but the rumors are, he's in a nearby cave."

Vidar expresses his gratitude to Jeremy. Jeremy's parting words are heartfelt. "Don't die."

As Vidar begins to leave, Jeremy continues working, and Aiden stays behind at the tavern, ordering more drinks for himself.