The Obsidian Empire

Chapter 3: Emotion and Purpose

"You came!" The joy on Etho's face makes the long day Llwell had of sitting around in his room fretting about the gravity of the Tessian situation feel instantly worth it.

Llwell smiles as he approaches the boy standing outside the tavern. He's fidgeting, shakily looking around as if expecting something bad to happen, but all while smiling in a way that looks like he's not sure if he's supposed to or not.

The tavern itself looks bigger than the one in Ayiolas. From the outside, he would guess it has three stories. Walls of wood and stone, even a small tower in one corner. He can already hear the lively notes of a lute from the bard playing a cheerful song inside.

The elf steps up to the boy and eyes his clothes. He only seems to have changed his shirt to a dark grey sweater and a black vest.

"Of course I came. I told you I would, didn't I?" Llwell lightly chuckles.

Etho nods sharply. "Yes. You did. Kind words, waiting for the hours to tick by, taking time, telling the truth that you'd follow through. Friends who are honest, hearts humbling, feels like home. Thank you."

"Is Bella inside?" Llwell asks and motions to the tavern.

"She is here. I haven't spoken to her. Warm worries winding, twisting, tying together into knots, kneading nerves like dough... Delightful dough can develop dangerously. Or it could become a pleasant treat. I'm... nervous," Etho stammers and lowers his head, shielding his eyes behind his hat.

Llwell gently holds him by his shoulder. "It's perfectly normal to be nervous. Just remember, Etho. Dumaine and I will be here for you. But keep in mind that she invited you because she wanted to spend time with you, so you must be doing all right on your own. Just be yourself," the elf says tenderly, which gets the boy to look at him with a smile again.

From behind them, they hear Dumaine approach. "He's right, Etho! Well, mostly right. You are perfect as you are. However, I see you have failed to take my advice in the attire department," the mage steps up beside them with his arms crossed, looking over Etho with pursed lips.

The boy looks down at himself and tilts his head. "You said you liked this shirt earlier..."

"Yes. The shirt looks great on you. However, if you want to have any chance of ending tonight with a romantic nightly courtship, I recommend losing the hat," Dumaine says.

Etho crosses his arms and seemingly tries to copy the mage's stern demeanor, but he only ends up looking like an angry toddler who wants a cookie for dinner. "But I like my hat," he states slowly.

Dumaine laughs and shakes his head. "Oh you poor sweet boy."

Llwell sighs and rolls his eyes. "Give him a break, Dumaine. He's nervous enough as it is. Let's just go have fun and see what happens."

The mage huffs. "Fine fine. I suppose I can let this crime of fashion slide just this once. But Etho dear, under no circumstances will I allow you to marry with that hat."

"I'm... not marrying a hat," Etho says.

Dumaine sighs. "No. I mean..." he stops when Llwell puts his hand on his shoulder and slowly shakes his head.

"Let it go, Dumaine. It's not worth it," the elf chuckles.

Dumaine looks towards the tavern with a smile. "Well, if we're ready. Let's go," he says and side-eyes Llwell before grabbing his arm and looping it around his own, making the elf slightly gasp. The mage winks at him. "Remember, we're here to help Etho learn off of us."

Llwell bites his lip and quickly nods, but he can't form any words before a voice comes from the tavern.

"Good! You guys are here!" The men all turn to see the tavern door open and Bella is standing in the entrance with a big smile. She's wearing a simple light blue dress and her hair is in a ponytail, tied back with a black bow.