Dryads of the Stars

Chapter 3 : An unexpected encounter

A few days had passed, since they began their return to the palace. Since they were not in a hurry, they stopped at a nearby village, just outside the forest, to rest. Tyor and Garland went hunting with half the soldiers and Eris with the rest went to find accommodations for him and his companions. He found a small tavern, that also had rooms to let at the outskirts of the village. He asked for the rooms that were available for his men and him and he informed the owner that they would bring some boars to prepare for a meal. He received two keys for the rooms and permission to help at the kitchen.
Night fell and they gathered at the tables of the small tavern, so they could finally eat . There were a few customers at the time, but the place was almost packed because of them. Only a couple of tables remained empty. Eris started discussing with his generals about feature plans, regarding his brother.

"Your highness do you really believe what that man said to you? About those beings that took the prince? Should we really trust his words? He sounded crazy..."

"Garland. Do not address the young master here like that. We are in public. Do be careful please...
About the things you pointed out, I agree though. Young master I find it hard to believe the words that came out of that man's mouth indeed. Unless you know something more, we do not."

"Tyor you are indeed the wisest of my generals. I understand your concern, but this time trust me. He was telling the truth. There are gods out there and they do have Miriam. They were always related to him. I too, discovered it recently. That is all I can tell you for now, because I do not have any serious clues, or information yet. All you need to do is trust in me ."

"Yes Master."

As they were about to continue the doorbell of the tavern made a soft ding and a man entered.  Eris noticed him immediately. His eyes got stuck on the man walking towards an empty table in a small corner of the tavern. He was tall and thin, but his body looked like that of a warrior. His beautiful face, had a gentle and nostalgic expression on it, like he just entered a very familiar place. He was obviously someone from this village, or at least someone related to it. He had long brown hair, reaching his waist and something that made Eris notice him. His eyes were golden. Something he had never heard, or seen before. Impossible. How could a human being be so beautiful and in possession of such features? He came to a realization.

"Human being? What if he is not a human? What if there is even a small possibility that he is something else? I am already aware that beings beyond my imagination exist. I should open my mind to every possibility. His aura... his presence... it must be something at least near them. "

He got up from the table and walked towards the mysterious man.

"Mind if I keep you company? "

The man looked at him clearly confused. After a few seconds of staring he smiled and nodded to Eris that he could sit down.

"I am sorry to disturb you, but I couldn't help to notice you, when you entered the tavern. You seem a lot like someone I am searching for. What is your name, if I may? I am Eris. "

The man seemed even more confused than before. He kept staring at him for about a minute and then answered.

"I apologize, but I am not interested in young boys, such as yourself. Although you do seem very mature and noble, I am too old for you, even if I seem younger. I am flattered though. "

Silence fell for a moment. It seemed that that man's beauty, did not go unnoticed at all by people. He was probably very popular for his looks and so he was used to situations were people would occasionally try to flirt with him, or even harash him. Eris was flustered and could not say a word. His generals noticed what happened. Garland broke out in a hysterical laughter and Tyor got up and headed towards Eris.