It wasn't long after Dylana had been absent when the two men were approached regarding the Ripple quest. Cici, being the more approachable of the two, was gracious enough to allow Kopius to answer the question as the air elemental had only given out the response to a handful of individuals. Once word had reached the masses as to the two adventures' significance, they were mobbed for a short while and then ignored just the same.

"That seemed like more people than we got in Cawbachu," Kopius mentioned as they made their way down the street.

"Maybe for you lad," Cici replied, looking between the structures that lined the path through the village.

"What are you looking for?" Kopius asked, changing the subject.

"There's usually a sign with everyone's location."

"Like a directory? Are we looking for someone or something?"

"Aradi and Befanna, they'll have a kitchen around here somewhere."

The grumbling stomach that accompanied Cici's response halted any more questions. Kopius joined in the search for what he guessed was some kind of bulletin board. It didn't take long and once Cici got his bearings they set off farther down the street, taking a few side alleys along the way.

Kopius continued to survey his surroundings while also keeping up with the bard, whose pace had increased significantly in relation to their stroll through the woods. The place was weathered and old, somewhere between Feral Crossing and the rundown parts of Cawbachu. None of the buildings looked as if they would collapse but they did have a brittleness to them.

Half of the structures were unoccupied, evidenced by barricaded doors and windows or by an over abundance of spider webs. The ones that were not vacant had enough candles inside that Kopius worried the place might catch on fire like a tinderbox.

After a few more side streets Kopius caught a whiff of barbeque. The familiar smell of a grill smoldering somewhere in the distance made his stomach speak up again. His mind wandered away from fire hazards and into the realm of hot dogs and hamburgers. If cheese and ketchup were involved, he would understand why Cici seemed in such a rush to get there.

A few moments later the two men exited the alley and into an enclosed cul-de-sac bustling with vendors, packed tables and a potpourri of cooked morsels. If Ashes & Embers had a food court, this was it. Looking around it seemed the entirety of the population had descended on the place, ready to fill their bellies with a wide variety of foods. The two men had to squeeze and scootch their way across the space until they stood in front of a particular spot.

The outside of the bistro was made of a black wood with a blood red paint outlining the windows and entrance. Double doors mirrored each other, both covered in opaque glass with large black ravens facing one and the other. Their long beaks came together at the edges while the feet of each seemed to be grasping for the dual handles. When Cici went to open both, the bird wings gave the impression of lifting off the more the doors became ajar. If he were to open and close them repeatedly it would be as if the two birds were flying. He gave Kopius a quick smile over his shoulder as if to indicate how cool the design was.

Once inside, the space was larger than Kopius had expected but still had a quaint coziness to it. Small booths lined one side of the joint, their red cushioned seats creating semi-circles to fit four people comfortably. Black wood, darker than the vapor oaks, held up the frame of the seats and created tables adorned with silver utensils and blue flamed candles.

Tapestries covered the walls bearing ravers in various states of flight and rest. Some had clouds in a blue sky while others had tree limbs or flowered plants that the birds perched upon. While several crystal chandeliers helped to scatter the candle light, mirrors placed strategically about the restaurant illuminated the rest.

Three women moved fluidly from table to table, each wearing some form of a flowing, well fitting black dress with wide crimson sashes worn as a belt. Their pale skin, long jet black hair and cherry red lips gave them all a vampiric look. Each one attractive in their own right, though their sizes and features all varied.

Kopius had a moment of concern until he could see each reflected in the mirrors, though the worry remained as he was unsure if the same logic of vampire spotting applied on Metem as it had in the lore on Earth. Cici didn't seem bothered as the big man gazed around the establishment looking for someone in particular. When he spotted his target his grin grew slightly.

"Aradi," Cici shouted, throwing his arms up like he had scored a touchdown catching the attention of every patron.

From the back of the room rose a tank of a woman, wearing the same black dress and red sash as the others; filling it up to the brim. She wiped crumbs from her mouth and waved at the bard with a half eaten loaf of bread in her hand, a smile erupting on her face. Kopius could practically feel her excitement as she plowed across the room and embraced Cici. For the second time Kopius witnessed a woman lift the big man off his feet as if he were a child.

"Have you visited Dylana?" Aradi asked in a worried tone as she placed Cici back on the floor.

"Of course I have," Cici responded gently, using the back of his hand to softly remove what remained of the meal on her face. "I wouldn't want her to barge in and disturb our peace would I?"

"You know she would," Aradi replied as she straightened her dress. "She would disturb the dead if they owed her copper."

"She runs a tight ship, love; no fault in that."

"That she does, that she does," Aradi agreed and then turned, clapped her hands loudly. "Ladies! Clear a spot for Cici and his ilk–you know the drill!"

The three women snapped to attention, each seeming to blush in the bard's direction. Kopius remained a backdrop as the ladies practically fell over themselves to accommodate his existence. Tables were moved, chairs were shuffled and the two men were escorted to a corner booth in the back of the restaurant. Well, Cici was escorted with beautiful women on both hands while the third one pouted for being left out, simply pointing at the back table for Kopius to follow.

"A pleasure to have your company once more," one gushed as she led the big man.

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

"Your hands are softer than I remember," the other flirted with no shame.

"Follow them and sit," the third ordered Kopius before stomping off to bus an empty table.

"Don't linger, ladies," came a warning from Aradi, her voice striking the two women like a whip.

Once the two men were seated they were served ale and an appetizer of bread. The waitresses returned to the other customers and Cici sat back with the widest, shiteatingest smile Kopius had ever seen. As if the man had been welcomed back into his kingdom, he looked almost drunk with attention.

"Sooooo," Kopius started, a bit of awe and confusion slugging it out in his brain. "What–uh–what's the story here?"

"Story?"

"Like, is Aradi your lady or something?"

"Mine?" Cici paused to reflect. "No, she is her own. We have a mutual appreciation for each other's company."

"Okay," Kopius replied. "And the rest of them?" He asked while discreetly pointing at the others.

"Beauties in their own ways, not the full bundles though. Do you fancy an introduction?"

Kopius had to sit on the question for a moment as one of the three women came and took their order. Cici requested two of his usual dishes, one for each of them. Kopius just stared at the lady, finding her features appealing while also trying to keep his thoughts in the realm of PG–maybe PG-13. She gave him a smile that suggested he use his words but left before he could gather a reasonable thing to say.

"You'll have to do more than stare to garner an interaction," Cici said with a chuckle and a friendly shoulder jab. "Is that how it works on your world? Look at them until they succumb?"

"Nah," Kopius answered, returning his attention to his friend. "I couldn't think of anything to say."

"If the Universe is holding your tongue it's probably for the better."

"How so?"

"Oh, that one there has a mean streak to her. The other two like to compete for the same affection," Cici motioned at them.

"I don't need that madness in my life just yet," Kopius responded with a laugh that suggested a well established track record of having it in his life.

"No worries then," Cici said with a grin. "We'll find you a lady friend when the time is right."

Kopius nodded at the suggestion but let the matter drop. He wasn't absent from the urge or desire to mingle with attractive women, he lacked the motivation. There had been so much going on the last few weeks that the idea of copulating had never entered his thoughts. He had seen plenty of visually pleasing females but it all seemed a waste of time in relation to his end game; find a way home.

The food arrived shortly and with it came Aradi's presence. She sat and admired Cici while the two of them gorged on the meal. They were served a large plate with wide, wiggly noodles. Topped with a red sauce, filled with chunks of meat and vegetables, with a variety of spices; the whole thing tasted like a magnificent home cooked Italian meal. Kopius used what was left of the bread to clean his plate.

They ate in relative silence, answering a few questions about their travels and where they were headed. Aradi seemed aware of the Cici's predicament and was visibly relieved to hear he had a plan. She insisted on hearing the song to which the bard agreed but not until the next night or two. It gave Kopius an idea of how long they were staying but also brought up questions as to their lodgings.

"You're not staying with me?" Aradi pouted in Cici's direction.

"It's always my intention, if you'll have me that is."

"As though you need to ask."

"I'd never assume," Cici gave her a wink. "But i can't leave my boy here to the streets, nor impose him upon you."

"He seems comfortable enough in that hood of his," Aradi mentioned while glancing at Kopius. "You know, most folks remove them while eating."

"He's had a run in with a few psionic love." Cici added.

"So are you cautious or paranoid?" She asked Kopius directly.

"Somewhere in between," he answered, eliciting a short laugh from the woman.

"Oh, I see," Aradi responded. "The strong silent type; no wonder you two get along."

Kopius took the jab as a compliment seeing that Aradi had finally warmed to his presence. It wasn't that he got 'I don't like you' vibes from the lady as much as he got 'you're a third wheel' feelings from her. With that thought he pulled up his map and was thankful to see that the Blur had been pushed away revealing the town of Ashes & Embers. After a short inspection he was further relieved to find the yellow goggles that symbolized an entrance to Oh-jin's laboratory.

"You know what," Kopius remarked, "Looks like we passed Oh-jin's door on the way here. I could crash out there."

"Crash?" Aradi spat out.

"I mean hit the sheets," Kopius tried to correct the idiom.

"Is violence what you require to sleep?" She asked in earnest. "Salem will have you to rest in a few short breaths if that is the case."

Cici gave a knowing laugh.

Kopius shook his head.

"We can finish up here and then go locate your portal," Cici commented. "I'll find my way back after."

Aradi, satisfied with the outcome, stood and gave Cici a quick kiss before sauntering off to attend the restaurant: the two men finished up what was left of their food and drink. Kopius felt the weight of a hearty meal pressed against his insides when he stood, a feeling he had not gotten while in Metem. Whether that was a good sign or not didn't really matter because the food went down easy he knew that sleep would too.

They exited the establishment drunk on food, waddling through the outside vendors and down the slender road that had led them there. Words were replaced with erratic burps which cleared room for their meal to settle further. Kopius was never one to take an after dinner stroll but he was quickly understanding its value. By the time they reached the vacant building that led to Oh-jin's lab, he felt a few pounds lighter and a part of him was ready for dessert as they located their destination.

Kopius didn't bother examining the inside of the vacant building, choosing to inspect the frame and outer workings, eventually spotting the symbol that matched his ring. Grabbing the door handle, he made sure it was closed before opening it. When he pushed it in, the familiar smell and sights came to his senses with the exception of the chemist.

Cici bid him a short farewell stating that he would return by the morning, leaving his friend to his own devices. Kopius entered the shop, closed the door behind him and glanced about once more to see if Oh-jin was present. With no sight of the small perky man, he made his way through the pipes, shelves and cauldrons to the hallway beyond.

Only one candle lit the corridor and a soft light emanated from beneath a door at the end. He approached the room and found Oh-jin sprawled out on a small cot sleeping with a book upon his chest. Several other books were littered on the ground while others sat in stacks, likely to be read later. Kopius licked his fingers, reached inside and extinguished the light source, careful not to disturb Oh-jin.

With his night vision active, Kopius quietly made his way to the room he had previously slept in and made himself comfortable. His feet were agreeable to the comfort but his mind was active, unwilling to drift off to sleep.

A short debate ensued in his mind, where his procrastination lost a rare battle to his responsibilities. After a quick search he located an unlit candle before using the one in the hall to light it. He returned to his room, retrieved Shock Treatment and settled into his cot.

Due to the disappearing nature of the text he was able to quickly locate where he had left off and started to read. Without even trying he was able to recall what he had already learned as if the text book had highlighted the knowledge within his brain. His mind found a quick cadence with the words as the pages practically flipped on their own accord. A trace-like state took over and Kopius couldn't have told you how long he read before falling asleep as he had both times before.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.