‘You don’t deserve this,this small piece of happiness."

Elyn shook her head. Even for one lousy night,she wanted to be at ease. Taking a good deep breath and scanning the bar It was the same as before, with the patrons laughing, talking, and playing a few games such as cards. Sairey servedher customers with a huge smile on her face, and Costaark enjoyed his fourth drink of the night.

‘It’s your fault; you know that's right."

Elyn shook her head once again,closing her eyes to prevent the already-growing tears from threatening to fall down her face. She hated crying in public; it made her feel weak, like she was a child that couldn’t contribute anything of value.

"Hey Elyn, are you alright, lass?" A familiar voice asked; it was Sairey, both her and Costaark. They looked slightly worried.

"Um, yeah, thanks." Elyn answered, offering a weak smile. She didn’t want to ruin this moment with her own negative thinking. Besides, it’s not what Elias would have wanted.

The sudden array of sweet and delicious buns filled the room as Sairey pulled out a plate of homemade mixed berry buns. Good food always helps in a situation like this.

"It’s my grandmother’s homemade recipe." She said this as Elyn took a bite out of the scrumptious treat.

"Thank you... I’m sorry to trouble you guys like that." Elyn said 

"All good, lass." Costaark replied, gently slapping her on the back.

The night went back to normal, with Sairey continuing to interact with her customers and the bar being surrounded by smiling faces and laughter. Sure, Elyn had her moments, but it was the kindness of strangers—the strangers having the potential to become something more—that made this job a bit brighter.

"Hey Costaark, why did you join the order?" Elyn asked, taking a bite out of her bun and a sip of ale.

"When I was a wee boy,my aunt, who was the toughest person I knew,died. Of course, a guardian came along, and she took the time to comfort an annoying brat like me." He answered with a huge grin.

"That’s nice." Elyn said she was taking a sip of ale.

"What about you, lad? Why did you join the order?" Costaark inquired.

Elyn took another deep breath. There were a lot of reasons she joined the order. One was for her parents; she awaited the day when, one fateful day, the whole family would be united once again. Another was to make sure that other families could also see their loved ones in Famuria. The main reason she joined was to find Elias. Imagining her brother lost in Adamas,Elyn wanted to lead him back to Famuria; he deserved to truly rest in peace.

"I’m looking for my brother." Elyn answered.

Costaark nodded and reached his right hand out, his left raised high with his drink.

"It’s not too common that two guardians are in the same room; let’s celebrate our new friendship, lass." He laughed.

"To friendship." Elyn chuckled quietly.

With a loud clank,the two gulped down the rest of their drinks in unison,both looking forward to seeing Mica and all its wonder.