When Kaiden still doesn't stir, Loden sighs and looks around the tavern. He spots a table nearby with a group of rowdy adventurers, they seem like they could have some information that could help. Loden contemplates waking Kaiden up, but leaves it be. Loden moves over to the adventurers to chat and maybe collect information. Loden makes his way toward the table of rowdy adventurers, approaching them with a casual smile. He catches the attention of one of the group, a tall, burly man with a mess of brown cropped hair by the name of Grom.

"Hey there," Loden greets them in a friendly tone. "Mind if I join you lot for a moment?"

Grom looks over Loden with his brown eyes before saying, “Only rough adventurers can sit with our group.”

Loden keeps his friendly demeanor, slightly amused by Grom's challenge.

"Rough adventurers, eh? I think I can handle myself well enough. Mind if I prove it with a friendly little bet?"

Grom interested, smirks, “What do you have in mind stranger?”

Loden grins back, confident and casual. "How about a simple drinking contest? First person to pass out loses, of course. Loser covers the winners' drinks for the night."

The group looks at one another and laughs, Grom extends his hand. “You got a bet; men be ready to drink your fill.” His men shout with glee. Loden looks back at Kaiden asleep, he should be okay for now. No one was disturbing him. Loden shakes Grom’s hand. “Deal.”

Loden shakes Grom's calloused hand firmly, accepting the bet. He can't help but glance back at Kaiden again, noting that he remains asleep at the bar counter. Turning back to the adventurers, he takes a seat with them.

"Alright then, let's see who can hold their drink the longest," he says with a grin, raising an eyebrow in challenge.

What no one noticed in the tavern was that Kaiden was not actually asleep but in a trance. His body emanating a soft glow that no one could see which protected his body. He was having a conversation with the celestial wolf deity Astralyn. Loden and the adventurers, including Grom, remain unaware of Kaiden's trance and the subtle glow around his body. They are solely focused on the drinking challenge, already pouring ale into large flagons and preparing for the contest.

Grom grins, his eyes fixated on Loden as he raises his full flagon. "You ready to lose stranger?" he asks, his voice confident.

Loden raises his own full flagon, “You will be the one losing.”

The adventurers around the table chuckle and cheer, clearly amused by Loden's confidence. Grom grins back, raising his own flagon in response.

"We'll see, stranger," he remarks, his tone challenging. "Don't say I didn't warn you."

With that, Grom downs his first flagon in one swift gulp, slamming it down on the table with a satisfied gasp. Shifting perspective to Kaiden, his body still in a trance as he appears motionless to the others around him, but in a heightened state of awareness. Kaiden's mind is transported into a celestial realm, where Astralyn stands before him. The celestial being appears as a towering, radiant figure, his presence both awe-inspiring and calming.

“We meet again Priestess. How is your journey thus far?” Astralyn says.

Kaiden inclines his head in respect as the deity addresses him. "Greetings, my Lord," he replies, his voice calm yet filled with reverence. "The journey so far has been filled with both challenges and growth."

“As most journeys are young one, you will struggle at times, but you will always come out with better resolve and results with trials and effort.”

Kaiden nods in agreement, his expression attentive as he listens to the deity's words of wisdom.

"I understand, my Lord," he responds, reflecting on his previous experiences. "Trials and challenges have indeed strengthened me, shaping my character and resilience. I am determined to face whatever comes next with courage and conviction."

“That is great to hear my young one, to help you along the way on your path. You will be glad to hear that there are two celestial warriors within the capital walls. Both with fierce loyalty to the empire and to me.”

Kaiden's eyes widen with interest at the deity's revelation.

"Two celestial warriors in the capital?" he repeats, a mixture of surprise and hopeful excitement in his voice. "That is indeed news I am happy to receive. Do you know of any specific locations where they can be found?"

“My young priestess, I cannot give you their locations since it is your duty to find them yourself and recruit them to follow you on your path. I just gave you a gently nudge in the right direction or some words of advice.” Astralyn says covering his mouth at the last line almost like he is trying to keep a secret.

Kaiden nods, understanding the deity's guidance.

"I understand, my lord. The journey and the search for the celestial warriors will be part of my path. Your advice is appreciated, and I will trust in my own ability to find them."

Kaiden notices the hidden smile from the deity, wondering what secrets the deity might be holding back. He decides to press further.

“My lord, could you give me any other kind of advice for the road ahead. That could aid in our quest and to summon you to the mortal plain.” Kaiden says.

Astralyn seems a little taken aback by Kaiden's request for further advice. He looks at Kaiden with a knowing expression before nodding slightly. "I suppose I can provide a little more guidance," he replies. "While I cannot give you specific information that would make the quest too easy, I can give you some broad advice. Firstly, trust in yourself and in your companions. The path you walk requires strength, courage and loyalty. Secondly, remember that perseverance is vital, and even if you encounter setbacks or obstacles, do not let them break your resolve."

Kaiden nods and takes the deity’s advice to memory. Kaiden squeezes his palms together, “My Lord, if I could be forward for a moment to ask you for an answer to a concern of mine that I hold. For I do not know why this would be happening to me to cause so much pain and discomfort.”

Astralyn gazes at Kaiden with a concerned expression. "Of course, my young one," he replies, his voice gentle but curious. "What is troubling you? What is causing you such distress and pain? Speak your worries openly, for I am here to listen."

Kaiden nods, trying to make the words come to his head and out his mouth the best he could, what comes out is a blurted mess. “Why did you give me power, but it is causing me pain that can only be eased when Loden touches me? What is happening to me?”

Astralyn sighs, his expression solemn. "Ah, the celestial power within you, you mean," he says, his tone contemplative. "It is a true gift, yet it comes with a challenge. The energy that flows through you can bring great strength and protection. However, it seems you have not yet learned to control and manage it effectively. The presence of pain and the need for physical comfort is your body's way of telling you there is a limit to what you can handle."

“How do I learn to control it then, so it doesn’t cause me pain? I felt tired the first time and the last time it felt like I got branded by a piece of metal. What will happen if I don’t control the power, and it comes out anyway?”

Astralyn looks at Kaiden, his expression serious. "Learning to control the power is crucial, my young one," he says. "It will require time, practice and patience. You must be mindful of the energy flowing within you and learn to direct it safely. Pushing yourself too hard or allowing the energy to build too much can result in adverse effects. However, I cannot tell you what exactly will happen if you fail to control it. The consequences may vary depending on the amount of energy, the circumstances, and your own limits."

“What is the best course of action for practicing to learn to control the power? Is there a technique or training that I must undergo somewhere to be able to control it safely?”

Astralyn nods, acknowledging Kaiden's eagerness to learn. "There are indeed ways to practice and learn control," he informs. "You must focus on understanding the nature of the energy within you. Meditate to feel its pulse, to recognize its presence and how it flows. Then, begin working on directing it through simple exercises. Start with small amounts of power, visualizing its control within you. Gradually increase the amount of energy you handle as your control becomes more precise and comfortable. Mastering this power requires both patience and discipline."

Kaiden nods, taking the deity’s words to heart and memory once again. “Why is it that when I was close to Loden that the pain subsided the last time?”

Astralyn smiles gently, sensing Kaiden's concern and curiosity. "Ah, your connection with the Celestial Warrior Loden," the deity says, his tone thoughtful. "It seems that his presence, perhaps his energy or aura, has a calming effect on the power within you. It may be that his presence helps to stabilize and soothe the chaotic energy that causes you pain. It is not uncommon for certain individuals to have this effect when in close proximity to one another." Astralyn nods, a hint of contemplation on his face. "Indeed, it is possible that the presence of a Celestial Warrior may have a similar soothing effect on your power. As they possess similar energy and have a mastery over it, they may indeed have the ability to absorb and control the energy that is causing you distress."

Kaiden nods, that can explain a few things for sure. Kaiden feels his body relax a little. His concerns now clarified and now a plan in place to help him control the power through training.

Astralyn watches as Kaiden processes the information and seems to relax somewhat. "I am pleased to see your determination and desire to control the power within you," he says, his voice soft but encouraging. "Training and practice will undoubtedly help you gain the control and understanding you seek. Remember, it is a journey, and you will have victories and setbacks. But with patience and dedication, you will master the power and the pain will subside."

“Thank you my lord.” Kaiden says bowing respectfully.

The celestial being inclines his head in acknowledgment, a gentle smile on his face. "You are most welcome, Kaiden," he replies. "May the stars guide your journey and may strength be your constant companion."

Astralyn waves his hand gently in the air between them. The scenery around them dissolves. Kaiden wakes with a start, his head shooting up from the table within the tavern. Kaiden suddenly jerks awake, his vision clearing as he finds himself back in the tavern. He's no longer in the celestial realm, but back in the noisy and crowded room filled with patrons and adventurers. As reality sinks in, the conversations and laughter around him flood his senses, starkly contradicting the quiet and ethereal encounter he just had in his spiritual meeting with Astralyn. Kaiden spots Loden at a distant table, engaged in a boisterous encounter with a throng of men, their expressions flushed with alcohol-fueled excitement. The men surrounding Loden are hooting and hollering with raised tankards in the air, clearly egging Loden on in some sort of challenge or game. The atmosphere is rowdy and rambunctious, filled with laughter and raucous conversation.