The evening air smelled faintly of smoke as Tyana and Bernard stood by the stove, preparing their meal. Tyana stirred a skillet of sautéed onions, their golden hue shimmering under the flickering lantern light. Bernard stood nearby, carefully flaking salted cod that had soaked in water for hours.

  “You know,” Bernard said, glancing at her, “I never thought I’d be making something like this.”

  “You mean something good for a change?” Tyana teased with a smirk.

  “Ha-ha,” Bernard grinned, sprinkling the shredded cod into the pan. “I mean something so… detailed.”

  “Bacalhau à Brás,” Tyana said proudly, “An ancient dish from the old Portuguese records. I read about it in one of Haren’s archives. It’s simple but rich in flavor.”

  “And smells amazing,” Bernard added.

  Tyana gave a warm smile. “Glad you think so.”

  As they worked together, their hands occasionally brushed while seasoning the mixture, each time lingering just a little longer than necessary. Tyana seemed too focused to notice, but Bernard felt a nervous warmth rise in his chest.

  Suddenly, Jill stormed into the room, sleeves rolled up and ready to help. “Alright! Let me crack some eggs!”

  “Wait, Jill?—?“ Bernard started, but it was too late.

  Jill grabbed three eggs and slammed them against the bowl… only for her strength to obliterate the shells, sending sticky yolk and egg whites splattering across the table, the stove, and, most painfully, Tyana’s face.

  “Oh no…” Jill gasped, covering her mouth to stifle a laugh.

  Tyana stood frozen, dripping with raw egg. Her fingers twitched as her face slowly turned toward Jill.

  “I’ll… clean it up?” Jill offered meekly.

  “You will clean… EVERYTHING,” Tyana said through clenched teeth, her voice dangerously low.

  “And I’ll supervise,” Lydia quipped from the doorway, arms crossed smugly. “I knew Jill’s radioactive touch would ruin dinner.”

  “I’ll show you radioactive!” Jill barked back.

  This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

  “That’s enough,” Tyana groaned, wiping her face with a towel. “Jill, go play outside. Lydia, make yourself useful or get out.”

  Later, the meal was finally served at the table. The warm scent of salted cod mixed with caramelized onions filled the room. Saphyra eagerly took her first bite, her eyes lighting up. “This is amazing!”

  “It’s… alright,” Jill mumbled. “Could use some meat.”

  “Yeah, you are right, firefly.” Lydia agreed, savoring each bite. “But it’s tasty.”

  “I’m glad you enjoy it, “ Tyana said happily.

  “Can you cook some meat next time?” Jill asked.

  “Of course, I have a book of recipes, some of them have meat,” Tyana reassured. “You’re still washing every single dish tonight, by hand.”

  Meanwhile, Chet quietly removed a small grey container from his pouch, opening it to reveal dull grey feeding tablets. Without a word, he swallowed two and set the box aside.

  “You’re seriously eating that instead of proper food?” Saphyra asked in disbelief.

  “It’s what I’m used to,” Chet shrugged.

  “His loss,” Jill said, taking another helping of cod.

  As the evening wore on, the group gathered in the standard room. Chet cleared his throat. “I suppose I should explain what I know about the exam.”

  “Please do,” Tyana said, glaring at Jill as she scrubbed a pile of dishes in the corner.

  “Our task is to collect the Runes of Terra,” Chet began. “They’re scattered across dangerous locations, each guarded by traps or creatures?—?maybe both. Finding them is only part of the challenge. We’ll have to figure out how they work.”

  “Sounds like a drag,” Lydia muttered.

  “I’m looking forward to this trip,” Chet added. “The masters will be waiting for us at Tyura”.

  “After the rendezvous with Master Ulric and Oliver, we will head to Tyura’s Port,” Chet explained. “From there, we’ll board a ship to Emporia’s Savage Lands.”

  “A ship?” Jill asked, raising an eyebrow. “Why not have Lydia turn into her dragon form and fly us there?”

  “No way, firefly,” Lydia shot back, folding her arms. “I’m not a form of transport.”

  “But imagine the view!” Jill teased.

  “No.”

  “I’m with Lydia,” Tyana added quickly.

  “You’re just afraid of flying,” Jill grinned knowingly.

  “No, I am not.” Tyana snapped back.

  Saphyra remained silent, but a look of apprehension took form after hearing the words Emporia Savage Lands.

  As they prepared for bed that night, Bernard and Chet sat in their shared room discussing their upcoming journey.

  “Fifty kilometers… that’s going to take all day,” Bernard sighed.

  “If we leave early enough, we’ll make good time,” Chet replied. “No shortcuts, though. Better safe than sorry.”

  “Agreed.”

  In the girls’ room, Saphyra and Tyana packed their bags.

  “Let’s wake up early to gather water and some herbs before we head out,” Tyana suggested.

  “That’s a Good idea,” Saphyra agreed. I’ll take the herbs; you get the water.”

  Meanwhile, Jill and Lydia sprawled on the couch in the standard room, talking about music.

  “So, you listen to that noise all the time?” Jill asked, flipping through Lydia’s metal playlist.

  “Of course,” Lydia grinned. “Best bands ever?—?Burning Thunder, Dragon’s Grin, and Steelhowl.”

  “Steelhowl? Sounds like someone kicked a trash can down a mountain,” Jill snorted.

  Lydia laughed. “Yeah… but it’s the best trash you’ll ever hear.”

  The laughter carried through the walls, filling the house with warmth and unity. Tomorrow’s journey loomed large, but for tonight, they enjoyed the comfort of being together.