The next morning the tavern was merely bustling rather than full to bursting. Chattering patrons drowning out the pounding rain, though the humidity was a constant reminder of its presence. I still didn't feel fully awake just yet, having had to practically drag myself out of bed that morning, and the whole place felt just a little too energetic.

  To my surprise, Eimer sat down to join me. Placing steaming bowls of some sort of rice porridge in front of us. It wasn't the most enticing looking food, but I'd learned to trust Bartan's abilities. Sure enough, the first spoonful was warm and hearty, chasing away the morning chill and filling me with energy. Eimer was digging into her own bowl with a satisfied grin, as her children scurried around serving the customers. I spotted with pride the recently repaired stool returned to operation, though its companions were sparser than I recalled.

  "Need some more stools repaired?"

  Eimer grimaced, "That's very thoughtful Vaul, but I'm afraid those damaged in the dust up last night are only fit for kindling. I've put in a request for more, and with the wind dying down, the wagon will be back on the trail as soon as the scouting group confirms its clear."

  "There was a fight here last night? Are you OK? What about Bartan and the kids?"

  "Oh, they're all fine." She brushed off my concern though her tone was back to its usual warmth. "The place was packed, and a couple of adventuring parties had a disagreement after a few drinks. It was late enough the kids were already done for the day. Bartan and I were never in any danger, I just wish they'd taken the fight outside. They took out a few stools and six tankards before the guildmaster broke things up, but they'll be paying that back before they see a single imperial through the guild."

  "You seem surprisingly relaxed about the whole thing."

  She shrugged, "I sell alcohol to adventurers Vaul, things get broken. They weren't actively threatening me or mine, and I knew the guildmaster would intervene if things went too far. And now they do too. The kids are covering the morning rush to give me a break, by lunch I'll be ready to get back to it. Sarala's got the tough job, trying to mediate between the parties. Gotta make sure any lingering resentment doesn't cause a problem for the guild in future."

  I winced, "That does sound rough."

  "Normally the guild will let parties sort things out between themselves, but a brawl on guild premises forces the issue. It should work itself out this time though, neither party are bad sorts, just burnt out. Speaking of, when's the last time you blew off some steam Vaul?"

  "Uhhh, well I don't really remember..."

  "Let me guess, since you lost your memories you've been doing nothing but work."

  "Well, uh... yeah. But I like my work! It's fun figuring things out and makin' things people need."

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  "Maybe you need to take an afternoon and just do something for you, eh. Go fishing, or whittle, you used to that a lot."

  "I'll think about it, but I honestly do enjoy my work."

  "And that's great; but there's got to be more to life than work." The sound of chatter heralded another large party sloshing through the door, large muddy puddles lining their wake, "Though speaking of work, it looks like the kids could use a hand. And it seems like someone else wants a word with ya."

  I was starting to suspect Eimer must have some sort of skill for knowing the goings on in her tavern, or perhaps the inn part of the guild as a whole, as she never looked around as she spoke. Scooping up our empty bowls as she departed, I gave her a nod of thanks. Glancing around I spotted the guildmaster gliding towards me.

  "I hope the morning finds you well Vaul?" Her soft voice seemed so in contrast to her muscular physique as she smoothly slipped into the seat Eimer just vacated.

  "Yeah, I got a nice chat with Eimer, Bartan's cooking, and I'm out of the rain. What's not to like?"

  She smiled.

  "I heard last night was eventful?"

  She bobbled her head minutely in the closest thing her refined etiquette permitted to a sigh, "Indeed. It was quickly dealt with, but the storm keeping everyone indoors inevitably sparked conflict. Simply too many people in too small a space. The sooner more of the outpost is built, the better. However, we must work with what we have, and a little rain won't keep adventurers inside for long."

  Glancing at how utterly drenched the latest batch to slosh into the tavern were and the pounding that was just audible over the din of conversation, I thought calling it "a little rain" was a touch disingenuous, but she had a point. She was also my boss and could probably beat the entire room in a fight, so I wasn't inclined to argue the point.

  Projecting her voice with the obvious intent to be overheard, she continued, "Though I am surprised now that the wind has lessened, how many supposedly enthusiastic new adventurers remain inside. I'd have expected them to venture into town. It no doubt has plenty of quests following the storm."

  I decided to play along as adventurers began to shift in their seats, "Did I hear you had a group out scouting the route?"

  "Indeed, they just returned having cleared the trees blocking it."

  Like a flag was dropped, a few groups of adventurers scattered a handful of imperials on their tables and dashed towards the door.

  I leaned in and asked more quietly, "What about parties entering the dungeon?"

  "The risk is still rather high for new groups, but there's a steady flow entering. I expect that's about to increase sharply."

  Before I could ask why, Kete burst through the saloon style doors declaring, "I need associate and below level adventurers. Who's free?"

  Immediately hands shot into the air and people were clamouring to offer their services, but I also noticed a few of the more experienced adventurers huddle deeper into their seats as if trying not to be seen.

  Kete gave a feral grin, "Right, all of ya! Join me in the training field for some poor weather drills!"

  The once eager volunteers let out a collective groan as he began ushering them out, meanwhile a few of their companions chuckled.

  "Well, that's one way to handle the crowd." I whispered discreetly to the guildmaster, though given some of the amused smirks from the handful of patrons remaining, perhaps not discreetly enough. Ha-Na's words about listening skills came to mind and it was mostly the higher rated adventurers that remained. Though a few of those who had attempted to hide from Kete were already slinking out even before the guildmaster replied more loudly,

  "Yes, I thought it quite effective. I'm sure Kete would appreciate a few experienced assistants with a group that large. Eimer do let me know if you think of any good candidates. I'll be up in my office. Vaul, would you mind joining me?"

  With a nod of ascent, I stood and stretched, feeling my back loosen up as the last vestiges of grogginess faded. I was kickstarted and ready to face the day.