"That depends on the level of exercise said adventure will require."
"Leisurely stroll."
"Where to?"
"The Dark Forest."
"I'm in."
Pierce turned to Ryuu. "How are you not dead by now?"
Ryuu simply smiled. "She adds a spice to life."
Izzy led them down the side street to the Border City. Meryn's eyes were wide. "This is a thousand times better than that other marketplace."
"I thought so too," Izzy agreed. She was looking for the tavern Oron took her to when, in their heads, they heard Portia's voice. It was the announcements that the queen had wanted to be sent out. When it was over Meryn and Izzy were rubbing their ears. "Yours itchy too?"
"Yeah," Meryn complained.
Ryuu placed a hand on Meryn's head and she smiled. "Thanks, Ryuu."
"Though an effective way to communicate, telepathy isn't for everyone," he said.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the familiar swinging sign. "Come on Meryn, this place is run by warriors and it's really great." She took her hand and dragged her through the door.
"Look what the wind blew in. We just heard the announcement about the two of you," Dav called out.
"Hey Dav, I wanted to show Meryn your amazing bar," she said, trying to climb up on the stool. After the third failed attempt, Pierce lifted her up and sat her down. "Thanks."
Ryuu did the same for Meryn. "Thanks, Ryuu," she said, reaching for the menu. When her bracelet grazed the top of the bar, there was a cracking sound and the floor under them began to move. Ryuu scooped up Meryn and Pierce grabbed her.
"What the hell did you do little lady?" Dav demanded.
"Nothing! I just wanted some damn french fries," Meryn said, looking confused.
When the noise stopped, everyone was staring at the bar. Along the wall, it had sprouted branches that climbed to the ceiling and underfoot roots twisted around the floorboards. Pierce set her down gently.
Ryuu cleared his throat. "That bar wouldn't be made of elder, would it?"
Dav nodded absently then his eyes widened to stare at her bracelet. "You were just blessed this morning, weren't you?"
She nodded. "I thought this was like a friendship bracelet."
"Looks like it's a bit more than that," a warrior said from behind them.
"No shit," Meryn said. "Can I get those fries to go? I'll wait until I talk to Uncle Bren about this bracelet before I come back."
The woman at Dav's side looked to Izzy. "Anything for you?"
"Fries and chicken tenders for me, extra ketchup," Izzy answered.
"Oh yeah, ketchup. And could you add extra tenders for me? The kiddo loves protein," Meryn said, pointing to her midsection.
The woman's eyes softened at the sight of Meryn's rounded belly. "We just had both come out of the fryer, give me a moment to get them bagged up for you," she said, then disappeared into the kitchen.
"I'm sorry about this Dav. Meryn had a rough morning, so I wanted her to experience your happy bar," Izzy dropped her head feeling like a failure, again.
"Is that what that was?" Meryn asked.