Their path took them along the lively expanse of River Street, a vibrant thoroughfare teeming with the energy of a bustling crowd. The street, bathed in the warm and inviting glow of lamplight, exuded a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. On one side, a charming array of shops displayed their wares—fine garments, delectable culinary delights, and various accessories—each one vying for the attention of passersby.

  As they strolled, they passed an assortment of games designed to delight both the young and the young at heart, their enticing prizes gleaming under the lights. On the opposite side of the street, the scene unfolded into a breathtaking view of the river, which wound its graceful way through the very heart of Arela, lending an air of tranquility to the vibrant surroundings.

  As they meandered along the enchanting avenue, particularly under the velvety embrace of nightfall, the scene before them unfolded like a splendid tapestry—a true delight for the senses. River Street, with its vibrant charm, had rightfully earned its place as a must-visit locale for travelers from far-flung regions, leaving every visitor with indelible memories of their sojourn in the city.

  Astraa, Lykaa, and Minosa, drawn irresistibly to the bustling market stalls, found themselves captivated by the dazzling array of ornaments and accessories on display. Each trinket and bauble, more beguiling than the last, seemed to whisper its allure as they explored the lively thoroughfare. Their appetites were not neglected, for they eagerly indulged in the city's famed street food, each bite a savory delight.

  Yet, amid this sensory feast, Minosa suddenly halted, her expression thoughtful. "Girls, are we not overlooking something?" she inquired, her voice tinged with a hint of concern. "Where might the boys have ventured?"

  Astraa, momentarily absorbed in the sweet treat she held, felt a stir of unease. "Could it be," she pondered aloud, "that their spirits were so dampened they chose to retreat homeward?"

  Lykaa, however, retained a knowing smile as she leisurely enjoyed her snack. "I wouldn’t be so certain that the boys are wallowing in despair. In fact, I suspect they’re having even more amusement than we are."

  Astraa, curious, inquired, "And what leads you to such a conclusion, Lykaa?"

  With a teasing lilt in her voice, Lykaa replied, "Oh, nothing at all—save for the fact that I can see them right behind you, at the game fair."

  Astraa and Minosa swiftly turned, their composure giving way to a sudden rush of panic.

  "Why didn’t you mention this sooner? What if they had caught sight of me in the midst of my awkward snacking?" Minosa fretted.

  "Enough of this idle chatter," Astraa declared with newfound resolve. "Minosa, it’s time to face Markon. Let us return to the very purpose of our visit."

  "Yes," Minosa replied, though the confidence she once possessed had visibly waned. "But... Astraa, could you take the lead? After our earlier disagreement, I find myself rather uneasy."

  Astraa hesitated, uncharacteristically uncertain. "Well... you see..." she began, her usual composure betraying a hint of nervousness.

  Noticing her friend’s hesitation, Minosa asked, "Astraa, are you nervous as well?"

  Quick to regain her composure, Astraa responded, albeit a bit too hastily, "Nervous? Nonsense! Why would I be? I have no such fears."

  Lykaa, witnessing the hesitation in her friends, shook her head in mild exasperation.

  "Eternal Warriors, indeed! You ought to be ashamed. Allow me to demonstrate how it's truly done." With resolute determination, she stepped forward.

  "Good evening, gentlemen. How goes your night?" Lykaa addressed Gargus, Flanco, and Markon, who were intently focused on a game of archery, each striving to outdo the other in striking the swiftly moving targets to claim a prize.

  Markon, fully absorbed in his turn, was caught completely off guard by Lykaa's sudden approach. Startled, he loosed his arrow prematurely, sending it flying off course, narrowly missing a bystander in the crowd.

  "Markon, what were you thinking? You could have injured someone," Gargus reprimanded him, his tone a mix of concern and mild reproach.

  Flanco, his attention still half-absorbed by the moving targets, recognized Lykaa's voice and glanced over. "Lykaa? I didn’t expect to see you here. I thought you weren't planning on joining us, are you here by yourself."

  With a sly grin, Lykaa replied, "Oh, I’m not alone." She gestured gracefully toward Minosa and Astraa, who had just arrived at her side.

  "Minosa and Astraa as well? What a delightful surprise!" Gargus exclaimed, his expression brightening with genuine joy.

  Flanco teased, "Astraa, what a rare sight to find you mingling with the common folk."

  Astraa, playfully retorted, "Oh, just a fleeting visit—I like to grace the general public with my presence every now and then."

  Gargus, couldn’t resist a smile. "Well, well, not only does she make a rare appearance, but she’s returned with a newfound sense of humor."

  Catching Markon’s eye, Astraa decided to break the uneasy silence. "Consider my humor an olive branch, a small apology for our behavior earlier this evening."

  Markon, clearly caught off guard, stumbled over his words. "Astraa, there's really no need for that. I wasn’t upset at all. You have nothing to apologize for."

  Flanco, leaned in closer to Gargus, murmuring with a knowing grin, "There he goes again, acting all awkward the moment she’s near."

  Sensing the moment, Minosa took a deep breath and stepped forward, her voice steady but sincere. "Whether Markon felt wronged or not, I do owe an apology—not just to him, but to both of you as well," she said, her gaze shifting earnestly between Gargus and Flanco.

  Flanco, offered a reassuring smile. "Minosa, there's no need to worry. We’re just glad you’re here with us."

  Gargus quickly chimed in, his voice carrying a note of encouragement. "He's right, Minosa. Let's leave the past behind and enjoy the rest of the evening, don’t you agree, Markon?"

  Markon, his gaze lingering warmly on Astraa, nodded with genuine delight. "Absolutely. With you girls here, the night’s bound to be even more memorable."

  Minosa, touched by their kindness, felt a swell of gratitude.

  Though Minosa felt a wave of relief wash over her, Astraa couldn’t shake the feeling that something still weighed heavily on her friend's heart. She could sense that Minosa had more to say, especially to Markon.

  Yet, with the boys gathered around him, the moment didn’t lend itself easily to the personal and heartfelt words Minosa longed to express.

  "Lykaa, why don’t you and I challenge Gargus and Flanco to a friendly game of archery?" suggested Astraa, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "It appeared to be quite enjoyable watching the gentlemen engage in it."

  Lykaaa nodded, recognizing her friend's playful intent. "Indeed, it does seem like a delightful diversion."

  Flanco, unable to resist a playful retort, remarked, "Is it always about competition with you, Astraa? Can’t you simply relax and revel in the moment?"

  With a sly smile, Astraa responded, "I might consider relinquishing my competitive spirit if you were to concede that we are the superior team. Though I suspect Flanco may shy away, Gargus, I had hoped you would rise to my challenge."

  Gargus, feeling the thrill of competition surge within him, proclaimed, "Very well, then! It shall be you girls against us!"

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  Flanco, observing the ease with which he had been goaded into the challenge, shook his head with a bemused smile. "There he goes again," he muttered to himself, amused by his friend’s exuberance.

  With a sense of anticipation, Astraa, Lykaa, Flanco, and Gargus proceeded to the archery stall. Lykaa, brimming with competitive spirit, addressed the group with enthusiasm. "I shall take the first turn. Who among you will rise to the challenge and face me?"

  Flanco, caught between bravado and apprehension, responded with a mischievous grin, "I shall volunteer. I fancy my chances against you more favorably than against Astraa."

  As the game commenced, Lykaa’s prowess became immediately evident. With a swiftness and precision that took Flanco by surprise, she began to hit the targets with a rapidity and accuracy that outstripped his own efforts.

  Flanco, struggling to match her skill, found himself outpaced, and before long, Lykaa had eclipsed him in score, securing victory in the first round. Astraa, witnessing Flanco’s defeat, could not suppress a chuckle, her amusement evident as she watched flanco’s predicament.

  Astraa, with a teasing glint in her eye, remarked, "Did you really believe Lykaa's skills would falter simply because she is a healer? What you might not have realized is that she hails from a distinguished lineage of hunters renowned for their prowess in procuring and selling beast skins."

  Flanco, his pride slightly wounded, grumbled with a mixture of chagrin and admiration, "Ah, you clever ladies. It seems you had foreseen this outcome all along."

  Meanwhile, Minosa and Markon, who had remained at a distance, found themselves in an awkward silence. Minosa grappled with the uncertainty of how to broach the subject, her resolve wavering.

  Just as she began to lose hope, Markon broke the silence with a casual observation. "Lykaa's skill with the bow is truly remarkable. She outperformed Flanco with ease," he remarked, his tone carrying a note of genuine admiration.

  Minosa’s countenance brightened with a radiant smile as Markon finally spoke to her. “Indeed,” she responded, her voice imbued with warmth, “Lykaa’s father was a hunter, and in her youth, he trained her in the art of archery. However, disliking the act of slaying beasts, she chose to abandon that path in favor of becoming a healer. Yet, her marksmanship remains as formidable as ever.”

  Markon, his expression softened by genuine appreciation, remarked, “Each of you ladies possesses your own unique talents. It is a true pleasure to have you in our company, much like the camaraderie I share with Flanco and Gargus.”

  Seizing the opportunity to address the lingering discomfort from earlier, Minosa began, “Markon, regarding the matter from before—”

  Markon, with a gentle smile and a dismissive wave, interjected, “Oh, Minosa, there’s no need to dwell on it. I have already put it behind me.”

  Minosa pressed on, her resolve unwavering as she sought to articulate her innermost sentiments. “Indeed, what Flanco asserted holds a kernel of truth. My feelings for you prompted my earlier behavior, and I offer my sincerest apologies. However, these emotions did not arise spontaneously; they have lingered within me since our childhood.”

  Markon’s eyes widened in surprise, and a hint of apprehension flickered across his face. “Minosa…”

  “Please, allow me to finish, Markon,” she urged, her voice steady yet earnest. “Do you recall how you would visit this very street daily in pursuit of your cherished strawberry biscuit?”

  Markon nodded slowly, nostalgia weaving its way through his thoughts. “Yes, I remember. The lady was exceptionally kind; she would give it to me without charge. But how is it that you know this?”

  Minosa’s expression softened as she spoke, her voice tinged with a gentle smile. “You see, that lady was my mother. She was known for her generosity, often bestowing free treats upon many. Yet, her kindness led to financial hardship, and she was ultimately compelled to close her shop. However, you, with a heartfelt plea to your father, secured her an extension. From that moment, I held a deep sense of gratitude towards you, which gradually blossomed into affection. Seeing you once more after so many years rekindled those feelings.”

  Her eyes glistened with unshed tears as she continued, “I apologize, Markon. I realize that no justification can truly excuse my earlier actions, but I wished for you to understand the sentiment behind them.”

  Markon, his hand gently brushing away her tears, spoke with a compassionate tone, “Minosa, I am deeply sorry. I had no inkling of your feelings towards me, and I cannot say whether I share them, as we are only beginning to reacquaint ourselves. Yet, I assure you, I will always be here as a steadfast friend. The words exchanged in moments of anger and frustration are now but distant echoes, overshadowed by the kindness and consideration you have extended to me.”

  With a tender gesture, Minosa presented him with the strawberry biscuits. “Please accept these as a symbol of my apology and the commencement of our renewed friendship.”

  Markon’s eyes lit with recognition and gratitude. “Ah, Minosa, you remembered. I have longed for these.” He accepted her gesture warmly, their renewed bond sealed by a cherished reminiscence of their shared past.

  Lykaa, observing Markon’s acceptance of Minosa’s gift, felt a wave of relief wash over her. The tensions seemed to have dissipated, and a serene smile graced her lips.

  Flanco, inquired with a knowing look, “So, was this the reason behind your challenge to Gargus and me?”

  Lykaa, her gaze steady, acknowledged with a touch of contrition, “Indeed, I confess it was. I merely wished to afford Minosa some privacy to mend her heart.”

  Flanco, his expression softened by understanding, replied warmly, “There is no need for apologies. As long as harmony prevails among friends, that is the essence of what matters most.”

  "What I cannot overlook, however, is the way your friend is decisively vanquishing Gargus. This marks the third round she is poised to win. Both of them are fiercely competitive, and Gargus will not relent until he has bested her, though I suspect that victory shall remain elusive. Perhaps you should gently remind your friend of the true purpose of our gathering."

  Lykaa laughed lightly at the unfolding scene.

  "Indeed, Astraa seems to have lost sight of our original intent. Astraa, that is quite enough; let us not torment the poor fellow any longer. We have achieved what we set out to do," she insisted, guiding Astraa away from the archery contest.

  Astraa, though somewhat reluctant, complied with Lykaa's wishes. "But wait, did Minosa truly speak to Markon?" she inquired, her curiosity piqued.

  Lykaa responded with a reassuring smile, " they engaged in more than mere conversation, and all matters are now resolved. Lay down your bow and join us."

  "It appears Minosa has managed to address everything rather swiftly, " said Astraa.

  Lykaa, with a hint of reprimand in her tone, clarified, "It was not Minosa who hastened the resolution; it was rather you who took longer than anticipated. You were meant to be the diversion, not to become distracted yourself."

  Astraa, feeling a flush of embarrassment, sheepishly scratched her head and muttered, "My apologies."

  Gargus, increasingly vexed by his repeated defeats, turned to Flanco with exasperation. "Flanco, why did you halt our match? I was certain I would best her this time."

  "Oh, absolutely, my friend! I know how determined you are to beat her—just like the last three times, right? But let’s not forget that we’re here to enjoy ourselves, not to witness your ongoing losing streak," he said, playfully consoling Gargus.

  With their misunderstandings cleared and their camaraderie rekindled, Markon suggested, "Now that we have reconciled our differences, shall we return and rejoin our companions? I have an inkling that Lykaa and Astraa have admirably managed things in our absence."

  Minosa, her cheeks tinged with a blush of embarrassment, responded with a warm smile, "Yes, you are quite likely correct."

  Flanco, interjected, "Ah, now that Markon and Minosa have indulged in their little heart-to-heart, what course of action shall we pursue, my friends?"

  Lykaa, weighing the possibilities, directed her gaze toward the trio. "What were your intentions before our arrival?"

  Gargus, displaying a hint of exasperation, confessed, "Well, you see, I harbored a fervent desire to bask in the glow of our victory at the trials and proposed that we make our way to the Tavern."

  He shot a playful glance at Flanco, adding, "Let us not forget that I was not alone in this wish; you were eager to join me as well."

  Markon interjected, gently guiding Gargus aside. "That is a matter of the past. What would you ladies wish to pursue next?"

  Lykaa and Minosa exchanged knowing glances before turning their focus to Astraa, who appeared lost in contemplation. "Why the intense scrutiny?" Astraa inquired, her brow furrowing in confusion.

  Lykaa replied, "To be candid, we are eager for some merriment as well. The notion of venturing to the tavern and partaking in our first drinks together is indeed enticing."

  Turning his attention to Astraa, Markon inquired, "Astraa, given the collective enthusiasm for the tavern, what is your perspective on the matter?"

  Astraa hesitated, her reluctance palpable as she feared it might dampen the lively atmosphere. "I do not wish to cast a pall over your spirits," she began, "but I do not partake in drinking. It simply does not suit my tastes. However, you all should feel free to go; do not allow my preferences to hinder your enjoyment."

  A subtle wave of disappointment swept over the group, their expressions reflecting a shared sense of dismay.

  Lykaa voiced the collective sentiment, "It simply would not be the same without you."

  Minosa nodded in agreement, " If you are not joining us, then we shall forgo the tavern as well."

  Flanco sighed, "There they go again. One of them proposes something, and before long, all three are united in their decision."

  Astraa, attuned to Flanco's concerns, offered reassurance, "Oh, do not fret, Flanco. I wish to partake in the evening's festivities as well. How about we proceed with the understanding that I shall not be coerced into drinking?"

  Gargus, interjected, "As if anyone could compel you to partake."

  Laughter erupted amongst the group at his lighthearted remark, dispelling the earlier tension and restoring their camaraderie.

  Markon, assuming the role of leader, proclaimed with enthusiasm, "Very well, now that we have reached a consensus, let us make our way to the tavern!" His declaration was met with an exuberant cheer from the group, their spirits lifted.

  Minosa, intrigued by Astraa's unexpected decision to join their revelry, asked, "Astraa, it is rare for you to venture out, and your choice to accompany us to the tavern is rather surprising. What prompts this change?"

  Astraa replied with a matter-of-fact tone, "Well, I have no intention of drinking, but my uncle Skarsnay is a frequent patron of the taverns in town, thus guaranteeing the food shall be of the finest quality."

  Minosa could not help but chuckle at her friend's delightful innocence, appreciating the sincerity behind Astraa's reasoning.

  " Given that neither you nor I have partaken of spirits before, it would be wise for one among us to retain a measure of control should the evening take an unforeseen turn" said Lykaa.

  Astraa, embracing the suggestion with enthusiasm, draped her arms around Minosa and Lykaa’s shoulders and assured them with a warm smile, "That seems a most reasonable arrangement. I shall take on the role of the designated guardian, ensuring that we all navigate the evening’s revelries with due propriety."