Work Text:
Three days riding a horse, no matter how comfy the saddle feels, is a very stupid idea.
Eddy is a mage of a duchery from the far Eastern Town. He’s currently taking his yearly leave, heading towards the mainland to pay his family a visit. Eddy’s horse, Noir, is a very beautiful Murgese - and it has become very clear from this morning that she’s exhausted as well. This forest is a little too thick, and Eddy can feel there’s dangerous areas with weird energy fields. And even though the mage prepared his best saddle and packed up a lot of snacks for Noir, eventually, they both got very tired.
“Hey hun, I think this journey should come to a pause, hm?” Eddy patted Noir’s mane, and soon enough the mare neighed. “Now, where should we lay down… Oh?”
Quincy’s Tavern, it reads. There’s a tavern in the middle of the woods?
“It’s a little suspicious… But I don’t think there’s any choice for us, hm?” Eddy leapt down from Noir and started walking towards the entrance. Suprisingly, it’s clean and looked well-kept; even though the gates has weeds and moss around it.
Before Eddy got to knock, the door opened. A petite guy chirped, “Welcome to Quincy’s Tavern! Hello traveler, how are you?” Oh, he must’ve put a surveillance spell over the door. “O-oh hello, Sir, I uh… My horse and I need some break from our journey. Do you have a spare room and maybe, a spare stall in your stables?” Eddy smiled sheepishly.
The petite guy took a second look at Eddy, and grinned. “Oh, you’re a mage!” — huh, perhaps Eddy’s robe gave it away — “Just Quincy is fine, kind Mage. And sure, sure, I have both your requests and will proceed for you to check in soon!” the guy - Quincy, he suppose - clasped his hands, disappeard into the tavern, leaving Eddy in the entrance. “Uh, Quincy, Sir?” Eddy yelled into the tavern’s front room, “I’m sorry, but where can I put my horse…?”
Noir nudged Eddy’s back. Seems like the mare knew she’s going to separate with her rider. “It’s okay hun, you’ll be fine. I’m sure they have some hay piles for you to lay down on. I’ll visit you later this afternoon, yeah?” Eddy stroked the mare’s mane, reassuring her.
“You can wait a moment, my co-worker will handle her!” Quincy’s muffled yell resonates. Not long after that, a lanky ginger-haired boy popped out from the tavern’s back door. “Greetings, sir,” he nodded, “Name’s Reid, and I’ll take care of your horse. May I take her to the stables?”
Eddy offered Noir’s lead rope, “Sure. And if it’s okay with you, please give her a thick pile of hay to lie on.” “Right away, sir.” And with that, Reid went away with Noir, leaving Eddy alone at the front porch.
Not long after, Quincy went back outside. “Come on in, Mage, I prepared a room for you already.”
—
It’s been quite a while, huh. Which country should I go to next?
Brett is a nomadic traveler, and he has no permanent homeland. One of his favorit thing from being a nomad is jumping from cities to cities, village to village, mainland to mainland. As someone that likes to interact with people, Brett never got any hard time warming up to the townspeople.
He’d work in each city to continue his journey, and is currently staying and working at Quincy’s Tavern as a sous chef. When Quincy took over his cooking shift, though, he usually entertains the guests with his violin. Sometimes, he found these jobs as a tedious work — as a server, a dishwasher, once he became a beast feeder — but with his job at the tavern, he’s really liking it. It’s been almost three weeks and Brett hasn’t decided on when to leave.
“Quincy, Sir, did we have a new guest?” Brett asked the tavern owner. The said petite owner is dragging a sack of potatoes, probably to make some pie for dinner. Oh no, I’d have to peel all those…
“Yes, Mr Yang! He’s a mage, and I suppose he went on a pretty tiring journey. He went upstairs and hasn’t come out from his room at all.” Quincy chuckled. “For tonight’s meal I want to make sure his meals are replenished. Come come, help me peel these potatoes.”
Dammit, I was right, Brett thought.
—
It was a pretty nice tavern, Eddy pondered. Pretty weird that it’s located deep in the woods, but perhaps it serves as some kind of a resting spot for travelers, like Eddy. The bed is pretty comfortable, and Eddy went to dreamland as soon as his head hits the pillow. It was already night time when he woke up.
Someone knocked at his door. “Mr Mage, come downstairs when you’re ready, please. Food’s ready.” Eddy thinks the voice is too calm to be Quincy’s. Perhaps it’s Reid…?
“Right away, thanks.” He rushed to tidy his bed and washed his face — he did took a shower before, the wash is just to wake him up — and prepared his stomach for some food.
Eddy went down the stairs, following a delicious scent. Damn, turns out he’s so hungry it sounds like there’s a dragon in his belly. Even when he sat down on the table, his stomach keeps rumbling.
“Hungry, are we?” Quincy chuckled from the bar. The tavern is not too spacious, but it feels homey. It’s quite packed, too. Perhaps it also serves as a restaurant to stop by, not only as an inn. “Tonight’s menu is the traveler’s meat pie, served with Quincy’s roasted potatoes and our specialty apple pie.” Eddy’s mouth watered only hearing that. He starts chanting ‘food food food food food’ in his mind.
“You’re really hungry, aren’t you? You’re chanting a hungry mantra,” a guy with round glasses chipped in, placing a platter of roasted potatoes. The smell tickled Eddy’s nose, it’s so good.
Oh wait, did he chant food food food out loud? Shit.
The guy’s cute as well. Double shit. He got a very handsome face and cute droopy eyes. He looked kind of like a puppy—
“Oh— um, yeah. It’s three days on a horse with only dry biscuits and water to fill me up, y’know,” Eddy smiled sheepishly. He need to get it together, damn it. Okay, glasses guy is someone new, he hasn’t seen him when Quincy greeted him this morning nor when Reid took Noir to the stables. “Um, have we met before…?”
“I believe not,” glasses guy chuckled, handing Eddy a plate. “I’m Brett. Just another person that happens to stay here.”
“Mr Yang here is a traveler, a nomad to be exact,” Quincy walked in, also bringing a platter. It has what Eddy suspects as the meat pie. Wow, the chef really did well on making these. “Though he has stayed here for almost a month now. Maybe he’s really enjoyed cooking,” Quincy laughs.
Eddy took a second take. “Wait, you made these?” he asked Brett. The cutie can cook… Said guy just smiled, “Nah, I’m the sous chef here — if you can call a cook’s helper that. Sir Quincy is the one who came up with all the recipes.”
“I told you not to call me with Sir, it made me look twenty years older,” Quincy scoffed.
“Well, you also call me Mr Yang, so…”
“Fair enough.”
“Still, you took part in the cooking process. It smells amazing, by the way,” Eddy put on his best smile, making sure that Brett can see his genuineness.
It made Brett smiled back. Eddy fist-pumped under the table.
The dinner went just like that, with Eddy devouring a lot of the food to refill his nutrients. Time for nutrient boost, Brett says. The tavern got livelier as it became later, and soon Eddy can see Brett and Quincy rushing over to serve people. He felt kind of bad, just hanging about on his table. Soon he called Quincy, “Um, Mr Quincy? Do you need any help?”
Quincy popped his head from the kitchen, “It’s fine, Mr Mage! Reid now has come to help me.” The ginger-haired boy gave Eddy a thumbs up from inside the kitchen. “It’s time for Brett’s second job here in the tavern,” Quincy winked.
Huh, second job? Eddy got curious. His eyes searched for the guy with glasses, and soon he found him, fumbling with a box at the corner of the tavern. Eddy stood up, brought his dishes to the kitchen — all while yelling thanks for the food to Quincy — and came up to him.
“Hey,” he called Brett, “Do you need any help? What does Quincy mean by your second job?” Eddy asked. He’s genuinely curious; he didn’t think the nomad would need more money, being the sous chef should’ve ampled his needs, no?
Brett half-sighed, half-chuckled. “Damn Quincy, he made it sound suspicious huh.” He opened the small box, revealing — a violin. “This is my second job here. It kind of destresses me and put me at ease. Besides, people like it.”
He played the violin! Eddy yelped inside. It’s been such a long time since he saw a violinist.
Back in his hometown, Eddy was one of the only musicians there. Whenever the town throws a party or a celebration, they would appoint Eddy and his small band to play.
It was always fun. The atmosphere was bright, full of life, and it feels like the townspeople could let go of their problems and just dance along. Eddy usually played lots of happy tunes on his violin, sometimes accompanied by a little dance or two.
Eddy really missed those times. But their life moved on, Eddy has to support his family, and clearly being a mage — especially if you’re handling mana — gathers much more money than becoming a musician.
That’s why, Eddy kind of envied Brett at the moment.
Brett looks so free, he goes wherever he wants and does whatever he pleases. He looks radiant with happiness the moment he put his violin under his chin, playing notes after notes, melodies that lifts the corner of your lips, chords that sounds so happy and cheery.
Okay, Eddy kind of envied Brett, but he decided he’s just going to admire him now — this guy is cute, cooks, and plays the violin.
The tavern became merrier, its dim surroundings became more cheerful. People are smiling and laughing, some telling stories from their respectful towns, others started dancing to Brett’s tune. At some point though, Eddy became tired and left the dining room. He didn’t know that Brett eyed him when he went up the stairs.
—
The next morning, Eddy wondered if it’s time for him to continue his travel. “I mean, it’s time for me to go on,” he said to Noir, “But this place’s food is immaculate.”
“Mr Mage, you seem to really like talking to yourself.”
Eddy snapped out of his talking-with-dearest-Noir session. Brett was standing at the stables’ entrance, crossing his arms. He had a small smile on his face.
“Oh— it’s you, Mr Yang.” “Should we just drop the honorifics and call ourselves with our first names?” Brett approached him, careful to not get too close to the horse. “Yeah, sure.” Eddy nodded. “Hello, Brett.”
“Hi. I’m just here to inform you that food’s ready.”
“Ah, okay. Thanks for informing me.” Brett smiles again, making Eddy think, he smile often. That’s nice to see. Eddy wanted to talk more, but Brett excused himself out.
Damn, he should’ve continued the conversation sooner. “Well, perhaps a day or two more won’t hurt. Right, Noir?”
—
A day became two days, then three, then four.
Eddy doesn’t know what’s holding him back, but he now has no desire to leave. The food’s great — better than his grandma’s —, Quincy and Brett are being especially kind — perhaps Brett is one of the reasons he doesn’t want to leave, oops — and Noir also looks like she’s enjoying the stables and backyard. The tavern also continues its life, serving people and providing temporary homes for them.
Something is kind of odd though, Eddy realizes.
Whenever it gets really crowded, Eddy felt like there’s so much people inside. But one night, he went outside and discovered that the tavern wasn’t packed at all — perhaps only a group of old people was inside. Eddy can feel the energy is full though, like there is that many people inside. Odd.
Second thing that’s really weird, was Brett’s tunes. It feels like it’s… luring you in. At first, Eddy thought it’s just an interesting feeling. But now he knows there’s something different about his tune.
Third thing — Quincy never really showed up in the mornings. That day when Eddy first came to the tavern, it was already noon. Eddy also noticed that it’s always either Brett or Reid that woke him up, never Quincy.
It’s very odd, Eddy thought. I should stay a while longer to try figuring this out.
—
Tonight, Brett’s nowhere to be seen.
“Perhaps he’s taking a breather,” Quincy said (Eddy eyed him a lot today, but he doesn’t seem to notice). “Even as a nomad, he’s got a lot to ponder about.”
Eddy went outside the tavern with the info in mind. He wandered around the front porch, to the small vegetable garden, to the horse stables, to the backyard. Said glasses guy was standing there, looking back at the woods.
“Hey Brett,” Eddy called. “Quincy’s been looking for you.” He wasn’t, but Brett doesn’t have to know the real reason why Eddy searched for him.
Brett showed no reaction.
“Brett?” Eddy called again.
“Do you wish to have a home, Eddy?” Brett suddenly said, catching Eddy off guard with his question. “Um…”
“Right, I forgot. You were on your way to visit your family, of course you have a home…”
Eddy can’t see Brett’s face, but the pain in his sentence is apparent. It’s another weird thing, seeing the usually cheerful man looking so solemn. He decided to come closer.
“Stop,” Brett quipped. It made Eddy paused his steps. “Did you see anyone following you?”
Eddy tried not to look so obvious, and scanned his surroundings quietly. “No, I don’t think so. Why?” He whispered.
Brett turned his head towards Eddy, “Because this is something that no one can know. Let’s go outside the tavern.”
I mean… isn’t this already outside, though? Eddy decided not to question it anyway.
They walked away from the tavern, soon finding an open field. Huh, the air feels different here…
“It’s not as heavy, huh?” Brett mumbled. “The tavern always looks so bright, even though it’s casted with a spell.”
“A spell?” Eddy is confused. He thought the tavern is just a normal space to lodge temporarily… “Yeah. A spell Reid casted. It’s to protect the tavern, Quincy, and everything in it.”
Eddy blinked his eyes, feeling stupid. He’s a mage, who specializes in mana, yet he didn’t realize what the weird energy around the tavern was.
“That day, Quincy said I’ve been here for three weeks, but I just realized yesterday that it’s… Been a year since I got stuck here.” Brett sat down, picking at the grass around him. Eddy is silent, a way of saying go on.
“I was on my way to discover another city, town, whatever — but then I found the tavern, and I was like ‘okay I need to rest for a while’. I met Quincy, and Reid, and they offered me a place alongside a job. I thought it would give me enough savings to continue my journey, but then it felt like I couldn’t leave, you know?”
Eddy instantly got goosebumps. That’s exactly what he thought yesterday… But didn’t Brett say he’s been here for a year?! “Okay, but why didn’t you leave? Didn’t you say it’s been a year?”
Brett smiled sourly. “I think it’s been a year. I don’t know, it doesn’t matter whether it’s a year or six months for me. I just know that it’s been a long time that I’m stuck in the tavern, cooking food for them, entertaining them with my violin playing. Even though I know that…” Brett picked more grass, “that some of them, perhaps, aren’t even humans. But I guess it’s normal in this area.”
Eddy gulped nervously. That also explains why Brett’s tunes sounds quite… different. “Well… Have you at least tried to escape? Sneaking out, perhaps?”
Sighing, Brett shook his head. “I need to take my belongings as well, and it’s not easy when Quincy has surveillance spells everywhere. The only place he didn’t really watch over were the stables. That’s Reid’s place.”
“Then we can try escaping together!” Eddy whisper-yelled, springin up to his feet. Noir is quite a big mare, she could take two people on her. Brett has a smaller frame than Eddy, so that’s another plus. “I really don’t wanna stay here longer than I have been. My family would be worried by now.”
Brett looks like he’s thinking it over. “Fine,” he said, also getting up. He shook off all the little grass pieces he picked. “How are we gonna do it, though?”
“Don’t worry, here’s what I think we should do. …”
—
Later that night, Brett can’t sleep. It’s been so long since he started traveling again, all because of this damned tavern caging him.
It’s going to either be a fun journey, or a stupid act. I mean, it’s fun here living with Quincy… I get to play violin freely… Cook… And… Stuff…
Brett snapped out of his thoughts. Wow, the spell here is really trying to keep him.
He stirred in under his blanket. The idea of traveling with someone else is weird for him. He had always been alone, perhaps only that one time a cat walked with him through the Purple Meadow, but that was it. Other than that, he had always traveled alone.
The thought of it excites him. Eddy’s been a good friend. It’s going to be nice to be able to keep him… And perhaps, cook for him… Play violin in front of him…
“As a friend,” Brett assured himself, “As a good friend.”
—
They managed to sneak out. No surprise.
Eddy used a spell to soften Noir’s steps and their rustlings. Turns out, even after who-knows-how-long of a time that Brett spent in the tavern, he only got a big rucksack of stuff, along with his violin box and a smaller satchel. Eddy too, only brought a big bag of clothes and food, with Noir’s snacks in his waistbag.
They managed to sneak out after the moon dimmed a little. Long ago, that was a sign that the sun will come up in about an hour or two; a perfect time to escape.
And hence, their journey begins.
It was easy sneaking out past Quincy, but Reid is another thing. He stayed in a room right beside the stables, so it’s more of a challenge… But they escaped anyways.
Brett took the longest breath. ever since he stayed in the tavern. It’s been a while since he saw fields and streams outside the tavern.
“How do you feel, Brett?” Eddy yelled over Noir’s strides. They were speeding up through a meadow, but Brett just realized that they’re slowing down.
“Free,” Brett smiled, “I feel free after getting out of that stuffy tavern.”
Eddy chuckled. “I’m glad too. Now let’s go to my town, I’ll treat you to something amazing!”
“Ooooh, I wonder what it is,” Brett laughed. “It’s gonna be an awesome night market date with lots of food, of course. I can’t wait until we arrived!” Eddy yelled.
Brett’s lucky he’s the passenger — well, passenger or not, they wouldn’t be able to see each other’s faces on a horse anyway — because he’s pretty sure his face is as red as a cooked shrimp now.