Chapter Text
Pushing open the wooden door to The Glade & Mazes Inn, Thomas was instantly hit by the lively music and the delicious scent of Frypan's cooking. The powerful strings of the lute combined with the sweet notes of the pipe and the percussion of the tambour almost made him want to go for a dance, but the sizzling of the iron pan carrying Frypan's delicious pork and potatoes as one of the waiters passed by to bring it to another table was far more tempting.
"Oh, god, Minho!" Thomas turned to his friend, "Fry did his glazed pork, come on hurry up before it's gone."
"I'm coming, you don't have to scream."
"I told you we should have left him to die, when we encounter that group of goblins," Gally said with a groan as he followed the other two.
The trio found a table to the side and took a seat to relish in the comfort of the Inn after a long journey. It had been four months since they departed the last city of Denvershire to go on a quest to retrieve the golden melody for a Duke. Only for them to end up almost being chased to death by demon wraiths, goblins, and wolves.
Was it worth it in the end? Depends on how you see it. The golden melody turned out to be a violin blessed by Lathander as a gift for an adventurer a long time ago. Thomas wouldn't have minded handing it over, but when he learned that their contractor was also a slave trader, Thomas couldn't let it go unpunished.
Under his oath as a paladin, he switched his quest to free all the people he had imprisoned and made suffer. Luckily for him, Minho tagged along to help and by extension, Gally too. The prisoners were so grateful that they ended up letting them take a bit of the coin the Duke had reserved, even when Thomas tried to convinced them that they needed it more to get back to their families.
Gally was frustrated that they went through that for less than half of what they were promised, but Minho looked more than pleased with being able to keep the Golden Melody.
"Can you stop stroking it? It's getting weird, man," Gally's eyebrows almost shot to his hairline and he looked disgusted by Minho.
Minho stopped pressing his face to the violin and stroking it in favor of glaring at Gally. "You're just jealous no one has touched you like this in years."
"Pff, that's not- I'm not-"
Thomas snorted. Gally's expression was stern, but he could see the faint pink hue on the barbarian's cheeks. It might have been only four months, but he suspected that something is going on with these two. Minho was a flirt, a natural at it, yet there was something different in the way he flirted with Gally. Then there was Gally, who despite his rough exterior seemed to have a soft spot for the bard. He was sure they had a thing for one another, but he had never wanted to interfere and ask either of them.
"What's so funny?" Gally asked him.
Thomas held his hands up in surrender, "Nothing, nothing at all. But he's right Minho, you're acting a bit weird with that violin."
"You two just don't get it. It has always been my dream to compose a melody that would transcend time, and now I might be able to do it."
"You do realize that the violin only enables you to play any musical score perfectly, right? It doesn't compose it for you," Gally uttered, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"I know," Minho smiled and threw an arm around his shoulder, "Which is why I'll spend the next months preparing for the Summer Flare Festival. I'll have it written down then."
"What are you going to have written down by then?"
The third voice that interrupted them was non other than Frypan. One of the co-owners of the Glade & Mazes was a retired Cleric who found his passion for food and decided to switch careers to open this Inn. He was one of the most kindhearted fellas Thomas had ever met and seemed to have spend enough time in this town to know almost everyone. He was also the best source for quest and gossip since everyone liked to talk and trust him with information.
"The best melody your Inn will ever hear," Minho said with a tap to the table.
Fry laughed, it was guttural laugh, the kind that it's genuine and full of joy, "I can't wait to hear it if that's the case. Now, why are you sulking Gally? Four months and I don't even get a hi?"
Gally sighed but stood up, "Sorry, just tired." He hugged Fry while both of them clapped each other's back, "it's good to see you."
Gally unattached from Fry's hug, and sat back down. His mood improved by the Inn keeper.
"And what about you Thomas? How did your first real adventure went?"
Thomas laughed, he still remembers when he stumbled in Fry's Inn. The recently appointed paladin was looking to fall under Jorge's footsteps and travel the world helping people only to find out that good intentions won't keep him from starving. The Inn keeper not only feed him that night without charge, but he also convinced Minho and Gally to let him join their quest. He owes him a great deal.
"He fell under almost every trap, got us nearly killed and then switched sides last minute to kill the Duke," Gally said, holding a finger up with each accusation.
"The Duke of Belcaro? What did he do?" Frypan asked.
"Thomas found out he was a slave trader. Followed his guts after we met the Duke and handed the Golden Melody which uncovered the dukes real motivations. Then convinced us to join in the rescue," Minho explained.
"No shit? What happend with the Golden Melody, then?"
Minho lifted the cloth-covered violin and tapped it gently. The thing shone like the sun when you touched it, so they decided to wrap it up and keep it that way unless it was going to be used.
"We didn't get much of the coin back," Thomas admitted with a shrug. "But everyone looked happy to be able to get back home."
Fry nodded along, "That sounds like you did the right thing, and a reason to celebrate. What do you want tonight Thomas? I have some of that pork you loved so much last time."
He realised what Fry was implying, and Thomas found that as good hearted as he might be, he couldn't keep taking advantage of the Inn keeper's kindness.
"No, it's fine, I haven't paid you for last time yet-"
"Nonsense, a good first quest should always be celebrate." turning in the direction of the bar he shouted, "Jack!"
"Yeah?!"
"Do we still have some of that pork?"
"I think we do," the other man responded. "Hold on, I'll get it for you."
Fry turned to his other two companions, "You guys?"
"We will have the same if you have enough," Gally answered.
Without another word Fry excused himself and walked in the direction of Jack who was already on his way to prepare their food. Jack was the other owner of the Inn. Apparently, the halfling and Fry were on the same party, and he's part of the reason Fry stopped his days as an adventurer and opened the Glade. Minho explained to him that to this day they suspect that those two are more than just business partners but no one has proof of it and no one seem to mind enough to find out. They just accept that Jack and Fry are always together and if you ever want to find the other, all you need to do is ask one of them.
"Here you go guys, enjoy," Jack said setting the plates in front of them.
Thomas dig in as soon as the food was set in front of him. The sweetness and tenderness of the meat practically dissolved in his mouth. Something only improved by the toasted bread that had that delicious crunch to it when you bit it down, and that's without bringing the carrot, onion and potatoes that were cooked perfectly.
As Thomas wolfed down his dinner, he couldn't help but look around the inn. Ben and his band always kept the place filled with good music when they were not out and about or eating, according to Minho. Almost every table was full of people. He could see a group of girls laughing with a young tiefling in a corner, and a group of dwarves lifting their jars of beer as they danced along with the music. Everyone was having a great time. Coming to Fry and Jack's Inn was like coming back home after a long day, or at least that's how Thomas felt about it.
He knows that the inn wasn't perfect at all. The wooden floor creaked, there were spots tarnished by whatever liquid Fry and Jack couldn't get out in time, and the painted pattern of leaves on the walls was fading away. The place was lived in and felt lived on, and maybe that's what gave it its charm. Or maybe it wasn't the place at all, but the people. He sure as hell felt welcome here by everyone. It was as if as soon as you stepped past that door, there was no social class or discrimination of any kind. You were just another one of Fry's guests, here for a good time and some food. Thomas couldn't fathom not coming back to this place.
He was about to set his eyes back on his plate after going so deep in thought when he saw the door to the inn open. A young elf stepped inside, or at least Thomas thought he looked young. His hair of a lovely golden hue barely reached past his ears and was the perfect mix of messy and combed in place. Matching perfectly with the green of his cloak and the earthy tones of his clothes. His parted lips looked so full and red under the candlelight, and he had a pair of eyes that managed to contain the boyish glee of adventure yet the maturity of someone who had lived through a thousand lives and enjoyed each one of them. In Thomas's humble opinion, he looked quite stunning.
He watched as the stranger looked in awe at the tavern. Thomas figured that was a similar expression to the one he had when he first stumbled in. Going inside the Glade was a whole experience on its own that everyone went through differently.
Dodging dancing pairs and ducking under all the waitresses who carried trays of food, the elf made his way to the bar where Frypan was cleaning a mug.
Thomas observed the exchange between the two. Fry welcomed the stranger as if he were just another one of his adventurers who had returned to his inn, and in return, the stranger beamed him a smile that felt like sunshine to Thomas. His eyes crinkled, his lips parted in such a handsome grin, and Thomas just felt the need to stare at i
Him. He knew elves were usually good-looking; even though he had spent most of his life in a small village, he had seen his fair share of travelers who would stop by. Of the many elves that went through his small town, this one, took the spotlight in his book.
Shaking himself out of his stupor, Thomas turned his attention back to the front while he still chewed on the piece of meat in his mouth. Minho and Gally were looking at him with matching raised eyebrows, though the Bard looked smug while the Barbarian was more in a concerned way. They glanced at each other out of the corner of their eyes and then back at Thomas.
"Whut?" Thomas asked through his mouthful.
"Nothing, just trying to figure out if you're watering at the mouth due to the food or our new guest," Minho questioned with a tilt of the head in the direction of the elf.
Thomas lowered his gaze to his plate, picking up a piece of soft potato to chew on it instead of answering. He only stared for a brief moment, it's not like he was gawking at the stranger.
"Are you gonna go talk to him?" Minho suggested.
Thomas almost choke on the potato, but managed to swallow it down the right pipe, "W-Why would I do that?"
"'Cause you were clearly checking him out," Gally uttered as he stabbed a potato.
Thomas's eyes went back to the guy. Fry was nowhere to be found, and the stranger seemed to have chosen to lean on the bar, his chin resting on his palm, making his lips jut slightly as he scratched at the wood with the other one unconsciously.
"He looks bored," Minho pointed out. "I say the best cure is some good old company," he uttered before bitting on the bread.
Thomas looked at Minho, "what If he doesn't want company?"
"What if he does?" Minho quirked an eyebrow. "Only way you'll find out is if you stand up and walk up to him."
Thomas swallowed. Taking a big breath he stood on his shaking legs and with one last reassuring look at Minho and thumbs up from him, he moved in the direction of the stranger.
As he moved closer, Thomas rubbed his palms against his trouser to clean them as he found them sweating, his heart hammered against his ears and he felt like despite wetting his lips, they were still dry. His mind was going a mile per hour trying to come up with a good line to start the conversation but he came up empty-handed. What do I even say? How do I flirt with him? Maybe I should turn back. Thomas thought.
His time ran out as he's feet planted next to the stranger. The elf lifted his head from his palm and turned to Thomas, who in that moment could only think about that time he heard Jorge try to court a lady from his town.
"Hey," Thomas casually leaned on his elbow against the counter and mustered all his confidence. "Are you a mind flayer? Because I can't seem to be able to get you out of my head."
It was such a stupid line, and the moment it left his lips, Thomas regretted it. "I'm an idiot, an absolute joke of a man," he cursed mentally. Luckily for him, the music made it impossible for anyone else to hear him say that, but the expression on the stranger's face told him he had heard it perfectly. The elf did a quick check of Thomas, eyes going up and down, no doubt laughing at his lack of armor and still dirty and wrinkled clothes that must smell like the nine hells while he cursed being approached by him.
His face lit in embarrassment, his nervous tick came to life as he drummed his fingers against the wood and he prayed to anyone above that this beautiful guy would just play dumb or that by some divine intervention forget what just came out of his mouth. Thomas was mortified, completely flustered with his lack of social skills, but before he could go back to the table with his party and never bring these awkward moment again, the stranger smiled. Even better he chuckled. Thomas couldn't believe he got a chuckle that didn't sound as if he was offended or mocking him.
The chuckle turned into a soft giggle as the elf covered his mouth and shook his head. Thomas thought that was a beautiful sound. Pretty enough to make Ben's music sound like gibberish.
"I'm–" he giggled again. "Sorry. I'll give it to you, I had never heard that one before."
"Ah, well I have more if you would like to hear them?" Thomas leaned with more ease as his anxiety dissapeared.
"Do you?" he gave now turned to Thomas, leaning much like him on one elbow.
Not a single one, but for him, Thomas would come up with more, "Of course."
"Hmm, tempting, but I'll pass for today."
Thomas licked his lips, the grin on his face seemed to not be ready to leave any time soon. Thomas straightened his back, thinking that he might as well present himself before the spell is broken and the elf decides he's not worth his time.
"I'm Thomas," he stuck his hand to offered it to the stranger.
The elf took Thomas hand, shaking it briefly, "Names Newt."
Not the most elfish name Thomas had heard, but it suit him.
"Like the-"
"Yes, like the small lizard," Newt shrugged.
"I like it, so what brings you to Fry's Inn?"
A beer and a glass of lemonade was set on the table, Fry wiped the sweat off his forhead, cleaning his arm with the cloth around his waist.
"I see you've met Newt," Fry pan grabbed Thomas by the shoulder and shook him, "I hope you don't mind, Thomas is kinda New."
"I figured," Newt answered without malice in his voice.
"So he's another regular?"
"Another Re-" Frypan crackled and slapped his knee.
Thomas felt left out of the joke. He kept looking between Frypan and Newt, the later looking away and appearing rather coy all of a sudden.
"Sorry, Thomas. I couldn't help it. Newt is one of the few Druids of his circle that interacts with us," Fry folded his hands and pressed his weight against the wood of the counter, "he comes around from time to time and has been in this town well before we opened. Though we will see him more now that the festival is coming."
Thomas gapped like a fish out of water. Newt shrugged when he looked at him, as if the information was of no importance.
"I just help controlling the wild animals and preparing some stuff for the Festival, it's not a big deal."
"Well, Fry makes it sound like a big deal," Thomas looked down at his boots, kicking his talon against the floor. "Seems like you are important."
Newt threw him a glance; something in the candlelit gleam of his irises showed Thomas that he appreciated the compliment.
Fry interrupted the moment with a soft grip on Newt's shoulder, "Newt, about your request. I have the perfect party for you."
"Party?" Thomas went back to look between the two, "what do you need a party for?"
"Too many animals are out of control recently. It's proving to be to much so I thought asking for help was a good idea."
Newt finally stopped leaning over the counter, now at his full height, Thomas registered that he was taller than him.
"Fry offered to get me someone," Newt explained.
"Which is why I was going to suggest you take–"
"Us!" Thomas practically shouted and tried to not look at Fry, "Minho and Gally would be delighted to help you."
Thomas pointed with his thumb in the direction he thought the other two were. Newt looked past him and seemed to find the table, his lips grew into a relaxed smile before those doey eyes turned back to him.
"Wait. You're Minho's new greenie?" Newt voice took a humorous tone.
Thomas was taken aback for at the change but found his words in the end, "Uh, yes? How do you know about me?"
"Minho is one of the few that know how to contact Newt," frypan supplied, "he probably told him about you."
Thomas had a vague recollection of Minho writing something down on a paper, but figured that maybe he was just writing another of his songs.
"Only good things I hope?" Thomas questioned hopefully.
Newt arched both eyebrows, "He told me he had this clueless but kindhearted Paladin in his party and that he hoped he wouldn't have to Bury him by the end of the journey."
"Oh."
Newt broke down in another fit of giggles, "take it as a compliment. I think he likes you."
"I will."
Thomas wanted to say something else, but couldn't find the words. Instead of that he found himself trapped staring at Newt who seemed to be doing the same while he sported a soft expression. The music was still going, his dinner was probably cold by now, yet neither dancing or eating could pull him away from the spot he was standing in now.
Frypan cleared his throat, "So? Newt, what do you say?"
Newt snapped out of his daze, looked down at his feet before going back up with a smile, "Very well. I trust Minho, I reckon they could do it."
"For real?" Thomas asked.
Newt nodded, "Yes, I'll wait for you guys. Tell Minho to look for me at the usual spot."
Newt took a sip of the lemonade Fry had set and paid for it in a heartbeat before getting put of the Tavern. Frypan clapped his shoulder and returned to his innkeeper's duties. All while Thomas looked after the ghost of Newt's trail as he exited. It was that way, that on a random night of march, Thomas met what could have been the most intriguing person in his short life and vowed to try to get close to Newt even if he has to pray that his luck will roll on the right side so he might charm his way into his heart. One bad pick up line at a time if it's needed.