>>6182986“Hey, they’re back!”
Rushing over with what sounds like a tower of dishes in their tiny mitts, the Durher twins Dilah and Vilah ambush you with excitement only kids can provide!
“DIDJAHAVEAGOODPATROLANYFIGHTSDIDJAGETINTAANYFIGHTSWEHEARDASOUNDTHATMIGHTABEENAMONSTERBUTWEDUNNOFORSUREBUTITWASALOTOFFUNANDMSLILAWASSOCOOLANDEVENALTONWA-”
“Oi, did I say you two could take a break?” Following the brash, but warm voice over to the counter, you feel the stress of the day melt away as Ma gives you and your pals a nod! “Back from the front, I see… and in one piece, no less!”
Volka responds with a cheeky grin! “Yup yup! Don’t worry, Ma, we’ll clear out soon-”
The matron waves her off. “Take yer’ time… sleep doesn’t come easy for me anymore anyways.” The eyebrow over her remaining eye rises. “Reckon I’ll be pouring a few more nightcaps, ey?”
“Erm… y-yes please…” Mutters Volka with an apology in her eyes which earns a laugh from the bar baroness!
“Hells, sweetheart, I ain’t gonna <span class="mu-i">charge</span> ya for it… go siddown–I’ll send my new kitchen staff over once they grab the last of the dishes.”
She shifts her eye towards a familiar pair of orange ones toiling away behind the counter! “Hear that, Alton? You’re relieved from dish duty, soldier!”
The Mox finishes scrubbing a glass before giving Ma a firm nod! “Aye aye, ma'am!”
Before you can take a seat, you hear the door creak open behind you followed by the sound of tiny wings flittering over.
“Oh, you’re back.”
“Lila!” Volka exclaims, earning a pained wince from the Senior Lamplighter, “Hope the new recruits weren’t too much trouble.”
The pixie-like patrolwoman shrugs. “The opposite, really. No complaints from Pesli either.”
Your group shifts its collective gaze over to the back of the bar where the old oak man sits surrounded by Vuuse and her entourage… the latter peppering the veteran with questions like fans at a convention!
“Welp,” Sighs Volka as her armor clanks, “Let’s wrap things up, shall we?”
“Yes please…” Groans Lila as she blinks her colorful eyes a few times, “Head feels like it’s gonna burst…”
You raise an eyebrow in concern as everyone migrates towards Pesli’s table. Everything okay?
“Migraines…” Lila replies as she hovers past your cheek with a hint of appreciation in her tired expression, “Nothing new, though. Don’t worry.”
You put further questions on hold as you reach the table! “Ah,” Pesli intones, prompting the others to cease their questioning, “You return intact and well… we are pleased and relieved.”
>CONTD. 