NOVPUB
Chapter 90: Liriel And Selis
The Red Light District was as alive as ever — bright lanterns cast a warm glow over the cobbled streets, the scent of grilled skewers and strong ale mingling in the air.
Even at this late hour, the place was bustling with activity.
There were adventurers celebrating their latest victories, merchants drinking away the stress of the day, and, of course, plenty of people looking for "company."
Zayn walked alongside Bran, hands in his pockets, breathing in the familiar chaos. "It’s exactly how we left it."
Bran grinned. "Like it ever changes. Timberstead’s true heart beats at night, my friend."
They passed by a familiar bar, one they had visited during their first time in the district.
And just as fate would have it, sitting outside at one of the wooden tables were two very familiar beastkin girls.
Liriel, golden-furred with equally golden eyes, perked up immediately upon spotting them.
She waved enthusiastically, tail swishing. "Hey! Look who finally showed up!"
Selis, her silver-furred counterpart, was more reserved, but her silver eyes still lit up in amusement as she gave a small wave.
"It’s been a while."
Bran wasted no time, striding forward. "Ladies! We were just thinking of how much we missed you."
Liriel snorted. "Yeah, sure you were."
Selis smirked. "More like you got bored and wandered here again."
Bran pressed a hand to his chest, feigning deep offense. "Ouch. But very true."
Zayn pulled out a chair and sat down, shaking his head. "It’s good to see you two."
Drinks were placed in front of them — Zayn wasn’t even sure who ordered, but at this point, he just rolled with it.
Bran stretched, glancing around the district. "Things seem... calmer than last time we were here."
Liriel took a sip of her drink before nodding. "Yeah. Ever since the attacks, a lot of businesses have been struggling to rebuild. Fewer travelers coming in means fewer customers."
Selis swirled her cup. "Some places had to shut down entirely. But others... well, let’s just say Timberstead isn’t going down that easily."
Zayn nodded, remembering how much damage had been done. "The town’s recovering, though?"
Liriel grinned. "Oh, definitely. You know how it is — adventurers like to drink. So as long as people keep showing up, the district will keep going."
Bran chuckled. "Adventurers do have a way of throwing money around."
Liriel’s ears flicked as she leaned forward. "Speaking of money — tell me, Zayn, have you made any since the last time we saw you, or are you still as broke as ever?"
Zayn narrowed his eyes. "Why do you sound like a debt collector?"
Selis covered her mouth to hide a laugh. "Because she basically is."
Liriel huffed. "Hey! I just like to know if my friends are thriving. If they happen to owe me a drink or two, well, that’s just a bonus."
Bran elbowed Zayn. "You hear that? We’re investment opportunities."
Zayn sighed. "I did take on a job recently."
Liriel’s tail flicked. "Oh? A good job?"
Selis raised an eyebrow. "Or a Zayn job?"
Bran laughed. "Oh, definitely a Zayn job."
Zayn took a sip of his drink. "I don’t only take questionable jobs."
Bran grinned. "Name one that wasn’t."
Zayn opened his mouth. Paused. Considered.
Liriel smirked. "Yeah, that’s what I thought."
Selis tilted her head. "Well, if you made some money, that means you should be buying us drinks."
Bran nodded sagely. "Ah, she has a point."
Zayn exhaled. "I literally just got back."
Liriel grinned. "And what better way to celebrate than by spoiling your dear friends?"
Zayn looked between them before finally sighing. "Fine. But just one round."
Liriel pumped a fist. "That’s all we needed!"
Selis chuckled softly. "We’ll see if it stays at one."
He flagged down a passing waiter — a human with short brown hair, balancing a tray of empty mugs.
"Hey, bring another round of drinks for all of us. Whatever is alcoholic."
The waiter nodded. "Coming right up."
Liriel’s ears perked up, golden eyes glinting mischievously. "Now that’s what I like to hear. Good man, Zayn."
Selis, sitting beside her, smiled faintly. "You act like you weren’t going to drink either way."
Liriel clicked her tongue. "Hey, it tastes better when someone else is paying."
Zayn shook his head with a small smirk. "You definitely sound like a debt collector."
Bran laughed.
The drinks arrived soon after — mugs of ale, glasses of wine, and even a bright blue cocktail that looked suspiciously dangerous.
"To good company," Bran said, raising his drink.
"To free drinks," Liriel corrected, clinking her mug against his.
Zayn rolled his eyes but joined in, and soon, they were all drinking.
The first few sips were smooth, the alcohol warming Zayn from the inside.
He was thankful for his Alcohol Resistance skill — without it, he had a feeling Liriel would be trying to drink him under the table for fun.
Selis sipped at her wine, golden eyes observing the rowdy crowd around them. "Things really are starting to pick up again. It’s nice."
Liriel nodded. "Yeah, though I kinda miss the old days. You remember that one time some idiot tried to run off without paying? That little gnome guy?"
Selis snorted into her drink, the alcohol clearly influencing her already. "Oh, yeah! The one who thought he could outrun a bunch of beastkin waiters?"
Liriel grinned. "We had him cornered in like ten seconds. He tried climbing a wall — forgot his legs were too short."
Zayn raised an eyebrow. "What happened to him?"
Selis smirked. "He worked off his debt by washing dishes for a week."
Liriel took a big swig of her drink. "And we made sure to give him the dirtiest dishes."
Bran chuckled. "You two are terrifying."
Selis shrugged. "It’s just business."
A few more rounds in, and Zayn noticed the glint in Liriel’s eyes.
"You know," she began, stretching her arms, "it’s been a while since we had a real drinking contest."
Bran leaned forward. "Are you challenging us?"
Selis sighed. "Liriel..."
Liriel waved her off. "Come on! It’s been too long. And we have Zayn here! I need to see how much this guy can handle."
Zayn raised an eyebrow. "Why me?"
Liriel smirked. "You look like a guy who can hold his liquor."
Bran grinned. "That, or he’s going to embarrass himself spectacularly." 𝘯𝑜𝘷𝘱𝘶𝑏.𝘤𝘰𝑚
Zayn exhaled, shaking his head. "Fine. But if I win, you all pay for the next round."
Liriel grinned. "Deal."
The waiter brought over stronger drinks — dark amber liquid in thick wooden mugs.
Zayn didn’t even need to smell it to know it was potent.
Bran cracked his knuckles. "Let’s do this."
Selis shook her head. "This is going to end terribly."
Zayn smirked. "For them."
