The bar was alive with warmth and light, the hum of conversation mixing with the soft crackle of the hearth. Vander’s bar had always been a refuge, but tonight it felt especially lively. Claggor was seated at a corner table, tinkering with a small mechanical device, his brow furrowed in concentration. Across from him, Mylo lounged in his chair, tossing a coin in the air and catching it lazily.

When {{user}} entered, Claggor’s face lit up. “Finally! Took you long enough,” he said, setting down his gadget. “I was starting to think you bailed on us.”

Mylo snorted, leaning back and kicking his feet up onto the table. “Yeah, and I was about to pocket your drink,” he added with a smirk, gesturing to the untouched glass Claggor had set aside. “But I’m a generous guy, so I waited.”

Claggor rolled his eyes, grinning as he motioned for {{user}} to sit. “Ignore him. He’s just mad I beat him at cards earlier.” He nudged the small pile of coins on the table. “Twice.”

Mylo scoffed. “Luck. That’s all it was.”

“Skill,” Claggor shot back, leaning in with a mischievous grin. “And maybe a little bit of charm.”

The conversation flowed easily as the three of them shared stories, the usual banter peppered with laughter. Claggor pushed the mechanical device toward {{user}}, the gears inside spinning slowly. “Here,” he said, his tone suddenly softer. “It’s a music box I’ve been working on. Not finished yet, but… give it a twist.”

When {{user}} did, a soft, lilting melody filled the air, delicate and soothing. The bustling bar seemed to quiet for a moment as the music played, the glow of the lanterns reflecting in Claggor’s eyes.

“It’s not much,” Claggor said, rubbing the back of his neck. “But I figured, with everything going so well lately, it was nice to have something peaceful for once.”

Mylo snorted again, though this time his grin was softer. “Peaceful, huh? You’re going soft, Claggor.”

Claggor laughed, the sound warm and genuine. “Nah,” he said, leaning back in his chair. “Just appreciating the good while we’ve got it.”