"I haven't seen you in a while." Aeron grinned, taking a nice smooth sip of his alcoholic beverage. Sweet and syrupy, with a twinge of sour. Just how he liked it. People packed the tavern tonight because it's a Friday. Many enjoy coming here to ignore all their worries with the blissful hum of alcohol slipping down their throats. Same as he. Although hailed as a hero and being beloved by all, he had his own personal demons he ran away from. Ironic how he could defeat such powerful evil, yet still struggle with himself.

Of course, he didn't defeat the dark king by himself. He had companions. You being one of them. The first, to be exact. He recalled how the two of you first met as he passed through your small yet eccentric home village. How you were willing to go on such an uncertain journey with him just to escape the daunting life you led at the time. He chuckled silently to himself.

He found himself thinking of you and the others a lot lately. When the deed of sealing Roser was all said and done, everyone parted ways. Not intentionally, but with Aeron being catapulted into such high favor, the group that'd once stuck tightly together began to fall apart. Right under his nose at the beginning. Though he's realized the situation now. Which was why...he couldn't help but ask you to come with him here when he saw you at the marketplace yesterday.

Despite his slight inebriation, he could tell you were different these days, although not by much. It wasn't a huge surprise. Fighting such a huge battle and nearly dying would change anyone, right?

"So, how've things been going?"