A Feast of Revelry and Unity

(Althea POV)

"Here we go... Here we go," Demeter and Hephaistos exchanged amused whispers as Ais and I emerged from that playful encounter. Honestly, it was quite horrendous.

Accompanied by Loki, our mischievous goddess, Ais and I left Central Park, our energy drained, and made our way through the bustling East Main Street.

Every step felt like a marathon, and I couldn't help but let out the occasional groan of exhaustion.

"Are we there yet, Loki? My poor legs are screaming for mercy," I complained, my voice dripping with weariness.

Loki glanced back at me, a mischievous sparkle in her eyes. "Almost there, Althy. Just a little more suffering, I mean walking. Trust me, the destination is worth the agony."

Ais, my ever-quiet sister, followed silently, her gaze flickering with quiet curiosity. She never questioned Loki's whimsical choices, even if they often led us into the strangest adventures.

As we turned a corner, a newly built tavern came into view. It stood proudly, its exterior boasting polished wood and sparkling glass windows.

The sign above the entrance caught my attention: Hostess of Fertility.

I raised an eyebrow, my curiosity piqued. "Hostess of Fertility? Well, that's one way to grab attention. Wonder what kind of crowd they're aiming for."

Loki grinned, her eyes dancing with excitement. "Oh, Althy, you're in for a treat. This place is unlike any other in Orario. Trust me, it's a concoction of fun and surprises."

"Seriously, Loki? Are you bringing us, a couple of seven-year-olds, to a tavern? Shouldn't we be getting our beauty sleep or something?" I quipped, my skepticism dripping from every word.

Loki chuckled, her mischief on full display. "Oh, come on, silly. It's never too early for a dash of adventure. Besides, this tavern is no ordinary watering hole. It's a sanctuary, a refuge where we can indulge in delightful drinks and let loose amidst the chaotic city."

Ais, ever the silent observer, cast a hesitant glance at Loki. Her eyes held uncertainty, questioning our place in such a setting.

Noticing my sister's hesitation, I couldn't resist a playful jab. "Don't worry, sis. If things get too rowdy, I'll protect you with my mighty wit and sharp tongue."

Loki, always the peacemaker, placed a reassuring hand on Ais's shoulder. "Don't fret, Aisuu. This place is as safe as a padded cell. It welcomes adventurers of all ages. You'll feel right at home."

Ais nodded, her trust in Loki unwavering. She may not grasp the concept of a tavern fully, but she believed in our guidance.

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"Barkeep! Ya got company!" Loki exclaimed cheerfully as she led Ais and me into the dimly lit tavern.

To our surprise, the place seemed deserted except for a hulking female dwarf behind the counter, vigorously polishing a glass. I couldn't help but gape at her sheer size—it was like encountering a mountain in the form of a person.

"I told ya we're only open at night! How many times do I have to tell ya before ya get it, nincompoop?!" the dwarf scolded Loki, her voice gruff and laced with annoyance.

Loki shrugged off the dwarf's scolding with her trademark nonchalance. "Nah, nah, I wasn't planning on starting my day drinking spree just yet!"

As Loki continued her banter, I took a moment to size up the surly dwarf. There was something about her that screamed former adventurer. Maybe she had a history as wild as Finn or Gareth, or perhaps she was even tougher than both of them combined. The thought intrigued me.

Unfazed by the dwarf's initial reaction, Loki switched tactics, attempting to win her over with a soft, honeyed tone. "Can you let us use your place tonight? I'm beggin' ya, Mama Mia~"

The dwarf scoffed, unimpressed by Loki's attempts at charm. "You're making me sick. The first time was way better."

"But now you're the mama here, and our Familia will be regular customers! So, just throw us a little bone, pleeeeeease~" Loki pleaded, her voice oozing with exaggerated sweetness.

"Sheesh, I barely have any employees, and we're drowning in work," the dwarf retorted, unmoved by Loki's flirty act. Even I couldn't help but cringe at the goddess's desperate attempts.

"Seriously, Loki. That's reaching a whole new level of cringe," I couldn't help but comment, unable to hold back my amusement.

"Ah, come on, Althy. You got to admit it's entertaining. And besides, it sometimes works," Loki replied, grinning mischievously.

Rolling my eyes at her antics, I shifted my attention elsewhere and noticed a staff member emerging from the door behind the counter. It was a cat girl, slightly older than me, with a gloomy gaze and a doll-like expression reminiscent of Ais.

"Anya! Bring out all the alcohol we've got. We've got ourselves a couple of troublemakers!" the dwarf bellowed, summoning the waitress.

After giving instructions to the cat girl, the dwarf turned her attention back to us.

"So, new members of yours?" she inquired, her gaze fixed on Ais and me. It seemed the rumors of our reputation had reached even this humble tavern.

"That's right! These are Aisuu and Althy, the dynamic duo," Loki proudly introduced us.

"Hmph, the Doll Princess Duo, huh?" the dwarf muttered, her eyes sizing us up. It seemed she was well aware of our reputation.

"You two shouldn't be gallivanting around the city at such a tender age. But today, I'll let you eat to your heart's content. Prepare yourselves!" she laughed heartily, her presence overwhelming both Ais and me.

Refusing to back down easily, I squared my shoulders and retorted, "You shouldn't underestimate us, Miss Dwarf. Despite our size, my sister and I are more capable than we appear."

The dwarf raised an eyebrow, seemingly intrigued by my boldness. A small smirk played at the corner of her lips as she retorted, "Is that so? Well, let's put your words to the test."

With those words, the dwarf retreated into the kitchen, leaving us to ponder the encounter and the surprises that lay ahead.

"That's quite the interesting start, Loki. I see now why you brought us here," I remarked, casting a sidelong glance at my mischievous goddess.

Loki's serenely confident smile widened. "Of course, Althy. Today is a celebration—a feast for Finn and the others. A well-deserved reward for all their hard work!"

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"Alright, now then, as thanks for all your hard work... cheers!" Loki exclaimed, raising her mug in a toast.

"Cheers!" The sound of clinking mugs filled the air, marking the beginning of a celebratory atmosphere among the members of the Familia.

From my seat, I took in the lively scene unfolding before me, finding amusement in the festivities.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the banquet that Loki had orchestrated commenced. I couldn't help but observe the scene with a keen eye, capturing the dynamics and interactions unfolding around me.

True to her mischievous nature, Loki always found a reason to revel and indulge in the pleasures of life.

Riveria, ever composed, couldn't help but voice her concern, "For goodness' sake, holding a party as soon as we return... Let us know beforehand, at least."

Loki waved off Riveria's remark with a carefree smile. "It's fine, Riveria! I just wanted to show my thanks for everything you kids have done! This is all I can really do!"

Finn, the calm and collected captain, chimed in, teasing Loki, "Haha! Are you sure you didn't just want an excuse to have a few drinks, Loki?"

Gareth joined in, adding, "Hmph, it would have been better if you had chosen a different place for the celebration."

Earlier, after returning to the manor, Loki gathered with Finn and the others, having resolved the incident in the city. The mischievous goddess, brimming with excitement, declared, "We're going to a bar!" And so, the impromptu feast began under her command.

Loki then justified her idea by stating that her adorable followers needed a chance to unwind after their relentless battles. While there may have been some truth to that, I couldn't help but agree with Finn's remark as well.

It was widely known that Loki had a fondness for alcohol, often carrying its scent around the manor like an aromatic accessory.

Seated at the same table with Ais, we quietly sipped our freshly-squeezed juice while Finn and the others indulged in their chosen alcoholic beverages.

"I heard that, ya prune-faced dwarf! I can just toss ya out on yer ass if ya want," the female dwarf retorted sharply to Gareth's earlier comment.

*Thud*

A massive roasted pig dramatically landed on the table before us, causing me to jump in surprise. The female dwarf owner responded with a contemptuous glare, undeterred by Gareth's grumbling.

"Oi, see if ye can, ya crappy barkeep. All ye did was get a little tall. Don't go getting cocky!" Gareth retorted to the dwarf's sudden action, his fiery spirit unyielding.

Unable to resist injecting some humor into the situation, I flashed a sly grin and interject, "Well, well, it seems like the owner knows how to make an entrance. Must be the height advantage."

Gareth, who's drunk, shot me a displeased glance, clearly not amused by my humor.

Riveria, always the peacemaker, stepped in to ease the tension. "Quit it, Gareth. The others are watching."

"Hey, Mia. Sorry for imposing on you at the last minute like this. Thank you," Finn expressed his gratitude to the dwarf owner.

"Yer damn straight. I'm not gonna hold back on the bill, either," Mama Mia replied with a mix of pride and determination.

"I know. You started this shop with the money you made from being an adventurer, after all. We'll drink and eat to our hearts' content," Finn responded, sharing a moment of camaraderie with the tavern owner.

As the conversation flowed, I couldn't help but appreciate the unique dynamics at play. Gareth's fiery temperament, Riveria's composed demeanor, Finn's ability to effortlessly engage with Mama Mia as if they were old friends.

It was an evening filled with laughter, banter, and a sense of unity among our Familia.