Chapter 10: Tumbleleed Village (Part 3)

After Bella had served Imala her drink. They had taken seats around a table away from the crowds, and they began to talk.

"I know we should be getting back to the others and reuniting, but there's a few things that I've been wanting to plan." Avaron took a sip. "Are there any big events coming up?"

"Well, there's a mayortorial election coming up," Imala said. "Wait, are you planning something again?" 

"Yeah. And it sounds quite juicy." Avaron took another sip, then clasped her hands together wickedly, the way she usually did when she was up to something. "Tell me more, Bella. Do they have a ballot system?"

"I don't know a lot. I've been in this town for less then a week." Bella picked up a glass pitcher and poured more beer into Avaron's mug.

"Then I guess it's all up to me, then." Avaron gulped down some more beer. "I've got a lot of scoping out to do." 

Bella picked up the pitcher once again to refill Avaron's mug. "Careful, Avaron. If you drink too much, you might rack up a debt!"

"It's fine." Avaron took another gulp of her beer. "I'll pay it back later. Beer's cheap, no matter where you go. Now, is there anything to eat?"

"Well, I think you might like some jackrabbit soup." Bella and Avaron stood up and walked back to the counter.

"Excuse me. Can I have some soup?" Avaron asked.

"Which one?" a sleepy looking waitress asked.

"Jackrabbit soup," Avaron requested.

The waitress walked into the back area to fetch the soup. The two sisters waited around.

"Avaron, you don't have any money," Bella pointed out. "How are you going to pay for this?"

"Like I said, it's all good." Avaron motioned her hand confidently. "I'll figure it out. I always do."

Bella looked away, unsure. Avaron had always gotten herself into all sorts of trouble. Bella had basically served her what she had requested as a tavern employee, so she would probably not get in trouble. But what if her boss saw them and found out that they were related?

"Bella?" a gruff voice called out.

Bella looked forward, seeing a burly, middle-aged man looking around the bar. He then saw her, and then walked over.

"What are you doin', Bella?" He asked her. "We need ya servin' them customers."

"Oh, umm...my bad, Mr. Claus," Bella said nervously. "But I was just a bit distracted, and I wound up spacing out-"

"Because of this other lady here?" Claus pointed to Avaron, now eating her freshly served soup.

"Yes, Mr. Claus." Bella straightened her back. "She's my sister. We've just found each other again and, well..."

Claus looked at the pair. Avaron turned around.

"Who're you?" she asked.

"Yer Bella's sister?" Claus asked.

"Yeah." Avaron took a gulp of her soup.

"C'mon, then." Claus beckoned them to a nearby table. "Tell me what's goin' on here."