Later that night, Al met Sobarm's Niece.
She was at least twenty. Rather fit lady. Definitely not the image Al had gotten from Sorbam's opinions of her.
Her name was Lyra, and she cooked their meals. Beans on toast. With goat cheese in the middle. An yogurt-based drink as desert.
They ate, without a word at that too. They devoured the food like there was no tomorrow.
And when they were finally done, Joel shot up, bent down by Lyra's feet. "Lovely Maiden, please bless this warrior with your hand in marriage!" He proclaimed in a smooth voice, without stuttering a single time.
Lyra smiled. "Sorry, I already have a fiancé."
"Name your man, I shall challenge him to a duel and once I've bested him, claim your hand in- ow- ow-"
Sabes grabbed Joel's ear and pulled him back to their seat. "We're here for a reason, not to hunt for wives. Besides, didn't she just say she was betrothed?"