Lia strolled through the bustling streets of her settlement. The world seemed serene now, though scars remained. Rubble littered the outskirts, stones bleached by energy blasts, craters marking where battles once raged.
Still, people were happy. Money no longer ruled; goods and skills were traded freely. Lia offered her own skill — teaching.
Her destination loomed ahead: a shabby building with a hand-painted sign. AISHA'S TAVERN AND PHARMACY. Lia smirked. "That's so Aisha."
Inside, the contrast was striking. The barren exterior gave way to lush greenery. Herbs lined the oak counter, baskets of fruit filled the shelves, and bottles of liquor and tinctures gleamed in the light.
Scanning the room, Lia spotted her old friends at a round wooden table.
Levi sat hunched in his hoodie, eyes darting rapidly as if tracking invisible currents of data only he could see.
Kez crouched on the floor, petting a grey wolf while a crow perched on his shoulder — his ranger's attire blending seamlessly with his companions.
Aisha, radiant in green, moved gracefully between patrons, refilling glasses with her usual warmth.
And then there was Jax. Scruffy grey hair, a long beard, trench coat frayed at the edges, gloves with cut-off fingers. Dust clung to him like a second skin.
Lia sighed and approached.
Aisha greeted her first. "Lia, darling! It's so good to see you. You haven't aged a bit!"
Kez and Levi nodded in unison.
Jax slammed his mug onto the table, turned with a grin, and barked, "Well, look who it is — our fearless leader, Oracle!"