"Sure!" Mao said, indicating Xaio and Heather should join as well.

Xiao and Heather joined the group.

"What have you guys been up to?" Mao asked.

"The usual run down to the coast," Johan said "Just come up from Port City," he shook his head "The place is crawling with Imperials, far more than usual."

"I wonder what they want? There's not much us simple country folks have," Mao said.

"No one is sure, but.." Johan lowered his voice "They say that the Emperor is planning to expand again, readying his armies and such. But first he wants something." he takes a swig of his beer. "This lot are asking lots of questions about dungeons and the like."

"But the dungeon's been cleared out," Mao said.

"I'd imagine that's what people have been telling the Imperials," Johan said nodding in agreement.

"Imperials are such pains," Mao said.

"You got that right," Johan said "I doubt you'll get any of them up this way, you're a bit out of the way."

Mao snuggled against her boyfriend.

"Good."

"Oh nearly forgot," Johan said and pulled a letter from a pouch and handed it to Ruvik "Your folks sent this."

Mao waited patiently to find out what it said, her tail wagging excitedly.

Rubin read the letter, "Let's see here," he said "It's letting me know what's been happening back home. Asking how I am and ah.. Asking about you and how things are going," he said his ears going red "and a few other things."

"Oh ho?" Mao asked, reaching for the letter.

Rubin tried to snatch it but was too slow, she was able to see part of the letter where the writer asked when was Ruvik going to bring Mao to visit, and when could they except to hear about grandchildren.

"Oh ho," Mao said. "And we're not even married yet..."

Ruvik went redder "I guess that's mother's way of encouraging things one," he muttered. Xiao was watching the pair with her head slightly cocked "What's going on?" she asked.

"Oh, just future inlaws asking about grandchildren," Mao said.

Ruvik chocked on his beer as Mao said that, Heather blushed, and Xiao giggled.

Johan turned a deep chuckle into a cough "Well, I could do with some extra hands for the trip back." he said "Would let you ah.. discuss things with your folks Ruivk."

Ruvik scratched at his nose and glanced at Mao "I'm not sure.. what do you think?"

"It could be interesting," Mao said. "I would like to meet my future inlaws."

Xiao nodded "Seems good to me, and showing Heather more of the area would be good right?" she said.

Heather who had been quietly drinking more beer smiled and nodded "I would like that."

"Also a good idea!" Mao said, the alcohol starting to effect her.

Johan laughed a deep rumbling "Excellent, well then. We'll be leaving day after tomorrow. You know merchant folk, don't like to hang around too long." he said "You'll get standard rate for the trip." he explained.

"The road down to the port usually isn't too dangerous, some beasties occasionally attack. Or monsters. But nothing someone like you shouldn't be able to handle easily."

"Yep! I've beaten plenty with my book!" Mao said.