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Eurig didn't know how he ended up working at Rifton's. For a while the leafling was content doing guard work for caravans who traveled between Jauhar and Oba. It was hard work that paid little, but for a boy who just wanted to experience the world it was enough. Over time he developed his skills, grew into a more muscular frame, and now carried himself with a quiet confidence that didn't match the gangly youth he'd once been.

For the past few weeks he'd settled into the village of his father and took up post working for the local pub. The owner also ran the village's only inn, which was conveniently just next door, and had taken ill. With his children living elsewhere and his son in Belrea getting help was hard so Eurig had offered to step in for a while. While he didn't have experience with the financial aspects of things, he did know how to keep customers happy and peaceful. Pay was better here because of the tips and while he was eager to get back out on the road there was something about being in a pub again that settled his soul.

As the months started to warm more and more travelers passed through on their way to Jauhar which meant that business was booming and today was little exception. When he wasn't helping to pour drinks with staff Eurig was bussing tables and delivering meals.

Eurig wiped his hands off on a small, pocketed apron that was strung around his waist. Unlike the other server that night (a bonefied pro, if her speed at the job was anything to go on) his was clearly a loner and lacked any of the specialty aspects she'd had sewn onto hers. When the perky leafling swept past him, she left Eurig with a full tray of drinks and pushed him toward the tables.

"Care to check on some of the new tables and get their orders? I know it's a lot, but-"

He shook his head, "Don't worry about it. Keep things moving in here." Honestly he was just grateful she'd volunteered to come in at all and he wasn't stuck doing the rush on his own. Hefting the loaded tray into his arms, Eurig edged his way out of the back into the lively area. It was certainly an active night, but in a good way. So far there hadn't been any fights or rough customers, so as he passed he was able to drop off a stein here and there.

When he first noticed the Aishan that walked in Eurig honestly didn't pay much attention to her details. With his upbringing he was so used to seeing Alkidike that one showing up was hardly a shock, even if some patrons gave her a curious side eye. Instead of fussing over it he handled as many tables as he could on his way over. "Hey there, take a spot where you can find it and I'll get to you as soon as I can."

And when he looked up, his work smile in place, it faltered at the sight. "Subira?"

"Yeah, just a little," He gave a half-laugh and a bright, still clearly stunned, smile. A few patrons at nearby tables were either blatantly watching the display with curious eyes or giving them a side eye that Eurig only caught when a little murmur reached him;

"...So do you think he was adopted or...?"

Eurig cleared his throat and motioned toward the empty table Subira was already moving toward. "If you want to go ahead and sit down I'll drop these off and swing back by. Is there anything I can get you while I'm up?" He was going to have to stop by the kitchen anyway to get someone to cover for him for a few minutes so might as well grab some drinks.

Eurig nodded and walked away from her to finish up his rounds. A few of the regular patrons asked him who their new guest was and once they found out they ushered him along.

"Go take a break and talk to her! If she's traveling she might not stay long!"

And that's what he worried about the most. This was the first time in a long, long time that he'd seen Subira so the thought of her walking out before he'd had a good chance to talk was distressing. Thankfully, his coworkers caught on and even though it would be harder on them for a little while they were more than willing to help. So, instead of fussing over tables, he brought four big glasses back to the table with him; two filled with cool water and two with a stout drink.

"How long have you been back? Last time I got an update you were still at the new tree with the...Vandrea?" That was the name, right? Years after the fact and he was still getting used to the idea that there were new Aishans.

"That doesn't surprise me." Eurig gave a breathless chuckle and settled into his seat. It was the first time he'd sat down in a few hours so a groan slipped out the moment pressure was taken off his legs. "Those two were always two sides of the same bratty coin." While he loved his younger siblings dearly and would take a knife for them Eurig had to admit they could be hard to handle on the best of days.

"It's temporary; at least this part of it." Eurig motioned to the tavern. "The owner's ill and he had no one to help out until he recovered so I stepped in. Once he's better I might go back to guarding caravans again or...." Eurig shrugged. "...I dunno. It's nice to get out for a bit, but I miss home and I miss mama."

Well, he couldn't really argue that. "Getting paid helps a lot, even if it is a little and I don't have to wash dishes." He'd gotten a little 'upgrade' from being the busboy to server and bouncer when needed. In all honesty Eurig enjoyed the hustle, even if he hadn't liked the drudgery of it as a kid.

"I'm surprised she let you come here by yourself. Should I write a letter, just to let her know you made it safe?" It was a dig, but...well, he still had some bitter feelings about the way she'd left. Try as he might Eurig just couldn't let them go. "Are you looking for a place on the mainland or are you going to stay in Chibale?"

"Well, if you want mama to visit it'll have to be closer to home. You could probably push it to a border but I don't see her going past that." She probably would if she knew that her first bloomed was stable and settled, but Eurig still didn't think she would travel often. At the very least it would make it easier for Subira to pop by and see her.

"Are you...here alone?" Eurig asked over the edge of his drink and took a slow, long sip. Subira had been gone for a long time so who knew if she'd found someone in all that time. Or now that he thought about it what if she'd asked the new tree for a daughter? "...Just, y'know, curious since it's been a while."

Eurig nodded. "There are some really nice spots in Jauhar. Ast is pretty open to Aishan hybrids and travelers, but then there's Kueta if you wanted somewhere more varied." He was more familiar with Ast because it had been the closest settlement to home when Eurig was growing up. Still, his travels had taken him through Kueta enough for it to leave an impression on him.

"Sorry for asking. It's just that our family doesn't really have impulse control and I didn't want to make a poor introduction if someone was around." After all, his own conception had been made on a whim between two individuals who were barely adults, which was apparently a tradition if his grandfather was to be believed. Then there was just his grandfather's decisions in general...

"I think once I'm done here I'd like to find a place myself. Maybe take up mom's old tavern." Eurig smiled softly. "Travel is fun and all, but it's not for me. "