Greil's Retreat

Chapter 1: The First Guest

Largo lifted his axe high and swung down with all his might. He did so effortlessly, perfectly splitting his target in two. However, unlike what he had trained for, this time his target was a log instead of an enemy's head. He looked down at his handiwork, pleased with his precision, before glancing back at the ever-growing pile of logs the villagers and Gallian's were stacking for him.

Largo picked up, yet another, log. He settled into the work, picking up one log after another as his mind wandered - reflecting on the events of recent days.

He had seen his share of conflict. His skills with an axe were always in demand and he was able to make a hefty profit fighting for those with the coin to afford his services. This led him to fight in virtually every conflict during his adulthood. Through his work he was blessed to explore every nook and cranny of Tellius - from the sands of the Grann Desert to the peaks of Kilvas. While the coin was nice, the opportunity to test his strength against Tellius' mightiest warriors was something he felt particularly blessed by the goddess for. Even though the Mad King's War saw him fight with, and against, the strongest fighters of his time, it also left more death and destruction than anything he had ever seen.

He thought about the burned building and crumbling roads strewn about the square he was working in. While he was certainly honored to have served by General Ike's side in the assault on Melior, the victory felt hollow for him as he saw the true scale of the damage done to Crimea's capital. Hundreds were dead, thousands orphaned, and countless lives ruined in just this one city—he didn't even want to think about the toll on Tellius at large.

As he picked up his final log for the night, he heard a voice call to him.

"Oh, there you are, Largo. You look especially rugged and dashing today, my love."

Largo swung his axe into the chopping block and met Calill's smile with one of his own. He wiped the sweat from his brow as she quickly ran toward him and wrapped her arms around him. He let out a laugh.

"Bwaa ha haa, Calill, it will never stop amusing me to see how your arms can't reach around me. Your hands practically fall at my hips," he teased.

Largo watched with interest as Calill withdrew with a scowl growing across her face. He knew she would retaliate somehow—after all, it's why he teased her in the first place. Calill muttered something under her breath before stomping off. Before she rounded the bend, she looked back at him.

"You meathead," she said. "Haven't you learned not to tease a sorceress yet?"

Largo watched as she vanished from sight. He wondered what she meant by that. Oh well, he thought. He knew a tall pint of ale was waiting for him when he finished stacking the firewood. It wasn't until he turned around to resume his work that he noticed a funny smell. The chopping block was on fire! He shook his head slowly while letting out a sigh.

I'm going to hear about this again tonight, he thought.

#

Largo quickly went about finishing his duties, sharpened his axe for the next day, and finally headed towards home. He took a deep breath, wiped the splinters off his hide apron, and began his walk through Mellior's war-torn streets. He followed his usual path, right at the square, past the tailor, and left on Royal Caradock Road. Just a few blocks after that, he would be at the new property that he and Calill received from Queen Elincia as a reward for their services in the war.

Just as he passed the tailor, Largo's reminiscing on recent events was interrupted by a loud call.

"Largo, here you are," boomed down the road. Largo turned around to see Mordecai waving at him while jogging down the cobbled stone.

Largo grinned; he hadn't seen Mordecai since the war ended months ago.

"Mordecai, what are you doing here in Crimea? I thought you went back to Gallia with Lethe and the other Laguz," Largo said with surprise.

Mordecai approached Largo and reached out his arm. Largo forcefully grabbed his forearm and drew the tiger in.

"I came to help build. Promised Elincia. Mordecai strong, can help much," the tiger said with pride.

"Your strength will be a welcome addition. There is much to rebuild," Largo said while gesturing all around him. "But beyond that, I am happy to see a friend. Do you need somewhere to stay? Calill and I have some extra rooms. I am sure she would love to see you, and I would certainly love to be able to arm wrestle you again," Largo said slyly while nudging Mordecai.

Mordecai was one of the few people, Laguz or Beorc, who had ever beaten Largo in arm wrestling and other tests of strength. As much as Largo loved winning, he liked a challenge even more.

Largo watched as Mordecai thought through his offer. Even for someone of his intelligence, Mordecai was slow in the "modern tongue."

"I would love to stay with Largo. Must see the little Queen in morning to deliver message from Gallia, but can stay tonight at least," Mordecai said slowly and intentionally as he found each word.

"That is fantastic news. I will get the weights all set up when we get home to begin," Largo said excitedly.

"Mordecai tired from journey. Contest tomorrow. Tonight rest," Mordecai petitioned.

"Ba ha haa, even the mighty blue tiger gets tired sometimes. Of course, where are my manners? Calill and I have quite the place a' brewing," Largo beamed with pride. "You are actually going to be the first person to stay with us. We finally got the roof up on that side of the building. There is still a lot of work to go. But we are gonna be the busiest inn in all of Tellius one day. Just you wait, Mordecai, there will be a reservation list miles long. And the food, the fooooood, Mordecai. Butter at every table—free of charge I might add—and lots of ale to go with it."

Largo rambled on before realizing he was probably speaking too quickly for Mordecai's ability to understand this language.

"Do you know what we are gonna call the place?" Largo asked.

"What name?" Mordecai asked excitedly.

"Greil's Retreat," Largo proclaimed.

"After the little general's father?" Mordecai asked.

"Yes," Largo affirmed. "We were originally gonna name it General Ike's Inn," Largo said while holding up his hands to emphasize each word. "But the General wasn't too fond of that. While Calill and I never got to serve under Commander Greil, I know it will be a fitting name. And General Ike was on board with the idea so we took it and ran with it. Plus, if I was going to name it after a warrior besides myself it needed to be someone strong—which by all accounts Greil was the strongest man of his generation—so it works for me," Largo explained with zeal.

"A good name," Mordecai said while nodding vigorously, his blue mane waving with each shake. "I am honored to be first guest."

#

Their conversation lasted the rest of the walk back to Largo and Calill's new inn. Largo found it odd that Calill was not there. He showed Mordecai around, cooked him one of his new signature dishes—veal with blueberry glaze—and guided him to the new guest room.

Largo watched with anticipation as Mordecai scanned the room.

"This good room. Big enough for strong people like Largo and Mordecai. Long bed. Room to stretch," Mordecai said before reaching towards the felted blanket. "Nice blanket. Good quality. You did good."

Largo began to swell with joy. "I am so glad we ran into each other, Mordecai. I am thrilled that you are our first guest. It has been a long road to get here, and Calill and I have had this dream since long before the Mad King's War. There are still many rooms to fix up, the tavern to furnish, and the brewery to build in the basement, but that dream is finally becoming a reality." Largo suddenly started to get emotional.

"Mordecai proud of Largo. Largo shows much strength in his ambition and desire towards dream. Mordecai will help with build Greil's Retreat." Mordecai said before saying goodnight to Largo.

Largo felt content. Happy with his decisions. It then hit him—where is Calill?