Evander chuckled as Aldric helped Dorian to his feet.
"Aldric, you know you don't have to help me. I can stand by myself." Then he glanced at Evander. "What is so funny?" he asked, brushing the dirt from his clothes.
"Nothing," Evander replied, still laughing loudly.
"Let's see if you'll still be laughing when I push you to the ground."
"You can't even try" Evander said
"Can we get going?" Leoric interrupted. "I'd rather get home before anyone starts an argument."
"Leoric sounds serious? That's a sound I'd want even the deaf to hear!" Dorian laughed.
"I don't sound serious, sire. I just don't want to hear you winning an argument for once in your life. Besides, starting a fight with Evander is hopeless," Leoric said, puffing out his chest. "He's the peacemaker. But soon, it'll be you and me again, and trust me, I'll win. I always win."
Dorian rolled his eyes, but he followed the others as they left the stream behind.
The walk home was filled with their usual teasing. Leoric began making jokes about Dorian's collapse, while Dorian insisted that he had already recovered and didn't need anyone treating him as though he couldn't do anything by himself. Evander occasionally joined in, and Aldric, despite his lingering concerns, eventually found himself smiling at their foolishness.
By the time they reached the village, Dorian seemed much more like himself. He was talking and laughing with the others, and anyone who saw them would have thought they had spent the afternoon doing nothing more than taking an ordinary walk.
Although Leoric tried to distract himself from everything that had happened, he still couldn't entirely forget the incident at the stream. The woman's account of her brother falling unconscious after drinking the water kept returning to his mind, especially whenever he remembered how Dorian had collapsed. Still, he had no explanation for either incident, and he decided not to bring it up again until he had something more substantial to say.
The days that followed passed without any further incident. Dorian returned to his usual routine, spending time with his friends and attending to his daily affairs. He experienced no further episodes of dizziness, and no strange dreams disturbed his sleep. Gradually, the incident at the stream became something they spoke about less often, even though none of them had entirely forgotten it.
A few mornings later, Dorian and his friends decided to visit the village market. They had a few things to buy, and Leoric had been complaining about being hungry since they left their homes.
"I'm telling you, I should have eaten something else before we left," Leoric grumbled as they made their way down the street.
Evander glanced at him. "At least you had something to eat. What about the helpless children in the neighbourhood?"
"I didn't bring them into this world, now did I?" Leoric said, staring at him.
"I suppose not," Evander answered.
"Now, allow me to complain in peace," Leoric said.
"Why are you complaining? Didn't you eat something?" Dorian asked.
"Yes, but it was too light. I'm hungry again."
"Already?" Evander asked, shaking his head. "We haven't even been out for an hour."
"And what exactly am I supposed to do about that? Ignore my stomach until we get back home?"
"You could at least wait until we reach the market before reminding us every two minutes."
"I've only mentioned it three times!"
"Four," Aldric corrected.
Dorian burst out laughing.
Leoric turned to him. "And what exactly is so funny?"
"Nothing. I'm just trying to understand how someone can be hungry again so soon after eating."
"Oh, so now you're all against me?"
Evander patted him on the shoulder. "Relax. We'll get you something to eat when we get there."
"Finally, someone who speaks my language."
"I'm beginning to think you only came to the market for food," Dorian remarked.
Leoric opened his mouth to respond, but the others had already started laughing again.
The market was busy when they arrived. Vendors called out to customers, people moved between the stalls, and the sounds of bargaining filled the air. Baskets of fruits and vegetables were arranged on wooden tables, while other sellers displayed fabrics, household items, and freshly prepared food.
The four friends walked through the market, occasionally stopping to greet people they knew. They eventually approached a stall where a middle-aged woman was arranging some vegetables. She looked up as they drew nearer, and her face brightened with recognition.
"Hey, boys!"
All four turned towards her.
"Good morning," Aldric greeted her.
"Good morning, children." She looked from one face to another before laughing. "Ah, look at you! The four of you again. Do you ever go anywhere separately? Sometimes I wonder if you were born together. You look more like family than friends."
Evander laughed. "We've heard that one before."
"And I'll probably keep saying it until I see one of you walking around without the other three," she replied.
"Maybe we're just used to being together," Dorian said with a smile.
"Maybe? I don't think I've seen any of you alone in a long time!"
Leoric shook his head. "Must you always tease us whenever you see us?"
The woman laughed. "And must you always complain whenever someone says something to you?"
The others laughed, and Leoric looked at them in disbelief.
"What's wrong with all of you today?"
"Nothing, Leoric. We're just enjoying ourselves," Evander replied calmly.
"Well, enjoy yourselves while I go and find something to eat."
"Here we go again," Aldric muttered.
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing, Leoric. Go and find your food."
Leoric shook his head and turned back to the woman, who was still smiling at their exchange.
"Anyway, what brings you boys here today?" she asked. "What would you like to buy?"
"We came to get a few things," Dorian explained, stepping closer to the stall.
"Good. Have a look at what I've got. I brought some fresh vegetables this morning, and I have some fruits too."
The friends moved closer to examine the items on display. Aldric asked about the prices, while Dorian looked through the baskets. Evander and Leoric moved to the food stall, where Evander helped Leoric decide what to buy for everyone, though Leoric still managed to complain about the price of one item.
"You haven't even paid for it yet," Evander reminded him.
"I'm only asking a question."
"And she's already answered you."
"I'm allowed to make sure I'm not being cheated."
The lady laughed. "Nobody is cheating you. That's the price, and I'm not changing it."
Leoric looked at Evander.
"You see what I'm talking about?"
Evander smiled patiently. "Then either buy it or leave it. Nobody is forcing you."
After a moment, Leoric finally agreed to the price, and the lady gathered their purchases together.
They spent a little more time at the stall, chatting with her before saying their goodbyes. As they walked away, Leoric was already talking about finding somewhere to eat.
Dorian glanced at him and shook his head.
"I'm beginning to think you never stop talking about food."
"No, I always help you all see the most important things in life."
"And food is one of those important things?" Aldric asked.
"One of the most important."
Evander laughed. "Come on. Let's eat over there. I'm tired of your complaints. And you're right—you do win every argument, our warrior."
"Thank you. You're the only one who recognises my hard work around here."
The others laughed as they walked towards a shaded spot where they could sit and eat, their conversation blending into the sounds of the busy market around them.