They go to a nearby tavern.

Unfortunately by the time the pair had registered to assess the bandit attacks, daylight had largely past and the sun had begun to set. Reluctantly they agreed it was not a good time to start traveling.

Instead the pair sat at a table at a local pub. While the guild had it's own bar built into it to refresh its steady stream of adventurers, by evening the place was packed. Matt and Catia had to find someplace else. Fortunately, because there was a guild nearby and there was coin to be made, there were many places for dining and lodging nearby.

They found themselves seated in a corner booth where they could look out over the street while enjoying their food and drink. This tavern was fairly crowded as well, though they still managed to get seated.

"So where do you hail from Matt Garland?" Catia asked over the clamor of distant conversation from the other tables.

"Uh... I'm from Balbet actually," Matt answered awkwardly, feeling uncomfortable talking about himself. "It's a fishing village south of here and close to the lakes of Arcado." Out of corner of his eye, Matt could see one of the barmaids making her way to their table. She walked with a sway that caused her hips to jiggle slightly beneath her clothes and her waist seemed quite narrow compared to her ample chest which looked almost ready to burst out of her dress. When she reached them she smiled and placed two cups before the couple and took their orders.

Astonishingly, Catia had decided on a beef bowl. An oddity. Meat was not typically something elves would eat for sustenance, largely preferring fruits and vegetables instead. Granted Matt's knowledge of how elves lived was fairly limited, but that was knowledge he'd heard in passing in more than a few conversations.

Catia nodded thoughtfully as she sipped on her wine, then looked up at Matt once more.

"You must miss your family." It wasn't an accusatory question, merely an observation.

"I guess so." Matt replied absently. He knew what she meant; he missed home but it was either this life or become a fisherman like his father. There were more than enough fisherman in his village. Trade was good. His family never starved, but there was no future for him there.

Matt sighed.

Catia shook her head sadly and gave Matt a knowing look.

He shook his head. "And what about you Catia? Where do you come from?"

She grinned. "From Berk itself! I've lived here my entire life!" The elf girl responded happily and there was a touch of smugness there. "I bet you're surprised Matt Garland."

"That- That is quite a coincidence." He stuttered nervously as he took another drink of water to avoid saying anything embarrassing.

"Indeed." Catia's eyes lit with enthusiasm again. "All the more reason I've decided on this quest. I cannot allow bandits to run amok across my home town unchecked when we adventurers are ready to fight them down!" She said passionately and leaned over the table conspiratorially. "I know all about these raiders."

"Y-you do?" Matt asked. That was new information.

"Oh yes. If these bandits are who I think they are, then dealing with them should be a simple matter."

That was another odd thing to say. Matt didn't know how dealing with any bandit was going to be a simple matter. These brigands have already killed people. Some of them armed. They were truly dangerous. What exactly did Catia have planned? But whatever Matt was going to say was interrupted when the pretty barmaid from before returned with their meals.

"Here you go ~" she said cheerily before placing two bowls on the table and sliding away without waiting for payment.

As she departed she flashed a smile at Catia before heading off to another table where she would serve other customers.

The food smelled amazing and for a time they ate in silence but even that couldn't distract Matt for long.

"You mentioned earlier you knew something about those bandits," Matt began slowly while picking up his spoon.

Catia nodded thoughtfully as if she had been thinking about what he'd just said as well.

"Yes... I do." She answered carefully and set her own utensils down on her bowl so she could lean forward. Her breasts jiggled as she sat back in the booth. "But we can talk more about that in the morning." She paused and seemed almost embarrassed by her next words: "It's getting late though so let us get some rest tonight shall we?"

She stood up and held out a hand towards him, her face turning red. Matt took her offered hand. She was warm and soft. Just as she was before.

...Wait a minute. She wasn't suggesting-!?