Down the Pathway

Barkeep

Walking into the bar was nerve wracking for them. On their search for fables they learned about the story of the monster that hunted a pond on the wooded mountain tops. After investigating and questioning the townspeople they learned of an old man who might know something. The whispers of the town led them to the bar.

The noise they heard outside did nothing to prepare them for the festive chaotic nature that was inside. Everything and everyone in the room seemed to bounce between moments with hearty laughs and ones with jolly dances. It was an infectious atmosphere that helped to ease their worries about talking to the old man.

Swaying to the beat as they walked they searched the bar. After what felt like an hour and admitting defeat they finally turned to leave the bar. Just as they reached the door and their hand made contact with the knob a loud voice sounded nearby; the room seemed unaffected by the voice despite the shutter that overcame them.

"WAIT!"

They swung around wildly, leaving their eyes rolling around in an attempt to catch up with their head. The movement ended up with them over balancing and they were sent down in a valiant attempt to hug the floor.

"Whoa there, didn't mean for ya to fall in your fright," the person murmured as a strong arm stopped their descent, "come let's sit at a table till you feel right again."

The pair made their way to one of the only open spots in the bar. The energy that surrounded the pair was quickly forgotten to the strangling awkwardness. They couldn't look at the person and focused on the crowd next to the pair's hiding spot.

The person eventually cleared their throat before their voice uttered out, "My name..." they Paused for a moment, "Oh it doesn't matter but I'm the old man of this town. Heard you were searching for me, don't know what for."

They stared at the old man in front of them taking in his form. He was a large burly man that had scars that littered across his skin like peppered kisses that marred the skin. They looked just like what everyone described.

They gasp out in surprise, "Oh! So you were the person that everyone mentioned."

Worry colors the old man's voice, "Hopefully all good things," he pauses for a moment before continuing, " Why are ya looking for an old man like me?"

They say with a small smile, "I've been on a search for myths and I heard of the monster on the mountain. People here say that you know the most about it."

~~

Note I know this might be short but I just plan on posting this by page completed.. might make it a little different and fix it later.