The Merchant and Tavern Master

Aftermath

In the late hours of that fateful night, the elven examiner arrived in response to the summons. The gnome scribe dutifully presented him with the meticulously transcribed records of the evening's events. As the examiner perused the written account, he chastised me for my actions, acknowledging the pain and yearning for retribution that drove me, yet unable to wholeheartedly endorse my course of action. He conceded, however, that without my clever ruse, their investigation into Cordelia's murder would have languished. The examiner warned me of the significant risks I had taken, including the potential repercussions from the influential Gemheart family. Yet, at that moment, I remained indifferent to such concerns. For the first time in my life, I felt utterly lost. The woman to whom I had pledged my heart was no more, and a profound sense of emptiness enveloped my being. The desire to pursue anything else waned as I basked in the aftermath of exacting my revenge upon Sir Geoffrey.

Sir Geoffrey was convicted and thrown to jail. His sanity appeared already gone. He was disinherited by the Gemheart family when his case was brought to light. I don't know if this will affect the business of the Gemheart family, but I simply don't care about it.

The lifeless form of Cordelia has been released from the icy grip of the mortuary, and I have made the necessary arrangements for her solemn funeral within the confines of this city. The somber halls of the Pixie Tavern echoed with profound cries of grief from her colleagues, who expressed their heartfelt apologies for their perceived failure in protecting her during my absence. I reassured them, absolving them of any blame, and expressed gratitude for their companionship while Cordelia graced this realm with her presence. Though sorrow weighs heavy upon me, my eyes remain dry, and an unsettling emptiness permeates my being. Even as her casket was lowered into the depths of the earth, becoming one with the soil of the cemetery, I found myself bereft of any emotional response. The elven examiner official, despite my insistence on entrusting Cordelia's burial with the golden ring I bestowed upon her, returned it to my possession, citing concerns of attracting the attention of grave robbers.

With the conclusion of the burial rites and the dispersal of the mournful crowd, a gentle touch upon my shoulder diverted my attention. It was none other than the tavern master of the Rusty Dagger, extending an invitation to join him in a moment of remembrance for Cordelia. He sought solace in the company of those who held her memory dear, and I accepted his offer, grateful for the opportunity to honor Cordelia's legacy in the sanctuary of his tavern.

"I have borne witness to the plight of countless girls like Cordelia, sold by their own kin in a desperate attempt to alleviate the burdens of feeding additional mouths. While these girls were provided with rudimentary education in reading and arithmetic, it was but an investment made by the brothel to mold them into skilled courtesans."

I listened in silence as the tavern master recounted his solemn tale.

"The haunting gaze of those girls, after their innocence was ruthlessly stolen at such tender ages, will forever be etched in my memory. It was as if life had been extinguished within them, replaced by the hollow eyes of the deceased. When the realization dawned upon me that I profited from the pain they endured, I was overcome with revulsion. Yet, I remained trapped in a web of cowardice, unable to break free."

I listened attentively, eager for the tavern master to reveal the untold chapters of Cordelia's past, shrouded in mystery until now.

"Our paths crossed unexpectedly as I joined several brothel workers in discarding the lifeless body of a fallen courtesan," the tavern master began. "Tears streamed down her cheeks as she lamented the prospect of meeting a similar fate, her voice filled with anguish. In that moment, I saw a flicker of hope in her eyes, an unwavering desire to cling to life despite her wretched circumstances within those walls."

The tavern master took a sip of his drink, savoring the taste momentarily before placing it back on the table, his eyes reflecting a mix of emotions as he continued his tale.

"In those trying times, all I could offer her was a sliver of encouragement, urging her to be resilient and grasp onto any chance that might come her way. And come it did when she skillfully enticed Sir Geoffrey, using her charm to secure her liberation. I cannot describe the joy I felt for her, so much so that not long after, I bid farewell to my role as the brothel's bouncer and established this humble tavern."

His words were tinged with a soft smile, evoking a sense of warmth.

"As I spent time with her over the past two years, I noticed a remarkable transformation in her. The lifeless gaze that haunted her during her time at the brothel vanished completely. In its place, I beheld a multitude of expressions that danced upon her countenance whenever she conversed with you. I must confess, upon learning that you had proposed to her, I experienced a mix of emotions — jealousy and happiness intertwined. It made me ponder if this is how a father would feel towards his beloved daughter, though I can't speak from personal experience, as I do not have one."

A subtle sense of happiness washed over me as I listened to the tavern master recount Cordelia's tale, knowing that she had shared her innermost thoughts with him. It was comforting to know that she had confided in someone who cared deeply for her, and it brought a glimmer of solace amidst the shadows of grief.

"I know how much she loved you. And since I also know how you feel about her, shouldn't you live your life to ensure her memories in you live as long as we can? I may not have been her true father, but I am certain that she would have wished for your continued life. She confided in me about your aspirations and dreams—to build wealth for your family, with her included in that cherished vision. Even in her absence, she undoubtedly would have wanted you to pursue that path, to keep striving for that dream," the tavern master affirmed.

Guided by the tavern master's wisdom, I resolved to press forward, even as the pain of Cordelia's absence gnawed at my soul. The truth was undeniable – her physical presence was no longer here, and I would undoubtedly miss her countless times. The ache of her loss would be a constant companion, but I knew that in my heart, she lived on through the memories we shared.

But I knew that in order to honor the love we shared, our serendipitous encounter, and the profound bond we forged, I had to keep moving. Cordelia's presence was palpable, and though I missed her dearly, I found solace in the knowledge that she would forever remain a part of me. As I embraced the future, I carried with me the beautiful memories of our time together, ensuring that her spirit lived on, eternally entwined with mine. I ventured forth, embarking on a new chapter of my life.