Feyborne Chronicles

Chapter 1: Adrian's Visit

I stood at my apartment's entrance on a typical Sunday evening, watching the sunset and its amber light casting shadows in my small living room. The fresh air outside offered a brief respite from my cramped apartment's confines.

Life had become repetitive, lacking clear direction. That night, I felt an overwhelming urge for change, so I stepped out onto the balcony stairs, looking over the city. The air, usually just a backdrop of urban life, seemed to resonate with my restlessness.

My quiet reflection was suddenly broken by my best friend's arrival. I could see him walking with purpose up the steps below me. I sighed and took a deep breath. "Again huh?" I muttered to myself.

Adrian had been my best friend since Kindergarten. As kids, we had constantly gotten in trouble, admittedly mostly because of me but he was always there to pull me out of it. He was loyal and a steadfast friend.

Lately, however, Adrian seemed to have become more distant. His struggles getting the better of him. Most people missed it but I noticed the occasions when his calm demeanor would slip into unease. I was also aware of a new awkwardness in our interactions that had not been there before but our friendship stood firm. I could tell he needed me again today. Just as he was for me.

When Adrian bounded up the steps he was surprised to see me waiting. I waved, "Hey man, what's up?"

Adrian, normally the picture of stability, appeared visibly unsettled in front of me, a stark contrast to his usual composure that immediately raised my concern. His black hair was a mess and he looked disheveled. "Hey, can you talk?"

I nodded my head and he walked over next to me. Leaning his back against the wall. He went to say something but stopped himself. I heard him take a deep breath. "Alex, we've been through a lot, haven't we?

I turned to look at him and put my arms on the railings to lean back. Matching his posture. "Just a time or two. I can't think of a specific one at the top of my head but.." I paused in a teasing manner. A forced smile on my face.

Adrian looked at me and grinned, knowing I was lying. Adrian had made a mistake with his current girlfriend, forgetting an important date. I had been a good wingman and took the blame for his tardiness earning her wrath. I was fine with it though, she couldn't hate me forever. I had set them up after all.

That was why his next few words took me by surprise.

"I ended things with Heather," Adrian said. He looked a bit sheepish at the admission.I couldn't help it. I muttered a curse. "Damnit, Adrian what happened? If I am the cause I will make it right. I will go talk to her, let me make this right." I began to walk to my door so I could go grab my phone.

"NO! It was not your fault. Don't apologize." Adrian had jumped up and his posture was defensive. I put my hands in the air to surrender.

"Easy man, I'm just trying to help. Let's go inside and crack a few beers then we can talk this over." I slowly reached around him and opened the door to my apartment.

He met my gaze, his eyes stormy. "It's complicated, Alex. There's a lot I'm trying to sort out," he admitted, his voice breaking a bit.