Zero

Bar FIGHT!

Nestled on the southern shore of a shimmering lake, the Crossroad of Cenarius emerges from the heart of a mysterious swampy jungle, where the air is thick with the scent of damp earth and the whispers of ancient trees. This enchanting locale, ruled by the wise Supervisor Elluin, is a haven for night elves whose lives are intricately woven with the ancient statues that dot the landscape—enigmatic relics shrouded in secrets and revered for their significance to the community of Cenorias. The Crossroad itself, with its rugged charm, boasts dark wooden rooftops that look like sentinels over faded granite walls, while dusty windows cast fragmented reflections of the vibrant jungle beyond. An uncanny atmosphere pervades the air, inviting visitors to explore its depths and uncover the stories hidden within. At the heart of this mystical place stands the Tavern, a beloved establishment born from the craftsmanship of elves who once ventured here 66 years ago—a rustic sanctuary where laughter and tales of adventure intertwine.

As Astral steps through the shimmering portal, he inhales deeply, the familiar scents of his hometown flooding his senses with a wave of nostalgia.

Just then, Jaylen tumbles out behind him, landing in a heap and groaning, "Ow- ow. Ow-" His frustration mingles with the allure of the Crossroad as he gathers himself. "That was a doozy—" he mutters, shaking his head to dispel the lingering disorientation.

Astral chuckles softly, the warmth of camaraderie evident in his voice. "Yeah, it scrambles you a bit your first few times; you'll learn."

Confused yet intrigued, Jaylen asks, "So—why are we here?" "The Tavern," Astral replies with a knowing gleam in his eyes. Jaylen's brows furrow in disbelief.

"Wh- Wait what? We have no mission? We came for a tavern—"

"Yup," Astral affirms, starting down the winding path that leads into the heart of Cenarius. "Plus, this is my hometown..."

"What?!" Jay exclaimed, his voice echoing slightly in the stillness. He followed Astral, wincing at the lingering pain that throbbed through his limbs, but it was a manageable discomfort—nothing compared to the curiosity that drove him forward. "Wait, you lived here?"

"Yeah..." Astral replied, a distant look clouding his eyes.

"Why did you leave?"

"Didn't have a reason to stay anymore," Astral sighed, his voice heavy with unspoken memories. As they walked, the town unfolded around them—a quiet, unassuming place, draped in a shroud of modesty.

The buildings leaned close together as if sharing whispered secrets, their peeling paint and cracked facades betraying the passage of time. There wasn't much life here; the streets were deserted, save for the occasional scuttle of a stray cat or the rustle of wind through the overgrown weeds. Eventually, they approached a structure that loomed before them like an ancient sentinel.

The tavern was a patchwork of stacked boulders and sandstone pillars, its exterior exuding an air of discomfort, gloom, and neglect. The windows were large but shrouded with heavy, tattered curtains that obscured the gloom within, allowing only a faint flicker of light to escape—a stark contrast to the dark ambiance that surrounded it. An unsettling energy pulsed from inside, as if the very walls held their breath, anticipating the arrival of its guests. As they stepped through the small, soft wooden door, the creak of the hinges was swallowed by the deep silence that enveloped them. The gentle ring of the doorbell seemed almost like a gasp in the stillness. Inside, the atmosphere was thick with unspoken tales and lingering shadows.

The bartender stood behind the counter, rubbing a glass with an old cloth that did little to brighten its surface, his movements mechanical until he caught sight of Astral. At the sight of him, a broad smile spread across the bartender's face, transforming his weathered features. He waved Astral over, the welcoming gesture breaking the silence like a ray of light piercing through a storm cloud. "Astral," he called, his voice warm and inviting, echoing through the dimly lit space. Jay glanced around, his heart racing with intrigue, as he stepped deeper into the tavern—an unexpected sanctuary in a world that felt both familiar and utterly foreign.