Tavern

The Tavern

The Tavern

The tavern was busy with various patrons - hunters, gatherers, wanderers, adventure seekers, there was no discrimination in these parts. The young winch served every table as quickly as she could, it was a busy night for there had been a rumor an invasion of orcs was coming. The leader of the town had put out a reward for anyone that could stop the orcs and protect the town. People and creatures from all over had gathered and though the young winch was grateful so many had come to help her town, she was also highly frustrated that the tavern was so busy! Not only that, but full of disrespectful people whose only concern was greed.

"Excuse me! Winch! Winch!" A woman called out from a table. The young woman turned and frowned. Not them. "I have yet to get my drink!" An older woman dressed in armor with a green aura around her screeched. She was the epitome of beauty. Tall, thin, curvy, long gorgeous hair. Any man would fall over for her, the winch had to give her that, but her personality was hateful.

"I'm sorry ma'am!" The young woman responded. "We're really backed up; I'll make sure to..."

"Not an excuse! I've been waiting forever! Don't you care for your customers?!"

"Dear...she's trying the best she can..." A beast like man stated next to her. The winch smiled, he was horrendous looking – a giant ferocious monster with horns and a hunchback, but he was always so gentle. The two evened each other out. The woman scoffed and crossed her arms.

"You always try to see the light in things! I don't understand! It must be your idiotic personality." The beast shrugged and looked at the winch who was struggling to put down multiple drinks.

"You're doing great, we're in no hurry here." The woman side glanced him and frowned. The winch always felt a sense of relief when this beast spoke. She never knew their names, but those particular two always came whenever there was a slight inkling of a reward. The woman led the way, the winch always figured the beast just followed her like a puppy, never really having a say, but never really caring to. She didn't understand why though, he was so much stronger and self-sufficient and kind, why would he want a frail, mean spirited object next to his side? Why would he tolerate her abuse? Some men came over to their table, obviously drunk and tried to hit on her. She laughed as the beast watched and did nothing. He shifted his eyes away from the scene, ignoring, yet hurt at what was occurring. The winch finally got to their table and sat down their drinks.

"My apologies for the wait." The woman scoffed and snatched her drink.

"Well you won't be getting a tip from me!" She turned back to the men as they continued to try and woo her. The winch sighed. The beast accidentally touched her hand as he was taking his drink. The winch slightly jumped,

"Oh, I'm sorry!"

"No, no! I'm sorry." He looked up at her, his eyes were like a lost puppy – hurt and uncertain, but still loyal. "Hey..." he said lowly, "Sorry about her...she's just like this...you get use to it after a while."

"Oh.... yeah.... okay."

"I mean, she is actually very kind." The winch raised her eyebrow. She did not like to get in the middle of her patrons' personal lives, but she listened. "She found me when I was at my lowest, she still stays with me even though I am..." He looks down at himself, "She's very caring, she just doesn't show it in public." The winch sighed and turned from the table,

"If she's afraid to show it in public, then she lies when you're alone." The beast blinked rapidly, thinking about her statement. She took a couple steps and stopped, "Oh..." She turned back to him, "...and there's nothing wrong with how you look, most people will rather be around someone who's beautiful on the inside than someone who's..." She glanced at the woman, "...not." She turned to tend to her other tables. The woman grimaced as she had heard the whole conversation but said nothing. The men in front of her kept with their swooning.

The winch's shift was over, she waved goodbye to her coworkers and stepped outside the door. The woman turned to the beast,

"I want you to go after her." The beast shook his head.

"What do you mean?" She lifted her left hand as a green glow formed around it. The beast's eyes turned green.

"You will do my bidding, beast." She grinned. They both stepped out of the tavern and saw the young winch walking. The woman laughed as the beast drooled, completely out of state. "Take care of her, set an example for all the women who try to take you from me." The beast stepped forward to charge, but then shook his head. The woman gasped, "Don't fight me! What are you doing?" She clinched her fist as the control took over. He grasped his head and moaned in pain. "You are mine and mine alone! I control you! I'm the only one that will ever control you!" The beast succumbed and charged towards the winch. The woman laughed. The beast roared as the winch turned around.

They were in the middle of a modern-day parking lot. A late 20's man with a burly beard and shaggy hair, and a body slightly hefty but very muscular ran up to the off-duty waitress. She clutched her purse, surprised that he had followed her out of the sports bar that was holding their weekly betting and watch party. The burly man smiled and held out some cash.

"Hey! I forgot to give you a tip!" The waitress looked baffled then smiled as she took the cash from him.

"Oh...uh....thanks! You didn't have to..."

"No!" He waved his hands in the air in surrender. "Thank you." There was silence as they both grinned. He turned and headed back to the door where a beautiful woman about the same age as him, with a skintight flashy dress, waited angrily. The waitress saw them exchange a few angry motions. The man took some keys out of his pocket and said,

"You're right. You are the only one that will ever control me." He walked the opposite way from her and whistled as she angrily opened the bars door back up and slammed it shut behind her. The waitress smirked and got in her car.