Hars, a small city near the borders of Arth, is only slightly larger than most villages, yet boasts a significantly higher population and level of activity than many cities. Its prominence comes from its strategic location at major crossroads, making it a frequently used trading route.
In this city, where every business is war, a tavern stood out amongst it rivals. The residents of Hian called it Angel's lair.
The tavern was moderate, beer and services same as others. What made it stand out in just two years however, was none other than the presence of its gorgeous barmaid.
"Thanks for the tip, please come again" The barmaid, Ciare, appreciated. Her smile radiant, a simple curve of her lips enough to melt even the coldest of hearts.
"S-sure" the patron stuttered, slightly blushing. He continued to glance back at the beauty as he exit the bar.
A choruses of awe and excitement followed by a loud silence filled the room. Alerted Ciare scanned the bar, meeting the gaze of infatuated men.
The patrons, transfixed, could only stare, as if they were in the presence of an angel. A few wore twisted smirks, their thoughts crawling just beneath the surface.
"Pathetic" she thought, watching as the en fawned over her. "They'd squander their entire fortune over a simple smile. Men are just so pathetic."
The creak of the entrance door broke the silence. Attracting the attention of the whole cast. A man in hood walked in, every step echoing through the room. He approached the barmaid and pulled down his hood, freeing his bright red hair from its heat; it was the Red Devil.
"Take me to the boss" he demanded.
Ciare took a glance at him "The boss? who does he think he is?" She assessed him again "He's quite good looking though, but in the end he's just another man, he'll ..."
She was cut in thought by the devil's clear voice, "will you continue staring or answer me? also get rid of that 'smile' it's disgusting."
She was in shock, speechless. Disgusting was the farthest thing that described her.
"Hey" a deep voice from behind caught their attention.
The devil glanced back to find a angry mob, bloodlust clearly exuding from them.
"How dare you talk to our goddess like that" voice filled with fury, a bald huge man approached the devil.
The air grew thick with tension, the floor creaking under the weight of the gathered men. Red Devil's hand hovered near his sword, the cold gleam of the blade already catching the dim light of the tavern. Behind him, the mob stirred, their breaths heavy with fury and the promise of violence.
"That's enough!"
A sharp voice from above disrupted the tension, it was the tavern boss. He looks around fifty in age, moderately tall with grey hair and beards.
"We're closed for today everyone except the red one can leave" he declared, his voice firm and demanding.
The huge man clenched his fist "there's no way I'm leaving before teaching this punk a lesson." he opposed.
"Leave. Now. I'm not asking" the boss commanded, his gaze heartfreezing.
Startled, the huge man grit his teeth, and gave up. "I'll let you live for now. Make sure I don't meet you outside." He exited the bar followed by the gathering patrons.
The tension eased with the patrons' exit. "You are always getting into trouble everywhere you go." boss said, a smile across his old face.
"It trouble that comes lookin for me." the devil replied with also smiling.
YOU ARE READING
Beyond Existence
Fantasy"What is existence? How far does it stretch? Where does it begin or end? And what lies beyond it?" This is the journey of friends and foes, companions and strangers, as they traverse the boundaries of the known and unknown, living and nonliving, ven...
