The Game Before the Fall

Chapter 53: The things we should have known. (Part 1)

Chapter 53: The things we should have known.

4 months after the Fall:

Her voice sounded clearly throughout the hall. An elegant and powerful voice that commanded those around to listen to her song. I stood amongst the crowd, enjoying the reprieve.

And so we fear the smiling man.

For he who comes and goes with glee.

They bark and break the world throughout.

Fear the smiling man.

The King they praise without a doubt betrays the hearts of all.

With whom the world forsakes as old, we fear the smiling man.

Her song finished leaving me perplexed. The tune was wonderful and smooth but the lyrics themselves confused me. I turned to Vanter beside me.

"So, that song, what was it about?"

"The song?" Vanter blinked. "Ah, it's like one of those kid nursery rhymes to warn them of dangerous things."

"So don't trust smiling men?" I asked perplexed. "Is that a cultural thing?"

"Kind of, I guess." He shrugged. "The smiling man refers to demons. Not literal smiling men. Though I guess the song is also a warning to not trust suspicious strangers."

"Demons?" I raised an eyebrow at him. "They weren't in Areithia Online."

"I don't know much about it. They went extinct after Areithia broke down. As kids, a lot of our story's villains were demons or someone controlled by one." He laughed, "Look we have bigger things to worry about, like Rift Walkers and waking up tomorrow sober for training." He raised his bottle.

"How much have you drunk now?

Vanter paused, unsure and trying to picture the amount in his head.

I reached for his bottle and picked it from his hands, "Yeah, I think that's enough."

"Oh, come on, just one more? We Elves are pretty good drinkers," he reached back for the bottle, but I kept it away.

"Since when was that true? Also, you'll thank me for it tomorrow."

"No, you don't get it. If I drink enough, I'll be too sick to train!"

"You really think the Lieutenant would let that slide?"

Vanter paused realising I was right. His eyes flicked back and forth waying up the options in his mind, "I can handle one more."

"Ah fine," I tried to hand back the bottle.

He didn't take it, "If I'm going for one more, I want a fresh one."

I sighed and chuckled as he moved through the crowd to find another drink. I looked around and felt the joyful atmosphere as people let loose from all their pent-up emotions due to the Fall. I smiled and hoped more times like this would come, where we could celebrate despite the Fall. Things were looking better.

**

Ardent Friend:

"Hey, where are you going?" the elven man's voice stopped me mid step. "You aren't thinking of running off now, are you?"