The Faded King

     A bitter wind blew through the snow-covered streets of Kawashanjo. Aethertide's eve was in its twilight hours, and most of the lamps throughout town had already been dimmed. One place still clung to the light and life of day, however; the Double Charlie Inn and Tavern sat not far from the City gates, a beacon of warmth for natives and travelers alike. Those without loved ones to spend the holiday with still deserved a place to feel companionship, after all.

     The pub was filled with chatter and mirthful shouts. The crowd of revelers had spent the evening celebrating the recent signing of a peace treaty between their Empire of Jung-Kand and the far-off kingdom of Esterle.
     "Heh, how long d'ya think it's gonna last this time?"
     "Who cares? Let's enjoy it while it's here!"
     "Aye, to peace!"
     Cheers erupted from the throng, followed by the sound of mugs clinking together in toast.

     Two patrons who sat at the bar away from the crowd were having a less jovial discussion, however.
     "...And she still won't believe me!"
     "Well, if you kept coming home past midnight looking like death and told me you were just 'working a bit late', I wouldn't believe you either."
     Tetsu, a balding and somewhat gaunt Kandese gentleman, let out a long sigh. "I don't really want to talk about this anymore..."
     He turned to look at Ingmar, the younger Esterlean man who was contemplating his drink next to him. The two had been close friends ever since he had come looking for work at Tetsu's warehouse a couple years ago, and they often met up to talk about whatever came to mind over ale.

     The youth nodded his head, dropping his matter-of-fact demeanor. "Alright, I'll leave it be. Just...maybe try and be more upfront with her about it? She'll understand."
     Tetsu nodded slightly but remained silent. I hope she understands..., he thought. He shifted his focus back to his mug. As he went to take a sip of ale it suddenly occurred to him that he ought to check his coin-purse. Dammit, not again... He was a fewmore Augin short of covering his tab than he would care to admit. He sheepishly looked to his friend. "Um, hey... I hate to ask again, but—"
     "Yeah, I've gotcha."
     Tetsu frowned. "Sorry..."
     "C'mon, don't worry about it. It's what friends are for!" Ingmar clasped Tetsu's shoulder. "Besides, I know you'll pay me back."
     "Right," Tetsu said, giving Ingmar an appreciative smile. Still, between this and trying to hide his second job from his family, he could not help but feel ashamed. Things have been so hard since business with the Sowebs dried up...

     The two drank in silence for a moment.
     "Last round!" could be heard just barely over the rest of the rowdy guests, but they paid it little mind.
     Ingmar's face suddenly lit up. "...Hey, wanna hear a little Esterlean legend?"
     Tetsu gave him a look. "I swear, if by 'legend' you mean you're gonna talk about that time you got drunk on your Tidesmarch again..."
     "No, no!" Ingmar insisted. "I've got a real one this time." He cleared his throat and began: "Let me tell you about the Faded King..."

     Tetsu's ears perked up. "Huh, I think I've heard about this somewhere."
     "Well, the story's gotten more widespread nowadays," the young man replied, "but it started in Esterle, far as I know."
     "Right..." Tetsu absentmindedly brushed his thumb across his dark mustache as he thought for a moment. "Doesn't it have to do with some sort of wandering ghost?"
     "Something like that, I suppose."
     Tetsu furrowed his brow. "Well then it's already a little hard to believe, isn't it? Ghosts usually stay in one place, if I remember right; like the Emperors over in the Garden District."
     "Yes, that's true..." Ingmar let out a small chuckle. "Chatty bunch, aren't they?"
      "Ugh, yep! Can't spend half a moment in the gazebo without being assaulted with 'greetings, dear subject! You know, this structure was built during my reign, and blah blah-de blah...'" The two burst into laughter.
     After the duo calmed down, Ingmar continued. "Well in any case, that's why I don't actually think the King is a ghost."
     Tetsu cocked his head slightly. "Oh? What do you think it is, then?"