Somnium Online

Tavern

The interior of the tavern was much like the exterior. With a warm fire, comfortable furniture, and delicious food it was the picture of cozy. The light reflected off of the well-polished bar and gave the room a warm orange glow.

The inn was almost at full capacity, and the clamor and bustle of a restaurant in full swing created a dissonant symphony of clattering over the humming of conversations.

Then, like an angel on the battlefield, Anne emerged from the back room carrying a circular tray laden with drinks. She deftly navigated the room and delivered the drinks with the grace of an acrobat.

Eric took a seat in the far corner of the bar and waited for his turn. After a few minutes, Anne walked over smiling happily.

"Hello sorry, how may I help you toda-" her jaw dropped. "Wait, Eric?"

Eric grinned "That's me."

"What took you so long? I've been waiting all evening. You're late!"
Anne gave him a scathing look.

"I'm really sorry, I just had a quest to finish, and dire wolves don't usually kill themselves." Eric pleaded.

Anne seemed to consider him for a moment. "I'll accept your apology. This time. A room for the night is 5 coppers, and it comes with dinner and breakfast." Eric counted out the coins.

"Will this be enough?" He asked. Anne took the coins and put them in her apron.

"I'll be back in a minute with your order." She smiled.

"Wait, but I didn't order yet!" Anne gave him a look that clearly said. Shut up and do as I say or else.

Eric put his hands up in a placating gesture. And shook his head ruefully. This was one hell of a dream.

Anne reappeared after a short whole with two mugs of ale and two plates of steaming hot food. "Roasted boar with our house salad." She explained.

"Thank you, it looks delicious," Eric responded. Anne set the second set of food down and sat down across from him.

"I'm on break. Don't read into it, okay." She said simply. She stared him down, almost daring him to say something.

"Uh, sure, okay." Eric stammered. He began eating nervously. The food tasted completely real. This game was insane!

"So... how was your day?" Anne asked carefully, almost as if she had never asked someone the question.

"Today was fun. How about your day?"

Anne rolled her eyes. "I nearly got assaulted by two drunk men in an alley. Today was just splendid."

"That would definitely kill the mood... sis." Eric joked. Anne laughed. It was clear and almost melodic like a brook in the spring, sparkling and almost dancing downriver.

"So, Eric, what brings you to the Capital anyway?" Anne was curious.

"Uh, well you see..." Eric hadn't considered this. He needed a backstory and fast. "I'm just a traveler. I was interested in what the Capitol was like"

Anne was steadily downing ale. Eric hadn't even touched his. Even if this was just a game he preferred to stay sober.

"I actually came here about a year ago. My family living in the country needed money, so they sent me here to find a job." The alcohol was beginning to affect Anne. Eric was beginning to worry. "My parents said if I earned enough money I could go back home, but I still have a long way to go."

Anne continued spilling her life story, but Eric wasn't really paying much attention. The majority of his focus was on the sheer amount of alcohol Anne was consuming. By now the table was covered in empty mugs, and her face was red. She was officially drunk.

"Hey, Anne, don't you think you've had enough to drink?" Eric said cautiously." Anne seemed to consider this, but the alcohol had slowed her cognitive functions. "Nonssssense." She slurred. "I'm totally.... sober." Anne's eyes grew heavy, and she rested her head on the table. "I just need to rest for a minute and then I'll-" Anne passed out and began snoring loudly.

Eric sighed ruefully and began clearing the table. He brought the empty mugs to the bartender.

"Ah, sorry about that." He said apologetically. The bartender, a large middle-aged woman laughed merrily. "That girl needed a night off anyway. She works herself to the bone. Do you mind taking care of her for me? You seem like a nice enough guy, but don't get any ideas." Eric did a mock salute "Sure thing, Ma'am, I wouldn't dream of it. She'd probably gouge my eyes out if I even thought about it."

The bartender laughed. "You're not wrong about that! Your room is upstairs, just lay her on the ground until she sobers up."

"Thank you, Ma'am." Eric returned to the table and shook his head. Anne was snoring like a dragon. He hoisted her onto his back and began carrying her up the stairs.

He made his way to the room he had rented, and gently lay Anne down on the bed. He eased her boots off and placed them neatly by the door. After pulling up the covers and making sure Anne would be comfortable. She stirred a bit and opened her eyes briefly. "Hey, Eric..." she said drowsily.

"You should stop being so nice to me, or I might start falling in love with you." Anne smiled softly and closed her eyes.

Eric shook his head. There was no way, she must have been totally drunk. He checked the door's lock and unbuckled the sword from his belt. After laying his pack on the ground, he went to sleep on the ground, with his pack as a pillow.

As he drifted off to sleep he marvelled at the world he had entered. He was dreaming within a dream. The people here were so lifelike, he almost forgot he was playing a game. They even got drunk!

"You know, even if this is just a game, I'm going to conduct myself like it's real. Just because someone is an NPC doesn't give me the right to act all superior." Eric looked out the window, for a moment, and marveled at the night sky before closing his eyes, and falling asleep.

Eric woke up to a scream. Perfect, Eric thought. Just what I need in the morning. A hungover Anne. "Ow, my head hurts," Anne complained.

"Good morning to you too sleeping beauty." I'll get you some water. You were totally drunk last night. Your boss gave you the night off.

Anne turned bright red. "W-what?! I was drunk!" Eric smirked.

"You passed out on the table so your boss had me carry you up here and keep watch."

Anne's blush deepened from light red to sunburn. "You didn't do anything weird... did you?"

Eric laughed. "Oh please, like I would dare do anything that stupid. Don't think I forgot what you almost did to the last guys who tried something."

Anne relaxed a bit. "W-well, if you say so, I guess I'll believe you."

"I'll be right back with some water, so just sit tight." Eric left quickly and returned with a pitcher of water and a cup.

Anne poured a cup shakily and drank greedily. After a few minutes, she paused

"Hey... Eric." She said.

"Yeah?"

"Well, uh, thanks for... you know..."

Eric smiled warmly. "Don't mention it, you would probably do the same for me."

"Anyway, I need to head out. I have to get to the guild before all the good jobs are gone!" Eric equipped his gear, slung his pack over his shoulder, and started to leave.

"Hey, Eric!" Anne called. "Come back safe or I'll kill you!"

"I'll do my best!" Eric replied.

Eric left the Tavern behind as he started towards the guildhall and his next adventure.