Wars of Eredhar: The Dawn of Darkness

"The lost child"

It didn't take them long until they reached the Thug Tavern. It was a two-floor building, rather tall than large and there was something odd about it. Its vibe was given by the shabby aspect, with dirt on its bricks, at least those that were still intact. Those missing were replaced with an ingenious design, namely a plank and two nails. It just shouted for help, for someone to take care of it and that someone surely wasn't any of the inhabitants.

Those inside could easily be divided into three groups. There was the owner, who considered himself to be the upper class of the Jolly Clan. The clan was a part of a growing and prosperous bandit society, who were pillaging, or according to them, relieving the peasants of their daily distractions, such as chickens, a cow or two, or a few coins now and then. But the owner had wanted to make a change, to renounce the path of thievery. By doing so, he inherited the Tavern from his ancestors and was using it as a safe haven for the less honest folks, thus not getting involved in robberies and other not so legal activities.

The second category represented the staff of the Tavern. The people that served the customers consisted of a young kid, around the age of 12 and a couple of women trying to earn a coin or two... well, you get the point. Also, they acted as information gatherers and a great source for those who wanted to keep in touch with the events that were happening around Eredhar.

Last, but sadly, not least, the third category of inhabitants were the patrons. They came from the west of Eoland, from all around the lands belonging to the Dynasty of Aedorn. Even they were split into several layers of the bandit society. There was also another, not so friendly group, the ones from the distant corners of Eredhar, that came and went, just passing through the Tavern, conducting all sorts of peculiar jobs while inside. They were the ones that the people were most afraid of, even the owners, but they were a good source of coin.

As Luna opened the door, a loud screech filled the room, but apparently nobody cared about that and just minded their own business. She and Dean slowly made their way towards one of the owners, who was standing behind the bar. As they made their way among the tables, they tried not to stand out, keeping a low profile. However, that didn't last for long, as Dean tripped over a person who was lying unconscious on the floor. As he did that, he reached for something to hold on, but missed the table and accidentally hit the man he tripped over.

"You fucking little brat!" the man shouted angrily at Dean as he stood up.

"There goes the subtlety of our arrival here..." sighed Luna as she rushed back towards Dean.

"I ... I ...Sir, I ... wait!!" he started crawling on his back, for the man was clearly pissed, coming straight at him and doubtfully with any good intentions.

Right as he was about to punch Dean, Luna rushed in and grabbed the man by his shoulder, twisting him around, making him face her. "I'm sure that my friend didn't mean to do that and I'm certain he is sorry. That being said, let's just move on..."

"Get your hands off me, you whore!" he shouted, as he shoved Luna, making her lose her balance. She got pushed a few steps back, but managed not to fall off her feet, leaning forward and reaching for the floor with her right hand.

"I won't say it again. Leave now or face the consequences." Luna slowly stood up in front of the man, with her head down, looking into the wooden floor. As the first words came out of her mouth, her gaze pierced the stranger, making him shiver.

"Move, now! Get the fuck out of my way!!" The man, covered in fear and sweat, rushed to the door, pushing and tripping over the ones that were in his way, as a powerful wind suddenly slammed the door wide open.

"What just..." Dean looked up at her in bewilderment.

"Come, I do not want to waste any more time here", she gave him her hand, just to help him get up.