Let Them Sing
EXP: 155,108, Level: 17
Level completed: 18%,
EXP required for next Level: 14,892
The Sword and Staff was located at the edge of the promenade, far away from the winding labyrinth of filthy alleyways and grotty passages that comprised the inner workings of the city. It was a crooked but quaint sort of building, propped up by its smooth, whitewashed limestone walls and protected from the elements by a brittle slate roof that looked as if it was barely holding together. Almost any time someone shut the heavy front door, fragments of splintered shale tile would rain down over the pavement and pepper the road below.
Despite its dilapidated state, the tavern always boasted a healthy turn out and even more so as travellers looked to take refuge from the bitter winter air. Through the frosted glass windows, coated with a thin layer of ice, it was clear to see a handful of oil lanterns burning brightly and the shadows of their patrons jigging merrily about. A chorus of drunken cheers leapt from the crevices of the doors, sending a shiver down the spines of those passing by.
Shinsou Vaan Osiris had decided to take a day off from worrying about the affairs of Telgradia and Althanas. He had heard about a specially brewed dark Radasanthian ale that was served here, and had decided to sample it for himself. The rule was that if it was good enough for him, it was likely to kill a few brain cells, and that was just fine by Shinsou. Recent events with the Council of Five’s impending arrival weighed heavily on his mind, and the Telgradian needed time to unwind.
“This…†Shinsou started, peering inside his pewter tankard at the murky brown liquid within, “…looks strong. It smells strong too…â€
Talking entirely to himself, he grinned, coolly watching his drink swill around from the comfort of the bar. The former emperor of Telgradia, with golden eyes locked firmly onto his drink, held the cold edge of his tankard steadily against his lips and swallowed deeply.
“Fuck…me…â€
Shinsou, swigging another two inches of his beer, frowned.
“This tastes like shit, but it hits you like a maul.â€
A bystander, who was drinking the same as Shinsou, decided to clear up any misunderstanding about the reputation of the beer.
“It’s strong stuff. Radasanthian Dream, they call it. It will put pubes on your pubes, that’s for sure!â€
The former emperor’s legs folded underneath him as he sunk his second glass in one sitting, a trickle of beer forking down his chin.
Everything was fuzzy around the edges.