Vensten

Chapter 1: On a bench under the rising moon

Afternoon, 14th March , [UNKNOWN]

War is inevitable. Even after hundreds of years of peace, what he could see atop from the mountain was the once prosperous nation's remains.

Its once luscious green fields had now become a wasteland of rubble and flames.

Filling in that wasteland was countless bodies, all who were once individuals had now become plain statistics.

As he watched the conclusion to the once peaceful era begin, for the first time since his journey, was now doubting his next move.

Nighttime, 3rd September 17 A.W., [Half Mast Inn, Sirio]

In the middle of the woods, stood a lonesome wooden Inn. It basked under the full moon, which shined so bright that any use of a lantern would just be a waste.

The Inn was separated into two. Its sleeping quarters which took up most of the Inn's space and its restaurant.

The smell of humidity was etched into the very soul of the building. The lack of diligence in keeping what was once a must visit destination in Sirio, had now degraded into a passerby's inn. Towards the left, stood the once world renowned restaurant, which at one point was managed and run by one of the countries best cooks.

Inside the restaurant stood a young waiter, who had been staring at a wall for the last minute.

Manager: "Wayhne, Wayhne!"

Wayhne was propped awake

To his left, was his manager sitting behind the bar counter with a book in hand titled "Bartending 101".

Wayhne: "Hmm, yeah!"

Manager: "Pay attention man, we still have one customer. Go pick up his dirty glass"

Wayhne: "I was meant to finish my shift hours ago. Can I finish for the day? There's only one guy, you can take care of him!"

Although Wayhne's soft voice and charisma helped him gain extra tips, it never worked in asking for things from his manager.

The manager turned his chair to face him and put down his book.

Manager: "Listen, we are a family, and like a family we play different roles. I need to take care of things from here. You are the waiter, so go wait."

[Wayhne: He always gives the same family speech, I'll spit in his food tomorrow. This time for sure!]

Wayhne rolled his eyes and walked towards the customer.

Wayhne: "Hi there. Are you finished with that? Is there anything else I can help you with?"

The table in front of him was filled with cards from a playing deck.
There were cards on the chairs, plates and even inside the glass.
In response to Wayhne's question the man laughed

Strange man: "Yes! Also come sit over here when you finish!"

[Wayhne: He is so loud!]

As Wayhne finished returning the glass, he turned to his manager

Wayhne: "It's almost midnight, we were meant to close at ten. Can you kick him out please?"

Manager: "Are you crazy? That was his thirty-seventh glass of apple juice. Do you know how expensive we have it marked up? This guy is single handedly getting rid of our stock"
Wayhne: "What? We haven't bought any in months"