Running a Tavern as a Former Witch!

When the evening settled in, and the tavern was filled with the hum of conversation and the clinking of glasses, I found a quiet moment to myself. Taking out a piece of parchment and a quill, I decided it was time to write a letter to the Holy Saint. Rumors had been swirling that he might have been exiled by the King, and if is true, we could use his guidance and aid.

I dipped the quill in ink and began to write:

-

Dear Levi,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits. It has come to my attention that you may have been exiled by the King, and I seek to confirm the truth of these rumors. Your wisdom and presence are sorely needed, and I would be honored to offer you sanctuary here at my tavern.

Recently, I embarked on a perilous journey with a man named Eamon to retrieve the Staff of Aether. The task was fraught with danger, and we now face the monumental challenge of finding and protecting other powerful artifacts from the Shadow Circle. Your guidance and support could prove invaluable in our quest.

Please, if you are able, respond at your earliest convenience. The world grows darker each day, and I deem your assistance as an important instrument in this purge. Please, lend us your power.

With respect and hope,

-

I signed the letter with my name and sealed it with a wax stamp bearing the emblem of my tavern. Calling over one of the local messengers, I handed the letter to him with instructions to deliver it with utmost urgency.

As the messenger departed into the night, I couldn't help but feel a mixture of anticipation and dread. The journey ahead would be fraught with challenges, but with allies like Eamon, Ion, and possibly the Holy Saint, I held onto hope that we could prevail against the encroaching darkness.

The tea kettle began whistling. I stood up and turned off the fire. The door opened behind me, and Ion's voice called to me. "Miss, there's been a bit of a scuffle. One of the tables broke during a fight."

I sighed, though a smile played at my lips. "Show me the damage, Ion. I'll see what we can do."

In the main room, a group of adventurers sheepishly stood around a broken table. "Sorry, miss," one of them mumbled, clearly embarrassed.

"It's alright," I said, approaching the table. I gripped the heavy wooden pieces and lifted them.

"I'll get this fixed in no time."The adventurers watched in awe as I carried the broken table parts to the back room. Moments later, I returned with a new table, setting it down with ease.

"How do you do that?" one of the adventurers asked, somewhat flabbergasted.

"Just a bit of old witchcraft," I repeated with a wink, eliciting a round of laughter from our patrons.

As the night wore on, I continued to mingle with the customers, sharing stories and laughs. Despite the looming threats, the tavern remained a place of warmth and joy, a beacon of light in these troubled times.

When the last patron finally left, and the tavern grew quiet, I found myself gazing at the Staff of Aether, securely hidden in a chest behind the counter. Another artifact given by Vernon.

The challenges ahead were quite nerve-wrecking, but with friends and allies by my side, I felt ready to face whatever came next. Although powerless, I felt assured that it wouldn't be a burden but another adventure to look forward to.

-

The sound of coins hitting each other filled the empty tavern. The moonlight casting a soft bright glow through the window. I tugged the rope of the loot bag and set it properly in table in front of me.

Ion entered, I called him and gently pushed the loot towards him. His eyes widened in surprise as he took the money. “This is more than I expected,” he said, his voice tinged with genuine gratitude, and surprise.

“It’s what you’ve earned,” I replied with a warm smile. “I appreciate all the hard work you’ve done. Consider this a token of my thanks.”

Ion nodded, a hint of a smile touching his lips. “Thank you, Miss. I was not expecting this.”

I gestured toward the small table in the corner of the room, where a bottle of deep red wine sat beside two glasses. “Why don’t we celebrate a bit? I’d like to get to know you better, if you don’t mind.”

Ion looked at the wine bottle with mild curiosity. “I’m not very familiar with wine. My upbringing did not include many luxuries.”

Ah, he did tell me that before. “You mentioned before that you were raised in the mountains. What was that like?”

I poured the wine for both of us, gently placing one of the glass closer to Ion. Ion took a sip, savoring the unfamiliar taste. He leaned back, eyes reflecting a distant memory.

“It was a harsh but fulfilling life,” Ion began. “My family and I lived in isolation, high up in the mountains. The environment was unforgiving—barely any resources, and the weather was extreme. We had to make do with what we had.”

I listened closely, my curiosity getting the best of me. “What did you learn from that experience?”

Ion’s gaze grew distant. “Survival was the first lesson. Every day was a challenge. We learned to adapt quickly. My parents taught me to fight—how to defend myself and hunt for food. Every skill I’ve picked up was essential for our survival. It was not just about physical strength, though. We learned to read nature, predict weather patterns, and make use of every resource available.”

I took a thoughtful sip of my wine. “That sounds incredibly tough. It must have shaped who you are today. I did have witnessed your skills and strength multiple times by now.”

“It did,” Ion agreed. “In some ways, it made me resilient. But it also made me appreciate the simpler things in life. I’ve seen both extremes—hardship and the relative comfort of this place. It gives me a unique perspective.”

I smiled. “I can see that. Your experiences have given you a depth that’s rare.”

Ion shifted slightly, a hint of vulnerability in his expression. “Sometimes, I wonder if I fit in here. The people around me have lived very different lives. I’ve never really had the chance to share my story with anyone.”

My gaze softened. “Well, now you have. And you fit in just fine. Your past gives you strengths that many people don’t have. It’s an important part of who you are.”

Ion’s smile grew warmer, and he seemed to relax. “Thank you, Miss. I really appreciate that.”

By the end of the night, the bottle was empty, and the conversation had ebbed into a comfortable silence.

As we retreated into or own quarters, I was able to think back to our earlier interaction. I realized that Ion had given me his trust not only as his employer but also as a friend. It made me feel warm.