Chapter 6: Amelia's Tavern
In the town, there were crowds of people flooding the streets. It was chaos the minute Bannel layed eyes on it. He decided to hitch his horse. He wouldn't get anywhere if he tried to ride through the town. He found a wooden pole and tied the reins tightly. He grabbed what he needed from the wagon before covering it back up with a blanket. He made his way through town, searching for a sign to the place he needed to be. It didn't take long and before he knew it he was staring up at a wooden sign with letters painted in pink that read "Amelia's Tavern."
"Busy, busy day today. I'll be with you in just a moment, sir. Have a seat wherever you'd like," the bartender greeted. Bannel sat down at the bar, the stool spinning a bit as he sat down. He waited for a few minutes until the bartender returned to take his order. It didn't take long and soon enough, the bartender was behind the counter. He set his bar rag on the table and got out a pencil and small notepad from his pocket. He was covered in sweat but still had a smile on his face.
"Hello, I'm AJ, I'll be your server, what can I get you?" He asked, flipping through his notebook to find a clean page.
"I need information," Bannel said, bringing his voice down to not attract unwanted attention. AJ closed the notebook and brought his face closer to Bannel's. His smile faded and he had a very serious look on his face. Like he thought Bannel was planning on killing someone. Bannel's face showed that he was a bit uncomfortable by AJ's actions but he ignored his own feelings and let it slide.
"I'm looking for an anonymous man. My employer said you'd tell me where he is." AJ glanced to the side, a quick move but enough to make Bannel curious.
"By the window, to the left of the room. Dressed in black robes." AJ leaned back further behind the counter as Bannel looked to where he directed. Sure enough, through the crowds of people, Bannel could see a figure sitting by their lonesome, reading, whisky glass in hand.
"Thank you," he replied and AJ nodded softly. Bannel got up from his seat at the bar and slowly made his way towards the figure. The deeper he went into the tavern, the more intense the smell of cigars and alcohol got, but the more time you spent there, the more used to it you got.
Bannel made his way through the sea of people, slowly getting closer and closer to the sitting shadow. He didn't even know how he was going to start the conversation but he never really has been one for planning ahead.
Finally, he reached the end of the crowd and was now standing inches away from the table. He mustered up the courage to speak, fearing he was making the wrong impression.
"Hello," he greeted but received no reply in return."Can I have a seat?" Still no reply from the shadow. Bannel figured because he didn't object that he didn't mind. He took a seat at the opposite end of the table, crossing his arms over his chest as he sat down.
"Excuse me?" He waved a hand in front of the man. Now from this angle, his hood didn't hide his features. Bannel observed the sturdy horns that sat under the cloak, there were four of them by the looks of it. Two big ones in the front and two small ones in the back. He also noticed rare dragon-like scales on the man's cheekbones. He wondered more and more of who this man was and was starting to get frustrated that he wouldn't answer him.
"Sir, could you close the book please?" Bannel waited a few seconds until a tanned hand with more dragon-like scales gracefully closed the book's cover. The man didn't look up, he just stared at the closed literature and took the last sip of his drink.
"What do you need?" A low, gravely voice said, coming from under the cloak.
"Can I buy you a drink?" Bannel asked, noticing he had finished his previous.
"Sure."
They both stood up from their seats. Bannel was able to see more of the man as the hood brushed behind his ear as he stood. He had the ears of an elf, skin and horns of a dragon. It was extraordinary but Bannel didn't dare to bring the topic up.
Together, they walked over to the bar, sitting on the worn leather stools. They sat in silence for a while until AJ came running over, notebook and pencil in hand once again.
"What'll it be?"
"I'll take beer," Bannel ordered and AJ didn't hesitate to write down.
"Another whisky," The man said, making complet eye contact with AJ. This was Bannel's chance to observe more of his features. His eyes were an immersive shade of red, the texture on his forehead where his horns started looked oddly disturbing. His eyebrows were full and had their own unique shape to them. His beard was short and honestly only a little stubble that was perfectly evened out. He looked like an elf, but Bannel was still confused about the scales. What was he?
They waited patiently until AJ arrived with they're drinks. They each had taken a sip before their much needed conversation began.
"Who are you?" The man asked, setting down his glass on the table.
"My name's Bannel Lastarin. Who are you?"
"I don't see how that information is needed." Bannel was frustrated with this man. He didn't understand him. But most importantly, he didn't understand why he was so mysterious.
"What's your name?" Bannel said, trying to sound more clear and intimidating. The man only found this humorous, but alas, he'd never admit it.
"My name is Sandruil. Is that enough?"
"It's good to meet you," Bannel smiled quickly before returning his face to a more serious tone. "I was told you'd be supplying me weapons and valuables."
"There must have been a miscommunication. I have no weapons. I have nothing for you," Sandruil responded, taking a long sip of his beverage. Bannel's expression changed to disappointment, but not utter despair.
"You knew my employer, Mr. Abiri." Sandruil's face became concerned, what did this person knows about him? "You're in his debt. You owe him," Bannel smiled.
"Maybe I do." Sandruil's face showed worry at the mention of Mr. Abiri.
"I see how it is. If you don't pay him back, he'll tell the law, and then you'll be forced out of Galendin. And this is the last place you're allowed to live in."
Sandruil took his last sip of his beer and stood up, abruptly. He would never admit it, but Bannel's complete guess was true. He started to leave the building but Bannel chased after him. Once they were out of the building, Bannel grabbed the back of his cloak, stopping him in his tracks.
"I can help you get out of his debt. You must know somewhere to get the supplies." Sandruil turned around, making eye contact with Bannel for the first time. His steel red eyes penetrated his skin. He stared intensively but after a bit his face softened, and he spoke softly.
"I know a place. But it's not a place for house husbands. If you agree to go with me, that is your choice. A risk I am not responsible for."
Weekly Power Status
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Ranking 
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