A toast to new beginnings

Soon after she had settled into her lodgings and cleaned up a bit, Alexis had run into Henrik, one of the older sell swords she gotten to know a bit better during sea travel.

Apparently the grizzled veteran had found a decent watering hole going by the name of “The Drunken Hare” and invited her to come along to celebrate the arrival on unwavering ground.

Alexis had easily agreed. It was early evening, early enough to get in a drink or two, and still get enough shut-eye to not resemble the living dead come tomorrow, when they were to show up for inspection.

So they made their way to the tavern, finding it to attract both residents and newcomers and hosting a slightly rowdy, but comfortable atmosphere.

Henrik secured a table, while Alexis went to buy the first round of ale, drawing the necessary coin from one of several small stashes distributed all over her body. Just another little bit of everyday wisdom her father had imparted on her: you could be as alert as a hawk, there might always be a thief around that would get the better of you. Better let them not have all your coin at once.

Returning to Henrik, the two mercenaries sat in companionable silence for a while, just enjoying their drinks and watching the other patrons.

Finally Henrik turned to Alexis.

“So I think I never asked ye, what brings ye to the brave new world?”

Alexis shrugged and took another small sip before answering.

“Was sick and tired of the old one. Nothing keeping me there. And there is work here. You?’

“I hear ye. Kinda the same. Nothing worthwhile back there, and I am starting to get too old for that shit anyway. Heard you get some coin and land when ye serve a few years and figured, that ma old bones can still weather.“

“So, you‘re gonna risk your ass for a few years and then what? Sit on your porch in a rocking chair, pet your dog and watch the weed grow?“

Henrik looked at her with exaggerated indignation.

“Course not! What do ye take me for? It’s gonna be half a dozen cats and there will be daisies!”

The two mercenaries broke into snorting laughter, clanked their jugs together and continued their conversation amidst the lively tavern folk.