Aurelia
The familiar tavern's warmth enveloped Aurelia as she stepped inside, the low hum of conversation and clinking glasses a comforting counterpoint to the bustling port outside. The air hung heavy with the scent of aged wood, spilled ale, and the faintest hint of sea salt, a nostalgic blend that tugged at her memory. Her gaze swept across the room, seeking out familiar faces amidst the dimly lit tables and boisterous laughter. Disappointment flickered in her eyes as she recognized none, a stark reminder of the time that had passed and the changes that had swept through Torchline in her absence.
Where was Melita? The fiery-haired woman had been a constant presence in her early days in Caido, a fellow outsider navigating the complexities of this new world. Aurelia's heart ached with a mix of worry and longing. Had Melita survived the war? Was she still in Torchline, or had she, too, been swept away by the tides of fate?
Of course she had. Melita was a survivor, a force of nature as unpredictable and resilient as the ocean itself. Aurelia pictured her friend, her laughter echoing across the waves. A wistful smile touched her lips. She would find Melita, one day. But for now, she had other matters to attend to.
Like drinking.
Tonight, a stiff drink felt like a necessary indulgence, a way to ease the tension that coiled within her and to toast the bittersweet homecoming that lay ahead. She pondered her options, her curiosity piqued by the unfamiliar labels and exotic aromas.
"Hmm..." she mused, looking over the colorful array of bottles. A playful smirk tugged at the corner of her lips as she turned to the young woman serving drinks, "So, what's the good stuff these days? Been a while since I had a proper taste of civilization."
Where was Melita? The fiery-haired woman had been a constant presence in her early days in Caido, a fellow outsider navigating the complexities of this new world. Aurelia's heart ached with a mix of worry and longing. Had Melita survived the war? Was she still in Torchline, or had she, too, been swept away by the tides of fate?
Of course she had. Melita was a survivor, a force of nature as unpredictable and resilient as the ocean itself. Aurelia pictured her friend, her laughter echoing across the waves. A wistful smile touched her lips. She would find Melita, one day. But for now, she had other matters to attend to.
Like drinking.
Tonight, a stiff drink felt like a necessary indulgence, a way to ease the tension that coiled within her and to toast the bittersweet homecoming that lay ahead. She pondered her options, her curiosity piqued by the unfamiliar labels and exotic aromas.
"Hmm..." she mused, looking over the colorful array of bottles. A playful smirk tugged at the corner of her lips as she turned to the young woman serving drinks, "So, what's the good stuff these days? Been a while since I had a proper taste of civilization."
looking in the mirror, drop of rum on my tongue
with the warning to help me see myself clearer
with the warning to help me see myself clearer
