Nathaniel took a deep breath, savoring the crisp, fresh air of the Free Marches. After so many years battling the taint and serving as a Grey Warden, the simplicity of hunting and the promise of a normal life felt almost surreal. He'd spent the morning tracking rabbits, his thoughts drifting to the friends he had left behind and the new beginnings he hoped to forge.
As he approached the Back Water, the familiar sight of Cooper's tavern brought a smile to his face. The place had always been a sanctuary, a spot where laughter and stories flowed as freely as the ale. It was here that he felt he could truly put down roots.
Nathaniel entered through the back door, the scent of roasting meat and the hum of conversation greeting him. He set the rabbits outside, making a mental note to clean and prepare them later. The small, cozy kitchen offered a brief respite, a place to clean up before rejoining the world outside.
With his hands and face washed, Nathaniel made his way to the bar, the worn wooden counter as familiar as an old friend. He poured himself a drink, the amber liquid catching the light as it filled the glass. Taking a long sip, he let the warmth spread through him, easing the tension in his muscles.
As he leaned against the counter, Nathaniel's eyes were drawn to the entrance. The door creaked open, and a figure stepped inside. It was someone he didn't recognize—a new face in the familiar crowd. Curiosity piqued, Nathaniel watched as the newcomer glanced around, taking in the rustic charm of the tavern.
Nathaniel set his glass down, the soft clink of glass on wood barely audible over the din of the room. He straightened and made his way towards the stranger, a slightly awkward smile on his face.
@Katrien
As he approached the Back Water, the familiar sight of Cooper's tavern brought a smile to his face. The place had always been a sanctuary, a spot where laughter and stories flowed as freely as the ale. It was here that he felt he could truly put down roots.
Nathaniel entered through the back door, the scent of roasting meat and the hum of conversation greeting him. He set the rabbits outside, making a mental note to clean and prepare them later. The small, cozy kitchen offered a brief respite, a place to clean up before rejoining the world outside.
With his hands and face washed, Nathaniel made his way to the bar, the worn wooden counter as familiar as an old friend. He poured himself a drink, the amber liquid catching the light as it filled the glass. Taking a long sip, he let the warmth spread through him, easing the tension in his muscles.
As he leaned against the counter, Nathaniel's eyes were drawn to the entrance. The door creaked open, and a figure stepped inside. It was someone he didn't recognize—a new face in the familiar crowd. Curiosity piqued, Nathaniel watched as the newcomer glanced around, taking in the rustic charm of the tavern.
Nathaniel set his glass down, the soft clink of glass on wood barely audible over the din of the room. He straightened and made his way towards the stranger, a slightly awkward smile on his face.
Welcome to the Back Water,he said, his voice warm but a bit unsure.
Do you come here often, or is this just a happy accident?He mentally cringed at his own words, hoping the stranger would appreciate the attempt at humor.
@Katrien
07-29-2024, 08:06 PM
