The only decent thing about this Vrekan bar on the outskirts of Palaestra was that it was open all night. That was the only reason Retvik was there. Everything else about the bar, from the décor to the service to the drinks was mediocre at best. But they had a large supply of mead and it was close enough to home that Retvik could walk, so he didn’t care.
“Another one please.”
“Kyr, that is your tenth…”
“Another one.”
Retvik wasn’t in the mood to argue. He’d already been to three other bars and had a large amount of alcohol in all three. This bar was no different in that regard. Actually, now that Retvik thought about it, the Vrekan barkeepers in the other places had all said the same thing about ordering a tenth mug of mead. It was bad enough that it took ten mugs to get Retvik drunk, they didn’t have to berate him about it.
“Here is your mead, Kyr Retvik. Are you well?”
The Rethan nodded a quick reply then stared at his new mug. He was the only being in the bar apart from the Vrekan barkeeper, and part of him felt almost guilty for keeping the guy working. But he was being paid to be there, the cynical part of Retvik’s mind growled, there was no reason to feel guilty.
“You do not seem well.”
“I AM FINE!” Retvik snapped, slamming down his fist. The force left a crack in the wooden table. Retvik rolled his eyes, then leaned back and sighed. “I will compensate you for that…”
The Vrekan though didn’t move. Rather than scurry away like most beings would, the Vrekan pulled out a stool and sat opposite Retvik.
“You are not fine.”
Retvik sighed again.
“You are in shock. Or mourning. Possibly both.” The Vrekan seemed like he wasn’t going anywhere. “You might need someone to talk to. I know who you are. Most do in Palaestra. Especially with the rumours of change.”
“I do not want to talk about that…” Retvik growled as he reached for his mug, taking a large gulp. “I want to be methied for a bit and just… be.”
“Well… I would like to thank you and your little friend for your sacrifices…” the Vrekan replied as he got up. Retvik though had a change of heart, and grabbed the Vrekan by the arm, pulling him back to the table.
“I… do want to talk…” Retvik admitted as he took another swig of his drink. “He was my friend. My stupid little friend. My… little kid… And he’s gone. Again.”
The Vrekan shifted in his seat. “Again?”
“Again. One adventure too far… Stupid fucking kid… He fucking knew better… I mean… How was anyone to know what that Cassid was packing?”
“You are angry at your friend for dying?”
“… Yes…”
Retvik sighed again, then wiped his face. He was tired. What time was it even?
“He was cursed. Made a deal with something. I told him that deal would be broken… And worse… Before he went out… Tenuk asked us all to stay the night, there with him. Tenuk knew. He did not listen… I…”
The Vrekan shrugged. “Everyone dies in the end.”
“I know. I know. He was just… so young…”
“I understand your pain. But he died well. His memory will be cherished. There is little more one could ask for.”
The Rethan finished off his drink with yet another sigh. He then reached for his wallet and pulled out a hundred Evra, leaving it on the table next to his mug.
“You are right… And I should go now… Gath will be worried… I apologise.”
“Apologise for what?” the Vrekan asked.
“Everything…” Retvik sniffed as he got up to leave. “Everything…”