Tavernfront

	Steam whistles its way out of a nearby pipe as a man pulls a lever, the tap in front of him letting out a clear, cool flow of dark, sloshy brew. After quietly placing it down in front of a nearby patron, he lets out a sigh. Today was getting to be longer than he thought it would be.
	“Oi, barkeep, turn on the radio, would ya’? ‘S gettin’ quiet in ‘ere!” The man lets out a bit of a huff before turning towards the shouting person in the corner booth. He gives him a bit of a glare before quietly making his way over to a small box-style radio to his right. With a flip of a switch and a push of a button, the box roars to life with a quick “Kzzt” before a voice meets the air from its speakers. The barkeep smiles for a moment or two before getting back to his daily dues - he needed to make sure that everything was in order, after all.
	As if on cue, the sound of the front door opening and closing meets the air, briefly drowning out the noise before the din overpowers everything once again. The barkeep glances up after a moment or two, and smirks at the sight of a rather well-built wolf woman with short hair and a small smirk on her face. The wolf simply smiles, makes her way towards the bar, and takes a seat, her face telling everyone around to not mess with her in the slightest.
	“Well, now… You’re a little late, aren’t you?” The man behind the bar speaks, a brow of his raising up towards his forehead. The canine simply smiles and presses her elbows onto the bartop without another word.
	“Oh, shut yer’ mouth - can’t ya’ be at least a little bit happy to see me for once?”
	“I would, if you made sure to pay your tabs on time.” The man simply smirks for a moment or two before pressing his palm to his hip. “The usual?”
	“A little extra salt, if ya’ don’t mind.” And with that, the canine simply smirks before the man gets to work - he quickly snatches up a few bottles, pours a bit of their contents into a metal cup, and caps it off before giving it a vigorous shake or three. Once that’s done, he opens it up and pours the now-mixed liquid into a small mug before sliding it over to the canine. Once it’s there, she scoops up that glass mug, and throws its contents back into her system before letting out a shiver of delight.
	The man simply smirks.
	“Too much?”
	“Naw, naw, you’re good… Damn, I needed that.”
	“So, what’s on your mind? You don’t usually come here unless something’s bothering you, you know?”
	“Oh, stuff it! I can’t see an asshole like yerself once in a while?”
	“Without a reason? Not usually.”
	“Pfft. Well, if you must know, I’m just done with all the stuff going on back in Jiez.”
	“Oh yeah?”
	“Yeah, some new factories popped up recently, so it’s just making me have to do more work is all.”
	“Heh… Didn’t take you to be a hard worker.” And with that, the man crosses his arms.
	“Fuck you.” The canine smirks before reaching into her pocket and producing a few shining orange coins. She stacks them onto the bar top before taking her mug and draining the rest of its contents. She places it back onto the bar before standing up from her seat. “I take it you two are alright, then? Nothin’ bad goin’ on aside from eggs spoilin’ left an’ right?”
	“Eh, the usual, the usual. Don’t you worry any about us, now.”
	“Always, always. Thanks fer’ the slosh, yeah?” And with that, the canine starts to make her way back towards the door, a smirk still pressed on her face. The man simply lets out a bit of a chuckle before snatching up that mug from the bar top, and pressing a wet rag to its insides.

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	The doors swing open, causing the sound of metal clanking against itself to fill the air. A moment or two later, a man wearing a rather tarnished-looking suit of armor saunters his way up to the front bar top before finding his spot. As soon as he sits down, he starts to mumble something incoherent or two before the bartender makes his way over, a glass in hand and a rag in the other.
	“Can I help you, sir?”
	“You mind lendin’ an ear over a pint?” The armored man glances up for a moment, a glare starting to work its way out of his system. The bartender simply lets out a sigh, and grabs a fresh glass from the side before filling it up from a spigot on one of the various casks against the wall. After bringing it back, he places it in front of the armored man before crossing his arms.
	“What’s on your mind?”
	“Eh, nothin’ much, just wanting t’ gripe a bit’s all.” And with that, the armored man takes a swig from that glass, nearly draining half of it in a single gulp. “Ooch… that’s the stuff… Uh… right, right, stupid stuff an’ such. War’s not all it's cracked up to be.”
	“Oh, yes, how’s that going? Hopefully you’re keeping safe, yes?” At the bartender’s words, the armored man raises a brow.
	“Well, it’s what you think is goin’ on - people dyin’, cities burnin’, homes destroyed, but hey, it’s for the empire, isn’t it?” The armored man lets out a bit of a scoff at his own words before finishing the rest of his drink. “Makes me sick’s all. Mind iffin’ I get another?” As if on cue, the bartender gives him a nod before taking his empty glass. He places it off to the side and gets a fresh glass before filling it up like before and placing it in front of the armored man, who gives him a small nod in thanks.
	Almost immediately, he scoops up that glass, and practically chugs down the entirety of its contents before thudding the empty glass against the countertop. A short belch follows him before he stands up from his seat.
	“An’ that, I think, is my cue to leave. Sorry to drink an’ run - here.” And with that, the armored man digs into his pocket before producing a slip of gold-foiled paper. He places it onto the countertop, the words “Imperial Writ of Debt” printed in neat cursive on its front along with his name. The bartender quickly picks it up, gives it a quick once-over, and lets out a sigh…
	“An IOU?”
	“Sorry, sir, light on coin at the moment. Forgive me - I need to leave.” And with that, the armored man makes his way towards the front door. Once he’s there, he raises a hand to the air. “Hail to the King!” And with that, he disappears through the doors once more, leaving the bartender with a bit of a grimace on his face… At least this is good for something later on. With that, he quietly gets back to cleaning things up once more.

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	The front door opens once again, this time with an entire group of people making their way through. Each of them seems to be wearing a set of rather soaked and soot-covered clothing, parts of which seem in tatters in places. The entire group quietly makes their way to a nearby table before sitting down with a bit of mumbling escaping their throats. Almost immediately, the barkeep makes his way over, causing one of the group to give him a tired-looking glare.
	“Round of ale, please.”
	“‘Course, ‘course.” And with that, the barkeep makes his way back up to the bar to fill up a number of glasses with that dark brew. The people back at the table, though, simply let out a collective sigh at the chance to relax. “Any idea when the train’s gonna get fixed?”
	“Who knows? Shit like this’s always breakin’ down, seems like…”
	“Youer tellin’ me. Buncha’ luck movin’ out ‘ere’s gonna do me.”
	“Well, be’er than wot we go’ back ‘ome, innit? We ain’t got shite out there! Why ya’ ‘fink we came out all this ‘ere way, eh?”
	“Yeah, yeah, stuff it - I dinnae wanna hear your spiel any, so you stop that, then.” As if on cue, the bartender makes his way back towards the table with an armful of mugs filled to the very brim with that trademarked dark brew. With that, the group sitting at the table simply lets out a groan of delight at finally getting something that they’ve been wanting for the past while or so. One of them looks to the bartender for a moment, his upper lip covered in foam from the brew.
	“Keep ‘em comin’ me good man, yeh?” Before the bartender can answer back, the front doors open, with the sight of the canine woman from before coming through. The bartender smirks for a moment or two, gives the patron he was getting ready to talk to a simple nod, and makes his way back behind the bar without another word. The canine woman simply chuckles before taking her usual spot once more.
	“The hells that look on yer face?”
	“It’s the one I always give ya’. Your usual?”
	“You know it.” And with that, the bartender smirks to himself and gets to fetching the canine’s drink once again. At the same time, the canine simply presses her elbow against the wooden bartop before pressing her chin against her palm. The bartender raises a brow for a moment or two at the sight.
	“You alright? Haven’t seen you this down in a while. Looks like someone talked about your mom wrong.”
	“Eh, don’t mind me - shit’s been going down. One of the factories ended up blowing the other day.” At that, the bartender’s brows furrow.
	“No shit… Everyone alright?”
	“Unfortunately, not so much. Couple died, hopefully didn’t feel a thing.” And with that, the bartender lets out a puff of air from his nose… He certainly didn’t like the sound of that. No, not at all. “Eh, things happen - don’t let it get to yer’ head, yeah? Speakin’ of which…” And with that, she reaches into her bag, and pulls out a rather small-looking wooden box, the sound of something rattling around on its insides filling the immediate air, causing the bartender’s brow to raise upward. “A gift.”
	“A...gift. Of…?” Without another word, the canine quickly snatches up her drink once again, and practically chugs it down with barely a word and a cringe on her face.
	“Open it and find out, ya’ lug.” And with that, she stuffs her hand into her pocket before placing a pair of bills onto the counter top and standing up from her seat. “You an’ Orgas try not to die ‘til I see you next, yeah?” And without another word, she starts towards the door - the size of her step showing that she was happy with what she got. The bartender furrows his brows at the sound of that, and quietly turns towards the right side of the counter.
	He quickly opens the lid on that box, revealing a swatch of folded paper, a now-crumbled stack of coins, and a blue slip of paper - the words “Reduced Fare Pass” printed on the front. At the sight of that, the bartender tilts his head and lets out a sigh… At least he could be prepared for something…
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	“Alright, so, that’s gonna come to five hundred Olgen, good sir.” With that, a man wearing a rather tattered-looking apron places a wooden box down onto the countertop before holding out a hand towards the bartender, his palm pointing towards the sky. The bartender in question furrows his brows, and reaches into his pocket.
	“Gods above, below and beside, you sure you haven’t got your math wrong?” And with that, he places a pair of paper bills onto the man’s awaiting hand. The man stuffs those bills into his pocket before speaking.
	“Triple-checked myself, good sir. Them’s the ropes, need a little to keep me fed - hope ya’ don’t mind.” And with that, he quickly takes his leave, the doors quickly closing themselves behind him as he steps through… For a moment or two, the bartender looks at the box of food on the countertop, with the dragon sitting not too far off glancing over, as well. The two of them exchange a brief glance before the dragon lets out a sigh and gets back to work.
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	“I’m tellin’ ya, man, this shit’s gone on long enough!” Two men make their way in, both of them quickly finding their spot at the corner booth. The bartender smirks for a moment or two before making his way over.
	“Gentlemen, good to see you… Though, aren’t there usually more of you here?” One of the pair waves his hand away for a moment.
	“Eh, think none. They’re finishin’ up a’ the fact’ry - they’ll meet us ‘ere soon.”
	“Ah, good, good. Now, the usual ale and such, th-... Ah.” And with that, the bartender turns towards one of the men, his eyes quickly locking onto a stump where the mans arm used to be. The man in question raises a brow at the sound of that before letting out a small huff.
	“Yeah, yeah, I know… part o’ why I hate it out here. But, cannae go home, any ‘cuz o’ dumb shite tha’ people’re pullin’.” The trio simply stay silent for a moment, as if waiting for someone else to pick up where he left off. The man without an arm simply lets out a sigh. “Jus’ the two ales, then, please.” The bartender quickly nods, and makes his way back towards the bar to fill up a pair of mugs for the two patrons… This was starting to make him worry, wasn’t it?
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	The dragon looks up from his spot at the end of the bar, a rag in his hand and a bit of sweat dripping from his brow. A quick swipe of his arm across his face clears the sweat away, leaving him with a content sigh to let out…
	“Orgas- Orgas, come here, would you?” At the sound of that, the dragon turns his head towards his friend, who was currently holding a newspaper between his fingers. His eyes are wide and his brow is furrowed.
	“Something wrong, Otis?” The dragon looks towards his friend, and quietly makes his way over.
	“Look - look at this, this is horrible…” And with that, the bartender quietly folds the paper over, and hands it off to the dragon. The dragon quietly snatches it up, and brings it up to his eye level…
	“I… Worker’s strike…? What in the world…? Eighteen dead…!? Ugh, the guards should be doing their jobs instead of firing at people!” And with that, the dragon presses the paper down onto the bar top in disgust… This was getting ridiculous… “You think we should be careful?” And with that, the dragon turns towards the man sitting at the table before holding out the newspaper once again. The man quietly snatches it up, and tries his best to smooth it out… He still has a fair bit more to read, after all.
	For a moment or two, the two of them exchange a look with each other, their worries starting to press themselves against their faces...
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	“Otis, I need your strongest cocktail, please!” With those words, the canine barges her way in, a grimace planted across her face. She quickly finds a seat at the bar, and lets out a bit of a frustrated sigh before planting her elbow on the counter in front of her. A split second later, her chin finds itself in her palm, the excess ire she was feeling at the moment slowly starting to leave her system through her bouncing foot.
	The bartender quietly places a glass filled with some sort of dark slurry in front of the canine, ho quickly scoops it up and throws it back into her mouth without another word. A moment later, she ends up closing one eye and turning her head away to cough - the sound more akin to a thirty-year smoker than anything, really.
	“Koff-hack-kaff-kaff… Holy shit, what’s in that?”
	“Well, you wanted the strongest we got, right? What’s better than Fermented Scorpion Venom?” At the sound of that, the canine lets out another sputter before sliding her now-empty glass back towards the bartender. The canine simply shoots him a glare for a moment or two before letting out a sigh… At least it was something better than she hoped for… “What’s on your mind, Aria…? More stupidity?”
	“Oh, don’t even get me fucking started! Apparently, the lords and ladies in that god-forsaken castle up there-” She points out the window towards a distant castle out on the hill. “-have been using the wolves and dragons like they’re cannon-fodder!”
	“Huh?” The bartender furrows his brows for a moment or two before grabbing a glass from the nearby sink and starting to scrub it with a nearby rag. “What are you talking about, even…?”

	THUD!!

	At that point, the canine slams her hands on the bar top, and stands up from her seat.
	“Those motherfuckers blamed all the shit that went down with the massacre on the wolves and dragons! Now an entire city street was destroyed and looted from people not giving a damn!” She lets out a grunt of disgust before sitting back down in her seat once again, her arms crossing and her teeth baring themselves. The bartender stands there with a dumbfounded look on his face.
	“You’re kidding…! You’re sure that they did that?” The bartender leans in for a moment, his cleaning momentarily stopped. The canine lets out a grunt before pressing her palms against the bartop once more, though not as forcefully this time.
	“Damn straight. Pissing me off to no end… Wait, shit, is that clock right?” She looks over to the far wall of the room, at the wind-up lock that was hanging from the wall, the hands on its face pointing straight to the right and down to the bottom - 6:15. Almost immediately, she stands up from her seat, digs into her pocket, and pulls out a stack of coinage. She places it down on the counter, and quickly turns to make her leave, leaving the bartender gazing at the stack of coin he had just gotten… This was going to get even worse and worse, wasn’t it?
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	Bing-Bong Bing-Bong… Bing-Bong Bing-Bong!

	With the sound of the clock on the wall going off, the bartender looks off to his right. A smile quietly blooms across his face before he makes his way out from behind the bar, and heads towards the front door. Without another word, he flips the lock into place, and lets out a small sigh before pressing his back against that wooden barrier.
	“Phew… thank the gods it’s a holiday today… Orgas! We’re done for the day!” And with that, the bartender quietly pushes himself off of the wooden door, and makes his way back towards the bar proper. As if on cue, the dragon peeks his head out from the back room, his eyes showing a bit of tiredness to his form… “Meet me on the roof?”
	“Sure, sure. Be up in a little bit, gonna make myself some tea, if you don’t mind.” And with that, the dragon ducks back into the back room, the sound of a kettle starting to whistle filling the air for a moment or two… Before anyone else can say anything, the two of them are up on the roof, looking at the various bits of the landscape - the white buildings, the green hills, the plumes of white steam rising from every which way… It was almost relaxing, if nothing else.
	The bartender simply lets out a small sigh before planting his rump against the tiled roof of his tavern, with the dragon joining him a few minutes later with a cup of tea and a saucer in his hands. The two of them simply look out towards the landscape with a bit of a squint in their eyes - the sun streaming into their inside-adjusted eyes.
	“You know, days like this are why I’m glad that we made a place for ourselves, you know?” The man looks to the dragon for a moment or two, his palms quietly finding their spot against the shingles for the time being. The dragon simply lets out a small “mm-hm” before taking a sip of his tea, recoiling a split second later from the heat. Not just yet, dragon - not just yet. The dragon lets out a grumble at that point, causing the man to turn his gaze towards him. “Something wrong?”
	“The usual, of course. I still don’t think it was a good idea to settle down here is all.”
	“Well, where else would you say is good?”
	“True, true, just me thinking aloud is all.” And with that, the dragon takes his cup, swirls the liquid inside around for a moment or two, and lets out a sigh before placing it off to the side… “Though, don’t think I heard what you and Aria were speaking of the other day.”
	“What, the looting? I wouldn’t think too much about it, really - people are stupid, this is a known fact, and people will tend to believe anything that’s put in front of them.” At that point, the dragon lets out a bit of a grumble before taking his cup in hand once more - he sips it, and winces a bit at the heat before placing it down once again.
	“That’s the problem, I believe.”
	“Hm?”
	“People will believe anything.” For the moment, the dragon’s gaze turns out towards the landscape. In particular, his eyes land on a plume of white steam making its way out towards the border walls… The man next to him simply lets out a sigh…
	“Well, it’s not like it’s going to be too much trouble, is it? If someone comes in with something wrong, we can always point them towards what’s right, and hope they take hold of it, right?”
	“Hopefully.” At the sound of that, the man’s brows furrow.
	“Orgas…”
	“I’m just worried is all - I’ve got a bad feeling is all.”
	“Oh, hush - things are going to blow over in no time. We’re going to get a lot more business when things calm down, and we’ll be able to relax! It’s all gonna turn out fi-”

	KRA-KOOM!!!!

	Almost immediately, both the man and the dragon duck at the sudden sound before looking off to the distance - the white plume of steam they had been looking at but moments before was now a fireball of dark smoke and flame, debris starting to tumble its way out from midair, and clattering onto the various roofs and buildings that dotted the place. Almost immediately, the dragon stands up from his spot on the roof, causing his cup of tea to clatter to the shingles below him. He quickly reaches for the man’s hand, and starts to drag him towards the entrance.
	“We need to go - now.”
	“Agreed.” The man simply stares at the dragon for a moment or two before following behind him. With that, the two of them disappear down into their business, and lock their doors without a second to waste.
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JIEZVINTOS DAILY

5000 Olgen / Issue

April 12, 1870

An explosion of a train caravan carrying approx. 300 Soldiers of the Empire stopping in Bronnbyak, just 112 kilometers outside the capital, had been bombed by enemies of the Empire just yesterday. The explosion happened at around 1.20 pm. About 82 soldiers perished and 103 severely injured. The Bronnbyak station house was burned to ashes. His majesty the King had declared this as an attempt on the monarchy and those responsible will face severe consequences.

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	“You’re leaving…?” The dragon looks across the bar towards the canine woman, her face set in stone. For a moment or two, both the man and the dragon sit there, brows furrowed and palms in their laps. The canine simply sits there with her arms crossed and a scowl starting to worm its way into her visage.
	“Can you blame me? This shit’s getting to be too much here. I can’t really risk it here anymore, you know? If you knew what was good for you, the both’ve you would do the same, I think. That’s why I wanna give you two a couple of things, just for bein’ the best out there, ya’ know?” And with that, the canine lets out a grunt before hefting a box onto her side of the table. It lands with a dull “thud” before she slides it over.
	The dragon catches it on its way there, and brings it closer before opening the lid. The sight of stacks upon stacks of coin and bills, as well as various trinkets among other things. For a moment or two, both the man and the dragon glance at each other before turning to the canine.
	“Half my savings - right there. I’ve got enough to go wherever, and honestly, I think the two of you need it for bein’ without customers for so long, yeah?”
	“Aria, we… I don’t think we can take this with good conscience.” At that point, the canine jabs a finger towards the man, his words making her eye twitch for a moment.
	“Don’t start with that - take it. I’m not taking ‘no’ for an answer, got it? If you want to, you can pay me back later, but only if it’s biting you in the ass or somethin’, yeah?” The dragon quietly closes that box, and lets out a sigh…
	“Do you… think that we can see you off, at the very least?” At the dragon’s words, the canine opens her mouth to say something, but closes it a moment later… She puts her finger to her mouth, as if trying to mull thing over or to think things through.
	“I… you know what? What the hell - meet you here tomorrow.” With that, the canine stands up from her seat, and plants a smirk onto her face, both the dragon and the man giving small, nervous smiles to her before standing up as well.
	“See you then, Aria…”
	“Yes, tomorrow is the day.” And with that, the canine smiles before making her way around the small table, and clapping both the dragon and the man on the shoulders.
	“Eh, don’t you two worry - it’s gonna be simple, nothing to worry about. Yeah? Now, you two go upstairs - you’ve got a long day ahead of you in the morning.” And with a dual pat on the rump, both the man and the dragon start to make their way out of the room. The canine, on the other hand, simply smirks, and makes her way out towards the front door.
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	The sounds of various birds flying through the air meets the trio as they make their way down the path, the canine’s bag thrown over her shoulder.
	“Well, at the very least, things are somewhat peaceful here…” The dragon speaks out towards the man for a moment or two, both of their consciences quietly starting to calm for the time being… The canine, on the other hand, simply smirks towards the duo, her bag rustling for a bit as she hefts it a bit higher onto her shoulder.
	“See? Told ya’ everything would be fine! Now, come on, the station’s just around this corn...er…” The canine’s words trail off at the sight of a massive crowd gathered in front of them, most of the people within there either holding some sort of makeshift sign or some kind of farming tool - most of which simply look like they’re mad.
	“...Shit.” The canine lets out a small bit of grumbling before making her way forward once again. She quickly makes her way over to some of the people at the back, and calls out a bit. “Hey, ‘scuse me, coming through - trying to get to the station. Move aside, please - tryin’ ta’ get through.” The people start to pay her no mind, some even flat out moving out of her way before she can say anything.

	KRAK-KRAK-KRA-KRA-KRAK-KRA-KRA-KRAK!!

	Almost immediately, the crowd starts to duck and run, people quickly bumping against each other as the sounds of gunfire quickly fill the air. The man and the dragon quickly run towards the crowd - their friend had just gone in there, after all, and there was no way they were leaving her behind. Though, before the two of them can bob and weave through the various scared people that were stumbling and clamoring away, a man with dark hair and a scar across his face stumbles up, the canine in his arms. Blood was trailing behind the both of them, with the canine’s face screwed up with pain.
	“Aria…!?”
	“How bad is she?” The dragon turns towards the dark haired man, his brow fixed.
	“She got ‘it, takin’ ‘er tae ‘ospital. You two get yer’ arses outta ‘ere, fast. Go! Nae!” And with that, the dark-haired man starts to pull the canine away, the trail of blood that was dribbling down from the canine’s leg leaving a path on the way out. Without another word, both the man and the dragon give each other a brief glance before sprinting back towards their tavern - this was absolutely getting out of hand.
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	“Oh gods, oh gods, oh gods… Aria’s been shot and I don’t know if she’s dead oh gods oh gods oh gods…” The man is currently pacing about the front room of their tavern, the front door long-since locked. The dragon lets out a grumble before pressing his forehead into his palms… This was going south so fast, that it wasn’t even humorous at this point. He opens his mouth to say something, but the sound of knuckles rapping on the front door cause them both to stop in their tracks. Almost immediately, the man bolts towards the door before throwing it open, revealing the dark-haired man with the scar across his face.
	The bartender’s eyes are filled with worry at this point.
	“Y-You’re-”
	“The one who go’ ‘er. She’s fine - she wan’ed me tae give this to ye lads.” And with that, the man produces a scrap of paper before the bartender snatches it up.
	“Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you so much! Um… I appreciate all you’ve done to help us. Um… Can we repay you, somehow?” At that point, the scarred face of the man in the door leans forward.
	“Yeh - you lads stay safe, nae, savvy? Heard there’s Guards goin’ ‘bout, askin’ fer’ people tha’s been there. Stay safe, only tell wot y’can without incriminatin’ y’selves, got i’?”
	“Er… alright, alright. Thank you again.” And with a nod of his head, the scar-faced man starts to head out away from the tavern. The bartender quickly closes the door, locks it, and scrambles to open up that slip of paper in his hands. The dragon quickly makes his way over as well, and looks over the man’s shoulder as he opens it up.
	“Uhm… uh… oh, thank the gods, she’s safe and alright…” The man lets out a sigh of relief at the words on that page.
	“Oh, thank goodness… What else does it say, Otis?”
	“Hang on, hang on… Apparently, it was only a glancing blow… she says she’s going to Chuluhoorhut tomorrow morning. She’s… staying with her extended family, apparently.” At the sound of that, the dragon lets out a relieved sigh of his own before snatching that piece of paper out of the man’s hand, and folding it up once more before putting it into his pocket.
	“This is madness… Otis, we need to get out of here.” The dragon looks to the man for a moment or two at the sound of that, worry pressed onto his features. The man blinks for a split second before giving the dragon a nod.
	“You grab things down here from the tavern, I’m going to get our things - we’re going to be leaving as soon as possible.”
	“But where?” The dragon furrows his brows for a moment.
	“Anywhere but here - and Aria’s going to help us get there.” And with that, the man reaches into his pocket, and pulls out the blue slip of paper that the canine had left him a while back. At the sight of that paper the dragon’s eyes widen.
	“A reduced fare slip? How did-”
	“Aria.”
	“Oh. Of course Aria would have something like that.” And with that, the dragon lets out a sigh before brushing his face off with his palm. “...We’re really doing this, aren’t we?”
	“Afraid so, friend - come on, put the usual things into the crate we got the other day, yeah?” And with that, the man runs towards the stairs, leaving the dragon to do his business down there in the tavern proper. Almost immediately, the dragon makes his way behind the bar, hefts a wooden crate onto the bartop, and starts to stuff bits of newspaper inside before going over to one of the kegs along the wall. He unscrews the tap from the front of that keg, and drops it onto the bottom of that newspaper-lined box. A moment or two later, he stuffs a pair of smaller kegs into the box before placing a number of picture frames on top of it all.
	The man soon comes downstairs with a pair of large suitcases in his arms - of which he places down onto the bartop before turning to the dragon.
	“Alright, um… that should be it, then. I’ve got our clothes, both of our things, and… I believe that’s it. I’ve got these, you take that box with us.”
	“Right, come on.” And with that, both the man and the dragon quickly make their way towards the door. Just as the man opens it up, they both stop in their tracks.

	Ch-Click…

	“Well, well, well… wot’s goin’ on ‘ere, then?” With that, the man and the dragon slowly back into the tavern as a man wearing bright blue clothing with a pair of epaulettes makes his way in, a pistol trained at the bartender’s head. The bartender and the dragon simply stand there, their systems practically in shock at the sight.
“A-A-Ah, um… w...w-w-what seems to be the problem, Guardsman?” The bartender stands there, clutching his luggage like his life depended on it. The man in the blue clothing, the Guard, quietly gestures over to one of the nearby tables with his pistol.
“‘Ave a seat. I’m sure y’ two aren’t busy or nuffin’, eh?”
“Actually, sir, we were-”
“Gettin’ ready to have a seat, like I said, right?” The Guard presses a devilish smirk onto his face. “Go on, then.” And with that, the bartender and the dragon slowly make their way to that table, their eyes wide with worry and adrenaline pumping through their veins. The Guard simply smirks, and takes a seat on the opposite side of the table, his pistol still pointed straight towards the duo.
	For a moment or two, the three of them sit in complete silence, with the Guard’s pistol pointed at the bartender.
	“So… where exactly were you two lads headin’ off to this late in th’ day, then?”
	“O-Oh, um… we were getting ready to go on vacation.”
	“Certainly makes sense, innit? Wot with all y’ luggage an’ such…” And with that, the Guard points the muzzle of his pistol towards the suitcase under the bartender’s arm… “Whereabouts ya’ headin’, then?”
	“Sir?”
	“On ya’ holiday. Ya’ said you were goin’ someplace, innit?”
	“Oh, um… we were thinking of going to-”
	“Y’got a name, lad?”
	“A name?” The bartender blinks for a moment or two at the sound of that. “Er… Otis.”
	“Hm… roight. An’ wot’ about you there, lad?” The Guard quickly turns his pistol towards the dragon at that point, his brows furrowing for the moment. The dragon blinks for a moment or two at the sight of that firearm pointing his way.
	“What about me, sir?”
	“You’ve certainly got a name, innit? Wot’cha got?”
	“Er… Orgas.”
	“Orgas… wot?”
	“Sir?”
	“Ye’ last name, ya’ dunce. Wot’s your bleedin’ last name?”
	“I… I prefer not to say, sir.”
	“Are you legal here?” At the sound of that, the bartender speaks up.
	“H-He’s legal, of course-”

	KRA-KOOM!!!

	The guard had raised his pistol towards the ceiling, and pulled the trigger, his face not changing in the slightest. The bartender and the dragon, however, wince at the sudden wave of sound.
	“Does it sound loike I was askin’ ye’, lad?” The Guard turns his gaze towards the bartender for a moment or two before turning his pistol back towards the dragon. “Now… are you, or are you not legal t’ be in this Kingdom?” With that, the Guard plants a rather annoyed look on his face. The dragon simply sits there, shaking for a moment or two. However, he gives the Guard a nod a split second later, causing his brows to furrow in suspicion. “Youer papers, lad.” And with that, the Guard holds out his hand, palm facing upward.
	“Er… sir?”
	“Iffin’ your legal, y’got paperwork, eh? Get ‘em. I want tae see he ruddy things.”
	“I… uh…” And with that, the dragon quietly places his hands onto his pockets before digging into those cloth-bound containers… They were there somewhere, weren’t they…?
	“Come on, then. Haven’t got all day, ya’ ruddy gecko.” And with that, the Guard pulls the hammer back on his pistol, causing the trademark “Chk” sound to echo into the air. A moment or two later, the dragon hands the Guard a piece of paper. The Guard in question quickly snatches it up, and gives it a quick once-over before placing it down on the table. “Roight… well… you’re the owner, then?” With that, the Guard turns towards the bartender.
	“Of… this place?”
	“Aye.”
	“Um… I am, sir, yes.”
	“A pint.” For a moment or two, the three of them simply sit there, silent. “NOW, LAD!” And with that, the bartender scrambles up from his seat, and makes his way over towards the bar. Almost immediately, he grabs a glass, and fills it up form one of the kegs on the wall before bringing it back to the table. The Guard quickly scoops up that drink with his free hand, and chugs down the entire thing before slamming the glass down to his right and letting out a belch.
	“Oough… Your ale’s rather shite, innit, lad?”
	“Y-Yes, sir.”
	“Feh. Your both fine, then.” And with that, the Guard stands up from his spot across the table, and starts to make his way towards the door, his pistol quickly finding its spot within the holster at his hip. Without another word, the Guard makes his leave - making sure to close the door on the way out… Once he’s gone, both the bartender and the dragon let out a sigh of relief… Their reprieve is short-lived, however, as the both of them start to gather their things once again. Once everything is gathered once more, the two of them make their way towards the back door to the Tavern, and make sure to close the door on their way out.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
	“Okay… we’re in Jiez… We’re gonna be alright… we’re gonna be alright…” With that, the bartender looks around for a moment or two, the majority of the crowd around them looking either nervous, tired, or a combination of both. The dragon beside him lets out a sigh as the two of them walk along - their luggage strapped to their backs and the various bits and bobs that they brought along feeling rather heavy at the moment… Before long, though, the two of them make their way through the crowds, and stop in line for one of the various ships that dotted the harbor.
	“You’re sure this is the right one, Orgas?” The bartender turns towards the dragon for a moment or two, his brows furrowed with worry.
	“Positive. This one’s going to get us the hell out of here, and it’s going to be fine… Try and relax - we’re almost free from this hell.” And with that, the dragon pats the bartender on the shoulder. Soon enough, the two of them make their way to the front of the line, with the attendant holding out a hand.
	“Just the two of you, then?” The attendant, a rather bored-looking woman with a scar below one eye, looks to the both of them. “Fifteen Gerro Franks, please.”
	“Gerro…?” The dragon’s brows furrow for a moment or two before he looks around… Surprisingly, there weren’t that many people milling about the ship, apart from the usual crew. “Why not Olgen?” The attendant simply lets out a sigh…
	“Well, I doubt that you’d want to pay a Million or so Olgen to board - they’re practically useless in this day and age. So, if you would like to pay in Gerro, then feel free.” At that, the dragon turns towards the bartender for a moment, worry plastered on his face… For a moment or two, the two of them stand there before the bartender sets one of his bags down, stuffs his hand into his pocket, and pulls out a stack of coinage before placing it in the attendant’s hand. She quickly counts it out, and stuffs it into her pocket before gesturing for the two of them to make their way up the gangplank.
	Once the two of them make their way up, they quietly make their way through the various cabins and hallways before quietly coming to one of the various rooms… They immediately make their way in before they both collapse onto the bed inside, a sigh escaping them both a moment later… At least they were finally able to get out of there.

	Gh-Dnn… KA-CRASH!!!

	Both the bartender and the dragon are jolted out of their relaxation by the sound of wood splintering its way down - a quick look reveals that a large, jagged metal pipe was currently wedged within the floorboards after a hole had been punched through the ceiling. With barely another word, they both get up from their spots on the bed, let out slightly shaky sigh, and make their way out of the room, taking care to not touch any of that jagged piece of metal. Once they both are out of that room with their luggage in hand, they make their way down the hall to one of the vacant cabins.
	Once there, they both collapse on the bed in each other’s arms… It was going to be an absolutely long trip across the sea, wasn’t it…?

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

	“Alright, aaaand… done!” With that, the bartender smiles and steps down from his spot on a ladder, a paintbrush in hand and a sign now dangling above him with with words “OO Inn” printed on the front. With that, he takes the ladder down, and presses it off to the side for the time being - he’ll take it back once he heads back in. Without another word, he ducks his head through the rather light-colored door, and calls out to the dragon inside.
	“Orgas, we’re finally ready!” The dragon, on the other hand, was smirking as wide as he could manage - a small wooden cask in his hand.
	“Good, good! I’ve figured out something, too, if you’d like.”
	“Oh?” And with that, the bartender makes his way in before pressing his elbow against the side wall.
	“Whiskey!” And with that, the dragon holds up a small shot glass - the inside of which was filled with a rich, brown fluid. At the sight of it, the bartender smiles and lets out a small sigh.
	“Well, I’ll be… you think we’re gonna make more than we did back at the Kingdom?”
	“Oh, most definitely. We could send this out and have the bars around town sell this sort of stuff!” At the sound of that, the bartender smirks, and makes his way over to the newly-placed bar top. He takes a seat, and makes a small “hand it over” sort of gesture to the dragon. He quickly gets that shot of amber liquid, and throws it back down his gullet. A moment later, he lets out a satisfied cringe before letting out a small sigh.
	“Ooh… that’s going to work. That’s definitely going to work.”
	“Isn’t it? I’ve already got people wanting to know where to get it!” And with that, the dragon smirks before hefting a small keg onto the countertop. “I’ve already got an order for a keg or two within two year’s time.”
	“Fascinating… now, help me get everything ready for today, yeah?” At the bartender’s words, the dragon simply smirks, rolls his eyes, and hefts that keg back down to the floor once more. WIth that, he steps his way out from behind the bar, and gets to helping the bartender with his usual day-to-day workings. Before long, the two of them open the front doors, causing a number of people to flow in with barely another word said between them - time for another great day at work.