The main doors flew open as a tall black-feathered Ravenfolk enters the tavern. He stopped for an instant by the entrance and spotted you on a table near the counter.
Hey Inanna, he half-shouted to the lady behind the counter while walking to the table. Have your usual red ale arrived? You know how I enjoy a pint after a hard day’s work.
The young lady winked him back when he finished asking, but her hands where already serving the fine stock way before. After all, he was a local, and they had been friends since childhood.
He sat and took the bag from his belt and put it on the table. Also reached for his bow and put it in the back of his chair. That way he would be much more comfortable for the conversation.
In an instant his big cold mug was in the table. Now, while his hand moved to grab the mug, he looked at you. I remember your question, and we have both arrived here, so I’ll do as I promised, but now… where to begin?
Arc drank a good mouthful from his mug.
You know, my parents have a store. It was a small one, when I was young. But my father became one of the merchants’ guild leaders, a member of the high trading council and his store grew as fast as his importance in the clan.
Arc takes a sip of ale, and leans back in the chair.
I enjoyed for a time helping him out with, well, the usual store tasks… helping customers, ordering products in the shelves, helping customers, giving messages, visiting suppliers, helping customers, and as I grew up also registering accounts. Did I mention helping customers? I can’t remember how many time my father stressed the importance of that one.
His eyes rolled high… He understood the importance of such task, but never got why the endless repetition of this insight from his father.
Anyhow, living in such large forests of the shattered lands meant my village was in the top of trees. You know? Canopy huts, canopy stores… a few thin hanging bridges for visitors. We usually just flew around. He laughs as he remembers something long forgotten. You know? There lived a retired bard, not far from the store. I’d visit her sometimes when very young to hear the stories of old, of wars and heroes. Latter, I mean, when I wasn’t that young, I’d go and learn bits of songs and some very basic flute techniques. It was fun! But I never finished the basic studies. She died of old age before I left my town.
Arc lifts his mug but suddenly he realizes that it is almost empty. He takes the final sip, and continues his tale.
Yes, of course, why did I leave? I’ve always been quite tall for a Ravenflok, way taller than most of my age. Some of the clan elders wanted me to pursue a military life. And my mother invited me to pursue a merchant’s life… constantly. I do love my mother, but she can be quite persistent! Well, she also taught me to love nature as she does. After turning of age, my father called me to have a talk.
You see, him and me, we used to talk a lot, play jokes, and well do stuff together, and with the rest of the family and clan. But only sometimes, every couple of years, he would invite me for a TALK. We would fly somewhere private, far from town, and he would provide serious council about life and death, and growing up and expectations, of rights and responsibilities. Suddenly Arc grows a bit serious. Those talks were never long, never playful, never useless… they were truth to the bone, in a very efficient speech that wouldn’t allow for negotiation nor misinterpretation. I can’t speak like that, not even today after so many years! I learned a lot, I learned to love innovation and respect tradition. I learned the value of life... well, probably I am still learning that last one!
Out of thin air, Inanna had arrived and was changing the empty mug for a full one. You look thirsty today, Arc. He smiled at her. Thanks Ina! You know me too well already.
What were we talking about? Oh, sure… So, if I was to become a diplomat and help to bring peace to all the land, if I was to learn what was needed to do that, I had to leave the town. My mother was doubtful, my father supportive… specially when he revealed to me the existence of a Tower of Knowledge… most elders disappointed, and my siblings sad. Did I mention them before? I have 25 siblings. We avians usually have more siblings than other peoples, but my parents!! They married quite young and they… they loved having a big family!
He drank the full second mug in one fell swoop. It’s been 2 years now, the last one here in this town. I hope to visit them soon, but who knows. Of course, I still carry this. He motions proudly to a small patch in his chest belt with a coat of arms and a motto: For Peace And Honor. My family’s. And smiles.
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