Ananiel

A cold breeze drifts through the inn room door as I step inside. Slipping beneath the thick blankets, I gaze at the ceiling. Moonlight trickles through the curtains. Listening to my breath, I sink into the mattress. A warmth pulses from my chest as I drift off to sleep.

My hand catches a snowflake as I peer at the dark, grey clouds. Fluffy snow drifts along the desert breeze, speckling the sky like silvery stars. Taking a step forward, my shoes dig themselves into the snow. One step after another, I trek through the ruins of scrap metal. Silence clings around these ruins like pieces to an incomplete puzzle. I close my eyes, embracing the weeping howl of the wind. Suddenly, my nose catches the faint scent of smoke. A familiar warmth pulses through my palm. A faint memory of a campfire echoes in my mind. Looking around, My ears perk up to the crackling of fire. Like a moth to a flame, I dash past the rusted rebar and crumbling stone. A sulphurous flame engulfs the snow around it. Its sparks flicker and spatter, staining the silver snow gold. Hush whispers, nonsensical and fragmented, swirl in my ears with each step towards the fire. Shadows dance around the flame. Fixated on the flame’s beautiful light, I step closer.

It’s been a long time

A calming voice whispered beyond the infinite blur of noise. Grasping at my aching heart, tears trail down my face. Turning away from the flame, the cold world struck at my soul.

The winter air embraces my rough face as I awake to a soulless room. Pale light peeks past the thin curtains. Rubbing the crust off my eyes, I roll out of bed and glance out the window. Snow blanketed the streets, dulling the peeling paint on the buildings around. My heart sinks as a memory of that flame flickers behind my eyelids. Staring out the window, the light in my eyes dull. With a sigh, I head out the door.

The tavern held a muted atmosphere as I made my way down the creaky stairs. Sitting on the designated table, I cross my arms and look around. A couple of people sat nearby, staring off at newspapers. Meanwhile, a tavern keeper was busy wiping tables. The tavern keeper came to my table, wiping a stain off the hardwood.

“Did you catch the news?”

The tavern keeper asks, tucking away the rag.

“No?”

I reply with a curious tone. He reaches for something in his back pocket and tosses it on the table.

“Something big has occurred in Cornelius. Take a look.”

He points at the newspaper as I take it from the table.

“Just leave it on the table when you're done.”

The tavern keeper turns around and continues cleaning the tavern. I unravel the Newspaper,

The Perching Ravens

Civil war Erupts in Cornelius

Civil war has broken out in Cornelius. Revoltists had stormed the Cornelius mansion, demanding an end to the war. But negotiations took a deadly turn. Hidden amongst the revoltists, a group of Aroca spies assaulted Reid while he was negotiating with the Revolutionist Leader. After a desperate struggle, Reid Cornelius managed to get out of the encirclement. Unfortunately, he escaped with major injuries.

Unexpectedly, the Revolutionist Leader revealed himself as an Arocian spy. Taking the advantage, he commanded a slaughter. The Civilians are cowering. Cornelius has split into two. The city’s future looks grim.

Putting the paper down, I let out a sigh. What should I feel–sadness, anger? My heart twists as I head to the bar. Moments later, the tavern keeper walks over,

“How can I help?”

“Can I have some water?”

He pours a glass of lukewarm water and slides it towards me. Quenching my thirst, I lower my head. The tavern keeper puts down the rag and tops up my glass.

“So, thoughts?”

He slides a barstool beneath him and sits in front of me. I tap the glass of water and glance at his scruffy brown hair .

“It’s… sad. There are good people there. But I shouldn’t let it get to my head.”

A sigh escapes me. The tavern keeper smirks.

“Indeed. A lot is happening nowadays. I just can’t help but worry. Cornelius is our trade partner. If that route’s gone, there won’t be fresh corn in my tavern anymore!”

He lets out a soft chuckle and gazes out the window.

“Still, we got our worries. And they got their worries. Luckily, I can watch from afar.”

Getting up from the counter, the tavern keeper slides a glass of ale.

“Take it, it’s on the house for today”

I stare at the bubbling liquid as he starts tending to other businesses. Taking a sip of the ale, I pucker and chug down the drink. my face flushes red. Heat builds up in my body as I hold back a few tears.

“They will be fine, right?”

Suddenly, a soft tap touches my shoulder.

“Good morning…”

Lily rubs her tired eyes and pulls up a seat..

“Morning…”

I reply with a hint of dread in my tone.

“Are you alright?”

She pokes my shoulder, noticing my reddening eyes. I shrug and sip on some water.

“Go grab that newspaper over there. It’s… important.”

She gives a lazy nod and heads over to the newspaper. Her face shifts from surprise to horror, and settles to melancholy as she returns to the barstool.

“That’s… terrible. It’s a good thing we left early.”

Forcing a smile, Lily twiddles her fingers and stares off. We sat in silence, getting lost in thought. Soon, the tavern keeper slides a menu in front of us. The sounds of sizzling start stirring my empty stomach. A savory scent wafts out the kitchen, playfully inviting us to the menu.

“Let’s order something.”

I tap on the menu and turn to Lily.

“Sure!”

She gives a bright smile, eagerly indulging in the scents in the air. Gesturing for the tavern keeper, we ordered a delectable breakfast. With a clank on the table, the food arrives. A sunny side up, fresh bread, sausage and a bowl of oatmeal sits before me. Without hesitation, I dig in. The oatmeal was rather bland, but was comforting. The sausage snapped with a rich flavor, which paired well with the bread and eggs. I quickly scarfed everything down, washing it down with a glass of water. The flavors became a lingering memory as I waited for Lily to finish. She ate with a quiet grace and took her time. Shrugging, I yawned and leaned on the counter.

“Thanks for the meal.”

I whisper as I rest on the counter. Listening to the clanks and clacks of utensils, I get off the counter and turn to Lily who finished her meal.

“Where are we headed?”

I ask with a hint of enthusiasm in my voice. She wipes her mouth and pulls out her notebook.

“There’s a few places. But right now we can entertain ourselves. Just come with me.”

She gives a polite smile, hops off the barstool and heads towards the tavern doors. Following, we push through the doors. The winter wind greets us as we step out. Lily points at giant gear,

“First, the gear of Sol. Or the heart of Idosa.”

She puts down her finger and we start heading towards the giant gear.