Fragments Gallery
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The young man smiled as he watched the common room before him. The tavern was aglow with golden light from the numerous torches and fire pits burning within. It was packed with people from all levels of social standing and, seeing as this was a port city; many foreigners were staying as well. It was a mix of people that made for an interesting crowd to observe.
"Another one for you Hobb," smiled a pretty server, Alyssa, as she plunked a full tankard down in front of him. He smiled his thanks and she winked playfully at him in return before she continued on her rounds. He watched her go contentedly before he returned to his observations of the smoky room.
In one corner a group of rough men, most likely pirates from their attire, argued and gambled. Knives frequently flashed at the table, which drew them the watchful attention of the barkeep and a couple of his hired strong-arms, but the knives never flashed red. Instead the pirate’s words and threats just proved to be open posturing.
Opposite them an elderly couple sat laughing with a pair of soldiers. Even if he had not known who exactly they were he could have guessed a bit about them by one piece of jewelry they both wore. The style of the ring each one wore was that worn by partners who had been married for over fifty years. However he did know them. It was well known that long ago the elderly lady had been one of the most notorious pirates in this section of the world. Meanwhile her husband had been a wildly successful merchant who had only retired from his ship when climbing to the crow's nest had proven too strenuous for him. It was said that they still dabbled in their areas of expertise; however these days it was in a more... financial manor.
At a table along the wall next to them a pair of young woman, the Balorn sisters, sat silently. Other than the occasional visit from a server, who acted as though she knew them well, the pair was largely left alone. One of them intently scratched away on a piece of parchment before her, while the other used an assortment of small knives and files to carve blocks of wood into delicate portraits of various people and creatures.
A couple of older sailors from a table in the center of the room watched the carving with interest. Hobb had seen the lady's handiwork before so he was fairly used to the wonders that she could create; however to those sailors her carvings would seem wondrous indeed. Before the end of the night they would be buying some of her work; of that Hobb was sure.
A small basket, full of apples, sat abandoned on the worn floor by one of the four columns at the center of the room. It had not rested there earlier so it had been left recently; of its owner however there was no sign. Were those gleaming red apples forgotten or left behind on purpose? Why should they be left there? Why had the owner left? Those questions reminded him of his own plans for the future. Soon he would be leaving this place behind.
He loathed the thought of leaving, but there was so much out there to see; the diversity in this common room was testament to that. So much wonder to experience and many opportunities to be had. Coming here tonight, to see these sights that he knew so well, was saddening. Sure he had never seen some of these people before, but he was used to seeing others just like them.
Hobb knew that soon he wouldn't be able to return here as often as he might like. But that just meant that he would be elsewhere living out his own adventure rather than listening to others talk about theirs. He wanted to roam and see the world. Wandering was not unfamiliar to him but never before had he considered wandering so far. He just hoped that he always had someplace to come home to; a place such as this, warm and full of friends. Being surrounded by people, some of which he knew and others who were strangers, felt right.
A gentle hand fell to rest on his shoulder. Hobb turned to meet Alyssa's gaze, a smile still resting on his lips.
"Ready to go?" she asked softly.
"Of course," Hobb responded.
In spite of all else that he might feel he knew that no matter where they ended up he would be home so long as she was there with him. He was glad that he had someone to share this coming adventure with.
He drained the remainder of his tankard and took it with him as they walked to the door. As they passed the bar he signalled the barkeep and left the tankard and some coins upon the polished wood. Alyssa wrapped an arm across his back as he laid his across her shoulder and hugged her close. Together they stepped into the cold dark air beyond the tavern door and the tavern dimmed.