I need a drink.

It didn't take long before I found myself back out into the village streets. Once I found myself walking freely I was finally able to take in the village. Most of the buildings being made out of wood with some larger structures using stone and mortar. The road was a simple dirt path that seemed to run the length of the village. Far from a metropolis it wasn't long before I managed to come across what could only be a small inn. Approximately the size of a barn I could hear faint music from inside as well as what sounded like laughter. After the village entrance it was good to see that people were, at the very least, enjoying their lives.

As I walked up to the door and pushed it open I was met with the immediate stench of hops. "Guess beer is universal." I said to myself. Remembering the stink that came with the timeless drink that my father would partake in nearly every night. I remembered how he would offer for me to have a sip with him. How he would ask my to sit with him during games or out on the patio. In an instant I was washed over by a sea of emotions ranging from pained to depressed. I could hear my father's voice as he yelled at the T.V. As he told me to put more wood on the fire pit. I could hear my mother scolding him for offering me a drink of his beer. As quickly as it came the memory faded. Hearing the inn's liveliness though seemed to draw me out of my pain.

I walked up to the bar and grabbed the nearest stool. I was more and more surprised at how familiar the world seemed to be. With Eros' explanation that the 'Age of Man' had come to a close I full expected to walk into an alien world. Something so strange I would hardly understand it. Raising my hand one of the bar tenders came up to me. A beautiful woman with greyish blue skin. She wore long blonde hair that was fastened into a messy bun. In al respects she was stunning. "I'm gonna guess and say you're new? Know for a fact there's only three humans in our little nook and you're none of them." She eyed me up and down before continuing. "Only male of them too. So, do you know what you want? Do you even understand what I'm saying?"

"I do," I said failing to hold back the laughter that came with her observations. "It's good to know that I'm not the only one though, wasn't really expecting to find anyone else like me here. I admit that I don't really know what to order. Not much of a drinker but after the day I've had so far I think it calls for something stronger than water."

"Stronger than water? Well we only have a few options then unless you're looking for a juice of some kind. Since I'm going to assume that you've never drank then I'll recommend one of our meads. Made from a local berry and honey. It's not the most popular if you're wanting to forget the day but if you just want something tasty then it's a go to." Reaching under the desk she pulled out a small crystal. "Your hand? Unless you've got coin."

It didn't take a genius to understand what she was referring to. At that moment it clicked that they seemed to have a sort of debit system. That was what Rhyas had mentioned. "I... no coin. Don't really know how much I've got but hopefully it'll be enough." I held out my hand to the crystal she was offering. As they came together the strange symbol came back. Though this time it didn't burn. After a few moments she smiled and put the crystal away.

"Whatever you've got it cleared without issue. So, one mead, right?" Without waiting for a response she turned away and walked across the bar. On the back wall sat a series of barrels that her and the other bartender were pouring out of. She found a decently large mug that she quickly filled to the brim with some amber colored liquid. After only a few moments she returned with my order. Setting it down in front of me, "Let me know how it tastes as your first drink." She said with a smile.

I returned her expression before turning my attention to the beverage in front of me. "Here's to you, dad. Guess... we won't get that drink after all." I raised the mug to my lips and had my first drink. At first I expected to be hit with some kind of burn but was instead met with a surprisingly sweet liquid. There was a bit of bitter note but I was able to quickly move past it. Sipping lazily as I took in the inn and it's music. I listened to bard as she sang and played what looked to be a lute of some kind. Though the stem of the instrument was curved outward.

After a few minutes I felt a hand fall onto my shoulder. As I turned my face to see who it was I was met with a surprise. For the first time since I'd arrived I saw a face like my own. One that was also as in awe. She tilted her head in confusion before speaking in a language I couldn't understand. "Leh frins kor froz? Keir lor net frol? You're like me?"

I stared at her in confusion for what felt like hours. As if a switch was flipped I was suddenly understanding her words. Similar to when I met the farmer who brought me to the village. Their words shifted until I knew what they meant. Her eyes were a warm hazel with dark red hair that hung past her shoulders in loose braids. She had a sharp chin and full lips. Complete atop a fit physique that was reminiscent of a gymnast.

I held out my hand and spoke softly to her. "Leo... I guess I am." She seemed confused by my actions but after a few moments she tried to take it. As our skin came together a sharp shock ripped through us. Something akin to an electrical charge but it felt off somehow. Instantly she jumped back. She stared at me in an uncomfortable silence before turning away. "Wait!" I called out but she didn't seem to care. I looked back towards the bar where the bartender was watching us in her own confusion but it faded quickly as I turned back to the woman and followed after her. She made her way through the inn and before I could react she had disappeared.