Explore

Dolph explored the city. It was much louder than he remembered. The streets were full of people. He heard every murmur, every noice, every argument. Was there any peace to be found here? Dolph ran around the people and crowds, dodging everyone. They were packed so close. How did anyone get around here? He wanted to go back. He needed to find someplace quiet.

He stumbled into a building. Breathing in and out. A man in a suit was wiping a mug. "Good afternoon sir. You look like you could use something to calm your nerves." Dolph nodded. He really could use something to calm his nerves. The man brought a glass mug to a barrel, filling it with beer.

Dolph sat down at the bartop, and drank it. He grabbed the mug, pouring it all down his throat. The bartender was staring at him.

"I'm thirsty" Dolph said.

"You certainly are." the bartender said. "What's got you so riled up?"

Dolph looked down. "Is Orvud always so noisy?"

The bartender looked at Dolph closely, as if he was examining a bug under a microscope. This man was small, but he had an intense gaze. Dolph remained still.

"You're not from around here, are you?"

"No. Can I have another?"

"Of course, sir." The bartender refilled his glass, carefully angling it for the perfect amount of foam. He turned around.

"I like to play this game with strangers. I try to guess who they are, where they're from. I think I've got you pinned."

Dolph sipped his beer.

The man looked around him, peering over each side.

"You're a farmer. 18. You want to make a new life for yourself, but you're overwhelmed by the city." The bartender was right on all accounts.

"How'd you know?"

"And" he pulled Dolph over to whisper in your ear. "You had sex two days ago."

Dolph looked at him funny. "I've nev-" he stopped as he realized the other patrons were looking at him. He whsipered back. "I've never had sex."

The bartender looked at Dolph. "Maybe it was something else then. But I'm never wrong about these things."

Dolph looked at the other patrons. It was obvious he stood out, his clothes weren't as fancy. Maybe the bartender had smelled dirt on him. He had no idea why the bartender would think he had sex. He hadn't even kissed a girl before.

"And you want to join the military."

"Yeah" Dolph admitted.

"Smart. My youngest's joining up too. Great way to move up in society. And unless you join the survey corps you'll probably never even fight." The bartender poured Dolph another glass.

"This one's on the house. Best of luck on your training."

Dolph chugged his beer. He could get used to this. He used to only drink after the harvest, and the beer wasn't half as good as it was here.

"So what's your kid's name?"

"His name is Felix. Look out for him, he's a bit of a hothead."

"I'll be his personal bodyguard for another free beer."

The bartender smiled, but his tone was calm and deliberate. "I'm serious. He needs someone to look out for him."

Maybe it was the ****, or maybe Dolph wanted to keep his wallet full.

"I'm serious too. I'll defend your kid if you don't make me pay for these."

The bartender studied him, squinting his eyes and watching for any hint of a lie.

"You're being honest. Reckless, and honest. You have a deal."

The two men shook hands.