Jergmo
2009-06-28, 11:19 PM
The patrons of The Broken Arrow were in for a bit of excitement for a change, breaking the dull routine they had grown accustomed to. Everett Atkinson was back in town, in that very tavern. A seasoned adventurer, Everett was a man of whom they knew no equal. He strode in wearing armor made of mithral, a suit befitting a king. Wrapped about him was the pelt of a winter wolf which was fashioned into a cloak, and at his side was a magnificent broadsword inlaid with silver and sporting an emerald pommel.
Despite his splendor, Everett appeared haggard. His hair and beard were unkempt, and he sported a new scar. The scar was over his right eye, which was no longer green. What they also noticed was this time, he was alone. Everett claimed a table in an unoccupied corner of the building and lit his pipe, but never spoke a word to anyone.
The silence was making people nervous, so one patron approached him, a young man named Ethan. At first, Everett wouldn't meet his eye, so he tried to coax him into speaking. "Everett, it's good to see you back! We've all missed you, especially my sister Cara. She will be thrilled! You know, she's always loved your stories. Why don't you tell us about your adventure in the Kaliit desert? Were you successful in finding the caliph's tomb?"
Everett let out a puff of smoke, keeping his eyes on the table. "I have no stories for you, Ethan. There is nothing to tell."
"Surely you jest, sir! You are a great hero! Tell us of what you have seen, what monsters you have slain! Is the Kaliit desert as grand as the foreigners say?"
"The Kaliit desert is made of sand and ripe with death. That is all."
"But what about --" Everett rose from the table and knocked it over, grabbing Ethan by the collar and lifting him off of his feet.
"That accursed desert took everything from me! That accursed tomb! And for what?! Trinkets and treasure?! We were lied to and betrayed, and what should have stayed dead would not lie still!" By that time, Ethan began wetting himself. He attempted to stammer a response and failed. "You want to be an adventurer, do you boy? Oh yes, what fun it is to be an adventurer! The riches, the glory, the memories! Well, do you know what? Those memories never leave you." Everett then dropped Ethan and stormed out, looks of astonishment following him as Ethan sat in a puddle of his own urine.
Despite his splendor, Everett appeared haggard. His hair and beard were unkempt, and he sported a new scar. The scar was over his right eye, which was no longer green. What they also noticed was this time, he was alone. Everett claimed a table in an unoccupied corner of the building and lit his pipe, but never spoke a word to anyone.
The silence was making people nervous, so one patron approached him, a young man named Ethan. At first, Everett wouldn't meet his eye, so he tried to coax him into speaking. "Everett, it's good to see you back! We've all missed you, especially my sister Cara. She will be thrilled! You know, she's always loved your stories. Why don't you tell us about your adventure in the Kaliit desert? Were you successful in finding the caliph's tomb?"
Everett let out a puff of smoke, keeping his eyes on the table. "I have no stories for you, Ethan. There is nothing to tell."
"Surely you jest, sir! You are a great hero! Tell us of what you have seen, what monsters you have slain! Is the Kaliit desert as grand as the foreigners say?"
"The Kaliit desert is made of sand and ripe with death. That is all."
"But what about --" Everett rose from the table and knocked it over, grabbing Ethan by the collar and lifting him off of his feet.
"That accursed desert took everything from me! That accursed tomb! And for what?! Trinkets and treasure?! We were lied to and betrayed, and what should have stayed dead would not lie still!" By that time, Ethan began wetting himself. He attempted to stammer a response and failed. "You want to be an adventurer, do you boy? Oh yes, what fun it is to be an adventurer! The riches, the glory, the memories! Well, do you know what? Those memories never leave you." Everett then dropped Ethan and stormed out, looks of astonishment following him as Ethan sat in a puddle of his own urine.