I spotted Rose sitting at the far end of the bar, tucked into one of those shadowed corners where the dim light barely reached.
Even though the bar had transformed over the years—shiny new walls, polished floor, with a slicker, more modern vibe—it still felt, deep down, like the same place I'd stumbled into more times than I'd ever shown up at those weekly academy meetings. The scent of old wood mixed with fresh varnish, the low hum of chatter blending with the clink of glasses—it all tugged at something stubbornly nostalgic inside me.
Funny thing, though that there weren't as many adventurers around now. Maybe they didn't like the new clean-cut design. And honestly? That suited me just fine.
Back then, this place had never been meant for gruff men reeking of sweat and blood anyway. Now that it was free of those hulking, muscle-bound drunks, it actually felt easier to breathe, like the bar could finally be what it wanted to be.
