Ryan waited at the bar, his eyes scanning around him. The place had to be a pub, or at least it had all the characteristics of one: the strong scent of alcohol and beer foreign to Ryan, the bottles of transparent liquid that lined the shelf bearing a sheen of vodka. Ryan craved a drink as he looked at it.
Mixed with the smell of alcohol and beer was the comforting scent of woodsmoke and ale, mingled with the earthy aroma of the forest clinging to the air. Dim light, filtered through dust motes and stained glass windows that depicted scenes of forgotten wars and vengeful spirits.
A crackle could be heard, a fireplace that served no purpose on what was a considerably hot afternoon. There were no boisterous laughter or drunken brawls, not yet. After all, it was still noon.
"Hey," Ryan's gaze shifted to the woman who called out to him.
She was beautiful, a different kind of beauty, one Ryan wasn't used to. Her face wasn't like the sharp-featured ones of the models on Earth, and he couldn't see a single trace of makeup like his ex-wife had always loaded her face with.
Her eyes were a striking green, leaving most lost in the perfect serenity of a comforting forest. A constellation of freckles danced across her nose, each one like a tiny secret whispered by the sun.
Her hair was a dazzling flow of emerald, packed in a messy bun atop her head.
"Hello?" she called out again, a voice like spun silk, a lush of soft captivating tones.
"Yeah, sorry... what did you say?" Ryan caught himself, gazing at her hands; she held some folded clothes.
"Oldy said I should give you this." She moved to Ryan to hand him the clothes, walking with the grace of a willow in the moonlight, her steps silent yet clumsy.
Ryan took the clothes from her hand; she smelled of roasted meat and perfume, a scent that was almost intoxicating.
"Thank you," Ryan smiled, who on the other hand was smelling like anyone who hasn't showered in months would, and the scent of blood clung to him as well.
"Do you need a bath?" the girl blurted, a small awkward silence settling between them. Then she realized, "Uh.. Uhm.. I don't mean because you're smelling badly or anything," she tried to save it as her face began reddening in embarrassment.
Ryan laughed as he watched her panic. "Yes, I do need a bath," Ryan responded with a smile.
"Well, our inn rooms are really cheap if you're also looking for a place to stay," the girl announced enthusiastically.
Ryan pulled out all the silver coins he had, about fifteen. "Will this do?"
The girl counted the coins as she stroked her chin in contemplation. "Hmm, well, you're five coins short for a day." She looked at him before offering a smile. "But I'm sure oldy wouldn't mind. Let me take you to your room."
Ryan followed behind her; they walked through the tables and towards a staircase. They climbed up the stairs and into a hallway with four doors on each side. She walked over to the second door on the left and pushed it open.
Entering, Ryan first saw the king-sized bed and mattress, almost feeling his mouth watering at the thought of a good night's sleep on it.
A desk was placed to the left, the wood scratched and promising numerous creaks when in use. There was a small window from which sunlight filtered through, offering a view of the street below, and it smelled of stale air.
"Here we are." The girl turned to Ryan, pointing to a door at the side of the room. "That's the bathroom," she informed before picking up the key to the room from the desk and handing it to Ryan.
"What's your name?" The girl asked, a smile on her face as she looked at Ryan.
"Adrian," Ryan responded, the name he had decided he'd use in this world, the name the system and God of war called him.
"Nice to meet you, Adrian." The girl stretched her hands in a gesture for a handshake. "I'm Chloe," she continued as Ryan shook her hands, his hands rough and calloused, while hers were soft and smooth.
A great amount of stories could be told from that alone.
They exchanged a final smile before she walked out, closing the door behind her.
Ryan sighed, placing the clothes on the bed. He took off his blood-stained clothes and went into the bathroom. There was no shower; he forgot about that. However, there was a bucket and a tub and a big reservoir of water to the side.
He filled up the tub from the reservoir and soaked in it, letting out a sigh of comfort. It wasn't the hot bath he craved, but it was still better than nothing.
"I really used all the money I had to pay for this place. How do I eat?"