I entered the bar, and it was clouded with an aroma of sweet-smelling smoke, the space much too warm in addition to it. Orange-tinted lanterns patterned each decorated wall, aiding the afternoon sun's effort to keep the building well-lit.
The bell above the doors had alerted everyone of my entrance, so rows of eyes swiveled to watch me, perplexed as if they hadn't ever expected to encounter me in a bar. It made sense. I rarely frequented such establishments, and when I did, it was for company, not to drink myself.
I wove between full round tables to approach the occupied bar counter. I met the bartender's indifferent gaze and cleared my throat. "I'm looking for my brother Darien. Did he come here?" I didn't bother stating his appearance, as everyone already knew who we were.
