The sun shone high over the prosperous town, its light casting sharp shadows against its brick streets and wooden roofs. Merchants kept yelling about their wares in the marketplace, while laborers carried large crates and sacks, their faces glistening with sweat. Amid such hustle and bustle, a lone figure pushed open the creaking doors of the Silver Mug Tavern, stepping into its dim, cool interior.
He was a lean man, dressed in a patched leather tunic and worn boots that had seen better days. His face hung low from the exhaustion of someone chasing wealth but never catching enough. Using his hand to comb his hair back, he walked up to the bar and dropped a few bronze coins on the counter.
"Give me something strong," he said, his voice carrying disappointment.
