"I-I'm sorry," Aleksis apologized hurriedly. "I just- didn't expect you'd be so... furry."
Boss flashed a grin once more, his teeth nearly as yellow as his eyes. "Ah, well, yes... I am what you would call a Felinx, Mr... ?" The look in his eyes reminded Aleksis that he hadn't introduced himself yet.
"Oh! Sorry, my name is Aleksis. Nice to meet you, sir." Aleksis held out his hand for a shake, and Boss clasped it tightly.
"Good to meet you, lad," Boss said cooly, shaking Aleksis's hand firmly. "I hear from Bree that you're looking for a room, but have no money. I know that feeling, hence why I am so willing to negotiate. I take it you already know the terms?"
Aleksis nodded. "Yes. I have to work here in exchange for a room, right?"
"Indeed. For every shift you work in my tavern, you can count on having a bed to rest your head that night. Do you have any experience bartending?"
Aleksis shook his head. "No, but I'm willing to learn."
Boss chuckled before taking another drag from his cigar. He blew out a long, smoky sigh, then put it out for good on his ashtray. He looked up at Aleksis with kind eyes. "I respect your honesty, but that won't be necessary, lad. I don't exactly need a barkeep as of now - our barkeep, Terry, has served behind that counter for six years, and he's done a fine job managing on his own. However... Bree could use more help, simply due to the amount of customers we've been getting lately. The Drunken Dragon started out as a humble, little tavern, but over the years, we've made renovations, and experienced exponential growth in popularity. These days, even a skilled waitress such as herself struggles to keep up at times. What do you say, Aleksis? Are you up for taking orders and kissing asses all day?"
Bree giggled at her boss's witty quip, covering her mouth. Boss smirked and winked at her. Aleksis, eager to begin his new life in this new world, responded with a smile, "Yes, I think I can do that."
Boss grinned. "Good, good. Our designated innkeeper is out for holiday for the time being, so Bree will show you your room. Be up and ready for work by the time the church bell tolls seven. Many of our customers are morning drinkers, bless their hearts - or their livers, rather." This time, it was Aleksis who chuckled, which prompted endearing smiles from both Boss and Bree.
Bree locked Aleksis's arm in hers, leading him to the door. "Come, let's see you to your room."
Aleksis, trying to hide his awkwardness at the touch of a woman, went with his new coworker back into the dimly lit hallway. She led him back through the door to the main lobby of the tavern, and up a flight of stairs in the corner of the room. On the second floor, there were multiple hallways with doors lining each of their walls. Bree led him down the furthest hallway. As Aleksis followed Bree down the narrow hallway, he couldn't help but notice the simplicity of the place. The floorboards creaked under their footsteps, and the walls were adorned with faded landscapes of places he'd never been. When they reached the sixth door on the right wall, Bree stopped and began to fish inside her bosom. Aleksis looked away respectfully, which didn't go unnoticed by Bree.
"I keep my set of keys in here because I figure it's the safest place for them to be. Wouldn't you agree?" She nudged him flirtatiously and twirled the keys around her finger, their jingling giving Aleksis a final sense of peace, for now he knew for sure he was set for the night.
"Heh, y-yeah, I guess you're right," Aleksis replied with a nervous laugh.
"Ohh, why are you so modest, anyhow? But don't stop, it is rather charming." Bree teased, unlocking the door. She turned the knob and pushed open the door to reveal Aleksis's room.
"Here we are," Bree announced proudly, gesturing towards the room beyond.
Aleksis stepped inside and glanced around. The room was cozy in a no-frills kind of way. A single bed dominated the space, its quilt neatly folded at the foot. A small window let in a meager stream of afternoon light, revealing a view of the bustling street below.
"A bit... sparse, isn't it?" Aleksis muttered under his breath.
Bree, apparently catching his remark, chuckled softly. "Ah, simplicity is what we aim for here. Keeps the mind clear, they say."
Aleksis nodded politely. "Well, I used to sleep in an attic, so I'm not complaining."
A small wooden desk sat against the opposite wall, accompanied by a basic chair that looked like it had seen better days. On the desk, a solitary lamp stood sentinel, its shade slightly askew.
"Is there anything else you'll be needing, Aleksis?" Bree inquired, eyeing Aleksis expectantly.
"No, this will do just fine, thank you," Aleksis replied, offering a polite smile.
Bree nodded and withdrew, leaving Aleksis to unpack his few belongings. As he settled in, he couldn't shake the feeling that the room was a reflection of his own current state—unadorned, straightforward, and perhaps a touch melancholic; yet, it inspired hope within him as a sign from the Ancients that he was on the right path.
Now that he was alone, the heaviness of his venture suddenly brought its full weight upon him and he sighed, exhausted. He plopped down onto the neatly-made bed, savoringly running his hands across the black silk sheets. In seconds, he was sound asleep.