Who: Hagar and Lot Where: Tavern on Lawu territory Why: Exceptional openings When: Monday 21th Dec morning Rating: TBD Status: In Progress
The last time they called on her to open the tavern during the day, Hagar had found a dead rat on the counter, three men snoring in their own filth and a modest cluster of kindling where the backdoor ought to have been. Debris and drunkards aside, she seldom woke early enough to be of use to Tank and his brother. Today marked the exception. The door squeaked and clanged pitifully as Hagar tweaked the lock; it always took a little effort to cheat it into opening, but eventually the rusty latch gave way to last night's liquor fumes and the lingering scent of stale sweat.
Bless, thought Hagar, they actually cleaned up after themselves this time. No broken chairs, no shattered glasses. Hagar wiped her hands on her dress and ventured deeper into the tavern, leaving the door ajar despite the crisp morning gales. Better to air the place out, even if it meant risking a little chill.
"Shit and piss," a voice bellowed from the doorway. "I don't know why you people ever close up shop. With this fuckin' cold, there's never a reason to quit drinkin'."
Hagar shrugged. "Think our Doc might disagree, but I'm not in the business of judging what your liver's worth. Grab a seat, Mouse."
The name couldn't have clashed more with the Chet's broad shoulders and bruised knuckles. Hagar knew him well enough to keep from pointing out that she wasn't responsible for Tank's tavern or its opening hours.
She breathed a little easier when other folks wandered in, lured by the promise of Raven's liquor and the slow-down that always seemed to come with the eve of festivals. She counted a few Tawa among the patrons, a number of Chets mostly flocking to Mouse's table—even a couple of Oma tribesmen, chased from their orchards by the winter winds. Most had taken tables, but there was one seated at the bar, lonely-looking or maybe just a little be lost. Hagar circled back behind the counter, a smile on her lips. "What'll you have, pilgrim?"