Submitted: 1 September 2000

Glory Days

by Efrate firemage

Recognition lights Barash's face as he recalls a dim memory. "Been a long time Efrate." he says as the mage strolls over. "How many years since you came in here?"

"Well met Barash." He says with a sigh. "I think it will be fifteen next month. Haven't been in here since I was a commoner. The usual please...if you still remember."

"Aye, I do." He slides the mage a glass of water. "Still not drinking anything but that, eh?"

"I'll have a bit of wine on occasion, but I get drunk to fast. Need to keep my wits about me when those gargoyles bear down."

"I bet ya do. Why the long face old friend?"

"Just remembering the old days. Mainly because of my beloved."

"Oh? Ya finally gonna stop roaming more than any four rangers and settle down? I'd never have guessed." He chuckled.

"Yes and no." The S'kra curls his tail around the stool and takes a sip of water. He seems to be seeing into the past as he swirls the liduid around. "I was engaged, but my wanderings as you so called it drove us apart, and I seek to get her favor back if I can. I am thinking of some very nice gowns I saw down south."

"Then what's the deal? You never wasted your coin on frivolties, always getting the simple but efficient things."

"Well, I am to generous." He says with a slight grin, showing a spark of the old Serpent Barash knew. "I have a soft spot for empaths and novices. Give out lots of coin. Curse of honor I guess."

Barash chuckles again. "Still can't decide whether ya wanna be a Paladin, a Mage, a Ranger, or a Barb? Still something else seems to be weighing ya down."

"That it is. And no, I haven't decided yet, I think I never will. A mage first, but everythign else in turn. You see, there's too much that's changed. I never do, but everything else has."

"Oh? How do you mean?" He leans closer to Efrate, his interest heightened.

"Everything. All my old friends are gone, and most my new ones have moved to the islands. I stick to the mainland. Why, I remember when I could pull massive gold nuggets out of rock troll boxes, and pop those self same boxes with a novie's skill every time. But it is no more. I need to re-attract her notice somehow, and I have yet to find a gift that won't take me monthes if not years to afford. That is my primary concern, that and keeping Gauthaus happy. That old fool." Here a flicker of a smile. "Well, I am off to hope to survive my daily dance with Gargs. The ferry leaves soon and I need to be on it. Fare you well."

He gets up to leave, and right before he walks out the he tosses a coin back to the Barash. Expecting silver or gold, he is stunned when he finally looks at the platinum coin spinning on the bar.