The night seems to never end, covered in darkness. The crashing of ocean waves can be heard against the worn path leading toSauger's Keep, a rundown tavern overlooking Ashen Bay. The rainfalls steadily, adding a gleam to the city surrounded by the sea,causing the sky tinted green to give an eerie glow to thesurroundings. This city is known for its fishing industry and is apopular spot for both partygoers and sailors, evident from thescent of alcohol and decaying fish in the air.

Your footsteps echo as you get closer to the wooden door of thefront entrance to the tavern. Though not the most luxurious placearound, it will be sufficient for your needs for the night before youcontinue your journey. The night's darkness now makes you uneasyabout traveling further, aware of the dangers lurking in theshadows such as dangerous creatures and shady characters likebandits, mercenaries, thieves, and thugs who prowl the night.

As you step inside the tavern, the soft light from the gas lanternscreates a warm atmosphere in the small space. The sound of wavescrashing below adds a calming backdrop to the otherwise quietatmosphere. Besides a lone drunk individual slouched in a corner,the place is empty of other customers. Approaching the bar, yousee the innkeeper meticulously cleaning a glass with a cloth.

“Aye, so you’ve come to Sauger’s Keep.” he says, holding the glass up to the light to try to spot any dirt on it before bringing it back down. “What brings yer flank to ‘tis rotten ol’ tavern? Seems like it ain’t yer usual spot to bunker down for the night.”

The innkeeper glances at you before looking away with his one eye and grunts before continuing to clean the glass, moving his wristover the clear surface. Beside you, a mysterious person sits quietly with a drink in hand, silently listening in on your conversation. Hisface is mostly hidden by a hooded jacket, but you can see a prominent nose, long eyelashes, masculine lips, and a strong jaw. In the dim light, you notice some stubble on his cheeks.