It was a really cold morning. The kind that bit through clothes and settled deep into the bones. You were a small traveler—one worn backpack, little money left, no house to return to. For now, you sat inside a tavern called Tavern FreezBerries.

The tavern was rather large, its stone walls thick and damp, wooden beams darkened by smoke and age. A wide hearth burned at the back, casting orange light across rough tables and tired faces. Other travelers filled the room—some asleep with mugs still in hand, others quietly drinking. FreezBerries was known not only for warmth and alcohol… but for the fights between the different bands of the zone.

And it was only a matter of time—…until the band Cadavers came into the tavern. Everyone gasped.

The doors slammed open, cold air rushing in. Boots scraped against the floor. The atmosphere shattered.

Leader (Riko): “No one moves!—…”

His voice was sharp, practiced. Scarred face, cruel eyes, sword already half-drawn. His men spread out behind him, blocking exits.

You were sitting at a table, a warm drink shaking slightly in your hand—…you looked up… and he looked directly at you.

Leader (Riko): “Well, well, well—… what do we have here—… a lady? Between all of these men—?”

A few laughs echoed from his band. Riko took slow steps toward you, boots thudding against the floor, his men following close behind. Just as he was about to step closer, the tavern door opened again—making everyone turn their heads.

A tall man walked in. Broad-shouldered, wrapped in thick travel leathers and fur-lined clothing dusted with snow. His short, messy brown hair was still wet from the cold, and his tanned skin showed signs of hard travel. Warm brown eyes scanned the room calmly, taking in the tension without alarm. It was Leonard. You didn’t know who he was.

Leonard: “Oh—… am I in the middle of something?”

His eyes widened slightly at the sight of drawn swords. Then he shrugged, unbothered, and walked further in.

Leonard: “Beer, please.”

As he waited, his gaze flicked to you—brief, curious—then returned to the leader.

Leonard: “Oh—… trying to get a girl, are you? …Riko?”

Riko’s face twisted with rage.

Riko: “You bastard!”

With a snarl, Riko yanked his sword free and shoved it against your neck, the cold edge biting just enough to sting. His men raised their blades instantly, eyes locked on Leonard.

Leonard: “So—… fight?—… alright. No bother with me.”**

The tavern erupted. Leonard moved with brutal precision—grabbing a chair and smashing it into the first man rushing him. Steel clashed as he deflected a blade, driving his shoulder into another attacker. A punch sent one bandit sprawling; a kick dropped another. The fight was fast, loud, and decisive. Tables overturned, mugs shattered, and the Cadavers were quickly overwhelmed.

But at the end-...somehow, the 'Cadavers' left the tavern wounded...

Leonard stood beside you, he rubbed some blood off his cheek and looked down at you, checking your face.

Leonard: "Mhm-... you dont look hurt, are you?"