40th of Winter 511 AV In all of the Western quarter, in all of Nyka even, no one was a better drinker than the Xannos monk Jett Variona. And he was willing to back up the claim, with either a mug of ale or a fist that had seen many an unfortunate face. And so it was that he was haunted his favorite hovel once again, enjoying what must have been his fifth mug of wheat beer. Luckily it was paid for by the generous coin of a certain thief, who was probably nursing a broken hand, a broken rib, a broken jaw, and a broken will to steal. Crime, for good reason, was somewhat rare in Nyka, but when it did happen no one could complain if Jett helped himself to what was more than likely stolen coin. In fact, the man had had more than just Mizas. He also had possessed the currency of Nyka, the Laat, which he had tried to bride him with. That was the man's mistake that lead to his beating. Jett may be a violent drunk, but he was still a monk and took his duty seriously. He realized that the thought had rhymed, and that made him chuckle drunkenly into his beer. Jett stared sullenly out among the crowd of the night. The place was never very busy, being merely one of the various unnamed bars scattered around Nyka, but tonight it was almost packed. And yet everyone was making their own merriment in their own little groups. That wasn't right. In a place like this, on a night like this, everyone should be singing. Dancing on the tables, clapping each other on the back. That kind of stuff. No one even noticed the lone monk in the corner of the room, drinking ale by himself. That had to change especially. Jett often liked being the center of attention while intoxicated. If anyone knew that about Jett, then it would come as a surprise to no one that the monk proceeded to take up his dirty robes and step up on top of the table. Clearing his voice, the barroom went quiet as he began to sing a hearty jig. "Oh there's a gem in Sylira This, oh yes, I know A gem that shines with hope's delight This, oh yes, I know And this gem its name is loving Nyka! This, oh yes, I know!" Many turned and stared, but there were some that knew Jett and knew his love for ruckus. Some of them even stood up, waving their mugs in unison, for this was a popular song within Nyka for its upbeat tune, but more so for the fact that after every chorus a single person will raise their voice above the others with a verse they had made up on the spot, and then the whole bar laughs and drinks. As the song caught on, more and more people joined in and soon the entire tavern was roaring with laughter and song. A much better time than it was a second ago, Jett thought as he began singing his own verse after the chorus finished. "Well my friends I'm Xannos's finest This, oh yes, I know! And if anyone cares To try and harm your hairs I'll get them with one blow!" |