Completed The Start of a Long Winter

[Ricky Maze]

The Start of a Long Winter Chronicle 1.1, The Part of Moving On Winter 2nd, 512 AV; Late Afternoon In our times of need we look for ways to avoid ourselves, watching as we fall apart as we lose who we are. The things we hold dear vanish from our life and our eyes can only see the darkness ahead, searching for the light that we long to see once again... Before Ricky stood his opponent as he lunged his blade for the fisherman's chest, the tense situation of Ricky being down as he would soon feel the blade pierce his flesh. The thick fog that hung around ominous in it's form as the dark intentions of murder filled its haze. Ricky was on his back with no time or way to get away as the murder now readied his blade, only to find that a snarl came about as a dog had went in for the shin. Pulling the murder's attention away as well as inflicting pain upon the man Odis tore relentlessly, until finally his head was met with a kick from the bastard. It was the scene that Ricky knew only to well but couldn't change, no matter how many times he would watch it he couldn't move from his spot. What came next always broke him inside repeatedly. Odis was in pain as he drew back from the kicks the murderer gave, until finally the blade flashed out to Odis' side like before. "Odis!" Ricky screamed at the top of his lungs as a thunder rolled out, causing him to jolt up in a cold sweet as the nightmare ended in the same place it did before. Breathing heavily the fisherman looked around his room, only to remember what he witnessed was that nightmare....and Odis was gone. Wiping the sweat off his face with his hands he looked to his scar on his right side, the wound still fresh in his mind from that terrible night. He then looked to his hands, remembering his intention of murder and revenge. Never before had he lost control of himself like he did then, the reality of knowing you killed another in blind rage was something that was even more terrifying than losing someone important to you. Indeed Ricky was sick of feeling this way, feeling like death followed him around everywhere. Feeling like he had been a failure to his companion, like a disappointment to the world. "Odis....I'm sorry boy..." He sighed as the overwhelming depair took over, but he couldn't sit around in this room anymore. No he had to find something that would tire him out, something that would weaken his mind as he would keep the dreams at bay. He didn't want to relive that moment for another night or day, he wanted to be able to sleep and have no recolletion of what he dreamt. What he had in mind though wasn't all that grand. Wiping the tear's off his face and out from under his eyes, Ricky got out of bed and put his winter clothes on, his cotton pants he slipped on while strapping a belt to keep the loose comfortable pants from sagging. His white short sleeved shirt made of cotton being next to slip on as it remained snug to his torso, followed by his blue jacket also made of cotton. Last was his new leather shoes, fine and dandy compared to the old ones he had sitting next to his attire he wore last season. This was the new outfit he had bought before the season change occured, one that would play the role of keeping him warm for the long winter ahead. Grabbing his room key from the bedside table he went to the door, locking it as he exited to head out the inn. At the Kelp Bar He entered to find the bar with a dark loomy look to it, the patrons within all talking and laughing to one another. Some of them were sailor's while others were local's, all were in merry moods though it seems; well all but those that would drink alone. Like Ricky for instance, he was here and he was alone. What he did next though was something he didn't feel any regret to, as the solution to his problems may reside in his next action. Waving for the barkeep he put one Nilo on the counter, in trade for two mugs of Kelp Beer. The bear never really drank Kelp Beer before much less any other alcohol, but when he took a sip of the undesirable smelly substance he grimaced a bit at the salty taste. Not an entirely bad flavor really now that he thought about it, and now that he had wetted his curious apetite he was ready to begin the drinking. Taking his first real drink he took two gulps of the salty beer, feeling the stinging burn of it's strong acohol as it burnt its way down to his liver. He could already feel a warmth grow within his torso, already the booze was kicking in with it's intoxicating effects. Wallowing in his grief seem to be the clear agenda of the day, but before the day was over Ricky's intentions were now outset on his plans. He would work on getting wasted if not drunk, and hopefully then his nightmares would go away.

[Valo]

The little bell at the front door rang merely and a very tall figure appeared in the door, bringing the familiar chill with it. As the days progressed, the air became colder and colder; and alcohol it seemed, was the perfect solution for this. The red haired man made his way to the bar keep and settled by another man, much larger than him self, with short brown hair an a mug of Kelp beer in his hand. He decided that the same was good enough for him.

Valo looked so out of place in these surroundings. A finely dressed artist, an educated man with such an exotic flare to his persona, in a sea of sailors. But he was a sight way too frequent, for anyone to take notice of him any more.

[Ricky Maze]

There was the chatter of other sailors and patrons as they continued, and as Ricky could hear the door bell jingle for another patron to enter he shivered slightly. The chilly weather that Winter brought was something he had long forgotten in his journey, but that was all gone in the past now; he had nothing left of it. A man with vibrant red hair took a seat next to the broken fisherman, ordering his round of Kelp Beer to purge the cold out of his pale skin no doubt. Ricky thought the man could do with a bit of a sun tan at first but his thoughts were washed away by the acohol. Gulping down what was left in his first mug he still had a grime expression, swallowing the last bit of the salty booze with a low sigh through his nostrils. It was indeed good to flush out the cold from ones flesh, it was also a good way to flush the thoughts out of ones mind. Ricky was more inclined for the second notion, but the first was still one he would favor. He never really looked to the red haired man that sat next to him, from what Ricky couod tell he had to slightly look down at him. Usually did with the average folk most of the time. This one had a sort of flair about him that Ricky could only surmise was involving the scholarly type. There were some people of the University that would sometimes feel adventurous enough to come here, Ricky would normally commend those types for taking such a chance to involve themselves with others. Yet today he wasn't really in that cheery humble mood, for that natural state of mind he always had was gone. Had been for weeks now after that event, and by the looks of things it wasn't coming back anytime soon. Ricky looked in his second mug to see the green contents of his beer, a slight hic could be heard as he tried to keep it in. Already he was drunk and he had only one mug down, what a bloody lightweight he was. There was practice to come though, for the best part of drinking till your drop dead drunk was a real test for sailors; that test being how well they can hold it in. With a sigh Ricky took a regular drink this time, keeping himself from overdoing it as others would say. He made no attempt to speak to his fellow patron, for in his mind he was focusing on washing out the thoughts. Yes those thoughts on his mistakes he made, those thoughts on how much of a failure he was, those thoughts on what a disappointment in life he had become and mostly; those thoughts of his nightmares. Should the man feel so inclined to start a comversation though Ricky would oblige, he hadn't been out socializing since after the funeral after all; why not catch up on the "juicy gossip" or latest rumor. Or whatever it was folks tend to share these days.

[Valo]

Valo had a habit of watching people around him with close intensity. Of course he observed from beneath his brow, keeping his subject in the peripheral vision. He'd do anything not to be discovered. Otherwise the man would think Valo to be rude; and rudeness if a heinous crime which Valo would not commit. An undiscovered crime is not a crime at all.

There were subtle signs within the man's aura which suggested he may be troubled by something. Little things such as the haste with which he drank both mugs of beer. Those little things reminded Valo very much of him self when he was troubled by a lack of inspiration. For inspiration was an illness of the mind, which an artist could not go without. Perhaps this was why he could so easily see though the man's movements. Or perhaps he was just a good observer. None the less Valo had a certain way with people.

"There's only one way to drink Kelp Beer." he spoke softly, not making eye contact. "You bring it to your lips and drink it all at once, for the world hasn't seen a more foul alcohol. My very first lesson in Zeltiva." he smiled. "Say, have you been living here for long. You seem a stranger to the ways of Kelp Beer indeed."

Valo for a moment reflected on all the troubles which he relieved with a soothing gulp of the salty liquid. The yearning for his family on the very first day. That day when he spent all his Mizas, which were meant for his education at the university, on things far below a good Inarta boy from a wealthy family. The many nights alone with the canvasses, ripping out his hair when the paint would not do what he wanted it to. Alcohol was his only friend when he was informed that the prostitute he came hold close to his heart, had died in childbirth; and there was a possibility that child was his. The many nights he had spent at the orphanage, drawing the baby girl with soft red ringlets. Ah how time flies in Zeltiva.

There was a distinct line of blush across Valo's face, suggesting he'd have been drinking long before he came into the bar. And perhaps he had the pleasure of enjoying better alcohol too. But his wits were not yet washed away.

[Ricky Maze]

It wasn't unexpected for Ricky to hear the man speak first, he felt he was bound to at some point. The fact he commented on the Kelp Beer though no doubt proved this man has had dealings of his own before. "Is it that obvious.."Ricky quizzed as he imagined the red haired man must of somehow observation on him, being able to tell that Ricky never really drank before must have been easier to see than the fisherman thought. "Guess so if ye can tell. Not so bad though... Somethin ya learned from personal experience no doubt." He shrugged as he decided to go in for another drink, another hic could be heard before he did so. He titled the mug base high as he began to chug, gulping it all down until he finally consumed the salty green alcohol. This was challenging enough as it overloaded his liver, causing him to cover his mouth with a fist to hide a burning belch that rattled his chest. He coughed a couple of times as he laid his forehead on the counter. Feeling the queasy nausia start to build as the room felt like it was swimming. He took a few deep breathes and finished with a sigh, feeling the intoxication effects roll in his mind and fog his senses. Looking to the barkeep once more he felt his body become fluid and slow, his mind now dull and relaxed. Now he just needed sleep. Yet how was he to make it back to the inn? Simple answer really: just get up and walk! Why his legs didn't want to comply? That was a simple answer too, but one Ricky didn't seem to comnect. He felt himself smile as the daze that came on was one that became so...serene? Yes that seem to be the word that would fit it, even though Ricky wasn't entirely sure how he felt now. When he first came in he felt rather... miserable for the lack of a better word. What he felt now was a good question for him. Was he liberated? He didn't feel like it really. 'What the petch am I feelin?!' He thought to himself as his mind hollowed out, making his thoughts a continuous echo in a deep chasm. He would hic again as he would attempt to listen to this stranger, although it was likely his thought process wouldn't easily register whatever would be said.

[Valo]

It was surprising to many, how much Valo could drink and still retain that finely composed presence of his. For the bar counter before them was now clad with empty mugs which once contained alcohol. Some large mugs, some slightly smaller. Yet all showing a perfect example of what men may do, when their pockets are filled with a tad too much coin.

The man next to him was now in the magical realm of intoxication. It was clear by his face, as well as the little hiccups that came out of him as a statement to his drunkenness. Silly fool, thought the Inartian as he turned to the man and smiled, a gentle crescent of a smile beneath a blush as red as his hair. "My name is Valo by the way." he spoke. "And I feel it my duty to warn you not to overdo it. Though whether you take my advice or not, that is your choice." he chuckled.

[Ricky Maze]

Ricky could help but laugh after Valo said this, for whatever reason he did laugh Ricky was uncertain; he had little control over his reflexes now. His ability to control his laughter was pretty much the same now, difficult in its current disposition. When it seemed to die out shortly though he looked Valo, wondering what gave the man such an obligation. "Ricky." Was all he said before he went into another hic, overdoing it was something he had already done now. Two drinks down as fast as he got them almost, that's a bit much for a first timer when you think about it; even if Ricky had a bear like build for a body. He looked over his shoulder to introduce his would be furry companion, but didn't see him anywhere in sight. Either he was forgetting about his little event or it was a just a old dream know, if that should help point out how bad it truly was. Yet he couldn't drink to another, that he did know for a fact. Anymore then he was likely to lose it and blow chunkcs everywhere, already through his hics he could feel the bubbling nausea beg to upheave its overloaded contents. "I...can't drink anymore anyway," He had a slur in his tone as he nested his head between his hands, "I'd introduce Odis...but he seems to have run off..." He felt like he would've been more revelous than this, but instead he just longed for rest. After all he hardly has gotten any since the nightmares, maybe now when he crashes onto the bed at the inn he'll sleep like a dead log. "Wonder where he is anyway..." He mumbled just loud enough to for Valo to hear. Although he wasn't able to put in any effort into thinkin about it, what was left of his broken heart already knew where as his mind couldn't recall. Ricky could feel the emotional devastation that had haunted him since that day, but could not figure out what it was anymore.

[Valo]

Valo watched as the bear of a man crumbled into nothing more than a mouse. His head in between his palms, murmuring some nonsense about some man named Odis who seemed to run away. It's a sad fate that awaits those who fall in love with alcohol. Though perhaps the love of a woman can be just as deadly for one's mind, but not for one's liver. Valo pitied him indeed. Poor drunken fool. And the sadder thing still was that Valo had one been in this man's position. Hell, he still is regularly, at least once or twice a week. And before he made the conscious decision to completely saturate his own organism with this deadly substance, he put down the very last mug which was still half full and spoke. "I'm sure he'll return. Now how about we get you back home, for you're in no position to be roaming around Zeltiva in this state. Where d you live Ricky?"

Despite Valo's flamboyance and charisma and perhaps a tad of self-love, he was indeed a good man. Never to turn his back on a man in need, even if he so wished to. His mother had brought him up well indeed.

[Ricky Maze]

"Wha? Oh." Yes home would be nice, if it still stood of course. The bed at his room though would do nicely, in fact that was where he wanted to be now. Yet Valo was willing to help him get there, out of kidness or pity Ricky wasn't sure of anymore; he wasn't going to accept however. "No no, I'm fine good sir..." He said as he looked to the man with a lucid smile, trying to appear convincing through the intoxication that clouded his mind. "I'm perfectly fine! So all I need to do is just get up..." He twisted legs out to where his feet where positioned for him to get up, but he couldn't really feel much in them. Wiggling his toes as he focused on gaining his balance Ricky wasted no time, he stood up without a second thought and struggled to maintain balance. "There! See," Ricky comfirmed with a chuckle that was cut off with another hic, "What I tell ya." He never bothered to answer Valo's question because there was really no answer to it, the inn wasn't his home to begin with. Just a means of a temporary resting place until he got his foothold back on the ground, yet that was when his plans involved Odis being around. Now that Odis was gone Ricky had nothing left. Ricky staggered and stumbled until he finally reached the door, grasping the nob for dear life as he flet his balance lean off course. "Whoa." He mumbled with another chuckle, his hics followed as he tried to turn the knob, forgetting which motion he was suppose to twist in order to pull the door open. "Daw petch, lefty pully or righty pushy?" He mumbled once more, unaware that other patrons were watching him with sneers. When he finally twisted the knob the door flung open with a creek, as Ricky tumbled forward onto the outside ground. Valo would hear laughter inside the bar, and should he see to Ricky he would find the fisherman was laughing too. Only this wasn't a haha that's funny laugh, no this was the laugh that said "I'm an embarrassment to all" and was a cover up to what be really was feeling like; and that was crying.

[Valo]

"Poor fool." thought Valo suddenly re-evaluating his whole existence. Did he look like this when he was intoxicated beyond recognition? Was he such a complete embarrassment to him self? And if so, did that really matter? Surely a man is entitled to drink his life away, without having to deal with the judgement of others. And that is what Valo did. He refused to judge Ricky for his somewhat foolish drunkennesses. Though he found him self wondering what on earth would cause the bear of a man to drown him self in alcohol in that manner. And perhaps what was there to be done to soothe his pain just a little?

How did Valo know there was pain within the man's heart? Simple, for no one, no matter how reckless would drink him self sick in such a fashion, if there wasn't a great weight on him heart. And a heart is a fragile organ indeed.

Taking another swig from the remaining mug of beer in his hand, Valo looked behind him to where Ricky has exited. He thought it in bad taste to fallow the man. He was an adult after all and such that could take care of him self. But worry was indeed one of Valo's thoughts, as secretly he had hoped that this brief acquaintance may seek his help after all. Or at least make it home in safety.