original

Dreams Of White Sakura

Chapitre 1: Mystic Tales Tavern

In the Akhalor, monsters, humans, and fantastical beasts reside. But not in harmony. So long as no one crosses any boundaries, the fate of the races would be considered peaceful.

One such case would be the 6 kingdoms that housed 6 different races. After a major war, the Kings of these kingdoms proposed a treaty. A division of the areas via large castle walls, 5 kingdoms surrounding the largest kingdom of Dragoon, a land filled with Dragonoid beings.

This tale starts with a singular being residing in the Kingdom of Dragoons, or Valokia…

"Order up, 2 Old Fashioneds!" yelled a young maiden from the bar, who slammed the service bell.

The young maiden didn't look a day beyond her twenties despite having to walk the world for the past few centuries. Her usual flowing plum locks were neatly tied into a single braid while a black hairband with floral designs held up her fringe. Her pale white skin stood from the sea of Dragoons in the bar, with darker skin tones.

Her ram-like horns were tinted lavender, alongside the scales that adorned part of her body. Her tail, which was the most unique, was forever engulfed with shimmering blue water.

She was the Mystic Tales Tavern's star attraction, luring customers with her drink-making and beauty.

"Thanks, Layla!" yelled a middle-aged male Dragoon, who bore a similar semblance to the young maiden, except his primary color palette was green. He then grabbed the drinks off from the countertop and went towards the tables.

The tavern was busy as the kingdom was celebrating its Coronation Day. The young prince has finally taken the throne as the King had lost his life to a battle of sickness. Customers and orders were piling in as the young bartender shook her concoctions to accommodate the party-goers.

"Lookin' mighty fine, missy!" called out a male Dragoon, who looked like he was about to keel over the bar top.

"Looks like someone doesn't know their limit, have some water instead," retorted Layla, shoving the drunken being with a glass of water.

"Nono… I ain't drunk because of the liquor… It's because of you, you and your beautiful ruby eyes… If I could just get a closer look…"

Before Layla could pull back, the middle-aged male Dragoon from earlier smashed a wooden tray on the drunken's head. Despite the loud crash, the tavern remained bustling.

"Thanks, Raiyen," noted Layla as she began closing the bar.

"Honestly, I thought we could get through the night without a single drunken person tryna make their move on you," said Raiyen, using his feet to kick the sleeping Dragoon out to the front door.

"Never gonna happen…" replied Layla as she smiled.

As the young bartender was wiping her bartop, two male Dragoons were chatting up a storm by the edge of her bar tables. A singular word caught Layla's attention from the chat. But butting into others' conversation wasn't really her thing, so the young maiden continued on her closing.

After another pain-numbingly long Chime, it was time for the Tavern to sleep. Raiyen had the absolute time of his life, trying to kick the drunken beings out of the area with his newly created steel shoes.

However, the poor Raiyen didn't get to use it on the two males at the bar tables as they got up to leave after everyone was out. But one of the males turned back and made a beeline towards Layla with a small brown sack.

"20 Gold to keep your sweet lips shut," noted the male before dropping the sack onto the bartop in front of Layla.

Her eyes widened, showing a flash of her amber-orange rings in her eyes. 20 Gold was enough to cover the young bartender's fees for the entire week. She could buy the new liqours...

Layla's lips curved into a smile before loudly saying thank you and goodbye to the two mysterious Dragoons.

Raiyen tilted his head to the side in curiosity.

"What was that about?" asked the curious male.

"Looks like I'm taking a day off tomorrow… Maybe two…" stated Layla as she pocketed the sack.

"Well, I'm done with my end and I gotta rush off home. I assume that you can handle the rest?" asked Raiyen, stretching.

"Of course, hop along home since your girlfriend must be starving. Get some ice chips and beef goulash on your way back, we've got some in the kitchen. Raven should have gone home so it ain't yell at you if you take some home," suggested Layla as she dumped the last bucket of water on her bar floor.

Raiyen smiled as he waved goodbye to his boss and rushed off to the kitchen. Layla finally finished scrubbing the floor and wanted some rest time by plopping onto the comfy chairs of the tavern.