Ren held his finger up; the waitress Kimiko was at his side immediately. "A drink." Her smile was an oil slick asking to burn. "Make it several," he said.
She curtsied. Yuusei and Shinichi whooped with delight when Kimiko returned with a tower of beer, the top glass held secure by the press of her lips against its rim. She sat the tower down, then handed the top glass to Ren, her eyes meeting his over the foaming head. "Sir Knight," she said.
Ren took a sip from the other side of the glass. It was weak, but tasted less like piss than the last inn's. Shinichi had already drained his and was starting on a second. Yuusei balanced three in a dripping tower, weaving around patrons to Hikaru's side.
The fire was warm, but did little to chase the cold from Ren's veins. He fingered the medallion around his neck, warm with magic. Of those still living, only the mage Takarada and the girl had ever seen him without it. He was tired of the lies, but had little choice. Tina needed his help but wouldn't accept it from who he had been.
He drained another beer. The fire's flames danced hypnotically. Ren let his mind wander back to a forest clearing and simpler work. "Make her laugh," he said to himself. So far away, now. Kimiko was back, her bosom pressing against his arm.
"I enjoy laughter," she said, her voice like rotten candy.
Ren thought about shrugging her off. But he was cold, and her skin felt warm on his. He set his beer down and stood, following Kimiko upstairs.
The End. Because Ren, no. No. No. No. No. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. Turn your eyes from this cursed page and find another path because NAAAAAAAAAAAAAOWWWWWWW.