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It had been an eventful night at the tavern, many people from all over had come and the drinking got a little out of hand at the end. Overall, things were normal! Owaen himself busied himself with cleaning up the last of the beer mugs and placing them beneath the bar. He wiped down the keg pulls and shelves behind the bar. Hearing something behind him he turned to watch a couple of the barmaids waving as they left for the night.

”Have a good night.” He called out with a wave before tossing his soiled rag into the bucket with many others. He still had a few chores to do before he could call it a night.

‘Have a good night Owaen, great job at the bar.’ said one of the higher management of the tavern as they headed for the door. ‘When you are finished, remember to lock the doors.’

It was a simple reminder, but one that Owaen nodded to as he picked up the bucket and headed for the back. ”Now for the harder work.” He said, rubbing his face a bit. It was late, he was sure that it was close to the middle of the night. The party that had been hosted was an anniversary to something. He didn’t pay much attention, only to the drinks that were going out and the limit to those who had had too much.

”Sometimes I have to wonder if these people have iron stomachs.” Owaen commented to the mint and brown colored Duruf that padded at his side. ”Perhaps that is what made Oban’s different from other cultures.” He hadn’t been too far since coming to the desert lands. He hoped to catch a boat somewhere and go to Yael. Eventually.

Rolling up his sleeves, Owaen grabbed a push broom and started lifting the chairs to be placed atop the tables. There was a lot of sand, a bit of broken glass and other trash on the floor. Paper from the gifts that had been opened. Owaen could only shake his head as he swept up. His back was to the door as he heard the overhead bell jingle as said door was opened.

”Sorry we’re…” Owaen turned around to see no one as the door was firmly closed. ”Closed? Did you hear the bell to Mocki?” Owaen asked as he looked at the Duruf. Mocki could only give an ‘oof’ in response as Owaen walked over to the door and peeked outside.

Seeing no one, he shrugged and turned to lock on the doors and fastened them to the floor for good measure. There wasn’t going to be anyone getting in after hours on his watch. Turning around, a single small box rested on the bar he had just cleaned. It was simple, wrapped in just brown paper, held together with a bit of rough string. Something he would find if he were sending something home. Frowning, he looked around at the deserted room.

”Hello? Someone there?” He called out, though heard not a sound. ”Where do you suppose this came from?” The Duruf gave another ‘oof’ in response as Owaen set the broom aside.

He reached out for the gift, but his flamboyant Averin got to it first and rolled off the bar with it, in its paws. ”Come back with that you little ruffian.” Owaen chuckled, knowing well the critter’s antics. ”We don’t want to break whatever is inside of it. So come on, give it here.” He held out his hand for the box.

The Averin was often the stubborn sort and this was one of those nights it was playful and its favorite game was keep away. Spreading its green and white spotted wings, the Averin leaped from the ground and into the air. Making Owaen chase it around the room. The boy bumped into a few of the tables trying to catch the critter. After a few minutes, Owaen was left breathless, he really should work out a bit. Though carrying the smaller kegs of ale and beer were gaining him some muscle.

”Come here, that is enough games for tonight. It’s been a long night and I would like to go to bed soon.” Owaen panted as he held out his hand once again. ”Then we shall see what is inside the box and who it might belong to.”

The Averin finally came down from its perch over head, the wrapping having been torn during the game. The box beneath was also simple, but there was a soft ticking from within. Owaen pulled off the remaining paper and opened the box. Inside was a small bronze colored pocket watch with a chain attached to it. There was also a note.

‘Dear Owaen, I hope this package finds you well. This small gift is from all of us at the Averin’s Roost.’ the note read, ‘We miss you and your smile. Please return soon,’ Bar staff of the Averin’s Roost.

”I wonder how they found me.” Owaen chuckled, a bit teary eyed as he did miss home. Tucking the watch into his vest pocket he wiped his eyes and looked back to his companions. ”Now let's get this place cleaned up and go to bed. I had a reply letter to write.”

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