((Happy New Year!))

The faint sunlight coming through the window announced the new day. Leo began to stir from a dreamless slumber. Slowly, his eyes opened. There were lingering droplets of water clinging to the window from some early morning rain. Despite the rain, it appeared that the weather had cleared somewhat from yesterday, small patches of blue sky could be found between the dreary grey clouds. Leo stood up and rubbed his eyes. He took a deep breath, gathered his belongings and left the room. 

Downstairs, Skarjaw was busy wiping the bar with some cloth. The pub was practically empty, every seat was free and every table was clear. Nuala was behind the bar, putting cleaned tankards on some shelves on the back wall. Leo sat down on a stool at the bar.

“Good morning” he said sleepily

Skarjaw grunted in response.“Do you want something to eat? The meal comes with the room” he said.

Leo’s stomach growled, “Yes, what do you have?”

“Lentil stew and bread”

A bowl of stew was placed in front of Leo, along with a piece of stale bread. The meal was filling, but ultimately tasteless. As he ate, Leo was reminded that today was the day that the investigation would begin. There would be much to do, people to ask and theories to craft.

The door of the bar creaked open and a human man walked in. He was of average height and a bit scrawny. He walked quickly up to the bar, mostly ignoring Leo. The man began to speak to Skarjaw.

“Morning”

Skarjaw didn’t reply, but Nuala greeted him, “Morning Rowan.”

“There’s another search happening today,” the man paused for a moment, “none of us are feeling very optimistic though.”