In the lower quarters of the city, more specifically the Harbour District, there is always entertainment, for those who know where to look. If looking for wine, there are plenty of inns and taverns with reputations ranging from “likely to get stabbed” to “will definitely get stabbed”. If rather what you desire lies between the sheets, there are more than enough disreputable establishments that might help you come to ease.
However, for some wine and women does not suffice. Some people, like young James, are looking for something rather more..exciting.
It was dark and raining when James after hours of searching found what he was looking for. In a small little corner of Peacock Street was a little inn, barely large enough for it’s few regulars. It was quiet even before James entered, but somehow his presence seemed to create the complete lack of noise. The bearded old men who frequented the pub slowly turned their lifeless eyes towards the figure in the door, but soon moved them back to their pints.
All with the exception of one.
In a dark corner sat a captain so old even the official documentation of the haven masters had forgotten him. If someone asked what his name was, he would simply answer ‘Gimme a pound and I’ll tell you.’ Of course they barely did, and even if they did he refused to tell them more. But James knew the secret of this forgotten old man.
‘I know you.’ said James triumphantly. ‘I have sought you out old man, for I intend to pick up where you left off.’
The man burst out laughing, a laugh that turned into a cough as his lifelong smoking reminded him of its presence. ‘You know not what you say child.’ he said after he was done coughing. ‘My time is long gone as is any trace of my adventure.’
‘But I have heard of your saga, old one! I have studied the old maps and charts, and I know how to find what it is you sought, if only you could enlighten me!’
‘You do not know how many young men and women have sought me out and said those words! “Enlighten us” they bid me, and ever have I said no! Do you know why?’
‘I am not like them!’
‘Oh, but you are! Enlightenment is a double edged sword, my young friend.’
The two sat silent for a while, both stubborn to the core. But then the old one broke the silence. ‘Alright, I will enlighten you, as I have before. And every time I have, it has been the loss of someone else. For I did find what I sought. And now I know.’
Silent they sat again, looking at each other. ‘You do not look enlightened to me, only old and alone! What kind of enlightenment is that?’
‘The only truth that exists my boy. For we all grow old, and sooner rather than later we are all alone.’
ToTW 237: The Lost Tales - Winner!
Nontheless I am thankful for Darkan's vote 
(we should all rep him in the spirit of keeping TOTW alive)
