The Bartender

Loud laughter and chatter rang out across the room as the bartender set down the next drink. This bartender however wasn't quite human. He looked like a mule with sad eyes and a long nose. Though he was fully clothed and comfortably stood on two legs, much like the rest of the customers. Every person in the bar was an animal of some kind. Each of them were clothed and gossiping to each other under the aroma of alcohol. Not quite human and yet far from animal, they considered themselves nonferals.

The mule grabbed another bottle from behind the counter before looking up to check for any new customers. Sure enough, standing by the edge of the counter was a slightly shorter fox with messy long black hair and grey fur. On making eye contact with her, she nervously spoke to the mule, "Uhm- excuse me, do you have a minute?"

The mule's sad eyes only seemed to seep further into exhaustion as he replied, "Right now? Can't you see I'm busy?"

The fox grabs a handful of cash from her pocket and gestures to him, "I can buy your time."

The mule double takes at the guests for a moment before taking off his apron and walking to her side of the bar, "I'm not looking for anyone in that kind of business and you intend to keep at it I'm going to have to ask you to leave."

The fox looks confused for a moment before realising. "Wha?...Oh! No no no! Nothing like that! I-I didn't mean that at all! I didn't-"

The mule cuts her off with a sigh, "What do you want then? Hm?"

The fox takes a breath before responding but still nervously, "Sorry! I'm just new to this town and I-I was advised by uh... a family member to ask you about the best place to stay around here. you are Murray right? Murray Hatlin?"

The mule pauses and turns his head to the side to get a second look at the fox. She wears a simple black t-shirt and a soft pair of plaid brown pants. Her hair is a mess and he notices her hands holding the money are shaking ever so slightly. He squints at her in thought, "What's your name?"

The fox quickly responds with a nod, "Michael Nore."

Murray leans over to the side to look behind Micheal. Unlike most foxes, her tail is is more like a lion's tail, though the fur on the end of it is much longer. Murray shifts back to where he was, "So you're Rowan's kid? I thought he lived in Blairview. Why the hell are you out here?

Michael rolls her eyes a bit, "I'm not a kid anymore. I'm 25. But uh... I decided it was about time I went out on my own."

Murray looks more confused, "In your pajamas?"

Michael grumbles, "Do you want the money or not?" She holds out the money towards him.

The mule shakes his head, "No need. Rowan has more than covered for you over his lifetime. What do you need?"

Michael puts the money back into her pocket, "I need to know a safe place to stay in this town for awhile."

The mule scoffs, "Safe? It's Wickerwoods. There's nothing happening but murder, theft, and cryptid sightings."

Michael nods, "I know but it's cheaper and I'm here now. And it doesn't have to be perfect. Though avoiding the murderers would be ideal."

The mule scratches his chin, "Tell you what. There's a guy up in Barrett Lodge down Mumble Road. He's in the part of town with all the thieves but if you stick around him, you shouldn't lose a dime. Be careful though. There's a reason it's cheap and thieves don't mess with him."

Michael nods again and steps back some, "Thank you so much. I'm going to head there right now-"

He calls out before she can leave, "Hey. Unless you keep your hands in that pocket the whole way there, I'd suggest hiding your money somewhere less open."

Michael gives a thumbs up as she backs towards the door. Though her arm shakes a bit on being held up. As she darts out the bar doors, Murray quietly raises an eyebrow at the sight before returning to work.