Ashes of the Crown

Mira sat alone at the bar of the bustling tavern, her gaze drifting over the lively crowd. The clink of tankards and the hum of animated conversation filled the air, a stark contrast to the quiet solitude she had grown accustomed to. Her blue mage attire, a deep, midnight blue with intricate patterns of shimmering silver, was a stark reminder of the persona she had chosen to embody in this new virtual world. Mira's eyes, cold and analytical, scanned the room with a mix of curiosity and detachment.

The tavern, named "The Wandering Bard," was a haven for adventurers. Armor-clad figures laughed heartily, their gear glinting with enchantments and expensive craftsmanship. Mira noted the sharpness of their swords, the elegance of their robes, and the vibrant magic that seemed to crackle from their artifacts. It was a far cry from the worn guitar case and meager tips she was accustomed to in her real life.

She sipped her drink, a nondescript concoction that lacked the magic of true enjoyment. Her mind wandered to the life she had left behind—his life—one of constant struggle and dissatisfaction. Living with his parents, pursuing a dream that seemed just out of reach, Vincent Price had created Mira as a way to escape, to find something different in the virtual world of Avalore.

The tavern door creaked open, and a new figure stepped inside. Mira's gaze shifted. The girl who entered was strikingly different from the typical adventurers. Her hair, a curious shade of red, cascaded down her back, and her outfit—a white dress paired with black high-heeled open toe platform boots—was both unique and unconventional. Her blue eyes sparkled with an innocence that seemed almost out of place amidst the rugged adventurers.

Without hesitation, she approached the bar and took the seat next to Mira. The barkeep, a grizzled man with a bushy beard, raised an eyebrow at her choice of drink.

“Hey, can I get some apple juice to go, please?” she asked cheerfully.

The barkeep hesitated for a moment, then broke into a smile. “Sure, miss. On the house.” He turned and poured a glass of cider, sliding it over with a nod. “Enjoy.”

The girl beamed at him. “Thank you so much!” She took a sip, closing her eyes briefly as she savored the taste. “Mmm. It’s good… Thank you again.”

As the barkeep moved away to assist other customers, she turned her attention to Mira. “Hi. My name’s Lila. And yours?”

Mira hesitated, caught off guard by the directness of the question. “I, uh… I’m new here… I just bought this game…”

Lila’s smile widened, an impish glint in her eyes. “Well, that doesn’t answer my question.”

Mira’s lips twitched slightly. “It’s Mira,” she said, her voice softening. “I guess you could say I’m still figuring things out.”

Lila’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. “Well, you’re not the only one. Avalore can be a bit overwhelming at first. If you need any help or just want someone to show you around, I’d be happy to lend a hand.”

Mira looked at Lila, a mix of skepticism and intrigue crossing her features. “Why would you want to help me?”

Lila shrugged lightly. “Why not? It’s always nice to make new friends, especially when you’re new to a place. Plus, it’s more fun exploring with someone else to talk to...”

A silence fell between them, filled only by the distant chatter and the clinking of glasses. Mira’s eyes softened, a glimmer of curiosity getting the better of her.

Mira’s lips twitched slightly. “I guess...”

Lila’s eyes lit up. “Yay! I’m glad. So…where should we go first?”

Mira sighed and shrugged. “I don’t know. You’re the expert. And what’s up with that outfit? You’re gonna get hurt out there, you know.”

Lila blinked, her smile unwavering. “Maybe, but I’ll be okay.”

Mira scoffed. “Yeah? Well… I guess you will be behind me. You’re a red mage, right?”

Lila nodded.

“Well, I’m blue, but I went with tanking gear. Spells too.”

“Oh?” Lila asked.

“Yeah. So you just stay behind me and cast your fireballs or whatever.”

Lila blinked and then smiled. “Oh, um… I only know support spells,” she said shyly.

Mira was stunned, her heart sinking as she froze midway to lifting the glass to her mouth. “What? …Why?”

Lila shrugged. “I just want to help…”

Mira sighed. “What I mean is… If you wanted to play a support role, why didn’t you just pick Cleric or Paladin or something?”

Lila shrugged again. “I have my reasons…”

The conversation hung in the air, charged with a mix of curiosity and uncertainty. Mira felt a pang of disappointment but tried to push past it. As the two began to talk more, the bustling tavern seemed a little less intimidating, and Mira felt a glimmer of possibility in the midst of their new journey; a small one.