The War of the Skies - chapter 2.3

Raven followed instructions and reached the bar without crossing anyone else but a group of scrawny dogs. A snow-covered sign protruded from the wall. On both sides of the door there were huge windows, completely stained by the mist, concealing the interior of the room. Raven closed his eyes and concentrated. He didn't perceive anything threatening. I had to admit that those strange feelings of his were sometimes very useful. Finally satisfied, he opened his eyes, walked to the door and entered the bar. That door, the heat's gone," said a voice as Raven shook the snow from his clothes. He reached out and closed the door quickly.
The premises had a very large surface area. The bar was placed in front of the door and ran along the entire wall. Few bottles populated the back shelves. Raven was staring at a pool table on the right side. It's been ages since I've seen one and suddenly he felt like playing a game, which was strange because he didn't remember ever playing. The rest of the room was full of tables and chairs, showing off a big mess.

Raven acted normal, pretending not to be the center of attention. About fifteen people were divided into several groups and the newcomer noticed that all eyes were on him blatantly. He felt uncomfortable with the intense to which he was subjected. I was hoping it would be a typical behavior of the people from that bar and not something that would have caused her to look. Somehow, the mistrust and rejection were the emotions that most often inspired the emotions of the people, as had happened to Maya's mother shortly before. In the few years of his memory, he hadn't made a single friend, he hadn't taken in a conversation that lasted longer than a few minutes, and ultimately there was no been able to create a special bond with another human being. He felt different from the others. Everyone had someone, whether it was a family member, a friend, or a friend. simply an acquaintance with whom to share the hard times we've had to go through were going on. He was alone.

---

At first, to think that he was in solitary confinement in an invisible prison that was preventing him connecting with the rest of the people was the only way to overcome an inner void which sometimes caused him almost physical pain. It was easier to blame to an imaginary wall of his loneliness than himself. Then he found out that it wasn't just that he felt different, but that he was really different. All your memories had gone up in smoke, but apparently left room for a of senses and abilities that no one else had, and for which there was no one else. scientific explanation. In any case, solitude was now his way of life and his way of being. between strangers, being the target of all eyes, overwhelmed him.

---

He approached the bar and greeted with a clumsy wave of his hand.
-Good morning.
No one answered and no one looked away from him. There was no music and the silence increased his state of agitation. He approached the guy behind the bar who deduced it would be the waiter. He was a middle-aged man, wearing a half-broken red sweater and wearing glasses too big for his face. He held a glass pitcher while he was persistently drying it with a rag.
I was told that I could eat something here," he insisted, hoping his tone would be better. to be kind and polite.
The waiter did not respond, but continued to stare at him and dry his eyes. jug with routine movements, guided by inertia.
-Where are your manners, Frank? said the voice that had told him to close the door. when he walked into the bar. It belonged to a big, bald man who was bald and had a big body. he sat on Raven's left. Our guest asks if you have anything to eat.
You must excuse him," he told Raven, "he'll recover from the shock in no time. He hasn't dealt with anyone from out of town in a long time.
Frank reacted before Raven could answer.
I can put a plate of stew on it and accompany it with wine.... Of course, if you want me to...
Show the money first," said Frank without a shred of tact.

---

Raven pulled a wad out of his pocket with several wrinkled bills. Frank took a look at it and he nodded in satisfaction. He put a bottle and a glass in front of Raven and left for the after assuring him that it wouldn't take long.
I'm sure a lonely traveler would like to eat with a good meal. conversation. All you have to do is buy me a drink," said the bald man in the bar, next to him. Without waiting for a confirmation, the guy reached out to the jug of wine intended to be served.
Raven moved the bottle away with a quick motion, without a glance. It was poured a drink and drank it in one go. He refilled it.
I'd rather eat alone, thank you. I'm not looking for conversation. He held the cup in his hand in his hand. hand with an indifferent attitude and took a sip.
-Come on, Adam. Don't bother him," said a blonde woman with long hair. approaching the bar. It just came in. He'll be hungry and cold. Don't listen to him -he went to Raven. My name is Rose, and Adam has little tact with the new guys.
-Don't interfere, Rose. I just wanted to talk to him. It's pretty rare to see someone just to get to town, and on foot. He didn't even tell us his name. Who knows what's going on What's he bringing around? He could be assessing the terrain for the poachers. He was on his way to Rose. but he kept his eye on Raven

---

Don't start with the same thing I know about you again. Rose was among the first and pushed Adam away from Raven. Find another excuse to vent. Adam mumbled his way away to the pool table, where he was waited for two men who had followed the scene curiously. The woman is and then he just naturally settled into place. Raven was a little bewildered by the little exchange that had just taken place before his very eyes. I wasn't sure if you were what they had referred to when they mentioned the poachers, and I didn't understand why Adam had stressed that Raven had not said his name. Even though I'm no longer an expert in relating to others, Raven reviewed his notions of how to behave in a public place and was reasonably certain that people would not he used to announce his name when he walked into a bar. Can't help but feel something nervous, he rushed another glass and continued to wait for the food, forcing himself to act like if I was alone at the bar.
Don't worry about him," said Rose, looking conciliatory. Raven did just the opposite instinctively and offered the woman a drink when she saw that she couldn't help but talk to someone while she was eating.
Why are you so nervous with me? he asked cautiously. Who are they
those poachers you think I'm part of?
Thieves. Rose accepted the glass and gave him a long drink. Two weeks ago a relatively well-organized gang came to rob the town. They didn't take much, but they killed three people. As you can imagine, strangers have not been very well received since then. Your case is a little unusual. A lone thief She doesn't have much of a future," she added thoughtfully, as if she were saying it more to herself than she did. for Raven. On the other hand, someone who travels alone in these times is almost more hard to believe yet. Don't you think so?
Where are you going? Rose questioned him.
To the south. Can you tell me what's in that direction?
Why do you take that road if you don't know what you'll find? It doesn't make sense -
he reflected with a frown.
It is my way and I must follow it," he replied without thinking of anything better.
-I see. That clears it all up. Rose rested her head on her hand while looking at him more closely. But you should try a little harder. It's nothing personal, but Adam was right. Those poacher bastards used to send someone to spy on you before a robbery. If you don't convince him you have another reason to be here, he won't let you go. Lives are at stake. I thought you'd rather talk to me than him.
I've just strayed to eat something hot. I had nothing to do with those poachers. I don't even know where I am. I can't prove it, so if you don't believe me, do what you think is best.

---

4..2