Patience, compassion, bravery

A man without a purpose
The rain was pouring down over the city of Lordaeron. It was a dark night, the perfect night to stay inside by a cozy fire. Maybe have a warm cup of coffee while reading an interesting book. Down the street was a tavern, usually frequented by soldiers and veterans of war. From inside song and laughter could be heard. The people had every reason to celebrate. The war was finally over and the alliance had emerged victorious. A man made his way through the heavy rain towards the door. He opened it and was met by a warm and cheerful atmosphere. He closed the door behind him and pulled down his soaking wet hood and looked around. The room was surprisingly full of people, both men and women. Some were sitting by the bar, drinking and laughing at each others jokes. Some were enjoying a game of cards by one of the tables, while others were exchanging stories from the battlefront.

''“Joe? Hey, Joe!”'' One of the card players waved at the man who had just entered.

“Why don’t you grab a chair and join us?” The man smiled and removed his cloak, hanging it at the wall next to the door.

“Of course, Benny” He said and approached the table “What are we playing?”.

The mood in the tavern was generally good, except for the table in one of the darker corners of the room. A young man, wearing a battle worn armor sat there, staring at the flickering candle in front of him. There also was a large, nearly empty mug of mead at the table. The young man let out a sigh before lifting the mug to his lips and emptied it in one swig. One would think the sound of people enjoying themselves would cheer him up, but the effect was quite the opposite. It was a source of annoyance. How could they be laughing? Why were they not as miserable as he was? Had they forgotten everything about the damned war already? People had been slaughtered; the country was in ruins, what was there to smile about? These dark thoughts clouded his mind, and the more he drank, the more they kept bothering him.

“…And since then he hasn’t left the house!” One of the men by the bar laughed loudly at his own joke, obviously more amused than the rest of his friends who just shook their heads and smiled.

''“What? It was a good one!”'' He said when he realized he was the only one laughing.

''“Of course it was, Roberts. A bit on the edge maybe, but good.”'' The man next to him said and patted his shoulder.

''“On the edge, eh? Say, that reminds me of another story… Have you heard that one with the…”'' His friend shook his head once more before turning his attention to the person at his right.

“Everything in order, Daniels?” The man referred to as Daniels seemed a bit distracted and appeared to be staring at something on the other side of the room.

''“Hm? Oh, sorry sergeant. Could you repeat that, sir?”''

''“I just wondered if everything was in order. You seemed a bit distant.”'' The sergeant smiled.

“Well, I am not the only one, sir” Daniels said and nodded towards the table in the corner. The sergeant turned his head and noticed the seemingly depressed, young man.

''“Oh? Who might that be?”'' He said curiously.

“Corporal Waters, sir. We fought together in the black morass.”

''“Waters? Why does that name sound so familiar?”''

''“No offence, sir… But your memory is no longer what it was. Don’t tell me you have forgotten?”''

''“Forgotten? What is there to…”'' Suddenly the sergeant remembered. He slapped his forehead and exclaimed ''“Waters! Of course… Captain Waters…”''

“Yes, sir… And that man over there is his son.” Daniels pointed towards the sad figure who had just ordered another round of beer. The sergeant blinked his eyes and turned to face Daniels once more.

“I was not aware the captain had a son.”

''“Actually, sir… There were two. He had two sons. That one is his oldest, Tyre I believe his name is.”''

''“By the Light! No wonder he looks so miserable.”'' The sergeant got off his chair and headed towards the dark corner. The young man was leaning over the table, supporting his head with his arms. His eyes were still focused at the dancing flame before him.

“May I take a seat, son?” Tyre ripped his gaze away from the candle and glared up at the sergeant.

''“Relax, corporal. I just wanted to check on you.”'' Tyre nodded slowly before turning his attention back to the candle.

“I heard about your father.” Tyre didn’t respond, almost as if he was trying to avoid the whole conversation.

“He will be missed…” The sergeant continued. “A true hero of the alliance” Tyre slammed his fist in the table when he heard these words.

“If he was such a great hero, how come he got himself killed?!” The sergeant blinked in surprise, clearly not expecting an outburst of these proportions.

“What good is a hero if he is dead?”

“Calm down now, corporal…”

''“And what if I refuse? You can’t possibly imagine what I am going through right now. No one can…”'' The tone of his voice gradually changed from anger to despair.

“Is this why you drink?” The sergeant hinted towards the mug.

“What else is there to do?”

''“Look, son… You are a soldier, correct? I am certain we can find use for someone like you in the army”''

''“Sir, to be honest… The army is no longer the place for me. I have seen things I rather would forget.”'' Tyre reached for his mug and took another swig.

''“Very well, it is your choice. I will not force you into anything, but surely you can’t waste away in some tavern? Make something of yourself, find a purpose. The army might not be the answer, but I know there is something out there for you as well. Just don’t lose faith.”''

Tyre put down his mug and stared up at the sergeant.

“Any suggestions?”

''“You could always start by getting yourself a line of work. Provide for your family, you have a younger brother, correct?”'' Tyre nodded.

“Let me see…” The sergeant got up and headed over to a bulletin board hanging on a nearby wall. He mumbled to himself as he read through the various ads.

“Are you good with your hands, corporal?”

“I… I suppose?”

“Great” The sergeant ripped down one of the posters and returned to the table. He dropped it in front of Tyre and pointed at it.

“How does carpenter sound?” The sergeant said and smiled.