For several lifetimes he had stood behind this bar, serving drinks to weary working creatures. He assumed it was several lifetimes; he only had the one that he knew of and time tended to get fuzzy.
But that’s not to say that his time was wasted. He was happy, behind his bar, roaring laughs with friends as they waved their arms around in wild story telling. They weren’t just patrons of his pub, they were his closest friends and confidantes. His ears and eyes in the outside world.
Maybe that’s why it angered him so when they fought amongst themselves.
“Lad,” the bartender grumbled, “do me a favor and leave the good sisters alone. They’re better than you lot.”
A muscled young man in a ridiculous hat glared at him, face turning red as the pimples that dotted his nose. Mumbling under his breath, he haughtily stormed out of the establishment. He left a trio of bemused women behind him.
“Barkeep, you need not protect us. The boy will learn not to trifle with those he cannot control,” the eldest sister said, with a wink.
“And we are not so easy to control!” the youngest exclaimed, clapping her hands merrily. The middle sister rolled her eyes, in an infinitely bored gesture. “He’s not as interesting as his brother, but if he persists in his quest for our affections, he shall learn that his father does not spare the rod when the honor of his heir is at stake.”
The barkeep nodded. “I’ve already had to ban weapons in the pub, after the last time young Odinson got rowdy. What happened to the peaceful pub of yesteryears?”
The middle Valkyrie smirked. “The pub lost it’s peace the moment you opened the door to all immortals rather than the original clientele of guides. The reapers and keepers of the gates are typically a somber lot-”
“With the exception of the boisterous Valkyrie sisters!” Her younger sister inserted.
“But add your gods and demigods, sprites and spirits? It is no wonder that you have fights every week!”
The barkeep grumbled again. “What with Olympus and Valhalla exclusive clubs, I thought it well that the Everyman had a place to relax in the company of others like. Reap thought it a grand idea.”
The eldest Valkyrie nodded with twinkles in her eyes. “Well, barkeep, you surely have every man, beast and creature in cosmos.” Lifting her glass, she added “And I hope sales are good and the drinks bountiful!”
Em and Paper 