Tristis Nox

“Good morning, Tristis.” Luna smiled as she got everything ready to open up the Inn. I smiled back, but I knew it did not reach my eyes. Picking up on this she asked, “What’s wrong? Are you feeling alright?” she came to me and put a hand on my forehead.
“I’m okay… health wise anyway.” I said as she took her hand away.
“Then what’s wrong, dear?”
“Today’s my last day. Sorry for such short notice.” I bowed my head in apology.
She sighed and said, “It can’t be helped, I guess. I knew this day was coming, but it still saddens me.” I nodded in agreement. *Oh how I detested my actual job.*
“Well, let’s open up and then we’ll celebrate tonight before we go to bed.”
“I would like that.” I smiled. Then I headed to my daily tasks for the last time.
The day went by too fast for my liking and before I knew it the time had come to close. We did our usual routine of cleaning up before Luna ushered me to sit and wait. So like the good girl I was, I waited patiently for her to return. As I waited longing gripped me as I wished I did not have to leave. I learned to love working here and to leave was like losing a part of me. I was lost in thought until a clatter made me jerk my head up. “What is this?” I asked looking down at the treats before me.
“It’s a little goodbye party of course!” Luna laughed.
“Pie and ale?” I laughed along with her.
“Certainly! Who doesn’t like ale and pie?” we laughed again before eating and drinking. We spent the better part of the night talking, eating, drinking, and laughing. I did not get dunk, but Luna got a bit hammered and turned out to be even more of a happy person than her usual self.
Around three in the morning we decided to head off to bed. When we reached the top of the stairs she hugged me and then slightly staggered to her room. I watched her before walking slowly to my own room. At the doorway I stopped and stared because this room for the past two months had been my home, sanctuary, and freedom. Sadly now I had to leave it behind and face the cruelty of my work. Loneliness caressed me as I wrapped the blanket once again around me and gazed sleeplessly at the ceiling. Once tomorrow’s sun rose I would once again be alone until my duty was fulfilled.
With the little sleep, I got up as the sun started its journey across the sky. Barely any light shown through the window, but nonetheless I got dressed and crept downstairs. I quickly grabbed bread and cheese, wrote a not thanking Luna for everything she had done, and left the 4 Leaf Inn and Tavern forever.