• 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 | 𝘺𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘢

𝟏. 𝗔 𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗠𝗿. 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿

Anything but calm.

The morning had only just started, and it looked as if a whole coop of chickens had been let loose at the first ray of sunshine that hit the building. It was absolute madness, and the tavern hadn't even opened its doors to the public yet.

"Bernie! Where the hell did you leave my stockings?"

"How many times do I have to tell you that's not my goddamn name, you incompetent ass?"

You watched as Bernadette turned around hastily from where she was standing, away from the window she had been scrubbing for the past ten minutes. Cleaning hadn't been done in a handful of days, and the last thing any of you wanted was to get hit around the head with a jug by the big boss when she found out.

"I really couldn't care less right now. We're supposed to open up in fifteen minutes and I'm wandering around almost butt naked over here!"

Yosefine was the one howling about her lack of clothes from the back of the tavern. Truth be told, you were anything but surprised that she had lost her undergarments yet again. She was known to sneak around with fellow customers after her shift, so it wasn't unusual to find a sock behind the bar counter, or even a jacket in the winery.

Ignoring the two bickering women, you made sure that everything you had been told to do had been successfully done, and ready to start the usual morning at the busy tavern. It had been a pretty tame week so far, but as the weekend was just a day away, you were all expecting a handful of new visitors.

The Resting Willow. Located in main plaza of the city, Llyne, your workplace was locally recognised by many, as it has stood in its place for several centuries by now. Nothing stood out excessively when it came to dishes and drinks; it was famous for its ambience, the people that visited and the celebrations that would be held there on special occasions, that could sometimes go on until the early mornings, bustling with life.

It was an establishment run by women, taking out the chef that would be changed every few months. However, they would usually just stick in the kitchen, so frequent visitors knew that they would always be welcomed by a warm smile of a woman who was ready to serve up a delicious treat.

"Shit, I cut myself again...Can someone get me a cloth before I bleed everywhere, please?"

Another thing that made the tavern unique were your attires. Underneath the usual dress and apron that would weight down on everyone's hips during the long hours of your shifts, each and every one of you would be equipped with a weapon of choice, tucked tightly against your legs by some useful straps.

None of you were regular women that one would find on the busy streets of Llyne. You were trained, highly prepared for even the most outrageous situations that could break out at any moment. After all, Marleyans roamed the streets at all times.

And their patrols could sometimes lead to heinous acts towards innocent passersby.

It was for that sole reason, the sheer mockery that the Marleyan invaders pushed upon the people of the city, that the syndicate you were all under had been founded those many years ago.

Away from the invasive eyes of your customers, each and every single one of you were part of the AGL, recognised by fellow consociates as an organisation of servicewomen who searched to put an end to the merciless acts of those who followed the commands of Marley's leaders.

The ideology you followed was popular amongst fellow compatriots; however, most were not willing to go against the stronger region that had occupied the city over four decades ago. It was as if their behaviour had simply been accepted, when in all reality they were surrounded by glares from dozens of cities like your own, seeking for vengeance.

"Hold on, I'll get you something as soon as I've checked the letter box. Try and keep the wound pressed whilst you wait!"

As the new voice appeared from one of the back doors of the tavern, you were glad to see at least one of your coworkers not stressing over several things at once. Viktoria was her name, and she was probably the most mindful woman amongst the morning shift workers, her kind voice never faltering when helping out others.

You joined her as she headed towards the large, front door, curious to see if perhaps anybody had been sent any more strangely concerning love letters by daring customers. Just the past week, one of the girls had been sent three letters from the same guy, pleading to meet up with her as he swore that she was his other half in life, his soulmate. Comical, really.

"Ah, Y/N, how are you this morning?"

"I'm quite alright, the usual Friday morning. And what about you, heard anything new from Theo? I was told he will be coming over later on to pay you a visit"

At the mention of said name, Viktoria couldn't help you give you a smile in response, followed by a nod. It was her special someone, after all. You only wanted what was best for her, so you tried to keep up to date with everything that happened between them.

"On the same note, you should start looking for someone yourself, you know?"

"I don't know...The men that come in here are always too loud, obnoxious and annoying. Or even worse-"

"Yeah, yeah, too short. You have exquisite taste when it comes to a significant other, I've known that ever since I met you. But you have to loosen up a little or you'll end up on your-"

Viktoria paused mid-sentence, staring down at one of the letters she had just picked up. Wondering what she had seen to make her quiet down, you leaned over slightly to take a quick glimpse at the rectangular envelope.

"What's wrong?"

"It's for Mrs. Henzler"

Mrs. Henzler was the head woman of AGL, and she very rarely exited her office that was hidden away on the top floor of the tavern. Usually, letters that were addressed to her were delivered by a person, or at most, tucked under the back door of the tavern if the person wished to not be identified. It was strange that one had been addressed directly to the tavern.

"We should bring it up to her, perhaps it's something personal?"

"It's a possibility...I'll take it to her, could you sort out the rest of the letters for me in the meantime?"

"Sure, leave it to me"

With now only five minutes before opening time for the tavern, you were starting to wonder why Viktoria wasn't coming back down again from the office. You guessed it wasn't just some personal letter for your boss.

As everyone was ready, and dressed, for opening hour, all heads turned as rapid footsteps suddenly made their way down the staircase, and Viktoria's alarming voice was heard as she appeared from the door at the back of the tavern.

"Don't open the tavern today! We have to leave here as soon as we've collected everything!"

Her out of breath pants put everyone into sudden shock, not knowing what was going on nor the reason for her panicking. Yosefine was the first one to speak up, asking what exactly was going on and if it was an emergency.

"We...We've been called by Mr. Yeager to attend a meeting regarding a possible attack"