Algernon, the half Hessean clerk, sat in his study. He had just downed his second glass of wine and was pouring his third. The darkened study was only lit by the phosphor lanterns outside, needless to say, there were a lot of red droplets on the floor. His chin had become a lot more gruff than a galdori should be. He didn't see the point any longer.

We're born, we work, we die. He thought, pessimistically. The recent deaths had turned Algernon into a complete pessimist. It wasn't just the deaths of the people he knew, no, it was the deaths of everyone. Hundreds of people had died recently, thanks to war, disease, and famine. It sickened him.

Drinking only made it a bit better, the fermented juices clouded his vision and thoughts. They made him feel like life was actually worth living. His new motto was "When life gives you grapes, you make an amazing wine out of them", he was never the most creative person in the bunch.

The wine had made him so cheery, that he decided to actually go out on the town, maybe visit his friends. He decided not to shave, he knew that if he was to his face would be blood covered. He grabbed his coat and went through the door, mumbling something about Felix. He forgot to lock the door, not the smartest idea, especially after the recent events. He quickly tumbled down the street, walking past the humans going to their pubs and the poor galdori going to their homes.

As far as he was concerned, the wine had made a lot of things better and a few like minded galdori would probably agree.