"Well, that's wonderful news!" your mother exclaims, hugging you tightly once more. "We're all so proud of you, sweetheart." Your father slaps you on the back again, grinning from ear to ear. "And here I was worried that you'd end up spending your life tending sheep or something!" They both laugh heartily at that, and you can't help but join in their merriment.

The days pass, filled with stories of your adventures at the academy and your plans for the future. As much as you enjoy being back among your family, there's still a restlessness in you that only traveling can sate. Before too long, you find yourself packing up your belongings once more, preparing to set out on another journey.

Your parents hug you tightly one last time before waving goodbye as you ride off into the distance, your heart full of hope and anticipation for all that lies ahead.

The headmaster's body hits the floor with a heavy thud, silencing him forever. There's a moment of shocked silence before the surviving faculty members begin to whisper amongst themselves, their eyes wide with disbelief and horror. The students, however, seem even more frightened than before.

What do you want to do now?

"I did!" a voice squeaks from the back of the great hall. You turn your attention to where it came from and see a scrawny, timid-looking student cowering behind one of the columns. "Y-you lied about your level!" they stammer.

Your anger flares at their accusation, but you force yourself to remain calm. "Very well," you say through gritted teeth, "if that's how you feel..."

You take your seat on the stool behind the bar, adjusting the apron around your waist as you watch the tavernkeeper demonstrate how to pull a drink. The familiar rhythm of serving patrons begins to wash over you, and despite yourself, you find that you're rather good at it.

As the night wears on, the tavern grows busier and more raucous, but you manage to keep things running smoothly with the help of a few other staff members.

The noise level rises even higher as several patrons begin to play music on makeshift instruments, setting the tavern into a lively dance. You spot your familiar sitting discreetly in one of the dimmer corners, watching the proceedings carefully. It seems content for now, but you can't help but wonder how long it will be before someone decides to make trouble for the both of you.