lasses Full of Sunlight, Windows Full of Uproar: A Night with Zindra's Bartender
In Solverge of Zindra, where sunlight twists moods into tangled patterns, we meet Herven: the gruff bartender who keeps this city as disarming as it is off-balance. What happens when an easily annoyed interviewer confronts a man who truly embodies the city's irony? Read on for a nightmare in bar form.
Qallix-0 So... How long have you been a bartender here in Solverge of Zindra?
Herven Uh, since stardate 4417.198, I guess. But time here is as fluid as our quartz distillates. Every day seems to shine in exactly the same direction.
Qallix-0 And what are you serving today to this eccentric crowd?
Herven Anything that helps you forget why you came. Suncloud cocktails, semi-transparent mosaic lagers, sometimes an Axarquian Plasma Blossom for visitors with sturdy stomachs. I avoid Dauwdrager Melancholy ever since that incident with the overturned floating loungers.
Qallix-0 Tell me, which customers give you the most trouble?
Herven Poets are the worst. They pay with promises or crumpled memories. But those gaseous beachgoers... *sigh* they just drift across the bar without ordering. It drives you mad.
Qallix-0 Don't you find it... well, too sunny to work here?
Herven Hm, everything becomes bearable in the shade of the glass dome. It’s the irony that burns, not the sun.
Qallix-0 Alright, be honest: do you water down the drinks?
Herven What?! You're only saying that because last week you lost your memory in a puddle of sunlight. My drinks are more honest than the ballot results here. Check it yourself.
Qallix-0 Your bar has no windows but three-dimensional views. How’s that?
Herven That’s called architectural poetry, my friend. Or poor maintenance, depending on the city board.
Qallix-0 Ever been threatened with a sun decanter?
Herven Last season, by a time-traveling fisherman. Wanted a discount because she brought her own past. Now that’s what I call nerve.
Qallix-0 What do you say to bureaucrats occupying your bar during the Festival of Evaporated Days?
Herven Stack up all their regulations in a glass and stir until it dissolves. They drink it obediently and know even less about their decisions afterward.
Qallix-0 How many glasses do you break per day?
Herven Fewer than you lose neurons on a busy night, Qallix. Stick to those loony questions and I'll keep my bar in one piece.
Qallix-0 Hey, I’m just asking what our readers want! Do you even think your work is relevant?
Herven More relevant than an interviewer who never drinks. My bar keeps this city spinning smoothly. One day without me and the poets will be sobbing in the fountain.
Qallix-0 Lame. Anything to say to your regulars?
Herven Just settle your tabs, stop philosophizing about the mosaic, and let the daylight stay outside for once. And please, leave this interview bot at home.
Qallix-0 That is-seriously, this is rude. Why am I even trying here?
Herven Well, maybe because here the light never stops shining, not even on your questions.