Fresh Encounters

Posted on Tue Jan 20th, 2026 @ 6:28pm by Albert 'Bert' Smith & Douglas Wyatt

460 words; about a 2 minute read

After the hearing with the council, Bert was hungry. He avoided breakfast as his stomach had been doing summersaults since he'd woken up.

He had nothing to hide but at the same time the fear of rejection was real. Especially in this dangerous world. He'd left a personal safe haven of sorts to come with these people. Being case out would of meant starting from scratch in a new location, something he probably didn't have the strength for in the harsh winter.

He walked towards the pub that had been introduced to him the night before as the settlements canteen. He pushed the door open.

"You must be one of the new comers from yesterday." The young man behind the counter said as he waved Bert over. "Pleased to meet you. I'm Doug, I help out here in the kitchen."

"Erm, Bert. Bert Smith and yes I arrived yesterday. Just had our meeting with the council." Smith replied.

"Pleasure Berty." He said with a giggle. "Guessing your staying then?"

"What makes you say that?" Bert asked with frown.

"They don't generally let those who don't stay wander freely, especially into the place we're the food is!" He giggled again. "Coz ya'll knows that's stupid!"

Bert nodded, he guessed it was really.

"So, first time here?" Doug asked.

Smith shook his head. "No, we got some broth last night from here."

"That'll be why I haven't seen you before. I was pissed up in my room on some of the homebrew! Fuck me it can blow ya mind!"

"Thanks for the warning. I'll steer clear." Bert replied, a little apprehensive about getting onto the topic of alcohol.

"Keeps you warm on those cold nights my friend, you feel me!" Doug giggled again. "Alright, so we have some more of last night's broth for lunch but we are cooking up something special for dinner tonight. Grab a bowl and fill it yourself, once bowl person though, ya feel me! Coffee you can have as much as you like but most folks only go with a couple of cups and there's a freshly baked bread roll too. Again, one per person. Keep an eye on it, some greedy bastards out there!"

Bert nodded slowly, "Right, I think I got it. That all?"

"That's it fella, welcome and enjoy. Remember, if you need me, my name is Doug. Everyone knows me! I'm one of the fuckers that keeps us fed!"

Bert gave a weak smile before heading towards the broth, picking up a bowl as he passed them. He scooped two laydals full into bowl and grabbed a bread roll. He then took himself to a quiet corner and sat quietly, eating his broth and contemplated what the next few days held for him.

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