A WOLF AND A FRIENDLY INNKEEPER

Ravan swirled the drink in his glass, his thoughts drifting back to the memories of his past, particularly the haunting memory of his mother's death.

He looked up at the innkeeper, hesitating for a moment before asking, "What would you do if you found out you were responsible for the death of a loved one, but indirectly?"

The innkeeper paused, a puzzled look crossing his face.

He set down the glass he was cleaning and leaned on the counter, considering Ravan's question carefully.

After a moment, he began to speak, his voice gentle and reflective.

"Let me tell you a story," the innkeeper said.

"There was once a farmer who had a small but prosperous farm.

One day, while walking through his fields, he accidentally left a gate open.

That night, a wolf got into his fields and killed one of his lambs. The farmer was devastated, blaming himself for the loss."

Ravan listened intently, his drink forgotten as he focused on the innkeeper's words.

"The farmer couldn't sleep, thinking about how his carelessness had led to the death of his lamb," the innkeeper continued.

"He felt guilty and responsible. But then, an old friend came to visit and noticed his distress.

The friend asked him why he was so upset, and the farmer explained."

The innkeeper paused, looking directly at Ravan.

"The friend told the farmer, 'Just because you left the gate open doesn't mean you invited the wolf.

The wolf was out there, hunting, regardless of your actions.

The world is full of dangers, and sometimes, things happen that are beyond our control. You didn't cause the misfortune; you were just a part of a series of events.'"

Ravan felt a lump in his throat as the innkeeper's words sank in.

He had been carrying the weight of his mother's death for so long, believing his presence had somehow caused it. The innkeeper's story resonated deeply with him.

"The lesson," the innkeeper concluded, "is that life is complex.

Just because you did one thing that might have led to a series of events, it doesn't mean you are solely responsible for the outcome.

Misfortunes happen, and sometimes we're caught in their wake.

Blaming yourself for everything won't change the past or help you move forward."

Ravan nodded slowly, the tension in his chest easing slightly.

"Thank you," he said quietly, appreciating the innkeeper's wisdom.

The innkeeper smiled kindly.

"We all make mistakes, and we all face hardships. It's how we learn and grow from them that matters."

Ravan took another sip of his drink, feeling a bit lighter.

The burden of his guilt was still there, but the innkeeper's words had given him a new perspective.

As he finished his drink, he realized that perhaps, just perhaps, he could find a way to forgive himself and move forward.

Despite the warm drink and the innkeeper's comforting words, Ravan still felt restless.

The thoughts of his past, his guilt, and his uncertain future swirled in his mind, refusing to let him find peace.

He sighed, staring at the empty glass in front of him.

The innkeeper noticed his unease.

"You seem troubled," he said gently.

"I couldn't help but overhear one of the men earlier. He mentioned you were from the House of Zenith."

Normally, Ravan would have brushed off the topic, deflecting any inquiries about his past.

But tonight was different. Something about the innkeeper's story had opened a door within him.

He nodded, deciding to share his burden. "Yes," he admitted.

"I am Ravan, the so-called 'Trashy' first son of Zahirr Zenith."

The innkeeper raised an eyebrow, leaning in closer.

"Trashy? That's quite a harsh label. What happened?"

Ravan took a deep breath, the words flowing out more easily than he expected.

"I was kicked out of the house because of my inability to harness mana and my lack of talent in almost everything else.

My father, Zahirr Zenith, is a renowned swordsman and had high hopes for his children.

My younger brothers, Rhett and Ryker, they have mana. They're being tutored every day to become strong warriors. But me? I was always the weak one, the disappointment."

The innkeeper listened intently, nodding for Ravan to continue.

"I always knew I wasn't like them," Ravan said, his voice tinged with bitterness.

"No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't muster even a flicker of mana. My father tried to be patient, but I could see the disappointment in his eyes.

Eventually, he gave up on me, and I was sent away."

The innkeeper leaned back, contemplating Ravan's words.

"You know, one can't fully lack mana," he said thoughtfully.

"Let me show you something." He extended his hand over a glass on the counter, and with a subtle movement, the glass began to float in the air.

Ravan's eyes widened in surprise. "How are you doing that?"

"It's called mana manipulation," the innkeeper explained.

"I can control the mana around the glass and within it, making it float.

It's a basic skill, but it demonstrates that mana is all around us.

If you truly lack mana, there could be a reason.

Either your body wasn't fully introduced to it from birth, or perhaps you were cursed, preventing you from forming a mana core."

Ravan thought about this revelation, his mind racing with possibilities.

"So, there might be a way to change this? To find out if I can harness mana?"

"Possibly," the innkeeper said, lowering the glass back onto the counter.

"You'd need to see a mage or a healer, someone who can run thorough check-ups on your body.

Or perhaps a magic artifact could help diagnose the problem."

Ravan nodded slowly, a glimmer of hope sparking within him.

"That would require money, though. And I have none.

For now, I've just accepted that I'm a lazy bum who never trained hard enough to unlock any hidden potential."

The innkeeper smiled kindly.

"You're young, Ravan. Life has a way of surprising us. Don't lose hope.

You might discover strengths you never knew you had."

Ravan smiled back, feeling a bit more at ease.

"Thank you. I appreciate your kindness and wisdom."

"Anytime," the innkeeper replied.

"Remember, the journey of self-discovery is a long one, but it's worth every step. Now, try to get some rest. Tomorrow is a new day."

Ravan nodded, the innkeeper's words lingering in his mind as he made his way back to his room.

He felt a sense of resolve, a determination to uncover the truth about his potential. Perhaps his story wasn't over yet; perhaps it was just beginning.

'If only the world was full of people like the Innkeeper.'