Kairo posted flyers around Zambara, each one beckoning for a new bartender to rejuvenate his tavern. They fluttered in the breeze, symbols of his hope. Near the marketplace, he noticed a woman examining a flyer.

Dressed in thin fabrics that looked like they came from Utto or somewhere on the Boreo Coast, she didn’t seem local. Kairo, drawn by this mysterious figure, approached her.

"Interesting, isn't it?" he said, gesturing to the flyer. "I'm looking for help in my tavern.”

The woman faced him. "Ah, you're the tavern owner," she said. “I’ve heard of it before.”

Kairo said, "Yes, The Glember's mine. And it needs a bartender."

“I’m Linai,” she said.

“Kairo.”

A smile touched Linai's lips. "I’m interested in mixology. I've traveled all over. Along the way, I've discovered a lot of unique drinks.”

"Really?" Kairo's interest piqued. "You're know mixology?" The prospect of a bartender skilled in exotic drinks could be the key to revitalizing his tavern's charm.

Linai's smile grew. "I've mastered drinks from the coastal cities of the north and even from the nexus capital. Each place has its own distinct flavors and methods."

Kairo was captivated. He tried to remain calm.

"In the ports of Utto, they make a drink called ‘serenade,’" Linai said. "It's a shimmering blue cocktail made with kyan berries, mixed with a hint of spiced spirits. Under moonlight, it glows faintly, captivating everyone who sees it."

Kairo's eyes lit up. "Serenade? A glowing drink? That sounds incredible!" His mind raced with the idea of serving such a unique drink in his tavern. It wasn't just the novelty; it was the allure of bringing a piece of distant Utto to a little place like Zambara.

His hesitation waned as he pondered the idea of welcoming this traveler into his tavern. Her confidence and the vividness of her travel tales made him think she could back her words up. "The way you describe these places and drinks, it feels like I'm there, tasting them myself," Kairo said.

After a brief pause, he decided. "Linai, would you come to the tavern? I'd love to see your skills firsthand," he said.

Linai's eyes sparkled at the invitation. "I'd be delighted. Sharing a piece of my travels would be my pleasure.”

Kairo’s steps felt lighter as he led Linai to his tavern. As they walked, Kairo dreamed of the potential change Linai might bring to his establishment.

Arriving at the tavern, Linai dove in, eager to demonstrate her touted skills. She began, her movements fluid and skilled. The first few drinks garnered curious and pleased responses from the patrons, impressed by her flair and the drinks' uniqueness. “Ever had a Dirty Nexus?” She asked Amau Wega, a regular.

“No.”

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“Want one?”

“I don’t know.”

Another regular nudged Amau. “Go for it.”

Amau blushed. “Alright, I suppose.”

But as the tavern got busier and orders increased, Linai's confidence dipped. The rapid pace and specific customer requests were more demanding than she expected. Her expertise in unique concoctions didn't extend to quick, standard drinks, and it showed.

Her once smooth actions turned awkward and uncertain. She mixed up orders, forgot ingredients, and struggled with routine requests. She spilled a regular's order for the tavern's signature ale, and a simple mixed drink came out too bitter, causing a customer's grimace.

Kairo's heart fell with each error. The patrons began murmuring. The atmosphere shifted from excitement to mild disappointment and impatience.

Kairo saw her initial enthusiasm give way to a sense of being overwhelmed. He stepped in with a supportive smile, but worry clouded his thoughts.

Her enthusiasm couldn't compensate for her lack of experience in the demanding tavern environment.

The regulars, usually tolerant and supportive, initially watched with amusement. However, as more mistakes happened, their patience frayed.

The situation came to a head when a regular, Ngalu, known for his quiet nature and precise drink preference, summoned Kairo. "Kairo, this isn't right," he said, showing the incorrectly made drink. It was visibly wrong in color and texture. Grey chunks floated in the drink. Kairo didn’t know how Linai had even managed to do that. "I'm not one to complain, but this isn't what I expect here."

Apologizing, Kairo quickly remade the drink.

Linai, stepping back from the bar, looked disheartened. Kairo felt that she had entered the tavern brimming with tales and expertise in unique drinks, only to discover that everyday barkeeping was a vastly different challenge. Maybe the busy tavern's rhythm and demands were far from the relaxed crafting of special drinks she was used to.

Kairo found himself in a bind. With his tavern already unstable from losing his dependable bartender, he couldn't risk further harm to its reputation.

Approaching Linai, Kairo chose his words with care. "Your enthusiasm and unique approach are appreciated," he said kindly, "but my patrons have specific expectations. I need someone who can meet those immediately. Can you do that?"

Linai's response, a mix of disappointment and understanding, was apparent. "I understand, Kairo. I'm sorry I'm not the right fit for your tavern."

“Hey Kairo, another round!”

Kairo's anxiety spiked. "Please don’t go. Just, I don’t know. Just work slowly, at whatever pace you can manage. Don’t rush anymore. Any help is a help.”

#

Working together, Kairo's mind raced, processing customer feedback. Some regulars suggested simpler drinks for Linai or a different approach. Others were less patient, openly criticizing the drink quality and the change in their usual tavern experience.

Linai tried to adapt. Her initial boldness had evolved into cautious determination, an eagerness to learn and improve. She worked slowly. Very slowly.

Kairo watched. Linai's passion and exotic mixology knowledge were undeniable assets. Yet, the tavern's immediate needs were swift service and consistent quality, areas where Linai fell short.

Kairo felt the weight of his decision bearing down on him. Every interaction with his patrons and each observation of Linai added layers of concern and hope. The future of his tavern, a cornerstone of the community he had carefully cultivated, depended on this choice. He understood the stakes: the right decision could rejuvenate his business, while the wrong one risked alienating his regulars.

Despite the earlier blunders, she infused the bar with a unique charm and enthusiasm. The encouraging words from some patrons resonated with him - perhaps with proper guidance and a more tailored role, Linai might become an asset.

Feeling worn out and urgently needing help, Kairo reached a decision.

Kairo approached Linai, who was methodically cleaning the bar. "Linai, I see your effort. You clearly have a passion for this, and I'm willing to give you an opportunity to learn and grow here," he said encouragingly. "We'll adjust the work if we need to, and I can help and teach you.” Kairo bit his lip. “If you’re still interested?"

Linai's expression brightened with relief. "Thank you, Kairo. I'm ready to give it my all," she said.

Kairo, felt a tentative optimism. If necessary, he could reassess later. For now, helping Linai adjust seemed the most pragmatic option. As he locked up, his mind was already planning the training and changes needed.