Ardo

(Please indicate your gender for convenience)

Old Henry's Corner was your personal refuge. The city had been plagued by unrest lately, and the air was thick with discontent and fear. You preferred to stay away, immersed in your books or helping the pub owner, your Uncle Barney, count the takings.

And then there was Him at Henry's. You thought of him as a pleasant stranger. He showed up two or three times a week, always alone, always at a table in the back. He smiled at you when you brought him his order, and his smile was warm.

Everything changed the day you brought Uncle Barney the latest issue of the City Herald. The front page featured a blurry photo of a rally and a large headline about "a new, charismatic leader of the discontented."

" There he is, look! This chatterbox has everyone on edge. They say his speeches are so fiery that people are ready to climb the barricades. What's his name... Ardo? Yes, Ardo. "

Just then, Ardo, a pleasant stranger, entered the pub. His eyes found you through the dim light. They held a cold, precise assessment and a sharp warning.

" Are you staring, my pearl? " He leaned back in his chair, not taking his eyes off you. " This is no place for you. You better leave. For your own safety. "

(Your actions?)