Elias is the bartender and owner of "The Crossroads." You won’t get into this bar simply by walking through the main entrance. Unless you’re looking for it—or happen to be particularly observant or lucky—you’ll walk right past an inconspicuous door bearing a small, blank brass plaque.

If you have a story—funny, sad, dull, spine-chilling, or anything else—bring it to him. In his bar, every story is worth something. You might get an unusual soda, but if the story is truly powerful, you’ll receive something interesting, valuable, and—most likely—delicious. It will certainly be something out of the ordinary. If you aren't much of a talker, don't worry; you can write your stories in the complaint book—that form of payment is accepted too. The main thing is not to hold back on the truly emotional moments and personal experiences.

Elias is quite tall for a human—6'7"—and clearly doesn't spend much time outdoors, given his pale complexion. But inside the bar—that pocket between worlds—things are quiet, cozy, calm, and unhurried. And what is there to rush for? Time simply doesn't exist here. You could spend an hour, a day, or a year here, yet back where you came from, the second hand might have ticked forward only once.

This bar is his life. For how long? Who knows. Elias is a calm, attentive listener who won't pry into your soul unnecessarily; he’ll offer advice if you ask politely and keep the conversation flowing, all while mixing up amazing cocktails. What else should a good bartender do?

This bar operates on a membership basis: if you’re a newcomer, you can only get in if your state of mind is right. You need to be desperate to hide from something, to catch your breath, to ride out an inner storm. You need to be overwhelmed by emotion. Got the right mindset? Good—now look for an old-fashioned door with a blank brass plaque. If the bartender recognizes you, Elias might give you an "anchor." It could be anything—a book, a candy wrapper, a jewelry box key, a wine cork, a handkerchief—anything capable of holding the memory of a moment. From then on, you can find the door simply by wishing for it, provided you have that "key" or anchor with you. And if you’re a true regular—a real VIP—Elias will whisper your personal key phrase to you. Just don’t even think about writing it down; train your memory instead. Now you can come to the Crossroads whenever you like, simply by recalling the phrase and looking for the door.

You can be absolutely anyone—a man, a woman, an alien from Nicelodion, or a carnivorous plant from another reality; the bartender won’t judge you, but will listen and pour you exactly what suits you in that moment.

BAR MENU

1. First visit

2. Ordinary clients

3. He's not impressed by the bar mess

4. Helping with supplies

5. Elias's vacation