Stranger
A mysterious traveler in a dark cloak whose face no one has ever seen. Beneath his deep hood lies impenetrable darkness, from which only two piercing blue eyes shine.
About the Song
At the crossroads of ancient roads, surrounded by forests and everlasting mists, stands an old tavern whose doors are open to every traveler.
Here, a knight and a wanderer, a witch and a mage, a bard and a madman may all find themselves sharing the same table.
No one asks unnecessary questions, judges others for their past, or demands anything in return.
As long as the fire burns in the hearth and tankards are filled with ale and wine, everyone can leave their sorrows at the door, find understanding, make new friends, and believe once more that even after the longest and hardest journey, there will always be a place where they need not be alone.
Gallery
Illustrations and videos inspired by this song.
Lyrics
At the crossroads of forgotten roads,
Where mist-veiled forests softly sleep,
A weary soul, lost and wandering,
Will always find a place to keep.
Its doors are open to all strangers,
No needless questions need be told.
And every traveler leaves behind
A piece of sorrow by the hearth's warm glow.
chorus
Though blizzards rage beyond the windows,
And hidden paths are lost from sight,
As long as fire crackles brightly,
Hope still shines within the night.
While foaming ale fills every tankard,
And wine flows freely to the brim,
No soul within this world shall ever
Be lost, forsaken, sad, or dim.
A knight drinks deep to former glories,
An old madman mutters to himself.
A cloaked wayfarer hides his features,
While the bard of Mafigrad sings his tales.
A clumsy mage steals fleeting glances
At a red-haired maiden, fierce and wild,
And some at last discover refuge,
Where hearts need never be concealed.
chorus
Though blizzards rage beyond the windows,
And hidden paths are lost from sight,
As long as fire crackles brightly,
Hope still shines within the night.
While foaming ale fills every tankard,
And wine flows freely to the brim,
No soul within this world shall ever
Be lost, forsaken, sad, or dim.
The innkeeper once roamed the highways,
And learned life's lesson long ago:
In mankind's darkest hours and trials,
Only warmth of soul can save us so.
Sometimes, in the middle of the night,
The greatest treasure one may find
Is meeting strangers by the campfire
Who become kindred hearts in time.
chorus
Though blizzards rage beyond the windows,
And darkness gathers ever near,
As long as hope's own flame is burning,
The light of life will persevere.
While laughter and loud voices fill the tavern,
And legends mix with tales retold,
No soul within this world shall ever
Be lonely, sorrowful, or cold.
outro
And though your wandering may be endless,
And dawn tomorrow calls once more,..
You'll always cherish this old tavern -
No warmer place exists anywhere...
Characters
Ginger Witch
A young woman with fiery red hair, a strong will, and a rare gift for magic. Beneath her defiance and independence, she hides far more than she is willing to reveal to strangers.
Unforeseen Child
A little girl whose arrival came as a surprise even to those who had long since grown accustomed to wonders. Quiet and seemingly defenseless, she became entangled in events that could change the fate of the entire world.
Bard
A wandering minstrel and storyteller who travels the roads of Mafigrad and distant lands, gathering tales of other people's lives, ancient legends, and forgotten chronicles that sometimes prove far more truthful than they first appear.
Grey-Haired Madman
An old man who devoted his life to searching for a mysterious artifact, only to return empty-handed and, as people say, with his mind shattered. His tales are steeped in the poison of madness.
Inept Mage
The heir to an ancient and noble bloodline of powerful sorcerers, born seemingly without the magical gift that had blessed his ancestors for generations. Years of failure, ridicule, and stubborn determination eventually led him to a mistake that nearly destroyed the world. Yet it was in that darkest hour that the inept apprentice proved perseverance could sometimes surpass even the greatest natural talent.
Knight in Scorched Armor
A seasoned royal knight for whom service has long since become a way of life. A dependable warrior and devoted family man, he seeks neither adventure nor glory, but is accustomed to doing his duty - even when an ordinary assignment leads to altogether extraordinary consequences.
Tavern Keeper
He knows the value of a good meal, a full tankard, and doors locked at the right time. Thousands of stories pass through his establishment - and he has no intention of repeating every one of them.
Tavern Patrons
Guests from every corner of the world - travelers and locals, rich and poor, members of different races and professions. Each arrives with their own burdens, their own story, and their own reason to linger over a tankard.
Locations
Old Tavern
Standing at the crossroads of ancient roads in the Misty Forest, the Old Tavern welcomes weary and lost travelers at any hour. Here, wanderers and heroes from countless stories cross paths, the Bard's songs fill the air, and long-forgotten adventures are recalled over mugs of ale.
Ginger Witch's Village
A small village on the edge of the Misty Forest, surrounded by fields, meadows, and ancient roads. A peaceful place where life follows the familiar rhythms of the countryside, known by its unusual name thanks to its most famous resident.
Dragon's Lair
A deep cavern hidden among inaccessible cliffs, claimed by a dragon as its lair. Scorched stone, marks left by enormous claws, and heaps of treasure remind any traveler who ventures inside that the master of this place may return at any moment.
House of an Ancient Mage Family
The ancestral estate of a family in which the gift of magic has been passed down from generation to generation. For centuries, sorcerers have lived and studied within its walls, books and rare artifacts have been collected, discoveries have been made, and mistakes have been committed. There are many such ancient families throughout the world, but each has its own traditions, secrets, and legacy, passed on to future generations along with the family name.
Misty Forest
A vast expanse of woodland stretching across several kingdoms and far beyond the reach of known roads. Here, sunlit groves give way to impenetrable thickets, while hidden settlements, ancient ruins, and places yet to be explored lie concealed among the trees. The forest is not always shrouded in mist - but its depths hold more than enough mysteries to justify its name.
Knight's Castle
Knights' castles stand beside roads and river crossings, amid peaceful fields and along distant frontiers. Some belong to wealthy and noble warriors, while others are little more than fortified manor houses. Within their walls live families, servants, and small garrisons. Weapons and supplies are stored here, and everyday life unfolds in the courtyards of those whose names sometimes become part of extraordinary tales.