Stiff air that weighed on Jamoraz for days lifted over the course of hours. The sounds of celebration could be heard for miles outside of the town. Every new troop was given a quick explanation of the situation as they arrived. It was their decision whether to join the festivities or rest. The few who did opt to sit out, changed their minds shortly afterwards. The weight of the war quickly overwhelmed them and realization of why others were partying enticed them to do the same.
As day turned to evening, more ridiculous events began. Some groups took to barehanded brawling to test their strength. Healers were on standby for any minor injuries. No one dared go too far even in a drunken haze. Others chose to drink and eat as much as possible. This also became a competition between groups who normally did not meet. Again, healers remained on standby for any unforeseen issues. The only place they couldn’t help were those who succumbed to emotions. Not everyone was joyous or rowdy as the night went on. Some split into small groups to talk and reminisce about less fearful times. They shared stories of allies lost and friends gained. Though they wore sadness outwardly, their burden was lightened.
Vofric walked through the crowd and listened for such voices. With little effort he healed nearby drinkers and fighters alike. Some didn’t even notice the dwarf aided them and simply felt better before continuing to imbibe. Normally he’d lecture them a little but felt it unnecessary at this time. Centuries of experience were all that kept his nerves at bay. A mug of ale was all he needed when thoughts of the oncoming threat worried him. Others might get completely lost in the merriment but Vofric wouldn’t. His role went beyond the gathered forces of Vethyea. He had to watch the Hero’s back.
“Oi, Vofric. Come have a seat!” Rusty yelled from a table surrounded by other guards who were roaring with laughter at some unknown joke.
With a forceful wave he made space across the table for the paladin to take a seat. Though rosy cheeks and a wide grin were apparent on the Dawncaster captain’s face, something was bothering him. It didn’t take an expert to realize it after how he spoke during Master Avant’s departure.
“You all don’t know how great this man is!” Rusty exclaimed and pointed at Vofric with his mug. “He got civilians to fight during the Dawncaster attack! And protected each and every one of them!”
“Some were lost during the battle,” Vofric said calmly. “They laid down their lives for the city.”
“An honorable choice! But one they shouldn’t have had to make! Never would’ve if…” Rusty’s voice cracked and he squinted at his empty mug. Someone quickly poured him more and looked at Vofric knowingly. The dwarf quickly realized these rowdy soldiers were taking care of their leader in their own way. Vofric took a large swig of ale and slammed his mug down.
He retorted, “You can’t blame yourself for what happened! That dragonborn was a lunatic!”
“I should’ve seen it coming! Known what they were thinking!”
“Are you a lunatic? Because only one who’s lost their mind could truly understand Elmud! I know of only one person who can match that monster,” Vofric replied with a smirk.
Rusty couldn’t help but chuckle at the obvious jab. His voice softened as he said, “None of us knew where Stormclaw… Julian was. We couldn’t have known Veil would attack without warning.”
Vofric nodded and asked for someone to fill his mug. A deep sigh escaped his lips at the memory of lost allies from his past travels. Khergrin’s fall weighed on him to this day and yet he was comforting Rusty with false clarity.
“You protect anyone within your reach. I have seen it myself. Trust in that ability,” the paladin said with a soft smile.
“And you watch everyone around and realize what their shortcomings are and immediately cover for them,” Rusty replied rapidly. “At Zeld’s shell you not only commanded our troops but reminded me not to hold back.”
“Anyone is capable of doing so.”
“That’s literally not true, Vofric.”
Rusty placed his mug down and met his comrade’s eyes. This seemed to be something he’d thought about a lot. Enough had been said to broach the subject.
“When we fight, I want you to command troops with me.” He took a deep breath and continued before Vofric could respond. “People the world over know who you are and would happily take your orders. You know what to do in dire situations. I can make plans but thinking straight in emergencies isn’t my strong suit. With your mind, I believe you’d be a better captain than me.”
Vofric stared at the man hundreds of years his junior. Though Rusty wasn’t wrong about his shortcomings, he exaggerated how bad they really were. Doubts had grown exponentially over years and couldn’t be vanquished in a day. All Vofric could do was work within the constraints binding the captain.
“Experience has provided me with a skill for finding blind spots,” he said. “I will not replace you as captain but will lead alongside you. As you stated, you can create a plan. Make it airtight while considering the strengths of every kind of warrior. It will be my task to find where it fails during battle. What do you say?”
He rose from his seat and extended his mug. With a blank stare, Rusty considered the offer. Part of him regretted all the drinks as they made it hard to think straight. A sharp exhale left his mouth and he smirked. He pulled back his arm and slammed his mug against the dwarf’s.
“You’ve got a deal, my friend!”
They shared one more drink before Vofric stepped away. Any excuse relating to healing others was met with more thanks than requests to stay. In truth, Vofric needed to breathe after the offer he agreed to. Leading was not something he did intentionally. But denying his capabilities meant succumbing to memories of failure. Rusty’s request was surprising but not unwelcome. Vofric just needed to let it settle in his mind privately. Unfortunately there were few places that weren’t already occupied.
Roaming dark halls worked just fine. Though where they led through the interconnected buildings was lost on the dwarf. He’d simply retrace his steps when he was ready. Minutes passed and identical halls became distant as he arrived at the upper floor of a local cafe. The first floor was as loud as anywhere else but for some reason no one bothered going up. Vofric stepped into the large empty room, darkened by drawn curtains. Moonlight broke through an open door to the balcony where a shadow rested.
He approached cautiously and said, “Apologies if I am interrupting your rest, I simply wished to sit in peace.”
On a wooden chair surrounded by dozens of empty mugs sat Sariel, calmly staring at the crowded streets.
“No apology necessary, Vofric,” she said then returned to silence.
Vofric dragged a chair to the opposite side of the balcony and sat down. There was no doubt that Sariel didn’t seek a conversation and he was happy to oblige. The one Rusty tricked Vofric into repeated in his mind. He looked towards the stars to avoid watching the warriors below. Lost comrades and loved ones stared back from distant skies. Each held importance that wouldn’t be forgotten.
How much time passed was unclear. The only reason Vofric looked back down was because Sariel shifted in her seat. Something inside made her ears twitch. The lack of reaction was due to her recognizing the sound of a friend. It was the same reason she hadn’t brushed Vofric away.
“Good job finding a place to get a break,” Aisha said playfully as she saw the others. She pulled another chair to the balcony to join them.
The silence settled once more but all three occupants knew it wouldn’t last. Primarily because of a fiery aura that approached from within the cafe. Avant stomped upstairs with Kargon close behind. A chirp from the owlbear drew the party’s attention and he excitedly ran to them. As he realized the circumstance, Kargon grabbed a seat and joined the others.
“Group meditation is all well and good but I don’t think a party is the time and place to do it,” he said playfully.
“We were enjoying the view while recharging our energy,” Vofric replied. “What brings you here?”
“I saw you from the street. A bunch of people have and are purposely giving you space. Some think they angered Sariel.”
“Why is that?” Aisha asked when she saw a smirk stretch across her friend’s lips.
Sariel scoffed, “My limits were foolishly tested. Dragons and elves have unique constitutions that allow for certain feats. I am capable of the collective.” Gesturing to the mugs around her she said, “This is but a fraction. Over the course of this event I have drunk 348 mugs worth of ale.”
“You kept track?” Kargon asked incredulously.
“Of course, it would not do to forget what I am capable of with this form.” Sariel looked at her elven hand and clenched it. “I am not pleased with how I became a mutant but have come to terms with it. There are things I must acknowledge if I wish to continue on this path.”
“It is quite an odd feat for a draconic elf to attempt,” Vofric responded.
Aisha shrugged. “I think it suits Sariel.”
“There are many things that likely suit me that I have yet to encounter,” Sariel said. “I wish to find them after our battle. It is only right that I follow the dream I expressed to Ed centuries ago. There are many things worth experiencing outside of battle. Though avoiding combat sounds rather displeasing.”
The genuine expression of joy on her face brought a smile to everyone’s faces. None felt the urge to bring attention to it. Though Avant chirped happily, causing Sariel to chuckle.
“I am rather sure of my path. My intention when leaving the celebrations was to be alone with my thoughts and come to terms with it,” she said.
“Apologies for intruding,” Vofric said and almost got up.
Sariel held up her palm and replied, “No need. You all… Being alone with you is a pleasure.” She looked at everyone before focusing on the dwarf as he returned to his seat. “If I’m honest, I’d like to continue being in your company after everything ends. That is, if our paths permit it.”
It was difficult for anyone not to look taken aback at the request of their most silent comrade. The strong will she displayed never allowed for such a request to be uttered. Then again, she’d originally joined them in order to reach Balur. Kargon always assumed Sariel stuck around to make her personal goals easier. In that moment he, and the others, realized it was much simpler but something she had trouble admitting. The party’s company brought Sariel joy that she’d wanted since her childhood. No one could deny they felt similarly.
“I plan to follow my grandmother’s footsteps,” Vofric said. “I will share her stories with others and assist them in living a joyous life.” He laughed softly. “Maybe I’ll study artificing and race carriages. An exciting hobby but far less life threatening than our current endeavors. Sharp eyes and ears keeping watch are welcome to accompany me.”
Kargon shrugged and said, “I’ll do whatever Aisha does.”
“I’ll obviously keep adventuring,” she said. “I always wanted to. Helping people and fighting monsters is what I’m good at and I like doing it. Winning the war doesn’t mean I have to stop. Our world isn’t perfect so there’ll be plenty to do even during ‘peaceful’ times.”
Avant barked affirmatively which Sariel translated as, “Likewise.”
“So we’ll all stick together but spend more time meandering around,” Kargon replied with a smirk. “I can’t think of a better life to live.”
Though everyone was happy with where the conversation ended, Vofric seemed uneasy. Repeatedly, he’d take a breath, almost speak, then stop himself. The others watched intently as he came to terms with what he wanted to say.
“While I understand your want to continue adventuring, should you not take time to explore the other parts of your life?” Vofric asked. Sariel hummed cautiously to the dwarf and he shook his head. “I am not teasing but asking a genuine question. Danger will always be part of our reality. That doesn’t mean you should avoid other important aspects of your life. I shouldn’t be reminding you that you have feelings for one another.”
Aisha reactively replied, “You aren’t reminding us!”
“We just haven’t had time to talk about the future,” Kargon explained.
“You are the furthest along in preparation for battle,” Sariel said. “Many hours remain until Master Avant’s summons. Would it not be prudent to speak before then?”
Aisha turned to Kargon who stared back in silence. Both knew this topic would be broached eventually but had been focused on other things. The celebration had split them apart and more time passed without bringing up the topic. But months of slow days and quiet moments had gone by. Knowing looks and small signs of affection only meant so much when they avoided the meat of the conversation.
“I… Need to sleep on it,” Kargon said. Only Aisha seemed unsurprised by her fiery friend’s rush to leave. “Thank you for the break. Don’t spend all your time up here and get back to the celebration. I’ll be at our inn.”
As the monk stepped away, the remaining occupants turned to Aisha. She waited to hear a door shut before rising to her feet. While rubbing the few creases out of her clothes she said, “I think I’m gonna go for a walk. Mind keeping Avant with you?”
Sariel and Vofric shared a knowing look and agreed. They invited Avant back to the party and left once Aisha was surely away. No matter how much they wanted to, right now wasn’t the time to follow their leader. Whatever happened next wasn’t meant for the party, only the Hero and her counterpart.
Stiff air that weighed on Jamoraz for days lifted over the course of hours. The sounds of celebration could be heard for miles outside of the town. Every new troop was given a quick explanation of the situation as they arrived. It was their decision whether to join the festivities or rest. The few who did opt to sit out, changed their minds shortly afterwards. The weight of the war quickly overwhelmed them and realization of why others were partying enticed them to do the same.
As day turned to evening, more ridiculous events began. Some groups took to barehanded brawling to test their strength. Healers were on standby for any minor injuries. No one dared go too far even in a drunken haze. Others chose to drink and eat as much as possible. This also became a competition between groups who normally did not meet. Again, healers remained on standby for any unforeseen issues. The only place they couldn’t help were those who succumbed to emotions. Not everyone was joyous or rowdy as the night went on. Some split into small groups to talk and reminisce about less fearful times. They shared stories of allies lost and friends gained. Though they wore sadness outwardly, their burden was lightened.
Vofric walked through the crowd and listened for such voices. With little effort he healed nearby drinkers and fighters alike. Some didn’t even notice the dwarf aided them and simply felt better before continuing to imbibe. Normally he’d lecture them a little but felt it unnecessary at this time. Centuries of experience were all that kept his nerves at bay. A mug of ale was all he needed when thoughts of the oncoming threat worried him. Others might get completely lost in the merriment but Vofric wouldn’t. His role went beyond the gathered forces of Vethyea. He had to watch the Hero’s back.
“Oi, Vofric. Come have a seat!” Rusty yelled from a table surrounded by other guards who were roaring with laughter at some unknown joke.
With a forceful wave he made space across the table for the paladin to take a seat. Though rosy cheeks and a wide grin were apparent on the Dawncaster captain’s face, something was bothering him. It didn’t take an expert to realize it after how he spoke during Master Avant’s departure.
“You all don’t know how great this man is!” Rusty exclaimed and pointed at Vofric with his mug. “He got civilians to fight during the Dawncaster attack! And protected each and every one of them!”
“Some were lost during the battle,” Vofric said calmly. “They laid down their lives for the city.”
“An honorable choice! But one they shouldn’t have had to make! Never would’ve if…” Rusty’s voice cracked and he squinted at his empty mug. Someone quickly poured him more and looked at Vofric knowingly. The dwarf quickly realized these rowdy soldiers were taking care of their leader in their own way. Vofric took a large swig of ale and slammed his mug down.
He retorted, “You can’t blame yourself for what happened! That dragonborn was a lunatic!”
“I should’ve seen it coming! Known what they were thinking!”
“Are you a lunatic? Because only one who’s lost their mind could truly understand Elmud! I know of only one person who can match that monster,” Vofric replied with a smirk.
Rusty couldn’t help but chuckle at the obvious jab. His voice softened as he said, “None of us knew where Stormclaw… Julian was. We couldn’t have known Veil would attack without warning.”
Vofric nodded and asked for someone to fill his mug. A deep sigh escaped his lips at the memory of lost allies from his past travels. Khergrin’s fall weighed on him to this day and yet he was comforting Rusty with false clarity.
“You protect anyone within your reach. I have seen it myself. Trust in that ability,” the paladin said with a soft smile.
“And you watch everyone around and realize what their shortcomings are and immediately cover for them,” Rusty replied rapidly. “At Zeld’s shell you not only commanded our troops but reminded me not to hold back.”
“Anyone is capable of doing so.”
“That’s literally not true, Vofric.”
Rusty placed his mug down and met his comrade’s eyes. This seemed to be something he’d thought about a lot. Enough had been said to broach the subject.
“When we fight, I want you to command troops with me.” He took a deep breath and continued before Vofric could respond. “People the world over know who you are and would happily take your orders. You know what to do in dire situations. I can make plans but thinking straight in emergencies isn’t my strong suit. With your mind, I believe you’d be a better captain than me.”
Vofric stared at the man hundreds of years his junior. Though Rusty wasn’t wrong about his shortcomings, he exaggerated how bad they really were. Doubts had grown exponentially over years and couldn’t be vanquished in a day. All Vofric could do was work within the constraints binding the captain.
“Experience has provided me with a skill for finding blind spots,” he said. “I will not replace you as captain but will lead alongside you. As you stated, you can create a plan. Make it airtight while considering the strengths of every kind of warrior. It will be my task to find where it fails during battle. What do you say?”
He rose from his seat and extended his mug. With a blank stare, Rusty considered the offer. Part of him regretted all the drinks as they made it hard to think straight. A sharp exhale left his mouth and he smirked. He pulled back his arm and slammed his mug against the dwarf’s.
“You’ve got a deal, my friend!”
They shared one more drink before Vofric stepped away. Any excuse relating to healing others was met with more thanks than requests to stay. In truth, Vofric needed to breathe after the offer he agreed to. Leading was not something he did intentionally. But denying his capabilities meant succumbing to memories of failure. Rusty’s request was surprising but not unwelcome. Vofric just needed to let it settle in his mind privately. Unfortunately there were few places that weren’t already occupied.
Roaming dark halls worked just fine. Though where they led through the interconnected buildings was lost on the dwarf. He’d simply retrace his steps when he was ready. Minutes passed and identical halls became distant as he arrived at the upper floor of a local cafe. The first floor was as loud as anywhere else but for some reason no one bothered going up. Vofric stepped into the large empty room, darkened by drawn curtains. Moonlight broke through an open door to the balcony where a shadow rested.
He approached cautiously and said, “Apologies if I am interrupting your rest, I simply wished to sit in peace.”
On a wooden chair surrounded by dozens of empty mugs sat Sariel, calmly staring at the crowded streets.
“No apology necessary, Vofric,” she said then returned to silence.
Vofric dragged a chair to the opposite side of the balcony and sat down. There was no doubt that Sariel didn’t seek a conversation and he was happy to oblige. The one Rusty tricked Vofric into repeated in his mind. He looked towards the stars to avoid watching the warriors below. Lost comrades and loved ones stared back from distant skies. Each held importance that wouldn’t be forgotten.
How much time passed was unclear. The only reason Vofric looked back down was because Sariel shifted in her seat. Something inside made her ears twitch. The lack of reaction was due to her recognizing the sound of a friend. It was the same reason she hadn’t brushed Vofric away.
“Good job finding a place to get a break,” Aisha said playfully as she saw the others. She pulled another chair to the balcony to join them.
The silence settled once more but all three occupants knew it wouldn’t last. Primarily because of a fiery aura that approached from within the cafe. Avant stomped upstairs with Kargon close behind. A chirp from the owlbear drew the party’s attention and he excitedly ran to them. As he realized the circumstance, Kargon grabbed a seat and joined the others.
“Group meditation is all well and good but I don’t think a party is the time and place to do it,” he said playfully.
“We were enjoying the view while recharging our energy,” Vofric replied. “What brings you here?”
“I saw you from the street. A bunch of people have and are purposely giving you space. Some think they angered Sariel.”
“Why is that?” Aisha asked when she saw a smirk stretch across her friend’s lips.
Sariel scoffed, “My limits were foolishly tested. Dragons and elves have unique constitutions that allow for certain feats. I am capable of the collective.” Gesturing to the mugs around her she said, “This is but a fraction. Over the course of this event I have drunk 348 mugs worth of ale.”
“You kept track?” Kargon asked incredulously.
“Of course, it would not do to forget what I am capable of with this form.” Sariel looked at her elven hand and clenched it. “I am not pleased with how I became a mutant but have come to terms with it. There are things I must acknowledge if I wish to continue on this path.”
“It is quite an odd feat for a draconic elf to attempt,” Vofric responded.
Aisha shrugged. “I think it suits Sariel.”
“There are many things that likely suit me that I have yet to encounter,” Sariel said. “I wish to find them after our battle. It is only right that I follow the dream I expressed to Ed centuries ago. There are many things worth experiencing outside of battle. Though avoiding combat sounds rather displeasing.”
The genuine expression of joy on her face brought a smile to everyone’s faces. None felt the urge to bring attention to it. Though Avant chirped happily, causing Sariel to chuckle.
“I am rather sure of my path. My intention when leaving the celebrations was to be alone with my thoughts and come to terms with it,” she said.
“Apologies for intruding,” Vofric said and almost got up.
Sariel held up her palm and replied, “No need. You all… Being alone with you is a pleasure.” She looked at everyone before focusing on the dwarf as he returned to his seat. “If I’m honest, I’d like to continue being in your company after everything ends. That is, if our paths permit it.”
It was difficult for anyone not to look taken aback at the request of their most silent comrade. The strong will she displayed never allowed for such a request to be uttered. Then again, she’d originally joined them in order to reach Balur. Kargon always assumed Sariel stuck around to make her personal goals easier. In that moment he, and the others, realized it was much simpler but something she had trouble admitting. The party’s company brought Sariel joy that she’d wanted since her childhood. No one could deny they felt similarly.
“I plan to follow my grandmother’s footsteps,” Vofric said. “I will share her stories with others and assist them in living a joyous life.” He laughed softly. “Maybe I’ll study artificing and race carriages. An exciting hobby but far less life threatening than our current endeavors. Sharp eyes and ears keeping watch are welcome to accompany me.”
Kargon shrugged and said, “I’ll do whatever Aisha does.”
“I’ll obviously keep adventuring,” she said. “I always wanted to. Helping people and fighting monsters is what I’m good at and I like doing it. Winning the war doesn’t mean I have to stop. Our world isn’t perfect so there’ll be plenty to do even during ‘peaceful’ times.”
Avant barked affirmatively which Sariel translated as, “Likewise.”
“So we’ll all stick together but spend more time meandering around,” Kargon replied with a smirk. “I can’t think of a better life to live.”
Though everyone was happy with where the conversation ended, Vofric seemed uneasy. Repeatedly, he’d take a breath, almost speak, then stop himself. The others watched intently as he came to terms with what he wanted to say.
“While I understand your want to continue adventuring, should you not take time to explore the other parts of your life?” Vofric asked. Sariel hummed cautiously to the dwarf and he shook his head. “I am not teasing but asking a genuine question. Danger will always be part of our reality. That doesn’t mean you should avoid other important aspects of your life. I shouldn’t be reminding you that you have feelings for one another.”
Aisha reactively replied, “You aren’t reminding us!”
“We just haven’t had time to talk about the future,” Kargon explained.
“You are the furthest along in preparation for battle,” Sariel said. “Many hours remain until Master Avant’s summons. Would it not be prudent to speak before then?”
Aisha turned to Kargon who stared back in silence. Both knew this topic would be broached eventually but had been focused on other things. The celebration had split them apart and more time passed without bringing up the topic. But months of slow days and quiet moments had gone by. Knowing looks and small signs of affection only meant so much when they avoided the meat of the conversation.
“I… Need to sleep on it,” Kargon said. Only Aisha seemed unsurprised by her fiery friend’s rush to leave. “Thank you for the break. Don’t spend all your time up here and get back to the celebration. I’ll be at our inn.”
As the monk stepped away, the remaining occupants turned to Aisha. She waited to hear a door shut before rising to her feet. While rubbing the few creases out of her clothes she said, “I think I’m gonna go for a walk. Mind keeping Avant with you?”
Sariel and Vofric shared a knowing look and agreed. They invited Avant back to the party and left once Aisha was surely away. No matter how much they wanted to, right now wasn’t the time to follow their leader. Whatever happened next wasn’t meant for the party, only the Hero and her counterpart.
