In another world, in another time, it might have looked like this: Ceria Springwalker looked up and grinned as she lounged around a table with eleven others. Such a large number, in fact, that all eleven of them wouldn\u2019t have been there. Some would have been in the town, spending their pay, or maybe they\u2019d just have quit, high on the success of killing an Adult Creler.<\/p>\n
In that other world, it would have still been a miraculous victory, where none of the Horns died. Some other adventurers had died, but the Horns\u2014<\/p>\n
No. Ceria Springwalker looked up with a grin as she finished a mug of warm beef broth. She was elbow-to-elbow with a Human man, Gerial, so close she could feel his body heat. He was complaining about the chill, but in that tone of voice that told Ceria he didn\u2019t really mind. Across from them, Hunt would be comparing scars with Marian, while Sostrom exclaimed over his new class.<\/em><\/p>\n It would be noisy, raucous even. And the half-Elf would have eventually expected a certain grumpy Minotaur to tell everyone to behave like \u2018proper warriors\u2019. But again, his good mood would betray him.<\/em><\/p>\n In another world, that would be so. Where the original Horns of Hammerad had never died. But in this one, the room was quiet.<\/p>\n Not silent. There was sound in this warm, quiet room. The sounds of people breathing, shifting, a scratching noise as Pisces turned a page in his book. And quiet slurping.<\/p>\n Ceria\u2019s cup of beef broth was really quite good. Drakes and Gnolls both enjoyed the beverage. It was flavored differently from, say, beef boiled in water. Which was how the half-Elf assumed beef broth was made.<\/p>\n She wasn\u2019t a [Cook]. But she was happy to eat, albeit alone. She was sitting next to Pisces, but not cheek-by-jowl. They sat at a comfortable distance, where both could stretch out.<\/p>\n Nor around a raucous table, either. Their seats weren\u2019t tavern chairs, but padded, and their room was private. Across from Ceria, the half-Elf could see Yvlon bent over a piece of metal. It was, or had been, a bit of armor. Ceria thought it might be a pauldron, but again, she wasn\u2019t an [Armorer] either.<\/p>\n Neither was Yvlon. But the woman was patiently bent over it, cleaning the bit of shaped metal of blood and grime with a cloth and some soap and water. She was also repairing the damage to the armor, her fingers pushing <\/em>at the metal to repair a divot in it. The pauldron wasn\u2019t exactly thin or weak, but the [Armsmistress]\u2019 fingers moved the steel slowly and surely to true.<\/p>\n It wasn\u2019t necessary work. But it was busy work, and it clearly gave Yvlon some satisfaction to do the job. She may not have been a [Blacksmith], but she was Yvlon Byres, and she knew how to maintain and repair gear. She\u2019d declined a book.<\/p>\n Beside her, Ksmvr was slowly and patiently doing the same thing\u2014but to a blade. He wasn\u2019t bothering with repair, though. The Antinium [Skirmisher] was instead polishing the blade, clearing it of debris, blood, and then sharpening it. He had a small whetstone and file and, for a reason that had puzzled the [Hostess] who\u2019d brought it to him, a very fine bit of sandpaper.<\/p>\n However, Ceria had seen Gerial and Calruz at work long enough to know what the Antinium was doing. First, Ksmvr took the file and used it to grind down the blade, exposing a continuous edge if the blade was damaged or chipped.<\/p>\n When he had something to work with, the Antinium switched to the whetstone. A little bit of oil on top let him smoothly move the blade back and forth, polishing it and cleaning it. Lastly, came the sandpaper. The Antinium was even more precise still, letting it sharpen the blade with delicate pressure. Not too sharp; the edge might break too easily in combat. Sharp enough. Then, the Antinium would delicately clean the sword of debris from the entire process until it shone.<\/p>\n It was a rhythmic process, as involved as Yvlon slowly polishing each bit of gear. Hypnotizing in its monotony. Yet, Ksmvr seemed to enjoy it. Ceria sipped from her cup and savored her warm drink as she looked at Pisces again.<\/p>\n The [Necromancer] was reading a book. There wasn\u2019t much more to it than that, other than that Pisces lingered on each page, turning them slowly. The occasional soft rustle of paper was all that filled the room.<\/p>\n And that was it. Ceria Springwalker took another gulp from her drink. She was just sitting and drinking. Her posture was loose and relaxed, and the broth was warm and good to savor. Every minute or so, she\u2019d take a little sip. Yvlon worked, cleaning her armor, and Ksmvr set down a dagger and picked up a hatchet.<\/p>\n Quiet, not silent. But the comfortable quiet, where no one needed to talk. It could go on forever, if you let it. Time seemed not to exist in this place. Or if it did, it was passing at a rate no one could measure. The world stopped. So they sat in the slow, sleepy present. Until someone spoke and brought forth the future.<\/p>\n Ceria didn\u2019t need to. Nor did her team. They could have done this until the end of time. But there was always someone who was first to move, who couldn\u2019t handle the quiet. And this time it was her.<\/p>\n Erin Solstice looked up as she fidgeted on her seat. She couldn\u2019t bear it any longer, so she spoke, interrupting the four adventurers.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m so glad you\u2019re alive. Are you all better? It\u2019s only been one day and\u2014what?\u201d<\/p>\n She paused as Ceria smiled and put down her cup. Pisces put down his book and Yvlon and Ksmvr\u2019s heads rose. They looked up at Erin. She had been sitting and trying to play a game of chess with herself. But now, the Horns of Hammerad focused on her. Erin felt like an outsider, for all they were her friends. But then\u2014they were a team. A\u2026family.<\/p>\n The Horns were all chuckling, or smiling. Erin looked around, and Ceria answered her question.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re just happy to be alive, Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know. But you\u2019re so\u2026calm.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin eyed Ceria. The half-Elf bore no signs of fighting since yesterday. No blood, no scars\u2014her one nod to any injury was a bandage over her left arm. Pisces had one on his left leg, under his robes, and the flesh along one arm was newly-healed. Yvlon and Ksmvr on the other hand\u2014<\/p>\n Yvlon\u2019s arms shone. And they were their own thing. But the woman had multiple bandages on her torso and legs. Ksmvr was covered in bandaged spots. Much had been healed, but apparently Creler poison delayed instant recovery in certain areas. Both warriors claimed it didn\u2019t hurt much.<\/p>\n And they were all still recovering, even if the damage wasn\u2019t all apparent. Ceria tapped her head as she shook her head at Erin.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not calm, Erin. I\u2019m stupid.\u201d<\/p>\n Everyone looked at her. The half-Elf\u2019s face went slack for a moment as she registered the hilarity on Pisces\u2019 face and Erin\u2019s.<\/p>\n \u201cToday. I\u2019m stupid today.\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces let out a guffaw. Erin laughed too, and so did Yvlon and Ksmvr. Ceria scowled, but Pisces nodded after a moment. He looked at Erin over his book.<\/p>\n \u201cCeria is right, Erin. We can\u2019t cast magic or concentrate too hard\u2026concentrate\u2026facilitate concentration\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n He paused. Ceria grinned at his expression.<\/p>\n \u201cOur minds are overworked. We\u2019re both stupid. We can\u2019t cast magic either.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat, really?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEvery time I try, I keep thinking about animating bones. Which I can\u2019t do. Palt says we\u2019re suffering from the linked magic we did. Combining disciplines means we\u2019re having trouble uncombining. Did I make sense?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSort of. Are you going to be okay?\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cWe can\u2019t cast spells for a few days and we\u2019ll be bleh<\/em> for a while. But we\u2019re fine. We got off lucky, really. If we kept pushing it, our brains would have melted out our ears.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHah.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria and Pisces nodded seriously. Erin\u2019s tentative smile faded. She looked around. So did the Horns. They could go back to the silence, but it had been nearly two hours. A quiet opening to the morning. And time was moving on. Ceria looked up as someone knocked on the door to their private room.<\/p>\n \u201cCan I get you anything else, sirs, madams?\u201d<\/p>\n A female Gnoll with combed, neat hair, and a charming smile, almost as good as Erin\u2019s untrained charisma, opened the door a bit. Ceria looked around.<\/p>\n \u201cThis beef stuff is really good. Warms me up. Anyone want anything else?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m full.\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon waved a hand. Ksmvr nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cSo am I. I will disgorge to make more room if I eat more, Captain Ceria.\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces just shook his head. Erin peered at Ceria\u2019s drink. But then she shook her head as well.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re fine, thank you! Breakfast was awesome.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOur pleasure, Miss Solstice. If you need anything\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll [Hostess] left. It was funny, seeing her waiting tables, because she didn\u2019t look<\/em> like Drassi or the [Waiters] or [Barmaids] or [Servers] in Erin\u2019s inn. But that was because this wasn\u2019t Erin\u2019s inn. Rather, this tavern was known for its staff who were entertainers, relentlessly good at cooking, games, casual conversation\u2014and could do menial tasks like pouring drinks and waiting tables too. Today, they were just serving food, and the Horns of Hammerad were their guests.<\/p>\n They were in a private room at Wishdrinks. The famous tavern really was<\/em> the best in the city. Erin had to admit their food had that thing her critics liked to call \u2018spices\u2019 and \u2018delicacy\u2019, and their staff was friendly. Their rooms were plush, comfortable, with private dining areas and a public area\u2014even a dancing floor! And their tavern wasn\u2019t blown to bits and being cleared of Creler corpses.<\/p>\n One day had passed. Or rather, a sleepless night. Erin was still unsteady and yawning, even after a cup of bracing tea that really ought<\/em> to have been coffee. But the [Host] had added a bit of stamina potion and Erin had perked right up.<\/p>\n Last night. Erin remembered it in flashes. Getting the adventurers immediate medical attention, trying to understand what had happened<\/em>. She\u2019d feared the worst when Relc had spotted the adult Creler still alive.<\/p>\n But it had been dead. And what followed was understanding how it had died. More than that, clearing the dead Crelers, finishing off the living ones hiding in the inn and the Bloodfields, scouring the area for their eggs. And then finding the fallen.<\/p>\n It was still going on. But Erin wasn\u2019t part of that work. Nor were the Horns. They had slept after the battle, almost from evening till midmorning of the next day. They\u2019d eaten here, courtesy of Wishdrink\u2019s owner. The tavern was open to the adventurers who\u2019d killed an adult Creler.<\/p>\n So, here they were. Relaxing. Or, maybe, waiting. Erin had expected wild celebration, but that wasn\u2019t what the Horns had wanted. This wasn\u2019t Albez. And they hadn\u2019t won a great victory. It had been hard-fought. A miracle. But one still written in blood.<\/p>\n After a while, Erin looked up. She hesitated, but it had been about thirty minutes.<\/p>\n \u201cDo you\u2026want to go?\u201d<\/p>\n The Horns looked up. Erin clarified.<\/p>\n \u201cTo the Adventurer\u2019s Guild. To make your reports and stuff. You don\u2019t have to! But there\u2019s just a few things\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n She waited as Ceria traded a quick look with her team. Pisces really was<\/em> slow because it was Yvlon who blinked at Erin for a second and then nodded with a smile. The [Necromancer] was fairly guileless as he put down his book.<\/p>\n \u201cI suppose so. Even reading is tiresome.\u201d<\/p>\n He got up. Ksmvr and Yvlon began packing their gear away. It probably wasn\u2019t normal to do maintenance at the tables, and they\u2019d left a small mess, but the staff who saw them off didn\u2019t even bat an eyelash.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you for your patronage! It was a pleasure. We have your company reserved for tonight, so do stop by. And if you have any other needs in the interim\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you. Um\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The [Host] smiled at Erin as she fumbled at her belt.<\/p>\n \u201cNo tips needed, Miss Solstice. This is a courtesy to the Horns of Hammerad! Hell\u2019s Wardens.\u201d<\/p>\n He bowed slightly at the adventurers. They blinked at the title. Yvlon looked embarrassed. But then they left the inn.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re coming back for dinner?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh. Yeah. Didn\u2019t you know? One of the workers who survived is the cousin of the owner. She\u2019s really cool! Miss Aplesia.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHuh.\u201d<\/p>\n The Horns left the tavern. They walked down the streets of Liscor, slowly. Yvlon\u2019s bare metal arms gleamed in the light. Erin couldn\u2019t help but stare. Her skin was metal, but living metal. It melted into the flesh at the shoulder, and it was\u2026beautiful.<\/p>\n Beautiful, a bit unsettling, and magical, all at the same time. Just for that, Yvlon would have attracted looks. But Ceria also did her part. As the half-Elf walked down the street, a few snowflakes appeared out of the air and began to fall around her. Erin and Pisces moved out of the way. Erin shivered.<\/p>\n \u201cCeria, it\u2019s cold.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh. Sorry. Am I doing it again?\u201d<\/p>\n The half-Elf\u2019s eyes crossed for a second and the snowflakes immediately melted in the air. It was a warm day for spring, and the sudden chill that had appeared around her vanished. Vaguely, Ceria looked around.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry, I have to keep working at it. My head hurts. I\u2019m stupid.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t say?\u201d<\/p>\n The half-Elf elbowed Pisces. The [Necromancer] staggered. And Ksmvr smiled and Yvlon and Erin laughed. They walked down the street.<\/p>\n And they were being watched. Gnolls and Drakes turned as the Horns passed them by. They didn\u2019t cheer and they didn\u2019t applaud or greet the Horns. They just pointed them out, from afar.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s them. One of the teams.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin quite clearly heard a Drake pointing at Yvlon\u2019s back and talking with a friend. Not accusatorily. More like pointing at a story.<\/p>\n Hell\u2019s Wardens. Crelerbane.<\/em> They had killed an adult Creler. Erin had seen it, for just a second. A huge, armored shape, collapsed onto the ground. It had given her shivers. And she had seen the other Crelers, twitching limbs, broken black shell and chitin around orange, viscous liquid.<\/p>\n Monsters.<\/em> But the kind even regular monsters feared and hated. And the Horns had killed it. They had killed thousands of Crelers, held them off for the others to escape. They had made a stand and lived. Them, and nearly a hundred other adventurers.<\/p>\n Less than a dozen who\u2019d stayed and fought had survived. And of that number, none hadn\u2019t been wounded. The Silver-rank teams had stopped the Crelers with blood and steel and magic.<\/p>\n Them, and Montressa. She was alive too. Erin hadn\u2019t seen her today. But she\u2019d seen Palt, Numbtongue, Lyonette\u2014Relc\u2014and she\u2019d been part of the cleanup, in her own way.<\/p>\n As the Horns walked down the street, Yvlon began asking about it.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Adult Creler. Is it still out there?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. And don\u2019t worry\u2014the Watch was out all last night and today, cleaning up the Crelers.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCleaning them up? Are there any alive?\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria blinked up at Erin. She nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cA few. They were hiding, but Zevara said the Watch is getting every single corpse. And the adult. Nothing gets left behind. Grimalkin\u2019s overseeing the disposal. They\u2019re burning the corpse, blasting it into parts so it\u2019ll actually incinerate, throwing the acid jars on it\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cAnother live one! In the corpses over there! One\u2014no, two!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Tkrn\u2019s fur bristled as he whirled. But the [Scout] who\u2019d found the living Creler was already backing up. And two [Captains] from 4th Company were already advancing with their squads.<\/p>\n \u201cSergeant Gna! Have your [Soldiers] take down the Crelers properly<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n Embria bellowed as she strode across the destroyed grasslands. Tkrn looked up and saw the [Soldiers] advancing on the pile of Crelers. They did uproot the Crelers, jabbing with long spears and baiting the monsters into coming out. The Crelers tried to burrow under the Drakes and Gnoll\u2019s feet, but the movement was seen. The squad divided, hit the Crelers as they unburrowed with spells and magic and impaled what remained.<\/p>\n \u201cTwo more for the heap!\u201d<\/p>\n One of the Drakes announced as he slung the Creler over his spear and deposited it in one of the piles of corpses. Tkrn\u2019s stomach roiled as he did the same. The Watch was disposing of the Crelers.<\/p>\n \u201cJunior Guardswoman Jerci, drop that Creler!<\/em> You do not<\/em> hold them with your paws, even with gloves on!\u201d<\/p>\n A voice bellowed, and Tkrn saw a nearby Gnoll drop the Creler she was grabbing guiltily. Embria stormed over. The Wing Commander was overseeing the cleanup and a night of work hadn\u2019t done wonders for her temper. She pointed.<\/p>\n \u201cUse the long-handled tongs! If you want one of the Crelers to bite your arm off, by all means, grab it! That\u2019s also a great way to get an egg growing in your arm! And you do not<\/em> want to see what happens when a Creler decides to make your body its nest until it\u2019s nice and big!\u201d<\/p>\n Jerci blanched. She grabbed the tongs and lifted the Creler up. Another fell into the pile of tangled limbs and oozing innards. Tkrn bent to grab another one himself and paused.<\/p>\n Crelers littered the battlefield. Parts, dead ones\u2014the torn ground and all the limbs meant there was no end to the clutter. The Watch was out in force with 4th Company, cleaning them up. But what was dangerous were the Crelers hiding among the dead. And even the dead\u2014some were still twitching<\/em>.<\/p>\n \u201cGuardsman?\u201d<\/p>\n Embria saw Tkrn raise his spear. The Gnoll aimed at a larval Creler. Its belly had been torn out and the glowing gel part of it torn away, but it was still moving.<\/p>\n \u201cJust making sure it\u2019s dead, Wing Commander.\u201d<\/p>\n She nodded as Tkrn stabbed the corpse a few times. The Creler twitched<\/em>, but it was just the dying motion of the limbs. Shuddering, Tkrn lifted it up with the tongs. And paused.<\/p>\n \u201cWing Commander? I have a\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Embria turned. The Drake paused as she saw what Tkrn had uncovered.<\/p>\n An arm.<\/em> Orange-scaled, at least, part of it. The Creler had been tearing it apart. Tkrn blanched, and Jerci dropped the Creler she was holding. Embria nodded at it.<\/p>\n \u201cBring it to the others after you dispose of the corpse, Guardsman. Carefully. Make sure it\u2019s inspected first. For eggs.\u201d<\/p>\n Tkrn nodded. It was just one part among many. Dead adventurers of all species had died here. And parts of them kept being found. He took the arm, feeling sick, and brought it over to the other\u2026collection.<\/p>\n The piles of dead Crelers were one thing. But the remains of the deceased occupied another spot. It would be wrong to say the Watch and [Soldiers] just shoved the corpses and parts they found together. But they did have to match them. What remained.<\/p>\n Armor and weapons and so on were placed neatly on the ground, and adventurers were lying in the shade under a tarp as a [Healer] tried to\u2026reconstruct them. Identify them if nothing else remained. And made sure none of the bodies were infected. They would all have to be burned in the end.<\/p>\n This was the task that came after the fighting. It had to be done. The Crelers could not be allowed to remain as corpses. Tkrn approached with the arm, and the [Healer] looked up. He wiped at his brow.<\/p>\n \u201cPlace it\u2014over there.\u201d<\/p>\n Tkrn did so. He saw the Drake pale as he studied the orange scales, then move it next to a little mound with a cloth covering it. Tkrn tried not to inhale. He was already using a little nose cover with herbs, but it wasn\u2019t enough.<\/p>\n \u201cWe need more wood!<\/em> Someone get more from the door! Two wagonloads!\u201d<\/p>\n Embria\u2019s voice rang out again. Tkrn saw someone trot through the magic door and soon emerge, pushing a handcart. The door was set up\u2014not connecting to the ruined inn, but directly in the center of the city. Wood was pushed towards one of the burning piles of Crelers. They were being incinerated, but even that was hard.<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re having a lot of trouble with the adult\u2019s body. It doesn\u2019t want to burn.\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake [Healer] nodded towards a huge shape in the distance. Tkrn looked. The adult Creler\u2019s body was still immersed in the bonfire that had been burning since last night. It was a huge inferno, but the corpse didn\u2019t seem much smaller since it had begun. Tkrn stared at the twisted, broken form.<\/p>\n \u201cI heard Crelers were nearly fireproof. That is tough armor. Has no one thought of making it into armor, like Shield Spiders?\u201d<\/p>\n The Watch had some Shield Spider chitin armor. It wasn\u2019t as good as pure steel most of the time, but it was light and could take some blows. But the [Healer] just shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cPeople have tried. They find eggs buried in the armor. Or they get mysteriously sick. Rhir sets down guidelines, and everyone agrees: nothing remains.\u201d<\/p>\n Tkrn nodded. He trudged back to his spot on the battlefield. As he did, he passed by the crimson-scaled Wing Commander.<\/p>\n Embria paused, turning her head tiredly, listening to [Scouts] calling out living Crelers, the Watch and laborers collecting and burying the dead. She was tired, but she was used to working for over a day without rest. More than anything, she was frustrated. There had been a battle and she had missed it. All she could do was bury the dead and finish off the stragglers. That too, was familiar.<\/p>\n Even so, her helplessness bothered her. Especially when she saw the huge, muscular Drake stomping back towards the work. Embria rode forwards and met him. Her warhorse snorted, avoiding the dead Crelers; it was the only animal even willing to enter the area.<\/p>\n \u201cMagus Grimalkin. Do you need assistance\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake replied shortly. Grimalkin was covered in dirt, and his expression was even more annoyed than Embria\u2019s. He paused, stretching, and shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Creler nest is dealt with. I incinerated every inch of it and my detection spells tell me I\u2019ve gotten all the eggs. There may be more caches, but I can\u2019t sweep any further.\u201d<\/p>\n Embria nodded respectfully. She looked over Grimalkin\u2019s shoulder, towards the red.<\/p>\n The Bloodfields sat in the distance. The brown stain where the Crelers had been was already being reclaimed. And the Watch and 4th Company didn\u2019t venture near it, for all that was the origin of the Crelers.<\/p>\n \u201cHigh Command\u2019s policy is to sweep the area for all Creler eggs, Magus Grimalkin. I don\u2019t suppose it\u2019s possible to\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n The huge Drake looked up at Embria, and she paused, embarrassed. He outranked her, even if he was of Pallass\u2019 military. But he was also Grimalkin, <\/em>the Fist Mage. The Drake shook his head tiredly.<\/p>\n \u201cNo. It\u2019s impossible, even if I had the time to walk through the Bloodfields and fight every damn thing in it. I saw the flora and fauna attacking Creler bodies; they won\u2019t suffer them. I\u2019d like to think the Bloodfields can handle larvae-form Crelers, but Liscor will have to keep an eye on the Bloodfields. Pallass as well, of course.\u201d<\/p>\n Embria nodded. Grimalkin went on, staring at the adult Creler burning in the distance.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll begin vaporizing parts of the adult soon. It looks mostly immolated, save for the shell. But it must be destroyed down to the last piece.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI regret that 4th Company\u2019s [Mages] can\u2019t even break the armor, Magus Grimalkin. We have a group ready to go with warhammers if you think the fire\u2019s done its job\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Again, the younger Drake was embarrassed. Grimalkin just shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cLet me hit it with spells first. The spell resistance should be weakened by the Creler\u2019s death and the fire. Ancestors, I forgot to grab that juvenile\u2019s corpse I saw back there. A Watchertree downed it, but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake grimaced. Embria dismounted and stood with Grimalkin for a moment. He spoke, absently.<\/p>\n \u201cIn my report, I will state this, Wing Commander: I believe the Bloodfields can defeat any number of larval-stage Crelers and a number of juvenile-stage Crelers as well. But adults and Crelers in numbers can and did infest a portion of the Bloodfields. If they had not been caught, or the adult had escaped, this situation would have become drastically worse.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy thoughts as well, Magus Grimalkin. May I ask, though\u2014why was it imperative to slay the adult Creler at once? My company has only ever battled nests with juvenile Crelers or smaller. But High Command\u2019s doctrine is to pursue adults even to the point of risking a company\u2019s defeat\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n It was a question she should have asked her superiors, if they were in the field. But Embria was far from the main army. Grimalkin answered her, rubbing at a scratch on his scales. He\u2019d walked into the Bloodfields alone to destroy the Creler nest.<\/p>\n \u201cThe risk of leaving Crelers alone is always that they\u2019ll multiply, Wing Commander. But adults are far, far <\/em>more dangerous than smaller Crelers. It is perfectly acceptable to let young Crelers stay where they are while proper steps are taken to eradicate them. Adults\u2014no. Adults will retreat if they think there\u2019s real danger. They think. So they have to be hunted down, or they just hide for a century or a decade and then there are ten<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf this one had escaped\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt would have fled. Into the High Passes, although something might have killed it, Ancestors willing. But most likely, into some other remote area, and it would quickly rebuild all the nest\u2019s numbers. It has happened before. All of this\u2014is what I would consider acceptable casualties. The adventurers saved more than themselves and Liscor.\u201d<\/p>\n Grimalkin met Embria\u2019s eyes and the female Drake nodded. Grimalkin stared at the burning adult as the flames began to die down. He rubbed at one arm unconsciously.<\/p>\n \u201cAdults are cunning. This one never thought it was in danger or it would have fled. And Crelers always attack when they have the upper hand. These Crelers were trying to grow\u2014and fast. There was no brown spot reported last year, and we must have missed it during the battle with the Humans this year. Or perhaps the Crelers infested the area only a month or two ago?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen all their numbers\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCrelers evolve faster with more to consume. We might have had two adults within as many years. More, if they ate the entire expanse of Bloodfields.\u201d<\/p>\n Embria shivered. Grimalkin went on, quietly.<\/p>\n \u201cOteslia fought off six one time. Six adults. I heard Manus\u2019 report on the battle claiming that if two Elder Crelers had attacked the city, it might have fallen.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cElders? How many classifications of Creler are there, Magus Grimalkin? The army doesn\u2019t\u2014we find nests every other year, but that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n Grimalkin folded his arms and glanced at her.<\/p>\n \u201cThere are two classifications above adult. Elder. Ancient. Elder takes at least a century. Adult takes at least a decade and a half. The world has done a good job of destroying most of them, Wing Commander. More than Goblins, Crelers have to die. There hasn\u2019t been an Ancient Creler spotted since the Creler wars. Be grateful of that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd Ancient? Is the difference just size or\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. Elder Crelers are apparently capable of far more than adults. I have never fought one, but they are allegedly capable of wiping out armies alone. And ancient? There have only been five Ancient Crelers back when they first emerged from Rhir, before it was recolonized. It\u2019s all in the history books.\u201d<\/p>\n The magus sounded reproving. Embria flushed and tried to recall her readings, but she honestly couldn\u2019t. It might mean those battles were outside of modern history, or not fought on Izril. Grimalkin went on after a second.<\/p>\n \u201cOne of them killed two Dragons. In an era where they were still seen. But a Dragon brought down one in turn, so I suppose that proves nothing save for a baseline of strength.\u201d<\/p>\n He left Embria with that. The Wing Commander stared after his back as Grimalkin walked towards the adult. The [Sinew Magus] paused as he stared up at the dead shell and the vacant sockets of the adult. He looked at it without sympathy or remorse. But he did nod once, as he uncrossed his arms.<\/p>\n \u201cNot bad. I should attend the celebrations after this.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The Horns of Hammerad entered the Adventurer\u2019s Guild of Liscor and paused. Yvlon had expected it after seeing Erin\u2019s expression, but Pisces and Ceria were caught unawares by the crowd waiting for them.<\/p>\n Adventurers, Gold-ranks from the dungeon, Silver-ranks of Liscor\u2019s own, Bronze, and friends, familiar faces like Octavia, were gathered in the guild. They turned as the Horns walked in.<\/p>\n The celebration was already underway. Eight other adventurers were at the center of it all. Walt and three of his friends, Alais and two others. And a Gnoll.<\/p>\n The survivors. All eleven of them were gathered in the guild now. Eleven. The other teams had just\u2026Ceria looked up and saw a single member of the Boltspitters who\u2019d made it to the door. Part of another team. A few stragglers.<\/p>\n But those who hadn\u2019t run\u2014eleven remained. The workers from the road crew, some of the adventurers who had retreated\u2014Liscor\u2019s Council\u2014they were all there. Alais was holding a piece of cake.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s all this?\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria blinked around at the gathering. Erin smiled as she pushed Pisces into the guild. A loud, irritable voice rang out as the Horns paused in the entryway.<\/p>\n \u201cYou know, I\u2019ve heard of idiots walking through the Bloodfields before, but never in my life<\/em> have I heard of a Silver-rank team stupid enough to challenge an Adult Creler.\u201d<\/p>\n Tekshia Shivertail walked forwards, leaning on her cane that was occasionally a spear. She glared as the people around her fell silent. The Horns stared uncertainly at the Guildmistress and Pisces stepped behind Yvlon. Tekshia glared at him, and then looked at the Horns.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, come on. You\u2019re late.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLate for what?\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria walked forwards with Yvlon, Ksmvr, and Pisces. Tekshia waited until they stopped in front of her. She looked up at them. And her tone was waspish. She prodded Ceria in the stomach with her cane, but gently.<\/p>\n \u201cYou really are cooked in the head, aren\u2019t you? Mages. Figures. Just stand there and smile.\u201d<\/p>\n The half-Elf opened her mouth, and Yvlon nudged her. Tekshia looked around, meeting all of the Horns\u2019 eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t tolerate fools in my guild. Much less idiots who can\u2019t take a hint and keep trying to stab things above their rank. Any Silver-rank team that takes on an Adult Creler is brain-dead. And also dead. <\/em>Since you\u2019re not, I suppose you\u2019re just idiots, and there\u2019s a rank for that.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin covered her smile as Guildmistress Tekshia\u2019s words provoked a wave of confusion in the crowd. But then they understood what she meant.<\/p>\n Yvlon\u2019s eyes widened, and Ksmvr looked back at her and then at Tekshia and his one antennae went still. Pisces frowned, and then he stood straighter. Ceria just looked blank.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat, Bronze-rank? We\u2019re being demoted?\u201d<\/p>\n Someone guffawed in the back. Relc doubled over, laughing and clutching at his stomach.<\/p>\n \u201cHa! Ow! Hahaha!<\/em> Ow!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n More laughter followed his. Tekshia stared at Ceria.<\/p>\n \u201cShut up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGrandmother!<\/em> Can\u2019t you at least be nice? Today?\u201d<\/p>\n An exasperated voice called out. Selys pushed to the front. The [Receptionist] glared at her grandmother and then turned to face the Horns.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat Guildmistress Tekshia is trying<\/em> to say, Ceria, is that no Silver-rank team can slay an Adult Creler. So you\u2019re being promoted.\u201d<\/p>\n The half-Elf\u2019s eyes went round. She stared at Tekshia. The old Drake nodded and raised her voice.<\/p>\n \u201cAs Guildmistress of Liscor\u2019s Guild and by my authority I\u2026make you Gold-rank. Congratulations.\u201d<\/p>\n She tapped Ceria\u2019s ankle with her cane. Hard. Ceria yelped, and Selys swung at her Grandmother. Tekshia blocked with her cane and walked away.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? Just like that?\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon stared at Tekshia\u2019s back. In the crowd, Alonna and the rest of the Council sighed. They\u2019d been hoping for more pomp, and so had Erin. But this was all Tekshia had been willing to do.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s right. You\u2019re Gold-rank. We\u2019ll announce it to the other guilds tonight. Everyone in Izril will know you\u2019re a Gold-rank team by the end of the month. Um. Congratulations?\u201d<\/p>\n Selys smiled at the Horns. They blinked at her. Then Yvlon let out the breath she\u2019d been holding. Ceria swayed on her feet.<\/p>\n \u201cUs?\u201d<\/p>\n She looked at her team. Then she heard a whoop.<\/em> Erin threw up her hands.<\/p>\n \u201cThey did it! Gold-rank! Three cheers for the Horns of Hammerad! Hip, hip\u2014hooray!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n If there was ever a hype-woman for the occasion, it was Erin. The confused audience cheered along with her. And they shouted. Tekshia grumbled as she watched, but approvingly. And then it hit Ceria. She looked at Pisces with tears in her eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re Gold-rank?\u201d<\/p>\n Even the cynical [Necromancer] was blinking in surprise. It hadn\u2019t even occurred to them. In a dream, they looked around. But then it hit Ceria. She looked at Erin. She spotted Octavia in the crowd, Drassi, Ishkr, Lyonette, holding up a waving Mrsha\u2014Relc, leaning on Klbkch\u2014and she realized it.<\/p>\n This was their triumph. This was their party. The half-Elf looked up. She smiled. And she stared at her team.<\/p>\n \u201cWow.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Gold-rank. Erin had meant for it to be a surprise, a joyous occasion. But\u2014strangely, she realized Tekshia had been right. Perhaps it was just the old Drake\u2019s natural contrariness and irascibility, but\u2014as the party began again, Erin thought the old Guildmistress knew more than she had let on when she\u2019d refused to make a huge speech congratulating the Horns.<\/p>\n They weren\u2019t celebrating. Or rather, they weren\u2019t running about waving their arms and screaming, which was how excited Erin had expected them to be at first. But she\u2019d forgotten. This wasn\u2019t their first triumph. And the battle was too close. The dead were still being counted. The moment of joy, the wild exhilaration of being alive, the triumph\u2014that had been when they had stood in Erin\u2019s inn. This?<\/p>\n This was just good. Good, not perfect. Good, not all-consuming. The moment had depth. Bitter, mixed among the sweet.<\/p>\n Not to most. Erin lost track of the Horns for a second as people surrounded them, wanting to shake hands, congratulate them. The [Innkeeper] looked around the full guild. The first person she spotted was Tekshia herself.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not giving them a medal. Adventurers don\u2019t get medals. Besides, they\u2019re not even Liscor\u2019s team.\u201d<\/p>\n The aged Drake was serving herself some of the cake Erin had made, partly ignoring Jeiss and Lism who were trying to convince her. She waved a fork dangerously near Lism\u2019s eye.<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t even like them. Fair\u2019s fair\u2014I don\u2019t either, particularly. Let them have their rank.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s the look of it, Guildmistress. We have to congratulate them\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo let them eat cake. Not all of it. I\u2019m having another slice. Move over.\u201d<\/p>\n Tekshia grabbed the strawberry cake as well as the carrot one. She caught sight of Erin at the same time as Jeiss and Lism. The two male Drakes eyed her, and Lism nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Solstice.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHey, jerk! And Jeiss.\u201d<\/p>\n He glared at her. But then he moved aside, and Jeiss followed. Tekshia glared up at Erin.<\/p>\n \u201cYou make this?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYup.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHmf. It\u2019s sweet. Got any cookies?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOver there.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin had salvaged some from her kitchen. Tekshia made a beeline for the cookies and grabbed four. The old Drake had sweet teeth<\/em>. So did Relc. He came over with six, munching on them.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Erin, these are great.<\/em> You doing alright?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, hey, Relc. Yeah. I\u2019m good. I, uh\u2014how are you?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin was staring at Relc. He was covered in bandages from head to toe. He looked like a mummy, but the Drake was happily eating. He noticed her stare and slapped one of the bandages on his arm.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat, this? I\u2019m fine! See? Ow. Damn<\/em>. Uh\u2014well, I\u2019m mostly fine. Creler poison stops healing, you know? But I can eat cookies! In fact\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have more. I took a lot from the inn, actually. All the food\u2019s\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Erin pointed vaguely at the spread which she\u2019d catered to the Adventurer\u2019s Guild, mainly because it was out of her kitchen and would spoil soon. That meant the party had everything from pizzas to steaks to spaghetti and risotto and scrambled eggs. And saffron rice.<\/p>\n Most of it was still basic food, but there was a lot of it. And the guests were only too happy to scarf it down as they talked. Erin saw Relc brighten as he grabbed a whole hamburger and a steak and then spotted a pitcher of blue fruit juice.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is amazing!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou are eating the food meant for everyone to share. Try to show some level of restraint.\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch appeared at Relc\u2019s side with a bowl of the saffron rice. The Drake was trying to eat both hamburger and steak at the same time.<\/p>\n \u201cShut up, Klb. You\u2019re not the one who got half-eaten trying to save people. I\u2019m a hero.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhich makes the Horns of Hammerad, what? Legends?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure, if they want. Hey! I got hurt saving Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n He pointed at Erin, and the [Innkeeper] blushed. She hung her head, and Klbkch nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cYes. And I died saving her.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBraggart.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGlutton. Please stop eating with your mouth open at least.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc tried to reply and choked. Erin was laughing and smiling. But there it was again. This wasn\u2019t a celebration<\/em>. She kept seeing the Crelers pouring through the inn. Almost reflexively, Erin clenched her hands\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cErin, have something to eat. The act of eating is wholesome in all examples save for Relc\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch offered Erin a plate. She started and blinked at him. Then she looked around, and realized he was right. She smiled, took the plate, and nodded to him.<\/p>\n \u201cThanks, Klbkch. Are Pawn and the others\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey are eating the food you delivered to the Hive, but their presence was not necessary at this moment. I believe they would prefer to celebrate in number in the Hive.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh. I thought Pawn at least\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI declined the invitation on their behalf.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin paused. She stared at Klbkch for a long moment, and then she slowly nodded. She peered at his bowl as she changed the topic.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay. I\u2019ll have to see them later. Can you\u2014is the rice\u2014I thought you couldn\u2019t eat bread!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRice is not gluten, Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally? Wow.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin began wandering through the crowd, hunting for food. She remembered there was some kind of platter with meats and cheeses somewhere and she was snacky, not hungry. She found it at the same time as she found Temile.<\/p>\n \u201cTemile.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Director] looked up at Erin. He waved\u2014and she saw his missing thumb. The man paused, seeing her look, but he smiled. And it was only a tiny bit forced.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a souvenir, Erin. Besides, I don\u2019t need it to teach [Actors] how to act!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAre you okay? I mean\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. I didn\u2019t get eaten. And this\u2014it\u2019s a good story, right? I was too slow so I got bit by a Creler. Well, I cut one.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI heard you got the rest of the Players out first. Mister humble [Actor] who\u2019s actually a hero.\u201d<\/p>\n Temile smiled, turning a bit red.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m the [Director], aren\u2019t I? Emme would kill me if one of the lead actors got eaten. Besides\u2014I leveled up. So\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n He trailed off. Erin squeezed his shoulder and one of the [Actors] found a drink for Temile. Erin lingered there. Oh yes. Not appropriate for rewards and celebrations at all.<\/p>\n \u201cErin?\u201d<\/p>\n Some people could genuinely smile. Like Mrsha. The Gnoll was happily trying to eat everything from a bowl as Lyonette carried her about. For once, the [Princess] didn\u2019t scold her about what she was eating, and Erin smiled as she bent down.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Mrsha! You having a good time? Eat up, because this is all the food we\u2019ve got! But don\u2019t eat too much because we\u2019re going to eat at Wishdrink\u2019s later! And it has good stuff too!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat Erin means<\/em> is don\u2019t stuff yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette prodded Mrsha\u2019s stomach and got a swat from a little paw. The [Princess] looked at Erin over the little Gnoll, and her smile faded as she shifted Mrsha.<\/p>\n \u201cBelgrade will take a look at the inn tomorrow. If the Watch will be done with the cleanup by then? I mean, the Antinium can help. He says the inn might be\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve got money. And the city is going to pay us for helping get rid of the Crelers. Right?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin looked around for Krshia. The [Shopkeeper] was talking to the one Gnoll survivor amid the Silver-ranks. Krshia looked up and nodded and Lism rolled his eyes. He was bogarting a pudding. Lyonette nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cLater. We\u2019ll\u2014later.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin nodded. She bent and rubbed Mrsha\u2019s head.<\/p>\n \u201cDid you have a good sleep, Mrsha?\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll looked up and nodded. She signed a few words.<\/p>\n \u201cOoh. Comfortable? Not too cramped? I slept at Selys\u2019 apartment. It\u2019s big!<\/em> Ceria and Yvlon will be there too, and Pisces and Ksmvr get, uh, a room in an inn.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAt least she has room. You don\u2019t need an apartment that large, Selys.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, it\u2019s perfect since Erin\u2019s inn doesn\u2019t work right now, right? And I\u2019m not having you<\/em> move in, Grandma!\u201d<\/p>\n Selys hissed at Tekshia. Erin smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd Bird\u2019s going to sleep in the Hive. The Halfseekers are in the same inn as Pisces and Ksmvr\u2014are they still there, Lyonette?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Princess] nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cMoore and Seborn are resting. Both got chewed up pretty badly. But they\u2019ll make an appearance later.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGot it. And what about\u2026our guest?\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette met Erin\u2019s eyes as Krshia turned her head.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s resting too. I left him a book.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Numbtongue realized halfway through the book that he had to pee. So he got up, wandered over to the toilet, and stared at it.<\/p>\n It was apparently connected to Liscor\u2019s sewers. Plumbing. <\/em>Now there was a handy invention! The only difference was that the Hobgoblin would have added a bolt hole so you could jump into the sewers if you needed to.<\/p>\n But perhaps that was paranoia. Numbtongue peed, and then went back to lying on the couch. After a moment, he realized he was hungry. But he could only have liquids right now. His torn stomach needed to heal.<\/p>\n The Hobgoblin drank a bit of the broth Lyonette had left him. He was lounging on a worn couch. In the middle of Krshia\u2019s apartment. Lyonette, Mrsha, and Krshia had all left for the party, leaving Numbtongue behind.<\/p>\n Not alone, though. Apista buzzed past Numbtongue and landed on the bed of Faerie Flowers that Lyonette had rescued from the upper floor of the inn. The Ashfire Bee fanned her wings and Numbtongue stared out the open window.<\/p>\n \u201cHrgh.\u201d<\/p>\n He touched at his stomach, feeling the faint pain from his half-healed wounds. This is why he hated Crelers. The Redfang had never fought them himself; the High Passes were deadly to even smaller Crelers. But according to Pyrite\u2019s memories the poison would prevent healing for the next few days.<\/p>\n Still, there were worse fates than drinking chicken soup and lying in a warm apartment with blankets and a pillow. At least Reiss\u2019 ghost couldn\u2019t follow him here. He was bound to the inn, or so it seemed.<\/p>\n He\u2019d saved Numbtongue.<\/em> But he was\u2026the Hobgoblin shook his head. He winced\u2014then he glanced out the open window.<\/p>\n The issue of finding Erin\u2019s guests and the occupants of the inn homes was a small problem, but it was a problem<\/em> amid all the rest of the drama over the Creler attacks. Much had been said, but in the end, the facts were clear. Despite\u2026no, even in the given situation, a Goblin could not be in Liscor.<\/p>\n Not after all that had happened, the unresolved debates and arguments. So a Goblin was not in Liscor. Especially not in Krshia\u2019s apartment, in a street full of Gnolls. And they weren\u2019t sniffing<\/em> at him from their windows.<\/p>\n The Goblin sniffed back. He smelled a lot of\u2026Gnollishness in the air, but they could definitely smell him, he was sure. Despite all the strong-smelling things Krshia had hung around the room to disguise his scent. But if there was trouble, Numbtongue wasn\u2019t about to start it. And the Council had decided to not <\/em>let him into the city. It was just expedient. He wondered why they\u2019d agreed. Because he was fairly sure he remembered another time when Goblins hadn\u2019t been let in.<\/p>\n He never forgot. But for a moment, however it happened, the Hobgoblin luxuriated in where he was. Here<\/em>. After a while, he got up to pee again.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Gold-rank<\/em>. It was a bemusing thought. Incredible. And yet, Tekshia had hit Ceria with it so fast the half-Elf couldn\u2019t really process it. Much less in her fogged-up mind after casting so much magic. Ceria felt like she was both hungover and<\/em> drunk at the same time and exhausted\u2014that was how hard it was to concentrate. Stupid indeed.<\/p>\n But still. Gold-rank. It was what her team had dreamed about. The original Horns of Hammerad. It was the dream of all adventurers, really. This was it. The big leagues were waiting. Fame, glory\u2014it was all in this rank.<\/p>\n And yet, it was too soon. This party was nice, but for once, the half-Elf wasn\u2019t stuffing herself. She was eating some fries, but she was mostly just standing with her team.<\/p>\n Talking. The first person to come up after the handshakes, backslapping, and so on was done, was Selys. She paused. She looked first at Pisces, then the others.<\/p>\n \u201cYou did it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood job. I\u2014I heard about the attack, but Keldrass and the other teams were in the dungeon. And they ran into a bunch of undead. So I\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo one expected the Crelers.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria shook her head. She was looking around the room. A lot of adventurers were there, but few had approached. The ones who\u2019d escaped through the door were hanging back. But Ceria thought she saw a familiar face among\u2014she frowned, looking back at Selys.<\/p>\n \u201cWait, a dungeon attack? What happened? Was anyone hurt?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh\u2014no. I mean, no one was killed. It was another undead assault, a big one. But the Gold-ranks and Silvers held the line. Some got chewed up, but no one was killed. Bevussa was stabbed, though.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? Is she alright?\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon looked around as Selys raised her claws.<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s fine! She\u2019s at the [Healer]\u2019s. Her team is all there\u2014they got overrun by Ghouls! And they were saying something about a traitor in the dungeon. But only Bevussa saw\u2014well, she\u2019s out cold, still. She took a Ghoul apart with her talons! Keldrass and his team had to bail them out. They must have burned at least a thousand undead.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s good.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria relaxed. She looked around. Hadn\u2019t she seen\u2026?<\/p>\n \u201cKeldrass?\u201d<\/p>\n That wasn\u2019t who she\u2019d spotted. But the Drake was a familiar sight. He looked perfectly hale as he strode towards her. Out of armor, of course, although Ceria had seen one of his teammates wearing the Heartflame Breastplate. The Drake paused.<\/p>\n \u201cCeria, congratulations. Hell\u2019s Wardens.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, that\u2019s not\u2014look, don\u2019t call us that.\u201d<\/p>\n The half-Elf flushed. Keldrass just shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s an official title. You slew an Adult Creler. That means you\u2019re allowed to claim the title; the Blighted Kingdom itself sent a commendation and the reward this morning.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey did? I mean\u2014a commendation?\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake nodded. He eyed Pisces; the [Necromancer] was absently loading his plate, but nodded as Yvlon and Ksmvr came over. He hesitated at Ksmvr, but spoke to them as a group.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s right. Aside from money, the Blighted King does honor all those who slay Adult Crelers. I\u2019m not sure of the specifics; it\u2019s a decree. Not a noble title or estates, but apparently it can do something for you. If, say, you\u2019re a [Shieldbearer], you might become an [Honored Shieldbearer].\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNice. I mean, two of us have changed classes, and we\u2019ve all leveled up\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria stumbled over her words. The Drake nodded. He was looking at her and glancing over his shoulder. But he paused.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Shivertail\u2014the younger\u2014also looked up your feat. You\u2019re the 1268th team to kill an Adult Creler at the Silver-rank level. Before you became one of us, obviously.\u201d<\/p>\n Us.<\/em> Ceria focused on that word, then what Keldrass had said.<\/p>\n \u201cWait, over a thousand Silver-rank teams have\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Her face must have fallen, because Keldrass\u2019 serious face turned into a smile for a second. The Drake shook his head as Pisces wandered over. The adventurers were congregated at one side of the guild mixing with some of the civilians, but they were\u2026waiting. Keldrass looked at Ceria.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Springwalker, think of it another way. In the history of our world, of every<\/em> confirmed Adult Creler kill, of teams who would go on to become Named Rank, or at least Gold, over the last six thousand years since the Creler Wars\u2014since a time before the Demons, when Crelers fought Dragons<\/em> and overran nation after nation and every species in the world fought them!\u2014only one thousand and two hundred Silver-rank teams have ever killed an adult.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh.\u201d<\/p>\n The half-Elf blushed. That did make more sense. Keldrass grinned at her amusement, then became serious once more. He glanced over his shoulder.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not something my team\u2019s ever done, even in a larger group. I\u2014well, we were fighting undead. You held the line. You and the others.\u201d<\/p>\n The Horns sobered. Ceria nodded shortly.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSome of them are here. You might have words\u2014hear them out first. You need to see this.\u201d<\/p>\n Keldrass jerked his head backwards. Ceria blinked at him. Then she realized the Drake was looking at her somewhat warily. She had a\u2026premonition.<\/p>\n A face in the crowd<\/em>. She saw Walt seeming uncertain, Alais talking to someone in the midst of the adventurers. They made way as Keldrass led the Horns over, and adventurers parted. Some shamefaced. Others staring. A few, like Keldrass, looked ready to stop a fight. Ceria\u2019s heartbeat quickened.<\/p>\n Could it be?<\/p>\n \u201cStan\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Pelico turned. Desirel broke off from eating a bit of cake. Hauntgheist, five members of their team, stood still as the Horns saw them. Ceria halted in her tracks.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon dropped her plate. Ksmvr dove and caught it. Pisces stared. The [Armsmistress]\u2019 gaze locked onto Pelico.<\/p>\n \u201cHow\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Surprises. Some of the adventurers who\u2019d fought at the Bloodfields had gotten away. Not Kam. Or Stan. But some. Hauntgheist was the truly astonishing thing, though. But Ceria realized it wasn\u2019t a miracle.<\/p>\n \u201cScrolls of [Lesser Teleport]. Our entire group has one. It\u2019s our final insurance. I came up with it\u2014it costs a lot, and all our members have to buy into a scroll or go without. We always set it for a quick escape. As it is, we lost three. That damn Adult hit us with those spikes. But the rest of us bailed out.\u201d<\/p>\n Pelico spoke quietly to Alais\u2019 team, Walt\u2019s, and the Gnoll, the survivors. To the other adventurers as well, the Silver-ranks who\u2019d fought then fled through the door, or just ran. Keldrass and some of the older Gold-ranks like the Lifwail Blades stood next to Hauntgheist. Preventing a fight, perhaps.<\/p>\n Ceria just stared. Pelico\u2019s face was pale, but the [Rogue] spoke to everyone present. But mainly to them.<\/p>\n \u201cWe took cover in our bailout spot. We saw how many Crelers were out there\u2014and the Adult. We just\u2026we hid. I thought it would be suicide to\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n He trailed off, glancing away. Keldrass eyed Ceria. And every eye turned towards the Horns. The others had seen Hauntgheist before, it seemed. Walt was clenching his fists, but he hadn\u2019t thrown a punch yet. Alais wasn\u2019t looking at Hauntgheist. And Ceria\u2014she looked at Yvlon. The Human woman gazed back, waiting.<\/p>\n \u201cGood. You made it.\u201d<\/p>\n Hauntgheist started. But Ceria\u2019s face was calm. She tried to smile, and in fact, it wasn\u2019t hard.<\/p>\n \u201cI wish we\u2019d all had scrolls. But they\u2019re expensive, right? You made it. I can\u2019t say I wouldn\u2019t have done the same. I\u2019m glad\u2026I\u2019m sorry for the ones who fell. Were they\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cChaida, Sell, and Vend.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria vaguely recalled Vend\u2019s face. She nodded. The other adventurers relaxed. At last, the wary tension resolved, and more broke up, talking with the civilians.<\/p>\n Non-adventurers. Ceria found herself shaking Drakes and Gnolls\u2019 claws and paws respectively, letting them thank her. It never occurred to her to say it was nothing. But neither was it entirely hers, not by a long shot.<\/p>\n \u201cThere were three teams out there with Hauntgheist. The Watch hasn\u2019t even found their bodies.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWho were they?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe Scales of Anarchy, Traveller\u2019s Yawn, and\u2026anyone know?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2014I didn\u2019t stay. We went for the door right as it opened.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou were right with us up till the end. We\u2019d have gone if we weren\u2019t on the other side of that Creler.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHas anyone seen Montressa? The Wistram team?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey were burying their own. The Oldblood Drake.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIsceil.\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon murmured it as she shook Reikhle\u2019s paw. The [Master Builder] looked Yvlon up and down, and only now did someone broach the topic of her arms.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Yvlon, I can\u2019t help but notice your change. Is it part of a new class?\u201d<\/p>\n The polite question made everyone in earshot look over with interest. Yvlon smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s right. I\u2019m an [Armsmistress] now. It healed my arms. And changed them into\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n She gestured at the silvery metal that was now her flesh.<\/p>\n \u201cI see. That is, may I see? I am a tiny bit interested.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGo ahead?\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria bit her lip to keep from laughing as Reikhle bent, nearly touching Yvlon\u2019s arm as he carefully peered at it, sniffed it\u2014he might have actually tried licking it before he caught himself. But he was a [Builder]. Yvlon looked up as Walt wandered over.<\/p>\n \u201c[Armsmistress]?\u201d<\/p>\n She nodded. The man paused.<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t say.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria burst out laughing as the room erupted with it. Even Yvlon had to laugh, although she punched Walt on the shoulder. He swore.<\/p>\n \u201cMy arm!\u201d<\/p>\n It was easy to laugh. Harder to note the missing faces. In time, Ceria found herself standing with adventurers, in the center of the larger party. People who had been there. Alais delivered the harder news.<\/p>\n \u201cThe confirmed dead\u2014I found Kam. And\u2026Stan\u2019s on the list too. All the Boltspitters but Gerit are.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria\u2019s stomach twisted.<\/p>\n \u201cThey found his body?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHis bag of holding. You saw him go down, Ceria?\u201d<\/p>\n The half-Elf saw Stan turning, trying to reload<\/em>\u2014she closed her eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. I don\u2019t think he made it out of that. Did they\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n No one was in charge, but Keldrass was present, like a\u2026teacher. Or a helper. He cleared his throat.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s a bounty from Rhir on all Crelers the world over. The Blighted Kingdom pays it on top of whatever local bounties are in place. Izril\u2019s Adventurer Guilds have standard rates too. So\u2026there\u2019s gold for killing the adult.\u201d<\/p>\n He looked at Ceria. Instantly, she raised her hands.<\/p>\n \u201cWe don\u2019t want it. It goes to the dead. Their families\u2014it goes to them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n Alais and Walt both nodded. So did the Gnoll, the lone adventurer. Keldrass nodded. Ceria had to turn.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry. Can I ask who you are?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEgliv. Part of Steelhowl.\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll clasped Ceria\u2019s hand and repeated it for the other members of the Horns. He seemed worn. So tired. Ceria knew the feeling. But something in his eyes lit up as he looked at her.<\/p>\n \u201cYou took down that cursed Creler. Thank you. It got half my team. The rest\u2026I\u2019m not sure how I made it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNor are we.\u201d<\/p>\n That was it. But Egliv, Alais\u2019 teammates\u2014Caddin was dead. The other two introduced themselves.<\/p>\n \u201cShelda and Poiv.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRight, we\u2019ve met\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou punched my lights out.\u201d<\/p>\n Poiv pointed at his eye, and Yvlon ducked her head. Shelda was a [Shield Warrior], only, she used armor made of chitin. Poiv used bone arrows as an [Archer]. Walt waved a hand in forgiveness.<\/p>\n \u201cMy boys and I got through it. Yvlon, Ceria, Pisces, Ksmvr\u2014this is Dogil, Grant, and Terrim.\u201d<\/p>\n The three men nodded at Ceria. Grant\u2019s eye was gone, and he had a patch over it. Dogil had wounds all over his arms, but the man had kept fighting with his axe to the last. Terrim\u2014he clasped Ksmvr\u2019s hand first. The orange-haired man grinned.<\/p>\n \u201cTook down the adult. Nice fucking jump! Tommie would have been proud.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n The Horns looked at the other seven. Ceria did not know any of them well, save for Alais and Walt, but she would remember them. Egliv accepted a drink; alcohol was flowing freely in the Adventurer\u2019s Guild along with Erin\u2019s food.<\/p>\n There were things to do, even now. The Council came over to thank the adventurers again. Ceria missed part of the speech on the way to the bathroom, but she heard Elirr speaking solemnly to the others.<\/p>\n \u201cLiscor\u2019s Council has allocated funds for all the teams who stood and fought. I know it is not much, but it\u2019s what the city can afford. We shall pay a pension to the dead as well.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd we had to go to the Antinium to pay it and keep on budget.\u201d<\/p>\n Lism muttered from the back, so quietly only the Gnolls and Ceria heard. Krshia reached over and punched him.<\/p>\n The other adventurers accepted the monetary reward, as did the Horns. That was extra. But the Crelers\u2019 bounty on top of the one Izril\u2019s Adventurer\u2019s Guilds put on all the Crelers would go to the fallen. Ceria had a word with Keldrass about it as Walt and Alais joined her.<\/p>\n \u201cDo you know\u2014what will happen with the adventurers\u2019 things? Their bodies?\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake hesitated. He waved a claw, and Selys came over.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll have to burn the bodies. Or rather, the Watch is doing that. The Adventurer\u2019s Guild will distribute the possessions of the adventurers to their families or listed recipients if they have wills. Why?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2014Ksmvr?\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria looked around. Ksmvr stepped forwards. The [Skirmisher] bowed slightly.<\/p>\n \u201cI would like to purchase Captain Crossbow Stan\u2019s bag of holding and crossbows. If it is acceptable. I understand this is a form of inheritance that adventurers practice.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCrossbow Stan\u2019s\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Alais looked startled. Keldrass peered at Ksmvr, then Ceria.<\/p>\n \u201cMarket price?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s better than what the Adventurer\u2019s Guild would offer. I\u2019ll\u2014I think that\u2019s fine. Let me make a note.\u201d<\/p>\n Selys looked for a quill and ink. Alais looked blankly at Ksmvr and shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t believe he\u2019s dead. You\u2019re sure you saw\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure. There\u2019s no way he survived that, Alais.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s just\u2014he\u2019s Crossbow Stan. <\/em>He\u2019s been around forever.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI actually knew about his team.\u201d<\/p>\n Egliv put in. The Gnoll gestured around the guild as Selys came back, writing.<\/p>\n \u201cHis team was around thirty years back. The Boltspitters. They came south once, my father said. They were good. Not Gold-rank, but they helped kill a bunch of Wyverns with other teams.\u201d<\/p>\n Alais chewed on her lip for a long time before speaking.<\/p>\n \u201cStan was a veteran. He just\u2014earned money. For his kids.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh dead gods. His kids.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria murmured. Walt nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cHow old\u2019re they?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMust be\u2014thirteen and fourteen? Dead gods. Seems like Stan\u2019s been watching them for decades\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNah. He married late, remember?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut he divorced\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo you think she knows?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe Guild will inform everyone. Don\u2019t worry. And I\u2019ll get Ksmvr the bag of holding. We\u2019ll do the transaction later, alright? And his family will get the gold, from the bounty and everything else. I\u2019ll make sure of it.\u201d<\/p>\n Selys broke in gently. Ceria nodded. The Drake patted her arm and stepped back. After a moment, Alais broke in.<\/p>\n \u201cSo. Did you level, Ceria? Your eyes\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n The half-Elf\u2019s eyes were less noticeable than Yvlon\u2019s arms, but they had changed too. Walt started; he hadn\u2019t<\/em> noticed. Ceria nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cClass change. You?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot a class change, but\u2026I leveled four times. And I gained a few Skills. To help with my lightning. Look. I can throw it without it going everywhere.\u201d<\/p>\n So saying, Alais conjured a bit of lightning and threw it from one finger to the other, catching it in midair and creating a small ball of lightning. Ceria and the others recoiled at first, used to Alais\u2019 unpredictable magic. Ceria smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s better control than a third-year Wistram student, Alais! Congratulations.\u201d<\/p>\n Alais smiled weakly. She was still barely on her feet and leaning on her staff hard.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s what I wanted. I\u2019m stronger now. I can feel it. If I had it back when we were fighting\u2014if I\u2014if I had\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Her voice broke. Poiv and Shelda reached for their Captain and she buried her face in her arm. Ceria stared at her and the others glanced down.<\/p>\n It was a common adventurer\u2019s refrain. Those that survived the worst battles invariably leveled. Becoming stronger. And yet, too late. If I could go back and do it again, as I am\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n You couldn\u2019t think about it too long. Down that road lay madness. Ceria turned to Walt as Alais went to sit down for a moment.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat about you, Walt?\u201d<\/p>\n The man would have normally bragged about a single level. Now, he just smiled quietly and exposed one thick arm. He flexed it, and then held it out for Ceria to lean<\/em> on. His arm didn\u2019t move as much as a centimeter.<\/p>\n \u201cLook. [Enhanced Strength]. Fucking unbelievable, right? It\u2019s like that Minotauress\u2019 scroll is working on me all the time. Dead gods, I\u2019m going to hit Level 30 before I\u2019m thirty. I never thought of that.\u201d<\/p>\n Egliv too. The [Axeman] was now a [Savage Axeman], owing to the Crelers he\u2019d hacked apart. He even had a [Furious Rage] Skill.<\/p>\n \u201cMust be the [Barbarian] in me, yes? Not that many Gnolls qualify for the class.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re too civilized. What\u2019s the requirement for [Barbarian] anyways? Seems so\u2026what\u2019s the word?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPejorative?\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces came over, massaging his head. He seemed to be getting over his mental mind-blanking better than Ceria. She nodded at him.<\/p>\n It was Yvlon who looked around.<\/p>\n \u201cHow many Silver-rank teams are left? Out of fourteen? Five? Six?\u201d<\/p>\n Keldrass sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cEight, but only three full-strength. Some, like the Boltspitters, will have to be disbanded. Or\u2026find a new team.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDead gods.\u201d<\/p>\n Egliv nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cI have an invitation from The Pride of Kelia. Nailren, he invited me. I might take it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNailren\u2019s good. They\u2019re a ranged team, but they could use someone like you. Hell, Gemhammer might have you, Egliv. They\u2019re all about muscle and melee combat.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2014I guess Thunder\u2019s Solace needs to recruit too. We\u2019re going to still\u2026I mean, we have to keep going.\u201d<\/p>\n Alais looked blank as she rejoined the conversation. Walt stared at Egliv.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. Our team\u2019s down too. Hey. You want to join us?\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria, Yvlon, Alais, and Pelico all stared at Walt. He looked around.<\/p>\n \u201cCan\u2019t hurt to recruit in Liscor. We could use more fighters. We\u2019re all shields, but\u2026I think the Ensoldier Shields need a [Mage] or two. [Archers], at least.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll think about it.\u201d<\/p>\n Egliv looked surprised, gratified, but he shook his head. Keldrass did too.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t think about adventuring just yet. You all need rest.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEven so, so many teams\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s what happens.\u201d<\/p>\n A steely voice cut through the conversation. The adventurers turned and saw Tekshia walk past them. The Drake sipped from her cup as she entered the group.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Silver-rank teams around Celum are torn to bits. It\u2019s the Bronze-ranks and a few Silvers left, now. But we have at least two teams who might be Gold-rank in the future. And one who made that jump.\u201d<\/p>\n She nodded at Walt, Alais, and Ceria\u2019s teams. They looked at her. Tekshia\u2019s voice was strict, but not unkind.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is what happens, children. Good teams die, and the survivors level up. You, Horns. Did you level or did that [Necromancer] just pop in a few new eyes and some arms?\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon choked on her drink. Pisces nearly exhaled his pasta all over everyone else. Only Ksmvr clapping a hand over his mouth saved everyone. The Antinium politely wiped his hand on a napkin as everyone looked at the Horns. Ceria hesitated, but now wasn\u2019t the time to keep secrets, surely\u2026?<\/p>\n Pisces broke the silence, coughing and thumping his chest. He pointed at himself.<\/p>\n \u201cTwo levels in my [Necromancer] class for summoning both behemoths. However, my [Mage] class hit Level 20 for a second time.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria blinked at him. The young man shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cI gained a new Skill. A powerful one, in my estimation. [Mana Well]. Ashen.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOoh.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s ooh?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Walt looked confused as Alais and Ceria both nodded. One of Keldrass\u2019 teammates was nodding as the [Necromancer] explained.<\/p>\n \u201cOf the Skills which [Mages] obtain to increase the font of their power\u2014and they are the lynchpins of most sources of power. Rather than increasing the body\u2019s natural mana regeneration, or changing the very world or body itself to conduct mana better\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He gestured to Ceria.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014I simply have deeper reservoirs of mana to draw upon. And I may\u2026charge my reserves with ambient mana of a specific grade. Death magic, in my case.\u201d<\/p>\n Walt frowned.<\/p>\n \u201cSo\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s got an extra amount of magic in his body to use.\u201d<\/p>\n Tekshia snorted as she chewed on a cookie. Pisces looked at her and she glared.<\/p>\n \u201cYou use too many words, brat! Yes, that Skill\u2019s useful for a [Necromancer]. Not earth shattering. What happened with you, half-Elf?\u201d<\/p>\n She poked Ceria, aiming her fork at Ceria\u2019s eyes. The half-Elf flinched backwards.<\/p>\n \u201cI changed classes. I\u2019m\u2026an [Arctic Cryomancer].\u201d<\/p>\n It was a modest class change, but it got another ooh<\/em> of appreciation. From almost everyone this time. Shelda frowned and looked around.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat does arctic mean? I\u2019m not familiar with the word.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCold. You know, arctic weather?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, right. So that\u2019s an upgrade? Cold [Cryomancer]?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cColder. <\/em>I think it\u2019s a hint about my specialization. I didn\u2019t get a powerful new spell, but I did get two Skills that change\u2026well, look.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria gestured, and a wall of ice rose. Instantly, Tekshia struck it with her cane, lancing it out like a spear.<\/p>\n \u201cNot in my guild\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She paused as her cane thwacked<\/em> into the ice. The tip of the cane vibrated away from the ice wall, chipping a bit with it. But it didn\u2019t break.<\/em> Keldrass raised his brows. Behind Tekshia, Relc pointed and crowed.<\/p>\n \u201cOh snap. Old Tekshia\u2019s lost her\u2014don\u2019t throw it!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Tekshia lowered her cane as Relc ducked behind Klbkch. She turned to Ceria, and the half-Elf gestured at the [Ice Wall].<\/p>\n \u201c[Glaciersheet Ice]. And [Adept Iceform]. An upgrade of my old Skill. I can make my ice different, see?\u201d<\/p>\n She gestured, and a row of spikes emerged from the [Ice Wall]. Ksmvr brightened.<\/p>\n \u201cOoh. It has spikes. There is much potential here for pushing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPush people into a wall, have the wall come up and impale them\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Pelico was impressed. Erin, Lyonette, and Mrsha popped over with a crowd, to watch Ceria\u2019s demonstration. Lyonette frowned as Mrsha tried to touch the spikes, so Ceria made the ice wall flat again. Erin looked at Ceria, beaming with pride.<\/p>\n \u201cYou did it! It\u2019s tough, right? And you can shape it? Can you do a couch made of ice? No, wait! Make a castle!\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria\u2019s head was smarting. She winced\u2014even this one spell was giving her a migraine. But she tried the couch. She had to give up halfway as her headache became blinding.<\/p>\n \u201cPalt said no magic!\u201d<\/p>\n Alarmed, Yvlon touched Ceria\u2019s arm, and the half-Elf gave up. The others inspected the angular bit of ice.<\/p>\n \u201cIt looks sort of like a couch.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSomeone sit on it. How long will it last?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLonger, I think. Darn. My head\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo more magic, even for demonstrations.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria nodded, and someone pushed an unlucky volunteer onto the couch. It turned out to be Ishkr. The Gnoll tensed, and then shuddered.<\/p>\n \u201cCold!<\/em> I\u2019m stuck to it! Help me off!\u201d<\/p>\n His fur was frozen to the ice. Laughing, Ceria watched, massaging her head as half the [Mages] volunteered to burn Ishkr off, including Keldrass\u2019 team. In the end, some hot water did the trick. Erin waved a hand.<\/p>\n \u201cBut you can also make snowflakes! You have that cold\u2026bubble around you! Show them, Ceria!\u201d<\/p>\n This wasn\u2019t magic. Or at least, it didn\u2019t hurt to show off. Ceria concentrated, and the air around her grew frosty. Ice began falling from the air and Mrsha put her paw out and caught one. It melted when she tried to pull it out. Lyonette put her hand towards Ceria and drew it back fast.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s cold!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c[Aura of Rime]. That\u2019s my big Skill, I think.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIs it that powerful? Seems sort of weak if all it does is make snow.\u201d<\/p>\n Walt commented as he stuck a mug next to Ceria\u2019s cheek to cool. She narrowed her eyes and his drink froze<\/em> into a slurry. Selys raised her eyebrows as Walt swore.<\/p>\n \u201cAuras are physical manifestations of magical fields. Hers could boost her abilities, freeze things more quickly or act as a weapon. I\u2019d say it\u2019s good. Like Pisces said, [Mages] get different Skills that shape how they perform higher tiers of magic.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIs it like your master, Captain Ceria?\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr looked at Ceria as he experimentally waved a burning torch near her and watched the fire go out. Ceria\u2019s aura was pure cold, not just a manifestation of winter. The half-Elf shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cIllphres didn\u2019t have one. But she only cared for her magic. Her style was more\u2026well, I don\u2019t know what she had. But I\u2019m okay with my style. Besides, I don\u2019t feel cold. The real trick is turning it off.\u201d<\/p>\n The half-Elf smiled. Everyone turned to Ksmvr and Yvlon. The [Skirmisher] waved one hand helpfully.<\/p>\n \u201cI regret that I did not gain any noticeable level advancement or class. I am a failure\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cKsmvr!\u201d<\/p>\n The Antinium paused, looking straight past Ceria and his team to Klbkch. The other Antinium\u2019s arms were folded. After a moment, Ksmvr looked away and nodded to Ceria sadly.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, very well. I cannot even be a failure. But I have only gained two Skills. One of them is [Surefoot], which is a very practical Skill with little entertainment value.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe could make a mud hill and push you down it.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc was grinning as the other adventurers nodded. Ksmvr considered the option.<\/p>\n \u201cI believe my other Skill is more applicable to demonstration.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is it, Ksmvr?\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria hadn\u2019t been able to ask yesterday amid the bigger concern of her freezing everything around her and Yvlon\u2019s new arms. The Antinium took a few steps into the center of the room. He raised his arms\u2014<\/p>\n And back flipped. Erin\u2019s eyes nearly popped out of her head. Ksmvr did a tight, springing backflip, landed, front flipped back, and then flipped to the side.<\/p>\n The Worker\u2019s squat body and rounded back shell was not<\/em> meant for that kind of aerodynamics. Antinium didn\u2019t\u2026do <\/em>that! But Ksmvr did. Everyone stared, and then Mrsha broke out into applause. Ksmvr landed on his feet, looking pleased as he smiled.<\/p>\n \u201c[Evasive Flip]. Whee.\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette exclaimed.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s amazing, Ksmvr!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhoa! Do it again!\u201d<\/p>\n Erin agreed. Ksmvr happily flipped forwards as the crowd watched, then sideways, back\u2014after about ten flips in a row he paused and held out a hand.<\/p>\n \u201cI am growing very sick. I may expel the contents of my stomach. Stand clear.\u201d<\/p>\n After that, everyone turned to Yvlon. The [Armsmistress] smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cI gained a new class. [Armsmistress].\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust<\/em> [Armsmistress]?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere may be a few more words in there, Pelico. But just [Armsmistress] for now. I don\u2019t know everything about my class, but I did change my [Crescent Cut] Skill. It\u2019s now [Sword Art: Curve of the Moon].\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon drew her broken, battered Sword of Weight with one arm to demonstrate. Erin blinked at Yvlon.<\/p>\n \u201cI thought you\u2019d turn your [Crescent Cut] into something that breaks armor. Like your mordhau <\/em>thing you did on the Crelers.<\/em> Into\u2026[Ultimate Mordhau]?\u201d<\/p>\n Some of the [Warriors] laughed, and Ksmvr made a chuckling-clicking sound. Yvlon smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019d think that, but apparently I qualified for a sword art. Which means I\u2019m good enough with a sword to use an actual technique.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou can\u2019t change your original Skill into something completely different. A sword art is an indication of ability. This one wouldn\u2019t ever get it, for instance, just a Skill.\u201d<\/p>\n Tekshia poked Walt, and the Human glared at her. Keldrass was nodding.<\/p>\n \u201cSword arts need to be used in combat at the right time. You have to set them up, not like Skills. They\u2019re powerful, but situational. Drathians are reported to be experts in that field. As are [Martial Artists], [Blademasters], [Sword Dancers]\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Erin was struck by a sudden thought.<\/p>\n \u201cRelc\u2019s a [Spearmaster]. Hey, Relc! Do you know a spear dance then?\u201d<\/p>\n Everyone looked at Relc. The Drake folded his arms smugly.<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe I do, maybe I don\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s Level 30+ Skills. I know he\u2019s got [Triple Thrust]\u2014that might be the only thing.\u201d<\/p>\n Selys eyed Relc critically. The Drake scowled at her.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, at least I\u2019ve got that! And it works with a spear and in bed\u2014actually, I\u2019ve never tried it in\u2014whoa!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n He broke off as Yvlon demonstrated her Skill. She\u2019d begun cutting in arced cuts, building up to the sword art. When she unleashed it, Erin saw a flash of silver\u2014and Relc and Klbkch dragged her off her feet. Half the audience stumbled back as Yvlon\u2019s cut went across the floor, hit a rafter, and sliced a table a good eight feet in front of her in half.<\/p>\n \u201cDead gods! The table!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy floor!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Tekshia hissed.<\/em> She glared at Yvlon as the [Armsmistress] halted her blade and stared, wide-eyed at the damage she\u2019d caused. Her Skill had extended the reach of her sword!<\/p>\n \u201cOops.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s got range<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n Walt breathed. Then Tekshia jabbed<\/em> Yvlon in the side. Yvlon shouted as the Drake hit her in one of her bandaged spots.<\/p>\n \u201cUse another Skill in my guild and I\u2019ll use you to fix the cracks! Ancestors, you overexcited\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake grumbled as she stared at the rift Yvlon had cut in the floor. Krshia growled as she inspected the broken table.<\/p>\n \u201cGood thing we were planning on moving the guild, yes?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll say. But can we not damage parts of the city?\u201d<\/p>\n Alonna eyed the cut in the rafters. Flushing, Yvlon sheathed her blade.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s the best Skill we\u2019ve seen yet! No offense, Ceria, but Yvlon wins here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, yeah.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria waved a hand as the [Warriors] crowded around Yvlon. Keldrass eyed Yvlon.<\/p>\n \u201cAny more Skills, Miss Byres?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAside from that and the Skill that turned my arms into this?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, yeah. Aside from those. Obviously.\u201d<\/p>\n He cleared his throat, embarrassed. Yvlon smiled. She raised one hand.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, as part of my new arms and skin, I can apparently do this.\u201d<\/p>\n Her arm slowly changed<\/em> as the crowd watched. Keldrass recoiled as Yvlon\u2019s arms, a perfect mimicry of Human flesh, shifted<\/em>. The metal moved, reshaping until it looked like Yvlon was wearing armor\u2014over the outside of her arms. A smooth, silver metal gauntlet protected her forearms, and more armor appeared on her arms, stopping at the shoulder.<\/p>\n If Yvlon had been wearing her breastplate, it would have been a perfect fit. The [Armsmistress] regarded her hand, now a gauntlet, and held it out. Keldrass shook his head, but Ksmvr touched the arm softly. The woman looked around, a crooked smile on her face.<\/p>\n \u201c[Armform]. This is my duelist form. I can make them normal as well. And this\u2014let go, Ksmvr?\u201d<\/p>\n He did. Yvlon whispered.<\/p>\n \u201c[Armform (Razorkind)].\u201d<\/p>\n Her hand changed. Erin inhaled sharply, and the crowd stirred. When Yvlon raised her hand next, a cutting edge had developed along the outer edge of her gauntlets. But that wasn\u2019t what was unsettling.<\/p>\n Yvlon\u2019s fingers were blades. Not just as if she\u2019d put on a metal pair of gauntlets. No, the fingers, what should have been flesh and bone were now edged, longer, cutting razors. In silence, everyone stared at Yvlon. She looked up, her face a bleak smile\u2014<\/p>\n Mrsha began applauding. Yvlon started, and then someone laughed. A few others began applauding uncertainly, but then there was laughter. Yvlon relaxed, and her hands returned to normal.<\/p>\n \u201cI can even make a cutting edge on other parts of my arm. So if someone grabs me, they\u2019re in trouble. It\u2019s not too useful.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s powerful.\u201d<\/p>\n That was all Keldrass could offer. Ceria hesitated and put a hand on Yvlon\u2019s shoulder. It was cool, but not as cold as metal. The woman could feel her\u2014she looked at Ceria.<\/p>\n \u201cSomething to get used to, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust when I got used to having metal in<\/em> my arms.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Armsmistress] joked weakly, but Ceria had seen her expression.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you okay with\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have my arms. I\u2019ll live with them changing. What do you think, Ksmvr?\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon glanced sideways. The Antinium was inspecting her arms, poking at her fingers cautiously. She wiggled them and the [Skirmisher] looked up solemnly.<\/p>\n \u201cWe must analyze their strength, Yvlon. Your arms are a valuable asset to this team and we must be certain of their exact strength.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGo ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n Bemused and amused, Yvlon let Ksmvr inspect her hand. He prodded her fingers, flexed them, seeing how far they\u2019d move, poked her palm, the inside of her elbow\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cStop that. It tickles.\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon laughed. Her skin wasn\u2019t as pliable as regular skin, but it did move<\/em>. It was nearly as sensitive too in its regular form, or so it seemed. Ksmvr was oblivious to her discomfort.<\/p>\n \u201cDoes it tickle more or less depending on your duelist form? Please change one arm to your duelist form so we may compare sensations, Yvlon. This is important data.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStop it. Ksmvr, I\u2019m serious\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He began tickling her. Yvlon tried to pull away, but gently. Then she began laughing. And it was such a refreshing sound that Ceria joined right in. She tickled Yvlon\u2019s sides\u2014until the [Armsmistress] smacked her gently on the head. And \u2018gently\u2019 was something Yvlon had to get used to.<\/p>\n After Ceria\u2019s head had stopped smarting, Ksmvr announced his findings to a very few interested people.<\/p>\n \u201cTo recap, Yvlon\u2019s base skin strength is already stronger than average skin, but her [Duelist] form lacks sensitivity and has a comparable strength to enchanted armor. This is good, because I had been concerned with the weakness of skin in my teammates\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria wandered away from Ksmvr\u2019s analysis. She\u2019d seen Tekshia sitting down at one of the intact tables. The old Guildmistress looked up as Ceria approached.<\/p>\n \u201cSomething you want, Miss Springwalker? If you\u2019re looking for hugs, go find my granddaughter. Although she seems to be reserving them for the [Necromancer].\u201d<\/p>\n She glared at Selys and Pisces, who were talking quietly together. Ceria shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m fine, thank you, Guildmistress.\u201d<\/p>\n She sat down across from Tekshia. The Drake eyed her then snorted.<\/p>\n \u201cOut with it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2026didn\u2019t say anything about Pelico\u2019s team. Or the other Silver-ranks.\u201d<\/p>\n The ones that had run. Some had come up to Ceria to apologize. And she\u2019d forgiven them with words, at least. Others hadn\u2019t. Ceria wondered if they\u2019d avoided coming to the party. Pelico\u2014she could sense him looking at her and the others from time to time. She wondered if she could ever sit and drink with him in the same way. Or if there was really anything to forgive.<\/p>\n The old Drake [Spearmistress] snorted. She looked at Hauntgheist and shook her head. Then she gazed at Ceria.<\/p>\n \u201cSay what? It was your decision to \u2018forgive\u2019 them. What should I do? Smack their tails for doing the sensible thing? They\u2019ll remember their choice for the rest of their lives. As Silver-ranks. That\u2019s what they\u2019ll be. They had a chance, and they ran from it. Sensible. Which is why they\u2019ll never be Gold-rank.\u201d<\/p>\n She leaned back in her chair and fished in her belt. Ceria was surprised when she saw a familiar, fat cigar. Or maybe a spliff was more accurate. The Drake paused and offered one grudgingly to Ceria.<\/p>\n \u201cPuffer?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIs that\u2014you smoke them?\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria was a former Wistram student, and she could smell the dreamleaf. Tekshia smiled as she lit hers.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen someone\u2019s in the area. I got a bundle because I threatened that horse I\u2019d eat him. I still haven\u2019t forgiven those [Mages], but they did nearly die, and one did, so I suppose I\u2019ll let it go. Funny how real monsters change things, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria nodded. After a moment, she accepted the spliff and the match. She recognized it from Octavia\u2019s sh\u2014Ceria\u2019s eyes narrowed. She looked around for the [Alchemist] and realized that Octavia had been stealthily doing a bit of business. Some things never changed. But the [Alchemist] was genuinely listening to Ksmvr as the Antinium explained the difference in Yvlon\u2019s skin to her.<\/p>\n \u201cWhew. That\u2019s strong stuff.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot bad. This is the kind of hobby you can afford now.\u201d<\/p>\n Tekshia nodded as Ceria took a few deep inhales and coughed out some smoke. The Drake was more steady, but Ceria had a purpose.<\/p>\n \u201cNot happy, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Arctic Cryomancer] hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cIs it that obvious?\u201d<\/p>\n Tekshia put her feet up on the table, leaning back in her chair.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t have to look. Day after a battle like that? With all the dead? I told the Council not to throw a party, but they insisted. Your little [Innkeeper] friend too. At least she makes a decent cake. But what did they expect? This isn\u2019t a party. It\u2019s a wake.\u201d<\/p>\n She pointed at the workers on the road crew. They were speaking solemnly and toasting with their mugs. Ceria realized that the food had mostly turned to drinks. She wondered if Tekshia had been instrumental to that; it wouldn\u2019t have been high on Erin\u2019s list. She didn\u2019t understand some of the pleasures in life.<\/p>\n \u201cI guess I can\u2019t really be happy. I wish we\u2019d\u2014being here after all of yesterday\u2014you know?\u201d<\/p>\n Tekshia nodded silently. She took a drag on her puffer and exhaled.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you were smiling the entire time after all that, I\u2019d stab you, girl. Mind you, that\u2019s what some Named Adventurers look like, even after a slaughter. I remember one\u2026no. No, you don\u2019t need to smile. And you don\u2019t need to be here. It\u2019s just silly idiots trying to make themselves feel better.\u201d<\/p>\n For some reason, that helped more than anything else. Ceria smiled and looked at Tekshia.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do we do?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo? You\u2019re Gold-rank. You\u2019ll have time to figure it out. I\u2019m sure everyone has an opinion. Just sleep. Wake up. And keep going as long as you want. Then\u2014stop. I stopped. Some of us don\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake lazing waved her spliff in the air. The half-Elf nodded. They sat together, smoking, until Erin Solstice came over.<\/p>\n \u201cHey! Are you doing pot?<\/em> There are kids here, you know!\u201d<\/p>\n Tekshia glared at Erin. She very deliberately blew a cloud of smoke at Erin.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is my guild, girl. You may exit if you don\u2019t like it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, maybe I will!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood. Get out. Leave the cake and cookies.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin hesitated. She gazed at Ceria, and the half-Elf waved at her.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not bad, Erin. Honest.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell\u2014well\u2014I\u2019m going outside! Krshia says there\u2019s something cool by the southern gate, so we\u2019re going to all head that way. Olesm\u2019ll be there. And the Horns. And Montressa and the others.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria sat up. Tekshia gently snorted as the crowd inside made for the doors. Some remained, but after a moment, Ceria got up and followed Erin. She reluctantly froze the spliff for later.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere\u2019d you get that?\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces muttered to Ceria. She pointed. His brows shot up.<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s not going to give you one. I don\u2019t know how Ceria got one off her. She never<\/em> shares anything.\u201d<\/p>\n Selys complained. Erin gave her a betrayed look. The [Heiress] rolled her eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, Erin. It\u2019s fine!<\/em> Grandmother\u2019s been having those for ages. I used to get into them as a kid.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re all stoners!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd you\u2019re being a hatchling.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria didn\u2019t listen to the argument erupting behind her, which was mainly Erin and Lyonette versus everyone else. Yvlon seemed on Erin\u2019s side, but she elected not to join in. The adventurers and civilians walked down the street, heading towards\u2026what?<\/p>\n Just outside the southern gates, Ceria realized what it was. She saw curiously flat ground in a wide space, nearly a thousand foot diamond next to a flat, stone road. Newly-laid.<\/p>\n Master Reikhle\u2019s workers had been active here as well. No; they\u2019d continued their work here instead of the Bloodfields. But they had also smoothed the lumpy terrain of the Floodplains. And standing outside was a Drake. Olesm turned in the middle of consulting with Octavia. She\u2019d snuck out of the party early. Now, she was helping him lay down a bright, white powder in the grass.<\/p>\n It took Erin only a moment to figure out what was going on. She exclaimed at the same time as Relc and a few others.<\/p>\n \u201cBaseball!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhose balls?\u201d<\/p>\n Walt growled. The Drake was smiling as he came over to the Horns. But he faltered as he looked at Ceria. He opened his mouth\u2014and she hugged him.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Olesm.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCeria.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Strategist] returned the hug, awkwardly. He looked up and Pisces held out a hand. The two smiled as they clasped palms, and Ksmvr and Yvlon patted him on the shoulder. Time changed a lot.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, you jerk!\u201d<\/p>\n Erin glared, but even she couldn\u2019t be angry. Olesm ducked his head as he saw Selys, Krshia, and the Gnolls. They regarded him with stately politeness, but Lism beamed.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd what is this<\/em>, Nephew?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBaseball, Uncle. I told you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow\u2019d you do it? No, wait\u2014why didn\u2019t I think of it? This is amazing, Olesm!\u201d<\/p>\n Erin was agog as she popped up in front of Lism. The [Strategist] smiled slightly. He pointed at the temporary field Octavia was working on, and a few people warming up on the pitch. Some of the Drakes and Gnolls who\u2019d played last time were already swinging the bats. And more were watching from the walls and the grass.<\/p>\n Including the Halfseekers and the Wistram [Mages]. All four of them. Ceria started and pointed them out to Pisces. The two abandoned the group as Olesm spoke.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was simple. I mean, I know the game just requires flat ground. So I asked the team working on the road here to move some dirt around. The Antinium were able to help since this is close to the city. It\u2019s obviously not feasible in the spring, but for now we have room for at least one game. And people can watch and play\u2014I\u2019m going to have teams sign up for time. There\u2019s a lot<\/em> of interest.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve got to play! Klb, we\u2019re going to get on a team! And look! There\u2019s Grimalkin!\u201d<\/p>\n Relc bounded forwards, excited. Klbkch spotted Grimalkin, swinging a bat experimentally. Erin was delighted.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is so cool\u2014and look! There\u2019s the Halfseekers! Jelaqua! Seborn! Moore! Are you all okay?\u201d<\/p>\n The three adventurers glanced up. They were all speaking together, Seborn half-lying down. The Drowned Man was nearly immobile from his injuries, but Jelaqua and Moore had lifted him out on a stretcher. Jelaqua was wearing a female Gnoll\u2019s body. Moore was heavily bandaged and wincing, but he smiled as Mrsha leapt into his lap.<\/p>\n \u201cCareful, Mrsha, careful\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Erin. You\u2019re alright.\u201d<\/p>\n Jelaqua smiled as Erin walked over. Seborn nodded and grunted. Erin threw up her arms.<\/p>\n \u201cDid you see? Baseball! <\/em>In Liscor!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. It\u2019s going to be fun watching Grimalkin hit the ball. I think the Watch might also enjoy playing. I checked in on them; they\u2019re nearly done with getting rid of the Crelers.\u201d<\/p>\n Jelaqua smiled a bit. But she gazed back at Moore and Seborn. The Drowned Man just stared at her and the Selphid glanced down at the grass she was pulling up bit by bit. Erin wavered. She turned to Seborn.<\/p>\n \u201cHow are you doing, Seborn? Moore? I didn\u2019t get a chance to thank you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re alive. No thanks to Jelaqua.<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n The [Rogue]\u2019s voice was flat. Jelaqua hung her head. Moore paused in patting Mrsha\u2019s head, and the Gnoll peered at Jelaqua\u2019s body, sniffing the Selphid and sneezing<\/em> at the smell of the preservative the Selphid was using.<\/p>\n Jelaqua\u2019s wasn\u2019t the only dead body sitting in the grass. A ways away were the four Wistram [Mages]. Ulinde, Beza, Montressa, and Palt.<\/p>\n Bezale was crying. The Minotaur\u2019s head was bowed. Ulinde just stared ahead. She was wearing a Gnoll\u2019s body too. Female. She bore no physical scars from yesterday. Nor did Palt, really. But they didn\u2019t move.<\/p>\n Montressa\u2019s eyes were red, but she had no more tears to give. And her guilt was less, in a way. She hadn\u2019t run. But nevertheless.<\/p>\n Isceil was dead. The Wistram [Mages] looked up as the Horns approached. Beza stirred, staring at Yvlon, her arms. She wiped at her eyes and the [Mages] got up. Nervously. But the grief was written across them.<\/p>\n Perhaps this was the first teammate they\u2019d ever had die. Even including the accident at Wistram, they might have never lost someone fighting. Their expressions were too familiar to Ceria. Palt slowly exhaled a bit of smoke as he got to his hooves.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re not going to fight. Please don\u2019t\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWho would do that now?\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria\u2019s head turned. The Wistram [Mages] were silent. It felt like yesterday and forever ago that Ceria had been willing to try and kill them\u2014hurt them at least, to keep them off her backs. Now? Ceria cleared her throat.<\/p>\n \u201cCan we sit?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure.\u201d<\/p>\n Montressa whispered. The eight sat down, all watching as, in the distance, Olesm marshaled the Council and some interested citizens of Liscor into playing a game of baseball. Grimalkin was on the other team with Relc and Klbkch. Ceria felt vaguely sorry for the Council, even as she watched Grimalkin staring at Klbkch. But that was background.<\/p>\n As the first pitch was thrown and Elirr swung one of the baseball bats, Ulinde spoke.<\/p>\n \u201cIsceil\u2019s dead.\u201d<\/p>\n Everyone looked at her. The Selphid\u2019s expression was bleak. Lost. Yvlon paused. She turned to Ceria and said nothing. Neither did Ksmvr or Pisces.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve failed. I had to flee. I left my teammate\u2019s body behind.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe had to run. If we\u2019d stayed\u2026I\u2019m sorry, Beza. But I\u2019m no hero.\u201d<\/p>\n Palt spoke quietly. He smoked his cigar, then inclined his head to them. Ceria nodded back. So did Pisces. Beza\u2019s tears rolled down her face.<\/p>\n \u201cYou should have left me. We should have protected Isceil.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow? The adult was too fast. It went for him because he was the most dangerous.\u201d<\/p>\n The Centaur [Illusionist]\u2019s voice was too reasonable, too calm. Ceria saw how furiously Palt was smoking the dreamleaf, but Beza didn\u2019t. She rounded on him.<\/p>\n \u201cWe let him\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt was no one\u2019s fault, Beza. There was nothing we could do. If it was anyone\u2019s fault, it was mine. I couldn\u2019t save him.\u201d<\/p>\n Montressa whispered. She leaned on her staff. She looked pale, exhausted. Overused from too much spellcasting beyond her limits. Ceria knew how she felt. The [Aegiscaster] inspected Ceria and Pisces.<\/p>\n She said not a word. But the hatred, the wild hate and fear in her eyes wasn\u2019t there. She was just tired and sad. None of the Wistram [Mages] said anything as Elirr struck a ball and sent it flying. The crack<\/em> made some of the people sitting in the grass glance up with interest, though, especially the Gnolls.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2014didn\u2019t like your friend. Isceil. But he did the right thing at the end.\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon tried to sound gentle, but the Selphid spoke shortly.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t say that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Armsmistress] met the Selphid\u2019s gaze.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t say it like that. Like he was just a\u2026a\u2026you didn\u2019t know him. He was awful to you, but he was our friend. He was brave.\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon paused. Then she nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry. You\u2019re right. He didn\u2019t run. But for him and we might have all died.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2018Drakes don\u2019t run\u2019. He could have, but he didn\u2019t. He stood and fought. Of all of us, the Creler feared him the most.\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces murmured. Everyone nodded at that. After a while, Beza\u2019s tears stopped. Palt brushed some ash off his clothes as he studied Yvlon\u2019s arms.<\/p>\n \u201cYou killed it. You\u2019ve all changed.\u201d<\/p>\n None of the Horns replied to that. After a moment, Ksmvr glanced at Palt.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat now? Do we continue our battle?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. I\u2019m done.\u201d<\/p>\n Montressa stood up. She looked down at Pisces, then at Ceria. She shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m done. I don\u2019t know if I can ever forgive you, Pisces. Beatrice\u2014she still hates you. But Palt has his deal. He\u2019ll be hanging around Liscor.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe inn\u2019s gone. Maybe Miss Erin will\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. I don\u2019t know what I\u2019m going to do, but I\u2019ll see. If anyone wants to come with me, I might\u2026Palt? Ulinde? Beza?\u201d<\/p>\n The Minotauress didn\u2019t respond at first. Palt glanced back towards Erin.<\/p>\n \u201cI have to stay for a bit, Montressa. Beza?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2014what are we going to do?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cKeep going. Search. Go back? I don\u2019t know, Beza.\u201d<\/p>\n The Minotauress nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have to deliver Isceil\u2019s remains to his home.\u201d<\/p>\n Palt and Montressa nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll do that at least. Ulinde?\u201d<\/p>\n The Selphid was quiet. She rose, her Gnoll body turning to look in the same direction as Palt. But not at Erin. The Selphid hesitated. Then she looked at her team.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m going to quit. I\u2019m going to join the Halfseekers.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria blinked. Montressa stared at Ulinde.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUlinde\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Beza began, but Ulinde ignored her.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Ivirith forgave me. And it\u2019s my dream. They need a [Mage], a dedicated spellcaster. Why not me? I could do it. Moore and Seborn said they\u2019ll consider it. They\u2019re rebuilding their team. If I can\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She looked at the others pleadingly. Palt exhaled slowly. His eyes were still on Erin.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you want to, go.\u201d<\/p>\n Montressa leaned on her staff. She was just\u2026she watched Ceria.<\/p>\n \u201cWe should talk, before\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnother time.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria stood up. Montressa nodded, looking relieved as the Horns rose with her. Palt hesitated, then he turned. He held out a hand.<\/p>\n \u201cI misjudged you. Forgive me?\u201d<\/p>\n He reached out to Pisces first. The [Necromancer] hesitated, but then he took Palt\u2019s hand. Neither Beza nor Montressa did the same. Ulinde was already approaching the Halfseekers.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n The Centaur shook Ceria\u2019s hand. She nodded, looking again at Montressa. Beza\u2019s horned head was in her hands. Silently, Ceria got up.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do we do now, Montressa?\u201d<\/p>\n Beza whispered. Montressa just wiped at her eyes and watched as the Horns of Hammerad walked away. Palt blew a cloud of smoke that eddied into the air.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The baseball game was underway, and Octavia was smiling as she greeted the hooded shape that hopped out of the gate and made a beeline for her. Numbtongue and the [Alchemist] sat together and watched the game.<\/p>\n On the baseball pitch, Grimalkin was thinking over the logistics of baseball and the merits of the game. He casually caught a ball shooting at his face with a bare claw. And the spectators groaned<\/em>.<\/p>\n Two on base, one out. The audience was filled. But they were not all together. Some of the Antinium had come out of the Hive and Yellow Splatters was organizing a team of Painted Soldiers and Workers. Bird was curled up into a sulking ball as Anand, Belgrade, and Pawn tried to cheer him up. He glanced up as the Horns passed by him.<\/p>\n Olesm was refereeing the game, but the others were sitting together. Erin, Lyonette, Mrsha, Krshia, Selys\u2014a familiar sight. Mrsha was happily balancing, one foot on Krshia and Lyonette\u2019s hands as they hoisted her up into the air. The Gnoll cub was giggling silently and reaching for Apista as Lyonette warned her to keep steady. But they\u2019d catch her if they fell.<\/p>\n Still, it was to the Halfseekers that the Horns looked. And there was the one note of discontent. Jelaqua sat silently as Seborn and Moore argued. Ulinde was trembling in front of them.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2014I have gold! And contacts at Wistram. I can be of use! I promise! I can put more into the team if you need me to\u2014I could probably get an artifact if I asked\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s not the issue.<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n Seborn growled. He was trying to prop himself up on a pillow. Moore gently tried to help him and the Drowned Man swatted at his hands.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll do it myself. Leave off, Moore.<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s the problem, Seborn? You said we could use more members. And I think it\u2019s worth a shot. I don\u2019t mind being the other [Mage] on the team. I\u2019d prefer another one, actually\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not <\/strong>against <\/strong><\/em>Ulinde, you idiot. I\u2019m for it. But I\u2019m asking whether we\u2019re a team, or a glorified bunch of [Layabouts]!<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n The Drowned Man snapped. He looked at Jelaqua. So did Moore and the Horns. Ceria put a hand out to keep Ksmvr from walking over and joining the conversation. Erin and some of the others were not-so-secretly listening in as Seborn glared at Jelaqua.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ve been dancing off to Pallass every damn day since you met that Dullahan.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cMaughin. His name\u2019s Maughin.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd is he a member of the Halfseekers or not?<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI like him.\u201d<\/p>\n Jelaqua\u2019s expression was closed. The [Rogue]\u2019s Human hand tightened on his bandaged side.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd so you\u2019re abandoning your <\/strong>team<\/strong><\/em>? For what? When the Crelers came through that door, where were you?<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSeborn! That\u2019s not fair!\u201d<\/p>\n Moore was shocked by the accusation. Jelaqua went still. Seborn scowled at his friend.<\/p>\n \u201cIs it? We had to drag that damn door around for days. We\u2019re going to Invrisil! We\u2019re <\/strong>adventurers!<\/strong><\/em> Jelaqua is our Captain, our leader! Not some lovesick child! If we\u2019re going to be a team and take on new members, I want to know we\u2019re actually going to work, and that we have a leader I can respect. Otherwise, I\u2019d rather go find work elsewhere.<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t mean that. That\u2019s\u2014Seborn!\u201d<\/p>\n The [Green Mage]\u2019s voice was rattled. Ulinde\u2019s expression became one of horror. Seborn looked at Jelaqua.<\/p>\n \u201cI mean every word. I\u2019m not going to wait for another week, much less a month. If Jelaqua can\u2019t stay with us while we\u2019re working, I\u2019m out. She can take her time off however she pleases. But if we\u2019re going north, we won\u2019t be coming back to this inn every night!\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cBut Jelaqua can come back if we\u2019re nearby. She\u2019s been gone a bit\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The half-Giant shut up as Seborn pointed a finger at him.<\/p>\n \u201cStop taking her side. You\u2019ve been just as annoyed as I have. What if we take a request that puts us a month away from Invrisil, Moore? Jelaqua has to make a choice. Her personal life or her team. Which is it?<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n Jelaqua was staring at the ground. Now, she paused. Moore opened his mouth, but then he slowly closed it. The two Gold-rank adventurers waited. Ulinde stood, petrified, staring at her idols. And then Jelaqua\u2014<\/p>\n \u2014burst into tears.<\/p>\n Moore, Seborn, the Horns, and everyone else froze. Jelaqua began to sob. She didn\u2019t cry, but her body did everything short of producing liquid. She even wiped at her eyes, giving great, hiccupping sobs in her Gnoll body.<\/p>\n It was so unexpected that Mrsha began to cry as well.<\/p>\n \u201cJelaqua?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin gazed over uncertainly. Jelaqua was sobbing, and something was<\/em> running from her nose and eyes. Not tears. She tried to speak, hiccupped, tried again.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2014it\u2019s not fair! It\u2019s not fair!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Seborn stared at Jelaqua, too taken aback for words. The Selphid turned her leaking, sobbing face to him.<\/p>\n \u201cI just\u2014I don\u2019t want<\/em> to go! I like him! He\u2019s the first person I\u2019ve found that I like.<\/em> Why can\u2019t I stay? It\u2019s not fair!\u201d<\/p>\n Moore and Seborn exchanged a glance. The half-Giant raised a hand and patted Jelaqua on the shoulder.<\/p>\n \u201cThere, there, Jelaqua. Seborn was being angry.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou damn traitor\u2014<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s the door, Jelaqua. We can work around Invrisil. You don\u2019t have to avoid Maughin. It\u2019s just\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know! But I don\u2019t want to quit the team, guys! I don\u2019t want to\u2014but I know<\/em> we\u2019ll have to leave! If we take a big mission we\u2019ll be gone for months! And I can\u2019t ask him\u2014I just wanted to stay for a bit longer. But then the Crelers got you and Seborn and I nearly lost my guys\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Jelaqua\u2019s outpouring of liquid was rapidly stopping. The Selphid sniffed something<\/em> up her nose and Ceria had to look away. She was making wet, bubbling sounds as she spoke.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2014I\u2019m sorry. I know, Seborn. I know<\/em>. I wasn\u2019t there for the fight, or the Crelers\u2014we can take Ulinde. We can try. I just need to talk to Maughin. But it\u2019s so\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She began to hiccup<\/em>. Loudly. Moore was staring at Jelaqua, helplessly. And enviously. Seborn was studying the sky, glaring at the people watching him. At last, the [Rogue] growled.<\/p>\n \u201cFine. Shut up. We\u2019ll do it.<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHuh?\u201d<\/p>\n Moore and Jelaqua both blinked at him. The [Rogue] sounded like he was spitting nails. He nodded at Jelaqua.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll work in the south. Take jobs around Pallass. They have work anywhere we go.<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? Seborn\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Jelaqua\u2019s eyes widened. The [Rogue] lifted a finger.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you sail off on us when we\u2019re working, I <\/strong>will<\/strong><\/em> quit. But we\u2019ll take jobs, work from Pallass. We did it once. On two conditions. We\u2019re getting steady work, not taking breaks for your little holidays. And second, we recruit. We try Ulinde out. And we find more teammates and\u2014<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSeborn!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Jelaqua tackled him. The [Rogue] vanished<\/em> with an oath before she could hit the stretcher where he was lying. Jelaqua grabbed him as he reappeared to the left, hugging and kissing him.<\/p>\n \u201cI love you! Thank you, thank you, thank you\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLet go of me, you damn idiot!<\/strong><\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Moore was beaming and smiling as he tried to hug the [Rogue]. Seborn drew his dagger, and both Moore and Jelaqua let go. Ulinde stared at the three Gold-rank adventurers.<\/p>\n \u201cD-does that mean\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s not getting a full share of the bounty.<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n Moore poked Seborn affectionately.<\/p>\n \u201cShut up. That\u2019s right, Ulinde. You\u2019re a member of the Halfseekers. We\u2019ll try you out and\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Ulinde\u2019s screech<\/em> made even the baseball players look up. She threw up her arms.<\/p>\n \u201cI did it! Palt! Montressa! Beza! Did you hear? I\u2019m a Halfseeker!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh.\u201d<\/p>\n Montressa smiled, but she ducked her head, and her shoulders sagged. This was how it ended. This was how it began. As Ulinde rushed over, Erin got up.<\/p>\n \u201cCongratulations. Jelaqua?\u201d<\/p>\n The Selphid was smiling fit to burst. Seborn was irate, but Moore was smiling.<\/p>\n \u201cI guess we\u2019ll see you on Pallass\u2019 side, Erin. We don\u2019t want to tax your door. But we\u2019ll be around.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin blinked at the Halfseekers.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s good. But\u2014who\u2019ll take the door to Invrisil?\u201d<\/p>\n Seborn paused.<\/p>\n \u201cRight. We left the door.<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n Jelaqua shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cWe could always finish delivering it. It\u2019s not too far.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s just hire Hawk to deliver it to Invrisil. We only didn\u2019t do it to save money and because we were going that way.<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n Moore nodded sagely.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere is he? On delivery? We can take it out of Jelaqua\u2019s share.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHey!\u201d<\/p>\n The debate between the Halfseekers cut off as Ceria walked forwards. She raised a hand.<\/p>\n \u201cI think it\u2019s us.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you mean, Ceria?\u201d<\/p>\n The half-Elf smiled at Erin. The young woman blinked as the Horns came over. While the Halfseekers had been debating, they\u2019d had their own conversation. Now, Erin turned to her friends. It was Yvlon who began.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s been a while since we finished the dungeon. And we always knew we wanted to go to Invrisil. I mean, we have to, in order to exchange our\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Seborn nodded in agreement.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have contacts there. We\u2019d have done it already if it wasn\u2019t for someone jumping that Dullahan every time she\u2014<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Seborn? You made your point. I\u2019ll hit you right where the Creler bit you.\u201d<\/p>\n Silence. Ksmvr took up where Yvlon had left off.<\/p>\n \u201cI have never been to Invrisil. But it seems that this city is quite important for Gold-rank adventurers to visit, is that not right, Comrade Pisces?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt is certainly one of the major cities of Izril. And it would present us with a chance to update our equipment, purchase new spells\u2014and work.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Necromancer] was watching Erin. The [Innkeeper] had a blank\u2014perhaps deliberately blank\u2014look in her eyes. Ceria concluded.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd we\u2019re done here. I mean, I\u2019d love to stay. But we can\u2019t. We need to\u2026go. So if the Halfseekers aren\u2019t going north, we will. We\u2019ll take the door to Invrisil. It\u2019s, what, only a bit away, right? We\u2019ll go through the door, head north. Maybe do some work along the way, but we\u2019ll open the door in Invrisil. And then\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n The [Innkeeper] was peering at Ceria. At the Horns.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll stop by every chance we get. But we might be away for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin Solstice took the news silently. Mrsha popped up from Lyonette\u2019s arms. She\u2019d stopped crying, but now she began to howl.<\/p>\n \u201cIt had to happen someday. And we\u2019re not going to be away forever. Erin\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, I get it. But you\u2019ll stay for a bit, right? You need to recover. And we need to have a farewell party! I can\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Erin stopped. She slowly caught herself and looked around. So did the others.<\/p>\n The Wandering Inn was barely visible from the baseball field at the southern gate. It was to the east, a small building on a hill, past the tall walls of Liscor. Even from afar, Ceria saw how it was broken. The walls caved in. The floors crumbling.<\/p>\n She had seen it broken before, but never this badly. Erin trailed off. There was nowhere for the Horns to stay. Slowly, she cleared her throat.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re going to come back though, right?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria realized her eyes were stinging. She tried not to cry. This was silly! They\u2019d always known this day would come. And she wasn\u2019t even leaving yet. It was just her\u2026aura. Conjuring a bit of snow.<\/p>\n That was all. Slowly, Erin regarded her friends. At Ksmvr, pausing, head turning towards the distance, already calculating provisions, supplies, thinking of his team. At Yvlon, feeling at her arms, smiling crookedly. Ceria, trying not to cry and failing as she looked at the young woman. And Pisces. He seemed\u2026tired. But happier than when they\u2019d met. He bowed slightly.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you for taking care of a rather wretched fool, Miss Solstice. Erin. But we all must go. We shall come back. That is a promise.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlways.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria sniffed.Then Erin did cry. The last day of spring was a bright one, too bright and warm for tears. But they fell anyways. For good or ill. For that truth of truths.<\/p>\n Everything changes.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n He saw no light of day in his cell. Nor did he see his friends. Calruz the Minotaur could neither move nor stand. But he was alive.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m alive. I\u2019m still alive.\u201d<\/p>\n The Minotaur wept and laughed, uncontrollably. Despair and a fierce relief ran through him. Despite it all! He had hurled himself into the heart of the inn, into death.<\/p>\n And it hadn\u2019t been given to him. He could have died with honor. But they had found him. Erin had. And she\u2019d pulled him back.<\/p>\n Into hell. Into damnation. Calruz saw a little rat scurry over him and nibble at one of his bandages. It fled as he laughed again, hysterical.<\/p>\n \u201cYou should have let me die. Why? Why didn\u2019t she? Why didn\u2019t you?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Watch Captain Zevara sat on a little stool across from Calruz. She looked at him.<\/p>\n \u201cI suppose because I\u2019m a cruel person. Because I think you can still earn redemption. Because I don\u2019t want you to die. As for Miss Solstice? She can be cruel.\u201d<\/p>\n Calruz looked at her. The Minotaur laughed again hoarsely.<\/p>\n \u201cI leveled. I changed my class.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Honorbound Prisoner] stared at the [Watch Captain]. She smiled slightly. Then she looked past him.<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t change your cell, Calruz. Nor can I pardon you for your crimes. Or prove your guilt or innocence one way or another. Not yet. But I can do what is in my power as Watch Captain. You won\u2019t earn your freedom for risking your life once. Even against Crelers.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI just wanted honor. And death.\u201d<\/p>\n The Minotaur whispered. Zevara paused.<\/p>\n \u201cI know. But I can\u2019t give it to you. I still see an innocent person in my cells. One day, I\u2019ll prove it. Until then, I\u2019m sentencing you to hard labor. To\u2014certain death. Should the Watch be in need.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAgain?\u201d<\/p>\n Something like hope surfaced in the Minotaur\u2019s eyes. Zevara looked at him.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s always something. I can\u2019t offer you anything else.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut you\u2019ll let me fight? Let me\u2014face odds like that again?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a promise.\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake looked at Calruz. Slowly, the Minotaur sat up. His body screamed. But his soul shouted louder. He looked at Zevara. And he recalled the nature of the Skill he had gained. His new class.<\/p>\n Maybe it was wrong. Or maybe he could believe he\u2019d reclaimed something he thought lost forever. Perhaps it wasn\u2019t for the system to decide. But for a second, Calruz let himself believe. He looked at Zevara and closed his eyes. The Skill burned its name into his mind, louder than the whispers.