The Lightbearer's Gift

Taking a place next to Sten in the formation, we started on our hike through the forest back to Mistle. As soon as we started walking, Sten wasted no time getting down to business.

He started by asking. “So, what do you think of the Bronze Spears?” Unsure of what approach I should take, I opted for something approaching the truth.

“They are quite impressive; everyone seems to know their business. Lilian’s stealth skills and Sarah’s magic are quite impressive. Though John's cooking can use some work.” I said.

He barked out a laugh at that statement. “As shocking as it might seem, this is much better than what he uses to serve.” I raised an eyebrow.

I might not have any memories, but Johns’ food could at best be called edible, imagining it being worse seems an impossible task.

“Think you can see yourself doing mercenary work. “He asked.

Spending my time facing death, eating what barely passes as food and relieving myself in the woods, is not how I would like to spend my life. But I needed him to think I wanted to do this work, so I opted to lie.

“I could, but I have no skill with swords and though my magic is useful, if we were to ever face something or someone, I can't flash blind, I'll be mostly a burden.” I replied.

“See, that was my thought exactly. Just so happens, there is one light mage I know of who might be able to teach you. And if my estimation of your intelligence is correct it should take you months, not years, to learn light magic.” he said.

I know he is baiting me, but the possibility that I could learn proper magic was too tempting an offer to refuse. “How would you convince him to teach me?” During one of our conversations, he stated that receiving training in magic from a proper institution would require oaths of allegiance, as well as the requirement that I submit to conscription. I may be desperate to learn, but I was not going to fight for some country I don’t care about.

He whispered conspiratorially, “There is a light mage that lives in a village a few leagues east of Vernon. He owes me a debt.”

“Breala tells me light mages don't often do mercenary work, but I'm not the type to sit still, so If he can teach me, I would be more than willing to sign a contract.” So long as the contract wasn’t too extraneous and not indefinite, I would be willing to continue working with them. He produced a slip of paper. It was filled with text, here and there, lines were crossed out and rewritten.

It seemed like a standard contract, modified for my unique circumstance. It specified that I would receive a flat proportion of each contract price that varied depending on the type of contract. 8 were listed. Depending on if the contract was extermination, guarding, escorting, or even fighting in wars the portion would increase, but it seems to be anywhere between half and a quarter of the price.

If healing work outside of the confines of the contract is asked for by the contractor, then a tenth of the profits will go to the company and a quarter to Sten as repayment for the debt incurred to him, the rest to me directly. I noted that there was no coin price on the debt; it simply said debt incurred. This likely means that he would receive that quarter so long as I was under contract. The rest of the page was filled with details of my role and expectations on joining the company. Healing, magical support, watch duty, as well as the statement that any coin in rest periods between contracts were solely mine.

So, depending on the contract Sten stood to make a significant amount of coin if my services are required outside of its confines. There is also the part that stipulated the contract length of 3 years. It wasn’t the time that perturbed me, it was how it defined 3 years as contracted work not 3 years from the date the contract was signed. Depending on the frequency of contracted work it would take more than 3 years to fulfill my contract with Sten.

“The part about the contract length you define 3 years as contracted time. Make it 3 years from the sign date the rest is tolerable.” I said.

Sten seemed to not like that and said, “The debt I’m giving up on Garrett is significant. I need to get my money’s worth.” Apparently, the mage’s name was Garrett.

“How much does he owe you?” I needed to know how much he truly was giving up.

“It’s not coin. Simply a solemn dept between two men, one that is worth teaching you light magic under the table and going against the Light Magic Institute policies.” Seeing that I would not get an answer I moved on from that line of query.

It seems that Sten’s sole motivation for this contract is whatever profit he can gain from my training. Appealing to his greed I said. “How about this, instead of the 25% you can get 35 the company will of course keep their 10%”.

He seemed more pleased by this and with a sly smile said. “Make it 40 and you have a deal.”. Almost half of my profits would be gone. In truth I have no basis for which to judge how much of a terrible deal this was. But what choice do I have? In the end I cannot let this opportunity pass.

“40 it is.” I said knowing he was screwing me over.

3 years seemed like a long time, however the little I know of this world shows that those without power are liable to be killed or exploited. Even though I was resentful of being corralled into a deal before I could explore any other opportunities, I was excited by the idea of learning magic.

“Excellent.” Sten said, looking far too pleased with himself.

The next several hours passed with me and Sten in quiet discussion about the particulars of working as a contracted mercenary. Apparently, each member of the company had their own contract tailored to their specific skills. Some had stipulations on their contract such as Sarah’s requirement that she cannot take contracts that fall outside of the Vendalian Empire's borders. It detailed everything to travel expectations, lodging, expectation that Sten will take contracts within the group’s skill level.

We even went over how contracts were enforced. Apparently, breaking a contract is a serious crime and those who were guilty of this were hunted down and forced to pay whatever value was agreed in the breakage clause. This could be anything from paying a fine, to indentured servitude. We would have to go to a place called the House of Law in Vernon to get the contract officially signed and recognized.

After bedding down for the night, I spent some time contemplating what I wanted to do with my life. One singular goal I had was finding a way to regain my memories. If Garette cannot cure me of my amnesia, if it even was at all curable through magic. I would have to find those with more power and experience. A significant amount of traveling would have to be done. I have to assume that there will be dangers for a lone elf in the world. I needed the power to ensure my security as well as a steady source of income. Connections will have to be forged with those in power. I doubt I can simply walk up to the greatest healers and magicians of the world and simply ask for a cure. The path before me seemed daunting, however I am determined to follow it, even if I have to begin by crawling.

Eventually Caan woke me with a shove, it was my turn to watch for tonight with Lilian. She was already awake, and I just caught a glimpse of her disappearing into the forest. Following Breala’s lead from the night before, I started circling the camp far enough so my steps would not wake anyone.

“So, you intend to learn magic from the humans.” I almost yelped as she suddenly appeared next to me. 10 minutes of walking in the forest with only the wind, leaves and my footsteps for company did not prepare me for that.

Calming my racing heart I said. “What little I have seen is impressive and I seem to have a talent for it.” she scoffed at my answer. Abandoning any politeness I said.

“If you have an opinion, by all means share it.” I said.

“The human’s system of magic is primitive; they bend the Ether to their will instead of guiding it.” I don’t see why I should care how human magic uses the ether.

“What does it matter, so long as it is effective?”

“What humans do with sigils and formulas we do with will alone.” she said, and in the same moment she vanished from my sight. No sigils, no pulse in the Ether, one moment she was simply there, and the next, gone.

“As impressive as that is, it's probably impossible for me to learn,” I said to the air.

She appeared and said, “It would be best if you learn from your own kind instead of selling yourself to these humans.” Once again, she said humans in a derisive tone.

“From what I have learned the elven lands are months away, or do you, like Sten, have a convenient light mage tucked away somewhere.” She was about to respond when I cut her off.

“Either way it doesn’t matter, I know Sten’s intentions. He wants to profit from my abilities. I don't know the intentions of elves a thousand leagues away.” I still had a lot to learn about human laws, customs, and politics but unless she can give me some solid reasons to not learn human magic, whatever her real intentions are doesn’t matter.

She bit her lips, clearly trying to find some reason to turn me from my current path. “Moon, no elf would lower themselves to using human magic.” I couldn't believe she was trying to appeal to my nonexistent elven pride. With a laugh I said. “Ha, what part of no memories do you not understand?”

“Would you not prefer to learn with those who could teach you about yourself?” Did she actually know something about me or was this some kind of bait?

“And what could you possibly tell me about myself?” I stopped to stare at her intently.

“Your hair and eyes, do you know what they mean?” That was certainly not the direction I thought she would go.

“No, what could they possibly mean.”

“You are most likely a pure blood royal elf, one of the only two living.”

“Are you saying I’m some kind of prince?” Lilian, whose eyes started to become fanatical.

“Wood elf, snow elf, desert elf. We all inherit traits from the Ether that permeate our home. After the rebellion from the royals, most were dead, the surviving queen was dethroned and forced to live in a distant corner of our lands. With the loss of the royals, we lost our unity and our strength. And then the humans came, and we lost most of the land to them. My clan serves the last queen. If you returned with me, it would change everything. You could take a place at her side, or she could adopt you. There is even fertility magic that could........” She started to ramble, her words not being able to keep up with her thoughts. I figured I should stop her in her tracks.

“Fertility magic? What would you need that for.” my mind locked on to that for some reason.

“The former queen is centuries old, so reproduction is difficult. If you would agree to have children with her, the rewards would be plentiful.”

“How would a few royal children change anything for the elves or your clan.” I asked in a neutral tone.

“Royal elves have some of the most powerful magic in the known world; they would not have fallen if not for the betrayal. If we returned that might back to the elves.” I nodded along as if I was beginning to accept her idea. I interrupted her speech and interjected my own thoughts.

“Others would flock to your banner and unify under the royals once more and of course since your clan serves the former queen you would reap the most rewards.” I don’t know enough about elven society to gauge if such a thing would happen, but Lilian seems to believe so.

“The clans bicker, argue, and scheme against each other like humans and their nobility.” She really didn’t like humans, though that begs the question, why is she here working for a human mercenary.

“What kind of rewards would be given to me?” I was curious what she would promise.

“We have some of the greatest light mages, powerful amplifiers and you would be mated to one of the most beautiful elves to ever live.” she gave me a pleading look and asked. “Will you come with me?”

“NO.” I said firmly.

“Wh, what” she said surprised.

“I do not care about elven histories, or my supposed royal blood and I am not willing to become some tool that you and the former queen can use to advance yourselves.” She did not seem pleased by my response, but I would not be deterred. “If this queen is so important to you, why are you here instead of your homeland.” This stopped whatever she was about to say.

She hesitated to answer and then said, “That is not your concern.”

Digging a bit more I asked. “Can you even return to your homeland?”

The fact that she didn't answer was proof enough she couldn't. “But you could return with me, is that it? Is a pure blood royal such a prize?” She couldn't look at me, but it was clear. I was the key to her being able to return home.

She said nothing in response. “Don’t pin your hopes of returning home on me Lilian. I serve myself and only myself.” I spun on my heels and walked away, leaving her in the night. Her inane dreams of an elven renaissance felt like a waste of time and effort to me, regardless of the supposed rewards.

I spent the next hour contemplating what had occurred between us. Perhaps I could have handled the situation better. Maybe show some sympathy for her situation, but in all honesty, I couldn’t care less about some long-lost elven glory or the reasons why she couldn’t return home. If I ever gain the power to guarantee I could get what I want from the elves, then maybe I would reconsider. I didn’t see Lilian until our watch was over and she had to wake Mark while I woke Bast.

It took 5 more days to reach Mistle, during that time I began to get to know the company more as the forest cleared into grasses planes. We started to travel on a dirt road. Tall pines gave way to small rolling hills. In the morning before dinner, Breala would teach me swordsmanship. After 5 days I made little progress, it didn’t help my pride that it became a source of entertainment for the camp, even Caan sat down to watch as Breala taught me. I still had no talent for it, but I reason it was better to have almost no skill with something that zero. She even indulged my curiosity about hybrid children. It was interesting to know that hybrid offspring was an exceedingly rare occurrence due to distinct species being incompatible. Though the fact that they could produce hybrid children does suggest a common ancestor. Something to think about later.

I tried to avoid Lilian as much as possible. It became easy as she didn’t seem to enjoy being around the members of the company. I suggested to Sten to pair me with Breala during the watch, since she’s the one I have gotten closest to over the last week. Sten certainly wanted to give me more reasons to be comfortable, so he was happy to oblige me. As we got closer to civilization, we began to pass farms of all sizes, growing what looked to be some kind of grain. I saw fields of cattle and other livestock grazing. We even passed a large cart being pulled by what vaguely looked like oxen, with a single large horn jutting out of its forehead.

In the distance I could see what had to be Mistle. It wasn’t particularly large, the village consisted of a few dozen buildings of varying sizes. Some were homes with thatched roofs, others seemed larger and more ornate, they had no walls or fortifications to speak of. As we approached the main road I saw. two men dressed in red brigandines and a metal helmet, both sported a shield and sword. They drew their weapons at our approach.

“Ho their boys, calm down you’re not being raided.” Seeming to recognize Sten’s voice, both of the men sheathed their swords and came over, “Sten your back sooner than I thought. those Gobbs dead?” The younger one on the left asked.

“Dead to the last.” Sten nodded to Mikah carrying the sack containing the rotting parts of goblins. “Good work, the headman is going to be happy. He's been chafin not being able to send out shipments south.” The rest of the group, with the exception of Mark and Mikah who were carrying the goblin parts, began to enter the main square of the village. The guards were enraptured as Sten began to regale them with tales of the battle. Not knowing what else to do. I followed the rest of the group. They eventually entered one of the larger buildings.

It was a two storied structure with a large two door entrance from which I could hear conversation. Inside there were around 20 tables scattered around the room. Some people either ate or drank. The smell of the food was intoxicating, Sarah immediately headed to the bartender and after a short conversation headed up to the second story. One by one the members of the bronze spears took a seat at the bar. The bartender, a large, muscled man with a bald head who was busy polishing a glass said. “What are the lot of you having?”

They started to order food and beer. Before it was my turn to order, Breala said, “I'll cover you until you get your cut. Sten will probably be here within the hour.”

I nodded to her in thanks. The bartender gave me a curious look and spoke. “And how did Sten get his hands on another she-elf.” I suppose this is going to be a common occurrence with humans from now on.

“That one’s a male.” Tanner said with a hint of laughter in her voice.

He looked at me dubiously and said, “Uh huh” clearly not believing her. Tanner who was in the middle of downing her drink slammed it down on the counter and spoke.

“Saw him stark naked I did, ain't much room for doubt.” The bartender took Tanner’s tankard and refilled it. “This story, I have to hear.”

Intoxicated as she was, she was blessedly sparse with details about my circumstance, particularly my loss of memories. Once she got to the battle, I was largely forgotten about, until she got to the point where I emptied my stomach on the floor. This brought laughter to everyone’s lips.

Eventually platters were brought out and in front of each person a meal was given. 3 extra platters with metal lids were placed at the end of the table. My platter had a large bowl of stew with thick cuts of some kind of meat and vegetables along with what I assume are potatoes. There was a hand sized loaf of bread that smelled of butter and honey and several pork sausages that smelled smoked. As soon as the platter was placed the group started to dive in. Conversation halted as we practically inhaled the fantastic food. From the corner of my eye, I could see a woman bringing a platter up to the second’s story.

I forced down the last bite of sausage, surprisingly I managed to eat the entire meal. The same woman from earlier, a brown-haired woman in a stained white apron came from the kitchen behind the bar and started to collect the platters. Each member placed a silver on the counter, looking pleased at the sight, the bartender snatched up the coin and started refilling tankards with even more beer. I struck up some idle conversation with Breala for a while and a few minutes later Sten, Mikah and Mark walked in all wearing pleased expressions. One by one Sten Gave each person a leather pouch. He gave one to me as well, opening it I saw that it had two Gelding and 20 Sterling. Based on a few whistles and broad smiles this was a good pay day.

I offered Berala a silver for the meal, but she refused. The meal itself couldn’t have cost more than a few copper shillings. One of the conversations I had with Mikah explained the relative value of currency and their names. A shilling is a standard copper coin, around an inch across stamped with the emblem of the Vendalian empire and one side and the likeness of the ruling monarch on the other. Sterlings were silver pieces and geldings were gold all bearing the same stamp. All had the same emblem; however, the likeness of the ruling monarch was different meaning that they were pressed at different times.

The emblem was a two-headed snake with its body wrapped around some kind of bird it was about to consume. There was another form of currency, iron bits, that only the poor used. These were small rectangular pieces of iron that were traded by weight. 2 or 3 copper can buy you a meal at an inn. 10 or so can buy you a room for a night. One sterling was worth 20 copper and one gelding was worth 80 sterling. A farmer with a year of work could earn around 15 to 20 sterling a year. Which would be 380 days and 14 months of work each month having between 3 to 5 weeks.

That means within the leather pouch Sten handed me I had 8 years’ worth of pay for a standard laborer. Nobody seemed keen to share how many coins they had but the fact that all slapped down another silver on the counter probably meant that they were well paid. I had no interest in drinking anymore so after I emptied my tankard, I rejected another refill. Sarah eventually returned and from the looks of her she must have had a bath. Her hair was cleaned and styled with elaborate braids. This time she wore a dark green cloak over stylish leather armor, dyed such a dark green it looked to be black. Unlike before she had jewelry on her fingers, ears, and neck. A few of the men gave her appreciative glances but a sharp look from her and they straightened up. She sat at the far end of the counter. The barman came over and handed her a silver chalice that proceeded to fill with some wine.

I was curious why a woman who was clearly nobility was working as a mercenary, but I didn’t want to bother myself by approaching her. Even though it was still morning, the company began downing stout after stout, the only ones who were not participating were Sarah, Breala and I.

A sudden thought struck me, and I asked Breala “How long are they going to be celebrating?” She looked at me quizzically and spoke. “They’ll probably be at it well into the night. Why do you ask”?

“I was thinking of getting a bath. How much would something like that go for.” She thought for a bit and spoke.

“Water bucket and some cloth, a few shillings maybe. If you want soap oils and an attendant, probably a sterling or two.”

“How about a shirt, pants, socks and new boots.” I continued to question.

“Maybe another five or six if you want something well made.” smirking, I took out 12 sterling out of my pouch and pocketed it and gave the pouch to Brela. “Do you mind watching this for me” with a shrug she said “sure. enjoy your bath.”

I approached the woman who I saw going up and down the stairs.

“Pardon me madam.” I said to her.

She gave me a once over then said, “what can I do for yuh sweetling.”

“Would you happen to have a bath available?” I asked.

“Of course, do you want something basic or something deluxe?” She asked.

“How much is the deluxe?” I asked.

“2 sterling”. After she said that I immediately gave her 3. She instantly vanished them somewhere behind her apron and then asked her.

“Are there any tailors in town that can make good clothing and perhaps some boots to go along with that? As you can see, I’m a bit of a mess at the moment.” She gave my clothing a once over then nodded in sympathy.

“I know just the people for the job. How's about this? I get them over. You get measured for clothing, you take a bath and hopefully they have something in your size. If not, I'm sure they can tailor something for you for tomorrow.”

“That’s great if it’s decent quality. I'm willing to spend at least seven or six silver.” her eyebrow raised, then her smile got even wider, and she said, “Don’t you worry bout a thing deary, I’ll take care of everything. DENA.” She shouted a girl's name. A redheaded woman perhaps in her early twenties, with green eyes and a freckled face came running down the stairs.

“He wants a deluxe bath, take him up and make sure to treat him well and get the good towels.”

Dena looked at me then said with a smile. “Ok then come with me.”

I followed her upstairs and she opened a door at the end of the hall then we entered. In the middle of the room was a copper bathtub in a slightly raised area. There were gaps in the floorboards where water would leak out. Towels were lined in a rack to one corner and glass bottles filled with various liquids were lining a shelf on my left. Behind the tub was a paper screen likely to retain modesty while undressing. I wondered where the water would go since we were on the second story of the tavern.

Dena started to say, “You can change behind there. We will bring as many buckets of water as you need to get clean. Then you can rest in the tub for a while and if you wish I can help you with your hair. Don’t worry about your clothes, we can get them cleaned for you.” Shrugging I went behind the barrier and started undressing. As I removed my clothes and belted sword, I handed them to Dena who stood at an angle where she couldn’t see me nude. There was a metal chair behind the screen, taking a seat, she handed me a clean cloth and a bar of soap that smelled like oranges. Eventually another person carrying water came in and left them within reach.

I was 13 buckets in, my skin was a bright pink, and my hair had returned to its pale white color. When I finally felt like I was clean enough a said to Dena. “Alright I think I’m ready to soak.” I announced.

I came out from the barrier and noted that Dena was standing with her back to me. There seemed to be flower petals floating on the surface of the water and the steam that rose off the surface smelled like lavender. I couldn’t stop a moan of pleasure from escaping my mouth as I sunk into the copper tub. “Would you like me to take care of your hair? Dena asked.

“Please.” I said, giving her permission. She came up behind me and lifted my hair over the edge of the tub. She used 4 towels to dry my hair then proceeded to rub a sweet oil that smelled like honey into my hair and scalp. She then spent a quarter hour working out tangles until the comb could glide through my hair smoothly. “You have such beautiful hair. And the color! I’ve never seen hair so white” she said.

“Thank you,”

Her soft hummin was the only noise in the room as she ran a comb through my hair. After she was finished with it, she said. “How about I do your hands and feet next.”

She fetched me another towel and I carefully exited the tub, so I didn’t get my hair wet again. I dried myself and she handed me a white robe to wear. She led me over to a reclined chair and asked.” How do you want your hair styled?”

I thought for a moment then said. “I was thinking of cutting it, because it gets in the way very often.”

With despair in her voice, she said. “What? No. You can't cut it. This must have taken years to grow.”

I simply shrugged then said. “What do you suggest?”

“How's about I braid it for you, so it doesn't get in the way.” She said with hope in her voice.

She had been so diligent with her work I was willing to indulge her.

“Sure”

I allowed her to do her work. We talked about trivial things over the time it took to do my hair, everything from the weather to the state of the roads. She seemed particularly interested in the goblin raid. So, I regaled her with a shortened version of the battles. 30 Minutes later she finished her work and brought over a mirror, which was really a polished piece of circular metal.

“What do you think?”

She had separated my hair into large braids that ran from my temple to the back of my head. These combined into a singular large braid that was long enough to reach my lower back. The end of the braid was tied with a piece of blue cloth, probably to preventing it from unraveling.

I suppose it looked nice, if a bit too feminine, but at this point there is little I could do to look less like a woman. “It looks great and well done.” I said.

She seemed pleased, then there was a knock at the door. She skipped over to answer and turned to me then said. “It’s the tailor and cobbler you asked for.”

I nodded at her to let them in, a large woman and short bald man, walked in carrying tools I didn’t recognize. I was wearing a robe, so I had no need to cover myself. “Oh, aren’t you a sweet thing.” She said, all smiles. “Tell me what clothes you are looking for.” The man didn't say anything at all.

“Something sturdy and comfortable that can handle long travel and a lot of walking.” She nudged the man forward and he went to measure my feet using a sliding tool. “Colors? What style?” I didn't care what the colors were so long as they were well-made.

“Nothing to garish, black or blues maybe. As for style, anything that matches the current style in the region.” I said with a shrug.

She took several measurements along my arms, legs, and chest, then she and the bald man bargained with me for some time on the price of the outfit. She assured me that the clothing she makes was well worth the 7 sterling she asked for. I agreed to the price then gave her 3 sterling as a downpayment. They left the room after going over some details about delivery time. We agreed on tomorrow morning.

Dena spent another half an hour idly messaging my arms and legs. I lightly dozed for a while until one of Dena’s hands brushed across the tip of one ear. It twitched in response, and she let out a small giggle. “I didn’t realize they moved.” I wiggled them back and for her. She lit out another giggle and then asked, “Can I touch them.”

Not seeing a problem with it I said. “Sure, go ahead.” I felt tingles down my spine as she gently stroked my large ears, I found the feeling somewhat enjoyable. This continued for a few minutes. I opened my eyes to see that she had been staring at my face. We locked eyes for a moment. “You have the most beautiful eyes," she said in a whisper.

Her hand that was caressing an ear slowly moved down tracing a line from my jaw to my chin. Tilting my chin up I invited her to caress more of my face.

“DENA. Where are you girl.” The barwoman’s voice bellowed from down the hall. Dena flinched and the intimate moment we were having shattered. “Oh, drats I’ve been with you for too long. Looks like I’m needed, I’ll have someone bring you your laundered clothes.” she hastily said. Before she could leave, I took a sterling out of the pocket of my robes and pressed it into her palm. “Thank you, Dena, you were wonderful.” She smiled brightly then curtsied and spoke. “Thank you, feel free to ask for me if you need anything.” She then rushed out of the room, her brown dress flowing behind her. Some point a young girl, maybe 9 years old, brought my clothes along with my sword back to the bath.

She barely gave me a second glance before she dropped them on a bench then rushed off to do something else. The clothes looked clean, and the boots polished. Dressing, I exited the washroom and went downstairs to rejoin my companions. It was at least 2 hours later, and the room was much livelier. There were at least two people at each table. Servers brought people steaming bowls for food and tankards of beer, back and forth from the bar and kitchens. Seeing the rest of the company, with the exception of Lilian and Sarah at a larger table, I joined them.

Mikah who at this point was slurring his words said. “Moon where u been this whole time.” Taking an empty seat I said. “The bath.”

“For two hours?” He sounded incredulous. It didn't feel like two hours, but I suppose I fell asleep for some of it.

“I might have fallen asleep at one point.”

With a grin Mikah said. “Tired you out did she, ah, but she is a cute one.” He said staring off into the distance. Following his eyes, I saw that he spotted Dena carrying a tray of food to a table.

“So how was she?” Catching the implication I said.

“Oh, we didn't bed each other, she just gave me a massage and did my hair.” He squinted at my hair as if just now noticing the change. Mikah with disappointment in his voice said. “Ah……………. pretty. Really you didn’t do anything.” I thought back to those last moments before we were interrupted but that was hardly worth considering. “No, she really just did her job.”

With a sigh he said, “Moon you are a disappointment to us all.” There were some chuckles at that statement.

Then Sten looked at me, he on the other hand was clearly sober then asked. “Would you have?”

“Would I have lain with her?” I asked myself aloud. She was a lovely girl, her red hair and many freckles only added to her beauty. I suppose if our moment got any further something might have happened.

With a shrug I said. “Sure, she's quite attractive.”

Sten gave me a searching look then said. “Interesting.” I was about to ask what was so interesting about that but another serving girl came with a platter filled with tankards.

The group attacked their drinks as if it was their last night on earth. I drank only one cup throughout their revelry. Even Breala seemed to be enjoying herself, laughing and joking with the others, livelier than I have ever seen her, the alcohol taking away her inhibitions. Someone strummed on what sounded like either a guitar or a harp and the tavern drifted into a song that I had never heard. Dissonant voices bellowing in unison about a soldier's lost love and his fight to retrieve it.

A livelier tune was started, and people started dancing. People skipped and hopped their arms flailing as the flow of alcohol removed any inhibitions, they had about how ridiculous they looked. As the party raged onward members of the company dragged me into their revelry shoving drink after drink into my hand. Dena came over to me and dragged me into a dance. She laughed at my awkward shuffling. While she twirled and skipped hypnotically to the beat. She took me by the hand and led me towards the stairs. With a look back I saw no one noticing I had left so I followed her. Using a key, she opened a room door and we both went inside. She pulled me into a soft kiss and after a small amount of hesitation I reciprocated. Eventually the clothes were removed, and our bodies were intertwined on a small bed in the room. So, I spent the rest of the night and eventually falling asleep in Dena’s embrace.