As a dragon, I find this romantic as fuck AADIFTRAF

Respite

The three guard leaders gathered in the dining hall, it's been weeks since they've had time to have a drink together. Nevra is busy with connecting dots, interrogating people and getting nowhere near making peace with Karenn's absence. Ezarel has been neck deep in networking, he's hustling like never before. He messaged his dad, his dad messaged some other rich people those rich people did who knows what. Well, whatever, now they had a small towns worth of scolars volunteering to go into the antient ruins. Isn't it amazing? It's not their problem anymore!

Valkyon on the other hand had been filling in for both of them, it's been a nightmare having to cover three shifts but he will die before complaining about literally anything. The pay is that good!

They sat down, Karuto already poured them shots. Nevra sighs after downing his own. "So, enjoying your time with my replacement? Is Kassvin as funny, handsome, smart and witty as me? Is-"

"Quit biching, you know we wouldn't abandon you!" Ezarel pat his back. "But maybe you should consider making us food if you want to compete! Damn those thin mints were good, I think my brain chemistry is altered!"

They laughed and did another round of shots, gotta get the groove going. Once the vampire recovered from the atrocious taste, he had the less than spetacular idea to poke fun at Valkyon. He decided to not think twice about it because he would chicken out for sure. "Maybe if I took it from the back you would visit me every night too, wouldn't you Valky-boy?"

"Get in line if you're so desperate." The head cook brought them a pint of ale each, which they thanked and got into immediately. The dumbassery resumed.

"You taught me how to artfully bother people, maybe he could learn a thing or two about a pain in the ass!" Ezarel said.

"Please, I'm a married man!" At that, the two clowns erupted into the heyena howl of the century, piercing ears and destroying lives with the laughter that is nearly an OSHA violation.

'it's one of those nights.'- whispered Karuto, already done with Nevra's 'I'll never drink again!' speech tomorrow. He had a front row seat to each and every one of those hungover performances.

"Oh, I'm sure he'll be gentle, with so much experience he-"

"That's enough." Valkyon said, his tone left Nevra a little bit spooked. He just looked at the silver haired menace in silence. That lasted for approximately four seconds before Ezarel couldn't hold it and started a laughing fit that spanned multiple minutes.

The spectacle died down after they ran out of breath, teared up and forgot that they literally had no clue what was so damn funny.

Painting, tired and not nearly drunk enough for their liking, they just sat there and sipped from their kegs.

Until they saw what would otherwise be a cause for concern. Kassvin walked in with an arrow thought his head. Just joking, it's stuck in his bun, but the leaders did have to do a double take on that one.

Ezarel snorted. "He used to be an adventurer, but then he took an arrow." The three of them cackled like witches.

"Ay, Kassvin!" Valkyon called. "You got something stuck in your hair!" Shut up, Valkyon!

"Shut up, Valkyon!"

The eyes of a dozen onlookers widened -yes these bastards were howling at the moon while others were trying to eat in peace- in horror. Nobody disrespects the guard leaders, especially Valkyon who makes the meal plan with Karuto AND the workout program that they have to suffer through! (Way too much power in one hand if you ask me) Anyway this was quite shocking for the guard members...

"Aight, wanna sit with us and explain what happened?" He let it slide because no matter how big and strong he is, Kassvin will allways have a monopoly on the audacity in the room. Noone can tell this guy shit!