Dungeons & Disappointment

Chapter 36: Mahila the Wise

I stood at the edge of the bow as the ship sailed through the air. At the helm, taking the first nights watch, was BahnBarr, who, while driving the ship, was reading over new spells that she had bought. She had sworn up and down that she could fly while reading, but my stomach didn't agree. Nevertheless, the promise of some time off was too good to pass up. I looked out over the railing of the bow, at the mountains that we were passing, when I heard footsteps behind me. I turned, and there was Haneen, looking happy since we fed her. She gave me a smile, then leaned against the railings.

"Hey, uhm, thanks for everything back there." She said. "I know Ormgaul can be......difficult."

"Oh, that's not a problem." I said, then dropped my voice to a whisper as I jabbed my thumb back at BahnBarr. "I know all about difficult."

She gave me a halfhearted smile. I couldn't blame her. "You guys aren't friends?"

"No, I would save her if she needed, no questions asked, but we just butt heads sometimes."

She nodded a little, then looked out at the ground far below us. She was silent.

"You alright?"

She gave me a slow nod. "Yes. I'm just...finding it a little bit hard to get used to being around people again."

Now, she turned completely towards me.

"You really aren't going to kick us off the ship?"

I was about to answer, but then, she took out her tome, flipped a page or two, and stuck out her hand. She spoke an incantation in a harsh sounding language and dialect, which I realized way too late was Draconic. And she had just cast Zone of Truth.

"No, I won't throw you off the ship." I said, feeling a little bit fuzzy. "As long as you're with us, we'll protect and feed you."

She eyed me a little warily, but she looked rather satisfied with the answer.

"Sorry about the Zone of Truth. I have to be certain."

"Well, since I told you the truth, can I get an answer?"

She eyed me suspiciously. "Sure."

"Well, what are you two? Boyfriend and girlfriend?"

She gave me a disgusted look. "That's my brother!"

Immediately, I felt a little sick in my mouth. "Oh. Sorry."

"It's fine. It's just been us two for a long time now. I know he won't say it, but he's tired of that life. And so am I."

"And that's why you stowed away aboard the ship?" I asked, earning a nod. "But then, if you're a Half-ling, how is your brother a Dragonborn?"

Her face got a little darker.

"My parents, uhm, they remarried."

I felt I shouldn't push the topic anymore. Instead, I turned to her and gave her a smile.

"I understand. But look, you're here now, and we've got your back. And your brother's back. We only ask that you do the same."

She nodded. "I've got your back, and so will he. I'm sure of it."

"Alright, I'm getting some sleep. You should too. Good night."

I went down below, then crashed down on the bed, with Finana in the bunk underneath me, and Ormgaul and Haneen on the other side of the room. I pulled the covers over myself, trying to make myself comfortable, and I finally fell asleep.