The gold embers fell slowly as the day had come to an end for the citizens of Ninble. Home lights went out one by one as the people had fallen asleep. There was light chatter on the streets as the restless wandered in pursuit of nighttime activities; restaurants and shops for those who acted allergic to the sun. And others who snuck past the town garrison looking for adventures outside of the borders.
However tonight, there was a new activity that happened very infrequently— a party at Vibbons'. Vibbon hated staying up later than usual. Wanting to get as much sleep to deal with the daily troubles he often raged about. But tonight was a special occasion. Tonight, they celebrated the victory Garrick had earned over the recent reforged attack. Many of the wealthier citizens had come to the event wearing their most vibrant garbs. Glowing jewels and high-ranking symbols were embroidered on their cloaks.
The garrison had also taken tonight to strip out of their usual armours in favor of softer fabrics, Clean leather, and shiny accessories. The crowd was both loud, as well as elegant. Some couples danced slowly to the rhythms of the Mughzons playing their instrument appendages. Even some of the local Clyoh had taken time to calmly dance with their smaller dates.
Vibbon pulled levers and twisted knobs in an attempt to keep up with the demands of the crowd. A task he refused to tire over. He slid drinks down the bar, poured refills through the tubes at the different tables and booths, and even ran and hopped food onto tables when ordered.
Through the ruckus, an unusual order was placed, prompting him to go to the storage rooms for supplies. When he walked in, he found Garrick sitting on one of the spare chairs he had kept ready. She sat in silence, unfazed by his arrival.
"There you are! Where the flip have you been!? These people are waiting for you! Sooner you go out, the sooner these fools will leave me alone!" Vibbon grumbled with a large frown as he went through different crates.
"This feels wrong, Vibb." Garrick lamented. Her eyes stoic, as she rubbed the handle of her hammer which leaned against her shoulder.
"What'r you on about?" Vibbon raised a brow. Slowing down his search.
"This whole party feels dishonored." Her voice became soft. A voice few heard. "I didn't defeat the reforged. The Fabled Compass crew did. I was just the last one standing when it was over." She gripped her hammer tight. "And this party. Why are we throwing this party? This cost us a large sum of annulus. Annulus that could go towards keeping us out of the crossweavers' shadow. Everything about it feels wrong."
"Oh shut your trap," Vibbon spoke soft, yet firm. Grabbing Garrick's attention. "Yeah, those kids stopped the attack. But I thinks you would have found a way if they fell short. You always do. Didn't you single-handedly stop that forest raid in the dead of night against those twenty-odd slitherscales? Was'nt it you who wrestled that village chief to the ground when we needed to use his trade routes without delay? Was'nt it you, who carried that bleeding child back to the doctor while you were a drop of blood away from death yourself?" Garrick's grip tightened at his words. "They may say that this is for the reforged, but this is for you and what ye done for all of us. As for the annulus, let the people have their fun for one night. Plus, it aint like anyone else is hosting this shit pile. It's all me. So stop moping, get dressed, and go out there and give these people what they want so I can go to bed!" Vibbon pulled out the bottle he'd been looking for and kicked the crate it was in until it was a pile of splinters. "Who wants to drink this slob!?" Vibbon walked off, leaving Garrick to think on his words. Her smile had slowly returned.
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