The Chronicles of a Scalebound Sage: Wandmaker Vol.2

WM [45] We're Not Friends

The party at the Jackrabbits' guild hall was in full swing, the air thick with the sounds of laughter, clinking mugs, and lively music from a local band playing a jaunty tune in the corner. The band, a group of rugged men and women with instruments that had seen as much adventure as their players, strummed and drummed with a wild, infectious energy that had even the most reserved hunters tapping their feet. The lower level of the guild hall, which served as a bar, was packed to the brim with monster hunters, all celebrating the recent victory over the Jeweled Wing Monarch and bidding farewell to Tanisha and Joha.

Tanisha felt over dressed in her double slit black dress as she squeezed away from some of the human men trying to, well she wasn't sure what they were trying to do. Human customs were weird and the constant compliments and attempts to get her a drink was odd. She thought a couple of them might have been flirting with her which didn't make any sense as none of them had offered her a ribbon or anything for her antlers. She would have declined, of course, but the oddity of humans was weird, right?

Tanisha was still adjusting to the atmosphere. The only other parties she had attended were formal affairs—noble and royal events where everyone was expected to act with decorum. This was something else entirely. Here, the rules seemed to be that there were no rules which left her frazzled. The hunters were letting loose, roughhousing, laughing loudly, and engaging in activities that would have been scandalous in a royal court.

Tanisha blushed when she saw two humans unabashedly kissing amongst the crowd. She knew humans did that, but never saw it in person. It looked so odd, like they were trying to eat each others mouths. She had to move away and found herself drawn to one of the many betting rings scattered throughout the room. A small crowd had gathered around two hunters who were about to go at it, in bare knuckle boxing. Bets were being placed rapidly, coins exchanging hands as people called out their chosen victor.

Tanisha, feeling a thrill of excitement that was new to her, placed a small bet on the one with the tattoos running down his arms. He looked strong, and she had a good feeling about him. The fight was short but intense as the men threw jabs and hooks that hit bone with shattering weight. Then the man with the tattoo managed to knock out his opponent after ducking under a hook and hitting the other man in the jaw with an uppercut.

Tanisha recognized the move and once the tattooed man turned around and raised his hands in triumph, she knew why. It was Thaddeus Maxwell, the Golden Boar guy, who she fought on first day in the Jackrabbit's camp. He copied one of her moves and used it to win her a few coins even if he didn't know she was watching.

As she turned away from the betting ring, her eyes caught sight of Joha. For the first time, she saw him truly at ease, a sight that made her pause. He wasn't teaching her or looking out for customers, or putting his best foot forward for nobility and royals. He was laughing, a deep, genuine laugh, as he clapped someone on the back.

There was no trace of the reserved, composed man she was used to seeing at formal events or the stern master merchant he was when he was teaching her the art of speechcraft. Instead, he was fully immersed in the celebration, sharing stories and even taking part in some of the more boisterous activities, going so far as to dance with a human woman. It was almost disconcerting, seeing him like this, but also oddly comforting. He wasn't just the invincible warrior and master merchant she had always known; he was oddly just like everyone else in the room. It was grounding.

She was getting ready to walk over to him when her attention was soon diverted by a commotion on the other side of the hall. A loud cheer went up, and she pushed her way through the crowd to see what was happening. When she finally got to the front, she couldn't help but laugh. Bjorn, was in the middle of a food-eating competition. His opponent, a burly hunter who looked like he had never lost a challenge in his life, was staring in disbelief as Bjorn devoured plate after plate with ease. He did have three heads after all so Tanisha didn't think the man stood a chance. The crowd was loving it, shouting encouragement and placing bets on who would come out on top. She watched in delight as Bjorn, with his multiple heads working in perfect coordination, made quick work of the food before him, outpacing his opponent effortlessly.