The trip back into town was uneventful. At least when compared to when they had first set out. Goblin Slayer had actually caught up with them on the second day. He had claimed that the second goblin cave had been taken care of. The silent man didn't say anything else of note; which meant that this second goblin cave was completely ordinary. At least that was what Hunter thought. He wasn't certain as to how ordinary goblin caves looked. Goblin Slayer indeed had taken the many-eyed goblin head with him. The armored man claimed that he was going to take it to a local beast registry to have it cataloged as a new type of goblin.
They had passed the place where the madmen had all died, only to find the trail empty. Indeed it was as Hunter had suspected, their attackers had been taken by someone... or something. Hunter wasn't sure which. The bound man was gone as well, and no signs of blood could be seen trailing off into the woods. That meant that no beast dragged them off. Likely then, it was a 'someone' after all. Goblin Slayer oddly had paused in place to gaze at the surroundings, unprompted. When questioned on why he had halted, Goblin Slayer had outright refused to answer anything. Could he have come across the bodies on his way to them? Whatever it was, Goblin Slayer did not budge. He did answer a few other questions upon prompting however.
Goblin Slayer seemed to only talk when he was asked a question. These were usually put forward by Fighter or Warrior. Hunter withheld most questions except for one. It had to do with the nature of the second cave; to which Goblin Slayer confirmed that it wasn't out of the ordinary for goblin caves. Was the flesh cave really just an isolated creature? Hunter did not know, but if there were any more of the wretched things; they needed to be destroyed.
Much like his tattered attire. He doubted that he could afford to have a seamstress sew all the tears back together. It may be cheaper to simply purchase a new get-up, but Hunter was reluctant to do that. He liked his outfit very much. Hunter had cleaned his leathers completely, but the tears weren't going away until they were sewn back together. Upon noticing Hunter's prodding at the various holes in his gear; Wizard claimed that others of her kind were capable of a simple spell called 'mend' which could fix mundane items like his clothing. Magic casters apparently didn't use mend that often, choosing instead to be able to cast something called 'prestidigitation' whatever that was. Wizard had not chosen that as a spell either. She had taken a spell called 'spark' a simple spell that could light a nearby flammable object on fire without flint and steel. She claimed to know of a man in town that could fix his gear for a minimal price. A man named Artificer.
Hunter was interested in the workings of magic on this world, but found it hard to hold a conversation. His thoughts still were absorbed by the events of the flesh cave. The horrors he had seen would stick with him for a long time, but Hunter knew that he would overcome them eventually. The only thing that really continued to disturb him was the death of Priestess.
She had been so young, unready for death... and Hunter had failed her. Hunter had promised to keep them all safe and then failed in saving Priestess. The guilt was what still ate at him the most. The horror of the amorphous thing was minimal and petty in comparison to his burning failure. Hunter still carried with him the head of her staff. He intended to bring it back to her church. Something for them to bury at least. He hadn't removed it from his satchel since he left. He merely pressed a hand against the bag to make sure that the staff head was still there. He hoped that this would be sufficient as proof for them... she didn't even have her tags on her. They would have to settle on the staff. Hunter would need to go inform the guild of her passing as well. After that, he wasn't too sure. Hunter definitely intended to have some words with Guild Girl. He wouldn't shout at her, but he would tell her of the horrors of the flesh cave. At least an abridged version of it. Hunter was not certain they could handle the details well. Or worse... they could think him mad.
He wouldn't be harsh on anyone in the guild hall really. They couldn't have known about the true nature of the cave. Goblin Slayer was even surprised at the new type of goblin based on the way he carried the many-eyed head. It was concealed in a canvas sack now, obscuring its vision so it didn't glare at them with its disgusting dead eyes. When they all passed under the open gates of the town, the sun was almost setting. The sight made Hunter wilt. He did not want the night to come.
The guild hall was still open currently, but he really just wanted to go to an inn and just relax for a little while. Maybe get drunk. Hunter scratched his cheek.
Definitely get drunk. He wouldn't go overboard, but he needed to drown the horrific images in his mind. Sleep would not be able to help him escape the terrors bouncing around in his head, for he was still unable to find rest. Hunter had been tired after leaving the flesh cave and he thought that sleep would have come easily upon collapsing in his tent that night.
Sleep did not come however and Hunter had been left tossing and turning in frustration while everyone else took watch.
There were plenty of inns in town for him to drown those terrors. Goblin Slayer quickly departed without a single word of goodbye, but Hunter did not take offense. He seemed a silent man by nature, and Hunter would not hold the lack of manners against him. That and Hunter merely didn't want to go through the effort of giving a lecture. He was too mentally drained to do much else but relax. He sighted the nearest tavern and made way for it.
The wooden sign hanging from the archway read 'Deadened Senses'. Truly the place to be for his particular need. His steps echoed off of the cobbled stone of the mostly empty street as he drew closer to the inn. With night drawing near most people were either shut in their homes or were getting drunk. Or both. He noticed that the three party members had begun following after him, and Hunter stopped in place. They stopped as well. After a moment, Hunter reared on them.
"I um... The quest is complete. I was just going to drink a gallon or two to help cope... You're free to join me of course, but I plan to stay overnight." Hunter told them with a yawn.
Warrior cocked his head.
"Dontcha wanna turn in the quest first? Just to get it out of the way you know?" The young man said, fingering the hilt of his broken sword. Fighter nodded at his words.
"Yeah, I kinda just want to go get it done." Fighter said, clasping her hands loosely at her back.
Wizard remained silent but seemed to shoot a question at Hunter with a glance. Hunter just shrugged.
"Do we all need to go to turn in the quest? Does it have something to do with the reward? Honestly, I trust you lot to give me my cut." Hunter told them. "Just meet me here when you're done and I'll buy you lot a drink with my portion of the reward."
The trio remained silent.
"We were actually wondering if..." Fighter said, trailing off. "We were wondering if you'd come with us and tell them what happened down there. The reward should be a lot more for what we had to deal with."
Warrior nodded at this, and Wizard's gaze shot to the ground. Hunter sighed.
"I'd... rather not talk about it." Hunter told them. "Not right now anyway. Besides... I have no proof of what we had to deal with."
Hunter wasn't sure how the guild handled rewards when it came to situations such as this. He felt as if they would try to hold out on paying more than what was needed. The only way Hunter could think of to prove what had happened involved returning to the cave. It had been a blazing inferno when he left. Perhaps the soot would be good enough proof for the guild? It didn't seem likely. Perhaps Morgs bones still remained down below. How did one traverse that cave now that all of its flesh had been burned away? Was it merely a pit now? Hunter realized that it was likely there would be more than just Morg's bones. The cavern seemed to have been absorbing living matter. It had to do something with the bones surely. Warrior was about to speak up when Wizard cut him off, her eyes alight with realization.
"We do have proof!" She shouted. "Erm... Second-hand proof I suppose you could say." She continued a bit more meekly. "Goblin Slayer took the head of that many-eyed shaman. You both could find him and borrow the head for your proof."
Hunter was surprised that he did not think of it himself.
Fighter and Warrior looked to each other with confusion plain on their faces.
"Us both? You're not coming with us?" Fighter asked her, tilting her head.
Wizard paused and then shook her head.
"I want to stay with Hunter. I have a few questions I would like to have answered."
Hunter was about to speak before he was cut off.
"I guess we can do it ourselves..." Warrior said, giving a short huff. "Make sure to buy me a big ol' drink when I get back Hunter."
Hunter nodded slowly at the words, and then frowned.
"Make sure to notify the guild of Priestess' passing. She is surely dead." Hunter told him.
Warrior's head dropped at that, and Fighter shifted on her feet. Wizard gave a small frown, cast her gaze to her left towards the ground. Hunter took a deep breath. He hadn't confirmed the death to them by words. He had merely shook his head at their questions about her. Hunter speaking it aloud merely cemented the truth in not only his heart, but likely all three of his party members. A moment of silence passed between them all.
Hunter's half-lidded gaze then turned down to Wizard.
"I'd really just like to relax Wizard... I am in no mood for questions this night. Join me for a drink in the tavern, but please do not ask of me what transpired in that accursed place... I will tell you all eventually." He told her, drawing close and placing a hand on her shoulder. That had been along the lines of what he was about to say before Warrior had cut him off. "But not tonight." He said, his voice low. Not threatening in the least, simply tired.
Wizard opened her mouth as if to say something, but instead drew her lips to a fine line. She shot a glance to the ground as soon as he removed his hand from her shoulder. He turned again to head towards the tavern but stopped when he felt something tugging on his sleeve from behind. Hunter turned his head to see Wizards hand gripping the leather. She looked up at him with determination ablaze in her eyes. Hunter internally groaned, preparing himself to parry any questions jabbed his way by the woman.
"I will drink with you then." She said simply. As if it were only a small inconvenience.
Hunter almost choked on the words he had been forming in his throat. Wizard released her grip on his sleeve and he turned to face her. He looked over her pointy hat and saw that Warrior and Fighter were nowhere within sight. They had likely already left to go find Goblin Slayer. Hunter was glad that his trip to the guild hall had been postponed. At least for now. Silent footsteps those two had... They didn't even say goodbye. Perhaps hearing him say it out in the open soured their moods. Hunter did not blame them in the least.
"Very well then. But no questions." Hunter told her with a pointed finger.
Wizard put up a hand palm forward.
"Swear it on a grave." She said cooly.
Hunter cocked a brow at the odd statement.
"A grave?" Hunter asked her. "Any grave in particular?"
Wizard shook her head.
"Not at all. Just a grave will do."
"Why?" Hunter asked.
"In case I break my swear. That way I'll offend a random spirit instead of one I knew." She told him with a small smile.
Hunter nodded slowly.
"Well, I'm glad you've got this figured out." Hunter told her, the ghost of a laugh trailing his words. "Now, let's go get trashed."
Wizard gulped at his words. Had this girl ever gotten drunk before? He'd need to go light on the booze tonight in case she was a belligerent drunk. No one liked belligerent drunks. Thankfully, Hunter was a happy drunk. At least he was pretty sure he was. It was a feeling. Remembering his drunken tendencies exactly was
Fuzz
Exactly. He'd have to go with his gut instinct again. Hunter approached the open wood door of the Deadened Senses, and stepped into the warm orange glow of firelight. The bar was actually sparse of customers, though a few did sit at the counter atop stools as a fat mustached man served drinks. The innkeeper wore an apron that may have been white at some point in its past, but was now stained almost brown from various spilled liquids. A large beefy man with thick hairy arms he was, and his shoulders were as broad as a blacksmiths. The innkeepers healthy gut cast a wide shadow over the tabletop. His mustache was twirled upwards on both ends, almost curling in on themselves. The rest of his face was as bare as his bald head.
Hunter smelled the scent of ale and the sour smell of old sweat. Normally this would have fouled the mood, but the smell of ale called to him. Hunter noticed that a single large unoccupied chair of red leather sat in front of a bright burning fireplace. It looked well worn in, and certain parts of the chair were slightly ripped. One of the few occupants stumbled over to the red leather-bound seat, and the beefy innkeeper shot a glare at the drunkard.
The drunk man looked into the much larger innkeepers eyes, and soon wilted. The drunkard stumbled back to a table with a few bare wooden chairs and all but collapsed atop of one. The innkeeper scowled and began cleaning a mug with a dirty rag. Hunter took a step towards the bar, hearing the floorboards creak beneath his weight. The fat man then looked towards Hunter, likely being alerted to his presence from his footsteps.
The man's eyes conveyed boredom and mild annoyance as he focused on Hunter. He took another step, and the innkeeper scowled at him. Hunter stopped. Why was the innkeeper so upset? Hunter had never seen the man in his life! He looked down at his tattered outfit in realization. Good lord... He looked like a leather-bound homeless bum. No wonder the innkeeper wanted him out. Hunter took a step back, bumping into Wizard who gave a small gasp at the sudden contact.
Hunter quickly turned, grabbed Wizard by both of her shoulders, and ushered her out of the Deadened Senses with a quick motion. As Hunter was out of the man's sight, he heard a rumbling shout of surprise. Such a noise could only have come from the large innkeeper. What had made him shout like that? Hunter peeked his head back in to check on him, and saw that the innkeeper was glancing all around himself, looking for something. Something was trying to click in his mind... Hunter could feel it. There was a connection that was begging to be made, but the fog obscured it.
"What are you doing exactly?" Wizard asked him skeptically.
"I look like a bum." Hunter told her. "I can't go in there like this."
Wizard looked him up and down.
"Yes." She said.
That was it?
Hunter shook his head and realized he still kept a hold on Wizard. He released the grip with a muttered apology. Wizard frowned.
"Well, you're not going to find a tailors shop open now. No new clothes for you." Wizard told him. "Let's go see Artificer. He's not far from here."
Hunter was not opposed to getting his clothing repaired, yet he didn't know why Artificers shop would still be open at this hour. The sun had almost completely set now, and night was fast approaching. Apparently Hunter wore his doubt on his face, and Wizard added:
"He's a friend of my father. They went to the academy together. He's like my rude grumpy uncle." She explained to him, gripping his sleeve again as she began walking. "He'll let us in simply because I am who I am."
Hunter allowed himself to be tugged along. He knew not where to go, and he certainly wasn't a native to this town... or this world even. What Hunter didn't point out was how Wizard simply did not release his sleeve for the entirety of the short journey. She led him through twisting and ever-narrowing streets, passing several random townspeople that would gasp in surprise when out of eyesight. Much like the innkeeper had... how curious. Hunter didn't have much time to think on it however; for they now stood before Artificers shop.
It was a humble little place. It was in one of the worst possible places for business however. The shop was situated at the end of a narrow alleyway. Several doors remained shut on either side of the alley, light seeping out from beneath them and illuminating the path forward in the night. It had taken a good fifteen minutes to find this shop, and the sun had set completely now. The twin moons were nowhere in sight overhead, and Hunter was glad for it. The night had just begun, the moons wouldn't be up until later.
Wizard pulled him forward again, drawing him out of his musings as she knocked on the door. Only then did she release the sleeve. A grumpy uncle type eh? Hunter believed that he could get along with this man. The door itself was made of steel plated wood. Several dents and scratches marred the metal, as if a horde of rats had been trying desperately to dig their way through into the home. Before Hunter could inspect the damage further, a single metal slot slid open from the upper portion of the door and a wide bloodshot blue eye peered out at them. The eye focused on Hunter first, and then narrowed with suspicion. Hunter remained still as the gaze shifted to Wizard, the suspicion vanishing with recognition.
"Ah... Binky!" A deep scratchy voice said. "What are you doing here!?"
The visor shut before Wizard could respond. The sound of metal clanking and sliding against metal sounded from behind the door, and then stopped suddenly.
"That fucking bell again!" Artificer shouted. "Goddamn fucking thing!"
Hunter was taken aback by the foul language. So much so that he almost forgot what Artificer had called Wizard. Almost. Binky. There was no way that was her real name. Likely it was a nickname, and Hunter found it hilarious. It was nice to finally feel something other than the dread that had been following him up to that point. He didn't think that it was going to be a silly nickname that did it.
The sound of metal against metal continued, and he shot a glance at Wizard. She looked into his eyes as well, a silent conversation being held in their shared gaze.
"Binky." He said simply.
Wizard scowled and drove a playful elbow into his side, driving a small amount of breath out of him. The expulsion of air was from a chuckle. Hunter then looked to the door again as Wizard pouted. There was another connection here... Complaints about a bell... People being surprised after he was out of sight...
Before he could finish the connection, the door swung open, the sound of metal scraping against metal as a spindly form pulled the door open. Artificer was an older fellow, looking in his early fifties. His bald head reflected a blue light that shone down just above his head. Likely the source of the light was affixed to the top of the doorframe. Artificer wore a tailored suit pinstriped purple and black. The suit was ruined by spots of soot which also spotted his hairless face. He wasn't a tall man, but he couldn't be called short. His face was long and pocked with several small dark round scars that contrasted against Artificers unnaturally pale white skin. Black bags hung under his bloodshot eyes, indicating an unhealthy lack of sleep.
"It's nice to see you Binky..." Artificer stated, trailing off as his eyes found Hunter. "Who the fuck is this joker? Looks like one of those pervs that tie people up..." Artificers eyes narrowed. "You aren't going to tie me up perv!" He suddenly shouted. "Get gone leather boy!"
Hunter took a step back from the odd man.
"What!? I'm not good nuff for ya!? Go fuck yerself ya overgrown bufoon!" Artificer shouted again, a smile touching the older mans lips.
Wizard pinched the bridge of her nose as she shut her eyes.
"Please stop it Artificer..." Wizard groaned.
The old man then looked to Wizard with a mischievous glint in his eye.
"You damned southers..." Artificer groaned. "You can call me by my real name Binky! Us northerners don't share your stupid customs."
That caught Hunter's attention, and he took a step forward again.
"Back up perv." Artificer said. "I'm trying to make my niece miserable."
A frustrated grunt bubbled up from Wizard. That sound seemed to satisfy Artificer, and the older man crossed his thin arms over his chest.
"Whatcha want Binky? This old man's finally going to get some sleep." Artificer said.
Wizard took a deep calming breath, the embarrassed blush on her face now clear for Hunter to see. She pointed to Hunter.
"His clothes were ruined in a quest. Can you fix them please?" Wizard asked, reaching for her coin purse.
Artificer lifted a hand to forestall the action. Wizard halted, and tilted her head at Artificer.
"Who is this weirdo?" Artificer asked.
"I am Hunter. It is a pleasure to-"
"Wasn't asking you leather boy." Artificer said, swiftly cutting him off.
Hunter frowned. How rude. And he was certainly no 'boy'.
"He's a party member." Wizard said quickly. "Hunter is a porcelain-like me."
Artificer whistled as he looked between the two of them.
"Finally snagged a man have you?" Artificer asked. "Your daddy will be pleased. We both know that brother of yours is probably a daisy."
Wizard pulled her hat down over her head to hide what Hunter presumed to be a furious blush. Hunter shrugged and split his face with a grin.
"Well I don't know how it happened," Hunter said. "She just kinda swept me off my feet."
Artificer let out a hearty laugh at that, his eyes finding Hunter's own. Wizard seemed to sink further into the depths of her hat, almost squealing with embarrassment. Hunter understood now. Artificer wasn't actually the grumpy uncle type, he was more the malicious teasing uncle. Hunter would be lying to himself if he denied being entertained by Wizard's embarrassment. He felt a little guilty perhaps, but not much. Hunter laughed with Artificer for a moment before the laughter trailed off. They both looked to Wizard, who was still buried in her hat.
"Alright. I'm done ribbin' ya." Artificer said, casting a glance at his short nails.
Wizard pulled up her hat slowly, a scowl on her face. The frown did nothing to hide the red on her face however. Hunter did have to admit, it was adorable.
"Mend." She hissed through clenched teeth.
Artificer snorted and lifted a hand to Hunter. A glowing gray light enveloped Hunter's form, and his leathers were completely sealed once more. Hunter felt at his back to be sure, and indeed the tears had repaired. Hunter then gave a low bow to Artificer.
"I thank you for your kindness," Hunter told the older man. "And I thank you for telling me her nickname. I will make good use of this information."
It was hard not to smile while saying that. Artificer laughed again as Wizard began stomping off back down the ally. Artificer cupped two hands over his mouth as he shouted.
"Have a nice honeymoon Binky! I'll write your daddy and tell him about your new husband!"
At that, Wizard began walking faster. Hunter hurried after her, giving another short bow to Artificer as he went. Hunter would have to find his way back here again if he could. He had a few questions for Artificer. The old man just confirmed to Hunter that titles weren't these peoples true names. Why wouldn't they just go by their real names? He likely could just ask Wizard about it. Would that be weird in this culture?
Hunter quickly caught up to her with his long legs, keeping pace with minimal effort. They walked like that in silence for a time before Hunter spoke up.
"You didn't give him a hug goodbye at least?" Hunter asked her. "I thought he was like an uncle."
Wizard scoffed.
"A wretched uncle." She replied curtly. "And you joined in with him."
Hunter laughed at that, the sound echoing down the alley. They continued their way through the twisting streets until they found themselves back at the entrance of the Deadened Senses. The door was still wide open, for indeed the night was still warm. Hunter brushed off his attire as he made way for the entrance once more. Wizard followed closely behind him, and then they both crossed the threshold.
All of the same occupants were there, including the poor drunk man who was denied the comfy chair. His forehead still remained glued to the top of the table. The innkeeper was polishing another wider mug behind the counter, and he eyed Hunter as he passed through the open doorway. The innkeeper then looked around himself again instead of maintaining a glare this time, as if looking for something that had been there once before. As Hunter drew nearer, the innkeeper grumbled and set the mug on the countertop. Hunter took a seat on the nearest stool to him, feeling the wood creak beneath his weight.
Hunter placed both hands atop the counter as Wizard took a seat next to him, leaning her staff against the countertop between them. The burly man seemed to take in Hunter's uniform again, this time with a furrowed brow. Hunter wondered if the man was confused or if he knew of Artificer. The innkeeper then turned his eyes onto Wizard, and raised a single eyebrow.
"We only have strong drink little missy." The man said, his voice like a bucket of gravel being spilled on wood. "No baby drinks."
Wizard frowned, and leaned back in her seat, crossing her arms beneath her breasts.
"I can handle anything you could possibly serve up," Wizard told him with condescension lacing her voice. "Give me the strongest you have, and you'll see."
The innkeeper actually chuckled at that, turning his gaze back to Hunter.
"Same for you then weirdo?"
Why did everyone keep calling him that?
"Yes... Your actual strongest drink however." Hunter told him. "Not just some water with a shot of wine."
The innkeeper smiled at that as well, and Wizard muttered something under her breath.
"Coming right up then." The burly man said, passing through an open doorway behind his counter.
Not much time passed before the innkeeper returned with two large mugs of clear ale. Hunter almost believed that it was water for a moment before taking a whiff of the stuff. His nose recoiled at the smell. It was like liquid sulfur. Hunter gulped. Perhaps he could handle at least a few swigs of this vile concoction, but he had his doubts for Wizard. It might very well eat through the poor girls stomach before she could even get drunk. The innkeeper crossed his arms over his chest and smirked.
"It's free if you can sip that without sputtering missy. Think ya can handle it?"
Wizard sniffed the ale; if that was what it truly was, and then began chugging the liquid. Hunter's jaw dropped at the site as Wizard's gullet chugged down the entire mug. The innkeeper watched with wide eyes as Wizard slammed the cup down on the table. Hunter shook his head with disbelief. The innkeep truly must have given her water... Hunter was hesitant to drink this vile thing, and he was certain he had gotten drunk before.
Wizard cleared her throat to get the innkeepers attention.
"I said your strongest." She said simply.
The innkeep put up both hands defensively.
"That was the same stuff I gave to your man there... I use it to strip paint sometimes... by the gods woman!"
Hunter realized then, that he was faced with a dire dilemma. He now had to drink this entire concoction in the same fashion. True, he could go at it like a normal drink, but Wizard had set a bar. Hunter could not stop himself from attempting to set that bar even higher. He gripped the handle of his mug and resigned himself to fate. He guzzled the acid down in a few gulps, the liquid burning his throat like he'd swallowed live fire ants. Hunter thankfully did not sputter, and he slammed the mug down next to Wizards.
The burn persisted however, and he swallowed his own spit in a hollow attempt to quell the pain. It was like pouring a cup of water onto a blazing inferno. Thankfully his voice naturally already sounded like it had been put through a shredder, so hopefully the two of them wouldn't notice his suffering.
"Another." He barely managed to get out.
Wizard narrowed her gaze at him and actually smirked. The innkeeper took the two mugs with a sigh, and returned with them filled again with that clear liquid death. Again Hunter and Wizard drank, not missing a beat as they set both mugs down at the same time. Hunter was way bigger than Wizard was... so the alcohol would surely hit her much harder than it would him. Hopefully. Another mug, then another, and another. Soon Hunter found his head dizzy and lolling to and fro. He looked up from his daze to see the innkeeper pinching his brow and wincing.
"No more for either of ya. Won't have no one die on my property. Just don't cause trouble and you can stay as long as you want."
"Fnuhh..." Hunter replied tactfully.
The innkeep looked up at Hunter.
"Good gods man. You are well and truly gone!" He shouted.
Hunter slapped a open palm like a dead fish on the countertop.
"Fnuuuhhhh!" Hunter replied a bit more forcefully.
"Fneeerrr..." Wizard muttered beside him, her head planted on the countertop. Her hat had been placed next to her mug.
Hunter nodded his head knowingly.
"Fnuh." He told her as he fell backward out of his seat.
The back of his head bounced off of the wooden floor yet Hunter felt no pain. Instead he began giggling like a child. His head felt like a whirlpool of molasses as he attempted to rise to his feet. All he managed to do was flip over onto his belly. A good start he thought. Hunter braced himself, and pushed upward to a kneeling position. The contents of his stomach sloshed with each and every movement, and Hunter knew that he had to be careful; lest he hork the contents onto this nice floor.
Wizard lifted her head slowly from the counter, and turned a half-lidded gaze to Hunter. The girl pointed a finger at him, and began laughing. A healthy red hue colored her cheeks as she continued her ridiculing laugh. It was a hearty loud laugh that seemed more to fit the innkeeper than it did a small woman such as herself. Hunter grunted as he rose on shaky feet. Wizard still laughed at him, and Hunter turned to see that the mugs of ale were long gone. The innkeeper kept a wary eye on the both of them, seeming ready to either lay a pillow under a head or to throw them out into the cold night. Hunter approached the still laughing Wizard, and pinched the girl's sides with both hands. Wizard squealed like a pig as Hunter tickled her, laughing like a moron.
"Hunter? Wizard?" He heard a voice say from behind him.
Hunter released Wizard, and craned his head to see Warrior looking at him with a raised brow.
"Buddeh!" Hunter shouted.
Warrior winced at the sound of the shout and Fighter stepped through the doorway behind the young man.
"We uh... we found Goblin Slayer. We got it done. The guild still wants to talk to you tomorrow... Do you want to or...?" Fighter asked him, as if asking herself rather than Hunter.
Hunter blinked at the two of them and turned a slack-jawed gaze back to the innkeeper. Hunter pointed a finger at the two party members and proclaimed.
"Fnuuuuhhhh!" He shouted mightily.
The innkeeper winced.
"They gotta pay for themselves bucko." The burly man replied.
Hunter's head drooped.
"Fnuuuhhh..." He said in a low pitch.
Fighter and Warrior both looked at each other as Wizard giggled. Hunter smiled at the ground, but furrowed his brow as he felt himself... drifting. He wasn't certain if it was the booze or...
Was it... the insight...? That he gained from the First Eye? Thoughts left long ignored bubbled up to the surface, refusing to be obscured by the fog.
...
...
...
"You wanted to see me commander?" Hunter asked, clasping his hands behind his back.
Sumen's office was little more than a tent with a bare dirt floor. The red canvas blew inward under the force of a strong wind. The weather was so hectic outside that Hunter feared that every tent in camp would be blown away. Assuming the fog didn't get to them first.
Sumen faced away from him behind a table, his broad arms crossed over his chest. His uniform was practically in tatters now... as was Hunters. Wear and tear that no man of Chuden's military could fix. There was simply no time in the day. There was too much else to do... too much to fight off. Sumen let out a deep breath.
"Listen boy." Sumen said.
Hunter stiffened at that. He was certainly not a boy any longer. The battles he had fought with his brothers in arms had hardened him past his young years. Hunter respected Sumen too much to say as much out loud. That and the fact that Sumen was his superior. The haggard man turned back, his tan face marred by new white scars received over the last few months. Sumen leaned down on his simple wood desk.
"We are in deep shit." Sumen told him simply.
Hunter nodded.
"Fried fractured and fucked sir." Hunter replied.
Sumen nodded simply to this.
"The Soulborne have taken Anglut."
Hunter stiffened at the name, and his jaw dropped at the news. The capital had fallen. It took all Hunter had to not simply collapse to his knees right there. They had lost the war. It was all over now. It was just this little pocket of resistance now... there was nothing left. Despair washed over him, threatening to buckle him under its weight. Hunter stood despite the dread he felt. He would not succumb in front of his hero. Sumen nodded at Hunter's reaction.
"I was just informed an hour ago." Sumen said. "The messenger is sworn to silence. We can't afford to be routed now."
That made sense. The men couldn't hear of this, it would drive them to the army fell now, there was truly no hope for the world. Truthfully Hunter shouldn't hold on to any hope. Chuden's military only had a fraction of the numbers they once had. The largest force on the planet reduced to a mere thousand men... The despair came back in force, and Hunter's head fell against his wishes. His family was already dead, the army was his family now. If he lost that...
"You are my best." Sumen told him.
Hunter's head shot up.
"I have received other news as well... what do you know about Yharnam?"
"Not much sir." Hunter said honestly.
"I've heard of something from there... something called Paleblood."
Hunter sniffed.
"Children's tales sir. Nothing more."
Sumen seemed to look into nothing; staring past Hunter with unfocused eyes.
"Maybe," Sumen replied. "But the Soulborne were just children's tales too... and look at what we fight against."
Hunter had no reply to that. It was a good point.
"Go to Yharnam." Sumen told him. "Go there, and find the Paleblood."