You have slain [Sand Dweller - Giant]Your party has obtained [1680 exp]You have obtained [1008 exp]

I have been rolling in the sand laughing like a madman. I mean, come on! She said that with perfect timing! Still, that caught me off guard.

“Z..Zari?! Are you ok? Did I say something funny?” “Pay no attention to me. Anyway. Quest told about 50 or so creatures to kill? If so, I think we deserve a nice bonus. Not only the number of those bastard was almost twice as big, but nothing prepared us for this…” I said raising from the ground and kicking carcass of easily 10 meter long bug. “The only question is… how would we prove it?” She looked over my huge morphed body “M..Maybe y…” “I am NOT going to carry this asshole back to town! No! Period!” “But with body frame of yours …!” “No [buts]! You think that monster carrying other monster back to the city wouldn’t cause any uproar?! Look at me, damn it! Right now every adventurer in town would try chopping my head off just to collect a bloody reward!” “I…I didn’t think about this…” she said smiling silly

Tsh. She has her moments of intelligence. When she would focus on something and had time for preparation, then she really does think! But when she has to make a fast decision… Let’s just say that she lacks a common sense.

“Go back to the city.” I finally said “Either talk to the one who set reward for this quest and tell them to come for inspection, or rent a wagon. Then we could chop it’s head and bring it back as proof.” “And you?” “I will wait here to prevent carcasses being eaten by scavengers.”

She opened her mouth as if trying to ask about something more, but in the end she just nodded, turned away, told quickly [I will be right back] and started walking back to the city. I turned back into my human form and sat resisting my back over just killed giant. In the end it was nice source of shadow in this relatively warmer land.

Gisele was back in four hours, apparently cost of renting wagons for adventurers were ridiculous here and then she struggled convincing clients to leave a town just to examine number of killed creatures. Yet in the end three members of merchant guild (not very young nor slim). Guessing by Gisele’s attitude when she finally arrive they must have been complain all the way here. But when they saw the dune with monster corpses they went silence.

“It’s… no ordinary swarm. I have never seen one this huge in my life…” “Yes. I doubt that mercenaries would handle protecting the caravan on our way south. Just… how many of those bastards are there?” “89…” I said raising from the shadow of creature. “90, if you would count big one. They have been moving closer and closer to the city. I doubt that they would attack it just yet, but still they would devour everyone moving through their territory.” “Lemme guess. You expect a bonus…” One of them started “Technically… the quest said to exterminate all of the monsters, no matter how many of them would be…”

That little…!

“But…” same man continued “We won’t lie, that you have save our investments. And we don’t want people to start talking that merchant of Desert’s Gem Guild are not paying for really good job, do we, gentlemen?” “Taking into consideration that they have protected our cargo worth more than just few gold coins, I don’t mind spending few additional silvers.” “Me neither.”

… these guys are actually… likeable!

“So this matter is done. We will talk with guild master about bonus for your performance… Also, tell us kids, don’t you want to work for us? We offer better salary then guild…” “With all due respect, we enjoy being freelancers, still, if we would ever get tired with facing unknown, we would gladly inform you first about that.” I said bowing my head with courtesy. “Also… I will give you an advice. Don’t spare your coin on mercenaries, wherever you are heading to. This swarm was big indeed, but what is really frightening, is that they have left their feeding ground. There are two possible reasons. Either their grew to big in numbers and they have eaten everything in their regular place… or new predator appeared. Both reasons are equally possible so… just keep your guard.” “We really appreciate what you just told us. Indeed, better to spend few more coins of safety and earn less gold, than to get your stock destroyed and earn no gold at all.” “So… we came, we saw… and now we are heading back?” “Stop complain Jarew! We have collected more information in these two hours for almost free, when normally you would need over a week for same effect and spending a mountain of coins! Kids, mind visiting us at evening? We are holding small feast for merchants and our partners. Nothing really big, still you would welcome you as guest of honors.”

Aha. Now, read between words. One, I am pretty sure feast will be very big. They must have just sign a contract with somebody on south, and lots of moneys are involved. Enough to not only hire a mercenaries to protect a cargo, but also to hire an adventurers to clean at least part of the path. Bah! I am even suspecting, that this quest had no other purpose but to find some skilled people among adventurers, just to give them a job offer.

And maybe, just maybe, they are hoping that they would get us a little drunk, make us their friends, and then, they would handle us a paper to sign. All nicely rewarded, yet still… Maybe I am over thinking, maybe I am to suspicious toward everyone I encounter… Either way, these guys has certainly gained my respect. For their generosity and/or their cunning.

“I beg your pardon, but I am afraid that we are in this city just temporarily. We came just to annoy our friends in Agrah and we want to finish as much of their best paid job as possible. Saying so, I guess we will be bit busy in next few days. Still, if you would ever visit capital, we will surly treat you as friends…” “Argoina? I am sorry, but that’s district of Rosewood’s influence. They might have misread our visit there. Still, thank you for your invitation. Also no need to apologize. Please, just ignore our selfish request.”

We get back to the city exchanging words of courtesy. Gisele was staying quiet most of the way, as I asked her later [why], she answered

“Hm? I felt as if this conversation of your was filled with diplomacy and politic far more than you wanted to show.”

… common sense… she showed a common sense!

“How could you tell?” “You were nice. And tense.” “What do you mean by [nice]!? I am nice!” “Zari, enraged Behemoth is nicer than you. All day and all nigh you act as if you wanted to reduce interaction with humans to bare minimum. Plus, when you are nice for friends, you act in the way to make everyone think that it was not a big deal, as if you don’t want them to owe you anything. And here? You were acting like a little lickspittle!... yet you didn’t ask nor offer anything.” “Gisele… if I didn’t know you, I would have thought that you actually think!” “YOU LITTLE…!”

I was rewarded with a punch.

“Ouch! Still, you are right. I tried making them our friends, to occasionally drink with, to gave them priority if they would have a quest… yet nothing closer.” “Why? I think that they were nice!” “Exactly. They are merchants. They are not getting paid for being nice.” “I think you are far to suspicious.” “Maybe you are right.” “Of course I am! I am right in many different cases! Like in this one: both you and me need and deserve a drink.” “If you say so.” “And you are the one paying for both of us!” She laughed “And why is that so!?” “You lost your own challenge! You forgot? I killed more bugs than you!” “I killed the big one!” “And I told you it counted as one!

… I don’t really mind. My wealth counts over 8 gold coin at the moment. If you would add to this rewards from Hydra and bugs… plus I don’t really have anything to spend them on. Well, I was thinking about buying whole cafeteria in nearest future. Maybe about house later on, but still, with what I have now I could live for years without doing anything. Buying a glass or two won’t hurt me that much.

Still, I want to tease dragoness some more!

“Hmph! So that what you see in me?! Just a drink buyer?!” “Of course that no! You are much more than that! You are a pillow that I use while traveling, and as you can use fire magic you are also walking fireplace and food/bath warmer! So shut it loser and let’s get some drinks!” She patted in the back

… she was the one that mocked ME! I didn’t see that coming! I didn’t see that coming at all!... again eyes joke. Not intentional this time, I swear!

We finally reach the guild door. From the very door we were greeted by both guild masters

“ZARIEL! DID YOU CAST CURSES ON CHRISTOPHER?!” Fat man roared like angered dragon. “I… I could have cast a small diarrhea curse or two… w..why?” “Hm? Oh, nothing. Thank you, kid. He has been pain in the ass for quite some time. But, his father was here, he is quite influential man, and he demanded you to fight his son in his mansion tomorrow. You can refuse, of course, the question is – do you want to let opportunity to kick someone’s ass escape?” “You mean that noble brat? I would never let the opportunity to humiliate nobles slip through my fingers… He will cheat, will he?” “Of course he will. I mean, no cheat-cheat, more like finding a loophole. So, find few by yourself too.” “Consider it done.” “Jericho, you have quite promising youngling in your guild. I am not telling that I am jealous, nor that they are in nay way better than mine…” “Ah, speaking about it. We have finished sand dweller quest. It was bit harder than it was said in description, but we handled it anyway. Somebody from merchant guild will contact you regarding our bonus.”

I allowed myself to cut him in the middle of his speech with a smile…

“Jeeeerichooooo… NO!” “Jericho! Yes! 2:0 for old, wonderful me!” “You are just lucky because my best adventurers are out of the guild on S rank quest!” “Oh, I feel you fatty, it must be hard to have only one or two strong warriors when my branch is filled with gifted individuals. Kids, don’t just stand in front of the guild, come on in!”

It is refreshing to see… to know that that Jericho is enjoying himself. Maybe because of this he will treat us bit better when we would get back to the…

“Ok kids, we are number one, but what we reached now is not given forever and ever. This is why, as soon as we get back to home, I am getting to seriously train you! Blood and sweat will fall like a rain!”

… never mind. Forget what I was just saying.

“Barman! Your most expensive alcohol! This man here is paying!” dragoness yelled from the very doorstep of inn section. “He is paying for everyone?” Panther-girl raised her head and her ear twitched “No. Only for Gisele.” “Tsh. Cheap ass.” “I don’t mind losing my bet against you!” “Ho?! You won’t to bet, ha? Fine by me! I bet that you won’t drink more than me!”

[Detoxification] has been casted on target [Zariel]

[Viper's blood] has been casted on target [Zariel]

[Regeneration] has been casted on target [Zariel]

“Bring it on!” I said with a smirk!

Two hours hours later

“DRINK! DRINK! DRINK! DRINK! DRINK! DRINK! DIRNK! DR…”

Chant could be hear through the inn section. Near narrow table, me and beat-woman were sitting, both heavily drunken. Dozens of emptied glasses were standing on both sides of table.

Girl once again raised her glass, the crowd around her went more than just enthusiastic. She title both her head and glass back, pouring vodka down her throat, turning glass upside down and putting it down with loud smack on the table, next to her collection of finished shots.

JUST WHAT IS SHE MADE OFF?! I barely keep us with dozen of spells! I double checked her. She has none enchanting casted on herself. She is just a monster.

“Your… turn brat!”

She yelled

“…drink… drink…Drink! Drink! Drink! DRINK! DRINK! DRINK!” Everyone around started yelling again. At first they weren’t supporting me at all, in the end, if I would fail they would have get free drinks. But as glass after glass was being emptied, they started to care less and less about drinks, and more about entertainment we served them.

I started searching for a glass with my hand. Someone was nice enough to put it right in my hand.

“Come on! Drink already! You drink like a woman!” my opponent mocked me

I asked with my hand for Gisele to lean to me, when her ear was near my mouth I tried to yell over shouting the crowd.

“Pour me two more.”

She only chuckled and did as I asked.

Now, it needed to be done. Quickly, before my body would react on vodka.

While holding one glass on level of my head, and getting another glass put in my hand, I quickly drank one shot, put the glass on the table, with now spare hand I found another glass, poured down my throat yet another glass, put it on the table and drink yet another one.

Third glass smacked the table, I put too much strength in last move making the empty glass shatter.

Now, the most difficult part… do not fall… do no puke… do not fall do not p… damn it! Put yourself together Zari!

10 seconds pass, then 10 more and next 10, finally I raised my head and said through clenched teeth.

“Three on you, bitch!”

Audience burst into applause and roar on encouragement, as on face of beast-kin true terror painted it colors.

“Okay, let’s finish it, sunshine…” I kept mocking her “It was nice to spent some time with you, but I slowly have to go… You know, I promised my friends that we will go drinking.” I smiled titling my head.

Somebody lined three glasses in front of Akrah. Woman decided to mimic my move from a moment ago, she took first glass like a champion of drinking competition, when she got herself seconds one she spilled few drops around her… last glass never reached her mouth. In her usually manner she tried jerking both her head and glass back, the problem is, that while she moved her head back, her whole body followed, making her fall on the ground.

Audience burst in most laughter.

“GUYZ! DRINKS ON ME!” I yelled raising from the chair, just to fall on the ground as my legs didn’t listen to my orders.

Laugh once again shook the inn.

“Here, I got you.” Gisele put one of her hands under my arm helping me to raise from the floor “Come ‘ere. You need some fresh air.”

She slowly helped me leave the building. From the corner of the inn, where two guild masters were sitting drinking in their own temp watching our competition, quiet [Jericho – 3; fat pig -0] could be heard, followed by [Shut your trap old prick!]

Fresh air. No smell of overcooked pork! I feel so much alive!

“Nice one! Actually Akrah is pretty hard drinker, you did well beating her.”

“Shhh, I cheated.” “WHAT?” “I have cast on myself spells that boosted metabolism. I simply removed the alcohol from my blood twice as fast as regular man.” I giggled. “… Just stay quiet about that. I never grow tired of seeing Akrah so very defeated... But you won’t use same trick against me, will you?” “Gisele, you are cheating all the time without realizing it! You said it yourself! Dragon’s blood makes you far less susceptible for poisons! Of course I will cheat against you!” “That does not count!” “It does. It’s like putting a horse in dogs race! You shouldn’t participate in very first place!” “HMPH! Just tell me when you would feel better! I don’t have all night to babysit you!” “Just couple of minutes… Hey, I am not in that bad shape! If you don’t want to stay with me…” “No. I will…” “My-my, aren’t you just adorable? You are simply cute” I giggled “What?” “What?... wait. I said it aloud?” “Yes.” “Fuck. I am taking back what I said, I must be in very bad shape.” “It’ ok. Don’t mind it. Just take your time.”

In the end we waited couple of more minutes outside. It was already after dark. The neighborhood was mostly silent, only sounds from the guild disturbed peaceful night. We slowly head back to the guild.

“Okay, guys, tell us which rooms are ours. I will put Zari back and head to sleep myself. Tomorrow we are getting up early. In the end we want to suck moneys from this city dry.”

In that very moment Marika and Agrah that somehow managed to get up look upon each other with smile.

“Sure thing. Follow me!” Marika chirped happily

We followed through the stairs on the higher floor

“Right here! Put Zari here!” “Hey! They gave us really big beds! I have no idea why they treat us as VIP’s but I am not going to complain! So, no Zari is secured in bed. Where is my room.” “Also here.” “WHAT?” “We were given four rooms in total. Aloziy and Gerwazy are sleeping together, because they are brothers. Guild master took one room with Nyx, I sleep with Rus, you know, lady has to sleep with lady… And you were given one room with Zari.” “B..B…but!” “Oh come on! You have slept plenty of time s together on mission! Bah! It was the reason why you two were placed together.” “It’s one thing on mission! Then we share warmth! And feeling of watching each other’s backs! It’s something completely different when we are in town!” “I don’t mind sleeping on floor.” I saidfrom the bed “I am used to it! I mean, people are treating me like a wild animal all the time, so…” I slowly began to raise from the bed.

I couldn’t see the look that Marika gave to Gisele

“I don’t mind it! I don’t mind at all! I was simply wondering if it’s ok with you!” I was pushed back on the bed by Gisele. “Great! So sleep tight you two! Oh, I was told that walls here are very thick, so… Yes, I wil be going now…”

Door slowly shut behind the fairy.

“I will have their heads on breakfast…” Dragoness quietly whispered to herself, but in the end laid next to me.

We were exhausted after whole day of fighting and drinking, so we felt asleep pretty quickly. Yet nights here were very cold and in out slumber we instinctively searched for warmth. And we found it. We found each other.