Cradling her tankard, the chill seeping into her fingers pleasant in the stuffy, overcrowded tavern. That first precious sip so crisp and refreshing quickly became a hearty glug. The bustling of the pub seeming to fade for a moment, only returning as her tankard thunked back onto the table more exuberantly than she intended, and she felt a soft sigh pass over her lips.

“Sounds like you needed that,” Vidan commented amused. “Congrats on the promotion by the way.”

“It’s not official yet-” she began to demur before Farad cut in.

“But we all know it will be.” He turned back to Vidan, “She’s always like that with the first round. Never let her hustle you into a drinking competition, between her and Balrem my fragile pride is in tatters,” wiping away an imaginary tear.

“It takes a lot of beer to fuel these muscles. Jenny gets it.”

“Hey! Don’t lump me in with your guzzling, I’ll have you know I appreciate every drop I drink-“

“So do I! It’s great! I’m just saying the only thing better than beer, is more beer. Or whiskey. Whiskey is pretty great.”

Jenny raised her hand, “Gonna have to disagree there, too much burn.”

Almost simultaneously, Farad’s invitee to this little soiree chimed in, “You have whiskey here? Ohh, I’ll have to get some of that.”

Jenny couldn’t help a wry smile at the surprised looks round the table at Gabrielle. The willowy blonde-haired priestess didn’t look like the type to enjoy hard liquor, but enough people had wrongly assumed she did over the years that it was amusing to see the reverse.

As the merits of various types of alcohol continued to be debated, Jenny was content to lean back and slowly sip her beer. Tension felt like it was slowly draining away with every sip. She’d shuffled shifts with Sarge to make this little gathering happen. Work had been crazy; between pushing further in the dungeon, dealing with the influx of weapon-toting visitors, and the issues with the gang, it felt like there was never a moment to catch a breath. Hopefully with the latter dealt with things would be calm down, but either way it was important to make the time to unwind together and buy a round for the folks who helped you out.

“…so he just walked in and killed all of them?” Gabrielle asked.

“Pretty much.”

Balrem explained, “The Cap will let a certain amount slide, but when he acts, he doesn’t mess around. Believes in sending a message.”

“It sounded like a messy business all round,” Vidan leaned in with a low voice, “I take it all the loose ends from the investigation have been tied up?”

Jenny glanced around, listening ears weren’t usually a problem here, but it never hurt to be cautious, “Cap took two prisoners, but otherwise yes.”

Farad’s focus shifted from Gabrielle onto her, tone light, “Been meaning to ask, do you know what’s happening with them? They were on a zero-communication protocol but one of them fit the description of our missing beastkin, and the woman was… odd?”

Jenny tried mightily not to let her exasperation show, of course Farad noticed the woman, but she wasn’t about to sink his chances – slim as they were if her read was right – with Gabrielle. He was her mate, she’d have his back however hard he made it, but she had to ask, “Odd how?”

He raised his hands flustered as all eyes were trained on him, “Look I don’t know. It might be some kind of skill or something but I’m familiar enough with the female form to know something was off. OK.”

This time Jenny couldn’t help but scrunch her eyes, opening them to see Gabrielle’s raised eyebrow. Farad was such an idiot at times.

Balrem came to the rescue as usual, “Whatever it is I’m sure the Cap has his reas-,” He squinted then waved an arm and bellowed, “Lydia! We’re over here. Come join us.” More quietly he added, “Looks like she’s got company with her, best leave discussion of the prisoners for now.”

As her fluffy-eared companion came into view, Jenny instantly understood the urgency of Balrem’s comment.

“Sorry I’m late. Hope you all don’t mind but Keith’s new to Timberhollow and I thought this would be a good opportunity for him to meet some more people.”

Everyone made welcoming noises and motions, Balrem’s booming above the others. Beastkin features were generally harder to read, but Jenny was fairly confident in this case that the fox man was feeling a bit overwhelmed as a stool was pulled over for him. Sometimes she forgot that while Balrem was a gentle giant and Farad could be a goof, all together they looked pretty imposing, and that was before considering the gorgeous priestess and experienced ranger.

“Glad to see you’re looking better, I’m Jenny.” proffering a hand. “You probably don’t remember but I was there when you escaped the dungeon. How’d you two come to know each other anyway?”

“Oh um… Well, you see…”

“I was in the infirmary to visit Davis when he first woke up and we’ve chatted here and there when I was visiting since.”

Jenny could practically see the teen deflate as Davis was mentioned, though a desperate gleam remained in his eye and Lydia seemed completely oblivious. Someone needed to let the poor guy down gently. She shared a glance with a wincing Balrem, unfortunately they had quite a bit of experience in this area.

“Yes, as she said, Lydia was very kind to me.”

“Certainly sounds like Lydia,” Jenny commented with false cheer.

“Damn shame Davis couldn’t make it tonight, but I suppose some of us have to work.” A chuckle followed Balrem’s comment but he wasn’t among them.

“I did the best I could with the shifts but sorry Lydia, I couldn’t make it work for your beau.”

“It’s fine, comes with the territory. We’re making it work.”

As Balrem pulled the conversation to other topics and away from the fox teen who seemed to have gone stiff, Jenny threw in, “I’m gonna grab another round!” More quietly she turned to Keith, “Give me a hand?”

Not giving him a chance to say no she dragged him away from the table. Her [commanding persuasion] encouraging her to act with confidence in a way she doubted [persuasion] would have before its recent upgrade. It wasn’t exactly the leadership skill they’d been hoping for, but it was an upgrade to a skill that had consistently proved its worth, she just needed to get used to its new quirks.

Once out of earshot she asked, “Do you want to talk about it, or would you rather be distracted?”

“What?... How?”

“It wasn’t that long ago I was your age. Believe it or not, I know a thing or two about liking someone you can’t have.”

“I… I just… I haven’t given up yet.”

Jenny gave her number two questioning look. Often the best way to get someone to talk more, was to say less.

“I know she’s in a relationship and I’m not going to mess with that, but maybe it won’t work out. Then I’ll be there. For her. I can wait.”

They reached the bar and the teen’s long nails clawed into it. Jenny waited a beat; this was a teen who’d just experienced what felt like an important part of their life fall through. He was scrambling to figure out what he was going to do about it. A gesture to the scarred vet behind the bar ensured they’d get their round and he’d take some time about it. There was a reason this was Jenny’s bar of choice.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

“She’s dating a guard so I can’t say I share your hope, but you could do that if you really want to. The question is, is that who you want to be though? Is that the you, that you want to show to the person you care for?”

“Dedicated. Patient. Why wouldn’t I?”

“That’s one way of looking at it I suppose. I’d call it moping.”

He menaced forwards a snarl slipping from his snout, thankfully hidden from most by the bustle of the bar. Jenny calmly but firmly set a hand on his shoulder, briefly revealing just enough of her strength to remind the kid this wasn’t a fight he wanted, before letting go. She’d cut the kid a lot of slack, but even if she could kick his ass if he started something, it was time to draw a hard line. The bartender released the club below the counter at her nod.

“Look, you can disregard my advice if you want, I’m not forcing you to listen to me.”

His bristling hair settled, “No I let my anger get the best of me. I’m not normally like this…”

“You’re having a rough night, I get it. Just be careful with that. Anyway, my advice - for what it’s worth - is take a little time, and remember there’s plenty of rabbits in the forest.”

He spluttered, “Cliches? Really?”

“Hey! I never said my advice was insightful. Besides the advice must be common for a reason. Made you laugh at least, and that’s gotta be worth something.”

“Thanks. Yes. It really is.” At least he was smiling now but his expression turned thoughtful, “Wait. More rabbits in the forest… Were you…?”

“Absolutely not.”

“Oh, okay then…”

Jenny sighed, she should have let Balrem handle this, but that gave her an idea. “You should talk to Farad when you get the chance. He’s something of an expert at picking himself up and trying again.”

“Oh, I thought he and that blonde lady were together?”

“He invited her tonight, but I don’t think it’s going so well.” She slid some coins across the smooth counter as their drinks were set before them, froth sloshing over the sides of the full containers.

“Really? But they seemed so focused on one another.”

“He is focused on her,” she lowered her voice, “but if my read is right, she’s more into fruit toters than spear swingers, if you catch my drift.”

“What? Oh… OH!”

He devolved into a genuine laugh; she’d improved his mood at the very least.

----------------------------------------

Farad felt hope rising in his chest as Gabrielle turned towards him, an inquisitive smile gracing her face. Things hadn’t been going poorly, everyone was having a good time, but it felt like something wasn’t quite clicking between the two of them. Maybe he should have tried a more traditional date rather than a group event?

“Is that a symbol of Lady Pamyel over the doorway? I haven’t seen much worship of her in the city.”

The hope sank like an anchor in his stomach, of course she’d be interested in that.

“Yes, the owner had it prepared and blessed by a visiting priest shortly after the coup.” He chose his next words carefully, “He’s a former guard and there was a… poor experience with the undead around that time.”

He hoped she got the hint he didn’t want to get into it further, that story would kill the mood.

“The purity of Lady Pamyel is an effective ward against the undead, one of her many virtues. If you’ll excuse me a moment, I should pay my respects and renew the blessing.” With a bob of her head, she slipped out from the table.

“Sent another one running eh Farad?” Balrem teased.

“I’ll have you know I think things are going quite well.” He rejoined with confidence he didn’t feel.

“Shoulda spent less time flirting and more time working out.” He shook his head in mock disappointment, “If you had muscles like these, no one could resist.”

“Keep telling yourself that,” Lydia patted his bulging biceps. “More importantly, shouldn’t she be asking the barkeep before renewing the blessing?”

“Unlike followers of The Three, the clergy of minor deities often renew the consecration on items associated with their deity for free, in an effort to increase awareness of their god.” Farad recited. Stunned looks around the table were directed his way, “Hey! Just because I’m not particularly religious doesn’t mean I haven’t picked things up here and there.”

“Just not women.” Jenny commented as she leaned past him, depositing a handful of foaming tankards in the centre of the table.

As chuckles ran round the group Balrem snapped his fingers and pointed, “The creepy lady!”

“You shouldn’t call a lady creepy, isn’t that right Jenny?” Lydia admonished.

Her brows scrunched before she said, “She wasn’t so bad, a bit grim and formal, and a good bit older than you usually shoot for. It wasn’t her fault that we were assigned to tail her after that. Never worked out what she used the pig’s blood for though.”

“Maybe you can look into what that was all about once your promotion is official. Never really knew what we were supposed to be looking for there.” Balrem commented, “But I was thinking the one who wanted to know about all your nightmares.”

“Oh HER! Yeah, sorry Lyd, I’ve met giant spiders less creepy than that lady. Dressed in all black, first thing she asked me was my greatest fear, didn’t even know my name yet. Wasn’t she a priestess – “

“She had a [zealot of Naaririel] class and was trying to level it.” Farad explained.

“What’s Naaririel’s domain anyway?”

“Horror and nightmares.” Farad admitted.

“And you wanted to date someone who got a zealot class for that deity?”

“Well… It was a learning experience.” Good natured laughter rolled around the table, “In fairness, she was the one who taught me about the clergy of the minor gods.”

It was nice to see everyone in such high spirits, but he noticed the kid who returned with Jenny was a bit more hesitant. That wouldn’t do, time to draw him into the conversation.

“But why are we talking about me and my dating adventures when we have someone here who escaped the dungeon alone? Surely that’s a tale worth telling?”

Instantly he knew he made a mistake. The fluffy ears drooped and the teen looked like he’d eaten something sour.

“I’d really rather not get into it again. I feel like I’ve done nothing but talk about it, and those tunnels were...” he shuddered.

“That’s fine kid, they creeped me out too!” Balrem chipped in good naturedly. “Been meaning to thank you. I don’t much like to think what would have happened if I’d gone into them blind. It was damn disconcerting as it was.” The fading scrapes along his muscled forearms still visible in his short sleeves.

“You cleared it too?! Does that mean you got a better class as well?”

Instantly Farad felt the tension around the table, unnoticed by the young beastkin. Farad knew, like all of those who completed a trial associated with their affinity, Balrem had gotten a new class and a toughness skill that he was particularly proud of. However, that wasn’t the sort of thing you just shared with a civilian. Particularly one who would probably leave as soon as their clan returned. It was difficult to say that in a way that wouldn’t sound like they didn’t trust him though. Moreover, how helpful the dungeon was for upgrading classes was something they were trying to keep a secret a while longer, at least until most of the guard could get the benefits. It really was pretty ridiculous, Farad had only upgraded [jab] into [thrust], but even that had been something he’d been trying for since he got his [spear guard] class. Thankfully the tension was cut as a frazzled looking Gabrielle returned in a rush.

“I need to go to the dungeon!”

Jenny’s response was measured, “Okay… We should be able to organise another raid tomorrow or the day after.”

“No, you don’t understand. I got another quest! An urgent one this time. I need to go to the dungeon tonight!”

Everyone was moving, the gods rarely issued quests - at least in this age - much less urgent ones. The last had priests running though the city searching for books to burn. A quest from a minor deity to a single priestess didn’t have anywhere near the same authority, but something happening at the dungeon wasn’t something the guard could ignore.

----------------------------------------

Jenny didn’t like this. While others ran to grab arms and supplies Vidan had gone to find a ranger with [relay] to warn those posted at the dungeon. In the end, it seemed he’d grabbed the ranger with [relay], Trafin’s upgraded class reducing its mana cost allowing him to contact further more reliably, and yet he’d got no response. Sure, he said there could be plenty of reasons for it such as the ranger posted outside the dungeon having overdrawn on mana for something else, or simply nodded off (though Jenny got the feeling if that was the case they would certainly never do so again after the two veterans were done with her) but the fact he joined their little impromptu expedition spoke volumes about how likely he thought that was.

She’d wanted to inform the captain, but he’d disappeared earlier that night with two captives, and apparently no one knew where to. He wasn’t exactly a stickler for procedure, but even for him that was odd. She’d have to trust he was okay. If anyone could handle themselves it was the captain, and she didn’t even know for sure something was wrong, or where it was. At least with the dungeon she had a clear direction.

As the last few people made it to their gathering point having gathered the necessary equipment, she turned to the oxlike face of her final reason for concern.

“You have to let me help, if Tommy’s on the loose I’m your best chance of finding him.”

“He’s not free, he’s in the captain’s custody. Also, we don’t even know if it is Tommy.”

“Then let me identify him.”

Internally she was cursing the guard who didn’t have an indoor voice. Honestly, it made no sense that the kid hadn’t been brought to identify the rat beastkin, but she couldn’t exactly say that. He was ready to storm off and launch a one-beastkin crusade to search for the rat man, with all the conviction of a teen who doesn’t know how much he doesn’t know yet. She hated the solution she was coming to, but short of sticking him in a cell for the night, she wasn’t sure what else to do.

“Come with us.” She held up a hand to forestall his complaints, “Most likely the prisoners were taken to be questioned by one of the Lord’s people, where you won’t even get in the door, particularly at this time of night.” She paused to let him digest that unpleasant nugget, [commanding persuasion] thrumming pleasantly as she did so. “Or, he was brought to see the Master Sergeant at the dungeon. You won’t be let in without us, so are you coming?”

His fur ruffled as the cool evening breeze shifted directions. Had she pushed too hard? The kid had a right to be angry, he’d been through a lot, but nothing good would come from him storming through gang territories, or worse yet, the doors of the local aristocracy, looking for someone. The first she could help with, the second her hands would be tied.

“Fine. I’ll come with. But when – “

“Good. Then keep up. Let’s move out.”

Technically Gabrielle had all evening to complete the quest, but Jenny hadn’t lived this long by not listening to her gut. The dungeon was unpredictable and she wouldn’t feel better until she saw Sarge standing outside it, whole and hale. Maybe it wasn’t her gut she was listening to after all.