The night, dark yet wonderfully liberating. A time where the mind wanders, for better or for worse. The time when broken hearts yearn the most, when a new love is found and when creativity reaches its peak. The smell of the cooling earth after a hot day was an intoxicating scent. One that Tycon wished would linger just a little more as he approached the ballroom.

The building itself was a large structure, more so in length than in height. Built of regular stone, though grey, it contrasted with the sandstone buildings that surrounded it. Looking more elegant despite its simplicity and establishing its prestige over the rest of the City.

The ballroom sat to the east of the City, almost directly from the center and had a large staircase at the front of its exterior. Tycon stopped at the bottom and looked up, watching several couples, walking hand in hand climb the steps. They were dressed in mostly formal wear, though nothing like the formal wear in Selenicar. Most donned velvet coats, typically red with gold embroidery, similar to Zarek. The women wore mostly simple loose dresses of the same material, looking rather comfortable in comparison to some formal wear he'd seen women wear prior.

He was waiting, waiting for Balin, Ambre, and Zeke. The four had gone their separate ways shortly after meeting with their contractor. Departing for water supply and mounts which hadn't taken them too long and the cost was put on Zarek's tab so it wasn't expensive for them either. He was a little more generous than Tycon had expected.

After waiting a few moments he saw two familiar silhouettes walking casually in his direction. Balin was easy to notice because of his large frame, if not for him, Tycon wouldn't have noticed Zeke at all. Zeke was waving his arms as the distant conversation began to grow louder. Balin, on the other hand, had his hands in his pockets and his head down. Once they came into the light, Tycon was glad to see that he wasn't the only one underdressed for the occasion.

"Tycon," Zeke waved.

Tycon waved back with a nod.

"How are you two doing?" 

"Oh we're fine," Zeke said, "We were just discussing how exotic the City is this time of night," He glanced at Balin, "Though it was a one-sided conversation."

Balin sighed, "I at least listened, right?"

Zeke snorted and scratched his chin, gazing up the stairs as he did.

"Place seems a little higher class for folk like us."

Tycon winked, "All the more reason to take advantage of the free food, eh?"

He noticed a small grin curl on Balin's mouth.

"Well let's not wait, we have food and drink to indulge ourselves with," Tycon said.

"And whores," Zeke added.

Tycon nodded, "Right. By the way, wheres Ambre?"

Zeke nodded towards the ballroom, "Probably already in there, she's a quick one."

Tycon couldn't argue with that, she didn't seem like someone who wasted time. He didn't know much about her and hoped that the party could provide an opportunity to get to know her better. The thought of her made him blush, he could feel the sudden flush on his cheeks, luckily the other two didn't notice, or so he hoped.

"Let's head on in then," Balin mumbled.

Tycon nodded and the three began climbing the unnecessarily long staircase.

Emerging through the large double wooden doors of the ballroom, Tycon was suddenly consumed by the noise of music and a hundred conversations, all merging into a mess of indistinguishable noise. The atmosphere was like a tidal wave washing over him and the undertow sweeping him in. The noise was infectious in an odd way as if a sudden burst of life had sprouted within him.

The room itself was enormous, more so on the inside than out. By both sides of the room, there were tables dotting all the way to the far end with pillars in between. The tables were filled with meat on platters as well as an assortment of wine and fruits. Most of the tables were occupied, however. The ballroom floor sat in the middle of the room, covered with men and women conversing and drinking. 

Nobody seemed to be drunk enough to dance yet. He heard the odd bursting cackle and the clink of wine glasses and he couldn't help but feel a little out of place, especially in his dirty attire.

He felt Balin's presence towering behind him and he turned to face him. Zeke had disappeared from their small entourage, Tycon guessed he was looking for the whores. Balin appeared a little more lively and Tycon took it as a good sign and signaled him to follow, hoping to find an unclaimed bottle of wine. Tycon weaved through the guests with Balin in tow and made a hard left to the nearest table where several well-groomed men and women sat. There were no seats left but he did, however, catch a glimpse of a prime bottle of Lainlyn wine, ripe for the taking.

He grinned and leaned over the guests, swiping the bottle. Disapproving glances were sent his way and he grinned even wider, apologetically putting a hand up.

"Sorry," He said, chuckling.

Balin was waiting not far behind, his arms folded and shaking his head, but smiling all the same.

"Never took you for a thief," He said, slapping him on the back.

Tycon shrugged, "It's free reign, no advance payment means more wine for us."

Balin laughed and the two made their way to the corner of the ballroom by the front doors. Away from the rest of the guests and where they could converse without difficulty hearing one another. Tycon popped the bottle open and took a large swig then handed it to Balin. Tycon hugged his back against the wall and slid down into a sitting position with a sigh. Balin leaned on the wall, still holding the bottle.

"Tycon," Balin started, "I'm sorry about today... I don't know what came over me."

"It's fine Balin, water under the bridge. I know things have been rough, I couldn't imagine what you're going through."

Balin let out a sigh of relief and slid down the wall, sitting next to him. He took a sip and passed the wine back.

"Y'know, she always felt bad for the way she treated you," Balin said softly, staring at the dancefloor.

"I was never mad at her. I wish I could have seen her again."

"This seems familiar huh?"

"What do you mean?"

"Sitting here, drinking and watching people talk and dance. Reminds me of Selenicar when we first met."

Tycon took another swig, passing the bottle and watching the crowd with him.

"Now that you mention it, you're right. A lot has changed since then... A lot."

"You haven't changed much, still a naive idiot." Balin chuckled.

Tycon replied with an elbow to his arm. Balin returned it with an even stronger one.

"What do you plan on doing now?" Tycon asked.

Balin's expression suddenly sunk to one of melancholy.

"After this, I'm going back to Hindal. The village where I buried her, I'll buy a house and lay low. Try my hand at farming maybe."

"She wouldn't want you to stick to this line of work."

Balin shrugged, "Yeah I know. I think she'd want that for me, to live quietly. That doesn't mean I'm gonna stop training though. Who knows, you may need me someday."

He passed the bottle back.

"You have the rest, Tycon. Wine is your thing, me? I prefer beer and I'm going to find myself some."

Balin climbed to his feet and brushed his clothes, "You go find Ambre, I saw how you looked at her" He winked and slapped Tycon on the shoulder.

He felt himself blush and quickly took another swig. Balin laughed and disappeared into the crowd, leaving Tycon alone to watch the party before him. He sat there for a few moments longer before heading toward a vacant table and having something to eat, knowing full well that drinking on an empty stomach was usually a bad idea. 

The table was mostly full, he sat next to a large man who had a booming voice, his laughter would quickly overshadow the various conversations that were had at the table. Tycon took no mind and grabbed a plate and a chicken thigh then began eating slowly, hoping not to catch the attention of the rest of the diners. He eavesdropped as he ate, listening to the conversations around him, not that he suspected anything was amiss, but to keep himself entertained with the gossip of the higher class. He overheard two middle-aged women talking about having an affair with a younger man and another between a man and a woman, the woman insisting that the man propose soon.

Quite a romantic city.

Tycon chuckled and continued eating, occasionally washing it down with the wine. A woman on the other side of the table suddenly vacated her seat and was replaced by a familiar woman. Tycon almost choked mid-sip and coughed.

"Found you," Ambre said airily.

She looked just as beautiful as she had when he first saw her. She wore a simple, white blouse with a brown corset over the top, her legs covered by tight brown pants and boots. Her blonde hair was now set in a loose ponytail and her blue eyes were like stars, gleaming in the reflection of the lights. He was surprised to see her not in a dress, in fact, she looked about as well dressed as himself. He found it charming in a way.

"Looks like you did," Tycon replied sheepishly with an awkward smile.

Ambre leaned over the table and stared at him, causing him to blush again.

"We have the same colored hair... Can I touch your beard?"

Tycon had forgotten he hadn't shaved in a few weeks. He rubbed his hand over his chin and felt the familiar scruff that he knew all too well, making a mental note to shave the next chance he got. Her question still took him aback, she came off as a little eccentric, or maybe just a little carefree. Nevertheless, he leaned forward and she caressed her hand over his cheeks. Once she was satisfied, she leaned back into her chair and grabbed a chicken leg. Munching on it vigourously.

This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.

"Are... Are you drunk?" Tycon asked.

Ambre stopped chewing and raised an eyebrow then let out a devilish grin.

"Maybe," She said and began chewing again.

Tycon took a sip, trying to avoid eye contact. Her presence made him anxious in a good way, but anxious all the same. She didn't seem to notice though and put her hand out. Tycon passed her the bottle and she took a large sip and then smiled.

"So you're an Elf, right? Odd to see one all the way out here. You're a little more scruffy than I expected."

"I'm guessing you imagined we were all elegant and sophisticated."

Ambre nodded, "That's how your kind was always described to me as a child. You're the first one I've ever met," She paused a moment and put a finger on her chin, "Where are you from, Tycon?"

"A small town called Nelvitar on the continent of Sybiltal. I haven't been there in years. You're clearly not from here so where are you from?"

"I hear humans aren't welcome in Sybiltal. I'm from up north, where all the snow is. The city called Winters Peak, pretty on the nose, I know. This place is a far cry from home, that's for sure."

"I take it you haven't adjusted to the heat then?" 

Ambre took another sip and silently nodded. She sat still for a moment, staring into her plate. Tycon clicked his fingers and she snapped back to attention.

"Sorry, I just miss home sometimes." She said somberly.

"What brought you into this line of work?" Tycon asked, taking a sip.

Suddenly her body went rigid and she froze for a moment. Tycon regretted asking, clearly he had reminded her of something that bothered her.

"I like this wine, what is it?" She said, changing the subject. Tycon went along as if he hadn't said anything.

"Lainlyn wine," He replied, "You heard of it?"

"No, I haven't. We usually drink mead up north."

Ambre lazily grazed a fingernail over the label on the wine bottle and then smiled.

"I think I'm getting a taste for wine though," She said, now shaking the bottle and listening to Its contents swish inside.

The two sat in silence for a moment, Tycon couldn't help but feel awkward. He'd spent so much time on his own that the thought of finding someone attractive had never crossed his mind. There was something about her though, perhaps it was her care-free demeanor that he found so alluring. For the first time, he realized just how boring and serious he probably appeared. Maybe it was simply how he thought of himself, maybe he was completely different to the people who knew him, but nevertheless, he found her extremely charming and beautiful. Tycon knew full well that it was foolish to feel this way, he almost considered slapping himself.

"Hey, Tycon?"

"Mm?"

"Can I tell you something?"

"Sure what is it?"

He saw her blush, or at least he thought he did. She took another sip of the wine and then stared into the bottle as if choosing her next words carefully.

"You're... A real nice guy you know?

Tycon chuckled and blushed, then grabbed the bottle, "That's the drink talking."

"No, I'm serious. I haven't seen you stare at my ass once."

"Now you're just joking."

Ambre laughed and nodded. He felt like an idiot for almost falling for it, but laughed along with her. She was about as non-serious as they come for the most part and he was okay with that. 

"Hey, I'm gonna head out for some fresh air, I'll see you soon?" Ambre said, rising from her seat.

Tycon nodded and like Balin before, he watched her disappear into the crowd toward the front doors. As his gaze followed her, it settled on Balin who was leaning on his back with a beer in his hand against a nearby pillar. He shook his head disapprovingly.

"You're an idiot." He said.

"What do you mean?"

"What I mean, is that you're dense as hell."

Tycon squinted, "Please, Balin, Elaborate."

"You haven't had much experience with women, have you? She was clearly flirting with you."

"I didn't get that impression at all."

Balin turned his head, looking to Tycon and took a sip, "As I said. Because you're dense."

Tycon looked to the crowd and then back to Balin who was still looking at him, now with an eyebrow raised. Was she really flirting with him?

Balin cocked his head, "You should go after her."

"You really think that's a good idea?"

"Wouldn't hurt to try."

The truth was that he wanted to. That was undeniable, but it was all guesswork. He didn't want to risk looking like an idiot.

Damn it, I'm basically a fucking teen at this point.

"You may have been in this world longer, Tycon, but it's clear to me that you've never been in a relationship."

"It's not something that I've really had time for."

"Give it a try, maybe you'll like it. She's a fighter after all, definitely your type."

He wanted to give it a try, but after what happened to Evaline and how it's affected Balin, He was even more afraid of attachment than he already was. He'd already lost too many people in his life and didn't want it to happen again. Against his better judgment, he decided to take Balin's advice.

"Will you be alright on your own?" Tycon asked, rising from his chair.

Balin snorted, "I've got Zeke to take care of, so I'm not alone. Bastard is a fucking sex fiend, I swear. He's gonna get in all sorts of trouble if I don't keep an eye on him."

Tycon chuckled, "Where is he now?"

"Ploughing some whore in a room upstairs. Go, I'll be waiting to hear how it goes."

"Alright, just be careful."

Balin winked, "It's everyone else who needs to be careful."

With that Tycon walked by Balin and began weaving his way, yet again through the dense crowd of people on the ballroom floor. The floor was sticky with dry alcohol, he could hear the tearing sound with every step and smell the alcohol on each person's breath as he passed them by. It was sickly, but that was what all parties seemed to be. At least the few he had been invited to.

As he neared the front doors, he began to feel his stomach flutter and his chest beat harder. He was sweating, this time not from the heat. The anxiety was almost overwhelming and with each step, he felt more and more compelled to walk back. He had been in many battles and had felt fear many times before, but he was honestly more fearful at this very moment than he had ever been in any battle or fight.

                                                                       **********************

There she was, sitting on the stairs with her elbows on her thighs and her hands on her chin. Gazing, dreamily down at the glistening City below. She hadn't even noticed his presence, perfectly consumed by the sights of the land before her. He sat by her side and watched with her in silence. Not speaking a single word as the smell of the fire-lit braziers consumed them. The abrupt silence from leaving the ballroom was liberating in a way. Like he had been set free from being chocked by the constant noise that rang in his ears. For once, the silence didn't seem so bad. She leaned her head on his shoulder and he froze, his body turning rigid at the sudden touch. He let himself loosen and put his arm around her.

She shivered.

"Are you cold?" Tycon asked softly.

He felt her nod her head and he let his arm fall away and removed his coat, pulling it over her shoulders. She leaned back onto his arm, pulling the coat closer over her shivering body.

"The City is beautiful in the night when it's quiet," She said, her voice low.

"It is. Have you ever looked into the sky and watched the stars?" Tycon asked, gently.

"Sometimes. They're beautiful too," Ambre replied.

"I do it a lot when I'm alone."

"Well, this time you don't have to."

Those words made him feel a deep warmth inside. The anxiety was gone, he was calm and the composure and tranquility enveloped him. Moments like these were things he had never experienced before and to feel this way, it was all new to him. Was it naivety like Balin had said? He couldn't tell. 

It was hard for him to believe that she was a warrior, she was so gentle, yet it was contradicted. She reminded him of himself, though he wasn't sure why. 

He felt her gaze on him and he turned to meet it. The reflection from the flames of the brazier glistened in her ocean-blue eyes, a subtle metaphor for what he felt inside. Maybe he was getting ahead of himself, feeling the way he did. Was it simply a physical attraction? He didn't think so, not at all, something more. He was naive but he wasn't completely stupid, contrary to what Balin would believe. He knew he was moving too fast, he wasn't even sure if she felt the same way. The doubt was completely gone when she pursed her lips for a kiss. He embraced her instead.

"Sorry, I shouldn't have done that," She said as they pulled away.

"It's okay, I feel the same way," He spoke with eyes to the ground, blushing, yet feeling like a prick.

"Then why didn't you kiss me?" She asked, softly. 

He was glad to see that she at least wasn't angry.

"Because you're drunk and I'm tipsy," Tycon paused, choosing his words carefully, " I just think it would be better if we were sober"

She seemed satisfied with the answer and Tycon sighed in relief. He didn't want to make her mad, as much as would have liked to kiss her, it didn't feel right if they were drunk.

Ambre returned her gaze to the City below, obviously deep in thought, she began to speak but hesitated.

"What is it?" Tycon asked.

"You mentioned that you haven't been home in a long time. Is it okay if I ask why?"

The question hit Tycon like a dagger and hundreds of memories suddenly flashed through his mind.

Flames. Screams. Swords. Blood. Weeping... Ash.

"It's okay if you don't want to tell me," She said, noticing his reaction to the personal question.

"It's okay... I, uh... Well... When I was a kid, my town was torched and raided... By an organization of bandits, I guess. They... Murdered my father, raped my mother and sister and... Slaughtered the rest of the town. Father told me to run... And I did. I remembered those faces, killed each one of them."

He stopped. Ambre was silent, he felt her stroking his wrist and realized he was shaking. Her expression, one of concern and sorrow. He knew the expression was genuine and he instantly felt like a fool. He hadn't spoken of it to anyone before. He was never looking for pity so he never mentioned it and now he did, he wasn't sure if he regretted it.

"Anyway, what about you? Why aren't you at home?" Tycon said, he felt his voice shake and he cleared his throat.

"It's not quite as tragic," Ambre said.

"That doesn't matter, I want to learn about you."

She looked to him and grabbed his hand, "Promise you won't tell?" 

"I promise."

"My mother was sick and dying and my Uncle wanted the power of the throne."

"The throne?"

"Of Winters Peak."

A ripple of shock spread through Tycon.

"You're royalty?"

"Yes." She said nonchalantly, " Anyway, my Uncle," her voice began to break, "murdered my sister and framed me for it. I had to flee my country. My mother is probably dead and he's probably sitting on the throne as we speak."

"Do you plan on reclaiming your birthright?"

"No, it's better left forgotten."

Tycon had barely had a chance to process what he heard before Balin and Zeke burst through the door. Balin was swaying side to side, clearly drunk and Zeke looked like he had just run a thousand miles.

"Hey lovebirds," Balin said, his words slurring, "Zarek is making a speech, you should come in and listen."

"We'll be right there," Tycon replied and the two men disappeared back behind the doors.

He turned to Ambre, "We should go on in huh?" 

"Yeah... Uh hey, Tycon."

"Mm?"

"Thanks for coming out and talking."

"Anytime, Ambre. Anytime."

                                                 **********************************************

The ballroom was quiet now and all the guests were faced to the back of the room. Tycon and Ambre stood at the back behind them all, waiting for the speech to begin. They were soon joined by Zeke and Balin who were both still wobbling as they walked. Tycon shook his head and grinned.

Idiots.

It wasn't long before a small podium was rolled onto the ballroom floor and with it, Zarek appeared and stepped up onto it and began to speak.

"Hello, ladies and gentlemen. I am honored to have you all come to this party yet again. I throw this festivity in celebration for our newest heroes."

Zarek pointed toward the back and all eyes fell upon the four of them. Tycon felt a little embarrassed, Balin, Zeke and Ambre, however, cheered valiantly. The four were met with a half-hearted round of applause, which was unsurprising. Tycon had no idea just how many times they had gone through this every single month. Zarek began to speak again.

"These heroes have pledged their very lives to retrieve an ancient artifact for me and should be honored for their bravery."

They were again met with half-hearted applause, but this time there were a few unenthusiastic cheers mixed in.

"Now with that out of the way. Let's get back to having a good time!"

With that said, the cheers that followed were definitely genuine.

"Hooray for us," Ambre said sarcastically.

Zeke scratched his head and approached Tycon cautiously and cupped his hand to his ear.

"She likes you," He whispered, "Trust me, I can read people," Zeke leaned out and gave Tycon a wink.

He rolled his eyes.

"Hey, Tycon?" Ambre said.

"Yeah?"

"Have you ever danced before?"

Balin burst out laughing, "Oh I'd love to see that."

"Uh, well no I guess I haven't danced before."

"Time for you to learn," Ambre winked.

"Oh, I don't know abou-"

He didn't get his sentence out before he was yanked over to the dancefloor. He could hear Zeke and Balin cheering as he was dragged away. 

The night was one to remember, another reminder of the simplistic qualities of friendship and love. The strength that could form with bonds was something that shouldn't be underestimated. Tycon learned that and for the first time, he didn't want to be alone and he was grateful that he had people he cared about. No matter how much the looming threat of loss hung over him. What mattered was the time spent in the moment and making memories to cherish and reminisce on fondly.

The night went on without incident. They sang and danced, consuming more alcohol than was probably acceptable, but that didn't matter. For the memory was something Tycon would never forget and as the midnight bell began to ring. The ballroom fell empty and the four parted ways for the night.

"So you're not coming back to the camp?" Balin said.

Tycon scratched his head, "Well Ambre asked me to stay with her at the inn."

Balin winked and Tycon rolled his eyes.

"It's not like that!"

"I'm using your tent then," Balin replied, swaying his bottle as he spoke.

"Of course! I'll see you two tomorrow."

The three men nodded and parted ways. Tycon walked with Ambre toward the inn she was staying at, gazing at the stars as they walked.

"You know," Ambre said, "I think I like the stars more than the City lights."