The Chronicles of a Scalebound Sage

WM [45] We’re Not Friends

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Come on, Bjorn! You’ve got this!” she shouted, her voice nearly drowned out by the noise around her. “Who is Taking bets I have a silver on the hyd—” 

In her excitement to feed her new gambling pass time, Tanisha didn’t notice the person standing behind her until she bumped into them. She turned quickly, an apology on her lips, but paused when she recognized the woman in front of her.

“Ashley!” Tanisha said, smiling. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t see you there.”

Ashley, a thin woman with fiery red hair that seemed to match her sharp, quick-witted personality, waved off the apology with a grin. 

“Ain't no harm done, Tanisha.” Ashley said. “You look like you’re havin’ a real good time.”

“I am! It’s... different, but in a good way,” Tanisha replied. “How about you? Not joining in on the festivities?”

Ashley chuckled, her green eyes sparkling. “Oh, you know me. I’m just here to keep an eye on things, make sure Alfred don’t get himself into too much trouble. Somebody’s gotta be the responsible one, right?”

“Well, it’s good to see you relaxing a bit, even if it’s just for a moment.” Tanisha said. 

Ashley tilted her head towards the crowd gathered around Joha, a knowing smile on her face. “Looks like Joha’s got quite the audience. He’s telling stories about the demon continent that’s where you're from too, right?”

“Huh, no, I am not from there.” Tanisha said curiosity gripped her. “I-I’ll be back.”

Tanisha’s eyes followed the direction Ashley indicated, and sure enough, there was Joha, ale in hand, speaking animatedly to a crowd of enraptured hunters. The human woman he was dancing with earlier on his lap as he told the story. She moved closer, curious to hear what he was saying. As she got nearer, his deep voice became clearer.

“...and there we were, just my brother and I, facing down this massive Nasherjaw. The beast had jaws that could snap maya enchanted armor with a single bite, and it moved faster than anything that size should be able to. Its scales were as hard as iron, and its eyes—blood red, full of rage. We knew we had to be quick, or we’d be its next meal,” Joha recounted, his hands gesturing wildly as he spoke.

The crowd hung on his every word, their eyes wide with fascination. Tanisha, however, found herself caught on one detail that Joha had mentioned in passing.

“Brother?” She said to herself in surprise. 

She hadn’t known Joha had a brother, and the revelation left her frazzled. Was that who he sent a letter to as his reward from the First Princess? Tanisha suddenly became painfully aware she didn’t know much of anything about Joha’s family back on the demon continent, if he had children or even why he was in Yuhia to begin with. He never really said much about home, only that he was traveling to sell spices.

Tanisha wanted to ask her mentor more about his life. He knew so much about her already but the crowd around Joha was thick, and with everyone clamoring to hear the rest of the story, there was no way she could get close enough to ask. It wasn’t the right time anyway but it made for feel guilty for having to have known him for so long without even asking more about him.

Tanisha felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned to see Alfred standing there, a calm smile on his face.

“Tanisha,” he said, his voice gentle but with an edge of authority. “I need to speak with you for a moment.”

Nodding, Tanisha glanced one last time at Joha, who was now mimicking the beast’s roar to the delight of his audience. Reluctantly, she turned away and followed Alfred, curious about what he needed to discuss. The party continued to swirl around them, but her thoughts lingered on the story Joha had shared 

As Tanisha followed Alfred through the crowd, the lively atmosphere of the party slowly dimmed into a quieter, more private corner of the Jackrabbits' hall. They reached a small table where an older man, with silver hair, sat nursing a mug of ale. His posture was relaxed but there was an undeniable presence about him, the kind that came with years of experience and leadership. Tanisha recognized him immediately—Robert, and now that they were so close again Tanisha could see the family resemblance between him and Alfred.

“Ah, Tanisha! Come, sit with us,” Robert said, gesturing to the empty seat beside him.

“Thank you, Robert,” Tanisha said.

“Can I get you a drink? Something to celebrate?” Alfred asked, already signaling a server.

Tanisha shook her head with a polite smile. “No, thank you. A lot of people kept offering to get me drinks but I’m not old enough to drink according to my culture’s standards. But I wouldn’t mind some food.”

“Of course, of course!” Robert said, chuckling. “It will be on us.”

Moments later, a plate of food was set before her—an assortment of meats and, to her surprise, vegetables. She realized that humans ate meat and vegetables and most people here were human. The aroma was enticing, and she realized how hungry she was after the day’s events. She took a piece of the meat and savored it with a squeal of excitement as it melted in her mouth. 

Then, with a curious glance at the vegetables, she decided to do something she had never done before. She poked at a sliced orange thing and asked what it was. Alfred told her and she speared a piece of roasted carrot with her fork and took a small cautious bite. The taste was unfamiliar, slightly sweet and earthy. It didn’t make her feel sick, as she had feared, but it certainly wasn’t as satisfying as the meat. She wasn’t going to try her luck and eat more though. Her evolution into a Cernunnos might have broadened her dietary options but she would have to eat more than she was willing to find out.

Alfred and Robert watched her with mild curiosity, but they soon returned to their conversation.

“You know, Tanisha,” Alfred began, leaning back in his chair, “we’ve been talking, and we think you’d make a fine addition to the Jackrabbits. Your skills, your strength—you’ve impressed a lot of people today. Underrock and Joel also want you to stay. We can set up a permanent building for your shop. What do you say? Fancy joining up with us?”

Tanisha smiled at the offer, feeling genuinely flattered. “I appreciate the offer, truly. I definitely want my own shop, don’t get me wrong, but I think I’ll have to pass. I’ve got the itch to travel, see more of the world and leave some things behind for a while. But don’t worry, I’ll be back in a few decades, and we can catch up then.”

Robert shook his head amused. “Ah, just a few decades you say. I imagine that for you that is reasonable. Not long at all for someone like you, or Joha. But for us humans, it’s a lifetime. If you have any human friends make sure to talk to them regularly if you can. Time slips by.”

“That’s true,” Tanisha admitted, her smile softening. “I sometimes forget how different our lives are in that way. Well no matter what happens I will always remember the Jackrabbits.”

“I will hold you to that,” Alfred said, raising his glass in a mock toast. “But until then, we’ll make sure you and Joha have your payment by tomorrow. Consider it a parting gift for now.”

Tanisha nodded, appreciating their understanding and the warmth in their words. It also reminded her she needed to write another letter for her friends before they left the town. She hadn’t really thought about how much longer she was going to live than her friends. She had centuries while Mat and Julie only eight decades at most. Fewer since they were all the same age.

Her mind went back to the human inn owner and his wendigo wife. He was already an old man and she was barely in her hundreds. The thought put a damper on her mood. After talking with Alfred and Robert a bit longer she made her way to the door and stepped out of the bar into the cool night air.

 She took a deep breath, allowing the sounds of the party to fade into the background as she collected her thoughts. The night was peaceful, with the distant hum of insects and the occasional shout from the bar breaking the stillness. She hadn’t intended to stay out long, just a moment to clear her head, but then she saw Adelheid.

Sitting alone on a nearby bench, illuminated by the soft glow of a hanging lantern, was Adelheid. The wifwolf’s human form was striking, with her flat mohawk and tattoos that seemed to tell a story of their own. After seeing Alaric, her father, Tanisha understood that it was a cultural thing. Even as a human, albeit with wolf ears Adelheid exuded a quiet strength, but there was something different about her tonight. She seemed smaller, subdued.

Tanisha hesitated, her emotions conflicting as she watched her sitting alone. The memories of their encounter on the roof—the trap and subsequent fight for survival—flickered through her mind. The anger was still there, a lingering ember that hadn’t quite gone out, but it had dulled with the events of the day. There was no denying that Adelheid had played a part in the victory.

She was about to turn back, unsure if she was ready to confront these feelings, when Adelheid’s head snapped up. The wifwolf had caught her scent and was already rising to leave, clearly uncomfortable with the unexpected encounter.

“Adelheid, wait,” Tanisha called out, her voice softer than she expected. The words seemed to hang in the air between them.

Adelheid stopped, her movements stiff, and turned back to face Tanisha. But she couldn’t hold her gaze, her eyes dropped to the ground. Tanisha took a few steps closer, feeling the awkwardness settle in. They didn’t share many words at first. Finally, Tanisha broke the silence.

“You should come inside,” she said, gesturing back toward the bar. “The celebration is for everyone who helped bring down the monarch, and that includes you.”

Adelheid didn’t move. “I… I’m sorry. For what I did. For what my clan did to you.” She kept her eyes down, unable to face Tanisha directly. “I know you don’t care about me, but my father told me we lost people before he left. My pack is my family, and it hurts everytime one of them goes on their Last Hunt.” Her voice quivered as her hand reached up to the black necklace around her neck but stopped just shy of touching the deadly maya construct. “I wouldn’t wish that on anyone, yet… I tried to take your family from you. I am sorry.”

Tanisha felt a pang in her chest, a mix of emotions she wasn’t entirely sure how to process. She didn’t know what to say, so she simply stood there, waiting for the right words to come.

“I haven’t forgiven you,” Tanisha began, her voice steady but tinged with the remnants of her earlier anger. “Not completely, anyway. What you and your clan did… it’s not something I can just forget. But,” Tanisha continued, her tone softening just a little, “you came through for me today. You fought with us, and that means something. I’m not ready to forgive all of you, but… I can at least try to start with you.”

Adelheid finally looked up, her eyes searching Tanisha’s for any hint of deception. What she found instead was sincerity, tempered with caution. She hesitated, the world seeming to slow as the moment stretched silently before she finally nodded in agreement.

“I appreciate that,” Adelheid said, her voice low but earnest. “I know it doesn’t change what happened, but thank you.”

“Great, now come on,” Tanisha said, gesturing back towards the bar. “Let’s go inside. We’re not friends, but we don’t have to be enemies either.”

Adelheid seemed to take a moment to absorb those words before she started walking alongside Tanisha, their steps in sync as they headed back to the celebration. The tension between them wasn’t gone, but it had shifted. They entered the bar together, the noise and warmth enveloped them once again.