Chapter 19: Epilogue: Aftermath

When the battle was over, I returned to the inn leaving Miller and the surviving Militia members to clean up the grisly scene, our jobs done. I felt I wanted a drink. Frak, I think I needed a drink after such an intense experience, I’d be having nightmares tonight for sure. In the end, I indulged in far too much of the game’s alcohols. Hours later, I was regaling the gathered patrons with the tale of the battle at the coast, it was just a rumour by the time I started telling the story to inquisitive patrons when I informed them, I had been there. That is how I had gotten into this state. They had kept bringing me ale with each telling and each telling had grown grander than the last. I felt I was delivering each rendition with the eloquence of a bard when Fizzle and Fiona arrived, freshly resurrected from the Temple.

They took one look at me, Fizzle laughed and when he found out why I was in the state I was he began telling his own version of the tale, Violet helpfully creating crude fiery representations of us all mid-battle. Fiona however took it upon herself to usher myself and Baruu, to bed. She was pretty great, I liked her. I told Fiona as much.

It was not only myself who was more than a little worse for wear. Baruu, who had vigorously enjoyed the spoils of the tale telling belched enormously.

“My monster is a drunk.” I told Fiona proudly. The only response I got was the closing of my door and sweet unconsciousness. I woke the next day, not suffering a hangover as this was a game and obviously the system was dealing with it. I silently thanked the AI or programmer that removed hangovers all together.

We also thanked the barkeep together almost in unison as we set out for the boat that would take us to the mainland. It seemed that as I had slept, the story of the battle had spread amongst the militia and townsfolk for as we came, they parted ways. Applauding us as we passed by. It was a surreal experience.

Torsgulf was waiting for us. He noticeably puffed up his chest as we approached, tilting his head back in a way that he no doubt thought looked regal, to prominently display two new items on his attire. The first was a rank insignia on his chest plate that was now better than his old set and his helm I noted bore a simple crest atop it.

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“I got a promotion,” he told me. “An’ it’s all thanks to ye, ah tell ye that, Blue.” He said as he fell into step beside as we descended the road towards the docks. “So, what am gonnae do is give ye a letter of introduction to me family. You’ll find ‘em inland though, not big on islands or coast dwellings. I’m only here to fight the beasties m’self.”

“Any in Jeckhart?” I wondered if this was the game throwing us a bone.

“Aye my wee brother and his brood live out that way aye. Tell you what, you go to them bring a gift though mind, proper Dwarven culture must be adhered to.”

“Oh, I’ve got that covered.” I told him smirking while thinking of the earth familiar stone sitting in my inventory that I had forgotten I had retrieved from the remains of the Cave Drake. Maybe if I had given one to Torsgulf before we set off, he would have been strong enough to handle Boyle without my involvement. But being sent to meet his clan meant that I had new plans for them.

We embarked not long after evening, the ship riding the retreating tide out to sea where a chilly ocean breeze filled the unfurling sails, taking us towards out destination. I had wondered how we would log-out as we travelled on the ship but then we were shown to our private quarters, a small and narrow room with a cot on the floor and a hammock slung above it. We all settled in then Fiona spoke up.

“You two assholes better not ditch me for this entire voyage.” She whined.

“Nah.” We both replied in unison, she chuckled at us. “I could maybe turn my slime into some sort of null draconian, aquatic monster. Or something.” I mused from the hammock above my two friends and the sea gently rocked me. “Boyle is still out there.” I reminded her as well.”.

“Pfft, you wish you could get a draconic stone.” Fizzle snorted at me.

“Actually,” Fiona teased him, we found two in a chest from the rare that bumped us up to Level eight. The two began bickering good naturedly in hushed affectionate tones. I sighed, gave Baruu one last affectionate pat on the head then logged out.

As I rose from my Virtunet system and stretched in my hab unit, feeling various vertebrae pop, I felt a sense of anticipation come over me. I checked the time displayed on the wall; had it really only been two days? Time in CO was screwy, but yup, only two days playing the game. And it had been wild. I loved the combat and I loved the creatures. Baruu especially. I had a late dinner then showered and settled into bed. I wondered what adventures I would have with Baruu when I logged back in tomorrow.