Mini Stories Crabs and Drinks_The Wandering Inn

Mini Stories Crabs and Drinks

 Story #1 Mrsha and Relc

 (In the days after The Wandering Inns destruction, before Erin finished her holiday, Relc and Mrsha sit in a bar.)

 Out darn spot! Out, I say! You see, this is the part of the y where shes imagining blood on her ws, kid. But its in her mind. You have to really understand the text and the y to get that from just the script.

 Relc Grasstongue turned to Mrsha, and pointed at the script of Macbeth. It was slightly altered and he was clearly not reading from the exact script as written in the Shakespearian verse, but it was close enough. The little Gnoll nodded as Relc continued following the yers of Celum practicing on stage.

 See, the messed-up thing is that she doesnt even stab the guy. Shes just got a tiny bit of blood on her hands after taking the knives. I mean,e on. Its definitely written for a Human [Lady], right? A bit of blood and shes not even freaking out about disemboweling the old [King]? Weak.

 Another nod. Relc held out a fist and Mrsha bumped it with a tiny paw. She was a ins Gnoll and he was a former [Solder]. And a Drake. They knew what was up. Relc turned back to the script and Mrsha peered over his shoulder, wagging her tail.

 For some reason unknown to everyone, Relc was in charge of Mrsha for the day. It was a scenario few could have envisioned, including Relc and Mrsha themselves. But Erin Solstice was out of the inn on her holiday, and Lyte was very busy managingeverything in Erins absence. And because the day staff of The Wandering Inn was also on breakthe inn was currently being rebuilt after its destructionLyte hadnt been able to get them to babysit Mrsha.

 Or rather, even her mary offers had failed to get Ishkr, whodmitted to another job to keep the money flowing in during the break and Drassi, who was on a long holiday. And the other Gnolls and Drakes Lyte employed, while good workers, werent familiar enough with Mrsha. And everyone else was busy.

 So, Relc. He and she were sitting in a bar, watching Liscors members of the yers of Celum practice. After all, the magical door was confiscated. Or being managed by the city since the inn was damaged. Of course, at the beginning the city had needed it to clean up the Bloodfields and so on, but now it was just theirs and Lyte wasnt fighting them on it just yet. Erin was in Pass and Relc was happy.

 Hey! Another beer for the table! And get one of those milks for Mrsha!

 He waved at a passing [Server]. The Drake nodded and came back with a drink. If there was something wrong about having alcohol in the presence of a minor, well, it was only to Erin or Ryokas delicate sensibilities. No one else had a problem, including Mrsha and Relc. She sniffed Relcs drink, but shed snuck tastes of beer enough to know it was bitter. Goats milk nowMrshapped it up happily with her tongue and then drank. Relc, fascinated, copied her.

 Hey! That makes it taste better. Whod have thought?

 The Drakes long tongue flicked into his own drink. Then he gulped a mouthful down and sighed.

 This brings me back. Alcohol, a hot day in the campsyou know, I have a daughter.

 Mrsha broke off from watching the [Actors] to give Relc an encouraging look that said do tell! Of course, she was vaguely aware of this, but she was humoring Relc. She swiped some more crisped nuts from the bowl hed sensibly ordered to go along with the drinks as Relc went on.

 Embria, you know? I used to do just this. Well, not in a bar. And it was more like me and the squad sitting around. But she would sit just here. And itd be great. Hm. Damn. I remember swearing a lot back then. I shouldnt swear so much around kids, right?

 He looked at Mrsha. She shrugged. Shed heard worse. Relc nodded to himself.

 Just like this. She liked it, too. She was always asking what wed done that day, even if it was just marching through crap. What happened?

 She grew up. Mrsha tried to sign with her paws. Relc eyed her.

 Yeah. Yeah, I know. Youre alright, Mrsha. Hey, you wanna go on somewhere after this?

 He waved at the y on stage. Mrsha blinked. Relc not wanting to watch the yers? The Drake correctly interpreted her look.

 Its not that I dont wanna watch. Its just that Ive seen Macbeth likethirty times? I know, but thest six times were all this week. Id watch the Lady Macbeth Temile was telling me they were putting on, but hes gone. Or dead. I heard hes missing a finger. Tough. The thumbs really important for holding the spear, you know? A pinky

 Another shared nod. The poor [Actor] had lost one of the worst digits. Relc sighed as he watched the Gnolls and Drakes on stage. They were pausing to confer over the lines.

 I wanted to join. Im actually on a backup list, in case all the [Actors] break their legs. And yeah, I thought about it, but I like them. Anyways, Im a [Guardsman]. Id have to quit to join up; I cant make the time without it.

 Mrsha looked at Relc. She tilted her head sideways. So why dont you? Its what you like. Relc was unclear whether this was him picking up on her sign and bodynguage, or the voice in his head.

 Its simple, kid. I like my job. I like puzzles, and ys, but Ive gotta be a [Guardsman]. You know? Even if Captain Z gets on my tail every other day. I dont want to be in the army. But a [Guard]? I have to hit something. You know?

 Mrsha paused and shook her head. Relc sighed.

 Yeah, maybe you dont. Its hard to exin.

 Pensively, he stared out across the bar. Then he brightened.

 I know! Lets show you! I know Lyte said I should stay here, but itll just be a quick outing. What about it, kid?

 Mrsha blinked, and then nodded happily. Relc grinned as he got up, fishing for his coins and a tip.

 I knew I liked you. Embria was the same way. Follow me!

 -

 Twenty minutester, Relc was coaching Mrsha, his voice gentle.

 Okay. Youve got the knife. But it knows you have a knife. So watch out. Its gonna pounce. If it gets you with its ws, youre dead. Dead. Youve got a weapon, and your smarts, but its bigger and maybe faster. And it has a shell. Got it?

 Mrsha nodded. She eyed the tiny dagger she was holding in her paw. Unsteadily, on two feet rather than her usual four-legged mode, she waved the knife threateningly at the baby Rock Crab. It waswell, a huge crab. Usually, the Hollowstone Deceivers were giant, hidden monsters with huge shells. And they were longer than you thought when you thought of crabsat least, to Erin and Ryoka. Not so much circr as elongated near the back.

 Still, they had many crab-like features, including two ws, long legs, and a shell. They were in many ways typical crabs. Again, until you considered that these Rock Crabs were huge. Even the children! This baby Rock Crab that Relc had uncovered outside the city was twice asrge as Mrsha and it had just been born! The rainy season that had precipitated so much life in the way of fish and so on had also let the Rock Crabs spawn their brood. And oh, what a brood!

 The muddy Rock Crab may have been bigpared to Mrsha, but it was weakpared to what it would be. Relc had dragged it out of the mud and now it sat, twitching, and clearly regarding Mrsha and Relc. Looking for a way to flee? Of course! This Rock Crab had no shell, and it was far too small to take on even a quarter of the weaker species living on the Floodins. HoweverMrsha faltered.

 It was still big, and this Rock Crab would live off of rodents and smaller creatures until it grew bigger. Perhaps it would be fed by its parent? She nced at Relc and the Drake cheered encouragingly!

 You can do it! Just stab it in the face! Everything hates that! Remember, its gonna jump! Let it get you and youre dead!

 She really wasnt certain, but the Gnoll cub nodded and advanced, wobbling on her two feet. The baby Rock Crab backed up, and Mrsha heard it clicking dangerously. She paused. Stab it in the face. She aimed Relcs knife, took another step and shed

 The Rock Crab leapt at her. Mrsha forgot everything shed been told by Relc, dove, and shed with the knife. The Rock Crabs new carapace was too weak to fend off the de and she gave it a deep cut. But the Rock Crab was attacking! Mrsha snarled and shed with her knife, darting left, right, away from the Rock Crab as it tried to snap one huge w onto her head or body and crush and tear her apart.

 Stay mobile! Dont let it get behind you! Thats the way!

 Relc roared, following Mrsha and the Rock Crab as they fought in the grass and mud. Mrsha nearly had her knife in one of its eyes when she saw the Rock Crab lower. Toote, she backed up, but the bleeding, cut Rock Crab leapt. Mrsha twisted, but one w seized her paw. And the Rock Crab was pinching hard, as it drew her closer

 Nice try!

 Relc kicked the Rock Crab so hard Mrsha felt only the impactthen she was staring at the Rock Crabs pincer, still attached to her arm. Nothing else. A bit of blue blood trickled from the stump. Mrsha looked around and saw the Rock Crabnd. It wasdead. Relc wiped one foot on the ground and turned to Mrsha.

 You nearly had it, kid. If you could have stayed on your feet better, Id have given you a buckler. But that wasnt bad! Embria took ages before she could hold a spearwe used to give her this cut-down one. Whaddya think?

 Again, Relcs grin and tone would have earned him an immediate smack or kick if any other of Mrshas caretakers or mother had been there. But Mrsha just smiled and nodded as she gingerly prized the pincer off her arm. She felt invigorated! Pumping adrenaline, the feel of the fightit was like being on a hunt with her tribe all over again.

 And Relc knew that. Mrsha looked up and nodded at him. He sighed.

 Yeah. But dont you go fighting anything else! But you get it, right? I cant just give this up.

 He sat down as Mrsha licked her cut arm. The Drake eyed her.

 How bad is it? Wanna potion?

 He pulled a healing potion out, but Mrsha refused it. The cut and bruise on her right arm was a mark of pride! She smiled at Relc and he grinned at her.

 You gotta fight. Too many monsters in this world not to. You can run away and leave it to someone else butaw, hell. Even Erin fights, right?

 Mrsha nodded. And so she sat for a while with Relc on the muddy hill, staring at the dead Rock Crab. In the end, Relc brought it back to the city since you could make something out of it! Unfortunately, Lyte met them, having been looking all over for the two. And she put two and two together in an instant.

 She did not in fact, smack Relc. But she did go for her sword. Mrshas mark of pride was healed in a trice and Relc had to flee at speed. He was no wee in the inn for the next six days, which was too bad. Because he and Mrsha did understand each other.

 And after a dinner of Rock Crab stew, which was very good, Mrsha had the Rock Crab w in her room, polished of meat, but a trophy of her victory. Until Lyte found it and made her throw it away. But the ensuing tantrum and fight was so bad that it ended up in Relcs apartment.

 A little reminder of an evening spent between an unlikely pair of friends. And two souls who remembered what it was like to be wild.

 Image of Rock Crabs by Enuryn the [Naturalist]

 (Click here for high-resolution image!)

 Story #2 Tersk and Dekass

 (About an hour before the Wyverns attack Pass, Tersk and Dekass of the Armored Antinium reflect on why theyre visiting Liscor.)

 Wyverns flew towards Pass. The Wandering Inn was reopening. Erin Solstice had just been ced under arrest. Wherever you looked, there was something interesting happening. And it was going to be an interesting day.

 However, if interest was a sliding scale, nothing had tipped so far in the grand scheme of peoples day in general, in either Liscor or Pass. True, some had witnessed the strange, sad, blue me from the ninth floor. But those who had been able to see it from afar were very fewpared to the majority who were as yet, experiencing days that were varied and not unified by anymon denominator of interest.

 For now, smaller things were fascinating. Like the reopening of The Wandering Inn. Two Antinium standing around and staring at the crowd, the other Antinium eating, and the hustle and bustle felt very fascinated. And out of ce.

 Both the Prognugator Dekass and Tersk of the Armored Antinium felt as close to naked as an Antinium could get out of their customary, steel armor. And that was only one of the artificial shells that members of their Hive wore. But they were undercover.

 Fellow Antinium of the Free Hive Pawn, is it customary for Antinium to eat as they please here?

 Yes, Dekass.

 The weary voice came from Pawn, a smaller Worker. He was eating at a table with Yellow Stters, Dekass, and Tersk. The two guests from the other Hive were being hosted by the Free Antinium as the first visitors to use the newly-constructed passage that would in theory link the Free Antinium to the other Hives.

 It was still being expanded to allow mass-transport, but a small number of Antinium could currently make the long, long trek underground. That only two had after the tunnels construction was a sign, in Dekass opinion. It proved the Free Antinium were not that useful to the other Hives. He, personally, could not fathom why the Free Antinium as a Hive existed. They were soinefficient. Their Hive so small. And they were poor allies of the Armored Antinium.

 Not that the Hives werent all united. Of course not! They all served the Grand Queen and they were allplete allies. Absolutely. And the Armored Queen did not have her quarrels with other Antinium Queens, especially not the Twisted Queen and the Flying Queen and their Hives. If anyone asked, Dekass would absolutely exin that to them. It was one of the reasons he had blended so seamlessly into Liscor, posing as another Antinium without anyone noticing.

 Anyone at all. It was also probably why Pawn had to stop and poke himself in the head every now and then. Probably a defect in the Worker. Dekass had pity for the Free Antinium, but only in an abstract sense.

 He was, after all, a Prognugator, and he evaluated purely on the logic of what he saw. The Free Antinium had little to boast of. The Painted Antinium just worepaint. The strange [Sergeant], Yellow Stters, despite having a voice, was still inferior to a Prognugators creation process. And Pawn?

 I am waiting to experience the manifold benefits the Free AntiniumI mean, our Hive has to offerus.

 Dekass looked around, sitting with military stiffness. Pawns antennae waved and he looked around. He met Tersks gaze, then Yellow Stters. Wearily, Pawn replied.

 I am sure you will enjoy the food when it arrives, Dekass.

 Waiting around for food is extremely inefficient. We have already waited two minutes and fifteen seconds. Is this dy customary ofour Hive?

 Pawn paused.

 This is not our Hive. This is an inn. We are visiting it and it is very busy.

 For optional nutritional supplementation. Tersk has exined it to me, but I still do not see the benefits. Why do Antinium need additional nutrients? Is the Hives resource that low?

 Challenging questions from Dekass. He was pleased to note that Pawn put his head in his hands. All four of them. Clearly, Dekass was exposing many ws of the Free Antinium. He didnt quite understand why Tersk kept ring, but Dekass would make a full report to the Armored Queen. The Free Antinium had nothing valuable! Nothing except their strategic location under Liscor.

 AndKlbkch the yer. Dekass clicked his mandibles softly together a few times. He looked around warily. And him. But everything else? No.

 For some reason, the conversation kept ending abruptly. Dekass, waiting impatiently as he surveyed the inn, decided to keep probing the two Free Antinium. After all, they had to wait for their food. What an inefficient system! And this Yellow Stters had insisted that the other Workers and Soldiers be served first. But this table was filled with the most important Antinium!

 It boggled the mind. What had changed Tersk so after visiting this ce? Dekass clicked his mandibles before speaking.

 The two week dy we encountered onnot arriving in the city was regrettable. However, I have toured the Free Antiniums facilities thoroughly.

 Extensively.

 Pawn agreed. Yellow Stters rumbled behind him.

 Aggravatingly.

 Dekass decided to ignore thatstment. He looked at Tersk.

 When will we depart, Tersk? We must return to ourdesignated work area soon.

 When we have eaten food.

 Tersk replied absently. He was locked onto the Drake and Gnolls circting the room with trays. Dekass did not see the point. He folded two of his four arms.

 We have imbibed sufficient nutrients each day in the Hive. I do not see why

 Sorry for the dy! Four bowls of soup! Here you are Pawn, Yellow Stters!

 A bright voice made all four Antinium turn. Pawn uttered a prayer of relief as he turned to the server.

 Thank you, Lyte.

 No problem, Pawn. Let me know if you or the Antinium want seconds! Ille backter, but it is busyRelc sit back down and get out of the kitchen! Ill get you more food!

 Lyte ran off. Dekass noted Pawns head turning to follow her. That was another peculiarity. Of course, his cover was perfect, but the Human hadnt even looked twice at the Antinium. And Dekass had seen Drakes and other species before. They had screamed and fled. Or died.

 The thought made Dekass restless. This was one of the few times hed been deployed out of the Hive on a non-confrontational mission. The Armored Antinium did not do stealth, so reconnaissance was limited. And Prognugators were far too valuable to waste.

 What if this sustenance was poisoned? Tersk had talked about it nonstop, as if it was somehow more nutritional somehow. But Dekass eyed the steaming bowl and frowned.

 Tersk. Has this bowl been thoroughly tested for

 He looked sideways to see Tersk practically dumping huge spoonfuls of soup into his mouth. Dekass stared. Then he looked around. Pawn, Yellow Stters, and Tersk were eating. Tersk was ravenous, but Pawn and Yellow Stters ate with a controlled grace. But their waving antennae and raised mandibles told Dekass they were enjoying it.

 Enjoyingfood?

 Dekass looked at the hot bowl of acid fly soup hed been served,plete with sausage and a very nice spread of veggies mixed with white rice. All tied together by a vorful, hot broth. No gluten; the Antinium were allergic to it. He gingerly opened his mandibles anddled a bite of soup into his mouth. Suspiciously. And then

 vor. Dekass paused as the soup hit his internal taste receptors. His entire body stopped. He began to shake. Pawn stared at Dekass and sighed.

 Finally.

 -

 About twenty minutester, Belgrade arrived at the inn. The Antinium hurried into the inn and looked around. It was packed. But he saw Yellow Stters at once and hurried over to the table.

 I apologize for the dy. Anand dyed in taking over my shift. He expresses his fervent desire for food. And he wished to take my spot.

 Is he upset?

 Pawn looked up anxiously. He and Yellow Stters were eating a second bowl of the warm soup. Belgrade nodded.

 Yes. However, I won the chess game three times out of five, so I have the right to visit on this day. Anand wished to speak with Revntor Klbkch anyways. Food is secondary for him. Is Erin here yet?

 Not yet. We are eating. Please, sit.

 Belgrade sat. He saw Pawn turn and wave at a passing server. But the Worker couldnt help but notice apile. Of dishes. Next to him. He turned his head.

 The Antinium shared food equally. One Antinium didnt eat more than the others. Of course, Pawn visited the inn more than the others, but he never asked for anything the other Antinium didnt get. And he shared Lytes treats, even brought food into the Hive. And he conjured his magic bread each day.

 So it was a bitoddto see the pile of tes, bowls, and cups in every conceivable container stacked neatly next to one chair. It looked like someone had eaten half of the inns dishesand then tried to lick the table clean. Without a tongue.

 Pawn, are you substantially underfed? Yellow Stters?

 No. Tersk and Dekass were experiencing food here.

 Belgrades mandibles lowered noticeably.

 Ah. Are they here?

 Tersk was one thing, but Dekass another. But Pawn smiled.

 I believe Dekass has understood the merits of Liscor atst, Belgrade.

 Oh. Good. I still do not like him. Where are they?

 Pawn pointed. Belgrade looked around just in time to see two very stuffed Antinium waddle over to the bar.

 Drassi was happy. The [Gossip] may have had her ss as a vocation, but she had any number of lower-level sses. Liscors mandatory [Soldier] ss, a [Receptionist] ss shed had for all of eight levels before she got fired for chatting too much at the Adventurers Guild and hertest ss[Barmaid].

 And now, shed evolved her ss into [Bartender]. And Drassi was happy. Bartending was a great job. Sure, you had to know how to mix drinks and she was still learning, but Erin was bad with alcohol and her idea of good bartending was Drassi filling mugs, not mixing drinks. And meanwhile, Drassi could chat.

 So, I havent seen Erin, but between you and me, I know where she is. Pass Hunting. Its some fancy hunting experience for Gnolls and Drakes. She was talking with Rufelt and Lasica after her inn broke and they sent her over for some actual rest and rxation.

 She was leaning on her bar, chatting with Elirr and Krshia. Everyone hade by to ask Liscors number one chatterbox about Erin. Even Lism! The grumpy Drake was sitting with Olesm and Drassi was d he wasnt pestering her about that darned Human. But Krshia and Elirr were friends.

 Pass Hunting?

 Elirr looked nk as Drassi exined the concept. He shook his head along with Krshia.

 City Gnolls, no? If they want a hunting experience, have theme to Liscor. Our [Hunters] can show them the experience of running away from Rock crabs and avoiding Shield Spider pits.

 Well, I think the point is that its easy. But I hope shees back soon! The inns not the same without her, right? I was just thinkingoh! Sorry! One second!

 Drassi saw two people standing at the bar out of the corner of her eye. She turnedshe was working and Lyte had had words with herand stopped.

 Hello. We are ordinary Antinium. We would like to peruse your supply of liquids.

 Tersk and Dekass stared at Drassis bar. They stared at the drinks. They stared at Drassi. She stared back. The Drakes mouth opened. She looked at Krshia and Elirr. The Gnolls blinked at thestrange Antinium. Theyd been wandering around the city and the Council had been asking what was going on, but they did have a deal with the Antinium.

 Umyou want drinks?

 Yes. We have money. You have liquids. I am told it is customary to drink.

 One of the Antinium looked at Drassi challengingly, as if she was going to dispute the facts hed been informed of. She hesitated, but Drassi was never going to miss this prime gossiping experience.

 Uhof course! Sit down, anywhere you like! On this side of the bar. Drinks! For money! Yeah! Thats how it works! I have never had an Antinium have a drink here. Thats amazing.

 The two Antinium froze as they sat on stools. They looked at each other quickly, and one of them raised his hand.

 Ah, but we are ordinary Antinium so any misapprehension you have is clearly your fault, Miss.

 Right. Uhwhat do you want to drink?

 What liquids are customary?

 Dekass craned his neck to see the menu on the chalkboard. An actual drinks list. Drassi beamed.

 Well, most people get an ale, but I know Antinium have this thing about gluten. Sowe have stronger stuff. Gin, rumswhiskeys, although theyre hot

 What is the point of drinking a liquid other than water? Is there an enhanced nutritional benefit? Does it taste good? That is important information.

 Dekass interrupted urgently. The Antinium had food all over his mandibles. Drassi thought shed seen him inhaling food. She paused.

 Wellyes! Theyll make you fat. Believe me, I used to drink half my meals. I had this awesome time with Selys when we wereahem. Yes, they do taste different too. Some people dont like the taste! Erin hates ale. And she doesnt drink, which is weird for an [Innkeeper]. Then again, if youve met Peshes another [Innkeeper], you can appreciate not having a gut like

 The two Antinium were just staring at her. The [Gossip] realized they had no idea what she was saying. And for once, she was stymied. Sheshe felt a pang. She had to up her [Gossip] level! Until she could chat with Antinium! But for now, Drassi gave them a proper exnation.

 The main thing is alcohol. People like to get drunk.

 Drunk? What is this phenomenon of which you speak, [Bartender] Drake? I am currently undecided on your gender, by the way.

 Drassi looked at Tersk. She looked at Dekass to make sure they werent joking. Slowly, she reached for a cup. Shed thought Antinium had tough lives recently, but now she was convinced Erin was right about them. It was just like Numbtongue. Drassi was going to cry about thister! And tell all her friends!

 Why dont youtry this?

 Dekass and Tersk stared at the tumbler full of deep rum. They looked at each other, and then Dekass reached for the ss.

 -

 Four minutester, Tersk and Dekass sat at the bar. They were drinking. And talking. Both sipped from the rum as Drassi had shown them. They were enjoying themselves. And talking.

 That wasa unique experience, Prognugator Tersk. I begin to understand. I had been unimpressed so far, but now I am impressed. Yes.

 Dekass nodded a few times at Tersk. He wasnt tipsyyet. But hed eaten so much he was entering the first fooda any Antinium had ever experienced in Izril. Well, outside of the Queens. Tersk waved one antennae at Dekass, very pleased. Hed eaten almost as much as the younger Prognugator.

 The Free Antinium have little in the way of military might or other unique military resources, Dekass. That is what I observed of my time there. They have more unquantifiable attributes. Such asmorale. And, I think, an understanding of the facet of living that escapes even the Armored Antinium.

 I did notprehend. But after eating thatfood, I did. I begin to finally agree with your point, Tersk. Is this what you wished to show the Armored Queen?

 The older Prognugator of the Armored Hive nodded. He waved one hand around the inn. Dekass was enjoying the rum. It had a pleasant quality.

 As I mentioned to you, Dekass, the Free Antinium are weak. Weak in shell and number. Butthey have this. Bartender Drassi, another shot, please.

 Coming up!

 Drassi filled their tumblers as she hurried along her busy bar. The two Antinium stared at the second shots of dark rum. Then both Antinium lifted the ss up and drank it down efficiently. Drassi blinked.

 Wait. I told you that doing shots isntyou drink and socialize, remember?

 Dekass nodded.

 I recall your lecture, female Drassi [Bartender]. However, I have socialized adequately without this liquid. It is somewhat tasty, but I must experience this new phenomenon of which we speak. We will then imbibe until drunkenness begins. Will this be ample funding?

 He reached into his bag of holding he had been issued for this mission. Drassi was protesting.

 Look, I know youre Antinium, but I cant be in trouble if you get drunk. And if all the Antinium at the bar want a drink, I dont know if Pawns budget

 We are paying for ourselves. This is our funding. Is it ample?

 Dekass pped a handful of gold coins on the bar. Drassi stopped mid-sentence. She looked at Dekass, at Tersk, and then at Lyte. The [Princess] pointed, and signaled Drassi as adeptly as Mrsha.

 You know what? We can work with this. You want to get drunk? Lets just see how many alcohols Erin has

 Before the Wyvern attackmenced and Zevara charged into the inn to demand Lyte grab the door, and Tersks secret scrying orb waspromised by Wistrams alert, the inn was lively and full ofughter. And part of the entertainment for the people still deprived of Erin Solstice was seeing two increasingly drunk Antinium talking louder and louder at the bar.

 They were obviously, obviously ordinary Antinium. As Dekass kept trying to reassure people. He was enjoying himself. And what was the harm?

 Many dismissed it as the usual Antinium oddity. But at a table, a discretely watching Antinium slowly thunked his own head onto the top of his tankard. Repeatedly. He only stopped when a Drake leaned over. Relc eyed Dekass and Tersk as they began asking how they knew they were drunk.

 Hey, Klbkch. Whore those new Ants? New types of Soldiers in your Hive? Come on, youve been in a bad mood all week. Lighten up,y it on your pal.

 Klbkch turned to stare at Pawn. The Worker raised his arms helplessly. Hed done his best. Klbkch shook his head.

 I do not wish to talk about it.

 His head hurt. But even so, he sat back. At least the two Prognugators hadnt done something shockingly idiotic. Just mundanely stupid. And Tersk and Dekass enjoyed themselves. The Free Antinium were weak in military might, but they had food. And thatthat was worth something.

 For a moment, everything was peacefully entertaining. On top of his tower, Bird stared at the sky. But the big birds were long gone. He sighed.

 Life is very sad today.

 About seventeen minutester, the Wyverns attacked.

17kNovel

Mini Stories Crabs and Drinks