Chapter 5: A Time For Blades and a Time For Beer.
As night began to fall, the guild found the last of their fallen members and restored them. They had emerged from the conflict virtually unscathed. Tired beyond all measure, the members of the ring retired to the hall to sleep and recover from their long ordeal. The next morning there was a massive celebration for the Ring's victory. The King of Thurgadin even presented Chielings with a magic ring for his efforts in aiding his kingdom. Instead of the sounds of fighters and spell casters getting ready for battle like the day before, the hall was filled drunk revelry. Every member of the Ring was either passed out drunk or in the process of taking themselves there.
Every member except one. Arclight helped himself to a drink but left before the party really took off. Smiling at the sounds of all his friends having a good time inside the hall, Arclight closed his eyes and leaned back against the ice wall in the corridor. Savoring that chill spread through him he closed his eyes. Letting the cold clear away the exhaustion and pain that sleep could not cure he let out a quiet sigh.
"Thought I'd find you here Arc," a voice laughed. Opening his eyes he saw it was Seek. "You should be with the rest of the guild celebrating Arc that was a hell of fight we just had. It would do you good to unwind a little."
"I'm have a little trouble celebrating after a fight like this Seek," responded Arclight.
"Ya I know it's a habit I've been trying to break you of since we meet," snorted Seek. "It's easy for you to go enjoy a drink after a good adventure. It's a different matter to go celebrate with people when just a day ago you tied your heart and soul into a knot just trying to protect them with your life. Especially when you know an even bigger fight is surely waiting for you in the future." Arclight neither opened his eyes nor did he agree. For a time he said nothing.
Finally he whispered, "There is always a bigger fight and we were luckier then we ever know in this one."
"Yes we were," agreed Seek. "But that doesn't mean you shouldn't be over there celebrating with them. You're proud of that guild badge you're wearing aren't ya?"
"More proud of the adventures I had wearing it, but yes I am proud of it," replied Arclight.
"Your not acting like it." Seek pointed out. "Oh I know you are but the rest of them don't. All they know is you're gone. I know that last battle tested a lot more then your will, but you'll have time to recover from that later. For now you need to go back there and let them know as glad as you are to be alive, your even happier they are alive and you're a part of them. So I'm not asking ya pal I'm telling ya, quit moping around here and enjoy your time with them. Before I send Yaman out here to bring you in." Arclight tried to control it but could not stop the laugh bubbling up inside of him.
"I take it the first rounds on me?" Arclight chuckled as he walked to the door.
"Your fault for missing the round I bought," laughed Seek.
The End…….till its time for another adventure.