Misfits

“Are you alright!?” I inquire stepping into the infirmary.

“I’m fine.” Birta replies with a dopey smile. “Just got whipped in the head by a wyrm is all.” She says clearly still a little loopy from the meds and healing spells.

“You hunted a wyrm!” I exclaim quickly stepping to her. “That’s so cool!” I add before sitting down.

“It didn’t go exactly as planned but we got it!” She exclaims with joy while grabbing a scale from her breast pocket. “See?” She asks me proudly showing off the scale like a child showing off her racing ribbon.

“I see. Very good job.” I say filling my voice with paternal care. I gently pat her head to let her know I mean it.

“You’re so weird granny.” She says to me not really caring who hears us.

“Please don’t say that right now.” I mutter looking around in concern.

-- -- --

“Ah, what an eclectic group!” The guild master says to the four of us applicants at the gate. He grabs out a piece of paper and hands it to Celosia while he continues “This is your target. I have faith you all will do well.” I highly doubt that. He is probably just being nice.

“So what are we hunting?” Chaska inquires while we walk out into the wilderness.

“Big armored bicorn it seems.” Celosia replies showing the rest of us the paper. I glance at it, not sure what she means by bicorn. A rhino!? Birta’s group got a wyrm and we get a rhino!?

“Not much glory in that.” Goodswell mutters checking his weapon’s grip whilst we all continue walking. “At least give me the killing blow.” He says letting go of the sword.

“Why?” Chaska asks the asshole, maybe he is not as smart as I had hoped.

“I am a warrior and thus it is where the most glory is found.” Goodswell haughtily explains.

“Whatever.” I mutter. “I don’t care as long as we pass, have the last blow.” I continue with a sigh.

-- -- --

The midday sun shines brightly over us. I love spring, it is cool but not cold. Celosia stops us in our tracks.

“Target’s been here.” Celosia curtly explains. She points at a knocked over tree before continuing “Knocked over that tree.” The tracker runs over to the tree and hops onto it. She continues looking over the horizon while speaking “Headed westward.”

“So we head that way then.” Goodswell replies as the rest of us walk up to the tree as well.

“Nope!” The tracker responds. “It began to head eastward a few erones later.” She adds before hopping down from the tree.

“You saw all that detail?” I inquire.

“Elf sight and hearing is pretty great.” Celosia replies nonchalantly with a shrug.

-- -- --

The sun has barely moved but it seems like we are making good progress. We stop at the sight of another knocked down tree.

“Let’s see where it went.” Celosia says to herself aloud while stepping up to the tree. She jumps onto the tree and begins to look over the horizon.

“So Chaska.” I turn to the orc while speaking. “What’s the plan for your traps?” I inquire.

“I like to use nets but that’s not gonna work.” He replies. “I think pressure traps are the way to go since it’s pretty heavy and lumbering. The traps should activate pretty easily.” He explains pulling out a small cube from his satchel.

“The bihorn continued eastward until two erones then started heading northward.” The tracker says interrupting our conversation. “Where is it going?” She mutters a little louder than she probably intended.

“Looking for the perfect area to make its territory probably.” I respond looking up at the elf.

“That’s it!” The elf exclaims with a snap of her fingers before hopping off the tree. “I think I know where it might be headed., She says walking northward.

“Glad to help?” I reply following the tracker.

-- -- --

The sun in the sky seems to be about mid afternoon. Very quick pacing, good thing none of us seem to be worn out from moving at this pace. Maybe we should take a break soon though just to be safe?

“This is where it will wind up.” Celosia stops us a few meters away from a surprisingly clear stream.

“What makes you say that?” Chaska asks our tracker whilst looking around the area.

“Fresh water.” She says before kneeling down and taking a sip herself. “It’ll want water in some part of its territory and this is the nearest source.” She explains before taking another sip. “It’s really good.” She adds with a smile.

I step to her side and also take a sip. She is not wrong, it is rather tasty.

“We should take a short break and then prepare for it here.” I say calmly between sips of fresh water.

“Yes ma’am.” Celosia says in a joking tone with a mock salute.

“Don’t have to tell me twice.” Chaska replies before kneeling next to me and sipping water as well. Clearly he was acting tough but good to see he can relax. Goodswell simply huffs without a word before kneeling next to Celosia and sipping some water himself.

Our break passes quickly. I stand up and begin to stretch.

“Need any help setting up traps Chaska?” I ask our trapper.

“I should be alright. These are a bit complex so I wouldn’t expect any of you to be able to set them properly. Don’t need anyone missing a finger or something.” He answers condescendingly. There it is, I figured he also had difficulty with others. Seems to be the MO for this group after all. I was put in charge of a few projects back in my old life so I know how to corral people thankfully.

“How many are unique?” I ask him while cracking my knuckles.

“All of them.” He replies pulling out the small cube from before. “Take this for example.” He explains. “Normally these traps aren’t compact like this.” He continues tossing the cube down to the ground. “But this way it’s easier to carry and also doesn’t immediately spring when I set it down or drop it.” He finishes before picking the trap up again.

“Interesting.” I reply leaning in to examine the cube. “If you need any help let us know, okay?” I add. The trapper gives me a thumbs up before walking off to begin his work.

I walk over to Goodswell while he is maintaining his sword.

“An impressive weapon you have there.” I say. “Very fitting for a noble.” I quickly add putting my hands behind my back. Hopefully looking like the cute girl I am trying to pretend to be.

“Of course it is.” He replies curtly finishing up his maintenance.

“A mithrail blade, huh?” I say continuing my charade. “Learned about them in class. Strong as steel but as magically conductive as silver.” I continue with a fake smile. “Very impressive.” I add. Come on asshole, even just pretend to not be annoyed until we are done.

“Indeed.” He responds sheathing the blade.

“I’m aware I am probably annoying you.” I say concealing my growing anger. “But what elemental affinities do you have?” I gently inquire trying very hard to coax the noble. “If I know I can help you become even more amazing than you already are.” I explain.

A moment of silence falls between us. Birds chirp off in the distance as Chaska’s set traps clank and beep active.

“Fire and metal.” The swordsman finally answers standing up to his feet.