Nightly Surprise
(Word Count: 2508)
POV: Melwyn
Date: Night of the 11th of October, 369
Location: The guildhall of the Guild of Fethir's local chapter in the city of Larasor.
I woke up from my slumber feeling a tap on my shoulder, followed by one on the side of my head. Slowly, i turned around to look at who had woken me up, only to be met with a smiling face hovering over me. "Huh?" I squinted my eyes. "Luka? Why...-" "C'mon, you have to get up!", My roommate said to me. I pushed myself up from my warm pillow and wiped some drool off of my cheek. "What're you talking 'bout?" I slurred at him, as my tired eyes followed his rust coloured tail swinging side to side behind his back. "Why are you so exited..." "Makhlem's got something he wants to show you!" Luka said, looking like he was about to start jumping in place. How can he be this excited about anything this early... I fully sat up in my bed, letting out a long yawn that drew tears from my eyes. "Ugh, what's the time?" I said, turning to the window beside our bunk-beds. It was still pitch dark outside. "Its early!" He confirmed. "Now, come on, get up!" "Can't it wait until morning?" I asked, hopeful to have a couple more hours of sleep. "Nope!" Luka said, which was followed by my own sad sigh and groan. "Ah fine..." I sat up, resigned to my fate, and scanned the room for my clothes. As i got up to get dressed, i glanced at Luka, who had chosen to sit on my bed as he waited for me. I had met luka for the first time about 6 months ago, on the same day that i first arrived here in Larasor. Since his room was the only one at the time with a spare bunk bed, Makhlem made me sleep with him. I was reluctant at first, as i was used to sleeping alone, but that went away quickly as Luka proved to be great company, and eventually, a great friend. Even after the initial In the beginning of my stay here, i had a really though time adjusting to my new life here, but both Luka and Makhlem, as well as some others that live here, all helped me a lot. Makhkem made us train together, as we apparently had great chemistry, according to him. He liked playing tag with me, and i liked it to, even if he's always a bit too fast for me. We also talk a lot. One day, while we were eating lunch together, he told me how he got here in the first place. He had been rescued from an auction held by some rich asshole when he was 9 and brought back here, where he's lived since. He talked about it lightly, but hearing him describe what kind of auction it was made me feel sick. And so, so angry. Maybe it was because it reminds me of my own past, i don't know. He did look happy most of of the time, especially when he was with people, but i did catch him one night crying in his bed when he thought i was asleep. I didn't ask why. It didn't seem appropriate. He still hasn't told me what happened to him before he got rescued, and i don't think he will anytime soon. I asked him once, and he seemed so scared, his eyes...., so i didn't dare ask again. That's when i decided that whatever it was that these assholes did to him, i'll make them pay if i ever get the chance. I slipped on my boots, and seeing that i was almost done, Luka rose from the bed and walked towards the room's exit. "So... you're not gonna tell me what's this about?" I asked Luka as he turned to wait for me, leaning on the door frame. He shook his head at me. "Can't say" He said. "I'm only supposed to bring you. That's it" "Oh, come on!" I said, a bit frustrated. "Just one clue, anything! For a friend?" "Nope. Sorry!" He said with a smile. I let out a sigh as i finished tying up my boots. "Ok, Im ready." I said, stretching and yawning loudly as i stood up. "This better be worth it, or i'm eating your breakfast tomorrow, got it?" I said, turning to look at him and trying to look intimidating. He didn't buy it. "Ha! You'll have to fight me for it!" He said, puffing his chest and getting into a combat stance, before we both burst out laughing. "Don't worry," he said after we managed to calm down. "i promise you won't be disappointed at all" Still feeling skeptical, i nonetheless followed him out of my room, and along the dorm's hallway. The building was quiet at this hour, and i assumed it was because everyone was asleep. We reached the heavy wooden door leading out to the guild hall's courtyard. Luka pushed it open and let me through first. I stepped out and was welcomed by a gust of cold autumn night air. The sky above us held only a few straggling clouds from yesterday's rains, as well as the massive blue disc of Veos, nearly full as we approached the middle of the month. I clenched the sliver bracelet on my wrist. Even now, in this reduced state, its influence on me and my Ikshai was hard to ignore. Thankfully by now, i had learned how to better managed it, and not let it overwhelm me as it often did when i got here in the first few months. Those were some bad times... Now if only i could keep that control during those pesky full moon night. Sigh The courtyard itself wasn't very large, but still was big enough to house a few mature tree, planted on a large lawn, complete with paved pathways to cross it, lined with bushes and late summer flowers, all of which basked under the pale blue glow of the moon's light. What immediatly caught my attention however was a large fire bruning brightly in the centre of the courtyard. The smoke it produced filled the entire courtyard with its smell, drowning out all others. When i turned around to ask Luka what that was about, i found myself alone, and looked up just in time to see his fox tail disappear behind the building's corner, "Am i supposed to follow you, or..." I asked, but of course, he didn't respond. I let out a sigh. Why's he being so weird? Ah, whatever... Maybe i should check out the fire instead... As i walked towards the fire, i let out a yawn again, and then wondered where Makhlem was. Luka brought me here specifically to see him, but he didn't even seem to be around. I'm tired. I think i'm just gonna go back to bed... my warm cozy be- A large bear suddently jumped from behind a nearby tree and roared at me! I screamed and put my hands up out of reflex. The surprise made me loose balance, and i fell hard on my butt. Then, i heard the bear laugh as it began to take on a more human shape. A very familiar human shape. "Surprise!" Makhlem said to me, a large smile on his face as he jumped in front of me. "Its you!" I said with a gasp. "Fuck... y-you scared me!" I said, trying and failing to stay mad as he laughed at me. "Damn, you got a sailor's mouth tonight!" He said, offering his hand to help me up. "Ah, sorry. But, please don't tell me Luka brought me out here just so you could scare me?" I said as i got back on my feet. "Wait! Don't tell me you've forgotten?" "Forget what?" I said, tilting my head slightly. "You don't know what day it is today?" "Uh... No? I don't really keep track..." i said, rubbing my neck. Makhlem's gaze was fixed on me, eyes squinting as if he was trying to figure out if i was lying. Finally, he let out a little sigh and smiles at me. "Melwyn. Today is the 11th of October!" "oh... OH Wait! That's my-" "Birthday!" Makhlem exclaimed and suddenly, i was surrounded by people. They had been hidden just outside of the courtyard, but i hadn't been able to smell them thanks to the smoke. In the chaos, i saw a red fox run up to me before he shifted back into into Luka's human form. "Happy birthday!" He said, giving me a tight hug. He was followed by a dozen more people, who all took turns wishing me a happy birthday, with the occasional hug or shoulder tap. By the end of it, i was feeling slightly overwhelmed, and tears began to well up in my eyes, even as i had a massive smile on my face. "Thank you guys" i said, holding back a sniffle. "Thank you so much" "Are you sad?" Luka asked me, noticing my wet eyes. I shook my head. "No, no." I said, quickly wiping a falling tear from my cheek." I'm not sad. I'm just... I'm very happy" Is this normal?, i thought. The only time I've cried like this before was... the day Makhlem rescued me... Makhlem put his arm around my shoulder and turned me away from the crowd for a moment, which i was grateful for. "Those are tears of joy, right?" He asked me in a low voice. I nodded and he smiled back at me, before pulling me into his own hug. "Happy birthday, my boy." New tears escaped my eyes after i heard him say those last words and i closed my eyes. "Thank you" i said between sniffles while my hands gripped his shirt as i hugged him tighter. It was still hard for me to wrap my head around how much my life had changed since he'd rescued me from Master Gelven 6 months ago. I wasn't forced to fight my friends anymore; i wasn't beaten if i lost a match or talked out of line; and i wasn't being starved or wiped anymore. Instead, now i had a warm bed to sleep in every night, delicious warm food given to me every day, nice confortable clothes to wear, and i even have my friendship with Luka. All of this, this freedom i have now, its all thanks to Makhlem. I don't know how i could ever repay him. "Now then!" Makhlem said as he carefully broke the hug, which i reluctantly let go as well. "How old are you now? 14 right?" I nodded. "Well, this deserves a celebration, wouldn't you say?" He asked the people gathered around us, who all agreed in a chorus of joyful shouts. Makhlem turned to me. "Are you up for a bonfire dance?" My eyes lit up.as i gasped. That's what the fire was for as well! I had seen the older members of the guild celebrate this way, with food and beer on the side, but i hadn't had the chance to participate before. Makhlem laughed upon seeing my reaction. "I'm guessing that's a yes!" He said, giving me a tap on the back before tousling my hair. "Come on, before the sun comes up!" * * * * * We danced and sang together for the rest of the night, and until way past sunrise. I even let myself shift into my wolf form at times during the night, after a few of the others encouraged me to do so. Despite my hesitation and apprehension concerning my level of control over my Ikshai, everything went well, and we had a lot of fun chasing each other around the courtyard. However, as morning approached its half-way point, i became too exhausted to continue running around. I found a spot under a large tree to sit down and relax to enjoy my delicious slice of strawberry cake, baked by our chief Lucy. Luka soon joined me with his own plate. "That was fun, right" He said as he sat down next to me. "Yeah, it was" i said, looking at a few of the adults still dancing, drinking, or just talking to each other. We stayed in silence for a little bit. I still felt like i was on some sort of high. Maybe it was the little sips of beer i had, maybe the sugar of the cake. Maybe it was just the whole experience, but whatever it was, i felt great. "I don't think I've ever been this happy before..." i suddenly blurted out. "Haha, well that's nice." Luka said before finishing his cake slice. He continued. "i glad you're happy. That means i did a good job then...." "Huh?" I said, turning to him. "What do you mean?" His look of surprise told me he hadn't meant to say that out loud. "Oh uh... this was kind of my idea..." He say meekly. "Wait! You did this?" I said, pointing to the bonfire. Luka blushed slightly as he nodded. "Well, i had a lot of help from Makhlem, and a few others. Lucie's the one who baked the cake for us last night, for example." "But how did you even know that today was my birthday?" "You told me" "Huh? I did? "Yup. Remember a few months ago, we were talking about our parents. Or i guess, our lack of them. You brought up your mother, and you mentioned your birthday." I nodded, and he continued. "Well, you also mentioned the fact that since you grew up in that shitty arena, you had never properly celebrated your birthday before. So, i figured... that you deserved to do that now that you're out" "How... how long have you been planning this?" I said, still shocked and impressed by Luka's attention to details. "Err, about a month" He shrugged. "And Makhlem knew as well since then" He then turned to face towards me. "Be honest" he said, eyes sparkling with a bit of mischief. "Did you have any idea?" "No, not at all!" I said, shaking my head, much to his satisfaction. I continued. "To be honest, i didn't even remember that my birthday was today!" I said, before i let out a chuckle. "Isn't it weird that i forgot my own birthday?" I asked, but Luka shrugged. "Eh, I would forget it too sometimes if i didn't celebrate it." "Yeah, i guess" i said, leaning back against the tree and looking at the sky through the half-naked branches. The wind had started to warm up as the sun rose in the sky, and i could feel its pleasant warmth on my face. It looked like it was going to be a beautiful day. "Thank you" i said to Luka, and he nodded, before giving me a light jab on the shoulder. "Just doing a favour for my friend" He said with a wide smile. "Yeah..." I said, and he chuckled a bit. "Well, uh..." I added. "Just out of curiosity, when did you say your birthday was again?"
Date: Night of the 11th of October, 369
Location: The guildhall of the Guild of Fethir's local chapter in the city of Larasor.
I woke up from my slumber feeling a tap on my shoulder, followed by one on the side of my head. Slowly, i turned around to look at who had woken me up, only to be met with a smiling face hovering over me. "Huh?" I squinted my eyes. "Luka? Why...-" "C'mon, you have to get up!", My roommate said to me. I pushed myself up from my warm pillow and wiped some drool off of my cheek. "What're you talking 'bout?" I slurred at him, as my tired eyes followed his rust coloured tail swinging side to side behind his back. "Why are you so exited..." "Makhlem's got something he wants to show you!" Luka said, looking like he was about to start jumping in place. How can he be this excited about anything this early... I fully sat up in my bed, letting out a long yawn that drew tears from my eyes. "Ugh, what's the time?" I said, turning to the window beside our bunk-beds. It was still pitch dark outside. "Its early!" He confirmed. "Now, come on, get up!" "Can't it wait until morning?" I asked, hopeful to have a couple more hours of sleep. "Nope!" Luka said, which was followed by my own sad sigh and groan. "Ah fine..." I sat up, resigned to my fate, and scanned the room for my clothes. As i got up to get dressed, i glanced at Luka, who had chosen to sit on my bed as he waited for me. I had met luka for the first time about 6 months ago, on the same day that i first arrived here in Larasor. Since his room was the only one at the time with a spare bunk bed, Makhlem made me sleep with him. I was reluctant at first, as i was used to sleeping alone, but that went away quickly as Luka proved to be great company, and eventually, a great friend. Even after the initial In the beginning of my stay here, i had a really though time adjusting to my new life here, but both Luka and Makhlem, as well as some others that live here, all helped me a lot. Makhkem made us train together, as we apparently had great chemistry, according to him. He liked playing tag with me, and i liked it to, even if he's always a bit too fast for me. We also talk a lot. One day, while we were eating lunch together, he told me how he got here in the first place. He had been rescued from an auction held by some rich asshole when he was 9 and brought back here, where he's lived since. He talked about it lightly, but hearing him describe what kind of auction it was made me feel sick. And so, so angry. Maybe it was because it reminds me of my own past, i don't know. He did look happy most of of the time, especially when he was with people, but i did catch him one night crying in his bed when he thought i was asleep. I didn't ask why. It didn't seem appropriate. He still hasn't told me what happened to him before he got rescued, and i don't think he will anytime soon. I asked him once, and he seemed so scared, his eyes...., so i didn't dare ask again. That's when i decided that whatever it was that these assholes did to him, i'll make them pay if i ever get the chance. I slipped on my boots, and seeing that i was almost done, Luka rose from the bed and walked towards the room's exit. "So... you're not gonna tell me what's this about?" I asked Luka as he turned to wait for me, leaning on the door frame. He shook his head at me. "Can't say" He said. "I'm only supposed to bring you. That's it" "Oh, come on!" I said, a bit frustrated. "Just one clue, anything! For a friend?" "Nope. Sorry!" He said with a smile. I let out a sigh as i finished tying up my boots. "Ok, Im ready." I said, stretching and yawning loudly as i stood up. "This better be worth it, or i'm eating your breakfast tomorrow, got it?" I said, turning to look at him and trying to look intimidating. He didn't buy it. "Ha! You'll have to fight me for it!" He said, puffing his chest and getting into a combat stance, before we both burst out laughing. "Don't worry," he said after we managed to calm down. "i promise you won't be disappointed at all" Still feeling skeptical, i nonetheless followed him out of my room, and along the dorm's hallway. The building was quiet at this hour, and i assumed it was because everyone was asleep. We reached the heavy wooden door leading out to the guild hall's courtyard. Luka pushed it open and let me through first. I stepped out and was welcomed by a gust of cold autumn night air. The sky above us held only a few straggling clouds from yesterday's rains, as well as the massive blue disc of Veos, nearly full as we approached the middle of the month. I clenched the sliver bracelet on my wrist. Even now, in this reduced state, its influence on me and my Ikshai was hard to ignore. Thankfully by now, i had learned how to better managed it, and not let it overwhelm me as it often did when i got here in the first few months. Those were some bad times... Now if only i could keep that control during those pesky full moon night. Sigh The courtyard itself wasn't very large, but still was big enough to house a few mature tree, planted on a large lawn, complete with paved pathways to cross it, lined with bushes and late summer flowers, all of which basked under the pale blue glow of the moon's light. What immediatly caught my attention however was a large fire bruning brightly in the centre of the courtyard. The smoke it produced filled the entire courtyard with its smell, drowning out all others. When i turned around to ask Luka what that was about, i found myself alone, and looked up just in time to see his fox tail disappear behind the building's corner, "Am i supposed to follow you, or..." I asked, but of course, he didn't respond. I let out a sigh. Why's he being so weird? Ah, whatever... Maybe i should check out the fire instead... As i walked towards the fire, i let out a yawn again, and then wondered where Makhlem was. Luka brought me here specifically to see him, but he didn't even seem to be around. I'm tired. I think i'm just gonna go back to bed... my warm cozy be- A large bear suddently jumped from behind a nearby tree and roared at me! I screamed and put my hands up out of reflex. The surprise made me loose balance, and i fell hard on my butt. Then, i heard the bear laugh as it began to take on a more human shape. A very familiar human shape. "Surprise!" Makhlem said to me, a large smile on his face as he jumped in front of me. "Its you!" I said with a gasp. "Fuck... y-you scared me!" I said, trying and failing to stay mad as he laughed at me. "Damn, you got a sailor's mouth tonight!" He said, offering his hand to help me up. "Ah, sorry. But, please don't tell me Luka brought me out here just so you could scare me?" I said as i got back on my feet. "Wait! Don't tell me you've forgotten?" "Forget what?" I said, tilting my head slightly. "You don't know what day it is today?" "Uh... No? I don't really keep track..." i said, rubbing my neck. Makhlem's gaze was fixed on me, eyes squinting as if he was trying to figure out if i was lying. Finally, he let out a little sigh and smiles at me. "Melwyn. Today is the 11th of October!" "oh... OH Wait! That's my-" "Birthday!" Makhlem exclaimed and suddenly, i was surrounded by people. They had been hidden just outside of the courtyard, but i hadn't been able to smell them thanks to the smoke. In the chaos, i saw a red fox run up to me before he shifted back into into Luka's human form. "Happy birthday!" He said, giving me a tight hug. He was followed by a dozen more people, who all took turns wishing me a happy birthday, with the occasional hug or shoulder tap. By the end of it, i was feeling slightly overwhelmed, and tears began to well up in my eyes, even as i had a massive smile on my face. "Thank you guys" i said, holding back a sniffle. "Thank you so much" "Are you sad?" Luka asked me, noticing my wet eyes. I shook my head. "No, no." I said, quickly wiping a falling tear from my cheek." I'm not sad. I'm just... I'm very happy" Is this normal?, i thought. The only time I've cried like this before was... the day Makhlem rescued me... Makhlem put his arm around my shoulder and turned me away from the crowd for a moment, which i was grateful for. "Those are tears of joy, right?" He asked me in a low voice. I nodded and he smiled back at me, before pulling me into his own hug. "Happy birthday, my boy." New tears escaped my eyes after i heard him say those last words and i closed my eyes. "Thank you" i said between sniffles while my hands gripped his shirt as i hugged him tighter. It was still hard for me to wrap my head around how much my life had changed since he'd rescued me from Master Gelven 6 months ago. I wasn't forced to fight my friends anymore; i wasn't beaten if i lost a match or talked out of line; and i wasn't being starved or wiped anymore. Instead, now i had a warm bed to sleep in every night, delicious warm food given to me every day, nice confortable clothes to wear, and i even have my friendship with Luka. All of this, this freedom i have now, its all thanks to Makhlem. I don't know how i could ever repay him. "Now then!" Makhlem said as he carefully broke the hug, which i reluctantly let go as well. "How old are you now? 14 right?" I nodded. "Well, this deserves a celebration, wouldn't you say?" He asked the people gathered around us, who all agreed in a chorus of joyful shouts. Makhlem turned to me. "Are you up for a bonfire dance?" My eyes lit up.as i gasped. That's what the fire was for as well! I had seen the older members of the guild celebrate this way, with food and beer on the side, but i hadn't had the chance to participate before. Makhlem laughed upon seeing my reaction. "I'm guessing that's a yes!" He said, giving me a tap on the back before tousling my hair. "Come on, before the sun comes up!" * * * * * We danced and sang together for the rest of the night, and until way past sunrise. I even let myself shift into my wolf form at times during the night, after a few of the others encouraged me to do so. Despite my hesitation and apprehension concerning my level of control over my Ikshai, everything went well, and we had a lot of fun chasing each other around the courtyard. However, as morning approached its half-way point, i became too exhausted to continue running around. I found a spot under a large tree to sit down and relax to enjoy my delicious slice of strawberry cake, baked by our chief Lucy. Luka soon joined me with his own plate. "That was fun, right" He said as he sat down next to me. "Yeah, it was" i said, looking at a few of the adults still dancing, drinking, or just talking to each other. We stayed in silence for a little bit. I still felt like i was on some sort of high. Maybe it was the little sips of beer i had, maybe the sugar of the cake. Maybe it was just the whole experience, but whatever it was, i felt great. "I don't think I've ever been this happy before..." i suddenly blurted out. "Haha, well that's nice." Luka said before finishing his cake slice. He continued. "i glad you're happy. That means i did a good job then...." "Huh?" I said, turning to him. "What do you mean?" His look of surprise told me he hadn't meant to say that out loud. "Oh uh... this was kind of my idea..." He say meekly. "Wait! You did this?" I said, pointing to the bonfire. Luka blushed slightly as he nodded. "Well, i had a lot of help from Makhlem, and a few others. Lucie's the one who baked the cake for us last night, for example." "But how did you even know that today was my birthday?" "You told me" "Huh? I did? "Yup. Remember a few months ago, we were talking about our parents. Or i guess, our lack of them. You brought up your mother, and you mentioned your birthday." I nodded, and he continued. "Well, you also mentioned the fact that since you grew up in that shitty arena, you had never properly celebrated your birthday before. So, i figured... that you deserved to do that now that you're out" "How... how long have you been planning this?" I said, still shocked and impressed by Luka's attention to details. "Err, about a month" He shrugged. "And Makhlem knew as well since then" He then turned to face towards me. "Be honest" he said, eyes sparkling with a bit of mischief. "Did you have any idea?" "No, not at all!" I said, shaking my head, much to his satisfaction. I continued. "To be honest, i didn't even remember that my birthday was today!" I said, before i let out a chuckle. "Isn't it weird that i forgot my own birthday?" I asked, but Luka shrugged. "Eh, I would forget it too sometimes if i didn't celebrate it." "Yeah, i guess" i said, leaning back against the tree and looking at the sky through the half-naked branches. The wind had started to warm up as the sun rose in the sky, and i could feel its pleasant warmth on my face. It looked like it was going to be a beautiful day. "Thank you" i said to Luka, and he nodded, before giving me a light jab on the shoulder. "Just doing a favour for my friend" He said with a wide smile. "Yeah..." I said, and he chuckled a bit. "Well, uh..." I added. "Just out of curiosity, when did you say your birthday was again?"
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