Party Games
Bjorke entered the Salty Sailor and headed straight for the bar. “Nixx, you got in all the booze I ordered? No running short tonight, ok?” She glared at him, and he cackled.
“No worries, Ms. B! I got ya covered!” He slid a mug of Cherry Grog to her. Sipping it, she heard voices from above. She made her way upstairs to find Grandmaster Snapdragon surrounded by three of her guildmates. There seemed to be some concern over an article of clothing. Bjorke smiled, thinking of how much time some women spent over fashion. “I liked the first one,” she offered when asked. The men sent up a chorus of “See? That’s what we said!” much to the elf’s dismay. Obviously, she wanted a different one chosen.
“Smells funny here. There must be Horde.” Bjorke recognized the voice of one of the newer guild mates. She excused herself from the Kai Zen, and found Razorwyn and Merryn talking.
“Razor, mind your manners. I’ve invited several of my friends from the other faction to be my guests here this evening.” Bjorke looked at the Recruit sternly, who meekly nodded.
“Yes, Marshal.”
Bjorke sipped her drink again, forgetting what it was. How could anyone stand this sweet stuff? She dumped her tankard off the gangplank outside. Perhaps she’d best stay sober anyway.
The bar was filling up with guests, and she tried to make her way around to speak to everyone. There were some new faces, and many familiar friends. Reid had managed to roust himself to put in an appearance. She smiled at him. Somewhere, she heard a Draenei laugh. The voice was so familiar, she turned to see… could it be? No, the man in the corner was not her old friend. She turned back to Reid, and had an idea.
“Everyone, can I have your attention?” she called out over the din. “Hey! Listen up!” She yelled, finally, in her Commander’s voice. The crowd hushed, for the most part.
“Everyone, thank you for coming. I’m glad to see so many people here. One, however, is not here. He was gravely injured in battle, with a siege engine. He recovers slowly, but he is greatly missed. I’d like to propose a toast.” She paused, to make sure everyone had a drink. A tankard was handed to her, and she murmured “Thanks.”
“Raise your tankards, to the bravest warrior I know! Navane!” A chorus of cheers and huzzahs came up from the crowd. Bjorke drained her tankard. “Come back soon, to us, my friend!”
The hubbub of the party resumed as people turned back to their conversations. Bjorke found it hard to concentrate on the nightelf’s words as she spoke to the young woman. By the gods, it was hot in the pub! Bjorke excused herself and made her way through the people to Edrick. He was easy enough to spot. She put her hand on his shoulder, and waited for him to finish talking. He turned to her and smiled.
“I’m going to the bank for a minute, Edrick. I’ll be right back.” She smiled up at him, and impulsively stood on tiptoe to kiss him on the nose.
He grinned. “I’ll be waiting.”
Outside, the cool night air felt good to Bjorke. Too blasted hot and smoky in that room, she thought. She staggered down the gangplank and nearly collided with the mailbox. “Excuse me, shir. I did not shee you standing there.” She giggled, and turned to look out over the Bay. A sensation of dizziness made her flail her arms, but before she could right herself, a hard blow to her head sent her tumbling off the gangplank. “Edrick!” she managed to yell, before hitting the water.
