"Alright everyone, listen up," Richard fought with his voice against the ruckus of the pub. "I've secured the funds for our voyage to Tiwaz. The first run of the journey will be partly on foot and partly by railroad. We'll try to secure additional funds through quests and train Heron along the way."
"So, selling the item covered only the travel costs, or are we talking lodging and supplies as well?" Almir asked.
"Hmm… too early to plan it all out, but I think we'll be covered." Richard responded.
"How much did you get for it?" Lucia was curious.
"I'd rather not speak of details here. Let's convene tomorrow in the guild headquarters and discuss the matter in more detail."
Richard then stood up from the table. "Alright, today was an eventful day for me, so I am heading out. Rest of you, don't stay up too late. The meeting is at twelve o'clock."
"I think we may have overdone it," Lucia said as she, Heron, Almir and May exited the pub. "My legs are a bit wobbly."
"Well, at least you got four of them," May giggled. "I can't even raise my head…hiccup…to see anything."
"Geez, you two are drunkards," Almir sighed. "Luckily, I am your escort, and I'm not drunk."
"It's because you are so big and strong," Lucia threw herself at him. "You could pack an entire barrel into your stomach and you still wouldn't flinch. Now let me feel these abs." She tried to lift his shirt, but got slapped on her wrist.
"Behave now; we're not alone," Almir told her quietly.
"We're among friends, let's have a bit of fun," Lucia continued.
"If you don't cut it out, I'm leaving you here to try your luck with the rest of the drunks."
"I mean, it wouldn't be my first time with strangers," Lucia said while wobbling. "But okay, I'll behave."
Almir said nothing to rebut her. Just nodded away in shame.
"Heron, how are you feeling?" Almir asked.
"I'm fine. I drank a little. It's not like I had coins to cover my drinks though," Heron said, his glare making May shiver.
"Good," Almir nodded. "So can I ask you to help me out then? I'll carry Lucia, and you carry May?"
"I guess that is fine with me," Heron replied. He crouched in front of May. "Alright, hop on."
May grumbled a bit, then slowly slid her arms around Heron's neck. Her entire body seemed boneless, a dead weight that felt warm against his back.
"Oof. You're heavier than you look," Heron muttered, carefully straightening up. Almir, already carrying a giggling Lucia bridal-style, chuckled.
"Tell me about it. Lucia's a dense little thing when she's had too much ale."
"Stop talking about me like I'm a boulder," Lucia slurred, poking Almir's cheek. "I'm light as a feather."
Heron was focusing on the steps required to navigate the cobblestones with May draped across him. He could feel her unsteady breathing on his neck and the slight, sweet scent of cheap pub beer mixed with something floral, her perfume, maybe. He tried not to show it but he was stiff from such close body contact.
"Are we there yet?" May's voice was a low mumble right next to his ear, her eyes closed, almost asleep.
" It's not far now," he answered, keeping his voice level.
"Mmm, good. I like your back. It's warm. Like a nice, warm bed." She nestled her head more firmly against his shoulder.
A faint blush touched Heron's cheeks, only visible as they passed under street lamps. He glanced at Almir, hoping for a distraction, but the tall man was too busy cradling Lucia in his arms.
"We are almost there." It was as if Almir read his mind. "Just ignore her drunken flirting."
"I'm not flirting!" May suddenly announced, raising her head slightly. "I'm making an objective observation! Comparing the beds I slept on… Hikki's back feels like a premium!" She dissolved into a series of giggles, followed by a soft "hiccup."
Heron sighed as he resigned the idea of saying anything. This was certainly not how he'd imagined spending his first evening as a member of the Valiant Cry. He just hoped May wouldn't vomit on him before they reached the front door.