37, Summer, 519
"Speech"
The Hunter’s Guild was quickly becoming to feel like a sort of home to Zach. It was much more like the Pavilions of his true home than his apartment at the Solar Winds was. People came and went at all times of the day and night, stories and drinks seemingly always flowing between the members. The inside of the Guild appeared to contrast the city itself too. Where Lhavit was polished skyglass, cold and beautiful, the Guild was warm wood and fireplaces and there was always a friendly face to share news or useful information with.
On this particular morning the fireplaces were not lit. The summer was warm, if damp, and nobody needed any more heat to add to the sticky humidity. The Guild was fairly empty, hunters either already out on the Peaks or perhaps enjoying the gap in the rain. Zach found himself seated at the bar alone. He still knew very few people in the city, and those he did know weren’t quite on the ‘dropping in on each other’ level of friendship yet.
The Drykas had not long finished his morning meal, and he was running through a mental map of the Peaks near the city to determine what he wanted to do first when a heavy hand fell on his shoulder. Zach looked round to see Long Stan grinning down at him.
“Zach! What d’you say to coming out with me this morning?”
It was not often you got the chance to hunt with Long Stan, and especially not with him alone. Usually the older hunter went out with the other Guild founders and the rest of the members only joined them when one of the large-scale hunting parties was organised.
It was for that reason that Zach abandoned all the plans he had been making in his head and returned the man’s smile, nodding as he did so. “Yes – that would be great!” He paused. “What is it you’re after?”
Long Stan had perched on the seat next to him so the pair were more or less on the same eye-level now. “An elk.” Zach raised an eyebrow. The elk that roamed the Peaks were huge animals and Zach had never considered trying to take one down – mostly because he hunted alone.
Long Stan must have read his expression because he chuckled. “I’m having a family gathering.” He winked. “Big appetites are coming.” Zach’s mouth twitched into a wry smile. “Of course there will be some for you too! Grab your stuff, let’s be off!”
He slid off his stool and bent to collect up his pack and shortbow, securing them both comfortably on his back. Long Stan hefted a spear as his weapon of choice – not something the Drykas was familiar with. It would be interesting to see how it was used, especially considering the close quarters of the forests. The pair of hunters then crossed the room and headed for the doors, Zach practically buzzing with excitement at the opportunity to hunt with one of the most experienced people he knew of.
WC: 511
On this particular morning the fireplaces were not lit. The summer was warm, if damp, and nobody needed any more heat to add to the sticky humidity. The Guild was fairly empty, hunters either already out on the Peaks or perhaps enjoying the gap in the rain. Zach found himself seated at the bar alone. He still knew very few people in the city, and those he did know weren’t quite on the ‘dropping in on each other’ level of friendship yet.
The Drykas had not long finished his morning meal, and he was running through a mental map of the Peaks near the city to determine what he wanted to do first when a heavy hand fell on his shoulder. Zach looked round to see Long Stan grinning down at him.
“Zach! What d’you say to coming out with me this morning?”
It was not often you got the chance to hunt with Long Stan, and especially not with him alone. Usually the older hunter went out with the other Guild founders and the rest of the members only joined them when one of the large-scale hunting parties was organised.
It was for that reason that Zach abandoned all the plans he had been making in his head and returned the man’s smile, nodding as he did so. “Yes – that would be great!” He paused. “What is it you’re after?”
Long Stan had perched on the seat next to him so the pair were more or less on the same eye-level now. “An elk.” Zach raised an eyebrow. The elk that roamed the Peaks were huge animals and Zach had never considered trying to take one down – mostly because he hunted alone.
Long Stan must have read his expression because he chuckled. “I’m having a family gathering.” He winked. “Big appetites are coming.” Zach’s mouth twitched into a wry smile. “Of course there will be some for you too! Grab your stuff, let’s be off!”
He slid off his stool and bent to collect up his pack and shortbow, securing them both comfortably on his back. Long Stan hefted a spear as his weapon of choice – not something the Drykas was familiar with. It would be interesting to see how it was used, especially considering the close quarters of the forests. The pair of hunters then crossed the room and headed for the doors, Zach practically buzzing with excitement at the opportunity to hunt with one of the most experienced people he knew of.
WC: 511
