INTEGER UNLIMITED

The Mayor’s Office was adorned with a wide variety of decorations. Shining lights danced overhead. Floating banners announced: FIRST ANNUAL MAYOR’S FEAST. It appeared that the mayor had taken control of the feast.

The group passed by people gathered on the lawn of the Mayor’s Office. They sang and danced without a care in the world. Leo saw a stream of barrels of beer being rolled out. This morning, there was an air of fear and worry. It took only one day for it to turn into a celebration of joy.

Inside the office was the main celebration. Music from bards shook the very foundation of the building. Leo saw the once decrepit building had been near completely restored. No traces remained of the spilt blood and shattered stones. Of course, it was now decorated with drunk party goers filling the halls. Some would consider this a downgrade, all things considered.

A wave of people formed around the group as they entered. People who recognized them through the alcohol and colored lights crowded them. Leo suddenly found himself being offered plates of food and bottles of wine. Before he knew it, he was now holding something.

He looked at the tankard of ale that had been forced into his hand. Leo felt the growing crowd follow them wherever they went. This was when he realized. He was the life of the party. If the people wanted him to celebrate, then he would celebrate.

He chugged the tankard down to the last drop. The alcohol stung against his tongue, his palate appreciate the oaky flavor. With great restraint, Leo stopped himself from throwing up the ale. What made up for the horrid flavor was the cheers of the crowd.

While trying his first beer was nice, Leo didn’t plan to ever drink again. This decision was mostly informed by the fact that he couldn’t get drunk. His Impenetrable Mind ability made getting drunk a long forgotten dream. Eventually, they entered the main hall of the feast.

There were dozens of tables brimming with food. Leo saw delicacies that he couldn’t begin to imagine spread out before him. His mouth watered at the generous buffet. He looked around until he found a meal that was calling for him.

There lay a perfect rack of ribs. Brined with the juice of Treant apples to give it a savory aftertaste. Smoked to perfection by draconic embers and demonic flames. Beautifully tied together by a heavy glaze that was enchanted on a full autumn moon. Topped with salt and pepper.

Leo could hardly believe his taste buds as he began to devour the meal. He voraciously tore through the feast. Saving a city, fighting a giant monster, and having a mana seizure had built up quite the appetite.

While Leo devoured his meal, Marem and Philips had headed off to a private room. They made sure to escape their following band of partygoers.

“There isn’t even any pain left. I’m telling you, Marem, we could use a healer like you here,” pleaded Philips.

“And I’ve already told you, I’m not interested. Leo and I are headed to Edheim together,” she rebutted.

He took a swig of his beer, “Why does he even need you to accompany him? I’ve never seen an adventurer as strong as him, and we both know he isn’t someone who is in desperate need of healing.”

“Philips, you have no right to demand answers. We’ll be leaving in the morning. The mayor can beg all he wants, but I still refuse his offer,” she stormed out of the room.

She had called on Philips for help after Leo fell unconscious. Once Leo’s condition was stable, he steered the conversation onto his injuries. Exaggerated compliments on his recovery soon led to a job offer. Marem knew she was a good healer, but she had no interest in being a personal nurse.

There was always a sickeningly sweet coating when it came to her healing abilities. People always acted a certain way once they knew of her skill. This was the magic that she’d mastered, yet it never truly stirred her heart. Expectations of greatness as a support were placed on her from birth. She was her father’s daughter after all.

Yet, Marem couldn’t help but wonder why she traveled with Leo. He had saved her in the Koraha desert, and she was happy to call him a friend. But Philips was right, Leo had no need for a healer. She’d never seen him get so much as a scratch on his skin.

Though, she also liked that part about him. He didn’t view her as another healer. A support to keep around. She was there because he wanted her there. Their conversations over the campfire and meals shared were the foundation of their friendship. It was a relief to have someone care about her that wasn’t after what she could do, or what her family could do.

Marem had one last cocktail before she headed out. The party was nice, but she wasn’t a big fan of crowds. The walk through Faelde city was lovely. The streetlights danced amongst the street as the mana inside flickered about.

She took one last look at the sky. The stars expanded farther than she could see, and they were a tapestry of vibrancy and color. Maybe one day, she could be as free as the stars. With nothing to hold them back.

She entered Philips’ apartment and went to bed. Prepared for what tomorrow may bring.