Chapter Text
Ashe, Markus, and Gregor sat around their usual table in the bar just hanging out after a long night of watching Inien tend the bar. It was nice having actual customers and not having to bartend themselves.
“I'm telling you guys, you have to come with me and Kier next time. The Fox King’s manor is super cool. Apparently there used to be tons of parties there. I'm thinking we can renovate it and have some fun,” Markus said.
Ashe raised her eyebrows, “Markus, isn't that one of the shrines? I'm pretty sure the Fox King doesn't want you messing with her house.”
“Nah, Kier said she's been gone for ages. Besides, I think she'd appreciate someone cleaning her house for her.”
Before Ashe could give a rebuttal, Thog entered the bar, wearing a pensive expression. He took a seat between Markus and Ashe while Demetrius automatically set a glass of whiskey on the table for him. He nodded distractedly at the imp in thanks and looked around at the three, “Well, I've found myself in a bit of a predicament. We haven't really been getting offers since the dungeon.” Markus raised a finger to interject but Thog talked over him, teeth gritted “For reasons we already discussed and won't be going over again, Markus.” Markus put his hand down and Thog continued, “I do have this one job offer I've been sitting on for awhile.” He pulled a letter from his pocket, the creases well worn as if he had read it again and again. He set it on the table. “The pay is good. Really really good. If it weren't for the,” he pursed his lips, “restriction, I would have agreed right away.” He looked each of them in the eye in turn, “This is a delicate mission, and they request two people, maximum. In a case like this I feel it would be best that I would be there to prevent the usual… eh, shenanigans you guys find yourselves in. That would mean I could only take one of you.” The three friends exchanged looks.
“Well, what kind of job is it exactly? If its monsters, take Gregor obviously.” Ashe suggested, Gregor nodding in agreement.
Markus waggled his fingers, “And I got the wiz biz and devilishly good looks covered.” He winked at Thog.
Gregor nodded again but Ashe frowned, “I really don't like the idea of not everyone going though. We're a team. I've… kind of had enough of going solo.”
Thog looked at Ashe, “So you don't want to do it? Because I decided you'd be best for the sort of mission it is.” He tapped the paper, “This guy wants someone to come in and act as a mediator between a group of humans and a group of spirit folk. I figured seeing as you seem to have a foot in both worlds…”
Ashe groaned, “Come on Thog, we literally just did that in Onorant and look how that turned out.”
“Well, the only reason that turned out the way it did was their long stupid history of fucking each other over. These two groups,” he tapped the paper again, “apparently were both trying to settle into this area at the same time and things have started heating up over territory issues. So they just need someone who can come talk some sense into them before it turns violent.”
“I hope they weren't new settlers because they both just left Onorant.” Gregor said, frowning.
Markus raised a hand, “Wait a minute Thog. This seems like an incredibly easy mission for having such a generous reward. And does anyone else think its suspicious they only want two people?”
Thog shrugged, “When two opposing groups are on the borderline of fighting, sending in a large group to intervene will look more like mercenaries than diplomats. Both sides will think the other is trying to pull one over on them and they end up killing each other and the third group regardless. I've seen stuff like this before.”
Markus’ brows furrowed, “Well... if you're certain about it Thog, then I'm fine with this. Ashe, how do you feel?”
Ashe fidgeted, “I don't know…”
Thog leaned forward, “Let me put this into my perspective for you. I was with you in the Ban Lands and watched you overcome this whole crisis you had with yourself. You're more confident in yourself now than you were then. I won't be drinking any goddamn mushrooms while I'm there and I'll be with you the whole time, ready to pull us out if I think we're getting in over our heads. I was there too, I wouldn't put us in the same position again because honestly I really fucking hated Onorant.”
“You really think I’m more confident?” Ashe asked, voice squeaking.
Markus butted in, “I agree with Thog on that. You've been a whole lot happier too. Man, when we went to that dungeon, you were all gung ho-” he stopped, realizing, and trailed off, “Until you lost your shuriken and the dungeon almost killed you...uh, anyway….” he coughed awkwardly.
Gregor beamed at Ashe, “It looks like you’re the only one who didn’t notice.”
Ashe looked between the three of her friends all full of faith in her, a lump of emotion in her throat. She swallowed and set her jaw. She reached over to steal Thog's drink. “Alright I'll do it.” She downed it and got up to leave.
Thog smirked, “That would be so much more badass if I didn't know you couldn't get drunk off of it.”
Ashe sighed. “You guys just can't let me be cool can you.” Demetrius was shuffling over to bring Thog another whiskey. She snatched it, downed it, and slammed the glass on the table next to Thog. “Nyeh,” she stuck her tongue out and huffed out of the bar. Demetrius stared daggers after her.
Thog watched her leave then glanced at the glass, mumbling to himself, “Would have been pretty hot if she'd left out the last bit…”
Markus choked into his glass, “What did you just say?”
“Nothing.” Thog took a new glass proffered by Demetrius and stood to leave, not seeing Markus who was giving him a shit eating grin. After Thog was gone, Markus looked back to the table and noticed Thog had forgotten the letter. He reached over for it, frowning.