Chapter 8: Victory and Celebration
The sun was setting over Stormwind as Aritzaga, Wy, and Thieme made their way to the Gilded Rose, the famous inn nestled in the heart of the city. After the chaos of Warsong Gulch, the warm glow of the tavern’s lanterns and the smell of roasting meat was a welcome change. The trio was exhausted, their bodies aching from the fierce battle they had just fought, but their spirits were high.
“Well, we did it,” Aritzaga said with a smile as they pushed open the door to the inn. “Warsong Gulch is ours—for now, at least.”
“Aye, that we did,” Wy replied, grinning from ear to ear. “But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We’ll be fightin’ there again soon enough, I reckon.”
“Plenty of time for that later,” Thieme chimed in. “For now, we celebrate.”
The inn was bustling with life, patrons laughing and sharing stories over tankards of ale. At the far end of the room stood Innkeeper Allison, her ever-present smile welcoming them as they entered. The human innkeeper was well-known throughout Stormwind, not just for her hospitality but for the little treats she always had on hand for regular patrons—particularly the Stormwind Nougat, a favorite among the locals.
Wy nudged Aritzaga with a grin. “Go on, lass. Let’s see if we can’t get a little somethin’ extra for our trouble today.”
With a knowing smile, Aritzaga approached the innkeeper. “Good evening, Allison.”
“Ah, Aritzaga! Wy! Thieme!” Allison greeted them warmly, her eyes twinkling. “I hear you three had quite the adventure today.”
“Aye, we gave the Horde a proper thrashin’,” Thieme said with a wink.
“And now we’re in need of a little reward,” Wy added, her grin widening.
Allison raised an eyebrow, her smile widening. “Is that so? I might just have something special for you. But you know the rules.”
Without hesitation, the trio struck a flexing pose, their muscles tensed as they showed off their well-earned strength. Aritzaga’s slender arms rippled with druidic power, Wy’s sturdy frame emphasized her strength, and Thieme—never one to miss a chance to show off—added a bit of a flourish to his flex.
Allison laughed heartily, reaching into her apron. “Well, well, I can’t say no to that! Here, for my favorite warriors of the Alliance.”
She handed each of them a piece of Stormwind Nougat, the sweet treat as delicious as they remembered. The three friends accepted their rewards with grateful smiles, already savoring the taste of victory—and nougat.
As they sat at a nearby table, nursing mugs of ale and enjoying their treats, the weight of the day’s battle slowly began to fade. They had fought hard, and they had won. But more than that, they had done it together, as a team.
“Ye know,” Wy said, leaning back in her chair. “I could get used to this. Fightin’ the Horde all day, celebratin’ in Stormwind all night.”
“Aye, but don’t get too comfortable,” Thieme replied with a chuckle. “Warsong’s not gonna stay quiet for long.”
Aritzaga smiled, looking around at her friends. “We’ll be ready when the time comes.”
The night wore on, and the trio continued to laugh and share stories, their bond strengthened by the battles they had faced together. And as the fire crackled in the hearth and the sounds of the city faded into the distance, they knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them head-on—together.
The End