Chapter Twenty-two

I don't want to get up. I roll over in the cot after being woken up by the blaring of a horn and faint rays of light seeping through the canvas tent. Ugh, why does being in the army have to be so loud? I miss my peaceful mornings back home where no one bothered me. Looking around the small tent that I was assigned to, I see just how simple it is once again. At least there's some comfort in that fact. 

Slowly, I sit up and stretch my arms above my head. The warm air caresses the bare skin of my arms and shoulders. I had gotten hot last night and decided that it'd be best to sleep in my undergarments until I could get more suitable clothes. I look down. The bandages are starting to dig into my sides. Maybe I should take them off now? There's little risk of moving around too much now that I don't have to travel. 

Deciding that would be best, I start unraveling them and sigh in relief as the pressure they caused eases. Once I can see the bruising though, I wince. Dark purple splotches ringed in yellow cover almost my whole chest. It's honestly revolting to see myself in such a state. With another sigh, I get out of bed and start getting dressed. There's no use wallowing over something that's already done, but I find the sight of them no less depressing. I may not have anyone who would see them, but by being there they prevented me from even bathing around others. How am I supposed to respond if someone asks about them?

Once I'm dressed, I pull my hair back away from my face and walk out of the tent. I wince at the bright light of the morning sun. The camp is already filled with people running around, doing chores, or reporting to others. Had it ever emptied though? I think back to last night before I fell asleep and I could still hear many people active at that time. Marvin had mentioned shifts yesterday, so the camp must always be manned then. It made sense, I suppose. That way, if the enemy attacked, they'd always be ready. 

I wonder where I should go. Marvin had said he'd show me around and introduce me to everyone, but he wasn't clear on whether he would be coming to me or if I should go to him. Groaning, I decide to go to the medical tent. That's as good a starting point as any. Thankfully, it's right across the way, so it's not hard to find or get to. I look inside to see a few people standing around and talking. The examination tables are still blissfully empty. 

The group of people look in my direction and silence their conversation. I freeze up, not liking being the center of attention. "Ugh... Hello?" I timidly wave my hand at them in greeting. They still stare at me, though it's with curiosity and not aggression or disgust. That's a start at least.

A familiar shaggy head of hair pokes around from the group. "Ah, 'Melia! Aight, you buggers, here be our new recruit." Marvin walks towards me, using his hands to showcase me like a new piece of equipment than a person. What a strange fellow.

The faces of everyone in the group light up, much to my surprise. They gather around me and start introducing themselves. Their friendly demeanor sends a pang through my heart. 

After the introductions are finished, everyone starts asking questions about me. They ask about my experience as a healer, what kind of treatments I'm familiar with, and where I'm from. I laugh nervously as I answer their questions. My anxiety is melting away as the morning wears on. Everyone helped guide me around and introduced me to the people worth knowing. Everyone here was either a mercenary or a wandering swordsman of some kind. Even the healers never stayed in one spot for too long. 

No one was rude or hostile throughout the day. They accepted me with open arms. It's an odd feeling, one I'm not familiar with. A warmth spreads through me and I feel like I'm home for the first time. I feel accepted. The conversations flow easily from one topic to the next. No one talks about fate or destiny, only what their interests are, where they've been, and where they want to go. 

As the sun sets, Marvin and the rest of the healers invite me to join them for dinner. We gather at a table around a large fire in the middle of the camp. It's loaded down with large plates of meat and roasted vegetables. Then everyone brings over large steins of ale. 

"Here," I look to my right and see one of the healers offer me a stein of my own. She's a slight woman, smaller than I am, but she radiates a chaotic and infectious energy. Marvin warned me to be careful of her when he introduced us, but everyone laughed and played it off as a joke. If I'm being honest, I like her energy. It's refreshing to meet someone who doesn't care about social norms. When she hands me the drink, her face breaks into a wide smile. I can tell she's happy to offer it to me."C'mon! It's no fun if we don't get the newbie drunk!"

Her smile is infectious and I find myself grinning. I take the mug she offers and take a long pull of the amber liquid it holds, my grin fading into a grimace at the bitterness. Ugh! I usually like ale, but this is much stronger than I'm used to. I set the stein down and cough, the burning sensation causing my throat to constrict a bit too tightly for my liking. 

The woman who offered me the drink made an almost deranged-sounding laugh. "Oh c'mon, newbie! you can't handle a little fire whisky in your drink?" The rest of the healers that surround us all burst out laughing, jeering me for not being able to handle the liquor.

But fire whiskey? What was she thinking?! Even a shot of that stuff is enough to put a troll in a stupor! I look around at the others as they continue to laugh and joke with each other. What she just did starts to sink in. She hazed me. It's a term I had only ever read about in books. I've never seen it put into action. If they hazed me then... Does that mean they've accepted me? Warmth spreads through my veins and I don't think the fire whiskey is entirely to blame for it. I think I've finally found a place I can truly call home.