Callie's Heroes

PART III - SO, HOW WAS YOUR DAY

The five spent some time each talking about the meeting with their trainers. It was something they all had in common, but also each had a separate story to tell. Callie loved every minute of it.

Xin talked of Trainer Maugra and her inability to speak except through Cheena, the Elf. Xin described Maugra’s totem and what it looked like and represented, and a few ideas she had for her own totem design. She discussed the three goblins in her class, and how they didn’t seem to like her and how much they looked like Gnomes, only with green skin, and how her experience training as a Spearmaster would at least come in handy as a combat Shaman. Xin admitted she hadn’t been as sure about being a Shaman until the meeting with Maugra and Cheena. After all, she had trained as a Spearmaster for most of her adult life, and learning she was a Shaman had been a personal letdown. Now, however, she was committed to finding a way to make it work, especially after seeing the veteran trainer change forms into a wolf.

“It’s not surprising that you saw similarities between the Gnomes and the Goblins, as they share a common history,” Lena said.

“Gnomes and Goblins are related?” Callie asked.

“Yes,” Vanis said. “Generations ago, Gnomes and Goblins were one race, but some moved to the underground Gnome fortresses and over time the one race became two. Now, Gnomes have pale skin and bright hair, whereas Goblins retain their green skin that matches the swamps and forests where they traditionally dwelled. This is why Gnomes and Goblins are able to reproduce with each other.”

“Interesting,” Callie said, taking that in. “I haven’t met any of the Goblins yet.”

“As a general observation,” Lena said, “Goblins tend to be a little stand-offish. They don’t socialize much with people outside their own kind, and even those living in cities tend to form Goblin-only communities. They are very family-oriented, mimicking the small tribes of their history. Most decent sized cities will have a Goblintown section. Maybe the ones here will be … nicer? But just be warned they may want to keep to themselves.”

As they continued, Lena shared her experience with the Blademasters. About the twin white Tigerkins that they saw in the receiving line, and the exotic Catkin Dregorio, who came from far to the south. About poor Major Celeste, now having to juggle two duties and being admittedly over her head as an instructor, but vowing to teach all she could. Like Xin, Lena was excited her off-class skills would synergize well with her class, and was equally eager to start training and see what happened next.

Tazrok was bouncing to go next. In his own stilted speech he talked about figuring everything he needed to about Druids as he walked to the tent, and how he was set on being a Wolficorn. His disappointment at knowing he couldn’t do that was evident, but he was still excited to see what animals he might end up becoming. He talked about how one of his classmates was the bully Dwarf from earlier, to which Callie suggested Tazrok beat him up again. But Tazrok pointed out that punishment was done and unless Bratig did something bad again, there was no need to do anything more.

Tazrok went on to discuss how Bratig was able to summon a Healing Berry out of nowhere, and was looking forward to doing the same. He lamented he was supposed to meditate, and still wasn’t sure what that meant, but had been told to think about trees and streams and be calm. He hoped he wouldn’t fall asleep.

“I can help you,” Callie said. “I used to practice guided meditation back when I was in school with … an ex of mine. I know a few things.”

“Will accept any help,” Tazrok said.

“I also know a little Tai Chi, which is a form of … let’s call it moving meditation, combined with martial arts. It’s a little hard to explain, but it’s designed to help with flexibility and posture and generally get your mind centered. I like to try to do some every morning, although I’ve been lazy for quite a while, now that I think about it.“

“Hmm … sounds boring,” Tazrok said. “But can try.”

“It’ll be fun. Lena, you might like it too since you have to do all that flashy sword stuff.”

“Uhh … sure, I suppose. I’ll at least see what you do.”

“What about you, Vanis? Tell us how your meeting went,” Callie said.

“It was fine, except the other two Warlocks in my group are a couple of children. One has only had her class for three weeks, and the other is using the opportunity to get a Symbiote because he’s too lazy to study and practice on his own. Plus, just like children, they are going to be at each other’s throats constantly.”

“What of your trainer?” Xin asked. “Surely he can keep them in line.”

Vanis shook his head. “Our trainer is a very fine Warlock, and I see we will learn a great deal from him. But he has no patience for teenage antics and asked me to play the part of babysitter. You can imagine my joy. I’ll do it, because it needs doing, but it’s …”

“Just a pain in the arse,” Lena said.

“Exactly.”