Fireteam Shiloh Ch2: Tales and Ales

Dakota walked cautiously into the bar. The place wasn’t all that big, but the walls had a wooden finish and dim overhead lights that gave it more of a tavern feel. The Hunter was no stranger to such places, or alcohol in general, but she mostly kept to herself. The bar had a certain social atmosphere that made her uncomfortable, and she frantically searched for a familiar face. There was a great many City-folk in the establishment that night, and many eyed Dakota with curiosity. The Hunter became extremely nervous. This was not how she preferred to spend her nights. She was about to just turn around and leave when a voice called out to her. “Dakota! Over here!” Dakota shut her eyes in embarrassment. Half the room was probably looking at her now. She turned to her left to see Lassiter waving his hands, trying to get her attention. He sat across a table from Solomon, who was too busy chugging a large ale to notice. Dakota slowly made her way across the room, lifting the cloak behind her so that it wouldn’t get in the way of others. She wondered if it would have been more appropriate to change into civilian clothes, but she appreciated the mask and hood that she wore. It gave her an extra sense of security when in public. She sat in a chair at the table, throwing her cape to the side so that it was more comfortable to sit. She then threw back her hood and removed her helmet, revealing locks of fiery red hair that dropped to her shoulders, and a beautifully round human face. Lassiter nearly spit out his ale. “What?” asked Dakota, slightly annoyed. Lassiter shook his head, trying to swallow. “Nothing,” he managed. She briefly steadied him. He had removed his armor, but still wore his gold Starfire Protocol robes. Dakota suspected it was just a Warlock thing. She was surprised at how well Lassiter cleaned up. He was cleanly shaven, not a single hair to be found on his face. This starkly contrasted his head, which sported long, wavy hair that showed a deep hazel color. There was a loud thud as Solomon threw down his glass, proud to have finished his ale. Dakota looked at him next. Solomon was quite the opposite from Lassiter. He clearly didn’t mind wearing his gear everywhere, as he still wore a full set of red Vanir armor, his helmet sitting on the table. He seemed quite a bit older with fairly long brown hair, and a full, righteous beard that clung to his face. “I need another!” he announced, getting up to find the bartender. Dakota smiled slightly. These two guardians could not be more different, and yet they seemed like brothers. Lassiter pulled her out of her thoughts. “So, you’re here! I didn’t think you would show,” he admitted. Dakota frowned. “Why wouldn’t I?” Lassiter shrugged. “Well… no offense, but you strike me as more of a lone wolf.” Dakota shifted in her seat. The Warlock wasn’t far off. Every once in a while she tried to be a team player, but always ended up wanting to strangle her teammates. She instead preferred to act alone, as many Hunters did, and yet she was here. Why was she here? “I guess I’m full of surprises,” she said. Lassiter smiled and took a sip of his ale. “Uh oh, it looks like Solomon has something for you.” Curious, Dakota looked up to see the Titan drop two full glasses on the table. He slid one over to Dakota who caught it with her fingertips. She gave the Titan a confused expression. “You looked like you could use a drink,” he explained, taking his seat. “I hope ale works for you!” Dakota glanced at the ale in her hands and shrugged. Ale was obviously their favorite and she saw no problem with that. “A drink is a drink,” she replied. “Aye, that’s the spirit!” said Solomon. The Titan held up his glass. “A toast! To new friends!” “I’ll drink to that,” said Lassiter, lifting his ale. Dakota let a small grin slip. “Ah, why the hell not?” she said as she too lifted her drink. The three bumped their glasses together, Lassiter and Solomon laughing joyfully. “I bet you one thousand glimmer I can finish this glass before you finish yours!” Solomon challenged Lassiter. The Warlock grinned and shook his head. “You and I both know I would lose that bet!” Solomon let out a good hardy laugh. “Right you are, my friend!” he exclaimed, then began to drink heavily. Dakota let out a giggle, then immediately stopped herself in surprise. How long had it been since she laughed? Too long, she decided, taking a big gulp of ale. Solomon put his glass down as he recalled an old memory. “This reminds me of the time I had a drink with a Fallen Captain…” he said thoughtfully. Lassiter smiled and rolled his eyes. “You’ve only told that story a thousand times,” he said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if half the City has heard it by now.” “I haven’t,” said Dakota quickly. She couldn’t deny that her interest was piqued, but even more so she just didn’t want the night to end. Solomon thumped his fist on the table, his eyes sparkling with excitement at the prospect of telling his story once more. “Well, it all started about ten years ago, in an abandoned village just outside of Old Russia!” “Here we go again…” Lassiter muttered. Dakota relaxed as Solomon began to tell the tale of how he saved a Fallen Captain from a Hive swarm that wiped out its crew and the two shared a drink afterwards. It was a long story, but Dakota didn’t mind. She soaked in every word while Lassiter just sat back and enjoyed his ale. Solomon and Lassiter went on to take turns telling stories of their crazy adventures, and Dakota happily took it all in. For the first time in a very long while, she did not feel alienated. The loneliness Dakota didn't even know she had vanished, and she felt something unfamiliar to her. Peace. The three drank long into the night, sharing stories and laughing together as if they were old friends. Little did they know it was the start of a very strong bond that would prove unbreakable in the years to come. This was the humble beginning of Fireteam Shiloh. [url=https://www.bungie.net/en/Clan/Post/1371758/227029969/0/0]Chapter 3[/url] [url=https://www.bungie.net/en/Forums/Post/224417569?page=0&sort=0&showBanned=0&path=1]The Hub[/url]