Clark sets out a stack of cards, “None of us have characters. These are mini dungeon runs using a randomized deck. It’s very beginner-friendly. I’m sure my grandfather could figure it out.”
Asher’s hand goes to the small of my back, “We’ll be gentle.”
“And you’re playing too?” I ask.
“Of course, I’m running things.” He smirks.
The game is a bit like Clue in the way we’re dealt three cards consisting of a class, a background and an artifact. It’s meant to offer distinct character combinations without intentionally “stacking” the party. The random aspect of it means we could end up weak or overpowered, ensuring each playthrough is unique.
I stare down at my three cards. A half-demon druid with the Amulet of Luck, which offers me two extra points to my roll once every long rest.
“Interesting.” Elsie eyes my cards, then glances at Asher.
“Is it a bad combination?” I ask.
“Asher’s main character is a half-demon druid,” Clark says, picking at his selection.
Asher keeps his head down, and I blush, wanting to read too much into the soft smile playing at his lips as he shuffles the monster encounter deck.
“So, is this what the amulet looks like?” I ask, holding up my card.
“That’s entirely up to you.” He glances up at me and leans against the table, “What do you want it to look like?”
For some reason, my thoughts linger on the necklace in the store window the day Asher rescued me. It seems oddly lucky in hindsight. If I hadn’t stopped, my day might have ended up differently.
“The pendant resembles a cherry blossom with pink gemstones for the petals.” I tilt my head, “With a thin gold chain.”
He gives me a nod of approval and a sense of pride warms my chest.
The next fourhours fly by, between Clark’s accent, which can’t decide if it’s British or Australian, Elsie’s blatant flirting with Summer while arguing like an old married couple and Asher’s extra attention.
I decided on the name Thistle for my half-demon druid. It definitely wasn’t me projecting by choosing the cringe-y persona I adopted for my cottagecore phase in high school.
We stopped briefly so Asher could take care of Mango, then we played another game where I “rolled” a half-orc hunter named Azure with a cloak of invisibility, thanks to Clark trading me under the table.
Things weren’t ever awkward, aside from the first few moments. I truly felt like we were falling into step with each other, like friends who had only been apart.
It was easy, like with Shae.
“Remember, The Fairy Market happens every third Tuesday of the month.” Elsie says, typing her contact information into my phone and handing it back to me. “There’s a vendor there with amazing dice. Better than the ones at the Dragon’s Lair. Sorry, boss.”
Beside me, Asher waves it off, his hand resting at the small of my back and setting me alight.
“I can’t wait. It sounds like a lot of fun.” I say, trying to keep my cool.
“You’re sure you don’t wanna come with us ? They have waffles—oh, and breakfast burritos.” Clark stuffs his hands in his pockets and gives us a pleading nod towards the street.
“Nope.” Elsie grabs his shoulders and directs him further onto the sidewalk. “Leave them alone.”
“It was so nice to meet you,” I smile and then watch them walk into the night, Asher closes the door behind him.
“I hope you know I’m buying your first set of dice,” he says, locking the deadbolt.
“Is this some sort of tradition I’m unaware of?”
I walk further into the townhouse, towards the faint jingling in the living room.
“No, I guess it’s important to me. I want to be your first.”
