The Shamrock

The rough journey through Temptation Forest had left them scraped and bruised, but at least they were out.

The salty breeze from the nearby docks carried the scent of ale and roasted meat, a sharp contrast to the nightmare they had just escaped. Darius groaned, rolling his sore shoulder. “First thing I’m doing? Getting a drink.”

Elara smirked. “First thing I’m doing? Finding Rockford.”

As if summoned, a deep, excited bark echoed from the tavern’s side yard. Elara barely had time to react before a large, shaggy dog barreled toward her, tail wagging furiously. She laughed, dropping to her knees as Rockford tackled her, licking her face enthusiastically.

Darius shook his head. “You let that beast knock you over every time.”

“Because he’s happy to see me,” Elara shot back, ruffling Rockford’s fur. She grabbed a nearby wooden ball and tossed it. Rockford took off like a shot.

The Shamrock was packed, filled with familiar faces from their crew and a few new ones he didn’t recognize. At a table near the bar, a group of fae sailors were huddled around a small, humming contraption.

Darius leaned in, fascinated. “That one of those fae radios?”

One of the sailors grinned. “Aye. Picks up songs and messages from the mainland. Fae magic keeps it going.”

Darius sat back, savoring his drink as a soft, enchanted melody crackled through the device. This was exactly what he needed.

Elara walked in a moment later, Rockford at her side, shaking her head. “If our ship, The Eagle Parrot, is gone because we were late, I’m blaming you.”

Darius smirked. “Relax. She’s waiting. And so is another round of drinks.”

For the first time in days, they allowed themselves to breathe.


Written for: "Daily Flash Fiction Challenge" 
Prompt Words: Write a story that includes the words: parrot, radio, ball
Word Count: 287