WATTYS 2024 SHORTLIST
(Formally titled a Mischievous Tale of Magical Mayhem)
In a world of magic and mayhem, where ferrets fly and trees talk, three unlikely heroes find their fates entangled with a deadly mystery.
*****
Tallon is a scoundrel-an elf...
The silver-haired hunk was after information, judging by the exchange of coins and conversation, and showed little interest in the commotion beyond that.
Once he had what he was after, the elf slipped free of the jostling crowd and shook himself as if to be rid of fleas—the denizens of Ballsdeep were a pretty ripe lot, to be honest, and Ben couldn't blame him—before making his way up the quay towards the shore.
As Ben watched, something zipped past his ear, startling him and nearly making him lose his grip. Regaining his balance, he frowned as the flying rat—more of a weasel, now that he got a good look at it—tackled a pigeon in midair and disappeared in a puff of feathers as it tumbled from the sky with its prize.
A moment later, it rejoined the elf where he stood before the notice board, and Ben's heart leapt in his chest as he saw the latter pluck the flier Ben had recently pinned there from its nail and study it.
By the lords; he needed to get back to the Tularul and warn old Brixby to put out the good ale, wash the floors, and raise the prices!
As for himself, he'd have to make a change of costume if he didn't want the elf lord to recognize him.
Benna hadn't made an appearance in a while. Time to get her out of the old trunk, as it were.
***
Author's Notes
Both rumors from Chapter 1 are true.
✅Tallon is indeed bad at handling his purse, but it's not entirely his fault. The Ardenian currency system is confusing. It consists of three primary coins: copper caps, silver bits, and gold knots. There are several subtypes of bits and knots: the quarter and half bit, and the half knot.
✅Ben enjoys dressing as Benna from time to time. Crossdressing is not illegal, but neither is it accepted in Ballsdeep, and he runs a risk if his secret is discovered.
***
Rumor has it...
Tallon is a smooth flirt who will hit on anything that moves.
Raebel lost her eye in a drunken bet with a dwarf.
Bonus: Alternate Character Art
Tallon (Bing AI):
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Ben (MidJourney AI):
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