The wine was strong, almost overwhelming, and I quickly realized that I wasn't going to get out of this celebration easily. The elves around me cheered, pulling me further into their revelry. The tall auburn-haired soldier kept her arm around me, her laughter infectious as she regaled me with tales of past battles, some of which I was certain had been exaggerated.
I tried to stay composed, but the warmth of the wine, the laughter of the soldiers, and the exhaustion from the battle began to take their toll. My hood slipped slightly, but the elves didn't seem to care anymore. They had seen my valor on the battlefield, and that was enough for them.
"Here!" The auburn-haired soldier thrust another goblet into my hand. "You fought well, Dravis. No one here doubts that."