Chapter 1 Cont.

"I see you two have met." An elf, the same height and beauty as the lone woman stood in the doorway. She was leaner, and there were less curves to her hips and chest. Her hair was long and a bright blonde, like the rays of a sun shining. Her eyes reminded Lila of her master's, a dark and smoky grey. The elf's left arm rested on the shoulder of the woman next to her, another female closer to Lila's height. A few scars covered her face, along with a single tattoo, a symbol on her right cheek. Her hair was shoulder length, a dark brown color which she had pulled to the side of her ear into a braid. Her brown eyes gave Lila a comforting welcome. Most of her body was covered in metal armor. She grinned at Lila and the lone woman while the elven woman introduced herself,

"My name is Biri. I am one of the Commanders of this city, and I am also in charge of The Wand and Bell. I sent you here to help us." She reached out her hand to Lila, and gracefully shook it.

"You must be Lila," the Commander said with a smile. Goodness she is beautiful, Lila thought to herself. The Commander winked at her.

"And, Disia Tallstag of the Mud Hills of Enessar. Welcome to Cronemoor." She now was speaking to the lone woman. Disia stepped forward and held out her hand to the elf.

"Please to meet you, Commander Biri."

"Disia, this here is one of your companions, Lila. And this woman behind me is Brine's well known Riswynn Ungart, of the Bundushath Spires. She will be the groups expedition leader.

"Come now. Nimlalwe should be arriving soon. Let's go meet her at the docks," the Commander said as her and Riswynn headed out the door. Disia went back to her table, picked up her belongings, plopped down a few copper coins on the table and followed the other two.

"Coming little one?" Disia called to Lila behind her. Lila stood there, still nervous and uncertain of the situation she had gotten herself into. She glanced once more at the bartender, who was now cleaning another dish. He was still watching Lila's every move. Lila nodded, scooped up her belongings, placing them in her pocket again, and followed Disia out the door.

Once outside, Disia nudged Lila gently.

"Sorry about what happened back there. I knew you were innocent, but that was the only way to prove it." Lila nodded shyly in acceptance. Along the way, townsfolk, and people dressed in chainmail would nod or greet Commander Biri.

"Afternoon, Commander Biri."

"Beautiful day ma'am."

The Commander smiled and returned their greetings while keeping her pace.

"So where are you from Lila?" Riswynn asked suddenly.

"Uhum. I'm not from around here." Lila answered. The other three giggled.

"Oh, I know that." Riswynn laughed. Noticing Lila's nervousness, Disia turned to Riswynn and Commander Biri for a change of topic.

"What's this realm like? Are all the other towns beverages as good as this one?" Disia asked, winking at Lila.

"Oh, you surely come from a brewer's family, Disia Tallstag," Commander Biri chuckled.

"What can I say? I enjoy a good drink whenever I can get it."

"You're from a brewer's family?" Lila squeaked quietly.

"Yes. From one of Earth's Planes, Enessar. Of the Mud Hills. It is quite a known area for lots of landslides and sand holes. I'm a well known folk hero there. Saved many villagers and townsfolk from death."

"Wow." Was all Lila could say in shock.

"Ah-hah, there she is." Commander Biri had interrupted, they had reach the city's docks before they knew it. Lila looked up towards the docks and met another female elf. She was almost the same height, and build as the Commander, but her hair was on the opposite end, a sleek and shiny black.

"Another elf," Lila said quietly.

"Not just any elf, Lila. A High Elf. Nimlalwe comes from one of our allied realms, Forlonde, where she is trained from birth of her destiny. She was brought up in a temple of a gracious city called Ravenswood." Commander Biri said, waving to the dark haired elf. Nimlalwe began walking towards them.

"Greetings, Commander Biri," she said, bowing to the blonde haired elf. Her voice was as soft as Lila's.

"So nice to finally meet you!" Riswynn said cheerfully, taking a hold of Nimlalwe's hand.

"This is Disia and Lila," Riswynn continued on, pointing to each of the women as she said their name.

"Hello," she smiled at them.

"My name is Nimlalwe of Ravenswood, but please call me Nim. It's much easier."

"Let us get down to business." Commander Biri smiled.

"I will show you the Wand and Bells housing, and then to your rooms."

On the other end of the city, in a two story stonewalled building with the words The Red Chalice on the front, all five women were seated around a table.

"This here is the inn for the members of the Wand and Bell," Commander Biri was saying as an older male with almost the spitting image of the Commander walked to their table.

"Biri, my dear," he said to the blonde elf. She smiled and stood up to hug the man. Lila eyed the beautiful male elf. Her heart started to race as she was reminded of her mentor. The Commander cleared her throat,

"The innkeeper, Bathe." She gestured to the man she just hugged.

"He's also my father." She smiled.

"I'll go prepare four of our smaller rooms," he said, returning her smile then leaving the room.

"For as long as you're in Brine you will have rooms. Free of charge. Now let me discuss your first expedition. I have already gone over the details with Riswynn. As she knows most of this land, she will be your guide.

"We've had more problems occur lately, more than usual," she began.

"About a month ago, we sent four of our higher ranking members to investigate the city, Belronde, northwest of here. We have not received word from them since. These four men are very important to the Council and their investigation is very serious. We need you to travel to the city and see if you can get any information. You'll need to travel through the forest west of here. Riswynn already has the directions. I only need to let you know the forest has been a bit colder than usual, and weird things have been happening. I have other important business to attend too, so I won't be able to see you off tomorrow morning. Your belongings are in your room, and the Council has already supplied each of you with warmer clothing and extra supplies for your trip."

"Let me know when you have returned, Riswynn." Commander Biri nodded to the dwarf as she stood up.

"Have a wonderful evening. I believe your rooms are ready." She smiled seeing that her father had returned to the room.

Commander Biri gave one last smile to the group and left the inn.

"I'm sure you ladies have had a long day. I'll bring you to your rooms, and I'll get your dinners," Bathe said, leading the women up the stairs.

"Hope you got something to wash it down with, if you know what I mean." Disia winked.

"I'm pretty sure you've had enough to sustain you for the rest of the night," Riswynn chuckled from behind the innkeeper.

Not too long after the meeting with the Commander, the four women had their dinner. Alone in her room, Lila snuggled up in the small bed. It was better than a cold floor, or not sleeping at all. She had a feeling she wouldn't have to worry about her safety tonight. She thought of her mentor while she clutched the small figurine in her hands, and soon fell asleep.

"No Tinir, look out!" Lila yelled in her sleep as she tossed and turned.

"Run away, Mouse! Mouse!" The man screamed back at her.

"Lila!"

"Lila, wake up!" Disia gently pushed the sleeping halfling. Lila continued to toss and turn, sweat pouring off her face. Disia nudged her a little harder.

"No, Tinir!!!" Lila screamed as she woke up.

"Oh," she said shyly.

"Night terrors little one?" Disia asked with a concerned face.

"Uh, ye..." Lila replied, wiping the sweat from her forehead.

"The sun will be up soon. Riswynn is pulling us together. It's time to go." Lila removed the sheet and got up. Scouting the room, she noticed the pitcher.

"Water?" She asked Disia, who replied with a nod.

"They brought your supplies during the night. And extra clothing in case it gets too cold." Disia spoke as Lila splashed her face with the cool water. Lila glanced at the far wall where a bag was placed.

"I'll change and be right down," Lila told her. Disia smiled as she left the room. Lila rummaged through the bag and found a better leather set, a thief's kit, and some gold pieces. Lila removed her old clothing and replaced them with the new set. She then put her hide armor on and belted her quiver. She left her old clothes on the bed, picked up her short swords, and bow, and left the room.

Lila adjusted her weapons as she walked down the stairs and into the main room. It was still dark out, and candles lit the room. The other three were already there, waiting patiently, talking to the Commanders father.

"Tinir!" Lila smiled, as she blurted out to the man.

"Excuse me, young lady?" Bathe asked, studying her as she came walking in.

"S-sorry..." Lila suddenly realized the name she had used. She became quiet once again.

"I think she is still half asleep, Sir Bathe." Disia butt in. She studied Lila with the others.

"I don't think she got enough sleep." She followed up.

"S-sorry, Sir," Lila stuttered nervously. The Commanders father just smiled at her.

"No worries, dear one. Just make sure you get enough sleep when you come back."

Bathe walked with them to the city's west exit. Luckily, it wasn't far from the building they had just left.

"The sun should be coming up soon. It's quite a sight to watch," he said to them as they walked. Lila stared in amazement, watching the different shades of orange swim over the horizon.

"Alright, here is the west gate. Just follow the river and it will lead you out of the forest." He nodded to them as they began to leave the city. He watched them, still studying Lila. He smiled as he thought about their journey, he was hopeful.