Of Men and Monsters (WIP)

Chapter 1 : Assembling the Party

"You are certain he will come?" the paladin asked cynically as they approached the tavern. The rain came down thick in the fort town, turning the roadsides into streams and the rooftops into waterfalls. The few residents with business to attend to rushed quickly from one building to the next, their cloaks and rain hats pulled tight in an endeavor to stave off the elements.

"He'll come." the half-elf reassured her. "You said they've kidnapped women?" he inquired.

"Two that we know of." she replied.

"Then he will come," he said with certainty. "I'd stake my life on it."

"Noted." she casually remarked as they entered the Black Wyrm, her eyes scanning the crowded tables out of cautious habit. The room was packed with people looking to escape drowning in the downpour and, ironically, a few lost souls hoping to drown out their pains instead. She directed him through the crowd to an empty table she spied in the far corner of the L shaped building. They squeezed past a large crowd at a long table apparently celebrating something to do with an old man who sat at one end. After ordering a pint of mead and a light ale from a spritely young serving girl they took their seats, being careful to position themselves against a wall and facing the doors through which they just entered as well as the rest of the hall. The paladin, being of noble discipline, sat straight as a rod, her hands resting in her lap. The half-elf, having less regard for etiquette, leaned his chair against the wall and crossed his boots on the table.

"Been some time since we traveled this far from the capital, eh Tess?" he mused.

"Indeed." Teska replied curtly.

"Teska, we aren't in Highcrest anymore." he stated flatly. "We're in Bromney, border country. You can lower the facade now."

"You're right." she sighed tiredly, her speech and posture relaxing markedly. "I wonder why I even bother with the act sometimes."

"Because if you didn't the Lords would convince his majesty that my rebellious nature has worn off on you. Thus the King would have no choice but to strip you of rank and title and banish you from the Draelands. Then who would laugh at my witty banter, eh?" he joked.

"Is that so?" Teska chuckled. "Why Wulf, my good sir, I do believe you have worn off on me. Perhaps we should stage a coup and overthrow the Lords and their bureaucracy. I hear tell that toppling governments is your specialty." she quipped.

"Need I remind you that I had nothing to do with that riot?! My being there was happenstance, nothing more!" Wulf argued.

"A horse thief caught exiting the city after a major revolt, on Lord Farthing's prized mare to boot! And you say you're innocent?! Your story is less believable than a pacifistic orc!"

After a moment of silence they both burst into a fit of laughter, Wulf slapping his thigh while Teska raised a hand to cover her reddening face. As they both regained their composure they spotted the serving girl winding her way towards their table through the sea of patrons, a pair of tankards in her hands. As she set them on the edge of the table they both began to pull out their coin purses. Before they even opened the clasps, however, the girl began waving her hands in rejection.

"Please, t'ain't  no need fer that. The borderfolk know a royal guard when we see'un. Enjoy, and thank ye fer ya service." she said bowing slightly before she returned to her work.

"Well now, turned down by a barmaid." Wulf said in mock disbelief.

"Come now." Teska scolded. "She was making an honest gesture. You don't find too many people who would do that in this day and age."