"Desolate Disarray the Beginnings" A DnD Story

Chapter 1

Rose walked next to her horse after days of riding. She had passed many towns, but each knew her face. 'The next town' she thought, 'the next town won't know me.' She looked to her weary companion, his legs tout and his knees buckling. Just as she thought about stopping for a rest, she saw a town. It looked forgotten, lawless. Rose hopped up on her horse, noticing the gruff men around. She rode post haste to the nearest inn. It happened to be a pub and inn. Rose walked in after tying her horse in the adjoining stable. There were mostly drunken men and a few loose women. The owner was a serly man with a haggard appearance that almost hid his strength, almost. Rose walked up to the proprietor. "Do you have any rooms just for a few days? I don't have much money." she asked in a deep voice trying to hide her fear and identity in case they knew of her. "I have one room but you'll have to share it with them." She followed his finger expecting to see a lecherous man, but instead saw a short girl who couldn't have been much taller than 5 feet. She had long blond pigtails, blue eyes and a beautiful light blue dress; in her hands she cradled an odd object. She plucked its strings and it made the happiest sound Rose had heard sense she started this journey. It was played like a lute but much smaller with a different sound and shape. "Who is that?" Rose asked. "She came here a few days ago with no money, only that instrument, the clothes on her back and," he shuddered, "that thing. Anyway she has been playing to earn a small salary and that room." Rose became lost in the music, she was startled when she began to sing.

Listen close and I will sing The tale of the bloody King With eyes of greed and arms of steel If you're not human you will squeal He hunts down all who aren't men And kills those who shouldn't have been He killed the mighty manticore And listened to its final roar He slew the Centaurs, imps and trolls As they gave up their very souls They all had their final burials Even the long lost Avarials

After she finished her song Rose found the words scarred in her mind. She walked up to the singer, though she felt hesitant as she approached her. She was when she reached her. "Oh, hello." she spoke her voice like a child. Rose just stared at her. To which the girl rolled her eyes. Rose knelt down to be eye level with her. "What is your name, sweetie?" Rose asked in the sweetest voice she could muster. "My name is Payton. I saw you talking to the owner, it looks like we're roomies!" Payton beamed. "I can't wait to introduce you to my kitty Snowy!" she cheered. Payton grabbed Rose by her wrist and dragged her up the stairs to a door that looked slightly splintered. Payton swung the door open to show a large leopard lying on one of the two beds. Rose screamed in fear. "That is no cat!" Rose shreaked. "Snowy is harmless as long as you don't hurt me." Payton smiled. "You two get a long I need to get my ukulele." She left the room. Rose stared at the huge monster. It was almost as big as her horse. She quietly left the room and locked the door. She went down the stairs prepared to tell the owner she would just take a meal and leave. When she saw Payton pinned by a table by four men and the owner standing over her. "You sang so well tonight, and you look much lovelier too." the owner said quietly. "Th- thanks?" Paytons voice quivered. "Even though your singing was beautiful, I think I require another form of payment for your room." he licked his lips in anticipation. Payton smiled nervously. "I'm sure I don't know how else I can pay." "You are looking quite lovely." he nodded to the men who restrained her to the table. "Snowy!" she shreked. Rose suddenly remembered she had locked the door. She ran down the stairs and unsheathed her sword. She held it out in front of herself."Let her go or face the consequences." Rose said darkly. "What are you gonna do bout it?" he slurred, wobbling slightly. "I am trained in the art of combat and will not hesitate to fight you." he laughed, "a girl, a fighter?" he chortled. "That will be the day." That was the wrong thing to say to her. She rushed him and held her sword at his throat. "Whoa Whoa, you wouldn't hurt an unarmed man." he quivered. "You don't know me." she went to slit his throat until Payton shouted "STOP!" Rose looked up as Payton held her hand up. "He's drunk, don't hurt him Rose." Rose looked back at the creep. It was true she could smell the alcohol on his breath and his eyes crossed slightly. "That's no excuse for what he did." Rose shouted. "I know what he did was wrong but if i killed every man who tried something like that I'd be a serial killer." Payton's eyes softened, "let him go, please." Rose calmed and sheathed her sword. "That's right, listen to her." the man babbled. Rose punched him in the face and was met with Payton's frown. "How will he learn?" Payton just rolled her eyes and walked up to the room and rode down on her 'cat'. "To the next town snowy," Payton said sadly. "Wait," Rose shouted, "let me come with you. Please?" Payton looked between her and Snowy. "Sure only if you have a ride." "I do," Rose said. "You need someone like me to protect you." Payton just looked at Snowy. "Ya." Payton left the building. Rose followed after taking the large money purse on the man.