About as well as the rest of this train wreck of a day.

The place was far bigger than the outer wall let on. Vulca wasn't kidding when she said places like this were home to small armies. The courtyard alone looked twice the size of a football pitch. Lines of stalls for businesses seem to fill most of it with what looked like a training area fenced off at the rear. Multiple buildings followed along the walls; most seemed to be used by the soldiers stationed here. A barracks used as trading post? I wonder where the travelers and business owners stay?

My question would have to be answered later as we arrived at one of the more opulent buildings. One of the guardsmen, Larrs, I assume, turn to face me. "Once you're inside, follow the stairs. The warden's office is on the top floor. You can't miss it. There guards there if you do get into any trouble, so ge on yourbest behaviour, elf!"

There's that tone again. What was it about me being an elf that they disliked so much? Another question I wouldn't get time to answer as one of the guards wapped the back of my leg with the wooden end of his spear. This was getting off to a great start.

The interior of the building looked like bright, white, stone marble, yet somehow still felt dark and poorly lit. That could have just been the lateness of the hour but something did genuinely feel off. I couldn't put my finger on it, but something about this place just seemed wrong. It was like the white of the stone itself was covered in a thick, black aura. Set my teeth on edge.

Don't know why Larrs was so concerned about me getting lost. There was practically a guard telling me where to go every time I turned a corner. Where they afraid of me?

My new magic was powerful, but I doubt I could take on this many heavily armoured men.

As I reached the warden's office, the dark aura seemed to have grown exponentially. It was like a wave of anger, fear, longing, and something else that I couldn't quite put my finger on, was just radiating from the large door in front of me. If I wasn't surrounded by blokes with sharp pointy things, I might have just made a run for it.

The door opens and a wave of pressure hits me like a tsunami. I feel like I can barely keep my footing. Luckily it doesn't take long for the rush of force to level out but even so, I suddenly feel like my whole body is being crushed under the pressure of raw emotion. It was so intense that I felt dizzy. The hall was starting to spin and I thought I was about to pass out once more.

"Are you alright there?" And like that, the pressure was gone. The force receding at the sound of this new male voice. As my balance returned and my vision came back into focus, I could now see an older gentleman, wearing a black tunic with a gold insignia on his left side.

"Y-yes, just felt a little dizzy for a second. The warden I presume?"

"Warden General Samuel Gulliun, at your service." The man gave a low bow, then beckoned me to enter his office. "And you are the famous elf maiden that's got everyone on edge. You and your...orc companion, is that right?" He said as I obliged him and entered.

If I hadn't been told this was the warden's office, I would have mistaken it for a library. The room was massive, with bookshelves completely covering each wall. A large window at the back ov the room and a sealed lantern next to the desk was the only main source of light.

"Yes, Vulca is her name. She is my guide and I would very much appreciate it if she was released. We came here seeking sanctuary, not persecution." I tried to keep my tone calm and civil, but the memory of how the gate guards had treated us was still freash.

"Ah, yes. A reasonable assumption." He said while making his way to his desk. "Please have seat," gesturing to the chair just opposite.

I wanted to be indignant and stand but I was knackered. Any rest for my feet was welcome.

"But these, I'm afraid, are not reasonable times. The problem you see..." he lets out a pained grunt, as if his leg was causing him problems, while he perched himself on the edge of his desk. "...is that an elf and an orc travelling together through Darkwoods towards the town Pethorp, assuming that is your destination, creates...shall we say...a political shit storm. Do you have any idea how many treaties you two have violated?"

"I'm actually new to the region and in fact had no idea we were breaking any laws to begin with." John just what the fuck have you landed yourself in, this time?

"So your assertion is that you and your friend had no idea you were crossing disputed territory? No offence my dear, but I find it hard to believe any elf is capable of such ignorance. Your people are well known for their meticulous attention to detail."

"I assure you, good sir, it is the truth." I was laying it on thick with the pleasantries but I had no idea what else to say. Do I admit that I'm a transferree? Vulca's warning and the earlier pressure I felt, made me hesitant. I was at such a disadvantage. I literally just got here. I knew nothing about this world, its people, never mind its bloody laws. "We were attacked by Goblins which forced us to seek refuge. My guide asured that this checkpoint was the safest option." Goddess, I hope I didn't just throw Vulca under the bus.

"Goblins, eh? We can send scouts to verify that. Sargent!"

There was a sound of stumbling before the door opened. "Sir! Yes, sir!"

"Tell captain Rook I need a sweep of the area. Possible goblin sighting."

"Yes, sir!"

The door closed, and the pressure began to build again. There was something else here. I could see a feint outline, but it could easily just be a trick of the light.

"I'll cut right to the chase miss...?"

"Frieren." It was the first name that came to mind; thank you Vulca.

"Frieren? Is that a typical elven name? Never mind. That's not important. What is important is that you and your friend are, at worst, potential enemies of the state, at best, witless travelers stumbling into a conflict zone. Either way, protocol demands I take you both into custody for questioning. I can over look your trespass and am certain you're friends documents will pass inspection, but only if I give the order."

"You want something in return." I can't help but let out a groan. All I wanted right now was food and warm bed. Not to be coerced by some walking cliché.