Crossing the border

Despite Naia’s grand (and naked) entrance into the main room, there was no one available to take her up on her plans. Mostly because the three of them had retired to a room of their own, and from what could be heard through the door, they were plenty busy already. Naia giggled and shrugged, then came back to have her way with you some more.

In the morning, all five of you are a little bit tired, but everyone seemed quite pleased with themselves. After packing up, your group heads out, saying goodbye to Angie on the way. The half-ogre woman comments on how happy the raptor sisters are, with maybe just a hint of jealousy, and jokingly reminds you to keep Naia out of trouble.

The journey northward from the town is peaceful, and within a couple days you reach the border of the dwarven lands. To your surprise and the surprise of the others, there are quite a few dwarves stationed at the border fort. One of them, a stout female dwarf with brown braids coming out of her helm, approaches your group with a wave.

“Ahh, I recognize Marin! So this must be Greg, correct?”

You nod. “That’s right, and this is Naia, Aisha, and Julie.”

She grounds her war hammer with a thud, reaching out to shake your hand. “Rebecca. Pleasure to meet you all, the ballista you've sent us has been a big help.”

Marin looks around. “Getting some unwelcome visitors?”

Rebecca nods. “Unusual amounts of demon activity. We think they’re probing our defenses, looking for soft targets. You’ll be safe inside the borders, but just be careful, just in case.”

You look at the small fort, which bustles with activity. “Well, at least it looks like you’re well defended here.”

Rebecca grins. “We’ll be fine. The border guard is the toughest the dwarves have to offer!”

The raptor sisters look at each other, and Aisha speaks up. “The demons are savage, but don’t underestimate them.”

Rebecca nods. “That we won’t do. There’s twenty five heavily armed dwarves here, along with a pair of ballista, and our fort is strong and well provisioned. It would take a significant **** to dislodge us, and a **** that size would be noticed by scouting parties well before it arrived.”

You smile. “Sounds like you have everything well in hand, then.”

She lifts her hammer, resting it heavily on her armored shoulder. “That’s what we’re here for! You all have a good day, and say hi to the rest of the workshop for us!”

Marin grins. “Definitely! Smash a few demons for us!”

Your group moves on, heading down the road that will take you to the city within a couple days. You glance back at the fort as you walk, and you can’t help but feel a bit of trepidation at their confidence, deserved though it may be.