In the throneroom

"Come, for time is short!" Mage Marla said, taking Lauren around the shoulders and guiding her towards the exit. Lauren stumbled after her, in a daze after what had become the strangest day of her life.

"But what is this? Where are we going?" Lauren asked as the passed through the halls of the castle.

"We will explain what we can before the quest begins." Marla said.

"Quest? What quest?" Lauren asked.

At that moment they entered into what looked to be the throne room. She saw the woman with the crown from earlier, as well as the gorgeous Sir Marlis.

"My Queen, I present to you the Sacred Child!" Marla said with a bow, ushering Lauren forward.

"Ah, so she bore the mark!" The Queen said happily. She turned to Lauren.

"We are most glad to have you with us, in our time of need." The Queen said. "A great darkness sweeps the land. And, according to the prophecy of old, only the sacred child can stop it."

"Me?!? But... but..." Lauren stammered. The queen ignored her and went on.

"Luckily, you will not be alone on this quest." The queen said. You will have a small group of companions to guide and protect you. I believe you already met Sir Marlis."

The knight came to Lauren, took her hand and bowed.

"M'lady." He said. Lauren felt light headed at his touch.

"Also, from the elf kingdom is Vaniss the Ranger."

A woman emerged, nearly six feet tall, lean with brown hair pulled back and a bow on her back. Lauren saw that sure enough, she had the pointed ears of an elf.

"And, from the land of the small folk, Berran the rogue."

Lauren's eye's widened as a three foot tall man emerged. Short and stout with no shoes and hair feet. He had a cocky grin and small knifes all over him.

"They will guide you to face the dark one herself, Lariv the shadow mage." The Queen explained. "Now go, while there is still a world to save!"