Music

Music. Some sort of melody, although you couldn't recognize either the tunes or the instruments it was played on. It was coming from the south.

"So, should we check it out?" You asked the girls, but two of them were skeptical about it.

"Last time we checked something like that out we met... Him." Kelara commented.

"You could always make sure that we are protected, dear. You know how." Layla added dropping a super obvious hint.

You didn't answer that, thinking about a while bunch of dangers ahead. You didn't need to add another potential one to the pool.

"You are right, we shouldn't..." You started but got interrupted by Doris.

"It sounds nice. And it doesn't smell with negativity, I can feel joy."

"You think it's safe then, Doris?"

"Yes."

"Layla, what do you think?"

"I'll do what you want, dear." Spider girl responded right away.

"Kelara?"

"If Doris thinks it's safe, then I trust her."

"Alright. Let's go check it out. With some luck I'll get a razor there, I forgot to pack one and now this growing beard is very annoying." You said, preferring a clean shave.

It wasn't the only reason why you wanted to go there. You could sense that it might be a good opportunity for Doris to open up a little.

"Oh, come on, I think it's cute." Kelara smirked.

Yeah, you look like a dork with that facial hair.

As you got closer, the sound intensified. But there were other noises hitting your ears. Voices, multitude of them.

Behind the hill, next to the lake was a camp.

It was surrounded by carts, tents and temporary wooden structures that couldn't pass up as homes even if someone was very tolerant about that. Dozens of people were running around, adults, elders and children. Everyone seemed... Normal. Wells except for the armed with a spear guard that was coming in close. He was small, couldn't even measure up to your belt. Pointed ears and the fact he didn't wear any shoes made you think he was pulled out right of that movie about throwing the ring into the volcano.

A halfling. He tried to look at you menacingly, but the whole image looked rather amusing, his weapon being over twice as high as him.

"State you business, traveler."

"Exactly that. Traveler, with company." You answered right away. There was no need to think of something.

"Umm... But what are you doing in here?"

He asked, with much less certainty.

Look, he is about to piss himself.

You ignored Ishtar's comment and just answered him.

"We are traveling west from allied kingdoms. We heard voices, music, and, now that we are here, I can smell something really nice being cooked. Obviously we got interested."

Halfling stopped pointing his spear in your direction, sighing with relief.

"Oh, thank gods. I thought you are one of Lady's soldiers. Or Khaj's. I am Sievers. Welcome in our Enclave."

"Hello. This is Kelara, Layla and Doris. Oh, and my name is David. You know where we can buy some provisions in here? We have some currency from allied kingdoms."

"Sure. Just ask around for Arrie. I can't follow you inside, my shift lasts till midnight." He explained.

"Okay, Sievers. Good luck, it was nice to meet you." You said.

As you went in between tents and shacks nobody paid you much attention. People of all kinds an races were in here, just chatting, bartering, exchanging views. Nobody was fighting or raising their voice besides occasional laughter, nobody made any sign of ****. Just a pure, innocent friendliness. The music you heard earlier was weaved into every sound in here, it pierced everything and everyone, some people were dancing to it, and some were just watching the skies, listening, relaxing.

"So, ladies, what do you want to do?" You asked before deciding yourself.