Rival from the childhood so what do you excepted?

The academy was located on a small island in the large lake. It was a big building that was more like a castle than a school. Ariane still remembered the times when she had gone swimming together with her colleagues and how they had made bets who could swim faster. Near the lake was located a large town, with a city wall, where merchants offered wares from mages, like enchanted weapons, magic scrolls, spells books, and every type of special rings, necklace and other jewelry for casting magic. The things were all high quality... And of course high price, so not everyone could buy something. But there were many who were willing to buy, so the merchants still earned a lot of money.

Normally to get to the Academy the group would have to pay for passage via a boat. But it seemed that this time that would not be necessary because the one who had called them was waiting before the tavern, sitting at a table outside and drinking a glass of wine. Even in the crowded street Ariane recognized the evil smile of Q'rin de Fhar, a drow, or as some called them: dark elf. His dark skin and white hair made him easy to notice, just like his dark robes with leather armor and saber on his belt. Yes, he was a mage but his training also included fencing and so he was pretty good with a saber. But Ariane didn't like his necromancy, he always **** bones and skeletons to fight for him, and the elf didn't like that. What was surprising, was that behind the dark elf stood a big man, in full plate armor, with the mark of the Temple, with a warhammer and shield. He was definitely a paladin.

He waved to them, so they walked to him.

"Hello, my dear Ariane. It has been a long time since we last met."

The elf only mumbled something at that, much to her her companions' surprise because Q'rin was good-looking and his face was even handsome. Normally Ariane would already be trying to tease or seduce the man. But she crossed her arms on her chest and looked at something on the roof of a bakery.

"Q'rin de Fhar, say what you want. Hurry up, we don't have much time." She said rudely and Mira kicked her foot. Q'rin acted like he didn't notice that.

"My, my... Still upset about last time? I said 'sorry' and apologized. By the way, ten years should be enough to forget, no? But where are your manners, aren't you going to introduce your friends?"

"No, because it is none of your business." She said and received a kick on her other leg, from Lex this time. Khala, who really wanted the job, stepped forward.

"Yeah, sorry about that. I'm Khala the rogue, Mira is our shield and Lex is aour ranger and spy. You said you have a job for us?" She said quickly to avoid any more unwelcome worlds from Ariana. Q'rin gestured at the seats by his table.

"Please, take a seat, my dears, because it will be a long story. Anything to drink?" He offered as they all sat down, except the paladin. Mira couldn't help but feel jealous at seeing such good armor and weapon before her. It looked like the paladin knew how to use it, which wasn't surprising because the order allowed only the greatest knights and warriors to join. Q'rin noticed her stare and smiled.

"Sir Otto von Birshmark is... My protector and guardian when I leave the academy. The lecturers want to make sure nothing bad happens to me." He said with a smile, but it looked like sir Otto was there more to watch the dark elf than to watch everyone else.

"So... What kind of job do you want us to do? In the letter you said something about a dwarf tomb." Asked Lex.