The beginning

You didn't hear any more from the fallen town of Ravaryn, and you tried to focus on your mission that in the beginning, was training and learning some combat skills. Training and more training, and day after day, you managed to learn how to defend yourself. Although Ellaryel is more of a spy warrior, she was able to teach you some good practices with the use of the sword, and so some weeks have passed by now.

Today, you feel reflective, and you woke up earlier, missing your old life, but knowing that it won't come back. You stay in bed, pondering everything that has happened so far. One day, that might give you a book worth reading. You are at the Hazel Arrow INN, a comfortable spot in Ingmery. You have become accustomed to the free life.

You finish reflecting on your life, still trying to absorb everything that happened. You go down the stairs to the main hall, to get something to eat. The place is classically decorated, stone walls, wooden pillars lift the ceiling, two large lamps attached to the ceiling illuminate the room, four tables with two chairs fill the center, and some people from the town partially occupy the space of the inn. You go to the counter, where Lorraine, the hostess's daughter is sitting, looking bored.

''again, uh? Will you want to eat something?'' She asks you, without any emotion. You nod positively, indicating that you want to. ''Bread, milk and some meat, please.''

''Mom! A simple breakfast here, please!'' She yells at her mother, who is right behind her, in the kitchen. She doesn't take more than a couple of minutes to open the kitchen doors, bringing some dishes in her hands. ''John, for you.'' You thank the beautiful lady, Katherine. She has a deeply attractive motherly shape. Her blond hair in a braid, her simple conservative clothes, but the curves quite apparent, both in her D breasts and in her broad hips. She makes you feel a little like your mother, always offering a positive word and a warm smile.

''Oh, c'mon Lorraine, you could help me and tidy up the rooms, wouldn't you? You're not doing anything productive there.'' The matron rolls her eyes but gives her daughter a disapproving look. ''Ugh... Okay, mom, the used rooms stink.'' She makes a disgusted expression, but gets up and accepts the task her mother has given her. ''I and your father never taught you to be lazy like that, Lorraine.'' The young girl gives an annoyed look. ''Let's not talk about him, please, I'm going to tidy up the damn rooms.'' Her expression drops quickly, and then she leaves. ''What am I going to do with her... Sorry about that, John.'' You reassure Katherine. ''I know how to deal with family can be hard, don't worry.''

People are getting tenser and tenser in Ingmery, thanks to the constant attacks by the savage orcs, who continue to harass the town and the road travelers, in search for sex and new slaves. ''Did you hear about... You know, some news or rumors?'' You ask the beautiful woman, while for a few seconds she gathers her thoughts.

''Town guard had to double the rounds thanks to the orc raiders, especially at night... A couple of travelers came yesterday, said they were walking through the Noble Wood Forest, or Wilderness Forest? Well... This seems to have been given a new name recently.'' She wipes a mug while. ''In short, the Black Axe tribe has decided to start getting violent, I've heard rumors that this is because the tribe changes leadership, but they've never maintained close enough relationships to know for sure. If this is true, we will have problems in the long run.''

''I think it's time for me to start exploring this... I've learned all I need.'' You stop for a moment when a person arrives at the place. Subtle steps, but the person pulls out a chair next to you, your elf companion.

She looks at Katherine and orders a drink. ''Wine, please.'' You notice the serious expression on her face before she continues. ''I heard you mention going to explore the forest, elves have good hearing, you know?'' She gives you a stern look, but soon she continues. ''Anyway... Now, I think you know enough to be able to go out there alone. I heard the rumors about the forest to the north, if you're feeling especially brave, you can start by looking to see what's going on over there... But don't expect me to run to save your skin if you are defeated.''

She sighs, then continues. ''The Black Axe tribe was peaceful, at least they never had a problem with Ingmery before, do you think you can handle it? It would be a good way to earn some coins yourself.''

''So, end of the training?'' She shrugs. ''Well, yes. You already know how to handle your sword, and I am not your babysitter. Seldarine said that we should act together, but she did not tell me to look after you as I would a child.''

''And honestly, you have been spending too much time in your room since we arrived... I can imagine that all of this is too much to absorb, but it is a good idea for you to take a walk around the town, and talk to people.'' She sips the liquid from the mug, seeming to analyze the wine. ''Elvish wines are much better... Ah, try not to get in trouble, we don't want to be expelled from the town. And if you're going to start venturing around, you'd better buy minimally decent armor, or you'll end up killing yourself... Here, take it.'' She gives you a small bag of coins. ''Good luck, John.''

You roll your eyes, realizing what she is trying to do. ''Thank you, bitchy elf.'' She rolls her eyes at your joke, when Katherine brings her a mug of wine. ''Anyway, take care of yourself outside.''

''I'll.''