A quick week.

After your time together that night, Allissa had opened up a bit more. She hadn’t told you much more than what she had shared around the campfire, but she seemed less shy around you, sparking conversation whenever she could.

It took you two a week to get to Itria, the looming Dwarven city built into a mountain. As you rode closer, you noticed the interior of the mountain was filled with buildings and lights, as if someone had stuffed a small city into it. You moved onwards towards the entrance, when suddenly, you were stopped by a guard.

“State your names and business!”

The guard appeared to be quite short, contrasting his gruff voice. You assumed that this was a dwarf. A lot more stereotypical than you expected.

“I’m Luke Valeni. This is Allissa. I’m a traveler from the portal.”

As you spoke, Allissa started fidgeting behind you, her tail wrapping around your stomach.

“I see. We were told there might be a traveler coming here. Well, don’t let me stop you. You two go on in. Have fun!”

You waved the dwarf goodbye and continued on. As you entered the city, your jaw dropped. It looked dense from the outside but you never could’ve imagined this much could be hidden in a mountain. As you and Allissa rode on, you saw many things you thought were left at home. Lampposts, little stores, bars that looked like bars and not traditional fantasy taverns. Even the road, despite not being modern, had a 19th century Victorian stone look to it. Around four minutes later, three horses surrounded you. Sitting atop those horses were three gruff men, all of different hight and stature.

The man on your left was a dwarf, dressed in brown pants and a scruffy looking jacket.

The man on your right seemed like a regular human, though there was something off about him. He was wearing a tailored suit with a deep red tie.

You peered your head to look at the man behind you. He was wearing clothing similar to the human, just without the jacket. Nearly everything about him would tell you he’s a human except his deep grey skin, crimson eyes and small, stub-like horns on his head. Allissa shivered upon noticing him.

“You must be Luke,” said the grey skinned man in a soothing voice. “We’re here to take you to lady Vestria. We’ll move ahead of you. Count to 3, then follow.”

The group of three moved ahead. Not having any other options, you counted to three, then followed.

After following them for two minutes, they stopped in front of a building with tinted windows. After you hitched your horse, you helped Allissa down.

“Are you sure about this Luke?”

Allissa said, seemingly teeming with nerves.

“I don’t honk we have a choice.

You walked to the door of the building, the grey skinned man standing in front.

“Please come in. I believe Lady Vestria should be having a drink at this time.”