Good night - Good morning

Well at least there is a tub. "Thank you," Lunia replied and bowed once more before taking her leave from Nadia. Looks like I asked the right person for assistance. She was glad she would be getting her gold back - she tried to save as much as possible, and there was no telling how long her journey would be. Millions of ideas, thoughts and worries passed through Lunia's mind as she went up the stairs to her room - she was almost overwhelmed. Lunia took a deep breath. One step at a time, she reminded herself. She turned the key to the door of her room, and, exhausted, plopped herself down onto the bed like a child would. Do I really have to take a bath? She sighed. I suppose so... There won't be any time to do so in the morning. Lunia called the attendant to get her bath water ready. When the tub was nearly full of warm, steaming water, she thanked the attendant and gave her a tip for her services. She then sank down into her bath and emptied her mind, letting herself totally relax - something she hadn't done since the start of her journey. Several moments of peace passed; then, once done with the bath, she put on a simple gown, and went to sleep.

Lunia had many dreams that night, dreams that caused her to wake in a cold sweat but she could never remember what happened. Morning seemed to come too slowly as she continued dreaming. Oh my head hurts so much - if only I could remember my dreams. I would be able to do something about them or perhaps they would be able to help me on my journey somehow. Ah, but enough worrying for the morning. "Time to explore the town!" she exclaimed out loud to herself. Lunia combed out her jet black hair, which flowed halfway down her back and fixed it in its usual array of a pony tail held back with a leather cord. She then put on a dark brown tunic and tan pants, and took up her staff as she set out.

Nadia sat on a bench residing on the inn's porch. Off to her left stood two, dark brown mares that were tied up to the inn's hitching post. The only difference between the two was that one wore white hair above her hooves and a white muzzle while the other wore a rich, golden brown mane. They were simple beauties, tall and sturdy. The drow had procured them the night before once Lunia had taken her leave. There were still a few more items she needed to retain, but she figured she'd have the halfling accompany her. Nadia didn't like her clients to stray too far. Afterall, she didn't want them finding a better ranger, and she didn't want any "interesting" detail about her job to slip by her. Also, she didn't trust this Lunia as far as she could throw her. She seemed young and innocent enough, but she was still a halfling, and Nadia knew never to trust a halfling, much less anyone else.

Barely a moment passed with Nadia's thoughts dark with disgust when Lunia walked out of the inn and into the morning sunshine. Speak of the devil, she thought to herself. "Good morning, milady," Nadia greeted. "I see you seem well rested." She stood, dusting off imaginary dirt from her black breeches, before approaching the halfling.

Lunia was still pondering upon her dreams as she stopped walking. At first she was confused as to why she had stopped until she spotted Nadia. She gave her a friendly smile as she quickly replayed in her mind what it was that Nadia had said, hoping that she took no notice of the couple of seconds this took, then nodded to Nadia in greeting and said, "Good morrow, Lady Ardhan. I was planning on exploring the town. But, since you seem to be here and awake, I suppose it means we're heading out." Lunia smiled then and took the steps necessary to reach Nadia and added, "Well now, where do we begin?"

"Actually, I was hoping you may accompany me as I resupply for our journey." Nadia replied, her dark-blue eyes taking note of the items Lunia had with her. "So, you will still get to see whatever it is this town has to offer."

"Then it would be my pleasure to provide company and assistance." This will also be a good time to get to know Ardhan before our journey begins, Lunia observed.

Halfling?

A lazy eye looked over the coins provided, barely impressed. For a hunting job, the drow usually charged three times as much as what was flashed. However, it had been so long since she had done any job, let alone one worth while. Perhaps this would prove to be entertaining? "I have to admit, I have never worked for so little in such a long time." The corner of her lips flickered for a moment as she remembered when she first got into the job of hunting. If it wasn't for the strength of her Goddess, she would have not made it to where she was today. 

Nadia wasn't as famous as most who lived as long would be. Although fame brought about much opportunity for advancement, it also brought about much unnecessary trouble. So, whenever her name was becoming too common, she would move to a new place, far from the reaches of the first. There, she would reestablish herself. As time passed, she may or may not return to places she had been to before, but when that time came, her name would have been long forgotten.

"Can I expect more in payment once the job is complete?" Nadia raised a questioning brow as she awaited an answer. This Lunia was proving to be more interesting, and valuable, than she had first appeared. No one, as far as Nadia knew, offered payment outright unless they were desperate. She didn't know what it was the elf was truly after, but it was definitely important, so her mind was already searching for any memory surrounding "the Lost Brethren".

The drow looked interested in what Lunia had told her, so she gave her more information. "My fellow seekers have found very little information, but what we already know is that the Lost Brethren, of course, bearing a different name at the time, were once a proud people accepted in both high elven and drewen societies. They shared their research with the people and by doing so made life easier for everyone. This went on for many years until one of the Brothers created an evil being. He not only broke the code of ethics set by his people, but he endangered millions of people's lives by creating this monster. When the high elves found out about this, they banished the Brethren to the outside world and had the creature destroyed, or so the records say. Where exactly they ended up, we do not know - that is what we are searching for. We are almost certain that any records of their research will be found there." Lunia took a deep breath and continued, "I must find these research records and take them to my homeland for them to be studied to find a cure for the affliction that has taken hold of all our people. If I don't, then my whole nation will die," she coughed to the side a few times, "and me with them."

Nadia mulled over the idea of helping this elf. As she thought, she continued to listen to the woman's story, until she noticed something. There was something odd about the shape of the woman's ears and eyes and the tone of her skin, and she silently cursed herself for not realizing it sooner. This woman, this Lunia, was an abomination - a half breed of drow and high elf. Nadia's eyes burned red as anger and disgust began to boil within, reminding her of the searing pain of lashes and burns that littered her back from that so-called mighty race. To help an enemy is one thing, she thought, a hand clenched into a fist. But to help something that defies what we both stand for is simply... simply...

 Just as quickly as her anger rose, it drained away, leaving behind cold, crystal sapphires in their wake. "I believe I may be able to help you," Nadia replied a moment or two after Lunia finished, a small smile curling her lips. "You will have to permit me some time to gather some things. A day or two should suffice. In the meantime, please allow this inn to offer any services it can provide. It may not seem like much, but if you know the right people, it can be the equivalent of any resort."

Lunia's eyes widened in shock at seeing such anger suddenly emit from Nadia Ardhan. She was even more surprised when she agreed to help her in her quest. I must be cautious around this Nadia Ardhan, she may have some ulterior motive in mind. "Thank you for deciding to assist me," she said while bowing respectfully. "And thank you for the hospitality." She stood up, yawned, and added tiredly, "I must retire now to my room. Ah, but it would be wonderful to take a bath, I haven't had one in weeks... Is there a bath house nearby?"

Nadia shook her head. "Unfortunately, no. This establishment doesn't have the kind of wealth needed to provide such amenities. However, each room is equipped with an iron tub. Just ask one of the floor maids to fill it with hot water." She tossed a few silver coins toward Lunia. Although the general shape and printing of the coins were similar to any that could be found in the region, each held a peculiar mark on the back and three evenly spaced notches around their edges. "Pay them with these. They'll see that you are under my care, and thus will not charge you unfairly for their services. Your fare for room and board should also be refunded afterward. Any client of mine is permitted to stay here for free."

 Soft and distant blue eyes returned to the fire, a wave of the drow's hand telling Lunia that they were done for the night, even though it was Lunia who was excusing herself. Being as old as she was, which, considering most elves, was still before her prime, Nadia had a habit of taking control of any situation, even if she was the employee not the employer. It was just a habit picked up from childhood, and one that would never be broken.

The Job

City officials came bringing with them only a letter sealed by the High Seat of Thalandor. Lunia and her mother were home alone at the time, so the officials gave them the letter, stating that the whole family was to be escorted to the capital the next day. Little did she know her father was the son of the Chief Researcher for the High Seat of Thalandor, the country in which the town Zentra resided. Upon reading the letter, Lunia and her mother were surprised to see the name on the envelope - they thought it was a mistake. When her father came home and saw the envelope he gazed at it in terror and surprise. He affirmed that it was indeed his real name... Gidion Romidiant.

Upon arriving at the capital, they found out that Lunia's grandfather had been brutally murdered. It turned out her grandfather had been doing secret research on his own without the High Seat's permission. The people who murdered her grandfather weren't content with just killing him, however. They had taken all his scrolls and destroyed everything else. The only thing they found intact was a note written by the murderers, on which was written a warning:

Find the lost brethren - they alone have the knowledge to cure the poison that will inflict your people.
This is the same poison Romidiant had intended to use on our people.
You have one year to find the them... one year before you watch your people die slow, horrible deaths.
Until then, you shall watch your people suffer in sickness and agony.
Fail to find them, and you will all die.

In response to the murder, The High Seat decided to keep her father and mother in the capital for safety; her parents weren't as young as they used to be. And so, Lunia was sent alone on her journey in search of the lost brethren.

She was not the only one sent out by the High Seat. Fifteen other individuals were sent out to search the land for any kind of clue of where the Lost Brethren or their knowledge could be found. They were given magical communication devices in the form of a Monoka, a little egg-shaped creature with long ears and a gem on its forehead. These Monoka's could talk so she didn't feel completely alone. When one of the other adventurers needed to communicate, the Monoka would open its mouth wide and a projection of the adventurer speaking would come forth.

This place had been her fifth town so far with no luck yet. Nadia Ardhan looked promising, though. Perhaps she will be able to give her a lead in the right direction. Lunia smiled amusingly at the smirk on Nadia's face, but her eyes stayed intense. "I am seeking the Lost Brethren and their knowledge. I have traveled quite a ways but with no luck. I was told there was a drow that may be of some help. Lady Ardhan, you are the drow they spoke of. Please assist me in my search; you will not go without pay." Lunia showed her some gold pieces. Does she need more "persuasion"? Hopefully not, I don't have much more to give.

Strangers

Note: This story is a collaboration with me and my dear friend, Silki Sil, and, therefore, I do not take full credit for its creation.

Nadia sat in a large armchair near the fireplace, the smoke from the roaring flames giving the common room a dank and musty atmosphere. The inn, the Deadman's Cove, was located at the southern end of town near the docks, an end that most dignified members of society openly refused to enter, save for the most extreme of circumstances. However, Nadia was far from being considered "dignified". In fact, she was barely considered to be anything above a parasite. This didn't bother the drow, though. She was used to such opinions, and it just helped to increase her reputation in her business. Slowly, she sipped her elven wine, her free hand wrapping tendrils of white smoke around her fingers. She then began to sing a small spell, the tendrils twisting and twirling until they formed the illusion of smoke fairies dancing upon her fingertips.

Lunia walked into the Deadman's Cove from the pouring rain. It wasn't the kind of place she would usually enter, but it was the only place open at this time of night and she had to get out of the rain. She stood there for a moment, seeping in the atmosphere of the inn. The air was dank and thick with smoke coming from the fireplace, giving the inn a mysterious air. Lunia glanced around the area, taking note of all the patrons - everyone was either absorbed in their drink or already passed out from drinking too much. All except for one drow. She was sitting by the fire, talking to herself, it seemed, until you saw the smoke fairies dancing around her cup. Interesting, she thought.

Lunia walked toward the inn keeper and asked if there were any rooms available. The innkeeper, a short and burly man, gave her a curious look over. She certainly didn't fit his normal patronage, but he wasn't one to turn away a potential customer. "Only one room left," he replied.

She sighed, knowing he will raise the price. "How much will it be?"

"Two gold..."

I guess it can't be helped. She paid the inn keeper the two gold, plus one silver for her wine and made her way to the interesting drow near the fireplace and sat across from her. Lunia didn't say a word, she just sat and sipped her wine.

Nadia looked up from the fairies, and took note of the woman that sat before her. Although it was normal for the inn to receive patrons this late in the evening, this particular patron didn't seem to quite fit in. In fact, now that she thought about it, Nadia couldn't recall ever seeing the woman around town. A newcomer? Perhaps... Many new people in town stumbled into the inn, a fortunate turn of events for the patrons, not so much for the individual. Although not richly dressed, the woman did appear to have some coin to spare. Perhaps tonight was the drow's lucky night after all.
 She smiled to the woman, giving a small nod of welcome and raising her glass as well. A simple greeting, but one she hoped would comfort the stranger. She then banished the fairies, thinking of something more entertaining for the Deadman's new guest. Nadia reached towards the fire, a spell on her lips, and it appeared as if she grabbed a branch of white smoke and tugged it free from its red-orange base. She then released the smoke into the air, where it began to wiggle and writhe until it took the form of a dragon. Throwing up another small piece of smoke, a human emerged and the makings of a great battle played out before them.


Lunia nodded and smiled back at the drow sitting across from her. She then watched in astonishment as the drow worked her magic on the smoke. She had seen things like this before, but it never failed to awe her. The drow sitting across from her was very talented at this - not all people with this talent could do what she was doing with such ease. Who was this person? She must be more than she appeared to be. Lunia was careful not to get too pulled into the battle between the human and dragon, she knew that the very image itself could be a spell meant to do her harm. As she watched, she distracted her mind to other, more important matters.



She had to find a way to help her city. The only clues she was given was to seek the lost brethren. Lunia had no idea who these lost brethren were or where to find them. In all the elves' history books, there has never been any mention of a long lost brethren of the elves. But brethren could mean many things. It may not have even been another group of elves but rather another race that was considered to be their brethren. 

As the smoke display came to an end, she looked at the drow across from her in the eyes, smiled and said, "That was a beautiful display of skill. I am Lunia of Zentra, pleasure to meet you." She bowed while still seated, all the while looking straight into the other drow's eyes.

The corners of the drow's lips lifted up into a small smirk. "Nadia Ardhan, milady," she replied, her eyes meeting the high elf's with a curious intensity. "And," she added, "I wouldn't do that again, if I were you." Her eyes flashed red for a moment, before they returned to the fireplace. "Looking a drow in the eye could be quite deadly. You never know what you are revealing to them." Now, Nadia wasn't the clairvoyant type, but she knew some of her kind that were and she saw no harm in letting this elf think the same of her. She could tell, however, that this Lunia was searching for something. Of who or what, she hadn't a clue, but perhaps she would be able to offer her services. It had been awhile since Nadia had taken up a job of any sort. Maybe it was time she was on her feet again.

"So," she finally began again, after a moment of thought. "What brings you to this fine establishment at such a late hour, Lunia of Zentra?"

The elf's eyes did not falter at the red glint in the drow's. Lunia had been taught about the drows; she was half drow herself, afterall. Her father had run away from the high elves' home when he was young and found himself at a drewen town. He was shunned by the drows, but one took pity on him and they eventually got married. They had decided to move back to her father's hometown when they found out her mother was pregnant with Lunia. A peaceful cottage is where they made their home for 18 peaceful elven-years when, suddenly, everything was turned upside down.