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.