Chapter 1: The Reunion
Keiji
The sun was high when the Bard, the Monk and the Barbarian left The Dancing Harlequin's inn.
The trio had spent a couple days there, hoping to catch wind of dragon news. Fortune did smile upon them on the second day, as a panicked half-elf had barged in, screaming nonsense about a 'great, red winged beast that flew close by'.
The monk's ears were the first to capture his screams over the noisy, already full tavern. He had nudged the Barbarian, who was face deep into his third mug of ale.
The barbarian, a huge, broad, wild man, was visibly and horribly, bored. Spending these last days cooped up in an inn had clearly taken its toll on him.
His dark gaze shifted up to meet the Monk's with an annoyed frown.
"Yea', Keiji..?" the barbarian asked, with a low growl.
The monk pointed a finger at the half-elf that was being thrown out by the inn's workers.
"He speaks of a giant winged beast" the Monk said slowly, his impassible face turned towards his friend.
The barbarian leaned forward, trying the catch the muffled sounds coming out of the agitated patron's mouth.
"Perhaps it could be one of those dragons we've been trailing for weeks" added the Monk, intently observing his friend's reaction.
A huge grin spread across the barbarian's face and he stood up, straight as an arrow, making the wooden table waltz in front of him.
Keiji couldn't help but have a little smirk at his enthused reaction.
"Donnovan", the Monk said, "would you fetch Sterling? I'll see if can gather some more..."
Not paying attention to his friend's words, the Barbarian rushed vigorously through the crowd of patrons, making them huff in indignation.
The Monk observed his stride quietly, until the man disappeared through the exit door.
"Information..." he thought.
Keiji shrugged and slowly got up, leaving a couple of silver coins on the table. It seemed like the task of finding the womanizing Bard would be his. And, he'd have to make haste, as the barbarian's blunt eagerness could very much lead to his demise.
* * *
Lylla
The warm rays of the sun pierced through the luxuriant foliage surrounding the Druid and warmed her bare shoulders in a gentle caress. She took a deep breath, savoring the pleasant, soft, embrace on her sun-kissed body.
Cupping a handful of clear spring water, the young woman brought it to her full lips, enjoying the contrast of the freshness of the water on her tongue.
She then dabbed another handful of water on her neck to cool herself, as a tiny pearl of sweat rolled down her temple, down onto her nude, heavy, full bosom.
She smiled happily as little fish nibbled at her tiny toes. She wiggled them, giggling.
It really was a beautiful day, even with the recent, light drought of the region.
The girl took a deep breath and plunged her silky, opalescent haired head under the cold water.
One with the aquatic life, she swam peacefully until her body gave her the first shiver. She then lay naked on the shore, letting the sun indulge in the beautiful view as it slowly dried off her perfectly curvaceous body.
Once dry, the Druid pulled her ample mane off her neck and tied it up in a messy ponytail. She sighed in appreciation and walked back into the verdant depth of the forest she called home, a slight hop in her step.
She walked for a while, her fingers brushing against the lush greenery, until her eyes spotted a peculiar red flower.
The druid approached it nimbly, recognizing the plant as a powerful analgesic. She knew that the women from the nearby village outside her forest, Northriver,could make good use of the plants, as most of its populace was aging elders with leg aches.The girlbit into the fibrous stem, separating the flower from its base, then proceeded into foraging around the same patch until she found a couple more of the brightly colored blossoms.
After gathering all she could hold, she made her way back to her favorite resting spot of the forest, moving her now slightly numbed jaw round, with a light laugh; the red flowers really did work fast.
She dropped the flowers in her weaved basket and grabbed an apple from her hiding spot, sat on her ankles and bit deep into the sweet, crispy flesh of the fruit.
A small chipmunk climbed her shoulder in a few hops, sniffing at her freshly bitten apple. With a few sharp chirps, the chipmunk extended its tiny arms toward the fruit and waved at it ecstatically. He didn't stop until the Druid bit a smaller piece off the fruit and offered it to her small friend. It didn't take long before he smoothly snatched the treat out of her hand and proceeded to happily munch at it.
The young woman patiently repeated the process a couple of times with the little one, sharing her snack until his already rounded belly was even rounder. He then hopped off her shoulder, a bit awkwardly, to go rest on her lap. It quickly fell asleep as the girl gently petted its big belly with a soft finger.
Looking up at the sun rays piercing through the veiled crown of the trees, the Druid closed her eyes, taking a moment to bask herself in the nice, warm feeling. She then lay back on the warm dirt and lifted the chipmunk until it rested in the nook of her neck. She heard the little one sigh in contempt, and she dozed off, snuggling with her little furry friend.
** *
Sterling
The Bard took a slow, calculated step towards the two ladies with flushed bosoms sitting in front of him and plucked a couple of cords off his lute, in a smooth, sensual melody. The two girls, a cute elven brunette and a foxy human red-head, obviously had a bit too much to drink, and were giggling a bit too loudly, fascinated by the handsome man's performance.
"Abrielle", the elven girl whispered loudly, "we shouldn't be inhere..."
She laughed mid-sentence and Abrielle shushed her playfully.
"Hush, Primrose. Right now, all I want is to be here."
She had a low, soft laugh, and made fervent eye contact with the striking Bard. The dark haired man moved closer until his leg brushed against hers, and she twitched in anticipation. He did not stop the music, but made it more intense, slower, and deeper.
"What about your husband..?" Primrose asked, her light voice far away.
Abrielle stood up with weak knees, and glanced only for a second at her friend, her hand pushing her stray red hair out of her green eyes.
"Leave if you want to, Prim. I'm staying."
The bard's eyes caught the unsure motion of the elven girl, and with a swift gesture, he moved towards her, his music shifting to a more soothing sound.
