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.
