As my daughter and I entered the tavern the music stopped, the patrons turning to stare. I tried to hold my head high as we made our way to the far corner of the room, to an odd mismatched group of men sitting around a table. A difficult feat it turns out, I felt their eyes on my back, silent judgment hung thick in the air like fog. Whether it be hatred or curiosity that drew their gaze, all eyes fell upon the drow, misplaced, I was far from the caves and caverns my people called home.
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After what seemed like ages, we sat down at the mismatched table feeling like we belonged there more than we did walking through the tavern. The music started up again, but this time there was no laughter from the drunkards sitting behind us. That made both of us uneasy as we looked at the people sitting around us. After a long awkward silence, the war forged leaned forward offering a hand, with a voice made of rust, “It's nice to meet you lovely ladies. My name is, Tyx75; but you can call me Ty”
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I Smiled politely and, took his hand, “Queen Rika of the drows, and this is my daughter princess Elizabeth.”
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The tavern was once again silent, bringing to light my mistake as a dagger became stuck in the wall behind Ty’s head. I lowered my head, and my voice, “I gander we don't have long before they attempt to kill us.”
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Ty leaned back his copper body creaking slightly, “Let them try,” He said in an almost normal voice.
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There were grunts of agreement from the other men sitting around the table. For the first time, I looked at each of them. Ty the war forged; sat leaned back in his chair his copper body shining as he whistled a tune, watching the tavern behind us for any movement. When he reached for his mug, I noticed silver tips on his right-hand. This led me to believe that his hand contained the strings needed to complete his weapon. This also told me he's a bard, and a modified war forged. To be so well-groomed, but here; it made me wonder what his motive behind accepting this quest was.
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I looked over to the right of him to an odd fellow. This man, or rather beast sat slightly slumped over with an almost dead look in his eyes. He had the body of a man but was covered in shaggy dark fur smelling of mold and death. Part of me became intrigued by his presence while the rest of me begged to look away. Finding myself slightly sickened by him I looked away to the last man at the table with us.
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This man had pale skin and a deadly look in his eyes. Instantly I felt distrust. He was a vampire no doubt. Noticing me staring he gave a pleased smile that made me shiver and look away. After a few silent minutes, I spoke again, “what are we waiting for?”
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Everyone looked at me, but only the war forged replied, “The dungeon master. He's the one who will guide us.”
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Just as he finished speaking a man in a brown cloak walked up to the table. His face remained covered by the hood he wore as he spoke, “The queen sends her regards. I do hate to cut our meeting short, but I've already put us behind schedule. Please gather what supplies you may need, and meet me at the docks by sunrise. That’s all I require of you for now.”
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He left as silently as he came, and the others got up and followed him out the door. I looked out of the window, seeing the sun slowly lighting up the night sky. We had about 4 hours until the sunrise. I looked at my daughter seeing her asleep against me. Gently I shook her awake, “I’m sorry dear. I know you're tired after our journey here, but it's time for us to leave again.”
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She yawned and nodded. Sighing I picked her up carrying her for a while. In human years, she was about 10, but in drow age, she's only 5. Holding her tightly I move through the tavern. Seeing the men around us staring us down, both with hunger and blood lust in their eyes, I take a deep breath and push through the tavern to the exit. I made sure my staff was still on my back as I ran toward the docks. I knew that was the safest place for us until sunrise. Once there I sat my daughter down and wait for the others to arrive.
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