"Bad News." He answered.
"What one was it?" Joshua let them into the house.
"Danny." Yumil said after a long period of silence.
"Lielay is going to die. Where's Albain? Did he do it?"
"Albain has vanished."
Joshua sat down, his fingers rubbing his forehead. Yumil and Aubrey still stood waiting for Joshua's reply. "Thank you for bringing me the news. I'll tell Lielay when she wakes up." Joshua stood up and showed the two to the door.
Aubrey and Yumil went back into the tavern where they were staying and walked up to their rooms. Aubrey passed out on his bed from too many drinks and exhaustion. Yumil paced his room back and forth thinking of the places Albain would go or hide.
*****
Morning came as Lielay awoke in her room with Caleb staring above her. He sat on the side of her bed. He was smiling. "What Caleb?" Lielay said sitting up rubbing her eyes.
"Nothing. Just wanted a hug."
Lielay leaned over and gave him his hug. Caleb smiled, giggled, and ran out of the room. Joshua came after Caleb ran out; he sat on the foot of Lielay's bed. He sighed and faced her. "Lie."
"Yes?"
"You know that body you found last night?" he swallowed hard.
"What about it?"
"It belonged to Danny." Right before his eyes Lielay let out a meek scream and fainted. He blinked and stood up; looking back at Lielay he went to the door and closed it behind him.
*****
"Come on Aubrey! We got to get to the docks today, not in a year!" Yumil shouted as he banged on his brother's door.
"OK, hold on!"
Yumil stopped pounding and tapped his foot as he waited for Aubrey to get out. Aubrey gathered his things and thrusted the door open. "Finally." Yumil grunted.
"Did you get enough sleep?" Aubrey said grumpily at Yumil.
Aubrey followed Yumil down the stairs of the tavern. They dropped off their keys and paid the tavern owner. The two shuffled out the door into the freezing morning air. Some elves lay on the ground outside, passed out from drinking so much. The pool of blood from Danny was now dried onto the ground; Yumil grimaced as he saw it. Once off the lift Yumil didn't look back. Aubrey did though as he smiled and waved to Kelethin.
"Grow up." Yumil told Aubrey.
"No, being a kid is fun!" Aubrey chuckled immaturely.
"So, you think it's funny to leave the city where you carried the dead husband of your new friend to be buried?" Yumil barked.
"No." Aubrey lowered his voice to a mere whisper.
They walked down the path leading to the docks with tired minds and tired bodies. The wind rustled the trees nearby, the branches swayed and leaves fluttered to the ground below. As Yumil and Aubrey passed a tight group of trees, a hand shot out from behind one and grabbed Yumil's shoulder. Albain stepped out from behind the tree.
"Albain!" Yumil jumped.
Aubrey was already in Albain's face; "Did you kill Lielay's husband?"
"Not exactly." Albain was still covered in blood.
"What do you mean?" Aubrey raised his eyebrows and crossed his arms across his chest.
*****
There was something soft and cold on Lielay's forehead as she lay in her bed. Lielay remembered the news Joshua had told her before she fainted, she moaned softly. She forced her eyes open.
"Are you feeling better, Lielay?" Birria put another cool cloth on Lielay's head.
"In a way I am, but then again no."
"Shall I leave you alone?"
"Yes please."
Birria got up and left the room, the door shut soundlessly behind her. Lielay felt the pain in her heart for the loss of Danny. She knew she felt it, but it wasn't a strong feeling, her love for Danny somehow had died over the years. Being separated and thinking that Danny was dead for five years, made Lielay believe she could love another man. Lielay got out of bed and walked over to the chair where her clothes were spread out. She dressed and went out to the living room. Joshua sat talking to Birria as Caleb and Marcus played in the corner; Marcus and Caleb knew nothing about Danny, Crushbone, or the things that happened to Joshua, Birria, or herself. Birria and Joshua stopped talking and looked at Lielay.
"Lielay, are you feeling better?" Joshua asked.
"I'm fine now."
"That's good, I'm going to take Marcus home now." Birria hugged Lielay and took Marcus's hand and left. Caleb followed them out the door.
Joshua stood next to Lielay and put his hand on her shoulder, "I'm sorry about Danny." He said.
"It's OK, I'm not as heartbroken as I thought I would be. Yes, I loved him, he was the father of my only son but over the years my love died for him. Or maybe it's because I believed he was dead for so long. I must sound so cruel saying that." She sighed and sat down.
"No, Lielay. You are one of the sweetest people I know." Joshua gave her a small smile. "Albain is gone." He added.
"He too. Dead?"
"No clue. Not a trace of him anywhere."
Lielay got up and went to the window; she leaned against the wall and looked out. Joshua gave her a warming smile and walked into the kitchen. The front door flew open and Caleb came running in; Lielay looked at him.
"Mommy. I've made up my mind about exploring with you."
"You have? What are you going to do?" she said smiling.
"I want to go! Oh, please can I come!" he ran over and tugged on her blouse.
"Of course you can come." Lielay picked up Caleb, laughing, and kissed his soft cheek.
"Thank you! I gotta go tell Marcus!" he skipped out of the house and towards Birria's home.
Lielay smiled and laughed. Walking into the kitchen she jumped up and sat on the counter, swinging her legs back and forth. Joshua handed her a cup of dark steaming liquid and sat next to her. "You seem happy."
"I am. I decided to put Danny and Albain out of my mind."
"And?" he turned his handsome face to hers.
"Caleb said he wants to go exploring with me!" she took a sip from the mug.
"He wants to go? So, I get to have the house all to myself?" he joked.
"Yup." She laughed.
"When are you leaving?"
"In about a week."
"Oh, where are you headed to?" he ruffled his light hair.
"Freeport. That's where I was going with Albain before all this happened."
"That's one of the most busiest cities."
"Uh-huh." Joshua and Lielay sat on the counter talking about Freeport and Caleb. They sat for a couple of hours as Caleb ran in and out from time to time.
Night fell and Lielay tucked Caleb into bed. She kissed him goodnight and closed the door. Joshua was at Birria's house with some of his and Birria's friends. Lielay was invited, but she turned them down.
In the living room, Lielay picked up the picture of herself holding Caleb when he was about two, Danny stood next to her in the picture with his arm around her looking down at Caleb. One silent tear trickled down her cheek. Putting down the picture she walked outside and let out a long sigh. She leaned against the railing by her house and watched some wood elves below her. A slight breeze started to blow her hair as it fluttered over her face. Stretching, she yawned and turned to the house. The front door opened silently as she came in from the cold. Once in her room she fell onto her bed and fell asleep instantly.
*****
A week passed by all too fast. Lielay and Caleb were leaving that very day; they were all packed up with the things they needed. Lielay had her sword on her belt and carried two large packs. Caleb was given a small dagger with his name engraved on it that he carried on his belt too; he carried only one pack. Lielay and Caleb hugged and kissed everyone good- bye; they promised to be back in a month or two.
On the trail through Butcher Block Mountains, Caleb jumped ahead and played around Lielay. She kept a close eye on him; she also looked around for any wild beasts. They were moving at a fast pace so it only took them a few hours to get to the docks. Setting up camp to wait for the boat, Lielay went to the merchant and bought some more food and drink. Caleb was allowed to go in the water up to his knees, not any further because of aqua goblins.
"Caleb dinner time." Lielay said to him as he splashed out of the water. She toweled him dry with the wolf blanket she had and gave him some food. After they ate Caleb fell asleep, Lielay waited up for the boat.
Near midnight Lielay heard a sloshing sound and following it shortly were shouts and loud voices. The boat pulled into the docks slowly. Lielay packed her supplies quickly and woke Caleb. "But it's the middle of the night!" he cried.
"The boat is here." Lielay pulled her packs on.
Caleb followed Lielay up the docks and onto the boat. They walked below deck and placed their things down. Lielay took out her bearskin blanket and wrapped Caleb in it. He fell sound asleep again. Lielay went back up on deck and leaned against the side of the boat. Some more passengers came running on and thirty minutes later the boat was gliding over the water. She watched the docks get further and further away until it was out of sight. Below deck there was a small bar with a kind older gentleman behind the counter. He smiled when Lielay came back down. She walked over to the bar and sat on the stool.
"Ale." She said to him.
"Right." He nodded.
On a stool next to her was a dwarf; he was drinking deeply from a huge goblet. He put it down, wiped the foam from his beard, and smacked his lips. "Good stuff." He said to Lielay.
"What was it?" she turned to him.
"Don't know, don't care, just as long it's good," he laughed, "Addison Stubblechin." He shook her hand.
"Lielay Liltreehuggr." she smiled.
"Is that little one yours?" he pointed to Caleb.
"Yes. My son." she beamed.
He smiled and waved for another drink. Lielay sat drinking her ale and talking to Addison. After a half an hour or so Lielay paid the bartender and went over to Caleb. She sat against her packs and put her arm around Caleb. She fell asleep to the bartender's soft whistling tune.
Hours later Lielay awoke, she looked down at Caleb, only Caleb wasn't there. She jumped up frantic and ran over to the bartender. "Have you seen my son?" she asked him quickly.
"He just went up on deck five minutes ago, Milady."
"Thanks." She said running to the doorway. Caleb was looking over the side of the boat when Lielay ran up. She saw him and relaxed. He looked up and gave Lielay a smile. "What do you think you're doing?" she said calmly.
"Just looking, not hurting anything."
"I was just worried about you." She patted his hand.
"We will be at the Freeport docks in about an hour time." Someone shouted.
Caleb and Lielay went back under deck and gathered their things. They had a snack and walked back up. The other passengers had their belongings with them as they waited. Lielay led Caleb over to talk to Addison who was standing against the side of the ship. The boat arrived in Freeport awhile later. All the passengers got off in a rush. Lielay and Caleb said farewell to Addison as he walked into the crowd and disappeared. Crates were loaded onto the boat once the last of the passengers scurried off.
"Let's get a room." Lielay took Caleb's hand and strolled off.
Walking down the streets Caleb pointed at everything, he was very excited. He had seen only Kelethin his whole life, never anywhere else. The crowd pushed them around while they walked and looked for a decent inn. Lielay held Caleb's hand tightly and pulled her packs closer to her. People of all different races, classes, and religions filled every street and alley. A troll passed Lielay; she trembled and screamed softly. Caleb raised one of his eyebrows in wonder at her.
"What's wrong? Did we lose something?" Caleb began to look on the dirty ground.
"Nothing." She replied quickly tugging him up.
They found a tavern near the bank and rented a room. Lielay opened the door and let her packs fall to the ground. Caleb did the same and jumped onto one of the beds, bouncing up and down, he giggled.
"Want to go find the bakery?" Lielay asked Caleb happily.
"Yeah! Muffins!" he pounced off the bed.
"We have to stop at the bank first." Lielay rummaged through her packs and took out two wolf skin cloaks and a large bag of money. She fastened her cloak on and then Caleb's.
Lielay and Caleb walked into the bank a short while later. She went to the banker and had the large bag placed in a vault. She carried her spare cash in her pocket. Lielay, before leaving, asked the banker directions to the nearest bakery. Following the directions the banker kindly gave them, Lielay and Caleb entered the bakery. Fresh pastries were displayed on front counters as the smell coming from the oven wafted in the air. Up at the counter Caleb was allowed to get anything he wanted.
"Eight gold pieces and seven copper, Malady." The baker said handing Lielay a large bakery bag.
She paid and walked out with Caleb reaching into the bag and munching on sweets. They sat on a nearby bench and ate some pastries. Caleb was too into his sweets to look around, but Lielay was interesting in the surroundings. "Oh look Caleb a theater." She pointed it out to him.
"What's that?"
"It's where bards put on performances."
"Oh. I get it." He shrugged his shoulders confused and shoved a cream puff into his mouth.
The sun dipped into the horizon and the sky was filled with exotic pink, orange, red, and purple lights. Caleb yawned as Lielay led him back to the tavern they stayed at. "Will it be all right if I go get a quick drink? Or do you want me to stay?" Lielay said tucking Caleb into his bed.
"You can get one. Just lock the door." he said sleepily.
"Don't worry I will." She kissed his forehead and put her cloak on again. "Just scream loud if you're in trouble or anything. I'll tell the innkeeper down stairs to listen for you." Locking her room door, she skipped down the stairs, out of the tavern, and in the cold night air. She walked down the street. Spotting a crowded bar, Lielay stepped in. Up at the counter she ordered a mug of ale.
"Cold night, ey?" the man next to her asked.
"Yes, very." She sipped the foam of the drink she was handed.
"Where you from." He smiled.
"Kelethin."
"Long journey."
"Yes." She tried to be polite in dismissing the conversation.
Lielay drank the rest of her ale and ordered another. She spun around on her stool she sat on and peered around at the crowded room. Laughter and the buzz of conversation filled the room. Her eyes went to every table, one table was made up of a group of gnomes whom had their heads bent together, whispering to one another. Another table had a strange bunch at it; an enormous ogre, an extremely pale high elf, and two dwarves. One of the dwarfs turned and stared at her. His eyes widened and he waved frantically at her.
"Lielay! Over here! It's me, Addison!" he stood on his chair.
"Hello Addison." Lielay greeted him as she joined the table.
"What one was it?" Joshua let them into the house.
"Danny." Yumil said after a long period of silence.
"Lielay is going to die. Where's Albain? Did he do it?"
"Albain has vanished."
Joshua sat down, his fingers rubbing his forehead. Yumil and Aubrey still stood waiting for Joshua's reply. "Thank you for bringing me the news. I'll tell Lielay when she wakes up." Joshua stood up and showed the two to the door.
Aubrey and Yumil went back into the tavern where they were staying and walked up to their rooms. Aubrey passed out on his bed from too many drinks and exhaustion. Yumil paced his room back and forth thinking of the places Albain would go or hide.
*****
Morning came as Lielay awoke in her room with Caleb staring above her. He sat on the side of her bed. He was smiling. "What Caleb?" Lielay said sitting up rubbing her eyes.
"Nothing. Just wanted a hug."
Lielay leaned over and gave him his hug. Caleb smiled, giggled, and ran out of the room. Joshua came after Caleb ran out; he sat on the foot of Lielay's bed. He sighed and faced her. "Lie."
"Yes?"
"You know that body you found last night?" he swallowed hard.
"What about it?"
"It belonged to Danny." Right before his eyes Lielay let out a meek scream and fainted. He blinked and stood up; looking back at Lielay he went to the door and closed it behind him.
*****
"Come on Aubrey! We got to get to the docks today, not in a year!" Yumil shouted as he banged on his brother's door.
"OK, hold on!"
Yumil stopped pounding and tapped his foot as he waited for Aubrey to get out. Aubrey gathered his things and thrusted the door open. "Finally." Yumil grunted.
"Did you get enough sleep?" Aubrey said grumpily at Yumil.
Aubrey followed Yumil down the stairs of the tavern. They dropped off their keys and paid the tavern owner. The two shuffled out the door into the freezing morning air. Some elves lay on the ground outside, passed out from drinking so much. The pool of blood from Danny was now dried onto the ground; Yumil grimaced as he saw it. Once off the lift Yumil didn't look back. Aubrey did though as he smiled and waved to Kelethin.
"Grow up." Yumil told Aubrey.
"No, being a kid is fun!" Aubrey chuckled immaturely.
"So, you think it's funny to leave the city where you carried the dead husband of your new friend to be buried?" Yumil barked.
"No." Aubrey lowered his voice to a mere whisper.
They walked down the path leading to the docks with tired minds and tired bodies. The wind rustled the trees nearby, the branches swayed and leaves fluttered to the ground below. As Yumil and Aubrey passed a tight group of trees, a hand shot out from behind one and grabbed Yumil's shoulder. Albain stepped out from behind the tree.
"Albain!" Yumil jumped.
Aubrey was already in Albain's face; "Did you kill Lielay's husband?"
"Not exactly." Albain was still covered in blood.
"What do you mean?" Aubrey raised his eyebrows and crossed his arms across his chest.
*****
There was something soft and cold on Lielay's forehead as she lay in her bed. Lielay remembered the news Joshua had told her before she fainted, she moaned softly. She forced her eyes open.
"Are you feeling better, Lielay?" Birria put another cool cloth on Lielay's head.
"In a way I am, but then again no."
"Shall I leave you alone?"
"Yes please."
Birria got up and left the room, the door shut soundlessly behind her. Lielay felt the pain in her heart for the loss of Danny. She knew she felt it, but it wasn't a strong feeling, her love for Danny somehow had died over the years. Being separated and thinking that Danny was dead for five years, made Lielay believe she could love another man. Lielay got out of bed and walked over to the chair where her clothes were spread out. She dressed and went out to the living room. Joshua sat talking to Birria as Caleb and Marcus played in the corner; Marcus and Caleb knew nothing about Danny, Crushbone, or the things that happened to Joshua, Birria, or herself. Birria and Joshua stopped talking and looked at Lielay.
"Lielay, are you feeling better?" Joshua asked.
"I'm fine now."
"That's good, I'm going to take Marcus home now." Birria hugged Lielay and took Marcus's hand and left. Caleb followed them out the door.
Joshua stood next to Lielay and put his hand on her shoulder, "I'm sorry about Danny." He said.
"It's OK, I'm not as heartbroken as I thought I would be. Yes, I loved him, he was the father of my only son but over the years my love died for him. Or maybe it's because I believed he was dead for so long. I must sound so cruel saying that." She sighed and sat down.
"No, Lielay. You are one of the sweetest people I know." Joshua gave her a small smile. "Albain is gone." He added.
"He too. Dead?"
"No clue. Not a trace of him anywhere."
Lielay got up and went to the window; she leaned against the wall and looked out. Joshua gave her a warming smile and walked into the kitchen. The front door flew open and Caleb came running in; Lielay looked at him.
"Mommy. I've made up my mind about exploring with you."
"You have? What are you going to do?" she said smiling.
"I want to go! Oh, please can I come!" he ran over and tugged on her blouse.
"Of course you can come." Lielay picked up Caleb, laughing, and kissed his soft cheek.
"Thank you! I gotta go tell Marcus!" he skipped out of the house and towards Birria's home.
Lielay smiled and laughed. Walking into the kitchen she jumped up and sat on the counter, swinging her legs back and forth. Joshua handed her a cup of dark steaming liquid and sat next to her. "You seem happy."
"I am. I decided to put Danny and Albain out of my mind."
"And?" he turned his handsome face to hers.
"Caleb said he wants to go exploring with me!" she took a sip from the mug.
"He wants to go? So, I get to have the house all to myself?" he joked.
"Yup." She laughed.
"When are you leaving?"
"In about a week."
"Oh, where are you headed to?" he ruffled his light hair.
"Freeport. That's where I was going with Albain before all this happened."
"That's one of the most busiest cities."
"Uh-huh." Joshua and Lielay sat on the counter talking about Freeport and Caleb. They sat for a couple of hours as Caleb ran in and out from time to time.
Night fell and Lielay tucked Caleb into bed. She kissed him goodnight and closed the door. Joshua was at Birria's house with some of his and Birria's friends. Lielay was invited, but she turned them down.
In the living room, Lielay picked up the picture of herself holding Caleb when he was about two, Danny stood next to her in the picture with his arm around her looking down at Caleb. One silent tear trickled down her cheek. Putting down the picture she walked outside and let out a long sigh. She leaned against the railing by her house and watched some wood elves below her. A slight breeze started to blow her hair as it fluttered over her face. Stretching, she yawned and turned to the house. The front door opened silently as she came in from the cold. Once in her room she fell onto her bed and fell asleep instantly.
*****
A week passed by all too fast. Lielay and Caleb were leaving that very day; they were all packed up with the things they needed. Lielay had her sword on her belt and carried two large packs. Caleb was given a small dagger with his name engraved on it that he carried on his belt too; he carried only one pack. Lielay and Caleb hugged and kissed everyone good- bye; they promised to be back in a month or two.
On the trail through Butcher Block Mountains, Caleb jumped ahead and played around Lielay. She kept a close eye on him; she also looked around for any wild beasts. They were moving at a fast pace so it only took them a few hours to get to the docks. Setting up camp to wait for the boat, Lielay went to the merchant and bought some more food and drink. Caleb was allowed to go in the water up to his knees, not any further because of aqua goblins.
"Caleb dinner time." Lielay said to him as he splashed out of the water. She toweled him dry with the wolf blanket she had and gave him some food. After they ate Caleb fell asleep, Lielay waited up for the boat.
Near midnight Lielay heard a sloshing sound and following it shortly were shouts and loud voices. The boat pulled into the docks slowly. Lielay packed her supplies quickly and woke Caleb. "But it's the middle of the night!" he cried.
"The boat is here." Lielay pulled her packs on.
Caleb followed Lielay up the docks and onto the boat. They walked below deck and placed their things down. Lielay took out her bearskin blanket and wrapped Caleb in it. He fell sound asleep again. Lielay went back up on deck and leaned against the side of the boat. Some more passengers came running on and thirty minutes later the boat was gliding over the water. She watched the docks get further and further away until it was out of sight. Below deck there was a small bar with a kind older gentleman behind the counter. He smiled when Lielay came back down. She walked over to the bar and sat on the stool.
"Ale." She said to him.
"Right." He nodded.
On a stool next to her was a dwarf; he was drinking deeply from a huge goblet. He put it down, wiped the foam from his beard, and smacked his lips. "Good stuff." He said to Lielay.
"What was it?" she turned to him.
"Don't know, don't care, just as long it's good," he laughed, "Addison Stubblechin." He shook her hand.
"Lielay Liltreehuggr." she smiled.
"Is that little one yours?" he pointed to Caleb.
"Yes. My son." she beamed.
He smiled and waved for another drink. Lielay sat drinking her ale and talking to Addison. After a half an hour or so Lielay paid the bartender and went over to Caleb. She sat against her packs and put her arm around Caleb. She fell asleep to the bartender's soft whistling tune.
Hours later Lielay awoke, she looked down at Caleb, only Caleb wasn't there. She jumped up frantic and ran over to the bartender. "Have you seen my son?" she asked him quickly.
"He just went up on deck five minutes ago, Milady."
"Thanks." She said running to the doorway. Caleb was looking over the side of the boat when Lielay ran up. She saw him and relaxed. He looked up and gave Lielay a smile. "What do you think you're doing?" she said calmly.
"Just looking, not hurting anything."
"I was just worried about you." She patted his hand.
"We will be at the Freeport docks in about an hour time." Someone shouted.
Caleb and Lielay went back under deck and gathered their things. They had a snack and walked back up. The other passengers had their belongings with them as they waited. Lielay led Caleb over to talk to Addison who was standing against the side of the ship. The boat arrived in Freeport awhile later. All the passengers got off in a rush. Lielay and Caleb said farewell to Addison as he walked into the crowd and disappeared. Crates were loaded onto the boat once the last of the passengers scurried off.
"Let's get a room." Lielay took Caleb's hand and strolled off.
Walking down the streets Caleb pointed at everything, he was very excited. He had seen only Kelethin his whole life, never anywhere else. The crowd pushed them around while they walked and looked for a decent inn. Lielay held Caleb's hand tightly and pulled her packs closer to her. People of all different races, classes, and religions filled every street and alley. A troll passed Lielay; she trembled and screamed softly. Caleb raised one of his eyebrows in wonder at her.
"What's wrong? Did we lose something?" Caleb began to look on the dirty ground.
"Nothing." She replied quickly tugging him up.
They found a tavern near the bank and rented a room. Lielay opened the door and let her packs fall to the ground. Caleb did the same and jumped onto one of the beds, bouncing up and down, he giggled.
"Want to go find the bakery?" Lielay asked Caleb happily.
"Yeah! Muffins!" he pounced off the bed.
"We have to stop at the bank first." Lielay rummaged through her packs and took out two wolf skin cloaks and a large bag of money. She fastened her cloak on and then Caleb's.
Lielay and Caleb walked into the bank a short while later. She went to the banker and had the large bag placed in a vault. She carried her spare cash in her pocket. Lielay, before leaving, asked the banker directions to the nearest bakery. Following the directions the banker kindly gave them, Lielay and Caleb entered the bakery. Fresh pastries were displayed on front counters as the smell coming from the oven wafted in the air. Up at the counter Caleb was allowed to get anything he wanted.
"Eight gold pieces and seven copper, Malady." The baker said handing Lielay a large bakery bag.
She paid and walked out with Caleb reaching into the bag and munching on sweets. They sat on a nearby bench and ate some pastries. Caleb was too into his sweets to look around, but Lielay was interesting in the surroundings. "Oh look Caleb a theater." She pointed it out to him.
"What's that?"
"It's where bards put on performances."
"Oh. I get it." He shrugged his shoulders confused and shoved a cream puff into his mouth.
The sun dipped into the horizon and the sky was filled with exotic pink, orange, red, and purple lights. Caleb yawned as Lielay led him back to the tavern they stayed at. "Will it be all right if I go get a quick drink? Or do you want me to stay?" Lielay said tucking Caleb into his bed.
"You can get one. Just lock the door." he said sleepily.
"Don't worry I will." She kissed his forehead and put her cloak on again. "Just scream loud if you're in trouble or anything. I'll tell the innkeeper down stairs to listen for you." Locking her room door, she skipped down the stairs, out of the tavern, and in the cold night air. She walked down the street. Spotting a crowded bar, Lielay stepped in. Up at the counter she ordered a mug of ale.
"Cold night, ey?" the man next to her asked.
"Yes, very." She sipped the foam of the drink she was handed.
"Where you from." He smiled.
"Kelethin."
"Long journey."
"Yes." She tried to be polite in dismissing the conversation.
Lielay drank the rest of her ale and ordered another. She spun around on her stool she sat on and peered around at the crowded room. Laughter and the buzz of conversation filled the room. Her eyes went to every table, one table was made up of a group of gnomes whom had their heads bent together, whispering to one another. Another table had a strange bunch at it; an enormous ogre, an extremely pale high elf, and two dwarves. One of the dwarfs turned and stared at her. His eyes widened and he waved frantically at her.
"Lielay! Over here! It's me, Addison!" he stood on his chair.
"Hello Addison." Lielay greeted him as she joined the table.
