I arrived at the gates of Galas, where soldiers crowded the entrance as people tried to push their way in. The clanging of their heavy armor echoed with every move. When it was my turn, the guard eyed me with a mix of weariness and confusion. “So, what brings you here… tall lady?” he asked. Before I could respond, he added, “Are you a Shadar-Kai?”
“Shadar-Kai” I asked myself– I was taken aback by the question; no one had asked me that before. I pulled out the scroll for the mission I was assigned to, but before I could explain, he pushed me through the entrance. “Dickhead,” I muttered under my breath.
With the scroll in hand, I skim through the page to find the address I’m supposed to reach. After wandering aimlessly through the streets, I take a moment to regroup and tuck the scroll back into my bag. “The Crimson Alehouse,” I read aloud to myself as I approach the tavern. Taking a deep breath, I step inside.
As I walk in the smell of old Spilled Liquor, and sweat sits heavy in the room. I catch a few glares— is it my attire again or because I'm a Shadar-Kai. I make my way to the bar, scanning the room. I slam my hand down to get the bartender’s attention. “Ale,” I demand.
The bartender, clearly flustered, hurries to prepare my drink and shakily delivers it, spilling a few droplets on the counter. “Ugh, idiot,” I mutter under my breath. Clenching the drink in my hand, I take a deep gulp. I suddenly feel a tap on my shoulder and turn around, irritated by the intrusion. A large, muscular man with a deep voice and a bald head stands before me. “Watch how you’re acting around here,” he says. I rise from my seat, towering over him and looking down with a steely gaze. “Watch how you speak to me.” His demeanor shifts; he takes a step back, clearly taken aback. I sit down again and demand another ale.
I close my eyes as I sip my freshly poured Ale, listening in on the conversations happening around me.
"Did you see the Shadar-Kai who just walked in? They don’t seem like the type who frequents places like this. Something about them is just off."
"I can’t believe a Shadar-Kai is in here. They’ve got this intense look, like they’re not even part of the same world as the rest of us."
"Do you see Shadar-Kai at the bar? It felt like the entire room went cold when they arrived. People need to keep their distance."
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My brow furrows as I hear the murmurs and whispers about me. I down the last of the lukewarm, rancid ale in front of me. Tossing a gold coin onto the counter, I stand and make my way to the door. I can feel the weight of the stares on my back, their eyes boring into me as I exit the run-down tavern.
“Alright, let's head to my actual destination,” I mutter, glancing back at the scroll for confirmation. After about an hour, I’m not expecting to be greeted by a massive castle. Double-checking the address, I confirm this is indeed the right location. As I step through the grand doors, I’m almost blinded by the marble that adorns the walls and floors.
On the sheet I received, there’s a number—287. I assume this is my assigned seat. Approaching the designated area, I find myself surrounded by people. We are soon met by the King and Queen.
“Number 287,” the King announces, and I, along with two others now standing beside me, listen attentively.
Confused, I glance at the others. “Yes, Group 287,” the King continues, “I’m assigning you to work with Noomba on this mission. You’ll be paid 200 gold pieces and tasked with investigating the haunting stories plaguing the city. There have been increasing reports of people going missing.”
200 gold pieces? Is that all? This is a joke. “Make it 500 gold pieces, and we’ve got a deal,” I declare confidently.
The room falls silent, the tension palpable. The Queen lets out a light laugh. “Ah, yes, of course. You do have a trickier task at hand. You may meet with Noomba outside your dormitory,” she says, dismissing me. I start to head out as I see the two follow behind me.
Why did they stand up when my number was called? Why are they FOLLOWING ME? “Fuckin’ hell,” I mutter under my breath. I approach the door I’m supposed to stay at and am greeted once again by two men.
The man following behind greeted me. He was tall, with long dark brown hair, scruff on his face, and brown eyes, wearing a shabby, rundown set of chainmail. Beside him stood a slightly shorter man with tan skin, bright blonde hair, and a face that begged to be punched. “Well met, lady. I am Azkar. I’ll be working with you for now—” I didn’t want to hear any more of his introduction. I pushed past him and slammed the door behind me.
“Uh, well, that was interesting,” I hear Azkar’s voice muffled through the door.
“What a bitch. Whatever. Hey Azkar, did you see the hot babes around here?” Their voices trail off, leaving me in silence.
I let out a loud sigh, closing my eyes and resting my back against the cold metal door. I just want this to be over with.