In a town just south of Crest, four high elves, cloaked and hooded, walked into a tent posted outside the town’s walls. They ducked their heads as they entered, their hoods still drawn as they approached a gnome seated under their shadows.

The gnome dipped his quill in ink, barely looking up. “What do you people want? We don’t take criminals…”

Elron pulled back his hood, revealing a dark full helm. “We are no criminals, just old adventurers looking to aid our country.”

The gnome adjusted his glasses, squinting at Elron's helmet. He couldn’t see anything through the helm’s narrow slits. Without hesitation, the gnome stepped down from his chair and scrutinized each party member carefully.

After a moment, he returned to his desk with a grin. “High elves, huh? That’s a rare treat. And four of you at that.”

Elron glanced at his companions before turning back to the gnome. “Will you allow us to join?”

The gnome leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes as if in deep thought. “Oh, yeah, you can join. I’d lose my job if I turned you four away. However…”

“However, what?” Elron asked.

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The gnome opened one eye, peering up. “There are no officer positions available. You’ll have to join as grunts. I hope that’s not a blow to your noble egos.”

“That’s fine,” Elron replied without hesitation.

The gnome let his chair fall back to the grass floor, leaning forward with narrowed eyes. “There’s only vanguard positions open.”

“No problem. We accept,” Elron said.

The gnome twitched, clearly surprised. “It’s fifteen silver a month, and you’ll need to have your status inspected by a spiritualist or priest.”

Slyra muttered, “That’s robbery.”

“Shh,” Maris hissed, elbowing her.

“Understood,” Elron said, ignoring Slyra’s comment. “Where do we sign?”

The gnome snatched the quill back quickly. “Now, wait just a moment! Why would a bunch of high elves come to this dump of a town to sign up for a war like this? I have to know.”

Elron chuckled darkly, leaning in close enough to cast a deep shadow over the gnome. “That’s a bit nosy, even for a gnome.”

The gnome gulped and hurriedly pulled out four slips of paper. “Sign here, please,” he said, his hand trembling as he handed the quill back to Elron.

Elron’s eyes glinted from behind the slit of his helm. “How thoughtful. Do I sign on this line here?”

The gnome nodded quickly, pointing shakily at the bottom of the page. “Y-yes. That line there.”

Each member of the group signed their documents in silence before leaving the tent in a single file.

As they walked out, Elron waved back at the wide-eyed gnome. “Many thanks. Goodbye.”