To call Safir angry might just be the understatement of the year. Not only had she been kicked off the ship, but it happened in the middle of the greatest winning streak in poker she could ever remember. So what if she was supposed to be on Lookout and how could she keep herself sober when everyone else was four sheets to the wind as well? But the very worst part was that she could still hear her mother's words as they left her on the docks: "Sometimes on land might do you good, so make your way to the tower. I hear your aunt has a work for you."

So now she stood on the docks of the City of Midwall nearly an hour later, having asked every ship captain on the docks for work. Getting the same answer from all of them, they had received direct orders from her mother, the Queen of the sea, banning her from even being on a ship for at least 2 years.

At her wit's end, she pulled her hand through her loose, raven-black hair, and hoisted her sack onto her back. As she made her way towards the South Gate to one of the largest cities in the world, she found herself making her way through the crowded street, filled with all different kinds of people from the dark-skinned nomadic traders from the Southern desert to the noble-looking dragon-like elves who inhabited the Eastern Empire. There were even some of her kind with their light blue skin and jagged pointed ears.

Overwhelmed by all the noise in the street, which was not helped by her hangover, she moved into one of the numerous side alleys. However, unlike yesterday, luck was not with her because, in the alley, four rough-looking men stood threateningly close to a woman who couldn't have been more than a few years older than Safir. With a scared look from the woman, Safir sighed, drew her daggers, and said, "So, am I interrupting something?"

Even though they were surprised, the men quickly drew their weapons and without another word attacked the newcomer. But before any of them got too far away from the woman, they started falling one by one. The now grinning woman held up a couple of long thin needles and said, "Thanks for the distraction."

Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

Safir tilted her head, intrigued by the woman's swift and deadly display. "Impressive," she commented, assessing the needles in the woman's hands. "What's your name?"

The woman raised an eyebrow, her violet eyes shining with a mix of amusement and scepticism. "Call me Lyra," she replied, her voice tinged with a hint of mischief. "But I must say, you're not too shabby yourself. I think you would be perfect for some friends of mine."

Safir eyed Lyra curiously, her anger momentarily forgotten as a surge of adrenaline coursed through her veins. She brushed off the dust from her tattered clothes and sheathed her daggers. "Why not? I could use a distraction from my current state of affairs. Where are we headed?"

Lyra's smile widened into a mischievous grin. "Ever heard of the Blackwood Tavern? There's someone there who would like to meet you."

Safir's curiosity was piqued at the mention of the Blackwood Tavern. She had heard whispers about the notorious establishment, a hub for rogues, spies, and adventurers alike. There were even rumours that the Black Order of Tower Guard made the tavern their home.

Intrigued and filled with anticipation, Safir followed Lyra through the winding streets of Midwall, darting through shadows and avoiding the prying eyes of the city guards. The Blackwood Tavern was tucked away in a corner of the city, hidden behind a dilapidated building that seemed to blend effortlessly with its surroundings. The air was heavy with the scent of ale and tobacco, and the sounds of laughter and lively conversation reverberated through the night.

As they entered the dimly lit tavern, Safir couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of secrecy and danger. Her eyes roamed the room, taking in the diverse crowd gathered there. From muscled mercenaries discussing their latest conquests to elegant thieves whispering secrets in the shadows, the tavern was a melting pot of scoundrels and adventurers.

Lyra led Safir to a secluded corner, where a figure sat hunched over a worn-out table. As the man lifted his head, Safir could tell he was very drunk. With a smirk, he raised his cup and said "Come and join me in another drink.”