Alfar awoke only a few hours after he had finally fallen asleep. The room around him had been recently constructed by Thomas. This was evident by the decorative carvings in the wall. After he put his shirt on, Alfar exited his room and made his way to the dining room. He was greeted by an empty room illuminated by the rising sun. Grabbing a knife from the kitchen, he sat at the bar and began preparing a few vegetables for breakfast. The next to come down was Thomas.
As he entered the room, he rubbed his eyes and yawned before taking a seat across from Alfar. Neither man offered a hello and simply went about their work. It was clear that neither was awake enough to engage in idle chatter. Next the front door opened and in came Ciaran, fresh from sleeping outside. As he took his place among the group Beatrice stomped into the room.
“It looks like your friend is going to spend another breakfast only in his room,” She stated. The others simply nodded and began to cook breakfast. About an hour later they all met in the back yard.
“Alright, come at me,” Beatrice commanded motioning to begin sparring. Alfar grabbed a thick wooden stick and charged. He felt for the mana in his body and moved it to his feet for a quick dash. As Alfar reached Beatrice, he held the stick overhead and swiped downward with it. Beatrice lightly tapped the branch during its descent causing Alfar to miss and become unbalanced. She used this opportunity to kick his legs out from under him with her peg leg and then jump backwards.
“He’s got good strength and speed,” Beatrice thought to herself, “He’s running himself ragged but at least his ridiculous amount of effort is being rewarded.” Next Ciaran slashed with his stick knocking Beatrice’s weapon aside. However, Beatrice quickly grabbed his extend arm and used his own momentum to throw him.
“This one’s a natural,” She thought, “He’s perfectly suited for using mana to strengthen his body but he lacks the technique to match his strength.” While throwing Ciaran, Beatrice had to slightly duck to narrowly avoid a jab from behind. Thomas seemed surprised that his surprise attack had failed. This caused him to unready for a quick jab from Beatrice to the ribs.
“He’s definitely not as strong or dedicated as the others,” Beatrice pondered,” but what he lacks overshadowed by his cunning and sense for the flow of battle.” They were about to start a second round when a sudden pounding came from the front of the Inn. Everyone walked around the building to check on the noise and what the saw surprised them.
A group of six stood in front of the inn with the biggest among them rapping a huge fist against the wooden door. The shortest among them was easily 6 feet tall. They had a slender figure covered in thick brown fur. It was clear by the long deer like face that these figures were far from human. The had long muscular arms that ended in thick black claws. Their torsos were covered in light brown hide clothes decorated with beads and feathers. Long fur clad legs supported their bodies and ended in large split hooves. The males among the group had large branching antlers.
They carried a variety of drums, flutes, and stringed instruments on their backs. Alfar remembered hearing rumors of the plain's folk storytellers. Their race referred to themselves as Tearmachai and they lived in the north east near the border with Malagon’s tomb. Despite having never met one Alfar knew that they were not well liked since most people found their black eyes and vacant expressions unnerving.
“Hello there and welcome,” Beatrice shouted as she walked towards them,” It’s not often we see Tearmachai around these parts.”
The one at the front turned to face her and said in a smooth voice, “We didn’t want to surprise your patrons in case they were to consider us unwelcome but we find ourselves with no hearth and a strong need rest.”
“We have plenty of room but if you’ll pardon my prying mind what trouble have you found yourselves in?” Beatrice asked attempting to look intimidating.
With a heavy sigh the lead Tearmachai motioned to his group and two of the three lifted their shirts to reveal that their abdomens were covered in bloody bandages. “A few of my companions were injured when we were attacked by humans who accused us of stealing children.”
“But we never even saw such children,” One of the female Tearmachai blurted out earning her a sharp look from their leader.
“Quickly head inside we have someone here who knows his way around herbs maybe he can do something to help your friends,” Beatrice commanded motioning for the group go in. Alfar, Thomas and Ciaran stayed outside as the watched the others leave.
“I think things are about to finally liven up around here,” Thomas commented.
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