Chapter I: Starting Line
"This favor I'm asking of you is a bit of a strange one."
An elderly man in a robe said, going through a chest. He was fit for his age. The tip of his left ear looked clawed off, masking its elven shape. Aside from a few scars, his white beard and hair, and the wrinkles time had gifted him, it was clear he took pride in his appearance.
Across the dimly lit room stood a young man, positioned firmly in the doorway. Sunlight from the rising sun spilled over the table in the center of the room, stretching toward the bookshelves that surrounded the old man and his chest. Like the old man, the youth bore elven ears—untouched except for a few ringed piercings. His choppy, raven-black hair hung to the nape of his neck, brushing just above the collar of his laced shirt.
"I don't mind strange requests, sir." He replied. "I'm just happy to help you out in any way I can. I know your deliveries take time—and you’re already busy enough.”
The elderly man smiled, then stood straight and turned to face the door—now standing opposite the boy across the room.
“The royal family in Averius has requested a book be delivered—and they want it done as soon as possible.”
The young man's eyes lit up at the mention of 'Averius' a big kingdom that sat on the shores of the continent.
"I’d be going to Averius? That’s no problem at all—I can leave right now, if you’d like!”
The old man shook his head, a soft chuckle escaping his lips. “So eager to see Averius, are you?”
“The problem is... the book isn’t in my possession. It’s somewhere in the ruins of an old, burned-down town. I’ve marked the location, but finding it among the rubble won’t be easy. Are you still up for this, Ren?”
Ren nodded without hesitation, a chuckle rising from his chest.
"Always up for a challenge." He gives an almost snarly smile.
"Yes I know, I wouldn't ask this favor of anyone, you know. I trust you. You have always been an eager young man."
The old man smiled briefly, but the warmth faded as his face darkened with worry.
"Are you still good with a sword?" He asks.
“Yes? Though the longsword I used to call mine broke while I was fending off some wolves from the livestock. Its age finally caught up to it—and the blacksmith’s been closed ever since he fell ill. Should I be expecting trouble?"
The old man shrugged and turned back to the chest, hunching slightly as he rummaged through its contents.
“I fear you might run into… something. What that something is, I can’t say. Ease my mind and take this sword. It’s not the sharpest—has some rust—but it’s the only spare I have. Whatever’s in that book, it must be important if the royal family wants it so quickly.”
Ren’s smile faltered. He raised a brow, taking the sword with a hint of hesitation.
The two pause for a moment.
"You can always say no."
Ren shook his head. "I want to do this."
The old courier nodded and tossed a sheath onto the table. “For the sword,” he said, looking over a note he’d already written. “The family won’t know who you are, so I wrote something that’ll get you to them.”
Ren stepped forward, slinging the sheath over his back. He slid the dull sword into place, then took the letter.
“You’ll have to supply your own provisions and gear. I suggest you make haste—don’t camp or rest more than necessary.”
Ren rolled his eyes with a grin, nodding as he glanced over the note. The old man pointed to a marked spot on a map pinned to the wall.
“That’s the place. Now take care—and remember, you’re representing Daiterra. Go now, while the day’s still young.”
Daiterra. Home to around fifty people. A small village. Ren gives a proud smile and nod before heading out as the elderly man watched him walk out the door.
Ren whistled, and his horse came galloping over, loyal as ever. He reached into one of the saddle sacks, pulling out a piece of leather armor. With practiced hands, he strapped it over his right shoulder, then secured the leather guards around his shins and over his boots.
“Averius...” he muttered, almost in disbelief that he’d be doing business with the royal family.
He swung into the saddle and gave the horse a light kick. “Let’s get going, boy!”
He waved to some of the locals, his proud smile spread across his face as he raced to the end of town.
“I can’t wait! I wonder what kind of wild rumors their tavern holds… or what shiny swords they’ve got for sale. Think the king’s as intimidating as they say? Or the princess as beautiful as the stories claim?”
He gives a slight snicker at himself, trying to reel in his excitement.
“I’m lucky to be this blessed,” he whispered. He glanced back at the village as it faded into the distance, the morning sun rising behind its silhouette. Ren gave it one last smile before turning his eyes forward, focused on the road ahead and all the wonders it might hold.
