Session 0 - The Red-Eyed Elf
Artwork by HungrydamyArt
Three months… three long, tedious months of ocean air and stagnant company. Sumayya had grown familiar with the sea, but she had yet to find any sense of comfort in it. Her only consolation was the reward that awaited her. Fifteen years of training and grunt work had led to this moment; she was finally going on a real mission and would soon see the Lauthrian Empire in all its glory. That was still some time away though, and she needed to stay focused.
Her companions were an eclectic group, sailing from Castlevale, each for their own purposes. Sumayya had been sent with two others, likely some of many who had made this journey over the years. Her mission was clear: become a part of this society, observe, and report. Should they need her, she should be ready. Simple enough. She had been specifically selected for her elven features and magical inclination—traits many of her compatriots lacked. The Lauthrian Empire was an elven kingdom after all, so she should fit in well. Aside from her orders, she would be left to her own devices, allowing her the freedom to research and learn about the kingdom and its leaders.
Her compatriots did not share their orders, and she expected as much. Three months of quiet dinners had yielded little more than their names. Demaris was a tall human woman with light olive skin, raven hair, and brown eyes. She carried herself with the grace of a dancer, but there was danger in her eyes, a quality Sumayya found some comfort in. Arvelan was even quieter than Demaris. Sumayya estimated he spoke only three times throughout the entire journey. He was tall and lean, with dark hair and sharp, dark eyes. Though human, he carried himself with the delicacy and intent of an elf. The rest of the crew and travelers largely kept to themselves, understanding the nature of their journey.
The past few days had been the longest. They could see land for some time now but had been traveling along the shore towards their destination. Freedom from this ship was so close, and the excitement was palpable. Sumayya had returned to her bunk one last time, swishing her flask back and forth, almost empty. Thankfully, she only had to wait a few more hours before she could resupply and hunt again.
As the sun set, Demaris came to Sumayya’s room, knocked on the door, and gestured toward the deck with a nod. Sumayya gathered her bags and followed her up. The sun was setting as the travelers loaded into a small lifeboat. Silently, the crew rowed towards the shore, where they met a bulky dwarven man with a scarred face on a riverboat who took them inland.
Not much was said as the dwarven man snuffed out the lanterns and slowly navigated through the town. Sumayya held her breath as they watched the town’s glow fade behind them, continuing up the river. Another hour passed before they made landfall.
The boat drifted gently onto the shore where three cloaked figures stood with dimmed lanterns. Without a word, the group disembarked and traveled into the forest. They walked for some time down a twisted, not-quite-trail before reaching a small hatch hidden beneath some shrubs. Two of the cloaked figures lifted the hatch to reveal a small stairwell leading down. Sumayya went last to ensure they weren’t followed. As the group descended the stairs, they found themselves in a waiting room of sorts. Long benches lined one wall, while a bookshelf and desk sat along another beside a long hallway.
A man sat at the desk, his sharp but elegant features, dark eyes, and expertly groomed hair and beard giving him an air of authority. “Welcome, friends!” he said with a smile. “We’ve been expecting you!”
Silence filled the room before Eoulak, a purple tiefling man who had been traveling with them, spoke up. “Yes, hello! I trust everything has been well, and I hope our arrangements have been made— you see…”
Sumayya’s attention wandered. Eoulak had spoken enough for the entire crew on their journeys and had been insistent on courting her for three long months. As the two spoke back and forth about seemingly nothing, she began to inspect the room. A large bookshelf filled with what seemed like nonsense—likely more for show than function. The desk was well used, with shipping logs and various transcripts tucked behind the man sitting at it, but not much else adorned the room.
It wasn’t long before the man’s patience began to wane, though he maintained his welcoming demeanor. “Well now,” he cut Eoulak off mid-sentence, “I am so very happy that you had such an exciting journey. However, I am sure you would all like some proper rest. Afren here will show you to your rooms. If you need anything at all, I am Morland, and I am happy to be of service. Until then, rest well.”
He gestured to the door where a lean woman in light robes began to lead them back. A palpable sigh of relief escaped the group. Once in her room, Sumayya threw down her pack and fell onto the bed. She was finally here. After all these years, before she could rest, however, she needed food and fast. She hadn't had anything fresh in months.
Sumayya rose from her bed and pressed her ear against the door, waiting a long while until she was sure everyone was asleep before slipping out into the darkened hall. She went to the kitchen first, to her fortune there was a fresh caught boar, still in the process of being cleaned. She took her time eating, it was the best thing she had consumed in months.
After about an hour Sumayya felt sated. With a refreshed energy she made her way back towards her room. As she rounded the corner to the main hall she ran into the dwarf that led them in. He blocked the doorway, “Best you head back to your bunk now,” he said gesturing to a door on the left wall behind her, that will also lead you back.
She looked at him suspiciously and scanned the men behind him carrying on what looked to be a large shipment.
“So sorry, I must've gotten turned around,” she turned, glancing back at the dwarf who remained in the doorway before making her way to her room and finding much needed rest.
