The Adventurer - Spring in the Valley - Part 1

 

You arrived with the trade caravan in time for the Mid-Winter Festival. The weather in the valley was comfortable compared to the winter storms that raged around the mountains.

The bag of coins you earned was enough to get you space in a nice public house, and to afford food and drink for a while. You wanted to enjoy the Festival and maybe find some companionship. At first you continued to enjoy being with Aladan, Caranar, and Malwen. Elves approach to making love is different than those of humans.

While with them, you never sensed any jealousy or competition. Only a desire to share themselves with you and to have you share yourself with them.

The first night of the Festival, Aladan, Caranar, and Malwen had you join them to be their fourth for dancing, eating, and drinking. Later, you asked Aladan if he minded you dancing with the others. He smiled, kissed you softly and reminded you that they each offered only what they were willing to share. If you were not comfortable sharing, they would understand and go elsewhere. You then reminded him that you accepted their offer in the spirit in which it was given.

By the end of the fourth night, you not only shared your body with each of them, but you also learned some of what pleasured each one. So, by the end of the week, when you asked if all four of you could share each other together, they happily smiled and hugged.

You knew you enjoyed watching Malwen sucking and being entered by both Aladan and her mate Caranar, but you never thought that you would get just as much enjoyment watching Caranar and Aladan giving pleasure to each other. Watching their thin bodies move against each other, and their long flowing hair was something exciting to see. Especially as you were pleasuring Malwen at the same time.

You lost track of the days and nights with the elves.

Then the Festival ended. You found that Master Tanner and the rest of the Craftown caravan were going to stay until Spring, when the roads and passes would be easier to travel. The elves were leaving. Aladan came to you, “Milady Scout, we need to return home now. The Festival is over. Human towns are welcoming places during festivals, but when the celebrations end, their fears and prejudices return to the surface.”

You kissed and hugged him. “I understand. I wish could accompany you, but I will wait until the men of Craftown, leave, so I can protect them again.”

As a parting gift, he handed you a small metal star on a length of cord. “This is an Elf Star, the symbol of our people. If you encounter others of my kind, show it to them and they will know that you are a friend.”

You placed it around your neck and under your tunic. “Thank you. I graciously accept your token. I hope I encounter you and your people often.”

After hugging you again, he grabbed his pack, joined his friends, and you watched them leave the valley.

The first night afterwards, was not as empty as you thought.

Even though you slept alone, you dreamed of the elf band moving silently through the snowy woods, feeling the cold and the wet as they traveled.

In the morning you woke, warm and dry, but still felt as if you had been traveling through the wild country.

The next evening you are sitting in the common room of the public house, sipping a mug of ale and eating a bowl of stew, when you hear a drunken man loudly telling his tablemates, “Yeh, she was the one wif all o’ them Pooftas.”

There are half a dozen of them, drunk and laughing. “I wonder if they fucked her or if she fucked them?” At that point they are all making rude gestures and comments about a woman thrusting into a bent over man.

You try to ignore it, but they are getting louder and more drunk. Shaking your head, walk over to the large keg and ask the Mistress of the house, in your most formal and polite tone, “Madam, do you have a peacekeeper for your establishment?”

“No, but theres times whens I wish I did, ‘speclly whens thems local boys gets rowdy.”

You slowly nod. “Do I have your permission to eject these men from your establishment?” you ask with a sad smile.

“Ooo that would be a kindness, ‘specially If you can do it wifout breaking thin’s.” she says.

You nod as you pick up a large bung starter and walk to their table. The heavy wooden mallet is well used and smooth to the touch as you carry it.

“Aww Here she comes now.” one says in a mock scared tone.

“Comes or cums.” another responds laughing into his tankard.

You hold the bung starter in your hand, slowly smacking its head into your other hand. “Good Sirs, the Mistress of the House has informed me that it is time that you left for the night.”

The loudest one looks at the mallet in your hand and asks, “Did ya’ use that to bugger the pooftas?”

“Aw bet she did.” another responds.

You sigh for a moment and ask nicely once more. “Good sirs. Will you kindly get up from your table and leave for the night? Or do I need to assist you?”

“What if we’re no’ done yet?” he asks.

“If you do not leave nicely, then I am empowered to assist you.”

You pound the large mallet on the thick wooden table. It echoes through the room.

The shock of your strike has a couple of them up and running to the door. But of course, the loudest of them has to show his bravery against you. You know how this ends. You have handled too many drunks.

“You fink that just because was wif them pooftas, that you is somefing special. I’m gonna show you what a real man can do.”

He tries to hit you with his tankard, but you anticipated it, smacking it out of his hand with the bung starter. Then you jab him hard in the midsection causing him to double over. You feel the solid thump of wood against flesh with your thrust, as you force all the air out of his lungs.

There are footsteps behind you, moving fast. Turning you hit another one on the side of the head, knocking him to the floor.

All of the others scattered. You place the large mallet on the table, grab each man by their neck and hold them.

“You need to apologize the Mistress of the house for being loud and rude. And I do not appreciate you referring to my friends with slurs. In the future, you will refer those who are not human with proper terms. If I hear you using terms such as “pooftas,” “stunties”, or the like, I will use lye soap and a wash rag to clean the dirty words from your mouth. Do you understand?”

Continuing to hold each one by the throat you drag them to the Mistress of the house. “What do you wish to say to her?” you ask as you release them and they are on their knees.

“Mistress, we is sorry, tha’ we was rude an’ loud.” the one said.

“Yes Ma’am, won’t do it again.” said the other still holding his head.

She smiles at you. “Ok. You boys go home. Do better, an’ you can come back.”

They get up and leave. You place the bung starter against the large keg.

“Was that good enough for you?” you ask

She nods and hands you a wash rag. “Tha’ was fine. Clean up th’ table, and ya’ has a job if ya’ wants it.”

“I have worked as a peacekeeper before. What are you offering?” you ask

“Ya can stay wifout havin’ to pay. Durin’ th’ day, I can use a hand in th’ kitchen, settin’ up th’ common room. Durin’ mealtimes, ya’ sit by th’ keg and keep th’ peace. Meals will be free, if ya’ help me make ’em. Ale or stronger ya’ got to pay for, but cider an’ water are free. If ya’ brake anyfing, ya’ pay to replace it. At end of th’ week, I pay ya’ a coin from th’ profits.” she says holding out her hand. “I’m Annie”

Thinking it over, it seems like a good deal. Your pack is already here, and you could use a warm job during the rest of winter.

“If I agree, can I move from the large, shared room I was in, to a smaller private room? And if I want to leave and return to guarding travelers and merchants, will you have a hold against me?” You ask, waiting to take her hand.

“That seems fair. Festival ended and we has empty rooms. Pick a smaller one, and it’s yours. An’ time comes, ya’ want back on th’ road. Ya’ be free an’ clear.”

You shake her hand as you both smile broadly. “It’s a deal.”

Taking the rag over to the table, you wipe it clean, gather the plates and mugs, and throw them into the wash tub. Your own tankard is still half full, but your stew is cold. “Can I get more stew?” you ask, moving your bowl and mug to the small table near the keg.

“Ya’ can serve ya’ self. Th’ pot ’s on the stove.” she says.

Emptying your tankard, you carry both into the kitchen. A large iron pot is sitting on a large stone and iron stove. The heat from it fills the room. You ladle some stew into your bowl, then look for the cellar door. As you open it, you feel to cold air through your leather leggings. There is a keg for cider that is already tapped and you fill your mug. There is also a barrel of winter apples. You grab one. The last fruit you had that wasn’t dried or sugared was from Aladan when he shared elvish travel rations.

Once you are seated back in the common room, you look around as you finish your meal. The few guests in the room are just talking amongst themselves and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.

Once the room is emptied for the night, you help lock up. Annie shows you a small room that is near the kitchen and on the ground floor. “These was th’ scullery’s room, when we had one. I fink you’ll like it. Its warm in th’ winter because of th’ kitchen, near th’ lower privy, an’ you can react if we gets trouble in th’ night.”

You look it over. It’s small but comfortable. It is far better than life on the road, this time of year. “I will take it. Do you have a scullery? I had not noticed one.”

She nods “Me kids helps out. Me girl an’ boy. I sents ’em off to bed for now. I’ll introduce ya’ in the morn.”

You yawn and stretch. It has been a busy evening and you are tired. After moving your items to the small room, you check the locks, make sure the coals are banked in both the fireplace and stove, then set a bucket of water near the fireplace as a precaution.

Your sleep is light but good. That same kind of sleep you used to get while on patrol. Eventually you will fall into more restful patterns.

Annie’s children are young but helpful, probably seen 10 or 12 years each. The boy, Lee, appeared to be younger than the girl, Mary, but it was hard to tell. They both look like younger versions of their mother.

To help earn your keep and maintain your skills, you chop firewood daily. The children are amazed how you split logs with a single blow. You show them that it isn’t arm strength alone, but leverage and movement of your body.

“Axe calluses are the same as sword calluses. Never forget that.” you remember the master of arms teaching you when you were a recruit. “Never let your hands get soft, you never know when you’ll need to fight.” You show them how to best wield the axe, a staff, a sword, and shoot a bow. They quickly improve with your lessons.

Apparently, the word went out that you were the peacekeeper for Annie’s Public House.

Most of the time things are quiet. Once the weather outside of the valley moderated a bit, travelers arrive more often. Veterans recognize you as one of their own, and nod or throw you a coin from time to time. Even wearing only your scout leathers and tunic, you still look like a soldier.

No, the troublemakers are typically younger men who try to prove their manhood. Especially after a few pints.

They see you, in your shapely leathers, looking attractive without trying to. Others notice Mary, wearing a comfortable dress, serving and cleaning up, as Lee helps her.

Some men try to proposition you or Mary, which you kindly refuse and remind them that Mary is Annie’s child and under your protection.

Sometimes someone tries to grab you, Mary, or even Lee. But using either a quarter staff or the bung starter, you are able to knock them down and put them out the door with minimal damage to furniture or disturbance to the other patrons.

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The Adventurer - Traveling to the Winter Festival - Part 2

 

After a few minutes, the music and noises of the camp are loud and clear. You yell, “I am coming back into the camp, and I brought guests.”

The music and movement stop for a minute as you step from the deer path into the meadow lit by the cookfires and the elf’s magic sphere. “Master Tanner, we have a group of elves who are also traveling to the Valley for the Festival. They wish…”

The one carrying the orb steps forward, “We wish to get some water at the well, rest for the night, and would enjoy sharing your fires. We have wine and food, which we are willing to share.”

Master Tanner stands up and extends his hand in a sign of peace and friendship. The Elf grips him by the forearm in a manner very familiar to you and they exchange greetings.

The Elves introduce themselves as Aladan, Caranar, Malwen, Tathar, and Kalglin, who is the one with the light orb. They quickly move to the well and refill their water skins.

Aladan, the one who you first encountered on the trail, sits by one of the firepits, opens his pack and pulls out a wineskin and package of travel rations. “Scout, Will you share food and drink with me?” he asks. You recognize immediately his offer as a sign of respect between peers. If you had any alcohol, you would have made a similar offer.

“Of course.” You say as you set your bow, and your sword next to your pack and saddle, then sit down near him. You notice that Kalglin is moving around the edge of the meadow and setting wards. “Is Kalglin a mage?” you ask Aladan.

“Of course.” he responds as he fills a small copper kettle from his waterskin and sets it over the fire. 

“Why is he setting wards for the night? Isn’t it better to just post guards?” you ask as you keep watching him.

“Have you worked with mages before, Milady Scout?”

“Not in a group this small. Only battlemages when I was in the Queen’s Army.”

He takes the kettle from the fire and pours some hot water into small wooden bowl and adds a dried fruit cake. The smell from the bowl is like sweet oatmeal with fruit. He stirs it with a wooden spoon. “Have you had elvish travel rations?”

You shake your head, “No, but I accept what you offer in the spirit in which it is given.” Remembering to use the universal code phrases that scouts and soldiers use when encountering other races. Upon hearing your response, he smiles and hands you the bowl,

“As a fellow traveler, I offer you food and drink that you may rest and be at peace.”

You take the bowl “May I borrow your spoon? Mine is packed up in my kit.” He nods and smiles again.

“Milady Scout, how long were you with the Queen’s Guards? Were you part of the Diplomatic Corps?” You take his spoon, shaking your head.

At that moment you hear Kalglin claps his hands over his head, and a glowing dome covers the entire meadow. “Master Tanner, all in the meadow are now protected for the night. Nothing can enter nor exit without our consent.” He announces.

All of the elves cheer and visibly relax. You notice that Caranar and Malwen kiss and strip off their leather armor. Tathar is offering elvish wine to Master Tanner, and apparently asking what kind of leather goods he sells.

You take a spoonful of the elvish rations. It tastes like freshly made oatmeal with honey and various types of berries. The berries taste fresh, but you know they were dried before he added the water. “Mmmmm that is much better than my travel stew. Dried meat added to whatever root vegetables I brought with me. How is the fruit fresh?”

He smiles and offers his wineskin. “That is all part of Fae preparation. I am but a soldier and not a cook so I really do not know how they are made, only how to prepare and eat them. You said you had not been one of the Queen’s Guards, yet you know the diplomatic phrases? Why is that?” 

You sip the wine. It tastes sweeter than you normally drink but it is good. “I was simply a soldier. But I paid attention and learned whatever I thought would be of use. There are times, when as a sword-for-hire, diplomacy is the preferred answer.” As you hand the wineskin back to him along with the bowl and spoon. He takes a bite of the oatmeal and a sip of wine.

This goes on for a while. The members of the camp enjoying and sharing what they have. A couple of the teamsters had some bottles of whiskey, which they shared in exchange for elvish wine. A couple of merchants even opened their travel trunks and sold a few items to the elves. Mostly leather good and copper or tin utensils.

Soon Tathar starts playing a flute, and one of the teamsters joins with his guitar. Another starts beating rhythm on a hand drum. Music fills the meadow. Caranar and Malwen dance enthusiastically, and have merchants and teamsters join them.

“Would you like to dance, Milady Scout?” Aladan asks as he stands and extends his hand. “I would love to” you say. You feel the music moving through you as you dance.

The tempos of the songs change from joyous reels to something you aren’t familiar with. You see the elves rub their bodies against their dance partners. Malwen grabs a merchant and is sandwiched between him and Caranar. You are a little surprised when she kisses each of them and then Caranar kisses them both. But it all seems to go well with the music. Aladan holds you and slowly caresses your body. Even through your thick leathers, you can feel his hands. You caress him in turn, moving your hands up and down his body in rhythm with the music. The music drops off but the people are still moving. You have an uncontrollable urge to kiss Aladan, so you do, deeply. He holds you tightly. “This feels so good.” You think. He releases you and unties his shirt.

You had always heard that elves had bare chests but you are happily surprised to see that it’s true. You notice that Tathar is stripping off her clothing, as are the two musicians. You lost track of Kalglin, but for the moment you just feel sexual desire building, and you lick Aladan’s pale nipples. “Mmmm” he moans as he continues unlacing his pants. 

“Yes, I want his cod.” You think. “Wait! Why am I so filled with desire? Is there a spell? Did they trick us with the wine?” You stop and hold Aladan still for a moment. “I want you, but this doesn’t feel normal. It is a spell?”

He nods and kisses you deeply. “It is a spell of friendship and desire. It is part of the protection dome, that Kalglin placed. It prevents negative thoughts and feelings and, aided by music and drink, brings out sexual desires. It is how we express our close bonds of friendship. Please accept it for what it is and don’t fight against it.”

He removes his pants and you see his hardening member. It looks strange to not have pubic hair around it, but you have a strong desire to suck it.

You hear some moans from around the meadow. Malwen is sucking her merchant’s hard hairy piece, as Caranar is licking her ass. It looks so sexy and turns you on more.

You take a moment and remove your travel leathers. You get on your knees and notice that the hard brown winter grass is now soft and warm as if in late spring. Grabbing Aladan’s smooth firm shaft you slowly stoke it. The foreskin slides back and forth, exposing a pale pink tip. You lick it. The flavor reminds you of the wine. Not that it tastes like elf wine, but there is a smell and flavor that reminds you of it. You lick around the tip and then slowly lick up and down the shaft. You continue to stroke it as you take it into your mouth. It feels good as he places his hands on your head. As you suck him, your quaynt tingles with anticipation. “Have you ever been ridden by a woman?” you ask.

“What do you mean, Milady Scout?” You smile wickedly at him, stand up and playfully trip him so he is on his back. Grabbing his wrists and holding them firmly against the ground, you slowly lower yourself onto is hard cock. “Oh.” He says “Yes, woman on top, we call it. Yes, please ‘Ride Me’.” Using as much control as you can, you slowly rub your wet nether lips along his pillicock as it lies on his flat stomach. Going back and forth, teasing both him and yourself. You feel such sexual drive and desire growing in you.

Releasing one hand, you position yourself and feed his tip inside of you. Slowly moving down and up, you take him deeper into your wet cunt. Once he is fully in, you ride him in the same back and forth motion you used in the saddle earlier today. You rock back and forth harder and faster. “Oh yes, Milady. Ride me. Your wet quim feels so good on me.” He says as he reaches up and firmly pulls your nipples. That additional feeling is what you needed. You feel your orgasm building within you. “Oh Yes” you hear him say under you. Clamping your thighs tightly around him your cunt pulses around his hard shaft. You just realized that you are sweating a bit as you get off of him. His wet hard cock glistens in the firelight against his pale skin.

He hasn’t released his seed yet and you want to see and taste it. You grab him firmly and stroke it, one hand on the shaft as the other massages his hairless balls. After a few minutes of vigorously stroking, it feels even more slick with his juices and even harder. It spurts into the air and you lick the tip tasting his issue. It tastes similar to when you first sucked him, just sharper and more pronounced. You suck it firmly and he moans in pleasure.

You release him and he sits up. “My turn.” He says as he pushes you back and spreads your legs. His tongue licks up and down your quaynt still oozing your juices. He licks slowly at first, as if tasting you, and then hungrily devours you. His smooth, slick tongue moves faster than you imagine, and then he sucks you. You grab his head and hump his mouth in pleasure as you climax again. He licks your juices from your wet open cunt. As you release his head, you see his mouth glistening with your wetness. He kisses you and you taste yourself on his mouth, as he tastes himself on you.

The spell seems to have reached its crescendo, as you watch others finishing also. You get up, still naked and draw some water from the well. The area under the magic dome seems warmer than it was earlier. You look up and see smoke pass through the dome, but apparently heat is trapped and keeping everyone warm on this cold winter night.

The well water is still icy cold as you splash some on you and then pull a towel from your pack, to wipe and dry yourself. Aladan also goes to the well, carrying a wash rag, towel, and a small cake of soap. He quickly washes with the cold water. As you get dressed, you watch his thin but muscular body as he dries himself.

“That was enjoyable. How much of that was magic and how much was real?” you ask.

“It was all real. All the spell did was to help everyone relax and act on their desires. The energy raised by the music, dancing, and sex, strengthened the dome, and ensured that everyone will be safe all night. Speaking of which, I think we should get some sleep.” He pulls a small rolled blanket from his pack, unrolls it, and lies down.

You yawn, unroll your bedroll, use your saddle as a pillow, and close your eyes.

When you open them again, the elves are sitting in a circle having breakfast with a couple of the teamsters. You smell some bacon frying and get up.

Joining the others, you ask if you can have some bacon too, and then you check your horse and prepare to travel. Some of the others are still asleep, but others are readying the animals, and hitching up the wagons.

Kalglin stands near the well and speaks loudly, “My new friends and fellow travelers, as soon as the campfires are out, and everyone is ready, I will release the dome. You might have noticed that the air in here is warmer than what is outside of the dome. I only warn you, so you aren’t shocked by the rush of cold air.” He lights a long-stemmed pipe and quietly smokes, wearing his pack and leaning against the well.

When everyone is ready, he tamps out and empties his pipe, and puts it away in a pocket on his pack. He straightens up, mutters some words, and claps his hands over his head. The transparent dome glows brightly and then disappears. A cold wind blow from the forest road.

You quickly ride down the road to check to ensure that it is clear. When you return, the caravan is lined up and ready to go, with the elves spread out, in among the wagons. Aladan, near the front, Kalglin by Master Tanner, and the others spread out with Tathar taking up the rear.

You pleasantly chat while keeping watch. It is much easier guarding the caravan with the help of the elves. The rest of the trip is uneventful, aside from learning, during a rest and water break, that Caranar and Malwen would like to have you join them in celebration during the festival. “Milady Scout,” he says, “If you are amenable to sharing sexual pleasure with both myself and my mate, we would enjoy sharing ourselves with you, and try to “have you ride” each of us. Watching you and Aladan was very erotic, and gave us enjoyment as we shared ourselves with the merchant.”

You smile at the thought of exciting them as they watched you, because you were turned on watching them too, when you weren’t focused on Aladan. 

“I accept what you offer in the spirit for which it is given.” You say and they smile broadly, kiss quickly and then prepare to continue on to the Valley.

When the caravan arrives at the valley, Master Tanner, hands you a bag of coins. “Mistress Swordlady, thank you for the good luck you have brought us. We added a bonus to your pay. The teamsters and merchant all agreed that this journey was pleasant and even profitable. I hope you enjoy your time at the Festival.”

Taking the bag and placing it into a larger pouch, you look over his shoulder at the Elves, who look as happy as the merchants to be here. “Thank you, Master Tanner, I have a feeling I will enjoy my time here.”

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The Adventurer - Traveling to the Winter Festival - Part 1

 You are an adventurer, a sword-for-hire, a mercenary, and a former soldier in the Queen’s army.

Drawing your thick cloak tighter around you, you look along the sides of the road as you enter the Great Forest. You nudge your horse to keep walking along with the rest of the caravan.

You were hired to provide protection to a caravan of merchants going from Craftown to the Winter festival in the Valley on the other side of the Great Forest. If you really had your choice, you would have spent this cold season in a warm tavern working as peace keeper. Most people don’t expect a female to keep the peace, but then again, they don’t expect a female sword-for-hire either.

You gently rock back and forth in the saddle, watching for signs of bandits or traps.

The road is well traveled and it is rare for bandit attacks, but the merchants are paying you well to guard and protect them. Paying almost double what you would earn at a tavern. The only thing that is a little frustrating is that you sleep alone at night.

As you slowly ride your horse, you sometimes feel your pussy rub against the inside of your thick leather pants as you move back and forth in the saddle. When you focus on protecting the caravan, it isn’t bad, but when things are quiet, you wish you were riding a hard cock. What makes it worse, is you don’t have a partner on this mission.

In the army, you had a couple of partners who, especially when you returned from guard duty or long patrols, you could use for both warmth and pleasure. Never while on duty, but you enjoyed taking advantage of off duty hours.

You could try to find some companionship within the merchant caravan, but there are already those who think that female sword-for-hires are just armed prostitutes.

Having sex with clients is bad for business. “I guess, I will just have to take care of myself, before I sleep. Maybe I can find some companionship during the festival?” you think and smile to yourself. The Winter festival lasts a week. There will be drinking, dancing, and sex to be had, as it is a celebration that the darkest and coldest days are behind you.

During the past few hours, you and your horse moved to different positions in the caravan. You rode in the front for a while, then slowly dropped back and rode at the rear for a bit. The carts and wagons of the caravan make a fair amount of noise, with squeaking wheels, jangling chains, and voices of the teamsters. These noises keep wild animals just out of sight. You were tempted to unsling your bow, but nothing seems to be amiss so you keep it secured but readily available.

Mid-day, many of the riders get off of their wagons or horses and walk them for a bit.

You dismount too and talk with the Elder who hired you. “Master Tanner, are you planning on traveling during the night, or are we going to stop at the Way Point Well and rest for the night?” Even though the weather is cold, he wipes sweat from his brown with a thin chamois, from the exertion of the day’s travel, “Madam Swordlady, I prefer to travel until I reach my destination, but we have clear weather and are making very good time. I had planned on poor conditions on the road, but we have been lucky. What would you recommend?” he asks as he takes a sip of water from his waterskin.

“I have been looking at both your teamsters and your animals. I think that the meadow at the Way Point Well would be a good place to water and rest your animals. It also has some protected areas where we can mount a good defense if we are attacked by bandits. I haven’t seen any sign of bandits. There might be some Rangers or Elves deeper into the woods on the other paths, but nothing that I have seen that pose a danger or threat to you. I recommend that everyone rest at Way Point Well for the night.” You explain and also take a sip of water.

“Thank you, Madam Swordlady, I will talk with the others and tell them what you advise.” He says and walks up the lead wagon.

“ ‘Madam Swordlady’ I hate when they call me that,” you think for a moment then mount your horse. “But that is probably better than ‘Guard Bitch’ or ‘Whore with a sword’ or some of the other derogatory terms you have been called over the years.”

The shadows in the trees are growing as the day slowly ends. When you are near the well, you ride ahead to ensure that the road is safe and clear.

You dismount just out of sight of the well and tether your horse. With your bow in hand and a small quiver of arrows, you slowly check the ground around the road. Looking for signs of disturbance and maybe ambush. The ground is cold and hard.

You don’t see any obvious signs, so you move closer. The area around the stone well looks to be clear. No animals tied or in the public lean-tos. You move quietly and slowly. You notice birds and squirrels in the trees. Signs of natural activity, so you get up and carefully walk to the well. The small public shelters are empty and the firepits are long cold. No one has been here recently.

You check the well. Dropping a small rock, you hear it hit ice. You see a larger rock and throw it down. An echoing crack and splash as you break the ice open. After dropping the bucket down, you pull it up, filled with icy cold water. It tastes cold and good.

Slinging your bow on your back, you walk back to your horse, then tell the caravan what you found.

Once everyone arrives, canvas buckets and troughs are set up for the animals, then they are brushed and fed. Cook fires are set up in the firepits and the teamsters are discussing who sleeps and who has to watch the wagons during the night.

Once the sun is down, the winter sky is dark and cold. Stars are seen in the sky between the branches of the bare trees. The meadow area is wide enough to park all of the wagons and still have room if other travelers arrive.

After a light meal of travel stew, you want to do a quick security check outside of the meadow.

You can hear some of the merchants singing and playing music, so you try to move quietly in the darkness. You follow a deer path that leads away from the well. You wish you had done this earlier, because the smell of smoke and food from the campsite makes it hard to tell if there is anything out of the ordinary.

The deer path connects to a wider forest trail and you stop. You can still hear the noises from the camp. You shake your head.

“Yes, people can be very noisy sometimes.” You hear a soft voice say. You look around and by a tree there’s an elf in a dark cloak. “I take it that you are the scout and protection for these men?” he says in his accented voice. You raise up to full height and put your hand on your sword hilt. If you had your bow with an arrow nocked you might have drawn it, but in the dark that probably would have made you a target for the elf. 
 He extends his open hands. “We mean you no harm. We were going to get some water at the well and rest for the night too.”

“What do you mean ‘we’?” you ask not relaxing the grip on your hilt.

Another elf, steps from a tree much closer to you. “We are a small group of elves heading to the Winter Festival in the Valley. We needed to ensure who you were before we revealed ourselves.” She says in a voice, similarly accented to his.

“Can all of you please step onto the path, so I can see you. It is hard enough to see in the dark, but you are all so silent, and …..”

One of them uncovers a glowing orb. It provides a dim but visible light. “This might help you, Scout.” Says a third one, who is a little farther back on the path.

With the glowing light you are able to count 5 elves in total, apparently 3 males and 2 females, but with elves sometimes it is hard to tell.

“May we have permission to use the well and spend the night at the camp?” The elf with the orb asks. You relax your grip on your sword hilt and exhale.

“Yes, let us all go together. In your travels, have you had any trouble with bandits or thieves?” You ask as the elves form a line behind you. 

“Our journey has been uneventful, but then we are a small group and can travel silently. Anyone who is unfriendly to us, we can avoid.”

After a few minutes, the music and noises of the camp are loud and clear. You yell, “I am coming back into the camp, and I brought guests.”