As dawn's first light crept over the horizon, the air was thick with the promise of adventure. Flory gathered her new companions outside The Drunken Dragon, ready to embark on their quest for the Heart of Nocturne. The town of Duskmire, still cloaked in shadows, would soon reveal its secrets.Garrick, the hulking warrior, tightened the straps on his armor, his eyes glinting with anticipation. Lyra, the agile rogue, checked her daggers and tools, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. Eldrin, the enigmatic sorcerer, muttered incantations under his breath, his eyes glowing with arcane energy.Before they set off, Flory addressed them, her voice steady and authoritative. "Our journey will not be easy. The Heart of Nocturne is coveted by many, and we will face both mortal and supernatural threats. Stay vigilant, trust in each other, and we will prevail."The group nodded, a sense of camaraderie already forming. As they ventured deeper into Duskmire, the town seemed to awaken with them, its dark alleys and abandoned buildings whispering secrets of ages past.Their first stop was the marketplace, now a shadow of its former glory. Once bustling with merchants and shoppers, it was now a desolate expanse, overrun by nature. Ivy and moss crept over the stone structures, and the air was thick with the scent of decay. Despite its forlorn state, the marketplace held a clue to their next destination.Flory led them to an old apothecary's shop, its windows shattered and door hanging off its hinges. Inside, the remnants of potions and herbs littered the floor, and cobwebs draped the shelves like ghostly curtains. Amidst the chaos, Flory found what she was looking for - a hidden compartment beneath the counter.With a deft movement, she opened it to reveal a dusty scroll. As she unfurled it, the team gathered around, eager to decipher the ancient text. The scroll contained a map, marked with cryptic symbols and notes in a forgotten tongue. At its center was an illustration of the Heart of Nocturne, pulsating with power even on parchment.Eldrin's eyes narrowed as he traced the map with his finger. "This leads to the Crypt of Elders," he murmured. "A place where the founders of Duskmire were laid to rest. It's said to be guarded by ancient magic and creatures that defy the natural order."Garrick grinned, his grip tightening on his sword. "Sounds like my kind of place. Let's get moving."As they left the apothecary, a small, unexpected companion joined them - a stray dog, its fur matted and eyes bright with curiosity. The dog trotted alongside Lyra, who knelt to scratch its head. "Looks like we have a new friend," she said with a smile. "What should we call him?"Flory watched the interaction with a rare softness in her eyes. "Let's call him Shadow," she suggested. "He can be our guide through the darkness."Shadow wagged his tail, seeming to understand his new role in the group. With their spirits lifted by the presence of their new furry friend, the party made their way towards the outskirts of Duskmire, where the Crypt of Elders awaited.
