Inferno

Chapter 1

P.O.V- Taryia

Light made its way through the light green leaves giving the path a peaceful look to it. The path itself was well packed dirt from many uses from traders. A small stream crisscrossed the path leaving dips where the water flowed. A single elf traveled along the path leaving small dust clouds as it had not rained in awhile. Dead leaves crinkled as the elf traveled. The elf had a small pack only filled with with essentials. It was mid morning when the elf left the trail to a smaller trail leading towards a small meadow. After reaching the meadow the elf sat down and started to eat the stale bread and drink out of a half full canteen. After finishing the food a small herd of deer arrived, and walked with caution towards the lone elf sitting in their meadow.

The lead buck walked up to the elf, and nuzzled the elf's hand. The elf stayed till dusk in the meadow with the deer then continued to walk back towards the main path. The forest was starting to come alive. Birds were flying about getting a last meal, bugs calling to one another, and predators coming out to hunt game. The red glow of the setting sun made the trees look alive as if they were reaching to ensnare the lone elf. The elf picked up the pace and was jogging through the forest. In the distance the elf could see the trees thinning giving way to a sprawling village along a few foothills that eventually lead to Aldrich mountain. Upon reaching the first house the elf went left towards the villages tavern. Light fell from the windows of the tavern painting the surrounding buildings yellow. The elf went into an alley next to the tavern and put on a cloak and pulled up the hood as elves were not welcome in the human lands. After pulling on the disguise the elf entered the tavern. Tables were shoved to the wall and there was a dance going on in the middle of the vast room. The tavern was was a one room building that sat in the middle of the market. Tonight it was filled with merchants who come the following morning would be on their way towards the heart of the human lands. The elf walked to a secluded table in the farthest corner from the dance. A waitress walked over to the elf. She carried a menu and a tray of drinks that random people would grab drinks off of.

"What do you want?" Questioned the lady rather rudely when she reached the table.

"One hard apple cider, the house specialty," the elf replied.

"That will be three silver pieces missy," she said as she was leaving the table. After the waitress left a young man probably about 18 walked over and sat at the table behind the elf. He wore a dark cloak that covered everything besides his head that was covered by straight black hair. He was facing her from the other table. His eyes were icy blue, cold and calculating. Both were staring at each other, neither breaking eye contact. Soon the eye contact was broken because the waitress finally brought the elf her drink.

"Here's your hard apple cider. Now give me your silver," she stated rudely. She handed her the three silver pieces. She set the drink on the table only to quickly snatch up the three silver pieces. When she finally left the boy from the other table was gone. After finishing her cider she left and headed for the inn in the small village. Opening the door lead her from the dark streets into a cozy building with a counter in the far left corner, and a few tables scattered throughout. Several couches were placed around the fireplace that took up the whole right side wall. A small staircase was wedged in between the large fireplace and the counter. She stepped out of the doorway and the door closed ringing a bell in the process. After walking to the counter a plump women came out of the back room, and started speaking to her.

"Ya here for a room or a meal," the plump women said.

"Both please," the cloaked elf replied. The women turned towards the back of the counter to reach for some keys on the top shelf. After successfully reaching the keys she handed them to the cloaked figure.