Oath of a Guardian

Chapter 4: Drunken Leads

"So... How much longer till we reach the shadow lands?" Crystal asked looking out the carriage window towards the coachman

"Ah my dear guardian, why are you so tense? you must learn to relax" He said stressing the word relax for what was clearly his attempt at seduction.

The man sitting in front had longer blonde hair, bright green eyes and distinct features like a sharp jaw, and a slender yet muscular figure. His accent was a tad thicker and smoother than what was familiar to Solarians; it was almost as if he was purring with every tone he used. But that was because he was not Solarian, He was an elf from Alorek the only elven kingdom still standing.

"You know my dear Krios Al'vere" Crystal said imitating the elven man "Your suggestive tone; as tempting as it is... I still refuse to allow you within ten inches of me" She smirked while looking back at the elf who is now staring at her with an exaggerated pout.

"I am wounded truly, your highness" His words caused Crystal to roll her eyes.

"Hmm, All I offer is a round of drinks, what comes after is purely destiny my dear princess" He said leering at her.

Just as Crystal was about to speak the carriage came to a stop.

"Your Highness" The chauffeur opened the door to the carriage. Crystal looked at Krios one last time before stepping out of the carriage. "Welcome to Valen" The driver pointed towards what would be called a dead city, the streets were empty with no sign of life anywhere nearby. Most of the houses nearby seemed old and some were falling apart.

"Ugh what's that smell" Crystal said disgusted covering her nose.

"The smell of manure my princess... and based on the bones over there I would say the smell of rotting animal corpses as well"

"Lovely" Crystal added sarcastically. "Did Laya not mention she would meet us here?" Crystal asked looking around for anyone at this point to help find out where to go.

"Have you not met Laya?" Krios laughed "50 gold coins says she's getting drunk in some tavern" He joked looking over at Crystal standing next to him, her lip curled up in amusement. They walked a few steps closer to the city before Krios stopped. "This was a beautiful city at some point" Krios mentioned whilst scanning his surroundings. What is now dead land and rubble has signs of once being surrounded by gardens and pavements.

Crystal looked back and nodded for the driver to take his leave as she and Krios made their way through the abandoned streets and alleys, as they walked through the streets Crystal noticed curious eyes peeking out of the half shattered windows of their homes to see the new arrivers.

"I am starting to get the feeling we are not welcome here princess" Krios stated looking around cautiously at the buildings, a hand loose to where his weapon was in case of a threat, before noticing a gate to the south.

"We should get going then" Crystal said grimly as the streets started to get to get louder around them. They began striding through the passage ways eager to reach the gate before something bad happens.

"Time to pay up Krios" Crystal laughed as she noticed a woman standing by the gate. The tanned woman had deep violet colored eyes, dusky skin. Her long tresses were tied in a band that left some of her fiery strands loose on her face. The woman had a small tattoo of a skull on the right side of her neck indicating her piracy.

"Well, I am a little low on coin at the moment" He said digging in his pockets.

"Lies" Laya said laughing as she approached the two. "Don't you always keep spare coin in you boot" she said looking at his boots then back at his face