Stubborn Princess - A DnD Story

Chapter 1: A nice Tavern indeed

Somewhere in the distant kingdom of Oreland a rumor is going around that the princess, Lady Fleur, has been kidnapped by a group of barbarians. While that makes some people uneasy, life goes on as usual in most cities, like the city of Lholon for example.

Lholon is a city in the west of Oreland, surrounded by forests and the great northern mountain range called the Clawpeaks. It is in this particular city that four people are destined to meet.

Tenshi went on with their business as usual. There was no work to be done, since they had just finished a heist for the guild and would have to lay low for a while anyway. With a few days of freetime on their hands the shapeshifter decided to rest in town for a bit and travel back to the headquarters the next morning. It was noon when they arrived at the Sweeping Swan, their favourite inn in town. Tenshi really loved the feather decor and the innkeeper was always respectful. And she never misused their pronouns until now, so that was another little plus. With a faint smile on their face they entered the tavern, which was only filled with a few hungover travellers trying to sober up as best as they could until they had to leave. The innkeeper was currently standing behind the bar and washing a few glasses when they looked up and made eye contact with their new customer.

Almost immediately she began to smile. "Well look who it is! Haven't seen you in a while, have a seat! Do you want the usual?" Their smile widened a bit as Tenshi sat down at the bar and gave her a little nod. "You know me well Alya. I'm actually here to rent a room for the night, since I'll be staying for a bit." Raven locks whipped around as Alya put a glass of whiskey in front of them with a big grin on her face. Tenshi really liked her freckles, they always thought they made her even cuter when she smiled. "That's great news! You're lucky, I have two rooms left and one of them is your favourite!" She dried her hands with a towel and went into a room towards the back while Tenshi enjoyed their whiskey. They couldn't help but let out a satisfied sigh. The Sweeping Swan always gave them this feeling of being at home. Here they could be at ease and rest without having to worry about anything. It was almost as if the white feathers that hung from the ceiling talked to them. 'Be welcome, be welcome!', they said. 'Feel at home! Take your time!'

Alya returned moments later with a small key that had the number 11 on it and gave it to them. "Here you go darling. I believe I don't have to tell you where the room is now do I?"

Intelligence Check: Natural 1

Tenshi blushed a little as they took the key. "Well... it has been quite a while you know?" Alya raised her eyebrows a little. "The great adventurer doesn't remember where their favourite room is?" Their cheeks reddened even more. "It happens to the best of us, right?" Alya actually laughed a little. "I guess so, but it's still a surprise coming from you. It's the first room on the left on the third floor. You liked it so much because of the big window, remember?" With this little hint they could recall the room now. Two beds on opposite sides of the room with a nice wooden table and two comfortable chairs, a small bathroom and the big window with the wide ledge which Alya had decorated with pillows and blankets. The perfect spot to write reports, read books or just watch people go by outside. How could they forget that? "I do now, thank you Alya. Say, what do you have on the menu for lunch?" The innkeepers bright green eyes beamed after that question. "Oh wonderful things I tell you! I actually don't even have a favourite, our new cook seems to be unable to make anything that isn't delicious. I'll get you the menu, just give me a minute!" And with that Alya disappeared once again, this time through the half open door that led to the kitchen.

While Tenshi waited for her return they turned around and leaned with their back against the bar, assuming a more relaxed position. They saw a few steaming plates in front of maybe two of the five customers and had to admit whatever they had looked really good.

Perception Check: 13 + 6 = 19

While taking another sip they looked to the door of the tavern just before three individuals entered. A male half-elf dressed in violet robes with a wide violet hat that practically screamed 'Hey! I'm a magic caster!' wielding a staff, a human female with curly hair, red as rubies, half closed orange eyes that seemed to be in a constant state of boredom and a big sword hanging from her hips together with a human female with bright pink hair up in a bow shaped bun wearing white and blue colored leather armor. The last one had to be a huntress of some kind, according to her attire and the longbow and quiver on her back. Once they entered the tavern suddenly became a lot louder than before since the three were arguing. They earned a few disapproving glances from the rest of the guests. "We can't just leave without even trying Owen! I tell you, if we just stay one night everything is going to be better tomorrow!", said the huntress. The mage answered her. "Maybe you're right Lou, but we already searched for half a day and found nothing. Doesn't that make you feel weird?" The muscular red hair nodded in agreement and Tenshi was a bit surprised that she actually seemed to follow the conversation. "Yes, it almost feels like the townsfolk doesn't want to tell us what they know about the Broken Wings."

Tenshis ears perched up a little. Without arousing suspicion they turned back towards the bar as the three newcomers approached just in time for Alya to return from the kitchen with a thin folder which she placed in front of her old friend before greeting her new customers. "Why hello there! Don't think I've seen you three here before. Welcome to the Sweeping Swan, I'm Alya, the innkeep. What can I do for you?" The half-elf, Owen, gave a slight bow before he spoke. "Nice to meet you Alya. My name is Owen and these are my friends Lou and Kara." He first pointed to the small huntress and then to the athletic swordswoman. "We would like to stay for the night, if that is possible." Alya was about to give them her usual upbeat response of 'Of course!' until she realized that might not work. "Well, I do have three beds left in two different rooms, however..." She stopped for a second and turned to look at Tenshi. Immediately all eyes where on them. "You see, my old friend here came in a few minutes ago and already got one of the rooms. If you want to stay one of you would have to share the room with them."

Perception Checks from all except Tenshi: Owen: Nat 20; Lou: 3 + 1 = 4; Kara: 9 + 0 = 9

Tenshi couldn't help but frown a little at the thought, but no one seemed to notice except for the half-elf who had an apologetic look on his face. "I am very sorry to bother you, but would you be willing to share a room just for tonight? You would be free to choose who stays with you of course.", said Owen trying to persuade them.

Persuasion Check: Nat 1

Tenshi scratched their head and sighed. "To be honest, I really don't want to, but it would be rather rude to refuse. I don't mind staying with any of you as long as you keep down the noise." Lou smiled and patted Owen on the shoulder. "I guess you two will be sharing then because Kara and I have a lot to talk about!" Kara smiled a little and nodded. "Indeed we do. Is that alright with you Owen?" "Of course! I promise not to be a nuisance. May I ask your name though? I am Owen, Owen Rifyr." Tenshi emptied their whiskey and stood up with a slight smile now. At least he was polite, a quality they had come to appreciate. "My name is Tenshi. Nice to meet you Owen."