Elf 'N Moon Presents: Emalynn the Elf

Chapter 1: The Wolf

As night drapes its cloak over the bustling city of Mooncrest, we join our heroine, Emalynn, the Twilight Sorcerer, accompanied by her loyal companion, Alfred the border collie. Together, they traverse the labyrinthine streets during the late evening hours. Alongside them is Raven, the mysterious black labrador they rescued from the woods a few nights prior. 

...

The moon's glow casts an ethereal light over the bustling night market, illuminating their path as they weave through merchants and vendors peddling their wares. Clamoring voices and bardic music fill the air, creating a pleasant melody on this seemingly peaceful night.

Guided by instinct, Raven leads the trio to the entrance of the Groggy Gremlin Meadery. With a gentle scratch at the door, Raven signals their arrival. Stepping inside, Emalynn is greeted by the diminutive figure of Gregory, a Gremlin who serves as the meadery's host.

"Ahoy, friends! What brings you to my humble meadery?" Gregory asks, ushering them to a secluded table against the wall. Smiling at the curious little gremlin, Emalynn replies, "We needed a reprieve from our travels, Gregory. Perhaps you could help me find Raven's father?"

Gregory sniffs Raven, assessing her with a critical eye. Raven responds with a lick to his face. "Bah. I believe this one belongs to Tyran. He's here somewhere," Gregory grumbles as he wipes drool from his face, storming off to the bar.

Returning with a stein of Trulian, Emalynn's drink of choice, Gregory encourages her, "Not many around here drink this swill. Order as much as you like, girl."

Emalynn chuckles, keeping a wary eye on her surroundings in the unfamiliar tavern. She prepares a protective spell, ensuring their safety. Meanwhile, Raven detects a familiar presence amid the haze of smoke and chatter.

With swift movement, Raven navigates through the maze of patrons until she reaches her destination—a tattooed figure seated in the far corner with legs propped on the table. There, she finds Tyran Redfox the monster hunter, and her sister black labrador, Talia. Raven excitedly leaps onto the table, knocking over two bottles of mead.

At the same moment, Emalynn rushes through the crowd to catch Raven and stumbles upon the reunion. She sees Tyran seated with two female bar patrons—an unexpected sight: one a dwarf, the other a fire elemental. "Raven! What are you—oh, hello," Emalynn stops short as she sees Raven's tail wagging at Tyran while Talia stares back defensively.

As introductions are exchanged, Tyran dismisses the bar patrons amidst flickering candlelight and tavern murmurs. "Please, sit. Tell me how you and Raven crossed paths, Emalynn," Tyran invites, a new chapter beginning as they exchange tales over red mead and chimera-queso.

A few hours later, a group of verminfolk scoundrels enter through the rear entrance, intent on stirring trouble. As they approach, Emalynn's instincts kick in. She whispers to Tyran, "I can handle this. Relax." Expanding her protective spell to shield Tyran and the others, Emalynn displays her magical prowess.

Moonlight bathes the tavern, and Tyran's crimson tattoo begins to glow ominously—a sign of impending danger. With a shared glance, Emalynn and Tyran spring into action, ready to defend themselves.

In a blur of movement, Tyran brandishes his sword "Fenrir," and Emalynn conjures her staff. Before Tyran can act, Emalynn's twilight magic surges forth, enveloping the creatures in an energetic shock causing their weapons to drop to the ground and singe their rat like hides. Swiftly dispatching the creatures with precision, the vermin retreat through the rear entrance and run away. "Told you, no need to worry. But why were those creatures after you?" Emalynn questions, impressed by her own display of magic.

A curious and confused look crosses Tyran’s face, but he is ultimately impressed by Emalynn's display. Chuckling in amusement, Tyran sheathes his sword. "Maybe it's best to keep an eye out for more verminfolk on your travels."

As the night concludes, Emalynn bids farewell to Tyran and Talia and Raven shares a heartfelt goodbye with Emalynn and Alfred—a gesture of appreciation for her rescue.

...

The next day, in the bustling market at noontime, Emalynn and Alfred browse supplies for their journey. Amidst the array of goods, a mysterious presence maneuvers through the crowd towards them.

"Beware of your newfound ally, Elvish Princess," a whisper passes by before vanishing into the clamor. Alfred, on high alert, senses no immediate danger and points to a shoddy overhang with a lone vendor sitting under it.

Emalynn spots a robed elderly orcish cobbler staring at her with a peculiar smile. She gestures subtly for Alfred to join her as they cautiously approach the woman.

The cobbler chuckles softly, and Emalynn notices she is blind—a paradox that intrigues her. "How did she know where we were?" Emalynn wonders silently, setting the mystery aside for another time.

The orcish woman weaves tales of intrigue, urging Emalynn to stay true to her quest and save her kingdom. She mentions Tyran, recounting stories of enchanted soldiers and strange sightings in the Darkspire mountains.

"Your journey is wrought with peril," the old orc warns Emalynn with foreboding. "Stay alert, keep your companion close, and beware the ides of tonight's moon."

"But why? What does this have to do with Tyran?" Emalynn presses, curiosity tinged with concern. "Tyran harbors a secret past, an ex-member of 'The Dire,' a clandestine group of enchanted soldiers with enigmatic abilities. Beware your new ally," the old woman hisses.

A flickering light distracts Emalynn, and when she turns back, the woman is gone. Looking down at Alfred, Emalynn smiles in bemusement. "Guess we better get going, Alf."

...

As Emalynn scrambles to heed the woman's warning, she organizes her gear, always a bit chaotic and untimely—an imperfection Alfred silently judges her for nightly.

Heading out into the stormy night, clouds billow ominously, casting a smoky gray haze across the sky with glimpses of the moon peeking through. Trudging down the road, sudden movement catches Emalynn off guard as the same band of scoundrels from the tavern surround her and Alfred.

Before Emalynn can conjure a protective spell, two creatures bind her hands tightly with rope behind her back, rendering her magic useless. "Thought you could get rid of us that easily, princess?" the pack leader growls. The remaining verminfolk corner Alfred against a tree.

Just as Alfred lets out a desperate howl, a figure emerges from the darkness. "Best reconsider your next moves, boys," Tyran's voice cuts through the tension, "one way or another, I'm leaving here with five fresh pelts on my belt."

The verminfolk hesitate, sensing something amiss with the aura surrounding the warrior. "Watch out, behind you!" Emalynn's warning comes too late as another hidden creature leaps down behind Tyran from a tree branch up high.

"Six on one, you arrogant braggart, what are you going to do now?" sneers the creature.

As the clouds break, an ominous moon emerges, a whisper of wind stirs, and a knowing smile spreads across Tyran’s face. With his great sword Fenrir drawn and his tattoo glowing red in the moonlight, Tyran’s form begins to contort, muscles bulge, gray fur sprouts, teeth sharpen—and before Emalynn’s eyes, under the full moon’s light… a werewolf!

"What??" Emalynn whispers in exasperated shock as the verminfolk stand stunned in silent fear.

With a tornado-like blur, Tyran launches into the scoundrels tearing through them in a savage frenzy of blood and claws—an unexpected display of violence. Moving with the fury of a beast yet the grace of an experienced swordsman, Tyran dispatches the attackers one by one until a sole pathetic whimpering creature remains standing.

"Go," Tyran growls, eyes glowing yellow with primal fury. "Tell your masters you failed and never cross our paths again." The sole survivor flees into the night tail tucked, leaving Emalynn and Alfred in disbelief amidst the aftermath of the ferocious bloodshed.

Standing her ground bravely, Emalynn stares at Tyran in his wolf form. "What are you? You're not like any werewolf I've ever read about."

Growling lowly, wiping chunks of vermin off of his sword Tyran replies, “We don’t have time to discuss this. We must go, there’s a bounty on your head Emalynn.” Shocked at the news, Emalynn is taken aback. "A bounty? On me? How? Why? That can't be possible."

Tyran’s yellow eyes glow in his wolf form. “I don’t know the why Princess, but I can explain the how on the road. Time is of the utmost essence!”

Caught in a whirlwind of adrenaline and confusion, Emalynn wonders why a bounty would be on her head? How does Tyran know she’s a princess? Emalynn grabs her satchel and prepares to move, looking down at Alfred and kissing him on the forehead, "Let's get going little guy. I have a feeling our journey is just starting..."

And so our story continues in Chapter 2... The Brute