The fire crackles merrily in the clearing, golden light flickering against the dark trunks of towering trees. The team sits around its warm glow, surrounded not by the expected thieving raiders, but by a strange and eclectic gathering.
Goblin women in patched clothes with curious eyes, human and beast-kin women laughing, dancing, lounging under the stars. The air smells of roasted root vegetables and moss wine. A flute plays somewhere in the background, clumsy but full of joy.
Across from them sits the swordswoman, tall, broad-shouldered, wearing a battered breastplate over a loose linen tunic, her greatsword resting in the grass beside her like a loyal pet.
She introduces herself simply. "Seraphine DeBlitz. But everyone calls me Sera." She lifts a wooden mug to her lips. "Class A adventurer. I'm from the capital. Was passing through when I got wrapped up in this little project."
Penelo, nibbling on a charred mushroom, perks up. "Project? What do you mean?"
