Sophia stood in front of the group, a large pack of tools and equipment at her feet. "Alright, everyone," she said. "We need to make sure we're all properly equipped for this journey. We don't know what kind of dangers we'll face, so we need to be prepared."
She began to hand out tools and equipment to each member of the group. Halven received a small backpack with a bedroll, a waterskin, and a few days' worth of rations. Kurten received a sturdy-looking sword and a leather tunic.
Sophia then turned to the other two members of the group, who had been quietly observing the proceedings. "I'd like to introduce you to Arin and Lyra," she said. "Arin is a skilled warrior, and Lyra is a magic archer,and she is really good at tracking based on her frequently hunting experience. They'll be joining us on our journey to the ancient city."
Arin was a tall, muscular man with a rugged, weathered face and a distinctive scar above his left eyebrow. He had a confident, self-assured air about him, and he looked like he had been in his fair share of battles.
Lyra, on the other hand, was a petite, agile woman with long, curly brown hair and a mischievous glint in her eye. She had a short, elegant bow slung over her shoulder, and a quiver full of arrows at her hip. She looked like she was always ready to spring into action.
Sophia smiled, seeming to sense the group's curiosity about their new companions. "Don't worry, I've worked with both Arin and Lyra before," she said. "They're both highly skilled and highly reliable. We're lucky to have them with us on this journey."
The group nodded, seeming to accept Sophia's assurance. They all knew that they were in for a challenging journey, and they were grateful to have such skilled and experienced companions by their side.
*************
As they ventured deeper into the unknown, the landscape around them began to transform, morphing into a more rugged and inhospitable terrain. The dense forests and rolling hills of the countryside gave way to a desolate and unforgiving expanse, where the air was heavy with an unsettling, unnatural silence. Halven feelings were mixture of fear and excitement,his unblinking eyes observed all around him,every sound crept halven.
Kurten, on the other hand, seemed to be in high spirits, his feet carrying him forward with a springy enthusiasm. His eyes scanned the horizon with a sense of wonder, drinking in the vast expanse of the unknown. "I've never been this far from home before," Kurten exclaimed, his voice full of awe. "I had no idea the world was so vast and mysterious."
Halven's lips curled into a wry smile.
Kurten's expression faltered for a moment as he looked at halven, but then he smiled again, his eyes sparkling with a sense of adventure. "I'm not afraid, Halven," he said. "And you should'nt be,we have a warrior and two caster here with us".
What could possibly go wrong,he said
Halven's heart swelled with emotion as he gazed at Kurten. He knew that kurten never understood the dangers that lay ahead,they
stumbled upon a small, rustic inn. The sign above the door creaked in the wind, bearing the image of a foaming mug and the words "The Traveler's Rest". Halven's eyes lit up with excitement ,as they approach the to open the door,led Kurten them inside tring to be gentle man in front of the ladies.
The inn was warm and cozy, filled with the savory aroma of roasting meat and freshly baked bread. A stout, jovial innkeeper greeted them, his face creasing into a wide smile. "Welcome, travelers!" he boomed. "Come in, come in! I've got just the thing for you - a hot meal and a warm bed."
Halven's stomach growled at the mention of food, and he eagerly followed the innkeeper to a cozy table by the fire. Kurten, on the other hand, seemed more interested in the inn's patrons, a rough-looking bunch of travelers and traders,while the rest of the crew had an indifferent expression observing around.
"What can i get for you?" The inn keeper asked, a friendly smile spreading across his face.
Sophia ordered a round of ale and a hot meal,and the group setteled in at a table.
Lyra pulled out her bow, and began to examine the intricate carvings on the wooden limbs.
Arin,leaned back in his chair his eyes scanning the room,with a mixture of curiosity and caution.
Kurten,who had been quet until now spoke up,"i've heard rumors of strange happenings in these parts."he said ,his voice low and serious."some folks say that the ruin city is cursed,that who ventured closed never returns".
Sophia's expression was skeptical."i've heard such rumors too,"but i don't beliave them".
We've been planning this expedition for months ,we have the best gear and best people.I'm confident we can handle whatever comes our way on this journey.
"just you not us, me and kurten."you pulled us in a few days ago".halvem said
Just then the in keeper brought their meal,the aroma from the food eased halven tension.
As they ate and drank, Halven couldn't help but notice the strange looks they were getting from the other patrons. It was as if they knew something that Halven and Kurten didn't.
As the night wore on, the group settled into their rooms ,exhausted from their journey.
halven,however couldn't sleep he felt like they were being watched.he lay in bed ,his eyes scanning the darkness,until he finally drifted off to sleep.
The next morning ,the group gathered in the common room ,eager to begin their journey to the city of ruin.
After breakfast,halven thanked the inn keeper for meal, and they all set off into the unknown.
As they traveled,the landscape grew increasingly desolute.the air was thick with the scent of decay ,and the ground was dry and cracked,lyra walked ahead her bow at the ready ,scanning the horizon for any sign of danger.