Bregil trudged down the road with Faervel poking along at her side. Her grandparents didn't really approve of following the vague letter, feeling she shouldn't get involved in something when she didn't know all the details. Bregil told them that if it wasn't in her best interest she would come home. That seemed to put their mind at ease slightly. She figured they needed a healer, why else would they need her? She had to admit it was exciting, the unknown always is. She picked up the pace.

“Almost there friend,” she said as she scratched Faervel's ears. They had been on the road for two days and she could see the tavern up ahead. Faervel let out a whine in protest at her change in pace. 
“Oh come on, the quicker we get there the quicker we can find out what this is all about.” Bregil waved the letter in the air. Faervel continued to stray behind. What was going on was hardly any interest to a wolf. Bregil sighed. 

“Wanna race? If you win I'll get you a bone?” Bregil smiled. Faevel's ears perked up and he seemed to have caught his second wind. He began to jump in excitement.

“Yeah, that got your attention pretty quick eh?” Bregil said as she scruffed his fur playfully. “Okay...Go!”

They took off down the road towards the tavern. They were side by side for most of it and just as they were nearing the tavern Bregil took the lead. Suddenly she felt Faervel's head hit the back of her legs, causing her to stumble so he could take the lead. 

“Cheater!” she called after him. Faervel reached the tavern first and pounced around waging his tail stopping to let out a howl. 

Bregil laughed. “What are you rejoicing about? You cheated. Cheaters never win.” 

Fearvel gruffed and jumped on her when she reached him and gave a quick lick to her cheek. 

“You think so huh?” Faervel ran to the door and let out another whine. “Alright then if you're sorry I guess I'll get you a bone anyway.” 

Fearvel trotted triumphantly into the tavern as Bregil followed. 

The tavern was quaint. Bregil had only been to an inn like this a handful of times when she would go on housecalls for her grandmother, but this one was smaller. She liked smaller things. She scanned the room and saw a group of people gathered at a table, that must be it she thought. 
Faervel nudged his head into her. 

“I know I haven't forgotten,” she told him. 
 
“Oi! You can have that beast in here!” a man she assumed was the bartender shouted at her. 

She furrowed her eyebrows. There were always those who misunderstood. 

“I mean it,” he continued. “I'm not having anyones blood on my hands due to that thing. I don't care how tamed you claim it is. It's out or you both are.” 

“He isn't nearly as uncivilized.” Bregil said as Faarvel growled.

“Oh really?” the bartender mused, “Sure doesn't sound civilized. It or you both, now before I pick for you.” 

Bregil sighed. “You didn't have to growl, Faervel it doesn't matter how rude he is. Come on.” 

Her eye caught a decent-sized hambone on a plate with some meat still left on it. She grabbed it as she lead Faervel out. He whined. 

“I could have probably talked him into letting you stay if you didn't growl at him you know.” She gave him the ham bone. “I'll try not to be long.” Bregil gave him a hug and buried her face in his neck. Turning back toward the tavern, she looked at the table where there were people were gathered. She walked to the table as an elven woman and a man were talking. She hoped she didn't miss much. 

 “Pardon me, sorry to interrupt,” she said. “This is the meeting, correct? Sorry we're a bit late. We got held up a while, terrible storm. I'm Bregil Lithren,” she said as she outstretched her hand.