[center][color=lightblue][h2]Rue[/h2][/color][/center]
[center][color=lightblue][b]Time:[/b][/color] [color=#CFD8DC] Evening to morning
[color=lightblue][b]Location:[/b][/color] Ironhold Inn, then tavern 
[color=lightblue][b]Interaction:[/b][/color]  [@Helo] Bowyn & [@Omni5876] Arn 
[color=lightblue][b]Equipment:[/b][/color] Small backpack, two knives, rations, water flask, hygiene products
[/color][/center][center][img]https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/610964561553522698/610975307410964510/3388c70460524d0a49fb42fda3041dea_snow-divider-clipart-1-clip-art-vector-site-_709-132.png?width=400&height=44[/img][/center]
[h3][center][color=black][i]Last Night[/i][/color][/center][/h3]

[color=lightgray]Rue sat on the bottom of the roof of an inn with her legs dangling off the edge. Moonlight, also known as Moony, sat beside her with his head on her lap. She pet his head and sighed. On the ground, dwarves moved around, some going to and from mining. Others were striking up conversations, but it was out of earshot for her. The business of the town was surprising to her. Then again, what had she expected? Rue didn’t know. The lands in Avalia outside of her village were so foreign to her. The sun had been on her nerves too in these different areas. Why wasn’t it colder? What was she doing? How had she come so far? Rue bit her lip and clenched her fists. She took an envelope out of her [url=https://i.pinimg.com/564x/79/e8/80/79e8803f0dc19084a23253d372467f48.jpg]cape[/url] and turned it over in her hands. It read,

[indent][color=black][i]Thank you for your sacrifice. Head to Ironhold then to Riverport. Don’t make any detours.[/i][/color][/indent] 
She snorted as she read it. Her sacrifice….? Did they think she wouldn’t make it? Then again, was she going to survive? Her plan was to do her part then returning home to her village with enough money for her family to live comfortably. She shook her head at these dismal thoughts. It wouldn’t do her well to dwell upon them. Nonetheless, her mind started to race. Were her parents doing okay? She hated to leave them; at least the village was supporting them while she was gone. 

Being in Ironhold wasn’t too bad however; it had proven to be useful. During her adventure, the woodland creatures had alerted her to Bowyn’s presence. She had been ecstatic to hear he was alive, but then devastated after she learned the extent of his injuries. For a fairy, to lose his or her wings was unthinkable. Her heart had ached deeply and Rue had spent a portion of her time reconciling with herself to be strong enough to continue, to let it fuel her against the war. Moony had guarded her as she gathered herself and spent the next few hours being silly to make her laugh again.

An unexpected display caused her to look up and the dwarves to halt below. Rue watched with horror as the Dark Elf Queen and King appeared with four Avalians kneeling before them. Tears filled her eyes as the hair of the back of her neck prickled. She knew what was happening and her stomach churned. Moonlight looked up at her, then the display, and began to growl. She patted his head as she turned away, but not quick enough. Blood splattered their faces as their necks were slit. Rue let out a shrill cry and covered her mouth. A few of the dwarves looked up at her and then down. Equal horror was shown on their faces. Their prince was gone. She couldn’t imagine the trauma they were experiencing. A chill ran down her spine, not from ice unfortunately. She knew it was dangerous to be out now, especially as a female winter fairy so far from home. She pulled her hood up and wiped her eyes again. 

[color=9370DB][i]Rue[/i],[/color] she looked down to find Moonlight standing now and nudged her to stand up. [color=9370DB][i]We must get inside.[/i][/color] Rue sniffled and wiped her eyes on her cape. She nodded and allowed the wolf to lead her back down to the Inn’s entrance. As she passed dwarves, she offered them words of encouragement or a small smile. The majority of them didn’t return it, which didn’t surprise her. Once she was back in her room, she laid down on her bed and sniffled. Moony, who ordinarily stood guard near her door, climbed onto the bed beside her. She smiled faintly and hugged her wolf. Though she didn’t rest much, she knew Moonlight wouldn’t either. Rue pulled the blanket over herself. At least she had Moony. 

[hr][h3][center][color=black][i]The Next Morning[/i][/color][/center][/h3]
The next morning came quickly. The sunlight poured through the window despite the curtains being drawn. With a groan, Rue opened her eyes. She felt a coolness where Moony had been laying and shot up with worry. She scowled at the rush of blood to her head. Dizziness swept over her. Though the room was titled, she recognized Moony laying near the doorway. His ears were pricked in a way that told her he was listening to something. She sighed and decided if he hadn’t said anything, then it was likely safe to exit. 

The town was likely on edge from last night and she prayed there weren't any Dark Elves here. A winter fairy in Ironhold would be a strange sight indeed. She pulled her hair back into a short ponytail and her hood up. She gripped her small backpack with a shaky hand and gestured for Moony to follow her. Rue exited the Inn and made her way down the street. She scanned the buildings until she found a tavern. She glanced at Moonlight for confirmation. 

[color=9370DB][i]Yes, this is the tavern. I smell his scent and nothing but alcohol. This is not your usual place to be; brace yourself. I will wait outside nearby and will come if you whistle. I don't want to startle the dwarves more than I already have.[/i][/color] Moonlight then nodded to her and scampered off into the shadows nearby. 

Rue nodded and patted his head before he left. It was now or never. She pushed open the tavern door and moved inside quietly. Glancing around, Rue searched for Bowyn. Without his wings it was difficult to spot, but his silver hair stood out to her. For a moment, Rue paused, relief sweeping over her like an ocean wave. He was alive, and maybe not well, but at least he hadn’t died. But how would she say she found him? Her nerves made her stall momentarily, but then realized standing there was awkward. With a sigh, she strode over and joined them. 

[color=lightblue]”Fancy meeting you here.”[/color] She pulled her hood off and addressed Bowyn. Her gaze scanned over the dwarf next. [color=lightblue]”Hi,”[/color] Her voice became quieter as she avoided his gaze and swallowed. She glanced at the bartender. [color=lightblue]”Can I have some water and whatever is on your breakfast menu, please?”[/color] The bartender raised his eyebrows, then nodded and sauntered off to fill her order. Her gaze snapped back to Bowyn and the dwarf as she awaited their responses. From the corner of her eye, she briefly saw a patch of white fur and couldn’t help but smile. [/color]