Monsters & Memories:
I've been waiting for a long time for a new world. I hope you enjoy the story.
This is Arias, my first created character. If you see me in-game, say hi. Let's group up and adventure together (please, no vulgarities - I'm a purist of fantasy. If you are too, welcome to my circle of friends :)
Prologue: Before the Road
The inn was warm. Arias waited impatiently, fidgeting -- her anticipation was much to high to simply go to bed; see what the next few days would bring. No, she sat, waiting in great anticipation, contemplating the adventures she would experience in the days to come.
She sat near the window with both hands wrapped around a mug of ale barely touched, watching the road beyond the glass.
Nothing.
A cart had passed some time ago. Before that, she spotted an old man leading a stubborn mule.
Neither had stopped at the inn, but no matter. Catching movement down the road, Arias leaned closer to the window -- just a local going about his business, nothing more.
Behind her, business of the inn carried on without sharing her concern. Plates clattered. Someone laughed near the hearth. A chair scraped across the floor. The innkeeper moved from table to table, tending to travelers who apparently knew where they were going.
Arias did not, and that was the exciting part.
Somewhere beyond the road leading out of town were forests. Then, beyond that, untamed wilder lands she had never set foot into, creatures she had never seen, towns, cities, villages, all of which meant nothing to her . . . yet. The most intriguing thing to her were the dangers she was ready to brave.
As a Wood Elf and a Druid, the wilds did not frighten Arias. They called to her, promising high adventure. But first, she needed companions.
She looked toward the door. Nothing.
Back to the road. Nothing.
Arias lips lifted into a slight smile.
" They will come," she thought. She did not know their names yet. She did not know whether they would become lifelong friends, temporary companions, complete disasters, or all three. She only knew she was ready.
Her pack rested against the leg of the dark-wood chair she sat upon. Her equipment was gathered.
The road waited beyond the inn. And so did she.
Lifting the mug of ale, Arias took a sip, and immediately looked back through the window.
“Any time now,” she whispered. "Any time. I can feel it."
Outside, the empty road stretched toward places she had never seen. For the moment, there was nowhere else she would rather be.