Tenil and Ganan took their leave of Hager Trueshot with a deep bow that barely hid their quivering excitement. Dashing away, they almost stumbled over their own feet as they tried to look at every inch of their brand new Guild Tunics. It was by far the nicest thing they owned, almost as precious as the worn and rusty short swords bequeathed to them by their master. The day had finally arrived! With these tunics, they could finally leave Surefall Glade and see the world!
“Come on, Tenil!” shouted Ganan, “Let’s have a go at those gnolls!”
Tenil shook his head, “Not I.” he waved his sword menacingly. “I plan to get me a poacher head!” He brandished his sword at Ganan, and they fenced playfully back and forth across glade, shouting and laughing until their glee rang from the treetops.
Rainewaker looked up with a smile from her dealings with [Fletcher Vendor] at the sound of the boys’ swords clashing, and then glanced at Hager, standing a few feet away, who leaned on his great bow and watched the boys, worry furrowing his brow. [Fletching Vendor] followed Rainewaker’s nostalgic smile with one of his own when he caught sight of the two young rangers. “Trueshot just gave them their tunics.”
Rainewaker gave a knowing nod, and paid [Fletching Vendor] for a quiver of arrows. She walked over to Hager, who was still watching the boys as they mock-battled each other closer to exit of Surefall Glade, a cave cut straight through the Qeynos hills, leading out to the world.
“Would you like me to talk to them?” Rainewaker asked Trueshot.
He turned with a weary smile. “Thank you. I would have done it myself if I didn’t think I would scare them into fishing for the rest of their lives.” He cast a rueful eye towards the guildhouse, which sat upon Surefall Lake. Dotting the shore were dozens of people, some rangers, all contentedly sitting by the lake with a fishing pole.
“Well, at least we needn’t fear an invasion of fish anytime soon!” Rainewaker smirked, “Would it were so easy to fend off the Sabertooths and poachers.”
Trueshot barked a short, humorless laugh. He turned back to Rainewaker. “Yes. Please try to talk to them. I’m sure they will listen to you.” He arched an eyebrow at her leather tunic, which swept dangerously low across her chest. “But I doubt they’ll remember much…”
Rainewaker laughed and clapped Trueshot on the shoulder as she walked past him towards the young rangers. The two young men had turned their full attentions to the cave passage, and were about to enter when Rainewaker called out to them.
“Hail, Tenil! Hail, Ganan!”
The two stopped in their tracks and turned to see what appeared to be a young girl approaching. As she neared, they realized that it was not a girl at all, but a half-elf, slight in stature, but definitely full-grown. Her long hair was tied back in a long braid in the traditional way of ranger women, and she was dressed in full leather armor, which despite appearing battle-scarred and quite functional, adhered to her curves like a second skin.
“Uh, hail, Mistress. How can we help you?” Tenil found his voice. Ganan still gaped, but managed a courteous bow.
Rainewaker smirked good-naturedly at their stares. “Well, young sirs, I hear that congratulations are in order on this glorious evening!” She winked at them, “I hear that the Jagged Pine Folk have two new allies to protect them.”
Ganan and Tenil puffed with pride. “Aye,” Ganan answered. “We were about to start our duties immediately!” Tenil nodded in agreement.
“Indeed!” Rainewaker looked suitably impressed. “Surefall is lucky to have such dedicated rangers looking out for it.” She cast her eyes to the setting sun. “It will be dark soon, and I have just returned from the far Karanas with a thirst for some of [Inn Name]’s mead. Perhaps you’ll let me buy you fellows a few drinks to celebrate your new responsibilities.”
Tenil and Ganan’s eyes lit up at the opportunity to have a drink with such a stunning woman, especially in the famed [Inn Name], a place barred to them until today. In their excitement to adventure outside of Surefall, they had forgotten all about [Inn Name]’s legendary mead.