Karaia sat alone on the edge of a small, stone pier. Eyes closed, she listened to the bustling of the people around her and the lapping of the waves below her feet. She took a deep breath before opening her eyes and standing up.

  As she got up she caught a glimpse of herself reflecting off the surface of the water. Deep, red skin and curled ram horns decorated her head, and the sleeveless shirt she had on showed off her powerful arms well. She enjoyed seeing the proof of her hard work, a powerful body to match a powerful mind. At least, that’s how she liked to see herself.

  She turned away from her reflection and steeled her face when she saw them, a group of knights from the church of Karis. They wore chainmail covered with a surcoat depicting the white and gold symbol of their god, a radiant sun spreading rays of light to all that come near it.

  Karaia took a look around the dock to see if there was any way she could avoid them. It wouldn’t be easy to blend into the crowd with her red skin, nor could she hop on a ship. Karaia decided to crack her knuckles and simply walk confidently past them. She almost made it off the pier before one of them called out.

  “You there, devilkin!”

  She grumbled to herself and turned around to face the knights.

  “What do you want?”

  The knight who called out rested an armored hand on the hilt of his sword.

  “What is your business here?”

  Karaia didn’t want to get into an altercation here on the docks. So she put on a friendly face as she responded.

  “Oh I just live here, taking an evening stroll is all.”

  The man stepped up a little too close into her bubble. She took a step back and wrinkled her nose. His breath smelled like fish.

  “We are here looking for one of your kind. Blue skin, curled horns like yours. What do you know of this?”

  “I don’t know who you’re talking about. Now, if we’re done here I’d like to get going.”

  She began to walk away from them, only for her forearm to be grabbed by the knight.

  “Hold it right there, you’re not going anywhere till we find out what we want to know.”

  His voice was laden with venom, she knew he had the intent to harm her if she didn’t comply. Before she could respond, one of the other knights tapped him on the shoulder.

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  “It’s getting dark, and we need to find a tavern. Just leave her.”

  The man growled and let go of Karaia’s arm.

  “Fine, be on your way, devil.”

  Karaia growled and walked away from the group of knights, being sure to watch her back to make sure they didn’t follow. She heard them talking amongst each other as they walked back into town. After breathing a sigh of relief, a small boat arriving on the pier she was just relaxing on caught her eye.

  The sun was just finishing its descent on the horizon as Karaia approached to see who was arriving at this time. It was a cloaked figure and a couple dwarves. The dwarves were manning the little ship as the cloaked figure simply stood there, watching. His eyes passed over to where Karaia was standing. They almost glowed a faint shade of orange in the dark. Karaia approached the ship.

  One of the dwarves eyed her as she approached and turned to face the tiefling. Karaia reached into her pocket and pulled out a little slip before holding it up for the dwarf to see. He squinted his eyes and held up a lantern to read it. He simply grunted and motioned for her to board.

  Once on board, the cloaked man spoke up in a smooth, silky voice.

  “Well, you must Karaia. It’s a pleasure, you can call me Melagis.”

  He held out a hand to shake, which Karaia ignored as she replied.

  “You’re early. How long will the trip be?”

  He spoke while pulling the hood of his cloak down to reveal a bald, tattooed head.

  “Oh, it should be until sunrise. I’d get some rest if I were you. The council is planned to begin on our arrival in the morning.”

  Karaia nodded and sat down with her back against the side of the boat. The two dwarves began bringing the ship away from the port and around the town. The gentle, rolling waves splashed against their ship in a soothing rhythm. Soon enough she passed out, falling asleep to the soft lapping of the waves.

  When Karaia awoke, the sun was just beginning to peek above the horizon. She rubbed her eyes and looked around. They were sailing just off the coast. A great forest was just inland, with a towering mountain range far off in the distance. Melagis, upon noticing Karaia had woken up, spoke up.

  “We’ve just about arrived at the druid’s grove, they’re expecting us so gather your things.”

  Karaia nodded and slung her pack around her shoulder, looking ahead to see a small dock with a short figure waiting. He waved in their direction.

  They approached the dock and Karaia got a better look at the figure, whom she now saw to be a half-elf. He wore a long, beige coat with little purple swirls woven into the fabric. Long, brown hair was pulled up into a bun and his two tired eyes quickly glanced over Karaia, Melagis, and then the dwarves.

  Once close enough, the dwarves began bringing the ship to a stop at the little dock. Karaia hopped off the boat as the little man welcomed her.

  “Welcome, you must be Karaia, I take it?”

  Karaia nodded.

  “That would be me, you look like the ranger I’ve heard so much about.”

  He chuckled, moving to shake hands with Melagis, who had just gotten off the boat as well.

  “Indeed, my name is Yoruh,” He turned his head to address Melagis, “It’s good to see you again my friend. How long has it been?”

  Melagis took the handshake, “Oh I’m not sure. Maybe fifty, or a hundred years? I lose track in these times of peace we find ourselves in.”

  Yoruh chuckles lightly, “I do too. Now, please follow me, the council is beginning soon.”

  Melagis nodded as Yoruh began to lead them off the dock and onto a small trail leading into the woods. Karaia could smell food cooking somewhere ahead, they mustn't be too far off from the druid’s grove.

  The chirping of birds and rustle of branches from other creatures helped to calm Karaia’s thoughts as they walked. She hadn’t been told what this council was about, or why she was invited to attend. She was rarely called upon for her expertise unless there was trouble to be expected. Eventually, voices could be heard ahead of them.

  Yoruh stretched his arms as they broke through the tree line and found themselves in a small village. The buildings looked like they were grown, not built, covered in plants and living things. Yoruh pointed to a large pavilion off to the right.

  “Well, here we are. There is food and drink in the council chamber. You two are the last to arrive, I’m certain the rest are eager to begin.”

  Karaia nodded and began heading towards the pavilion with the two men, wondering what this council was going to be about.