The Journey Begins

As the girls made their final preparations for their first destination, a sense of anticipation hung heavy in the air. Belial had explained that they would be traveling to a time centuries ago, where he would appear as a young prince on a journey, and they would serve as his bodyguards.

It would be a time of swordplay, where the world was run by the powerful. Magic was their to be commanded, but he cautioned, those that they encountered would also possess great strength and great magic. They must be ready.

"You must be prepared to prove your worth," Belial had cautioned, reminding them of the societal norms of the time. In an era where women held little place of honor, you will need to demonstrate your strength and skill if you were to succeed in this mission. If you fall victims of these stereotypes, you will be doomed to failure.

As Belial stood before them he nodded his approval, "It is time to begin."

With a wave of Belial's hand, they were transported through time, their clothing changing to reflect their new roles as protectors of the prince. They found themselves standing a short distance from a quaint inn, its warm lights inviting against the backdrop of the night.

Their attire now reflected the fashion of the medieval era, with Claire adorned in a flowing gown of rich emerald green, her fiery hair cascading in loose curls down her back. This was befitting, as a wielder of magic she would use the flash of her clothing to distract those she encountered.

Ellie wore a practical yet elegant ensemble, her soft features framed by the hooded cloak of deep blue. To look upon her, one could almost feel themselves relaxing and feeling more at piece with the world around them.

Rachel stood tall and imposing in a suit of armor, her sword gleaming at her side, not only was she a fighter, she displayed a confidence that would bolster all of them in their time of need. 

Finally there was Hannah, looking at the group you would almost overlook the fact that she was even with them. While Hannah's nimble fingers were adorned with gloves of supple leather, she stood ready to pick any lock that might stand in their way. The cloak that Belial and provided to her was wrapped over her shoulders, causing the light to shimmer giving her a sense of transparency.

"This is our first stop, it will certainly meet our needs," Belial announced, his voice carrying an air of authority as he led the way toward the inn. "Here, we will feast and spend the night before continuing on our journey in the morning." 

"Remember these people are not of your time, do not try to use works and expressions they will not understand." As Belial spoke these words the four girls exchanged a quick glance. They all wondered 'Not of our time, does that mean Belial is from some other time then ours?'

Of all of them, Belial was a sight to behold. The girls were not sure if he believed his clothing was truly necessary or if he was simply overdoing the part as a way to show off his abilities. The prince's robes that he wore could only be described as way too much. They were shimmering with gold lace and jewels imbedded in the sleeves. An outfit such as this could only be wore by the wealthiest of prince's and then, only if they could afford it at all. It truly would be considered a kings ransom. He had taken the form of the 25 year old he had shown them that first day on the island.

As Belial walked toward the inn, he certainly looked the part of a wealthy prince. The girls followed closely behind him, their senses alive with the sights and sounds of the bustling inn. They pushed open the large wooden door, it softly groaned as it opened, they entered the main hall, as they did, they were greeted with the enticing aroma of roasting meat and freshly baked bread, and their mouths watered in anticipation of the feast to come.

The inn was alive with activity, patrons filling every corner with laughter and conversation. Minstrels played lively tunes in the corner, adding to the festive atmosphere. Around the room, serving wenches bustled about, carrying trays laden with food and drink. It was clear this was a popular inn, behind the bar the owner stood smiling, as his mind counted the coins he would collect this evening.

Belial led them to a long table near the hearth, where they took their seats. With a quick gesture, the owner send several of the staff to wait on his new guests. A sumptuous spread was then laid out in their honor. Servants bustled about, pouring wine and serving dishes of roasted game and savory pies.

"This is magnificent," Claire remarked, her eyes sparkling with delight as she surveyed the feast before them. "I never imagined we would be dining in such splendor." 

Belial nodded in agreement, a smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Indeed, my dear Claire. But remember, we must remain vigilant even in moments of leisure. Danger lurks in every corner, and we cannot afford to let our guard down."

The girls nodded solemnly, understanding the gravity of Belial's words. Despite the jovial atmosphere of the inn, they knew that their mission was far from over, and that they must remain ever vigilant if they were to succeed.

Ellie gave a quick smile and jokingly replied, "I guess its a good thing none of us are vegetarian".

As the night wore on, they feasted and drank, their laughter mingling with the raucous sounds of the inn. For a brief few moments, they allowed themselves to forget the dangers that awaited them, reveling in the camaraderie of their newfound companionship.

But even as they enjoyed the festivities, a sense of unease lingered in the air. They knew that their journey was only just beginning, and that the road ahead would be fraught with peril and uncertainty.

Outside, the moon cast its silvery light upon the cobbled streets, illuminating the path that lay ahead. The girls would soon be retiring to their chambers for the night, they knew that they must steel themselves for the trials that awaited them, for their destiny awaited them on the morrow.