Ylvalil (1)

Ylvalil. A strange name for a town. Stranger still were the people that called it home. They were called Halflings, said to be a race of short creatures not too dissimilar to the goblins in stature. But the differences ended there it seemed.

Several figures were visible from the stone walls. From where we stood, it didn't seem like they were short, but my keen senses were quick to correct this assumption. All of the people on the walls were four feet or shorter. They were clad in mostly iron and leathers and armed with spears and short swords. The lack of archers within their ranks intrigued me.

In comparison to the dwarves, these halflings seemed like their thinner cousins. Tov was tall for a dwarf. He was at least five feet, taller than most dwarves. His adventurer companions, however, were a foot taller. It also didn't help that I towered over all of them.

We arrived just shy of the stone bridge that crossed over the river. A reinforced wooden gatehouse stood on the other side. It was flanked by an imposing stone wall that followed the length of the river. Towers stood over every edge.

A simple flag of green and white fluttered over the gate.

Though the walls hid the rest of the town, I could still hear the busy streets behind the stone. Indeed, using my keen senses, I was overwhelmed by how tightly packed it was with life. I quickly retreated my senses. As much as I cherished the life that nature hosted, seldom did I share the same feelings for civilization. The memories it brought back choked me.

The town was built in the middle of two rivers. The rivers flowed from the north and merged right at the southern tip of the town. It stood between the tines of a forked river. From a tactical perspective, it was a fortress with a natural moat, impervious as long as they held firm control over the bridges.

Something to take advantage of, if ever the need arose.

Gred got off the wagon as soon as we came to a stop. The rest of the adventurers stayed put. They all seemed relaxed and comfortable. Though I understood that this was a familiar place to them, vigilance was still necessary. At least for me.

I walked up to Tov and stood beside him, waiting. I watched as the gates were lifted open and a short well-dressed halfling rode out with a donkey. He greeted Gred with a hug as soon as the elf crossed the bridge. The halfling, which I assumed to be someone of importance, was followed by a contingent of heavily armed guards, all of which were on foot. They were clad top to bottom in iron, visors covering their faces. They were all very short.

A somewhat tense greeting. Why the added security?

Gred's face went from smiling to frowning as he conversed with the halfling. Though the elf glared, he glared not in anger. Rather, he was concerned. Gred soon returned with the halfling and his guards in tow.

"Tov, Redtail, Dalinah!" He greeted the rest of the adventurers with a smile, "It's good to see you all again."

"Good to see you too, High Councilor!" Tov smiled back. Redtail and Dalinah nodded.

"I see you brought along a friend!" He said, rather enthusiastically, as he looked at me.

"And.. ah... I see..." His smile quickly faded when his eyes found Zeal as she slept next to Redtail. I didn't like the way he looked at the little beastkin.

"Why did you bring a beastman back?" He said with disgust. A small part of me wanted to remain quiet and let the halfling say as he pleased. But I didn't listen. Before he could say anything worse, I spoke up.

"She's with me," I said, coldly, "Is there a problem?"

The halfling almost jumped from his pathetic excuse of a steed as his eyes darted towards me. His guards were quick to show their weapons, but the halfling immediately raised a hand.

"Ah! She's with you. My apologies!" He quickly said, "There is no problem!"

There better won't be. I sighed, making sure I was heard. Beastkin were still the center of prejudice and suspicion, much to my disappointment. After making my stance in this issue clear, I retreated back into silence, allowing Gred to handle things.

"But of course, I must introduce myself!" The halfling said as a final gesture of supposed goodwill, "I am Eranu Caslu, High Councilor of the Council of Ylvalil."

He said it as if he was announcing something grand and exciting, but it was neither grand nor exciting. I could see that he was expecting a reply, for me to introduce myself as well.

But I was neither in the mood nor did I see the need to entertain him any further. He already showed me enough of his character. I simply looked back at him.

An awkward silence stretched between us. Gred was quick to notice the tension and immediately ran between us.

"Please pardon our guest here," The elf said, "He's a hermit. He doesn't exactly do well with strangers and it's our fault he's with us. He doesn't mean any offense."

High Councilor Eranu seemed satisfied with this answer and smiled. I disliked him already.

With the pleasantries between the adventurers and the halfling out of the way, we were quickly granted entry to the town. The adventurers were told to immediately head to the local adventurer guild hall for something important. It was probably related to the recall order they sent out a few weeks ago. The High Councilor rode off ahead with some of his guards. He was in haste.

As we emerged from the gatehouse, I was expecting busy and packed streets. What I was not expecting was the tsunami of voices. A chorus of chaotic yet rhythmic life. It was an experience I had forgotten.

There were... people. Everywhere and about. They walked the cobblestone road, advertised their wares from roadside stalls, and called the packed rows of tightly knit buildings home. Everything was an explosion of color.

Wet clothes dangled under thin ropes that crossed over the street. It seemed like the residents did not care about drying their clothes over busy and dusty streets. Not to mention the smoke from the street food vendors.

Everyone who lived here was short. The architecture of the town reflected this. From the doors to the windows, they were designed with the stature of their inhabitants in mind.

We drew many glances as the wagon rolled down the busy streets. It didn't help that armed guards flanked us as we did. Not to mention the height difference. I was basically a giant among them.

Many looked on with curiosity. A few kids were quick to point and tease at our appearance. Tov seemed to take the attention with stride, while Gred and Redtail didn't seem to mind. Dalinah waved back at some of the children.

However, I could not dismiss the glances of those who looked at us with apprehension, in disgust and contempt. They were few, yes, but they were there.

An old lady caught my attention as we passed what seemed to be her home. She watched us from the comfort of her second storey window. Her eyes screamed of scorn.