1 Part 1

In the dark of night lightning flashes in the sky above. Rain pours down hard with the sound of thunder rumbling overhead. Two strangers on horseback ride along a dirt path with tall trees around them. The two figures are hidden with a black hood and cloak.

Leon: We've been riding for hours!

Vigaros: No shit! But don't worry, the Inn shouldn't be too far now!

Leon: That's what you said 4 hours ago!

As the two men continue riding, they come across a tavern on their left. Vigaros gives Leon a grin as Leon rolls his eyes. The two men stop their horses at the side of the tavern where they are shielded from the rain by a long building. Inside are other horses all hitched near large buckets of water. Leon and Vigaros both dismount their horses and then proceed to hitch them. Leon pets his horse.

Leon: Be glad you're out of the rain girl.

Vigaros stretches his arms wide.

Vigaros: Come on, I'm dying for a drink.

He rushes towards the tavern as Leon follows behind.

Inside the tavern men and woman are drinking and dancing around as a group stand playing instruments and dancing. Leon and Vigaros both sit down at a table. Vigaros and Leon remove their hoods.

Vigaros: You need to have more faith in me, I told you there would be an inn.

Leon looks around cautiously. Vigaros leans back in his chair.

Vigaros: Relax will ya. Sheesh you're making me anxious.

An elf woman with light blue skin and white hair walks up to them wearing tavern clothes. She smiles warmly at Leon and Vigaros.

Elf Woman: What can I get you men?

Vigaros stares at her cleavage with a grin.

Vigaros: You wouldn't happen to be on the menu, would you dear?

The maiden chuckles as she shakes her head.

Elf Woman: Afraid not love.

Leon places seven silver pieces on the table.

Leon: Spirit is fine, two bottles. We also require two rooms for the night.

The elf takes the coin and nods.

Elf Woman: Two spirits coming right up.

She leaves as Vigaros watches her with a grin.

Vigaros: Damn, these fucking elf women are something else.

Leon: She's a frost elf from the Snow Tip Mountains of the north, I hear they're masters of frost magic.

Vigaros looks at Leon with an annoyed expression.

Vigaros: Why you gotta be a know it all? Can't you just agree with me that's she's hot?

???: Actually, she's cold.

Leon and Vigaros turn to see a middle-aged bald man with a beard walk up to them. He's wearing a wet brown cloak. He stops in front of them and smiles.

Vigaros looks at the man with a confused expression as Leon looks at him with a blank expression.

Baldir: Frost elves are naturally cold blooded individuals, and they are always cold to the touch. Apologies for startling you two. My name is Baldir, I'm a bounty hunter and I was wondering if you two gentlemen could offer me some information.

Baldir notices the swords strapped to the back of Leon and Vigaros.

Vigaros: Sure, what you need old man?

Baldir: I'm looking for a young woman. Redhead with a small scar on her cheek, just below her eye.

Vigaros strokes his chin beard.

Vigaros: Yeah, we haven't seen anyone like that chief, sorry.

Baldir looks disappointed.

Baldir: I see… well sorry for the disturbance, please carry on.

He turns and leaves as the elf maid comes back with two bottles. She places the bottles on the table.

Elf Woman: Your rooms are ready for you whenever.

She hands Leon and Vigaros both a key.

Elf Woman: Would you like some food as well?

Leon nods

Leon: Lamb is fine, thank you.

The elf smiles at him and looks at Vigaros who is merely grinning at her.

Elf Woman: And you?

Vigaros: I don't know… I'm kind of in the mood for something… cold.

The elf woman chuckles.

Elf Woman: You're cute. But being with me wouldn't be wise.

Vigaros scoffs.

Vigaros: And why's that?

Leon: When a frost elf mates their body temperature drops, it'll be like laying with a block of ice. Now imagine sticking your dick in a block of ice Vig, what do you think would happen?

Vigaros looks surprised as the elf laughs. She looks at Leon.

Elf Woman: You're well informed, are you an adventurer perhaps?

Leon takes a sip from the bottle.

Leon: Something like that.

Elf Woman: I'll bring you both fresh lambs. If you need anything let me know, my name is Gelida.

Leon: My name's Leon, and this charming rogue is Vigaros.

Vigaros: Vig is fine.

Gelida nods and leaves.

Leon turns to see a disappointed looking Vigaros take a sip.

Leon: There are many women here Vig, surely your spirit hasn't been broken already?

Vig: No… I just never been with an elf before.

Leon: Got a thing for elves?

Vig laughs.

Vig: Who doesn't? Elves are naturally beautiful creatures.

Leon takes a sip.

Leon: You should see a mermaid.

Vigs eyes widen.

Vig: A mermaid? Like fucking half woman half fish?

Leon nods.

Vig shrugs.

Vig: I mean I heard Mermaids are beautiful but the half I'm interested in is the half that's fish, ya know.

Leon chuckles.

Suddenly a group of large mean looking men all walk into the tavern. The tavern people all get silent as they watch the group sit down in a large table.

Gelida walks up to Leon and Vig with two plates of lamb. She places the plates on the table and lets out a sigh.

Leon: Is everything ok?

Gelida: Those men that just walked in, they're known as the Wild Boars Tusks. They go about doing bounty hunter work and monster hunting, all for the good of the people they say, but they're nothing but thugs.

Vig: I noticed the tension as soon as they walked in.

Gelida: That's natural. They come to the inn every so often, usually end up getting drunk and fighting with the people.

A man from the group raises his arm up and looks at Gelida.

Fin: AY! Fucking elf bitch, ya gonna get us a drink or what?

Gelida takes a deep breath looking annoyed.

She turns to the man with a smile.

Gelida: I'll be right there, ma lords.

She turns and walks towards the table.

Vig takes a sip and looks at Leon.

Vig: I'm tired Leon, I just want some food, finish my drink and lay in a nice comfortable bed hopefully with a cute woman beside me.

Leon looks at vig with a raised eyebrow.

Leon: Why you telling me?

Vig: Because I know how you are. If anything happens, for the love of the Gods friend, stay your blade.

Leon nods and takes a sip.

Gelida walks up to the men's table with a forced smile.

Gelida: What can I get for you all?

Roy: something strong, for everyone. And something to eat as well.

Gelida nods and leaves in a slight hurry.

Nel: So, where we heading to now boss?

Roy leans back and cracks his neck.

Roy: Wherever the work takes us. Might head north, might head south. Don't worry about that right now just go and enjoy yourselves.

Gelida returns with four pitchers of beer. She hands a pitcher to each man then turns to leave when Nel grabs her arms stopping her.

Gelida turns with a worried expression as Nel smiles blankly at her.

Nel: Where's the food woman?

Gelida: I'm going to get the food right now my lord.

Nel continues smiling at her as he lets her go.

Gelida rushes away.

Nel looks at Ike who is chugging down the beer.

Nel: I think she likes me.

Ike slams down the pitcher and begins to laugh.

Ike: HAHAHA! She likes you about as much as cats like water.

Nel scoffs and takes a gulp of his beer, he then cleans off the foam from his mouth and beard.

Nel: I think you're just jealous fatass.

Ike raises an eyebrow.

Nel: Every time we come here, she gives me the most attention and you hate that.

Roy and Fin look at each other with smirks.

Ike leans in close.

Ike: First of all, mate, your skills with woman are nonexistent, the lass is clearly terrified of us and that's why she puts up with your ugly mug.

Nel: Or maybe she likes this ugly mug, prefers it to your fatass.

Roy: Enough!

Nel and Ike both lean back and take a drink from their mugs.

Gelida returns with plates of food. She places the plates on the tables.

Gelida: If you need anything else do let me know.

Nel: That is all we require love. But of course, you're welcome to join us.

Nel motions for an empty seat next to him.

Gelida smiles and shakes her head.

Gelida: It would be a pleasure, but I have many guests to attend to, I'm sorry.

Ike smirks at Nel as he takes a sip.

Gelida turns to leave when Nel stands and grabs her arm. Everyone turns to look.

Nel: I insist…

Gelida locks eyes with Leon. She smiles warmly as Leon's expression turns serious. Gelida turns to face Nel.

Gelida: There are many other people that require my services, I am sor-

Nel slaps Gelida in the face knocking her down.

Everyone in the tavern has a shocked expression.

Leon makes a motion to stand when Vig holds his arm. Leon looks at Vig with a serious expression as Vig shakes his head. Leon turns towards Gelida and the men but remains seated.

Gelida holds her cheek as Nel towers above her.

Nel: I asked you nicely the first-time bitch, but now ya done and pissed me off.

Ike: You expect to win a woman's heart by hitting her to the ground?

Ike takes out his blade and aims it at Ike.

Nel: I've just about had it with you…

Ike looks at Roy with a serious expression.

Roy calmly takes a gulp of his drink. He motions with his hands

Roy: Handle your business. Just make it quick.

Ike grins ominously as he stands up and takes out his blade.

Nel turns his head to Gelida

Nel: When I'm done with him, I'll get back to you.

Ike and Nel circle each other as the tavern people look on in horror.

Nel: Come on ya fat fuck, I'll gut you like the pig you are!

Ike: You talk a lot for a dead man, after I cut off your head ill make love to that elf, just for you.

Nel swings his blade in rage as Ike manages to block the blow. Ike pushes Nel back and goes for an overhead swing when Nel swiftly dodges and manages to lightly cut Ike on his shoulder. Ike turns instantly with a swing of his blade that Nel barely blocks, the force sends him falling back. Ike doesn't skip a beat and charges at Nel with a thrust that Nel manages to parry. Nel then slices up Ikes shirt ripping it from his chest up. Ike takes a step back and goes for an overhead, Nel sees the attack coming and dodges to the right, Ike feints his overhead into a downward angled slash on his right that catches Nel by surprise. The sword slashes at Nel's shirt ripping it and drawing blood. Nel takes a couple steps back looking at the blood on his chest.

Ike: You're a fast-little shit I'll give ya that. But just like with woman you lack skill with a sword.

Ike grits his teeth in anger as he rushes towards Nel who gets in a defensive pose. Nel and Ike clash swords. Nel does a spin and aims his sword at Ikes foot who manages to jump back just as Nel buries the sword in the wood. Ike then charges at Nel who turns and grabs a mug from the table, he then throws beer at Ike's face mid charge. Ike closes his eyes but continues charging blindly. Nel trips Ike who falls hard on the floor. Nel grabs his sword and aims it down on Ike with all his force. Ike shifts to the left, but the sword penetrates the left side of his torso. Ike screams in pain. Nel lets out a laugh.

Nel: The bigger they are the harder they fall. Victory is mine fat man. Any last words?

Ike: Yeah… kneel for me…

Nel looks confused as Ike takes out a knife and quickly stabs Nel in the side of the knee. Nel screams in pain as he kneels down. Ike then aims his knife at Nel's throat.

Ike: Victory is mine dumb shit!

Roy: ENOUGH!!!

Ike stops inches from the side of Nel's throat. Roy stands up cracking his shoulders. He walks up to both men.

Roy: This battle is over. You're both great fighters and I will not lose any of you to a damn argument over a bitch. Nel is faster, and he used his speed to outmaneuver. He also used his wit and got a clean strike in. But Ike is larger and more experienced, he used his strength and experience well. He even shifted his weight as Nel struck down his blade to avoid any major arteries or organs, such quick thinking. He also disabled Nel's speed and ensured victory.

Roy turns to face Nel.

Roy: You're young, but you could learn a thing or two from Ike.

He turns to Ike.

Roy: You're experienced with a blade, but in battle anything can be used as a weapon, learn from Nel.

Roy then turns.

Roy: Now that this argument is over…

He lifts up Gelida from the ground.

Roy: Fin go and treat their wounds.

Fin is on the table eating a chicken leg. He puts the chicken leg down and nods. He heads over and helps both Nel and Ike up from the ground.

Roy looks at Gelida.

Roy: All that for a measly elf…

Gelida looks off not meeting Roy's gaze.

Roy grins

Roy: But you are beautiful…

He takes out a pouch of money and tosses it on a table.

He then turns with the others and walks out the inn.

The people in the tavern are silent. Gelida sits down in a nearby chair. She lets outs a sigh. Leon and Vig walk up beside her. Leon sits down in a chair next to her. He grabs a pint in front of him and places it on Gelidas cheek. She smiles at the act.

Gelida: It'll heal. Elves naturally heal faster than humans.

Leon: I'm sorry, I should've done something.

Gelida shakes her head.

Gelida: You would've just made things worse, staying put was the right move.

Vig nods.

Vig: Course it was, that's why I told him to.

He looks around as people drink and eat all muttering to themselves.

Vig: I think I'm gonna call it a night.

Leon nods at him.

Leon: Sleep well brother.

Leon and Vig fist bump and Vig turns to Gelida.

Vig: Goodnight.

Gelida smiles warmly at him.

Gelida: Goodnight.

Leon takes a gulp from the pitcher and sets it down on the table.

Gelida: I'm tired of this shit…

Leon looks at her.

Leon: Does this happen much?

Gelida: If it's not them it's someone else. Fighting usually always happens here whether it be with swords or fists.

Leon: What are you doing here? I mean you're so far from the Snow Tip Mountains…

Gelida: I came here in search of a better life. Working here isn't permanent I just need coin to move along. I want to see the world, that's why I left.

Leon: The world is a cruel and dark place; it'll swallow you up whole if you let it.

Gelida looks at Leon with a smile.

Gelida: And yet there is still good in it. I have seen many horrors and very little acts of kindness and love. Yet those small acts are enough proof that there is good in this world.

Leon: How much coin do you need to leave?Gelida looks deeply into Leon's eyes.

Gelida: enough to get a horse and make it to the next town over. I've saved up a large amount. I'm missing about 60 silver for the horse.

Leon nods.

Leon: I'll give you the silver you need for the horse. Tomorrow at first light we'll go and get one, after that you can ride with me and Vig to the next town, we'll keep you safe.

Gelida looks shocked. Tears start forming in her eyes as she wipes them with a smile.

Gelida: You don't have to, really.

Leon smiles warmly at her.

Leon: It's fine. We could use the company, hearing Vig talk gets exhausting, having you along for a while would be nice.

Gelida nods at Leon.

Leon: Well I'm gonna catch some sleep, would you like me to help you clean up the place before?

He looks around at the mess created by the fight.

Gelida: No, don't worry, me and the inn keeper will get it done in no time.

Leon nods.

He stands and turns to leave.

Gelida: Leon…

Leon turns

Gelida: Thank you, for adding another act of kindness to world.

Leon nods and turns to leave.

The scene is of Roy, Fin, Nel, and Ike all outside in the wilderness. The rain has stopped.

Nel and Ike are resting on a large tree. Ike has his torso covered in a bandage and Nel has his knee covered in a bandage.

Fine walks up to Roy who is standing lost in thought with himself.

Fin: I finished patching them up. Nel's wound is the worst, might take time to heal. Ike's torso is damaged pretty bad and he won't be able to move properly for a while. Needless to say, boss they won't be fighting anyone or anything anytime soon.

Roy: I know a healer who can use the source to fix them both back up. We'll take them there and get em healed, then we're coming back.

Fin raises an eyebrow.

Fin: Why is that boss?

Roy begins to walk away with an ominous grin.

Roy: I want that elf…