The streets of Dornenfall felt darker than usual that evening. Lanterns flickered over the wet cobblestones as Elve walked beside Cliff, her brow slightly furrowed.
Since when can you afford dinner? she asked with a faint smirk. Did you suddenly find gold somewhere?
Cliff only shrugged and kept walking.
The tavern they stopped at looked worn and crooked, its door creaking as they stepped inside. A few rough-looking men sat scattered around the room. Conversations faded when Elve entered. Several eyes lingered on her.
A chill crept along her spine.
Cliff… what is this place? she muttered.
His hand suddenly tightened around her arm. Without answering, he dragged her toward a door at the back and shoved it open.
Elve stumbled into a private room.
Several men were already waiting.
There she is, Cliff said calmly. That settles my debt.
Before she could react, a fist slammed into her stomach. The air burst from her lungs and she dropped to her knees.
Laughter filled the room.
A hand grabbed her shoulder and forced her upright.
Nice, one of the men muttered. She’ll fetch a good price.
Elve glared at him. Let me go, you bast—
Another blow cut her off.
Someone seized her collar. Fabric tore loudly as rough hands pulled at her jacket and shirt. Elve struggled, kicking and twisting, but there were too many of them.
At the doorway Cliff watched silently.
Then he turned and walked away.
A quiet throat-clearing suddenly echoed from the entrance.
The men paused.
The door opened slowly.
A figure stepped inside.
Steel rang softly as a sword slid from its sheath and stopped directly between Elve and the men.
The blade gleamed in the lantern light.
The room fell silent.
Elve lifted her head and saw {{user}}.