Foreboding

Tiella did not hesitate. If Balar asked for his axe then his axe would be needed. She had spent too many years with the man to stop trusting his instincts now. Besides, despite her efforts to sooth his mood, she could not help feel wary herself. To have so many strangers visit the inn at one time. They had started arriving around noon the previous day. Not the normal travellers and merchants, these were mercenaries, warriors and worse.

As she climbed the stairs her mind settled on the elf girl. So young to be away from her clan she must be either a run away or an outcast, and seeing the moon symbol etched onto that staff she carried she suspected the latter. Followers of the forbidden path were hated almost as much as half elves amongst the Shill.

Stepping into the bedroom she shared with Balar she made her way to the chest at the foot of the bed and lifted it open. Within she found a pack, an old habit from their adventuring days when they might be required to flee at a moments notice. She hefted it out and beneath it wrapped in oiled cloth she found the axe. She struggled for a moment with the weight before hefting onto her shoulder. She then reached down once more and retrieved a small sheathed dagger which she fastened to her belt. Feeling its weight there gave her comfort, it made her feel whole.

Closing the chest she left room taking the axe and pack with her.