"Shadow of a Past life-First section" by Jess Hanna

Roan pulled her shawl tighter around her face. The leaves rustled around her. "Ahh calm down will ya? It's nice to have a bit a peace for a change," came a melodic voice from down below. Roan hopped off her perch in the oak. "Yes, your right. Come along, Kayligh."

Kayligh pulled her long, golden hair back behind her pointed sylvan ears and revealed her gleaming, green eyes. On her forehead was a headband worn by her people. It was the blue vine of the snapping dragon, from the Southern jungles of Daggertooth and red strands of dryad hair.

She was wandering alone until she met Roan. Kayligh didn't know much about Roan, and what she did often changed. Roan was tall and slender. She had light blue eyes and black bangs along her forehead. The rest of her hair couldn't be seen, as Roan always wore a hooded cloak. Roan wore drab clothing; the only thing notice-able on her person was a golden brooch that she kept tucked away at most times.

"We're ten miles East of Triaklor," stated Kayligh, "Maybe we can get our next job there or at least supplies." Roan's face turned up at the mention of Triaklor but quickly faded back to the indifferent look that seemed to always be there. Kayligh didn't miss it. "What's wrong? Do ya miss Secbaue?" She asked, missing the source. "No, no, I'm fine. Let's just re-stock at Triaklor and be out of there, okay?" Roan replied quickly. Kayligh studied Roan carefully. She reluctantly said, "I guess so. I thought you missed the cities, though."

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With the sun setting behind them, their first sight of civilization almost overwhelmed Kayligh and Roan. The streets in Triaklor were well paved if you didn't mind the weeds growing up between the cobblestones. They soon found an inn called "The Trip's End Inn". It was a tall building, constructed mostly out of stone and with wooden floors and a balcony on the second floor. "Let's get rooms for the night then we can get supplies in the morning," suggested Roan.

The innkeeper smiled as they walked in. "Why hello, and welcome to The Trip's End Inn!" he chimed. Roan and Kayligh went over to him. "We need some rooms for the night," Roan stated matter-of-factly, "But I'm afraid we don't have any cash right now; though, we can offer you a gem worth the price tenfold." "Hmm, I'm not sure. Let me see this gem of yours," the innkeeper commanded somewhat doubtfully. Roan quickly fished out the gem from a nearly hidden pouch tucked near her belt. The innkeeper, catching sight of something golden, demanded to see it. Roan brought the bag back out, wandering what was causing such a problem. He gave quick look at the contents, scowling. He pulled out the brooch, and held it between two fingers. Looked at Roan, he snapped "We don't serve your kind here," and with that threw back the gem and brooch. Roan and Kayligh left quickly. "What was he talking about?" asked Kayligh as soon as she dared. "I wish I knew. It must have something to do with this though," responded Roan holding up the brooch, "For now though, we need to find a place for the night." Soon enough they found refuge in a kind man's home nearby.

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