Qilynn Starpath watched the sailors throw heavy ropes over the rail to men waiting on the dock. They caught the arm-thick lines as they landed on the pier, wrapping them around sturdy wooden logs that disappeared into the harbor.

“Drop anchor!” the captain roared.

Qilynn grabbed for the rail as the ship bumped hard against the pier. For a few moments, the deck beneath her feet lifted and fell with the motion of the water. She shifted her feet and flexed her knees to cope with the moving surface. When the ship finally settled, she made her way to the cabin she shared with the rest of the passengers.

“They’ll let us off soon,” she said to no one in particular. “We just reached the pier.”

“Can’t come soon enough for me,” said Tumorgi, the big half-orc.

Another thunk reverberated through the hull as the crew secured the ship to the pier and dropped the gangway in place. Qilynn couldn’t wait to step onto solid ground once more.

“Qilynn,” came the hesitant question from Kharys, who entered the cabin behind her.

“Aye?”

“Have you enough coin to get what you need?”

“I… I believe so,” came the response. Qilynn reached into her belt pouch and pulled out a handful of gold coins. “Do you think this would be enough? I don’t need much.” She looked down at her gown mournfully. “I don’t know that this can be salvaged.” The gown had been a gift from her mother so she could attend the Summer Court Ball from which Dark Samiris had teleported her.

Qilynn still fumed over that. After all, she had asked the woman to dance, nothing more. And that sudden desire for someone she would never look twice at. What in the ‘Wild was that all about, anyway? She would have her answers, eventually. For now, she needed a new set of clothing and a plan.

At the half-bell, the captain announced they could disembark the ship. The unique combination of salt, seaweed, and fish permeated the air as Qilynn stepped gingerly down the moving gangplank. Her mood lightened and an air of early autumn surrounded her. As her foot touched the pier, a large, squawking raven appeared on her shoulder.

“Rude! Rude!”

“Yes, it was rude, wasn’t it?” she said to the raven, following her former cabin mates. “At least you didn’t land in an ocean.”

“Awk?!”

“Yes, and we have new friends.” Qilynn introduced her familiar, Pistachio Dimpleshadow, to Tumorgi and Kharys.

“Er, hi?” said Tumorgi in his gruff voice.

“Pleased to meet you, Master Dimpleshadow,” said Kharys, speaking the bird’s own language.

“You talk Raven! Raven friend?”

“Aye,” replied Kharys, “I am friend to most of Nature’s children.”

“Lady Qilynn,” the captain’s voice cut through the crowd, catching Qilynn’s ear.

“Yes, captain?”

“Hear ye!” a booming voice cut off the captain’s response. “The Baron of this fair city seeks anyone desiring employment to present themselves at the manor house one bell hence. He will share the details of his request at that time.” With that, activity returned to its previous flow.

“I was about to suggest you meet the local baron, but I see his herald has offered somewhat of an invitation. Employment to be sure, but someone of your station,” he looked meaningfully at the signet ring on the middle finger of her right hand, “should introduce themselves to the local nobility.”

“Indeed. Thank you for directing me to your baron.”

“Not my baron,” he laughed. “Though, I do know he has an… appreciation for all things Elvish.”

“Thank you. I will make my introductions.”

With that, the group followed the captain’s directions to the manor house. Along the way, Qilynn purchased items she would need: two changes of clothing, a knapsack with basic survival gear, and an oak staff. She was grateful to her new friends and their shopping advice. She would never have thought to keep a tinderbox, of all things, in her pouch. But, Tumorgi recommended one, so now he would have to show her how to use it.

Next: Qilynn: Meeting Baron Wildhurst