The travelers did not pass through the small, mountain village unnoticed. In fact, almost every head turned to get a better look at the "new faces in town". A sorceress and a young swordsman. The sorceress was obviously a controller of fire and ice. Her appearence made that clear. She was fully clad in the colors blue, white, orange, and red. Her short, choppy hair grew in the same colors. Her eyes shown a crystalline blue, but when she was enraged, they transformed into a firey orange. A cape fell around her shoulders and down her back in waves. It's color was blue on the outside, orange on the inside. She also carried a pearly staff which, at the top, fastened a glassy sphere and the same two colors swirled around the sphere.

As for the swordsman, he was young and handsome. He had short, black hair and dark eyes. He stood tall and carried a look of confidence in his eyes. He carried a large kitana sword, and a round shield. Along with the powerful looking sword he carried, a painful looking flail hung at his side. As far as his clothing, what wasn't the silver color of his metal armor was maroon colored leather. He was mainly clothed in a leather tunic. Steel sat over his shoulders for protection. His feet were also clad in steel. A belt fastened around his waist carrying his belongings.

Though they had obvious power and strength, they seemed friendly enough. They were warriors, no doubt, but it didn't seem as though they meant any harm to the villagers. They were probably just looking for refuge, possibly an INN to rest and gather their strength. Then they would be on their way. The travelers entered the tavern, a lively, bustling place. They appreciated the festive atmosphere. They took a seat at the bar. The bar tender was a plump, motherly looking woman.

"Ah! Newcomers eh?" she said. "What can I get for you today?"

"How about a pint?" the swordsman replied with a smile.

"Make that two." added the sorceress.

"Can you handle a whole one, miss?" the bar tender looked surprised.

"I'm a big girl." the sorceress said with a grin.

The friendly bar tender disappeared into the back, returning a few moments later with two pints of ale. "There you are, friends. By the way, I'm Nahna." she said.

"I'm Raiden," the swordsman said, "and this is Embryss."

"Well met. So, what brings you to this part of the Vale mountains?" Nahna asked curiously.

"We were actually just on our way to Jenaeva, but we decided to pass through Brofed here to rest and renew our supplies." Embryss explained.

"Ah, well you've come to just the right place. There is a lovely INN just to the north side of town. It is run by a friendly old man by the name of Gimbor. You will find hospitality there. There is also a weopen shop to the east of this tavern, but the man who owns it, Fallis, is quite the scoundral. His prices are high, his service is low. As is his mood. Try to avoid the dependance of his services if possible." Nahna offered.

"Thank you, Nahna. That tip shall be quite useful. And I thank you for you kindness." Raiden said.

"By what path did you plan to get to Jenaeva?" Nahna asked, suddenly curious again.

"We figured it would make the journey shorter if we traveled through those woods to the east." Embryss replied.

Nahna let out a gasp. "Do you know nothing of those woods?" she asked, shocked.

"Are they of danger to us?" Embryss asked.

"That is the Thieves Forest! The whole place is infested with thieves. You would be robbed within minutes of entering the woods. And you would be lucky to be left alive! That all depends on the mercy of the thief." Nahna explained.

"And nothing has been done about this?" Raiden asked, shocked.

"Nothing can be done." Nahna replied. "When we send in rangers, no thieves can be found. But when a traveler enters those woods, they are brutally attacked."

"Something must be done." Embryss stated. "Don't worry. Raiden and I will do what we can."

"That's crazy talk! You will be completely outnumbered! You'll be killed!" Nahna exclaimed.

Embryss placed a hand on the woman's plump shoulder. "Don't you worry. We are warriors. We have won many battles in the past. We'll see what we can do." she said comfortingly.

"It's been a pleasure, Nahna." Raiden said, rising from his chair. "We shall be leaving town in a couple of days. We will stop in before we go." He poured a large amount of coins onto the bar. "And keep the change." They turned to leave.

"Bless you, friends. Bless you." Nahna said under her breath as the two kind warriors left the tavern.

None did anyone know, the entire conversation was being listened to. The two newcomers were being watched by a half-elven woman with jade colored eyes, and a halfling holding a large sack filled with stolen riches.

"They will be passing through our forest in two days." Jaide said to her partner in crime.

"Yes, but we have enough in value to last us a while." Strader replied. "We don't have to rob anyone for a while."

"But that's no fun." Jaide said. "Besides, they are obviously wealthy. Did you see how much they paid for a couple of drinks?"

Strader smiled. "Alright. I'm in."