In the area of the Crimson Underground known as the Elven Domain, a small ray of moonlight peaks out from the clouds and falls upon a clearing in the forest. A lone horse stands in the lunar light, patiently waiting as it is prepared for a journey. Readying the steed is a young man, an elf with short blonde hair and a child like face. His eyes, however, betrayed his age. Years of wisdom and experience could be seen behind the curtain of emerald. His smile showed deep kindness and a calm joy that was seen in most young men his age. His clothes were hidden underneath a beige cloak. Only his brown hunting boots gave any indication of what he wore underneath the robe.<br/><br/>"Are you really going alone, sir?"<br/><br/>The young elf turned when he heard a woman's voice. He smiled as he was greeted with the site of one of the Royal Advisers, and one of his oldest friends. The woman wore a tight beige tunic with sleeves that cut off at her forearms.  Matching pants hugged her legs, complimenting her features. A pair of black fingerless gloves covered her hands, while black hunting boots protected her feet. A long green scarf flowed in the wind behind her, and sniper goggles perched atop her short raven hair completed the unique ensemble.  She gave a smile of her own as she stepped up next to the cloaked elf. The young woman rubbed the horseâ€™s snout, which earned a neigh of happiness. She then looked at the man.<br/><br/>"I can come with you."<br/><br/>The elf shook his head with a smile. â€œIâ€™ll be fine Avana. Iâ€™m just traveling to the neutral lands. It shouldnâ€™t take long.â€<br/><br/>The young girl moved back as the man mounts his steed. She tilted her head, â€œGoing to the tavern now that itâ€™s open again?â€<br/><br/>In response, the young man brought out an envelope with a bright seal. The seal had already been broken, signifying that the contents had been viewed. He then concealed the envelope inside his cloak, â€œThe Queen always told me stories about that old tavern. Iâ€™d like to see it for myself.â€ He then sighed, â€œIâ€™d like to go for her sake as well.â€<br/><br/>Avana smiled sadly, â€œYeah, I think she would want you to.â€ She then looked down, â€œBut why do you have to go alone Kalden?â€<br/><br/>He looked at her, and smiled, â€œI know you want to go with me, but itâ€™s already dangerous having me leave the Domain. I need someone to protect it while Iâ€™m gone, and youâ€™re just as strong as me. Iâ€™m counting on you until I get back.â€<br/><br/>Avana laughed softly, â€œI guess having the King gone alone would be bad enough.â€ She looked up, â€œYou can count on me. Just pleaseâ€¦hurry back; Iâ€™m sure everyone will miss you.â€<br/><br/>He nodded, and kicked his horse into action. Soon, Kalden was nothing more than a shadow against the night sky. Avana waved after him, and then put her hands to her chest, â€œI know I will miss you.â€<br/><br/>Kalden was soon out of the Elven territory, and in the part of the Underground that belonged to no one. He traversed the landscape carefully, using his keen eyes to keep away from treacherous paths. He traveled over wide plains and rocky lands until he finally saw the shadow of a large building on the horizon. He smiled, and steered his steed in the direction of the castle. As he came up in front of it, he saw the crest that the old Queen had described to him. The castle looked a little different than what he expected, but he recognized it nonetheless. He dismounted his horse, grabbed his bow and told his steed to stay around the area. The horse neighed, and nuzzled Kalden before going off to graze near the castleâ€™s door.<br/><br/>He slowly walked up to the castleâ€™s large doors, noticing the statues of large dragons etched into them. â€œSuch good craftsmanship, whoever built this castle was a master at his craft.â€ After admiring the castle for a little longer, he worked up the courage to enter the inn. As he passed the threshold, he was greeted with gentle warmth, and a soft light. He dared to venture further in until he found the bar. He noticed a woman to his right. She was relaxing in a nice chair with a bottle of liquor. Kalden smiled and spoke, looking at no one in particular, â€œI can see now why the Queen was so fond of this place. Itâ€™s very warm and welcoming. Would it be alright if I had a drink?â€