Hazel tried to keep quiet as she packed her nap sack with dried fruit and bread. The dim light coming from the window was just enough to see within the quaint little shack. Her eyes looked to the wizard sleeping in his cot. She noticed that in the past few weeks his breathing was starting to sound raspy. She pulled his blanket up and kissed his bald head before quietly leaving out the door. Outside the morning air was cool and the ground was wet with dew. Rosin was already waiting for her.<br/>"Are you ready?"<br/>"Yeah lets go."<br/><br/>The dwarf and elf hiked down the mountain's rocky side as the sun rose. The orange light felt warm but the air was still cool while more and more birds started to sing.<br/>"Well it's a lovely day fer traveling wouldn't you say?"<br/>"Yes, although I do feel bad for leaving the ole Gryph alone. I know he's been old forever but his age is starting show more and more lately. He used to take walks in the afternoon. Now he's even too tired fer that."<br/>"I know, how bout when we make it to town, after we deliver the potion, we buy yer ole man some herbs and tea. That'll do 'im some good."<br/>"That's a wonderful idea. You know where in town we can find any?"<br/>"Course, I mean it's been a while since I've been there, and I was there with mah Dad, but I'm pretty sure I know where I'm going."<br/><br/>The wizard is very skilled at making potions and elixirs. One such potion he makes especially for the duke, is an age resisting potion. It keeps old folks alive for much longer. Although it's not enough to prevent death, it works fairly well. Twice a year the duke was delivered the potion. Of course it was Farrid who ran the errand, but he was away on important business this time and so it was up to Hazel to do the job. But the trip to the duke's large and luxurious home is long, and so Hazel is sent to meet with the Duke's messenger in the town at the foot of the mountains to give it to him (secretly of course). Hazel had never been to town nor traveled outside the mountain range but Rosin had on a few occasions, so it was Rosin's duty to guide Hazel through town.<br/><br/>The sun rose quickly and so the day warmed up. They continued to hike through the coniferous forest, Hazel walking ahead, nimbly stepping with light feet, while Rosin trudging with heavy boots.<br/>Soon it was time to eat breakfast. They sat on a rock and warmed their skin while chewing on dried fruit. Rosin explained to Hazel what humans were like and why dwarfs were better.<br/><br/>As they made their way further down the mountain side Hazel and Rosin stopped by Buckthorn's lean-to nestled in the trees. Hazel was hoping he'd come with for an adventure but was disappointed to find a note on the door. "Dear Hazel, My sister is ill, I'll be gone for a few weeks. Love Buckthorn."<br/>Rosin said it was better they went without him anyways. She referred to him as odd and untrustworthy and best avoided. Hazel however enjoyed Buckthorn's company.<br/><br/>It took them all day to reach the valley of the mountains. There would be an uphill hike to the top of the next peak, Then small town would be at the foot of the mountain on the other side.<br/>They decided to camp in the valley for the night where they could drink and bathe in the cold clean river that cut through the valley. The stars were bright and their tiny fire cracked as they lay to rest.<br/>"Rosin you'd better not snore this time, you'll attract bears."<br/>"I do not snore! I have a beautiful wispy whimper when I sleep."<br/>"If That's a whimper then I'm a goblin with a toothache."<br/>Rosin threw her pack at Hazel but the elf merely laughed. They giggled on like this for an hour or so before finally falling asleep.<br/><br/>The next day they slept in fairly late, till about nine or so before heading off again. Hazel liked the hike but Rosin complained the whole way. She didn't care for the trees and plants that continuously tried to trip her feet. After a while Hazel let Rosin ride on her back as a deer. Although Rosin is a heavy gal, to keep her from complaining any longer was worth the back pain. When they reached the other side of the mountain they could see the town in a clearing below. Rosin handed Hazel a fake beard. They tied them on with stings then pulled on wide brimmed hats and covered up with cloaks. "Do we look like old men?" Hazel asked. "Close enough. No men will bother us if we're dressed this way. At least that's what father says."<br/>Hazel scratched at her beard, it itched terribly, and was uncomfortable in the warm day.<br/><br/>They walked a steady pace through the forest and then onto a path, they saw a few small farms and houses in between the trees, but met only one horseman on the road. It was late by the time they made it to the town, and many of the people were inside their homes. "Lets get a room, we'll see the delivery man early in the morning then spend the rest of the day in town eh?" Hazel nodded. "I believe he'll arrive around eleven."<br/>The two came to a cheap inn. Rosin's heavy boots made the floor boards squeak under her weight as she strode across the room, while Hazel's bare feet made no sound.<br/>"One room, two beds!" Rosin grumbled with her best male voice. Hazel handed her a gold coin to give the teller. She then let her eyes scan the room. The bottom floor was a pub and at the rear of the room was the stair case to the bedrooms.<br/>"might as well have a pint." Rosin whispered from under her beard. "I hate the nasty stuff." Hazel sneered, "But of you must, Gryph gave me enough money to spare. I'll buy you one."<br/><br/>With a heavy frothy pint of beer Rosin sat at a table. They made sure to squat down and hide their faces, trying their best the keep a low profile.<br/><br/>(Sorry it's so long, Writer's....spew?)<br/>