Raniq and Kieron Meet
It's Variday, Hattanani 16, 1018. The full moon is up. The tide is high and rising. A light rain falls from a grey sky. It's cool and there's a mild wind from the east.
The Dran Front
Raniq is trying to go unnoticed as he moves across the battlefield. Fortunately, most of the fighting seems to be focused elsewhere. He stops and sits on a rock to catch his breath, and the snowy-white ermine on his shoulders sniffs around.
Kieron Brightsaber trudges along the frontlines of his homeland, a shield hanging low on his back and a pretty big sword fastened on his side. From the distant look in his eye and his slow pace, it's clear he has been walking for some time, hours perhaps, but he hasn't reached exhaustion at this point. The battles no doubt raging on elsewhere don't seem to take hold of the youth. His eyes are pinned to the ground, unfocused.
Raniq's ermine chitters in his ear, at which the young wizard looks up and directs his eyes toward the young Dran fighter. He calls out, trying to be heard and unheard at the same time, "Hey there, did anybody see you?"
Kieron doesn't stop. For a moment, it might look like he doesn't plan on ever coming to a halt. Abruptly, he pauses and looks to the Highborn human, gripping his sword reflexively. "I hope not. I have little interest in my people's war with the Rune, if that's what you're wondering." His lips suddenly shape into a challenging grin. "Why are you here? There's battle around us. Blood has been spilt. The death count must be incredibly high by now. I imaginewith one sword blow, a proper noble such as yourself would meet your maker.
Raniq stands and approaches the fighter cautiously, to indicate that he doesn't want trouble. He says, "Only, I hope, if it was an incredible swing or an incredible sword." He smirks, "I'm actually here quite by accident. I was in the sewers in Alexandria, getting ready to use this teleportation device that they have there for quick access to Rune city. I tripped, and it must have been jolted funny or something 'cause I appeared here instead."
Kieron's grin falters at the clever comeback. "Hm...We'll have to test that, won't we?" It's almost a threat, but his stance remains casual. so it's probably safe to come closer. "Alexandria? Teleportation?" Does Kieron even know what that means?! By the curious look on his face, the answer is probably no. "How far this...Alexandria...from here?"
Raniq grins, "Oh, Alexandria is leagues and leagues away, another country, even. But I think if you wanted to get there, we could probably achieve it in about an hour, and for no cost in coin, even." Reaching out his right arm in a gesture of complete confidence and undiluted friendship, he says, "I'm Raniq of Alexandria, a wizard of Eluna, and you look like you could use a drink, a meal, perhaps a bath, and a friend. You wanna see where I come from?"
Kieron can't help but smile at the kindness this stranger shows him. "My name is Kieron Brightsaber, former heir to a clan of Dran." The young man heartily grips the extended arm and gives it a warrior's shake. "Show me to Alexandria, then!"
(Making a long story short for RL time limitations,) Raniq guides Kieron into Rune, down to the basement of the candy shop, through the teleportation device to Alexandria's sewers, up to the city streets, and straight to the Adventurers Guild, explaining his background, the way life in Alexandria runs, some recent events, and how the Guild works.