So this is a story I have been working on, it was a D&D campaign that's been going on. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I am writing it. Keep a close eye out because I'm already working on the next installment!


“If there is evil in this world than it lies in the heart of mankind.” A voice spoke out. “Gather round and I shall spin you a tale of great heroism and great valor, but also..A great and powerful evil that plagued this world and brought it near to destruction!” The man's voice continued. “Three great and powerful people invoked a great treaty to unite countries. An elf who's archery skills were said to be so great he could blot out the skies with a volley of arrows. A human mage so wise said to have been second only to Cybelle the god of magic himself! And a dwarf, who's hammer could strike so hard people say it felt as if a great dragon had stomped the earth where he stood. They were the people who were able to bring about the great calm. They stopped a powerful evil that sought the power of the gods themselves to create a world of death and destruction. With their combined might and courage and certainly with the power of friendship, these three were able to bring this monster to it's knees!” As a voice spoke up. “Yeah yeah power of friendship my eye! Look, I came to you looking for something a little more sustaining than some old wive's tale about some friends that ruined someone's plans. Now tell me about the sword like I wanted..” The city of Elancier it is a bright and bustling day, a momentous occasion has occurred in town, the patron Saint Cuthbert had blessed this town with a beautiful relic. Just inside the walls of the town there were two less than savory chaps plotting and planning. One was a fluffy and burly gentleman, a red panda with bright blond hair tied back into a ponytail. “So then, chap what is the plan today? We traveled a long way to get here and if it's just because of a hunch my stomach isn't gonna be too happy.” The red panda spoke up.
“You moron, we're here for a big heist! Now we just need a patsy to take the fall in case anything happens..” The shorter accomplice said, his shaggy blond hair and devilish grin made him look like he definitely knew what he was doing. The ragtag duo walked down the streets when they came across a young canine girl at a stand, she was selling jewelry with very little avail. “Excuse me sir? M-ma'am! Someone? Anyone..?” Her ears drooped crestfallen.
“Hey! Al!” The panda jostled the Bernese Mountain Dog in the ribs. “Ow-H-hey!” The rogueish character glanced scanning her up and down slowly, “Yes I do believe this one might do just fine..” He smirked. The males walked over to her stand and Al leaned on her wooden stand smiling. “Hey there, how's business treating ya?” The Australian Shepherd's ears drooped sadly.
“Not so well sir, people aren't really looking at my wares, and I could really use the money.” She pouted. Al rubbed his paws together grinning. “Well if you're interested in making a bit of money, I'm sure if you can get your hands dirty you'll do just fine.”
The girl nods her head. “Okay.” She simply stated, Alphonse looked at her rather shocked at just how quickly she just responded. “Wait..Really??” He responded. “You're not even gonna ask me what it is we will be doing??”
The girl shook her head. “It can't be all that terrible.” She smiled, Quinton looked at his canine companion and shrugged. “It's not horrible. We're going to be pulling a quick heist is all, nothing special.” The girl looks at the panda curiously. “A...Heist?” She questioned.
“Yeah don't worry about it just come on this way! We gotta head over to the temple district.” The girl looked at them wagging her tail. “Are we going there to pray to Saint Cuthbert?” She asked. Al shook his head. “Not exactly. Also...I kinda need to have a name to call you, I'm Alphonse and this is Quinton.” He introduced the two men. The Australian smiled looking at the two. “I'm Irina.”
The three made their way to a large scale monastery gilded and bright and shining. Outside the front of the monastery stood a large crowd of people looking onto an older gentleman in a black robe, his look in his eyes was tired but had a look of great joy in his smile. “My friends my friends! The time is almost upon us when the relic will be placed into our capable hands!” The crowd cheered heartily.
Al and the gang snuck around the side of the monastery, on the side of the church was a cellar into the undercroft guarded by two soldiers. Al snuck himself into the bushes yanking the his fuzzy panda friend in with him. The young woman ducked in with the two and looked at Al. “Just why are we hiding here?” She asked.
Alphonse looked at the girl hushing her quietly. “The reason we’re hiding is because if those two idiots catch us they’ll hang us for what we’re going to do.” He chuckled. “I need you to make a glyph. A sleep glyph if possible Irina. It’ll make it easier instead of having to kill someone.” He said in as serious a tone he could muster. The girl’s eyes widened in horror. “You wouldn’t! Would you..?” Alphonse looked at her. “Well if you make that you won’t have to find out!” He snickered.
Irina huffed quietly. “Alright but it’s gonna take a little time.” The second canine nodded his head. “Alright big guy, grab a rock and try to distract one of the guards while she gets to crafting.” The slender male ordered. Quinton nodded his head grabbing a hefty rock and chucked it at the guards, the large size rock pinged off the guards cold steel armor, the armored soldier’s face looked so very surprised by the hit. “Oi! Who’s hucking rocks!?” The guard started to look around the area patrolling checking the bushes to the far left and around the trees. “Oi Alfred! If you keep that up cap’n isn’t gonna be happy with us!”
The other guard sighed and walked back to his post. “Henry I think someone is messing with me..” He muttered grumpily. “Alfred you’re being stupid again..” The second guard responded, Irina finished the rune and looked at the two. “Okay well..In order to make this work you need to get it closer... I think if I just..” She looked down grabbing a palm sized rock trying to chuck it toward the guards, though her trajectory was far from accurate. Clunking off of the other guards head. “Augh!” An angry and bewildered shriek of pain. “That was uncalled for!” The guard shouted angrily. Irina eeped ducking down. “Shoot! Okay, he’s working,go do your thingy!”
Al nodded his head taking the stone with the carved glyph on it and snuck his way over to where the guards stood and stuck the glyph back into the ground where the oaf of a guard would stand and scurried himself back into the bushes watching patiently. “Okay...Now we just have to play the waiting game for the buffoon to walk back..” Al whispered.
The guard looked around to no avail and angrily stomped his way over to his position, a bright blue light shone under his feet as a blast knocked the two guards out. “Holy radishes way to go!” Alphonse clapped his hands together and ran out of the bushes. Quinton looked at the two guards with a devious grin on his face. “I’ll be riiiiight back you guys.” He had both of the guards by the ankles dragging them off and leaving them in a very provocative position.
Al shook his head and went straight to work with picking the lock to the cellar. Within a couple minutes the lock was busted and the trio had made their way into the dark undercroft, “This place is creepily dark Al.” Quinton spoke up. “Just hand me a tinder twig, we don’t have time to be dillydallying.” Quinton remained quiet pulling a twig from his bag, a loud snap sound and the stick burst into flames; lighting up the entire room. Showing several coffins placed gently into the walls of the church, on the wall supporting was little inscriptions.
“Okay so the sword is upstairs.. But it’s going to be heavily guarded. So we’re going to need a disguise...” Before Alphonse could continue his thought Quinton had already pulled out a coffin. “Ere we go!” He grunted.
“Wh-what the hell are you doing!! You’re desecrating the dead! Show some respect!” Al spoke up.”What? You’re going to need a disguise otherwise you’ll never be able to steal that sword Al.” Though he didn’t quite agree with everything, he just sat himself down on his rump furrowing his brow. “Don’t you think this is just a little extreme you guys?” Irina asked them.
“What? Heck no! This piece is worth at least a quarter million in the right hands.” Al exclaimed, “But at what cost? Your soul?” Irina pleaded. Quinton shook his head laughing. “I sold my soul to the almighty booze gods long ago.” Quinton gave a moronic smirk.
Al shook his head. “I don’t believe in this deity mumbo jumbo, so honestly a few nasty words isn’t gonna bring me down. Now then hand me the robes and such and let’s get this over with because they stink like dead body...” The three spent an hour or so making the mountain dog look like much older than he truly was, his fur looked white as a sheet. “How do I look?” Al asked.
“You like you’re about to keel over in your grave.” Quinton laughed. “Then it is perfect. Now I just need to shuffle my way upstairs hopefully convince them that I am to take the sword elsewhere.” Al made his way up from the undercroft and moseyed through the church. Beside the sword was two heavily armed and guilded guards watching vigilantly over the blade of Saint Cuthbert. The two gentleman wore pristine silver and mithril fused armor that shone like the sun itself. The two guards gave him a very disdainful look as if they had no trust for the canine.
Al shuffled himself over toward the sword not so much as taking an upward glance at the two guards. “I must bring this sword over to the priest for the ceremony.” He very hoarsely said. The guards looked at him, “We haven’t been authorized to let you touch this.” Al kind of sunk down with a feeling of dread washing over him. “I was instructed though, if you need any proof of this just ask the priest himself. I am sure he will surely vouch for me.” The two guards looked at each other and walked over toward the priest to ask him about the older fellow. When the two had left their post to speak to the priest the ‘old man had just as quickly as he appeared, disappeared. As did the gilded sword.
Alphonse quickly made his way into the undercroft as inconspicuously as he possibly could and pulled that disguise off as fast as he could. “We gotta flippin run. And fast. Because when they find out that sword is gone and that they fudged up, they’re gonna start looking right here!” Quinton’s eyes widened, “Okay, give the sword here; at least if they look at me walking around town it’ll look a little less conspicuous when it’s under my clothes.
Alphonse quickly passed over the sword and unlocked the door to the cellar, and the three made a speedy escape re-locking the door behind them. Irina looked at the two and just mumbled to herself. “Oh Asura please forgive me for what I have done...” The mountain dog just spoke up. “God bless you.”
“The heck’s that gotta do with anything Al!?” Quinton responded. “I don’t know! It is just what came to mind! Geez!” When the three melded back into the crowds out front there was a great and loud clamor. As they could hear the priest speaking up. “Now there’s no reason to panic people! It’s not a sign of the end of days, it’s just we have a wanderer in our flock that has strayed a little too far is all!”
Al’s ears splayed right down to his head as he pushed faster through the crowds of people, grabbing Irina by the wrist and Quinton following suit. “We have to get outta here and cannot take a caravan because the guards will be patrolling more than ever now!” He spoke in a hushed tone. “So where is this fence?” Irina asked.
“Glad you asked that my dear Irina. It’s in the city of Danetul. Due west of here. Bout a two days jaunt if we’re quick about it!” He spoke up. “That’s an awful long walk don’t you think? Aren’t you afraid bandits are going to stop us along the way?” Quinton shook his head. “Ah no need to worry about that kind of thing, so long as you’ve got me. There’s no way anyone will rough us up!”
Irina had a small semblance of a smile being reassured if only a little bit; the trio slipped through the town and out the gates without any detection. The group walked through the woods trying to make as much of a zig zag through the forests as possible. Just in case of any pursuers, “Al I don’t think anyone’s pursuing, and if they were they’re long gone..” Irina spoke up. “I think we can finally relax a little bit.” Al shook his head. “When you’re holding onto a hot ticket item like this you must never let your guard down..” Irina looked at him a little puzzled but understood.
“That makes sense..I guess. So how does this work exactly?” Al looked back, “Well you two are going to make yourselves scarce whilst I talk to my fence. Because they won’t show if there is anyone that isn’t part of the transaction.” Irina looked at him suspiciously. “Wait then! What’s stopping you from just taking the money and absconding!?” Quinton looked to the girl and gave a hearty laugh. “Don’t worry! This happens every time. Whenever we have to make a transaction he always leaves and returns with a nice hefty sack of gold waiting for us.” He spoke happily. “So why not relax just a tad girly. I won’t stab ya in the back, you’re far too valuable to me. Not to mention fairly cute too. It’d be nice to have a girl with us instead of it just being the two of us..” Alphonse looked over at Irina with a mischievous smile. A very slight noticeable pink had shone on her cheeks. “Don’t kid around like that..” Al rolled his eyes hearing her complain about what he thought was a fairly harmless comment.
“Alright alright, I won’t bring it up again.” The three wandered for hours in muddled nonsensical conversation for some time. “So Irina. What’s your family life like? Got any siblings?” Alphonse asked. Irina looked at him “Well I have a father, and I have two brothers. They’re a pain in the butt, but I suppose they’re family. That’s about all I can honestly say I’m comfortable telling you about right now.” She clammed up soon after. Quinton rubbed the back of his head curiously. “So that’s it? You’re not gonna tell us anymore? No more info on you? We’re gonna be traveling together. You should at least tell us what you do for a living.” He asked.
“Well I’m a cleric by profession. I am a follower of Asura and I aim to help people. I sell jewelry that I make and that is how I get by. There really isn’t anything else I need to tell you at this current time so if you will please leave it be at that I would be very grateful.” She mumbled. Al shook his head “It doesn’t really matter at this point. What matters now is the fat sack of cash waiting to be snatched up by us!” Al greedily rubbed his paws together.
As the daylight dwindled and burned out the trio settled for the night. A roaring fire sat in front of them, Irina had long since passed out, and Al was on his way out as well, Quinton kept an ever vigilant watch on the group, the two days slipped by rather easily for the two, minding simple pleasant conversation amongst the three.
They had come to a rustic city. Inside the city walls stood fairly large buildings,large gray bricks held the foundation of them, all the while the people of the city walked around without a single care in the world. “Alright you two! Feel free to get a feel for this lovely city whilst I go see my special friend.” Alphonse took the shrouded item and melded off into the crowds. “Come my dear Irina we have booze to enjoy!”
Irina looked at him splaying her ears. “Oh..Alcohol really isn’t my thing..” She smiled. “I’ll just drink some water if they have it. Quinton shook his head. “You’re no fun. If you don’t drink you’ll never understand the fun of it all! The aussie looked at him puffing out her cheeks grumpily. “How does that make me no fun! I’ll have you know I’m lots of fun! I just don’t drink because I’m afraid it’ll affect my better judgment.” Quinton laughed. “I understand the allure of lady liquor and the sway she has on a gentleman or a woman.” Irina looked at him curiously. “So you don’t give in often do you?”
“Well to be frank I get drunk more often than I honestly should.” He laughed sheepishly.
Irina shook her head looking at him with a disapproving stare. “You're hopeless! I don't even understand how you even keep any money if that's what you do with your spoils. Then how do you afford anything?” She rambled. Quinton looked at her; clearly wound up. “Now now.. Let's get you a drink and cheer you up! I won't take no for an answer!” He pushed her into a bar, inside the bar was dark mahogany wood tables welcoming the two. In the bar sat several patrons, a barkeep behind the island “Why don't we sit by the barkeep and see what he's got for us?” He insisted, pushing the young lady over to the bar.
“Oof! Hey! That won't be necess-hi there.” She spoke up to the barkeep. Before her stood a short stature dwarf, bronze colored hair braided down sporting a masculine beard. “What can I get ye two?” Quinton piped up. “I'll take two of your strongest drinks you've got my good man!” He put down several gold pieces. The dwarf looks at the panda and to the coins taking one and bit it. “Alright! But is gonna cost ya a wee bit more than that! And word of warnin, this isn't for the faint of heart.”Quinton shook his head putting down the rest of his money. “No need to worry! I can certainly handle it!” The dwarf nodded his head rushing off into the back room, lots of clutter sounds could be heard as the entire bar rumbled. A cry of anguish was so very loud it echoed in the entire bar. The pitter patter of footsteps came back with two barrel like glasses. His face blackened and his beard singed. “Ere ya are! Two drunk dragons!” The barrel like glasses were near full to the brim with a liquid that was looking like sludge bubbling. Quinton grabbed the barrel and chugged it down as quickly as he possibly could.
Quinton’s eyes widened and his pupil's dilated, his head dropped to the bar table. Irina's ears flattened to her head worriedly. “Give it a shot lass! I'm sure you'll do better than your chubby friend here.” He laughed, Quinton sprang up his head. “I'm not fat! I'm just a little on the wide side.” He spoke groggily. “And would you get these blasted frogs to leave me be!” He waved his hand in the air swatting away invisible creatures.
The dwarf shook his head. “E'se hopeless. But you! You look like you can handle it! Give it a try!” He encouraged her, Irina looked at the glass and started sipping it; after a few moments she was done the swill in her glass. A raucous belch came forth from the young lady. The dwarf looked at her in disbelief. “By the hammer of the gods themselves! See? I told you that ya had it in ye!” He patted her shoulder. “Old on! I got somethin for ye!” He rushed off into the back room. Irina looked so puzzled, completely unfazed by the drink's hallucinogenic effects.
The bartender came back with a gray knit something. “Try this on. I'm sure you'll love it.” Irina looked at it quite puzzled. “What on earth is it?” She asked holding it up. “It's a beard! A show that you're a true dwarf like me self!” He said with a swell of pride. “But I'm not a dwarf. And why would I want to wear a beard?” She asked. “You're not one on the outside. But you've got the spirit of the dwarf beating inside you! Like the hammer on the hot iron! That beard ya got in hand was me mum's. She couldn't grow one herself so she knit one, to prove she was just as tough as any man was.” He guffawed heartily.
Irina took the knit beard and placed it on her face with a very displeased look to her. “I feel so silly..” The dwarf wiped his eye, “It's perfect. Simply perfect. It brings tears to me eyes..” pushing her off the chair helpfully. “Go on lass, there are plenty of more of these beasts to be tackled! Now go take your drunk friend home now.” He laughed, all the while Al came in handing both of them a hefty sack of coins. “We hit it big my friends.” Irina looked at him and smiled. “That's great! But I think you should hold onto Quinton’s share for now, he's a little indisposed of at the moment.” She smiled. Al looked at her like she had sprouted a second head, “What on earth are you wearing on your face?”
Irina's face brightened embarrassed. “T-this? It was a gift from the bartender. It was apparently his mother's..” She laughed sheepishly. “So is this where we all part ways then?” She asked. Alphonse shook his head. “Oh no no my dear; this is where it all begins, there are much bigger fish out there to fry, and wealth beyond our belief!” Irina looked at him. “The almighty coin will be your imminent demise sir. But I will accompany you if only for moral support. I'm fairly good as a healer, so I have no problem in making sure your cuts and scrapes are well taken care of.” She smiled proudly.
Al scratched the back of his head a little embarrassed. “Ah..geez..” He mumbled. Quinton smiled and squeezed the three of them together. “Let's take a caravan and get going! I'm sure we can find a place that will suit us perfectly. Irina's tail wagged. “I certainly hope so.” The three made their way over to a lone caravan pulled by two dark brown horses, “So where can I take you guys?” Irina looked up at the male sitting on the caravan, “Where's the most interesting place you have on your roster.
“Interesting? I don't got anything like that You can go to valfort, or Stonewinter, out of both of them Stonewinter is the most exotic, it'll cost you three hundred fifty pieces each for the trip and it's about a three day trip, you interested?” Irina looked at the two like an eager child, “I suppose we don't got much a choice. Considering the places we can go.” Alphonse responded. Quinton grinned, “Awright! On to Stonewinter!” The drunken panda slurred. The man looked at them and rolled his eyes. “Alright so it's going to be three fifty each of you regardless.” The three pulled out the money and handed it to the gentleman. “Hope you're ready because we leave now.” He spoke up. “Get in the back.” He pointed.
Alphonse climbed into the back of the caravan and motioned for the rest, the other two soon followed suit. “Hope you're comfy because it's gonna be a bumpy ride.” He cracked the reins to the carriage and the four of them were off. “Please watch over us dear Asura..Forgive us for what we may or may not do..” Irina prayed quietly.



characters:
Alphonse

Quinton

Irina