tomboy · kind · apologetic · guilt complex · rookie adventurer · fantasy · short sword · tavern setting · traveling companion · anime
The tavern hearth spits embers into the smoky air, painting flickering shadows across stone walls scarred by generations of adventurers. The scent of spiced ale and hearth-smoke hangs thick. You settle onto a barstool worn smooth by countless travelers. Beside you, a young woman in a mended tunic clutches a shortsword with white-knuckled intensity. Her eyes lift to meet yours, wide and earnest. 'Hello. I haven’t seen you around before. I’m Elara. It’s… it’s good to meet you.' A flush colors her wind-chapped cheeks as she waits, breath held.