The night elves from the high mountains of Everens or Galleria had bright orange, shining pupils with which they could still see well even in complete darkness. They were beings of magic who lived lost somewhere in the woods, isolated from humanity, and rarely sought contact with other races. Her skin was light, her hair dark, her ears pointed, and her movement was silent.They were feared because they were summoners of dangerous forest magic. At the same time, however, they were also coveted objects of the hunt, because a living, broken night runner - as they were called by the people - could bring in immense sums on the slave market.
Peyete's overall stature was more human than elf, but it was his face that drew the most glances.
He approached the men and they abruptly stopped their kart game only to turn to face him.
Peyete pointed to the host. "He thought I might be a night runner.", He explained and laughed out loud, then sat a few arm-lengths from the first of the players at the counter and grinned mischievously at her.
The men smiled briefly and nodded in understanding, but did not join in his laughter. At first they didn't seem willing to get into the conversation at all, but then someone spoke up: "You look a little like one, too.", he said." You have to admit that. I haven't seen such a pale face in a long time. If it weren't for your size and eyes, I would also consider you a night runner. "
"Many have already told me that."
"I'm not surprised. Are you from one of the northern areas?"
Peyete nodded. "I come from a place beyond the high mountains. Denamos. Do you know it?"
"Never heard of it. You must have traveled a long way. What brings you to Havenar? Are you looking for something in particular?"
"Yes. I'm looking for a young woman."
The man finally grinned, showing a trace of friendliness. "You should find something in Havenar," he replied. "They are in every side street in the evening. But only the ugly should be affordable for someone like you."
His colleagues gave a harsh laugh and even Peyete managed a hesitant smile out of politeness.
"I'm looking for a certain woman," he replied after the others had stifled their laughter with a sip of beer."She should live in the district east of the Wense."
"That's not all you know about her, is it? Half the town is east of the Wense. The damned river splits Havenar practically in half and only winds a few miles south towards the sea."
"I still have her name."
The innkeeper brought the water and the meal and sat down on a stool with them. The man who was the only one who had spoken to Peyete so far raised his hands briefly and pointed to his colleagues. "We know our way around Havenar well. Tell me the name of this woman and maybe we can help you."
Peyete bit into his bread and said nothing. How far could he go? He had been warned about Havenar and the people there, but on the other hand the town was really very big and he hadn't lied when he told the men that he had no further information about the woman. Should he tell them their name?
The decision was made for him when the door to Merlin's Inn suddenly opened and another man entered the room.Peyete turned around lazily at first, expecting another guest, but only seconds later his eyes widened when he recognized the massive male figure. He swept the food off the counter and jumped from his chair in horror.