"Look, Mama." A little girl said, pointing at a moonlit sign "The G-G-Grey W-W-Whale Inn."

" That's right Bed." The woman replied heading towards the inn.

" Think they have room for us?" The little girl questioned adjusting her pack and following the women.

"Maybe, but if not we can always camp outside," she told the girl.

"We can't do that, you said a storm is coming tonight and I don't want to get wet again."

" That's only because you didn't set up the tent properly but I'm sure the innkeeper and I can come up with some arrangement," she said pointing to her worn axe on her back.

"Mama no trouble this time" Bed said pouting at that suggestion.

"I'll try but no promises." The woman told her as she entered the Inn with the little girl behind her.

When the two entered the inn they were hit with a powerful musty scent that made poor little Bed gag. The Women just laughed as she looked around the room for anything that might be a threat to them but nothing was there to threaten them. It was just the typical Inn with the rowdy drunks that never seem to leave the place, a crappy bard trying to play a tune on an old lute and a small fire pit in the middle of the room.

"I need a room." The Women said walking up to the bar counter being greeted by an elderly man who has past his prime long ago and by his facial expression didn't seem too happy to see them.

"Well we don't see much of your kind around here especially hers," He said eyeing the little girl who hid behind her Mama's leg.

"What's that supposed to mean." The woman said leaning over the bar showing off her superior height over the man.

"Nothing I'm just saying we don't see many tribals around." He said before leaning closer to Woman "Especially one who keeps an Elf as company."

Hearing those words she leaned away from the counter and darted her eyes around the room making sure no one else heard the man. Seeing everyone was content on caring about themselves she relaxed just a bit before turning back to the old man.

" I know who you are Laika and I've heard the stories about you." He told her "I'm sure what you heard are just stories," Laika said preparing herself in case of a fight hand on her weapon.

" Maybe they are and maybe they aren't all I know is your bad business Laika. I want to turn you away and be done with it but, if you have the coin I have a room for you and your companion" He told her.

Looking down at the little girl Laika motioned for her to pay the man. Taking off her backpack the little girl rummaged around her bag until she produced a nice shiny silver coin and placing it on the counter.

The man took the coin and struck it with his fingers, bringing it to his ears hearing a nice resonating ring to it "That's real silver." he said pulling out a key from the bar.

"Also I'm gonna need two meads and two pieces of venison." She told him before feeling a slight jab at her side and seeing the upset face of the little girl "Fine one mead and if you have some honey milk along with the venison."

The Man just shook his head leaving for the back of the bar and coming back with a tray carrying Laika's request.

"Don't cause me any trouble." He told handing her the tray and key.

"Only if you don't cause me any, " Laika said taking the tray.

The two choose to sit on the other side of the room furthest away from the drunks to eat their meal but as far away as they were they could still hear the conversation the drunks where having.

"Those damn Elves. They keep getting bolder with their attacks."

" I heard they attacked a group of merchants the other day killing everyone and taking the children."

" Those fucking knife-ears all of them need to be wiped out."

" Why are we fighting them again?"

" You fucking idiot they killed our prince and refuse to admit it."

" I heard his entire party was killed after he tried to help them."

" That Prince had a good heart but was foolish for trying to help those savages."

" God rest his soul."

"Let's hope his brother knows better than to trust those backstabbing knife-ears"

" You haven't heard they lost track of him. They don't know where he is."

Hearing everything Laika looked over to Bed seeing she had her head down slowly picking away at her food.

"I could go make them be quiet for you if you want?" Laika asked cracking her knuckles "It's fine Mama I'm kinda not hungry anymore." She said pushing her plate away.

"You sure?" "Yeah, I think I'm just gonna go to bed."

"Okay just keep your head down. I'm going to be out here for a bit." Laika told her handing her the key to the room.

"Okay." Bed said taking the key and making her way to the room.

Entering the room she saw the single bed and a desk with a lit lantern. Dropping her pack to the ground she began to undress and slipping on her nightgown. She crawled up onto the bed and under blankets. She just wanted to sleep now after hearing everything being said about her people. How would they know what happened they weren't there. Closing her eyes she let sleep take over.