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Through a Wayward Glimmer -- to a Faraway Place

Kaelara watched as the tavern's atmosphere subtly shifted with the arrival of the horned woman and her companion. Her sharp gaze assessed them—there was a distinct air of strangeness about the pair, enough to make even seasoned travelers murmur and gawk. Kaelara, however, was unfazed by their appearance. She had encountered all manner of beings on the road. What mattered was their intent.

Turning back to the barkeep, Kaelara gave a slow nod. "A knight, you said? Do you recall anything about him? His armor, or demeanor?" Her voice was steady, though a spark of curiosity flickered in her eyes. Information was a valuable currency, and she intended to gather as much as possible before dawn.

Noticing the demoness and the woman with striking grey hair settling in nearby, Kaelara's lips pressed into a neutral line. Despite her lone-wolf tendencies, they were all converging on the same trail. She inclined her head toward them, acknowledging their presence she dipped her spoon into her soup, taking a bite at last before adding, "I'm Kaelara Ashwyn"

Her introduction was curt but direct, fitting for someone who rarely bothered with pleasantries. Still, there was a spark of interest in her eyes.

To the barkeep, she added, "I'll take a flagon of ale to go with the stew." Her tone softened just slightly. "And thank you for indulging my questions."

Though her mind remained preoccupied with Lady Miralys' disappearance, Kaelara made a mental note of the adventurers gathering around the tavern. Like it or not, they soon be fighting side by side.

Through a Wayward Glimmer -- to a Faraway Place

Kaelara slid twenty copper pieces across the bar, her hand steady as her eyes briefly flicked toward the barkeep. "Thank you," she said, her voice low but firm. She pocketed the key to her room, her other hand resting on her hip near the hilt of her sword as she listened.

Her grey eyes narrowed slightly as the barkeep spoke of Lady Miralys. "Preoccupied, you say?" she murmured, her tone contemplative. "Did she meet with anyone while she was here? Speak to anyone? Any strange visitors?" She leaned forward slightly, her presence commanding but not overtly threatening.

Noticing the glance from the bard, Kaelara resisted the urge to roll her eyes, opting instead for a curt nod in his direction before returning her focus to the meal in front of her. The aroma was tempting, but her curiosity burned brighter than her hunger. Picking up her spoon, she stirred the soup absently, waiting for any additional information the barkeep might provide.

She could feel the weight of the room's eyes on her, but she ignored it, her attention wholly on the young man in front of her. "Anything unusual at all could help," she added, her tone softer but no less insistent.

Through a Wayward Glimmer -- to a Faraway Place

Kaelara smiled wryly at the bartender's nervousness, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Just a room for the night, please," she said, her voice low and smooth. "And a hot meal, if you have one available." She leaned against the bar, her gaze sweeping the tavern "And perhaps some information, if you're willing to share. I'm here about the missing Lady Miralys. Have you heard anything?" She glanced around the tavern, taking in the atmosphere and the patrons as she waited for the bartender to respond.

As she looked around, Kaelara noticed a few patrons eyeing her warily, their faces a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. She met their gazes calmly, her expression neutral, before turning back to the bartender.

"What's the special of the day?" she asked, her tone friendly, but with a hint of detachment.

Through a Wayward Glimmer -- to a Faraway Place

Kaelara walked out of the assembly hall, the cool evening air a welcome respite from the stifling atmosphere within. She took a deep breath, her eyes scanning the village as she walked. The thatched roofs and the sound of laughter from the tavern created a sense of tranquility, but Kaelara's mind was already focused on the task ahead.

She thought about the Captain's words, the missing Lady Miralys, and the ruins that seemed to hold secrets. Her hand instinctively went to the dagger at her belt, a familiar weight that brought her comfort.

As she walked, Kaelara noticed the village was small, with only a few shops and homes. She spotted a tavern, the sign creaking in the gentle breeze. She decided to head there, hoping to gather more information about the ruins and the disappearance.

With a determined stride, Kaelara pushed open the tavern door, the warm glow of the fire pit and the murmur of conversations enveloping her. She scanned the room, her eyes adjusting to the dim light, as she made her way to the bar.

Through a Wayward Glimmer -- to a Faraway Place

As Captain Greystone finishes speaking, Kaelara stands at the back of the room, her arms crossed over her chest. Her figure is slight, yet her posture betrays the hard-won confidence of someone accustomed to traveling alone. Her expression is neutral, unreadable, but her eyes gleam with quiet determination. She surveys the other adventurers, noting the varying reactions to the Captain’s curt briefing.

When the room falls silent, Kaelera steps forward. Her voice is steady, calm, with a slight edge that hints at her no-nonsense demeanor.

“I’ll be honest, Captain,” she begins, her gaze unwavering as it meets Greystone’s. “I’m not here to argue your command, but I am here for one reason: to find the Lady. If that means working with you, so be it. But let me make it clear—anyone who stands in the way of that will find me to be as much a hindrance as I am a help.”

Her tone is firm, but her words are not a challenge—they are a promise.

She glances briefly at the other adventurers, noting their varied expressions, before turning back to the Captain.

“Dangerous entities, missing men, ruins… this isn’t the sort of job that’s for the faint-hearted. I hope the same can be said for the others on this team.”

Kaelara doesn’t wait for a reply. Her attention shifts to the window, where the fading light casts long shadows across the village. Without another word, she steps toward the door, pausing just before exiting.

“We leave at dawn. I’ll be ready,” she adds over her shoulder, her voice resolute as she disappears into the evening air.

Through a Wayward Glimmer -- to a Faraway Place

- Name:Kaelara Ashwyn
- Age: 27
- Height: 5'9"
- Build:Curvy
- Hair:Red
- Eyes:Grey
- Personality:Brave, independent, guarded, fiercely loyal

Equipment and Skills
- Skills: Combat, stealth, survival, persuasion
- Equipment: Short sword, leather armor, backpack, bedroll, rations
- Abilities: Highly agile and athletic, able to climb walls and jump long distances. She's also an expert at hand-to-hand combat and is proficient in the use of swords and daggers.

Bio
Kaelara Ashwyn has always been on the move. Growing up as an orphan, she never stayed in one place for too long. She learned early on to rely only on herself and trust no one. This tough exterior has served her well over the years, but it's also left her with a deep-seated fear of intimacy and vulnerability.

Despite her tough exterior, Kaelara has a soft spot for those in need. She's always been drawn to helping others, even if it means putting herself in harm's way. This sense of justice has led her to take on various missions and jobs over the years, from guarding merchant caravans to hunting down fugitives.

When Kaelara arrived in Windermere, she was immediately drawn to the rumors of a high-stakes mission to rescue the Duke's daughter. The promise of a hefty reward was too enticing to resist, and Kaelara saw this as an opportunity to finally settle down and start building a life for herself.

Through a Wayward Glimmer -- to a Faraway Place

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