Chapter One - The Adventure Begins

Jenya addresses Toe. "I don't know much about the mining operations in this area, so I can't say for certain, but no. I don't think there are any mines that delve directly into this mountain. Most that I know of are in the foothills near the outlying villages."

The group decides to meet early the next morning near the Lantern Street Orphanage, located on the corner of Lantern Street and Lava Avenue NE.

When you arrive, you see a two-story stone building with a thick oak door flanked on either side by glass lanterns. There's a green cooper knocker that looks like a smiling gargoyle face with a ring running through its septum like a piercing. Looking up at the building from the front, you notice that all the windows on both stories are tightly shuttered.

Fhenryl, different cultures different circumstances. Places like these are a necessary evil per say. While no one really wants to close children up, these children may not live long is they weren't. All these children have something in common and by living together can help support one another. While I would like nothing better than to see families all take at least one child, the reality is, there isn't enough food or money for that to happen. Most families just make do with what they have. As for the building, it is one way to keep them together and safe....well, suppose to keep them safe. These children have been through enough then to also have the threat of kidnapping thrust upon them.

Dracone looks away then, holding back the tear he knows is coming. He dislikes when things happen to those already suffering. To hide his emotions, he turns to watch behind them to ensure they aren't being watched.

Kija knocks on the door using the heavy copper knocker. A moment later, the door opens a crack and a tiny woman peers out. Her eyes narrow with suspicion as she scans the crowd. "Who are you? Who sent you?" an elderly voice demands while the eyes continue to look everyone over. When they spot Jaqir, the eyes open wide and fill with warmth. The door swings open, revealing an aged halfling woman with her gray hair up in a messy bun. She says with a smile, "Jaqir! Oh my how you've grown. It's so good to see you. Are these your friends? Do come in and tell me what you've been up to." She holds the door open, and everyone files inside, Jaqir leading the way.

Your red-skinned companion leads you through a dimly lit main hall (you can see a staircase leading up to the second floor) and into a comfortably furnished and well-used sitting room. The halfling woman follows you in and takes a seat in an overstuffed chair much too large for her. With her feet dangling almost a foot off the ground, she asks, "What brings you to the orphanage so early in the morning?"