The sun dipped low in the sky, painting Elmwood in hues of orange and pink. Evan strolled through the cobblestone streets, his stomach growling in protest. He'd spent the afternoon helping Lila test her new sword—a task that mostly involved him dodging her swings and pretending not to be impressed by her craftsmanship.
As he approached the town's only tavern, The Tipsy Griffin, the smell of roasted meat and ale wafted out, making his mouth water. Evan pushed open the creaky door and was greeted by the familiar hum of chatter and clinking mugs.
"Evan! Over here!" called Finn, the tavern's owner and Evan's occasional drinking buddy. Finn was a burly man with a booming laugh and a knack for storytelling.
Evan slid into a seat at the bar, grinning. "Evening, Finn. What's the special today?"
"Stew and a pint of ale, as always," Finn replied, setting a steaming bowl and a frothy mug in front of him. "You look like you've had a long day."
"You have no idea," Evan sighed, taking a grateful sip of the ale. "Lila's been working on this new sword, and she's convinced it's the best thing since sliced bread. I swear, if I have to dodge one more swing, I'm going to lose an ear."
Finn laughed heartily. "Ah, Lila. She's always been a force to be reckoned with. You've got your hands full with that one."
Evan's cheeks flushed, and he quickly changed the subject. "So, any news from the Hero's Party?"
Finn's expression turned serious. "Actually, yes. Rumor has it they've reached the Frostfang Mountains. They're closing in on the Demon Lord's stronghold."
Evan's eyes widened. "That's incredible! They're really going to do it, aren't they?"
"Seems that way," Finn nodded. "But you know how it is with rumors. Half of it's probably exaggerated."
Before Evan could respond, the tavern door swung open with a loud creak. All eyes turned to the newcomer—a tall, cloaked figure with a hood pulled low over their face. The room fell silent as the stranger stepped inside, their boots echoing on the wooden floor.
Evan felt a chill run down his spine. Something about the stranger's presence was... unsettling.
The stranger approached the bar, their movements deliberate and silent. Finn, ever the gracious host, greeted them with a smile. "Evening, stranger. What can I get you?"
"A room for the night," the stranger replied in a low, gravelly voice. "And a meal, if you have it."
"Coming right up," Finn said, gesturing to one of the tavern's serving maids.
Evan couldn't shake the feeling that the stranger was watching him. He glanced over and saw the hooded figure's piercing eyes fixed on him from across the room. Evan quickly looked away, his heart pounding
"Finn," Evan whispered, leaning closer to the bartender. "Who do you think that is?"
"No idea," Finn murmured, his tone cautious. "But I'd keep my head down if I were you. Something about them doesn't sit right with me."
Evan nodded, finishing his stew in record time. He was about to make a quick exit when the stranger suddenly stood and walked toward him. Evan froze, his mind racing.
"You," the stranger said, their voice cutting through the silence. "Evan Larkspur."
Evan's heart skipped a beat. "Y-yes? That's me."
The stranger reached into their cloak and pulled out a small, intricately carved wooden box. They placed it on the bar in front of Evan.
"This is for you," they said. "Do not open it until the full moon rises."
Evan stared at the box, his mouth dry. "W-what is it?"
The stranger didn't answer. Instead, they turned and walked out of the tavern, leaving Evan and the entire room in stunned silence.
Finn was the first to speak. "Well, that was... something."
Evan picked up the box, examining it closely. It was heavier than it looked, and the carvings seemed to shift and change when he tilted it.
"What do you think it is?" Evan asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
"I don't know," Finn said, his tone grave. "But I've got a bad feeling about this. Be careful, Evan."
Evan nodded, slipping the box into his satchel. His mind was a whirlwind of questions. Who was that stranger? Why had they given him this box? And what was inside?
As he left the tavern and made his way home, Evan couldn't shake the feeling that his life was about to change in ways he couldn't even imagine.