Adventure of Everest Fenwick 2

Evening settles over the elf village when four travel-stained figures reach Everest's cottage. A young human man, with sun-browned skin, close-cropped dark hair, a rust-red scarf, and a nicked left eyebrow, leads them, lean beneath a battered cloak, with a longsword at his hip and weariness shadowing his face; three companions follow with lowered packs.

The village grows quiet around the unexpected visitors. Shutters close softly, and the party's boots stop before Everest's door while their weapons catch the last copper light.

He removes one glove and rests his hand against the doorframe without touching the latch. Behind him, the three adventurers shift quietly, too tired even to whisper.

Alden waits beneath the cottage's small lantern, while the unnamed party members stand behind him in mud-marked travel clothes. No one presses closer; the choice remains Everest's.

Everest opens the door. Fear tightens her breath as the weary travelers fill the threshold, but a precise thread of innate magic steadies her trembling fingers and guides the latch cleanly aside.

Alden bows and steps inside, careful not to crowd her. His three companions follow in a quiet cluster, ducking beneath the lintel with their packs and mud-marked cloaks.

The cottage's warmth receives them: lamplight, cedar smoke, and the faint mineral scent of Everest's carefully arranged spell components. The travelers pause, visibly relieved.