Splintering wood and the cacophony of twisting metal screeched towards the pair. The hinges of the large wooden door violently bent and released as the courageous goat-woman pried her way into the abode. Lilly rose her left arm towards her face, trying to brace herself from the various splinters that were hurled in every direction.

As dim as the sunlight was outside a few heavenly rays revealed what must’ve once been a lovely family home. Now it was in total disarray. Centered in the room was a rounded mahogany table, plates and utensils strewn about. Papers and cloth were scattered around the floor. The kindling for their fireplace had been knocked over. And the smell, the smell was horrific.

Clearly plagues took priority over good housekeeping.

As she lowered her arm a bit more light seeped into the small family dwelling. Illuminated, the dark elf was able to make out a few figures within the home, huddled together in the dimmest corner of the square house. Glancing back at her a misty eyed face was clearly alarmed by the intrusion. With equal shock the dark elf’s jaw fell open and her right arm quickly wiped the sweat from her brow.

A woman, presumably the mother held two children close. The trio was pale, skinny, and the spark of life in their eyes seemed near extinguished. Weakly, the mother raised her head from rubble and called out, “R-Rob? Is… that you?”

“No,” the elven woman’s voice responded without a thought. Silence then pierced the environment as she realized what had just happened. Rob was the man Philomel must’ve seen die. What a miserable affair. Lilly took two steps into the home, floorboards creaking underfoot. She cleared her throat and tried to calmly reassure the woman, “my name is Lilly, this is Philomel.” Straightening her back a bit, she cracked a smile and continued, “we aren’t here to harm you, what has happened here?”

The mother let out a sigh, one of the children hacked a cough. Weakly she opened her mouth and with a wavering voice said, “it’s ok sweetie,” addressed at the boy on her right. “The ash fell, we came ill, me children could use a bite to eat,” she stated before slumping over and brushing the cheek of her son.