Pale blue eyes leapt back and forth across the pages of a ragged old tome. Balanced on her large gauntleted left hand while being steadied by her right hand she hobbled along the side street dissecting every word. This particular section of the text had the inquisitive dark elf mesmerized. It detailed various theories on evocation and postulated that evokers were not creating matter but rather transporting it from an alternate plane.

As she was trapped in her world of study the young elf failed to notice the sounds of insects and birds fade away. Lilly barely recognized that her feet were now traversing a cobbled road rather than one of dirt. It wasn’t until a light fog began to force her to move her text closer that she paid her surroundings any attention at all. That and the unusually foul aroma, much worse than the typical smells associated with small townships and cities.

As the fog grew more concentrated it wrapped around her and the Alerian shifted her tome into her right arm. Activating the luminous stone on her gauntlet she was able to continue reading whilst her steps slowly meandered down the side road.

Pressing the pages of her book up against her nose wasn’t the safest decision but Lilthis was completely enthralled with her reading. As the path narrowed from a red-bricked building on her left she briefly paused to consider looking up from the worn pages of her book. Ignoring her better judgement she proceeded down the alley. Soon she’d likely arrive at a tavern, cafe, or restaurant where she could hunker down and really sink into her newly discovered publication. That was the plan of course, until her front foot collided and became entangled in something on the ground.

Tumbling forward the careless girl barely caught herself on the coarse brick wall to her left before completely losing her balance. She glimpsed down at her feet to see that she had accidentally tripped over someone that must’ve been napping alongside the building.

“Ah! I am so sorry, I didn’t even see you there, too busy reading through my…”

Her eyes slowly adjusted and words halted as she focused more on the being strewn upon the ground before her. The shade skinned elf noticed the body seemed still. Too still. Lifeless. It was a paled woman not much older than herself. Adorned in a yellow hemmed dress the woman appeared to be quite beautiful, clear complexion, and likely a lovely smile. If she was not clearly deceased that is.

A muffled shriek escaped Lilly’s lips as both hands raced to cover her mouth. She needed to find help. Regaining her balance the distressed elven maid dashed down the alley until it poured out onto the main road that ran through this desolate town. Instead of authorities, street vendors, or gossiping townsfolk she instead discovered… nothing. Just vast emptiness and more hazy air.

Heart pounding, the distraught elf scanned up and down the street. Walking in a brisk quick circle while trying to process what was happening. It was in her moment of panic that she noticed a figure off in the distance. Standing near an opening and across from a quaint little home. Overjoyed to see anyone who might offer an explanation, Lilthis took off in the direction of the mysterious creature.

Leather boots slammed upon stone streets as she rushed towards the doe-woman ahead. Gasping for air, still trembling, the lone Svalesin bent over and clutched at her knees before arising once more. Pushing a dollop of her silky white hair out of her face she struggled to gather the words.

“U-um, back there… down the street, there’s a… girl, woman, lady and I think she’s-I’m not sure. Needs help or was killed,” her face light with concern she straightened her back and gulped, “sorry I’m uh, rambling, there’s a body back there and I can’t find the authorities. What is going on here?”

Her nonsensical rant was ended as she noticed yet another corpse at the hooves of the woman she had just embarrassed herself to. The foul stench she noted upon arriving into the town was made clear now. It was the smell of death.