-Now-

Mortal traditions always fascinated Morpheus. But one of the few things that fascinated him the most was their love for alcohol. It always seemed strange how willing they were to chug down a few pints of ale, not remember anything that night, and then suddenly wake up the next morning with a splitting migraine. He didn’t care about drinking some, however. The reason why he came from his realm to some dusty old tavern out in the middle of nowhere was to enlist someone. A mercenary by the name of Reiha.

He looked around for her amongst all of those mortals sitting at tables, playing a game on cards, or just enjoying the company of people other than themselves. After several seconds of looking around, He spotted her leaning against a wall with a half-empty tankard in hand. He approached her carefully, trying not to make any sound in fear she would somehow sense him approaching.

As soon as His footsteps registered in Her ears, however, Reiha looked up sharply. The first thing that Morpheus noticed about her was that unlike all the humans in the tavern, she was a drow. The next thing was her dark eyes, which reminded him of a cat's. They glinted slightly with something akin to amusement.

“Who are You?” Reiha asked.

“I could ask you the same thing,” Morpheus replied quietly. “A dark elf in a tavern full of humans. Not really a good idea, eh?” It was then that Morpheus decided to just get onto the point before sounding like another creep.

“What do You need me for?" She asked suspiciously after a short moment of silence passed between them.

“Let’s just say I’ve heard stories about your skill with a bow. And, let’s say I’ve also heard that you’re willing to lend your skills for a price. See, a friend of mine is looking to start up a band of mercenaries. And if the stories I’ve heard about you are true, you could be useful.” Morpheus said with an almost genuine smile.

"And why should I trust you?” Reiha asked, narrowing her eyes.

“You wouldn't have to. All you have to do is say yes,” Morpheus said nonchalantly.

“And this friend of yours will pay?”

“Of course,” Morpheus replied. "Money, food, and a room as well."

"Alright." She nodded. "When and where does my friend meet this 'friend'?"

"Tomorrow morning at Hackfield."

"Hackfield? There's no way anyone can get there in a day."

"Ever heard of teleportation?"

“You’d have to be skilled at magic to be able to teleport that far.”

“You don’t have to worry about that,” Morpheus informed her. “Think about it, alright? I won’t be leaving anytime soon.