• "They're coming," she whispered to the growing darkness. The moaning wind whisped the words away, teasingly carrying them into the shadows. Rosealla fingered her small hidden blade. Her silken black hair fell in graceful curls across her slender shoulders. Her slim frame, finely tuned with muscle and grace, seemed liable to be flattened with a strong gust of wind. Her teal eyes sparkled with the lust for adventure. Her angular face was facing the wind, enjoying the cold bite of the northern winds. Her rose red lips were curled up in a crooked smile, giving her a roguish air.

    "Indeed." A voice emitted from behind Rosealla, nearly frightening her out of her skin. There was a flash of steel as she yanked the dagger from its leather throng strapped to her shoulder. A blue-robed man appeared beside her, his face half covered with a wild red beard and a pearly white smile. His shining bald head sparkled in the dim light. His arms were folded within the large sleeves. The edges of his robes were embroidered with golden word in the archane language and glowed with a honey hue. His warm brown eyes laid sunken in a sea of wrinkles, giving him a homely appearance. The wizard fumbled with a small spellbook bound in crinkled brown leather.

    "Ah, Astondus, you startled me! But I was a bit on edge..." Rosealla sheathed her dagger and stood, leaning towards her left side, furthering her roguish aroura. She held out her hand and shook hands with the wizard, Astondus.

    "I expected as much."

    "Expected what?"

    "For you to come up with an excuse, Rosealla Thunderstryke." Astondus raised an eyebrow, not at all surprised. This was the rogue's usual act. He magically approached her, scared her with his sudden appearance, and she'd give some typical excuse about how "fearless" she was, when really, she was terrified of magic. They glared at each other for a moment, but burst out laughing together.

    "The usual?"

    "Aye, magus, we work together. Magic and steel. A deadly combination," Rosealla said as she drew both the slim swords strapped to her waist. "Let's do this!"

    A horn sliced through the air. The war was beginning.