ADRIAN & ELYSE

"Adrian and Elyse have arrived, as promised."

Adrian and Elyse is an agility-based ranger hero of the Lightbearer faction.

In the cozy confines of Oakenfell's Rusty String Tavern, the owner casually wiped down the bar while a fresh-faced band struggled through their set for the sparse crowd.

The doorbel's crisp chime announced the arrival of a diminutive merchant.

"Same tired old tunes, huh? Can't these youngsters come up with something fresh?"

The merchant tossed his hat onto the counter, airing his grievances to the owner.

Raising an eyebrow, the owner replied, "As long as there are youngsters in Oakenfell looking to make their mark in music, the Rusty String Bar will always lend them a stage. What can I get you to drink?"

"l'll take a Rust Tide," the merchant replied, eyeing a high-heeled dance shoe perched alone on a shelf behind the owner.

"Whose shoe is that?" the merchant asked, his curiosity piqued.

"It belonged to a girl. A couple of years back, there were these young dancers from Rustport who brought quite the crowd here, the owner began, deftly mixing a drink.

"Dancers from Rustport?" The merchant leaned in with interest.

"Yep. They say that place is swarming with pirates and swindlers. I was skeptical at first... That lad, Adrian, always had this stern look and hardly said a word. But Elyse, with her infectious smile, could charm thesocks off anyone. She suggested they perform live, and if l and the customers liked it, they could stay," the owner reminisced.

"And did you let them perform? Right here on this stage?" the merchant pressed.

"No, they didn't stick to the stage. They danced as if they were two butterflies in an embrace, fluttering gracefully through the room, weaving and spinning past tables and patrons. Can you believe it? Not as single glass knocked over," the owner recalled with a smile.

"You know, that reminds me of a dance they say folks do in Rustport when they're having secret rendezvous. They dance in close, intricate steps as if breaking free from the daily grind,"' the merchant remarked.

"Well, I guess you've seen your fair share! Nobody could quite put their finger on the dance, but the bar was packed twice as tight the next night! And then the next night, and the one after that. I tell ya, letting them stay was one of the best decisions I ever made," the owner said, handing the merchant his drink.

"And where did your star performers disappear to?" the merchant asked between sips.

"Gone. Dead," the owner sighed, returning to his cleaning.

"Dead?" The merchant's tone softened.

"If you ask me, they could've danced their way into the Lord of the City's grand ball, but they said they didn't want the fuss. They kept telling me about wanting to save up to open a watch shop. Adrian's hands were as skilled as his feet, let me tell you. I let the young couple stay here in the bar while I bunked across the street. But one night, I heard a commotion and rushed over to find Adrian cradling a bloody Elyse, clutching onto a strange note. Poor girl, Elyse even apologized and said their enemies had found them. I rushed out for a doctor, but when I got back, they were gone, leaving only that shoe," the owner's voice was tinged with regret.

The merchant took another sip. "Can you still recognize that note?"

"What do you mean?" The owner looked puzzled.

"You see, this city's always hosting secret gatherings between the rich and powerful. Rarely do uninvited guests crash the party. Just the other day, a Viscount threw a bash for his 'like-minded' pals."

"This Viscount's got ties to Rustport and its underbelly, working with the gangs to lure talented kids into signing cruel contracts, promising them a future but putting them through hellish training instead. Many can't handle it. Even if they can, they're 'delivered' to his friends," the merchant explained.

"These parties are all about showcasing their power plays and flaunting their enslavement. But there was a pair of dancers not on the list. They waltzed in uninvited, gracefully twirling among the guests. Then, the lady dancer had a word with the Viscount."

"And what did she say?" the owner leaned in, intrigued.

"She didn't sound human. Witnesses say it sounded like music coming from an instrument. Then she said: 'Adrian and Elyse have arrived as promised,' and she transformed into a pair of sharp, gleaming blades, carving through the guests like a reaper, leaving only a piece of paper behind," the merchant recounted.

"Oh dear, you mean..." The owner was speechless with shock.

"Hahaha! Well, you gave me a story, so l' m returning the favor. One last thing, did Adrian have this contract in his hand the last time you saw him?" the merchant slid a blood-stained paper across the counter.

"Yes," the owner gulped.

"Great. Thanks for your help. l'm investigating this for the Lord of the City. Let's keep this conversation between us," the merchant said, paying for his drink as he rose to leave.

"So, it wasn't the kids' fault after all!" The owner couldn't contain his indignation.

"Of course not. Just like how the Rusty String Bar gave them a chance, the Lord hopes they'll give Oakenfell a chance," the detective said before exiting.