Well, here's my first attempt at a Dragonlance fanfic! Enjoy!

DISCLAIMER: I own nothing affiliated with or related to D&D or Dragonlance.

Chapter 1: Arrival. Stories. "You're a Mercenary?"

I looked down over the ridge into the small town. It seemed normal enough. Sure, the buildings were mostly in the trees, with wooden walkways snaking in and around the massive trunks. But all the buildings were... normal. There was an inn, a blacksmith shop, and a set of stables that she could see from here. The normality of it all was reassuring, after the past two days.

I had left my father's home in Palanthas rather hurriedly two days past after finding out my father's plans to envelop me in society and hopefully marry her off to some stuffy rich noble I had never met. Yes, there were advantages to having a Palathian noble for a father, but there were certainly disadvantages as well.

So I had left with nothing but a longsword at my hip and some basic chainmail armor, plus a small bag of food. I hadn't had time to gather anything else; someone had been coming and I'd had to run. I knew her father would have sent bodyguards after me at this point; he had to rescue his 'precious pearl.' But I wasn't worried yet. They'd catch up in a few days and then I would worry.

I headed towards the inn, figuring that I should probably find a place to stay before it got dark, which would be happening within the hour. Climbing up the stairs to the Inn, I reached the door, pushed it open, and slipped inside, melting into the general bustle.

The Inn itself seemed very normal, as well. Barmaids milled around, serving drinks and nourishment. There were men at the bar, swigging down ale and chomping at food. People were crowded around tables as well, telling or listening to stories and songs, or sitting by the fire in solitude. The majority of the Inn, at this moment, was crowded around a certain table with a big young man perched on the back of a chair, seemingly telling a story of battle and glory by the way he was swinging his ale mug around. I decided to see what he was telling about; It wasn't like I had anything better to do at the time.

I sidled up as close as I could get to his table and sat in the nearest chair, so that I could hear the story and not feel suffocated. He was telling some grandiose and obviously ale-modified tale of battle, saying something about cutting three men in half with one swing of his sword. I listened, but only half. I was distracted by thoughts of what would happen if my father's men caught up with me, especially a certain one named Brehan, who had shown some... interest in me recently and would no doubt take any chance he could to... satisfy his lust.

A certain barmaid was making her way toward me through the crowd. This barmaid stood out, and was obviously well-known here. People waved at her or called for more drinks as she passed them, but she waved them by, telling them she'd help them in a minute. She had flaming red hair, and a smattering of freckles peppered her nose and cheeks. She wore a blouse that left little to the imagination, but then again, most of the barmaids were wearing similarly cut tops. Succeeding in passing through the crowd, she plopped down in a chair next to Ahline. "Don't be paying much attention to Caramon, miss," she said, her voice full of laughter. "His stories always get bawdy and overtold when he's drunk a few pints. I haven't seen you around here before," she added, turning her eyes upon me curiously. "Did you just arrive here?"

"Yes, only a few minutes ago," I answered, nodding.

"Well, welcome to the Inn of the Last Home! My name is Tika Waylan, and you are...?"

"Ahline," I said, not wanting to give away my last name in case my father's bodyguards had already been here.

"Nice to meet you, Ahline," Tika said, smiling warmly. "What brings you to Solace?"

"I'm not quite sure yet," I answered truthfully. "I was thinking of looking for some freelancing work."

"You're a mercenary?" Tika asked, her tone a bit accusatory. It was enough to put me on guard.

"Well, not as of yet. I'm only barely considering looking into that line of work."

Tika nodded, looking more at ease. Then she seemed to remember something. "Oh, I'm sorry! Was there anything you wanted?"

"No, thank you, I think I'm fine for now," I answered.

At that point, there was a shout of "Tika! Quit your lollygagging and serve these drinks!"

"I've got to go," Tika said, jumping up. "It was nice meeting you!"

"You as well," I replied.

Tika ran off, with a shout of "Sorry, Otik! I'll serve those right up!", and I turned my attention back to the man telling the story; Caramon, I think Tika had said his name was. His story had obviously ended and the crowd was ebbing away. He saw me still sitting there and I saw his face light up as he started to approach me.

"Did you like the story?" he asked, sitting down in the chair Tika had just vacated.

"Oh, yes," I said, a slight teasing tone in my voice. His face was so cheerful and open that I couldn't resist. "You must be quite the warrior to have fought in such a battle."

He caught the teasing tone and laughed. "Surely it's not the first time you've heard it. Minstrels must be singing it along the road by now."

"So you're the great warrior in all the stories!" I said, keeping the teasing up.

"I was involved with a few battles down south, yes," he said, smiling. Then he looked sheepish. "Well, actually, I've only been in the business for a short while. I'm no seasoned warrior."

I nodded. He continued, "I suppose I had better introduce myself. I'm Caramon Majere."

What was it with people here openly giving their last names and making me feel awkward only giving my first? "Ahline," I said.

"What's a pretty girl like you doing in a small town like Solace? You should be a Palanthian noble's daughter," Caramon said, clearly being charming.

But his comment was way too close for comfort. I put on a charming smile and brushed off the comment. "Oh, I'm not completely sure yet. I may look into some freelancing work - "

"You're a mercenary?" Caramon was surprised.

I gave him the same answer I had given Tika. "Not as of yet. I've really only thought about looking into that line of work."

Caramon looked thoughtful. "Well, my brother and I having been working in the mercenary field for a couple of years. We know some names, maybe we could get you into a good position on the battlefield."

"That would be great, thank you," I said. I guess I was becoming a mercenary. I smiled inwardly at how furious father would be.

"Alright then! We're leaving tomorrow morning, but not too early," Caramon continued. "Here's a key to my room. If you have any questions, just knock or use your key." He told me the room number, said goodbye, and headed down the hall.

I decided I wanted to go to bed, but I had to have dinner first, which irritated me. Food was an inconvenience by my standards, only to be eaten when absolutely needed. It's a gross concept, but any money you spend on food turns into... fecal matter. I decided to keep dinner minimal and therefore save some money as well as time.

TBC

Yeah, I know it says TBC, but don't expect any miracles. School's starting again and I won't have much time for writing.