The evening began like any other in the town of Junction. The fieldhands brought in the cattle to the safety provided by the many bonfires that dotted the edge of the town, while the Nightwatch began to rouse from their day’s rest, filtering out to the edges to begin their shifts.

Taris, Junction’s only Nightwalker, stepped out of his home, immediately being greeted by a familiar voice calling out to him. The voice belonged to a chestnut haired girl named Gilly, something of a childhood friend of Taris. Together they walked towards the walls, chatting as they went. This was a daily occurrence for Taris, and something he enjoyed, as few others treated him like Gilly did.

As they walked, Gilly would reveal that she had a tome that taught her how to use magic, one that she bought off a traveling merchant who had visited the town a week prior. She’d go on to say that this tome had taught her a spell to ward off the monsters that threaten their perimeter each night, she made a habit to cast it every night, so that he would have an easier night.

Taris didn’t believe such magic existed, but for the sake of his friend, he’d smile and ruffle her hair, saying he appreciated it. Misunderstanding him, she’d smile warmly back up at him, saying she’d continue to work hard to support him, before turning and running off to return home for the night. Taris would stop, watching his friend leave, noting that she wasn’t stopping to catch her breath as often as she usually did. It seemed she was starting to get in shape, which brought a smile to Taris’ lips.

Joining his Nightwatch partner, Dex, the other would give him the route he was supposed to walk tonight. It was one he had walked a hundred times before.