You guys are all so good at writing! This is a great idea for a thread, Emekittycon.

I decided to post the first chapter of my book, The Archer-- let me know if you guys like it!

I stalk through the forest, my elven longbow close at hand. Snow has started to fall, but I don't notice it. My hand is hovering above the quiver of arrows on my hip. I just heard movement in the trees. A deer, perhaps.

And it’s almost time for dinner.

Suddenly, my pointed ears detect a sound behind me.

I whirl around to see a woman in a black dress. Her auburn hair is pulled into a bun, and she wears a pleasant smile.

“What do you want,” I ask suspiciously.

She smiles. “You look tired, traveler,” she says. “I wondered if perhaps you would like a place to rest.”

“I am Ashryn, the caretaker of these woods,” she explains. “I run an inn nearby, and I offer shelter to those passing through the woods. It is nearly nighttime, and the dangers of the woods could easily overcome a lone traveler. Even one with a weapon like yours. And the snow has started, as well.”

It is snowing, I realize, and it’s almost night. I hadn’t thought about shelter -- I had hoped to reach the village by now.

So, reluctantly, I tell Ashryn, “I accept your offer of shelter, caretaker. Your kindness is appreciated.”

Ashryn smiles. “This way, traveler.”

She leads me to a two-story stone building with a carved oak door. I see light coming from behind the curtained window, and I can faintly hear a chorus of song from inside. Ashryn opens the door.

Inside, there appears to be a tavern of sorts. In the corner, a dwarf leads a drinking song while playing a mandola. Elves, dwarves, and humans alike are heartily joining in from all over the room.

“Have a seat,” says Ashryn, gesturing towards a long wooden table. I nod, obliging.

“I just made some shepherd’s pie this morning. I’ll go get you some, traveler,” she says, smiling. She hurries off through an open doorway, which leads to a kitchen.

After a minute or so, the door opens. Snow blows in, and a dark-haired man in a fur cloak enters. A few of the inn’s customers wave enthusiastically in his direction. He waves back, but he looks preoccupied.

I realize he’s staring at me, and I tense up as he walks in my direction.

“Hello,” I greet him, smiling despite my wariness.

“Hello, elf,” he says. He sits down across from me, brushing snow from his long hair. “Tell me, why are you passing through these woods?”

I narrow my eyes. Why is he so interested in me? I'm just a traveler.

“I was searching for shelter in the nearby village. I'm not currently busy," I tell him cautiously.

He nods. “Perfect.”

“What do you want from me?” I ask him.

He smiles. “I need an archer.”