The forest is dark, as you stumble your way past trees and brush. You're lost, and the only light is that of the cresent moon above you. Suddenly out of the darkness you see...a fire.
A campfire! People! You're no longer alone. You make your way quickly towards the fire to find it surrounded by the oddest group you have ever seen. You scan the group and find yourself confronted with three elves, two dwarves and a shadowed figure you believe to be human.
One of the elves, a female you discover, beckons you over with a flick of her wrist. You sit by her and say nothing. One of the other elves, this one male, is sitting a ways away, sharpening a sword. One of his eyes is hidden behind a black patch. The two dwarves sit off to one side, bickering back and forth. One of them cheery, with a smile on his face and a mischevious twinckle in his eye. The other with a rugid face and a sour expression. The last elf, also male, appears to be staring off into space, and you still can not see the shadowed figure.
The female elf looks to you, expecting something, but you know not what. Finally she smiles and speaks. "Welcome stranger, you are seeking shelter and food? Or perhaps just passing through?" You indicate that you wish a place to rest and she smiles.
The elf, who was staring into space, stirs and comes over. He has dark, haunted eyes, which he turns upon you. "There is of course a price," he says slowly. "Each night we take turns telling tales. All we require from you is that you listen, and tell us what you think of them."
The deal seems reasonable enough. You shrug and get comfortable, awaiting the first story. Before they begin though the friendly looking dwarf leans over and whispers in your ear. "Have you visited our world before friend?" He winks at you, smiles and settles into his seat to get comfortable.