Ariel Anderssen – Camp Follower Fantasy, restrainedelegance

Ariel, a young peasant widow, faces danger in her village due to attacks from a gnoll warband. With no husband to defend her, her friends suggest she leave for safety. She learns that a group of famed adventurers, led by Kenril the Ranger, is nearby and hopes to join them despite lacking martial training and only possessing a simple knife. Upon meeting the adventurers at their campsite, Ariel is impressed by their diverse skills. Kenril is charismatic, Rala is a strong female half-orc, Twick is a clever halfling rogue, and Vela is a serious elven wizard. Realizing she has little to offer in terms of combat, Ariel considers a different arrangement. Kenril proposes that she could become a camp follower, providing companionship and fulfilling the group's needs in exchange for membership in their fellowship. Ariel accepts this arrangement, and they solidify their agreement around the campfire. After the adventurers triumph over an ogre band, Ariel prepares to welcome them at a tavern, expressing her excitement for the intimate connections she plans to have with each of them. Overcome with anticipation, she indulges in a passionate display of excitement, celebrating the heroes' return.

This narrative captures Ariel's journey from vulnerability to finding a place among the adventurers, emphasizing themes of survival and unconventional alliances.