This is my first attempt at fiction. Depending on the responses, I'll either add more or just delete this post. I need to work on my writing, and I figured this would be a good way to do so. Hopefully this story doesn't blow.
As the sun lit up the sky, the leaves displayed their green colors, mixing in with the white clouds, blue sky, and yellow sunlight. "So much color; it's just as I remember it." Laneele brushed her lavender hair to the side and looked all around before setting her eyes on the bridge that led to the Elven Village.
Laneele dismounted from her strider at the edge of the bridge and handed the reins to the stable master. So many years have passed, yet the village remained the same. As she walked across the bridge, she saw the familiar faces of the sentinels. She immediately caught sight of the Temple, standing in front of it in awe and in nostalgia. "It's been so long."
Laneele approached the steps and entered the Temple. She saw the masters talking to the young elves, most likely giving a short mission or their rewards. As they were all talking, she noticed the young elves had their weapons drawn. Laneele wished they could have sheathed their weapons, at least when in the Temple.
Magister Greenis greeted Laneele as she stood watching. "It's been a long time, hasn't it?" Laneele turned to look who was addressing her. "Yes, it has." Laneele and Greenis turned and watched the Hierarch speak to a young elf, obviously informing him of the mission he was to take.
"You remember the missions you had to take from the Hierarch," said Greenis. Laneele couldn't help but smile. "Yes, I do, but at least I had the courtesy of sheathing my weapon."
"You were always the polite one, and you still are." It was true. Most other elves would run up to any of these masters, regardless if one was already talking with another elf. But Laneele kept her distance until it was her turn.
"You must have completed your training if you've returned."
"Ah, the training." Laneele let out a sigh. "The training was rough, but manageable. I wonder how I truly made it through."
"You would make an excellent priestess, teaching others what you have learned."
Laneele let out a slight laugh. "You know how bad I am at teaching others. Remember your brother?"
Greenis let out her laugh. "I'm sure he's gotten over it." Turning to look at the Hierarch, Greenis added, "And I'm sure Hierarch Asterios would agree with me."
The young elf took what Hierarch Asterios gave him and ran off. Seeing no other young elves present, Laneele took her leave from Greenis and approached him.
"Laneele? Is that really you?"
"It is. It has been a while."
"It's so good to see you. I take it your training is complete?"
"Yes, the training was rough—"
"But manageable," interrupted Asterios. "You were always the one to see things in a positive light. It's good that the training hasn't changed you."
Laneele smiled. "Neither has the time."
"Although, it seems that something has altered your taste in armor," said Asterios, looking up and down at her.
Laneele couldn't help but throw her head back and laugh. She remembered her first thought when she saw the armor. The color was a deep red, with a small design that looked like a yellow eye on the center of the collar; but the amount of clothing barely covered her chest and stomach. She wasn't too thrilled with the boots either. "Were these designed by dark elves?" The armor crafter let out a laugh. "That's not the first time I've heard that comment. They may not look like it, but these can protect you better than your robes. You'll be able to run slightly faster as well, if you notice." Whether it was the material, lack thereof, or some type of spell, this armor did make her run faster. She noticed.
Asterios continued. "How was your return trip? Were you able to get some rest?"
"The trip was slightly relaxing," Laneele answered. "I came straight to the Temple to see you."
"Polite as always. Thank you for coming to see me. I do have something to discuss with you, but it can wait. I'm sure others are eager to see you. And do get some rest. You did travel far."
Laneele took her leave and exited the Temple. As she descended the stairs, she heard a familiar voice call out to her.
"Laneele! By Eva, when did you return?"
"Just now," Laneele replied as she reached the bottom. She and Elisor embraced in a hug.
"And when were you going to tell me? Sneaking off to the Temple without seeing me first. Are you too embarrassed to see me after that incident?"
"If I remember correctly, it was you who ended up in the water."
"Under your teachings, if I might add."
Both chuckled at the thought. "If you were at the Temple, you saw my sister, yes?" asked Elisor.
"Briefly. She inquired about me being a priestess."
"You? A priestess? You'll put all your students in the lake in no time," Elisor joked.
"Which is why I have no intention of becoming a priestess," said Laneele, slightly laughing at the same time. "Besides, I like what I do. It's the reason I went through the training."
That was an understatement. Laneele loved what she did. She helped others in their hunting parties, especially the large parties involving dangerous raids. Many wanted to pay her for her "services," but Laneele always refused; helping others was rewarding enough. When no parties needed her, she would go into the fields or woods, training alone and honing her battle skills. But she always made sure she was alone. There was something she kept inside that she could not let others know.
"Well, I must be going," said Elisor. "I have much training to do if I'm ever going to catch up to you."
"Now that I'd like to see."
Elisor took off, heading toward the bridge leading to the Neutral Grounds. Laneele looked around and walked toward the World Tree at the center of the village. As she walked closer to it, some of the little ones came running towards her.
"Laneele! Laneele, you've returned!"
"We've missed you, Laneele!"
"Did you bring me back something, Laneele?"
Laneele smiled. She was glad to see the young ones again. Laneele listened to their stories of what happened while she was away. After they were done, they asked Laneele about her training.
"Laneele, what was training like? Did you see any big ogres?"
"What about Antharas? Did you see Antharas?"
"Well, let's not bore you with training stories. Instead, I have this." Laneele pulled out a small, yellow ocarina. After she played a short melody, a baby two-headed kookaburra appeared next to her. The kookaburra heads looked up at Laneele. She pulled out a small brown bag and fed it some baby spice, kookaburra food, before tying the bag around its neck.
"Wow, a kookaburra!" the children exclaimed. "Can we pet it?"
"Sure. Just be really gentle."
The children's hands reached to pet the heads of the kookaburra. The kookaburra made light whistles as the children pet its heads and necks. One of the little ones asked, "Laneele, can we play with the kookaburra?"
"You can, but you must stay within the village. This little guy is very delicate, so be careful, all right?" Laneele knelt down to the kookaburra's head level and spoke very softly to it. The kookaburra responded with its light whistles and took off, running close around the World Tree at first before running in wider circles. "Hey, wait for us!" The children playfully ran after it, giggling and screaming.
Laneele heaved a sigh, a smile on her face as she watched the children chase the kookaburra. She made her way to the shops, greeting the shopkeepers, and to the warehouse, greeting the warehouse keepers. Laneele enjoyed her time back in the village, conversing with old friends and catching up with current events. After meeting everyone, she went back to the World Tree and sat down, watching the children. Although her kookaburra was faster than the children, it was smart enough to slow down to let the children catch up to it, and then it turned around and chased the children in return. Watching the kookaburra run with the children reminded her of how she came across the fragile creature.
Laneele wasn't much for pets. She knew the expense and responsibility that came with having a pet; buying its food, keeping it fed, and having magic scrolls to resurrect the poor thing if it met its demise. She never understood how anyone can make time to even pay attention to the little buggers. Sure, they can help during battle, but the constant care that they needed was just too overwhelming, and the cost it took to take care of them seemed like a waste. What the pets contributed to its owners didn't seem to match the expense and responsibility of having them.
Laneele was doing her usual training alone when she came across the dead kookaburra. Obviously abandoned as she saw the ocarina and a bag nearby, something drew her to the little bird. She saw the harness it was wearing, and then saw the wound it had below the neck area. It obviously died instantly and recently; it was still bleeding from its wound. Why couldn't she leave it alone? What was it about this kookaburra that drew her to it? Making her decision, Laneele cast her resurrection spell. The kookaburra's wound healed, and it stood up. Whistling lightly, it slightly trembled. Its eyes were very wide and the heads looked around, as if searching for something. It was oblivious to Laneele's presence. Laneele picked up the ocarina and played a short melody. The kookaburra turned toward Laneele and stared up at her.
Staring back at the bird, Laneele sighed. "I had better not regret this." The kookaburra responded with whistles, as if it understood Laneele. Laneele knelt down and pet its heads. The kookaburra whistled again and rested their heads on her shoulders. "You poor thing. All right. You win. I'll take you with me." Laneele pulled back to look at the kookaburra. "But you'd better stay close to me." The kookaburra whistled, and one of the heads tugged on Laneele's glove. "What is it?" The kookaburra turned around and the other head picked up the small brown bag. Holding it in its beak, the kookaburra turned and stared at Laneele. Laneele held out her hand and watched the bird drop the bag on her palm. The smell emanated from bag; baby spice. "Hungry?" she asked the bird. The kookaburra responded with its whistles. Laneele opened the bag and grabbed a handful of baby spice and opened her palm in front of the bird. The heads leaned in and ate until all the baby spice was gone. "You're a cute little thing." Laneele finally understood why others had one of these as pets. It wasn't just the heals that it contributed. It was the loyalty it formed with its owner. Laneele saw in its eyes that it had bonded to her. Laneele smiled. This would be a new experience, considering her previous opinion about having pets. Laneele stood up and cast a heal spell on it, ridding any traces of the wound it received. "That should do it. Good as new." Laneele stashed away the ocarina in her satchel and tied the food bag around the kookaburra's neck. "There. You can eat as much as you want. And remember, stay close to me." Whistling in what seemed like agreement, the kookaburra followed Laneele while she continued with her training.
After about an hour, the children ran to Laneele, the kookaburra following close behind.
"Thanks for letting us play with your kookaburra, Laneele. Can we play with it again someday?"
"Of course."
The children exclaimed in excitement. "Yay!" The sun was touching the nearby mountains, signaling dinner time. The children said their thank you's and goodbyes to Laneele and returned to their homes. Laneele took the baby spice from the kookaburra, pet it a little and played the ocarina again, causing it to disappear. Laneele stood up and went to the Temple to see Heirarch Asterios.
"Yes. It's a small matter, but I believe you are the right person for the job," Asterios said.
"Job?"
"Yes, a small job. You see, many of the young adventurers are hesitant of exploring the lands, the dark elven areas in particular. I feel the exploration to these and other lands would be a great benefit to their experience. However, due to our history with the dark elves, our young adventurers are, I suppose the right word is, frightened, of stepping foot in those lands. Though we stay separated from them, I believe we are at a time where all races are able to tolerate each other in a civil matter."
Laneele stood dumbfounded. Tolerate each other? In a civil matter? "My liege, the only thing I have to say is, I beg your pardon?"
Asterios let out a laugh. "I knew you would respond that way. I know it sounds strange to hear it from me, but much has changed since you left for your training. Not only do we get visits from the humans, but from the dwarves as well."
"My word. And that includes the dark elves?"
"Indeed it does."
Laneele was nearly beside herself. She grew up so traditionally that she believed the only towns that allow all races to converge were the main ones, where trading was established. Whenever she had to go to the hometowns of the races, it was merely as a messenger, to speak with a certain person. She would never casually visit any of these towns unless she absolutely had to, although, she did notice in the past year that the races were converging with each other more often than they did when she was younger. It was evident in the parties that she participated. She recalled one party that even had one person of each race in it, including a dark elf.
"I suppose I have much more to learn that I realized. But, what does this have to do with me?"
"I want you to escort a small party to the dark elven areas. I've requested them to hunt there for a while and to give me items as proof. But even though they'll be in a group, they're too scared to set foot in those lands."
"Sir, I can't help but think that you want me to look after little ones like a guardian."
This made Asterios laugh again. "I believe they will be fine. They may not need your help at all, but the fact that you are with them may alleviate their fears of stepping in the dark elven lands. Once others see that no harm has come to them, then I'm sure they will work up the courage to step in the lands by themselves."
Laneele went through in her head everything that Asterios said. She saw no reason to reject his request, and there was nothing else to do in the village. "Very well. I'll be ready in a few minutes."
Right before she was about to take her leave, Asterios added, "There's one more issue I have to discuss with you. Come." Asterios walked over to the doorway onto a nearby balcony.
Laneele followed. What could it be that he would have to walk to the balcony? It had to be something private. Laneele learned to read other people's actions during her training.
With Laneele following behind, Asterios headed to the farthest end of the balcony and turned around to face Laneele. "Laneele, I know."
"Huh?" Her expression expressed incredible curiosity as to Asterios' statement. "You know what?"
Asterios lifted his right arm out in front of him. From the end of his sleeve, a small item, attached to a small rope, dropped and hung from his wrist. The item was a round, transparent medal, lined in silver. There was a small symbol in the center and what looked like tiny buttons at the top edge and the right edge of the medal. The top button was red, while the second button was black. "I mean, I know. I know about the several paths you have chosen, you have trained for."
Laneele unconsciously cupped the inside of her left wrist with her right hand. That item was almost exactly like hers! The only difference was that her trinket had a different symbol in the center and four buttons, one each at the top, bottom, left and right of the symbol, at the edges of the medal. The top button on hers was also red, and the other buttons were black. "How...." she started, but was too much in shock to finish her sentence.
"It was a very long time ago." Asterios lowered his arm. "I only chose one other path, but it seems that it was enough to be chosen to hold this item." Asterios examined Laneele's expression. It looked mixed with shock and a little bit of fear. "Laneele, I'm very proud of you. Before you received yours, I was told that I was the only one of the light elves to hold this trinket."
That statement brought Laneele back to his attention. "Sir, I...I don't know what to say. I understand that very few people were allowed this item. I didn't know it was around for so long."
"The people chosen to have the item were judged based on their personalities and morals. Indeed, you displayed a great sense of morale. But you know the burden that comes with holding the trinket."
She did. She knew all too well. The trinket was incredibly special. In the wrong hands, it would cause great chaos, due to what the trinket was capable of. It was capable of making a person, any person, switch professions at the touch of a button, avoiding going to a town to see one of the masters to switch professions. The symbol at the center would change, representing the very profession the person was using. Very few people were allowed this trinket and sworn to its secrecy. A wrong person having the trinket would go mad with power. She learned it has happened before. So many lives were lost, for no reason. Whatever magic power the trinket contained, it was definitely not meant for just anyone.
"If I may ask, my liege, what other path did you choose?"
"Would you believe me if I told you about the summons I have at my command?"
"What kind of summons?"
"The undead kind."
Laneele couldn't believe her ears. Undead? A Soultaker? "You can't be serious!"
"I am serious," Asterios responded.
"But, such a path doesn't fit you."
"Exactly. That's part of the reason I chose it. No one would ever suspect someone like me to have command of the undead. But believe me, that path has helped me through situations in more ways than I can remember."
Laneele recalled her paths she had chosen. The choices she had were numerous. It took some time for her to decide. But a Soultaker's path was definitely not one of the paths she considered. The idea of handling the undead was too repulsive for her.
"But how is it that you were able to learn a human's profession so long ago?" asked Laneele. "It took a very long time for them to earn our trust."
Asterios answered, "The fact that I was able to learn one of their professions was proof of that earned trust. In turn, there are some humans who have learned some of our professions as well. In recent years, we've been seeing other races come to learn our professions, not just the humans. This is what I meant about the tolerance of other races."
"I see." Laneele was lost in thought. She definitely had much more to learn.
"Well, the sun will be gone in a few hours. I ordered the group to gather at the center of the village, by the World Tree. They'll be waiting for you. I'm confident you will be back before nightfall."
"Yes, my liege." Laneele stepped aside for Asterios to pass by her before following him back inside the Temple. Laneele bowed before Asterios, and then headed down the Temple's stairs.
Up to you really. I wanted a more of a novel/storybook feel so I left them out. Leaving them out also helped me to build the relationships in my own story by giving the characters more time to get to know one another. My suggestion is to do what feels best for you and your story.
"I still can't believe you convinced me to join you. We're going to die," said a young female elf in a half-serious, half-sarcastic tone.
"We're not going to die. I heard Laneele will be with us," said a male elf swinging his dagger in practice swings.
"Then abandon us," The female elf responded.
"Will you two be quiet? You're scaring...Idril," said another male elf.
"I think you meant to speak for yourself," Idril said.
"Hush you."
The bickering became louder as Laneele approached the group. These young ones, always the same, she thought to herself. Four were standing and arguing with each other, while the other two were sitting down. Laneele heard small phrases from the group, ranging from "What if something happens?" to "We'll probably get ambushed." Their bickering sounded like frightened young elves scared for their lives. It was much like what the hierarch described them. The bickering stopped when they saw Laneele approach. The two that were sitting stood up. All of them faced her.
"Greetings. My name is Laneele, and I will be escorting you to the dark elven lands."
Laneele read their reactions. The looks on their faces showed that they were obviously scared of what their journey will entail. When none of them said a word, she continued. "The area we will be going to will have bats and zombies. They will be easy to kill, just like the orcs near our village. You may see Black Willows as well. They're not aggressive, but leave them alone anyway. Provoking them in any way will result in an...unfortunate demise."
Their eyes widened. One of them spoke up. "I've heard of those. Once they kill you, they keep your body as a prize and hang it on one of their branches."
The group began whispering to each other in nervous tones. Laneele heard one of them begin to cry. "Now hold it. Pull yourselves together. We haven't even left the village yet!"
Those statements didn't seem to calm any of them. Laneele tried a different approach.
"I've been to these lands before. They just look eerie. They're no different than the other lands you'll soon encounter. And no one will be alone. You'll hunt in pairs and I'll be nearby. I'll even give each of you some temporary enhancement spells."
The entire group seemed to calm down when she said that. The one that cried a little wiped her eyes and said, "Thank you."
"You're welcome. The travel to the area will take some time, but the return trip will be quick. I will cast my spells once we reach the area. Let's all stop by the warehouse if you need anything."
Laneele and the group went to the warehouse. The group crowded around Julia, the warehouse keeper, requesting what they needed and dropped off other things. Laneele looked at what they equipped. Some had good armor, while others had good weapons. One was fortunate to have a Sword Breaker. Apparently Laneele wasn't the only one to notice.
"Nice dagger," one of the male elves said. "Where did you get that?"
"It belongs to my father. When he heard about what I'll be doing, he gave it to me." The others looked in amazement.
"I hear those are hard to come by," said one of the female elves.
That wasn't entirely true. Laneele saw one at the weapons trader in Giran. It seemed a bit overpriced at the time, but with the current economy, there was a chance that the price of the weapons increased slightly, unless you had connections and knew where to look.
When everyone seemed ready, Laneele took the lead and headed toward Mirabel, the gatekeeper. Once everyone was gathered, she explained where they would be going.
"We'll be going to the Neutral Grounds and head east from there. We'll soon be in the dark elven territory afterwards. Everyone stay on the path by me. We'll stop at the Swampland."
"The Swampland?" exclaimed one elf. "Why?"
"It's the easiest and closest area. Don't worry. Like I said, the monsters there are easy to kill. They're not aggressive, and I will be here the entire time."
Laneele spoke to Mirabel, requesting her to transport the group to the three-way fork at the Neutral Grounds. Laneele decided to pay for everyone in the group since it didn't cost much to her anyway.
Once the group appeared at the three-way fork, Laneele made sure everyone was accounted for and took the path to the east. The rest of the group followed. The sun was still out, giving off light, but it was obvious it would only last a few more hours. Laneele wasn't worried, as she knew the excursion wouldn't take more than an hour or two.
Eventually the area next to them began to become clouded in a light fog. They were close. Laneele veered off the path and headed toward the fog. The group followed while looking at their surroundings. Laneele stopped at the edge of the fog.
"We're here."
The others stopped and continued to look around. They began whispering to each other again.
"Everyone, pair up. Once you've done that, I'll give you enhancements."
They immediately paired up and Laneele cast spells for their strength and defense.
"If everyone is set, the monsters are all yours. Don't wander too far; stay close enough so that I can hear you if you need to yell for me. Remember, your enhancements are temporary, so once you've gathered what you need, return to this spot." After everyone checked their equipment, the three pairs headed in different directions.
Everything started out well during the first few minutes. The first pair she saw went after a bat and killed it almost immediately. Laneele figured they would be fine. After watching them disappear into the fog, she sat down and rested to recover from the casting. But when she did, she noticed that she immediately began to get tired. Right after that, everything went black.
Oh my frick. I wasn't expecting such eager responses.
I was so sure someone wouldn't like the way it was going. I know it starts out slow, but I still don't know how it will keep going, though I sort of know how it will end. So, I'm kind of winging it for now.
Please don't expect a love story. That's nabiscocookie's job. :D
It really is very good, keep going with it :) I just winged it for the first few chapters of mine until I got the hang of it and became more comfortable with my characters. :cool:
"That was a beautiful story keep them coming it was nice to read while I Had my lunch (grapes and what appears to be spring water) I felt as thou I was there."
"That was a beautiful story keep them coming it was nice to read while I Had my lunch (grapes and what appears to be spring water) I felt as thou I was there."
Thank you.
Uhh....Is AshleyHunter sure it's for my story and not someone else's? I only listed three chapters! :eek:
Making sure the light elves were nowhere in sight, a female dark elf emerged from behind a nearby tree and walked toward the sleeping Laneele. Laneele had fallen over to her left side. The dark elf stopped in front of Laneele, faced her, and used her foot to push Laneele's right shoulder so that she would lie on her back. Laneele was still in a deep slumber, her lavender hair sprawled in the grass under her head. The dark elf pulled out her dagger from her right hip, held it in a reverse grip, and knelt down beside Laneele's head. She stared at the light elf's face for a few minutes. A tear emerged from her right eye and made its way down the outer part of her nose and down to her lips before it hung from her chin for a few seconds. The dark elf wiped at her chin with the back of her right hand, still holding the dagger. With her left hand, she placed it palm down on the pommel of the dagger. Raising both hands high above her head, the dagger's tip pointed down, she stared at Laneele for a few more seconds before using all her might to thrust the dagger towards the light elf's neck.
The dark elf's hands trembled. Laneele breathed, completely unaware of the dagger's tip that stopped short of her neck. The dark elf stared at the back of her hand, and then shifted her gaze to Laneele's face. Another tear welled up in her eye and fell immediately on the back of her hand. The dark elf looked at the wet spot on the back of her hand and let her arms relax and rest at her sides. After another tear welled up, this time on her left eye, she let it run down her face before she tilted her head back and let out a low sounding, high-pitched scream, her lips parted and her teeth tightly clenched.
The dark elf returned her head to its original position and calmly stared at Laneele, allowing the tears to fall from her face. She sat still, staring at Laneele until Laneele's head tilted towards the dark elf. The light elf let out a small moan, a sign that the sleep spell was beginning to lose its effect. The dark elf slowly stood up, careful not to draw any attention, and walked back to the tree from where she emerged, sheathing her dagger at the same time. When she was sure she was out of sight, she peered out from behind the tree to watch the light elf sit up.
Laneele, sitting in an upright position, rubbed her eyes. She fell asleep? How? It's true that she didn't sleep much during her journey back to the Elven Village, but she didn't think she felt that fatigued. Laneele looked at her surroundings, and then heard the familiar voices of the light elves hunting nearby. She checked her belongings and accounted for everything. Nothing changed. She must have been tired after all. She thought to herself that she wouldn't tell the hierarch what happened. It would be an embarrassment to her and the young light elves if he knew she fell asleep in the middle of a hunt, even if for a few minutes. Laneele cursed at herself. You know better than this, she thought. She was completely unaware of the dark elf that was still staring at her.
The dark elf watched as Laneele was soon joined by two young light elves, then four more. Several images flashed in her head. The first one was the view of a wind spell speeding directly towards her. In the next one she was facing the ground. In the next image she saw two pairs of boots walking toward her, and the last image had her looking up at the sky, then seeing the face of a female light elf looking down and hovering over her until everything went black.
Laneele stood up and spoke to the light elves. The dark elf couldn't hear what Laneele was saying, but it didn't matter. She didn't care. Laneele looked and said something to each of the light elves before moving her arms in the familiar motion of casting a spell. Every light elf became encircled in a blue light, and then vanished.
"So, you've chosen the saint's path, dear friend," the dark elf muttered. "But that won't save you from me. Rest assured, I will not hesitate next time."
Back at the village, Laneele made sure all the light elves were accounted for before letting them all head toward the Temple to see the hierarch. After the young ones left her, Laneele thought back to the time she fell asleep. Was she really tired at the time? This has never happened to her before, but since this was the first time she's been able to relax and not always be battle-ready the next day, she figured her body has realized the rest and relaxation it earned and wanted its reward. Fine time to choose to rest, she thought to herself. Laneele knew that continuing to think about it would be pointless, so she diverted her attention by looking in the direction of the Temple. After seeing the light elves run down the Temple stairs and towards the warehouse, Laneele walked to the Temple. She figured the hierarch would like to hear a report from her.
"Laneele," Asterios said. "I heard from the young ones. It seemed they had no trouble at all."
"They didn't," Laneele said. "I apologize for casting a couple of enhancement spells on them, but it seemed like a good way to boost their confidence. I know you didn't want them to have any help—"
Asterios lifted up his hand, his palm facing her. "There's no need for apologizing," interrupted Asterios. He then let down his hand. "You did what you could to keep them calm. They are back and safe from their mission, which is the most important thing. I hope that this will convince other young elves that traveling to the dark elven areas is not as bad as they think."
"I'm sure this will create a good example for them," said Laneele.
Asterios continued. "I also noticed that they sheathed their weapons before they came in."
Laneele smiled. "Yes. Before we returned to the village, I requested that they do so."
"You are a great influence to them. Thank you for your help. And enjoy the rest of your time back in the village."
"Of course, my liege."
Laneele bowed to the hierarch before leaving the Temple. As she walked down the stairs and towards her abode, the thought of her falling asleep resurfaced. That thought again? Why couldn't she shake that thought out of her head? Laneele entered her abode and retired to her room. She took off her armor and rested it at the foot of the bed. She walked toward a dresser with a bowl and pitcher on top and a mirror behind it, hanging against the wall. After she poured water from the pitcher into the bowl she looked at herself in the mirror. Something caught her eye. As she leaned closer towards the mirror, she saw a small black spot on her neck. She lifted up her chin slightly and rubbed at the spot. The black spot disappeared, but blood began to seep out from the spot. A wound? What in Eva's name is going on? Laneele cast a small heal spell on the wound. She placed her hands on each edge of the dresser and leaned closer to the mirror. Staring at herself, she said aloud, "So I didn't just fall asleep."
"That was a beautiful story keep them coming it was nice to read while I Had my lunch (grapes and what appears to be spring water) I felt as thou I was there."
Thank you.
Uhh....Is AshleyHunter sure it's for my story and not someone else's? I only listed three chapters! :eek:
Yes it was from my Cousin Ashley Hunter. Ashley Stop posting and only send Private messages, However you have private messages blocked which means she has to ask people to post for her. Keep private messages block so that maybe my cousin will stop being silly and start posting again. :p
P.S. She said she enjoyed reading your story and keep them coming she's waiting on 5.
Seeing as I'll be doing some traveling in the next few days, I won't be able to finish the next chapter and post it before I leave. But I'll be sure to get right back on the story when I return.
In the meantime, maybe everyone can try to get nabiscocookie to post the next installment for "Treason"! :D
Now that I'm back posting I can personaly tell you I enjoy your story and look forward to reading more of it. So far yours and the story Treason are the best 2 lets call them novels that's I'm reading right now. However life comes first so I can wait till you get back. Enjoy your trip :D
In the morning, Laneele went to the eatery for breakfast. After sitting down at a table and waiting for her order, she contemplated about going back to the dark elven area where she fell asleep. Someone obviously wanted her dead, but missed the opportunity or just wanted to give her a warning. Why? And who? She couldn't recall making any enemies during her training, and she doubted it had anything to do with her trinket. It couldn't have been personal, could it? Or was there someone in the dark elven lands looking to kill just anyone? A Chaotic? No, that couldn't be. None of the elves mentioned seeing anyone during their mission, and she figured if they didn't mention anything to her, then they didn't see anyone. Hence, it would be pointless to inquire them about it. The only conclusion she came up with was that it had to be personal. Laneele's thoughts dispersed when she was approached by Elrond and Amras, two of the elves who were part of yesterday's excursion. Laneele offered them to sit after they asked permission to join her for breakfast.
"We just wanted to say thank you for taking us to the dark elven lands," said Amras, after he and Elrond seated themselves in front of Laneele.
"And thank you for the buffs," said Elrond.
"Buffs?"
"Yes," answered Elrond. "That's what they're called nowadays."
Laneele figured that they were referring to the enhancement spells she gave them that day. Kids and their words, she thought to herself. She remembered hearing that kind of word before, but she never conformed to the use of the word. It seemed so...informal to her.
"Ah. You're welcome."
A light elf walked to the table and placed a plate of food in front of Laneele. He also placed plates of food in front of Elrond and Amras.
As they ate, Amras lightly nudged Elrond's elbow with his elbow. Elrond looked up at Amras, and Amras gave a small but quick head tilt in Laneele's direction. Laneele noticed, but continued to eat.
Elrond wiped his mouth with a napkin and cleared his throat. "Um, Laneele, we have a request."
Laneele looked up from her food. "Yes?"
"Well..." Elrond looked back at Amras. Amras' elbows were resting on the table, his hands folded and in front of his mouth. Staring at Elrond, Amras mouthed the words, "Ask her."
Elrond took a deep breath. "We were talking yesterday, and...we would like it if you could escort us to the Dark Elven Village."
Laneele raised her eyebrows. The Dark Elven Village? These young elves were interested in going to the Dark Elven Village? Laneele gave it some thought. From the way Elrond hesitated to ask her, she deduced that they were genuinely interested in going instead of the hierarch requesting them to go. Still, she had to be sure.
"What did the hierarch say about this?"
"Hierarch Asterios was most pleased in our decision," said Amras. "He said we would be a great influence to our generation."
After what the hierarch said yesterday of the races tolerating each other, she wasn't surprised of Amras' answer.
"I'm a little surprised of your newfound interest, but why ask me to escort you? If all of you go together, you should be fine. You don't need me."
The light elves looked at each other, then back at Laneele. "Well, you mentioned that you've been to the lands before, and we don't know anyone else who has. We're not familiar with any of their customs, so we thought it would be best for all of us if you were with us," said Elrond.
"And we don't want to offend anyone on our first visit," Amras added.
"Good point," Laneele said. "Very well. I'll escort you to the Dark Elven Village, but not today. There's a matter I have to attend to, and it may take all day."
"Tomorrow then?" Amras asked. They seemed rather eager to go.
"Tomorrow."
"Great! We'll go tell the others. Thanks, Laneele!"
The light elves got up from their seats and left. Another light elf walked by and took away the half empty plates and pieces of adena left behind. At least they paid for their own meals, Laneele thought.
No sooner did the light elf take the abandoned plates than Elisor appeared before her.
"Found other victims to throw into the lake?"
Laneele looked up. "Very funny," she responded. "They're part of a group that is interested in going to the Dark Elven Village. They asked me to escort them since I'm the only one they know that's been there before."
"Oooooh." Elisor seated himself in front of Laneele. "So you'll throw them in the Swampland water instead," Elisor joked.
Laneele threw a balled-up napkin at him, which Elisor blocked with his hands.
"How's your training coming along?" Laneele asked.
"Well, let's put it this way. I'm not fond of the constant travel. Have you heard of the places the priests and priestesses tell you to go? It's practically one end of Aden to another. Which reminds me, can I borrow 50,000 adena? I swear I'll pay you back."
Laneele looked at him with shock. "You're borrowing adena now? I thought you saved up for your training."
"Well, about that." Elisor scratched the back of his head. That response and action usually weren't good signs. "There was a nice-looking staff in Giran and..."
"And you sold your old staff and bought the new one, not realizing it would leave you with less adena to travel."
"Uh...yes."
Laneele sighed and shook her head. "Elisor, you know what I'm going to say."
"I know, I know. I thought I should ask. I just really want to catch up to you."
Laneele knew if she loaned adena to Elisor, she'd be loaning adena to others. She was badgered before about adena, and she wasn't going to just give away any of the currency she believed she earned through hard work. And it wasn't as if hard work was hard to find either.
Instead of currency, she gave Elisor the next best thing: advice.
"Have you heard of the catacombs and necropolises around Aden?" Laneele asked.
"If you think I'm going to go in one of those by myself..." Elisor paused.
"Of course you're not supposed to go by yourself. You have to go with a partner or be in a party." Laneele stared at Elisor and saw the look on his face. "You went to one of those dungeons by yourself?" Laneele exclaimed.
Elisor sighed and bowed his head. "I don't want to talk about it. I'm too embarrassed to go back to one of those."
"How long has it been since you set foot in one?"
"I don't remember. A few years?"
"I don't think the monsters in those dungeons really care that you dared to roam the areas by yourself."
"Laneele, please don't mock me about this. It depresses me."
"I'm sorry. I meant no disrespect. But seriously, go back to one of those dungeons with a party. It would be a great experience for you, and you will catch up to me in no time. I guarantee that. And you won't believe the amount of adena you'll find."
"I understand the adena, but how can I catch up to you? Hunting in one of those dungeons would put my training on hold."
"Not if you notice the amount of experience you'll gain. It's true that those monsters are more powerful than normal, but it's also proportional to the amount of experience you'll earn. Go back with a party or just a partner. You'll advance quickly. Trust me."
Elisor's mood seemed to brighten when he raised his head and looked at her. "All right. But can I still borrow—"
"No."
"Oh well. I thought I'd try."
"You already tried. The answer is still no."
Elisor laughed as he stood up. "Thank you for the advice and the time to talk. And good luck with your group."
Elisor left the table. Laneele finished what was on her plate, left some adena next to it, and left the eatery.
Back in her abode, Laneele put on her armor. She planned to go to the exact same place where she fell asleep and see if any clues were left behind. She was hoping that whoever wounded her would show up again. After grabbing her bow and dagger, she headed towards the gatekeeper.
"That was a beautiful story keep them coming it was nice to read while I Had my lunch (grapes and what appears to be spring water) I felt as thou I was there."
Thank you.
Uhh....Is AshleyHunter sure it's for my story and not someone else's? I only listed three chapters! :eek:
Yes it was from my Cousin Ashley Hunter. Ashley Stop posting and only send Private messages, However you have private messages blocked which means she has to ask people to post for her. Keep private messages block so that maybe my cousin will stop being silly and start posting again. :p
P.S. She said she enjoyed reading your story and keep them coming she's waiting on 5.
Um....... I don't remember posting this... When did I post this?.... I need to stop drinking *falls to the floor*
"That was a beautiful story keep them coming it was nice to read while I Had my lunch (grapes and what appears to be spring water) I felt as thou I was there."
Thank you.
Uhh....Is AshleyHunter sure it's for my story and not someone else's? I only listed three chapters! :eek:
Yes it was from my Cousin Ashley Hunter. Ashley Stop posting and only send Private messages, However you have private messages blocked which means she has to ask people to post for her. Keep private messages block so that maybe my cousin will stop being silly and start posting again. :p
P.S. She said she enjoyed reading your story and keep them coming she's waiting on 5.
Um....... I don't remember posting this... When did I post this?.... I need to stop drinking *falls to the floor*
Ok I read from the beggining till the ast chapter and I have to say..............When's the next chapter coming!?!??
Also I have an idea of why she had a bow and dagger. But no spoilers
I like the story so far, but I think it's a bit silly to be talking about experience as it is in the game. Better to just call it training and not mentioning the standard MMO terms, the story is so nice but this ruins it a bit for me, making it feel artificial or something :p
Well, try not think of it as experience points. It's more like work experience; the more you train and practice, the better you eventually get. And the more intensive the experience is (e.g. military or accelerated classes), the faster you progress in your field.
Sorry, I know that explanation sounds so "grown-up," but that's what we adults end up doing after finishing school. We build up work experience so that we can get a **** good salary and live the American dream (whatever it is these days).
Well, try not think of it as experience points. It's more like work experience; the more you train and practice, the better you eventually get. And the more intensive the experience is (e.g. military or accelerated classes), the faster you progress in your field.
Sorry, I know that explanation sounds so "End-Game," but that's what we Nobles end up doing after finishing quests. We build up Monster Killing experience so that we can get a **** good adena income and live the Aden dream (whatever it is these days).
Well, try not think of it as experience points. It's more like work experience; the more you train and practice, the better you eventually get. And the more intensive the experience is (e.g. military or accelerated classes), the faster you progress in your field.
Sorry, I know that explanation sounds so "End-Game," but that's what we Nobles end up doing after finishing quests. We build up Monster Killing experience so that we can get a **** good adena income and live the Aden dream (whatever it is these days).
It didn't take long for Laneele to go back to the same place as yesterday. But before veering off the path, she stopped and discreetly put her right hand on her left wrist and pushed the left button on her medal. The button she pushed turned red, and the one that was red before turned black. The symbol on the medal blurred to an undistinguishable picture before it changed to a different symbol. After unsheathing her dagger, she headed towards the fog.
Hiding in the fog, the dark elf watched Laneele change direction and head toward the same area as yesterday. She wasn't expecting her to be back so soon, but she figured she would. She would finally have her revenge.
Laneele stopped at the very spot she collapsed and knelt down to study the ground. In the dried grass she saw markings of footsteps that seemed to stop in the very place where she slept. Judging from the trail, it looked as if it began from the tree nearby. But before she stood up, Laneele felt a powerful force hit her from behind. Laneele reacted in pain before collapsing to the ground.
When she saw the light elf fall, the dark elf ran towards her. One hit? Her spell must have hit a critical spot and ended her life right there. It wasn't exactly how she wanted it to happen, but it will do. The dark elf stood over Laneele. Laneele's back was towards the dark elf. She knelt down and pulled on the light elf's shoulder so that she was lying on her back. She wanted to see her bleed and make sure she was dead. This time, she wasn't going to hesitate. Assuming the same position as yesterday, the dark elf thrust her dagger at Laneele's throat.
Laneele dodged the dagger just in time. She rolled away from the dark elf, quickly jumped to her feet and put some distance between her and the dark elf. The dark elf pulled out her dagger from the ground, shocked at the sight of the moving light elf. "How?" she exclaimed. "I saw you fall!" She sheathed her dagger, stood up, and pulled out a sword.
A Sword of Miracles, Laneele recognized it. But it was glowing a deep red. Judging from the way the glow was flowing and its intensity, the weapon was obviously enchanted to a high level. Quite a feat, considering the success rate.
Laneele took the time to quickly study the dark elf. A mage of some kind, she looked quite powerful. Her hair, a silvery color, was pulled back and rolled in a ball. She wore a type of tiara that followed her hairline, keeping the hair from covering her eyes. The robes, if they can be called that, barely covered the dark elf's body, but Laneele could tell what type they were. The unmistakable light tint in the cloth, the fishnet top, the red and black boots, and the tail hanging behind her; this dark elf might be a challenge for Laneele.
The dark elf pointed her glowing sword at the light elf. "Ah, faking death. I see the saint's path isn't the only path you've chosen. I must say I'm surprised at the additional profession you've learned."
As soon as the dark elf finished speaking, she lowered her sword and began her cast of a familiar wind spell. Laneele ran towards her. She had to take her down before that spell hit her. She hadn't recovered much from that first hit, and faking her death took a good chunk of mana from her. Laneele was positive that she would reach her before she got hit. But what happened next caught Laneele off guard.
No sooner did the dark elf start casting than the wind spell hurled in Laneele's direction. Laneele stopped in her tracks, folded her arms in an X in front of her chest, and braced herself for the blow. Too fast, she thought. The distance between them wasn't long, but Laneele took only a few paces before she was hit by the second spell. Laneele let out a low curse. The dark elf must have prepared herself well if she was able to cast so fast and so powerfully. That sword must have also contributed to the spell's power and her casting. There was no way she would be able to match the dark elf's casting speed if she used her bow, even if she had known her opponent would be such a powerful mage and had pushed the other button on her medal instead. Faking her death again was definitely not an option; that d*** skill worked only half the time. She was lucky it worked when it did. Her next move had to be timed carefully.
Seeing the light elf stop so suddenly made the dark elf smile. So, she noticed, she cheerfully thought to herself. She had to thank her brother after this was over. She began to cast a different spell this time, knowing it would further weaken her. It was a little slower, but there was no way the light elf would be able to recover fast enough before the dark elf landed the desired killing blow.
Seeing the dark elf cast, Laneele dashed towards the dark elf at an incredible pace, using a speed spell that she knew the dark elf wouldn't expect her to know. When she closed in and while the dark elf was still casting, she pulled her dagger back as far as she could and quickly thrust her dagger at the dark elf's exposed abdomen.
This move interrupted the dark elf's casting, and she staggered back, immediately covering the wound with her left hand. Blood seeped from between her fingers.
While slightly doubled over, the dark elf used her sword to keep herself propped up. "How in the underworld could you have run that fast? The only ones who are capable of that speed are..." The dark elf paused, slightly wincing at the pain from the wound. A look of shock filled her face. "Humans? You actually trained with those mediocre beings?"
Laneele struggled to keep her hands up. "They're more skilled than you think."
The dark elf turned her head to the side to spit blood from her mouth. "Not skilled enough," the dark elf smirked. "If that was supposed to be some kind of lethal strike, it obviously didn't work." The dark elf looked down at her blood-covered hand. The wound she was covering was bleeding more than normal. The dark elf cursed, realizing that the light elf didn't intend for the strike to be lethal. If she didn't heal herself, she would eventually bleed to death; but if she did, it would dry out her mana and also leave her vulnerable. The dark elf looked up at the light elf with an angry face. D*** that light elf!
Demonstrating her pain tolerance and resilience, the dark elf righted herself in an upright position. She made no hesitation to begin casting another potentially lethal spell. That light elf had to go down; she will go down!
Laneele had to act quickly as she only had one chance on this. While silently begging to Eva to let this work, she ran again towards the dark elf and began to execute a deadly blow to her stomach.
Unfortunately, Laneele missed the critical area she was aiming. A faint curse escaped Laneele's lips before the dark elf's spell exploded in front of her. It forced her back a good distance from the dark elf, practically sending her flying. She hit the ground, winded and slightly dizzy from the spell's point blank hit. It was a miracle that she was still able to hold on to her dagger.
Laneele had extreme trouble breathing. That spell critically injured her and almost knocked her out. The pain was unbearable and it was preventing her from even sitting up. That dark elf had to be a Storm Screamer, one of the most powerful mages ever known. Just how did she end up in this position?
The dark elf covered her wound again, sheathed her sword, and pulled out her dagger. She began to walk towards the fallen elf. She didn't want to kill her with a spell. She wanted to see the look in her eyes when she would plunge the dagger in her neck. She wanted to see the light elf bleed. She wanted the light elf to see her face right before she died, the same way she saw that same light elf's face before she almost died back at the Ruins of Despair long ago.
Laneele counted the seconds. Where was the next spell? Why wasn't she casting? Laneele heard staggered crunching sounds of dried grass. Footsteps. While tolerating the pain, she did her best to raise her head as much as she could and saw the dark elf walk towards her. She noticed the dark elf had the dagger rather than the sword. What was she going to do? Laneele rolled over on her back and looked at the sky until her view became blocked by the sight of the dark elf looking down at her.
The dark elf locked eyes with Laneele. That light elf. How could she attack her and leave her to die at the ruins? What kind of light elf was she to attack a person who was running from a monster that turned on her when the rest of her group expired?
"Why didn't you help me?"
"What?" Laneele responded when she heard the dark elf faintly whisper. She struggled to breath. "What do you mean?" Laneele stared back at the dark elf. It took a lot of effort to speak. She forced out as much of her voice as she could while trying to catch her breath at the same time. "And why do you want my life so badly?"
"What's it to you light elf?" snapped the dark elf. Her voice was filled with anger and hatred. "You've taken lives before. Why should you have the right to ask that question?"
Taken lives? Whose life could she possibly have taken? Trying to keep her voice above a whisper so that the dark elf can hear, she responded, "I don't understand. I don't recall ever seeing you before."
That pushed the dark elf over the edge. She didn't remember? The dark elf scowled in fierce anger. With a loud scream, she grabbed her dagger in both hands and thrust it towards the light elf.
Flipping her dagger in a reverse grip, Laneele quickly blocked the dark elf's dagger with her own. Laneele's dagger's edge was pressed against the dark elf's dagger's guard. As each of them pushed their dagger in the other's direction, Laneele asked, "Who are you? I swear I never attacked you before." Despite Laneele's weakened state and her dire position, she was curious about the dark elf's resolve. "Why do you want to end my life?"
The dark elf's eyes turned black and her anger rose. "Because you tried to take mine! Don't you remember that day in the ruins?" Images of that day flashed in the dark elf's mind.
"I saw you run towards me," screamed the dark elf. "I saw you stop and cast a spell. I saw you throw that wind spell at me. That zombie was going to end my life, but you! You decided to end it instead. I felt the impact. I know it was you!"
A female dark elf was hunting with a couple of her fellow dark elves and a female orc. Though they were still inexperienced, they believed that their party would be capable of hunting in the Ruins of Despair. It was an evil place. Undead roamed the lands, ranging from skeletal soldiers to zombies. Only cautious warriors knew how aggressive these monsters were; there was always a possibility of attracting more monsters than necessary.
Yet that's exactly what happened that fateful day. One of the headstrong dark elves boasted how skilled he was with his bow. While the party was still in the middle of killing a group of monsters, he went off to attract more of them and "herd" them back to the party. A couple of the skeletons caught up to him before he reached his party and viciously attacked him. The fool didn't bring enough arrows, nor did he bring a back-up weapon. The mob showed no mercy.
Right after they killed the last monster in the group, the other dark elves and the orc realized one of their comrades had fallen. With barely any time to heal, the group immediately ran and turned its attention to the new advancing mob. One dark elf, an assassin in training, was able to kill one of the monsters that the archer weakened but was quickly overtaken by the other skeletons and zombies. With no time to heal herself first, the female dark elf did her best to keep her comrade alive while the orc tried to catch up to them. However, the undead slayers did more damage to the assassin than she could heal.
When the unfortunate assassin died, the mob turned its attention to their next target. The female dark elf turned around and ran towards the approaching orc. She passed her and allowed her to attract the rest of the mob. The orc threw her fists left and right, reducing the mob's numbers while the dark elf focused her heals on the orc. So focused was she on the healing that she didn't realize how much her mana had been depleted.
The orc, realizing this, screamed at the remaining dark elf. "Go! I'll handle them!" Despite the orc's massive size, the repeated attacks from the undead was slowly whittling away at her. The dark elf froze in terror. She didn't want to be alone, and she didn't want to leave the orc behind. "I can't!" she screamed. "I can't leave you!"
The orc was battling a skeleton and a zombie, the only two left from the mob the stupid archer attracted. "Go, before more appear! I can handle these! There's a clear path; go, before—"
The dark elf heard the orc's death moan. The orc was able to kill the skeleton, but the zombie was still alive, albeit severely weakened. With no mana left and very little health remaining, the dark elf made a mad dash out of the ruins.
The zombie slowly went after the escaping dark elf. Despite the distance between them, the zombie was able to attack by casting a dark spell at the dark elf. The dark elf faltered slightly but gathered her footing and continued to run. If she got hit once more, she knew she'd never see her brother again. She had to keep running.
She caught sight of a female light elf running right towards her. Please, help me! she thought. She saw the light elf cast, but it didn't look like a cast of healing. It was the cast of attacking. She was going to kill her? Oh Shilen, no. The dark elf was using all her energy in running that she couldn't find her voice to scream. She saw the wind spell fly towards her. She felt the unmistakable impact. The dark elf stopped in her tracks and doubled over, staring at the ground. She fell to her side and saw two boots walk toward her. The dark elf turned and lay on her back, looking up at the dark sky before seeing the face of the light elf. Blackness then covered her eyes. She wished she could see her brother one last time.
Laneele struggled to keep the dagger from reaching her neck. "I never attacked you. I attacked the zombie that was behind you, except its spell reached you before mine reached it. It was the zombie's spell that hit you, not mine."
A look of disbelief filled the dark elf's face. It was the zombie's spell? Not hers? The dark elf pushed her dagger harder toward the light elf. "You lie! You're trying to deceive me!"
Laneele struggled to match the dark elf's slightly increased strength. She had to use her left hand to support her right wrist. Their daggers were shaking from the opposing forces. While struggling against the dark elf, Laneele tried to speak. "I'm not lying. Try to remember. Did you feel the spell hit you from the front or from behind?"
The dark elf's mind took her back to that day. She saw the light elf's spell hurl towards her. She felt the impact from the front, didn't she? Wait a minute. She carefully played the events over in her mind. The impact was...no. The impact was from behind! It wasn't the light elf's spell that hit her. It was the zombie's! The light elf didn't attack her after all.
The dark elf's eyes widened at her newfound revelation. "You...you did help me. You..." The dark elf closed her eyes. Tears were beginning to fall from her face. Her strength was wavering slightly, and Laneele eased up on her own pressure. Laneele carefully placed her left hand on the dark elf's hands and slowly moved the dark elf's dagger away from her neck. Laneele sheathed her own dagger and struggled to sit up. The dark elf lowered her head, looking down at the ground, and her arms dropped to her side, the dagger falling out of her hand.
While the dark elf silently cried, Laneele reached in her satchel and pulled out two vials. She drank from one and presented the other to the dark elf. The dark elf didn't move. Laneele put her hand on the dark elf's shoulder. "Hey, drink this." The dark elf looked up from the ground and looked at the vial in front of her. She took it and drank its contents. The dark elf wiped her eyes and mouth and felt the pain from her wound. She gently cupped her wound with her left hand and let out a light moan. Laneele shifted to the dark elf's right side and picked up the dropped dagger. After sheathing the weapon on the dark elf's leather sheath, she put the dark elf's right arm around the back of her neck. Laneele wrapped her left arm around the dark elf's waist and gently hoisted the dark elf to her feet.
It was a little difficult trying to keep the dark elf standing since she was taller. While supporting the dark elf, Laneele walked away from the fog toward the path and headed toward the Dark Elven Village.
Other than their breathing, both of them walked in silence. The dark elf was staring at the ground, replaying that fateful incident in her head.
After the dark elf felt the impact and collapsed on the ground, she lost consciousness, the view of the light elf's face being the last thing she saw. When she awoke, another dark elf was next to her. She wasn't on the ground, but rather on a bed. It was her brother, looking at her.
"Hey, how do you feel?" asked the male dark elf.
"Huh? What happened? Where..." The dark elf repeatedly blinked her eyes.
"I was going to ask you that. We're home. Take it easy."
The female dark elf felt her abdomen. She was bandaged all around her waist. She tried to sit up but her brother held her down.
"Stay still. You need to rest and recover. What happened to you?"
The female dark elf let out a moan. She suddenly turned to her brother and asked, "What about the rest of the group?"
He shook his head. "I couldn't save them. Their spirits already crossed over when I got to them. I almost lost you. What happened? Before I reached you, I saw a light elf running away. Did she attack you and the group?"
The female dark elf closed her eyes and put her right hand over her eyes. She relayed the unfortunate fate of the group to her brother; the idiot archer, the assassin and the orc, and the light elf.
"She really tried to kill you?"
The female dark elf squeezed her other hand into a fist. With a hardened deep voice the dark elf responded, "I'm going to get her. She'll pay. I don't care how long it takes."
Her brother stared at her. He too was a victim, many times, to others who would start a fight with him or just tried to kill him, especially the Chaotics, crazed people intoxicated by the thrill of killing others. Miracle after miracle, he was able to escape them. Many times he vowed to get back at those people, but as time passed, he knew it was pointless. Nearly every time he made a new vow, he never saw those people again. He even began to forget about them. Even if he encountered the person again, he found that the person eventually got what he or she deserved, usually by someone else. Because of his profession, he knew he wasn't capable of exacting revenge himself, but it pleased him to find out that those people got what was coming to them from others. They were just stupid people doing stupid things, and in the end, they got what they deserved. Petty revenges were just that; petty. He knew her sister wouldn't understand his point of view, so it would be pointless to convince her to just let the light elf go, even though he knew the truth of what really happened when he found his sister.
The female dark elf put her hand down and looked at her brother. "How did you know where to find me?"
"I overheard father tell you not to go to the Ruins of Despair. He said it was too dangerous for you. Defiant as you are, I knew you'd go anyway, so I went to look for you."
The dark elf let out a sigh. "Is he angry?"
"Of course he's angry. But he's more relieved that you're alive."
Soon afterwards their father entered the room. He asked his son to leave so that he could have a moment alone with his daughter. This usually meant a lecture. The male dark elf stood up and left the room, and the female dark elf braced herself for the lecture that her father was about to give her.
Laneele looked at the dark elf. Her head was still down, watching her feet while they walked. Her eyes seemed glazed over, as if she was lost in thought. Laneele turned her head back toward the path. She had questions to ask her, but settled on an introduction first. "My name is Laneele." Laneele waited for the dark elf to speak.
"Irydria." The dark elf said no more.
More silence passed before Laneele spoke again. "That sword, it's very impressive. I noticed the glow. How did you pull that off?"
Irydria took her time to answer. "Luck." Laneele only nodded. After a few seconds, the dark elf said, "And a lot of adena."
Laneele smiled. "Ah."
Irydria continued. "The sword belonged to my father, a Shillien Saint. When he heard I didn't follow the same path he did, he was clearly upset and dared me to demonstrate my power. But he didn't expect me to be...extreme."
Laneele thought about what Irydria just said. "Your father, did he..." Laneele dared not finish her sentence.
"Almost. But it's a good thing my older brother, who followed in my father's path, was with us. My father was on the brink of crossing after I..." Irydria paused for a while before continuing. "When he came to, he was just as shocked as we were. He was glad to pass his sword on to me since my older brother refused it. My older brother didn't understand why a Shillien Saint would choose a sword. He preferred staves."
Again, silence. They were nearing the entrance to the Dark Elven Village, as Laneele could see the cave entrance and the sentries in the distance.
"I want to ask you something," Irydria suddenly spoke.
"You want to know why I killed the zombie but not saved you from death."
Irydria was surprised at Laneele's good guess and responded with a light sounding, "Yes."
Laneele explained. "I saw a dark elf approaching. I knew that he didn't see me kill the zombie. The fact that I was hovering over you may have given him the impression that I killed you and the rest of the group. So I left."
Irydria thought about what Laneele said. Could it have been her brother that Laneele saw? If it was, she had to explain it to her brother if he didn't see what Laneele really did for her.
Laneele asked one more question. "Why didn't you kill me yesterday, when I fell asleep?"
Irydria stopped in her tracks, forcing Laneele to also stop. Laneele turned her head to face Irydria.
"I...I don't know," Irydria slowly responded. "I don't know what happened. Somehow, it didn't seem right to kill you in your sleep. I guess...I guess I wanted to fight you first." Irydria never lifted her eyes.
Laneele stared at Irydria. She rarely met anyone who followed the ethics of a true warrior and was quite surprised to see it in a dark elf.
"Well, that didn't seem to stop you from attacking me from behind," Laneele said.
"I cast my spell at you to gain your attention; I never intended to kill you with it," Irydria answered in a defensive tone. "When I saw you fall, I was sure you were dead. I was actually relieved that you faked your death and that the path of Eva's Saint wasn't the only profession you learned. If it was, how could you be a challenge for me before I killed you?"
Laneele smiled at Irydria. That was an unexpected response. "Well, anytime you would like to spar, I'm up for it."
Irydria looked up to see Laneele's smiling face. This light elf knew she was about to lose her life by her hands, but here she was, helping her return to the Dark Elven Village. The only other person she knew who was like this was her brother.
Irydria smiled in return. "I'd like to take you up on that offer some day."
"It may be sooner than you think. I'll be coming back tomorrow to give a few of the young ones a tour of your village."
Irydria let out a light laugh. "Is that so? We haven't seen many light elves visit the village."
Laneele and Irydria resumed walking until they reached the entrance of the Dark Elven Village.
"Thank you for your help. I can continue from here." Irydria pulled her right arm away from Laneele's shoulders and faced her. She doubled over slightly from the pain and held her wound with both hands.
"I'm sorry; I wish I could help you more." Laneele very much wanted to reach for her medal, but her conscience knew that wasn't allowed. It pained her to see Irydria doubled over and bleeding. She knew the healing potion she gave her helped, but only a little.
"Don't worry. My brother will help me. He's a Shillien Saint as I said. I'll be all right."
Laneele was a little relieved. "Then I'll see you tomorrow."
Irydria nodded. "I look forward to it."
Laneele turned around and ran off. Irydria turned and made her way down to the village and looked for her brother. With her new view of Laneele, Irydria knew what her brother would say.
Again, I'm sorry for the length. It was difficult to determine a stopping point for the previous chapter and a starting point for this recent chapter. So I decided to make this chapter the longer one.
Maybe I'm not cut out to be a writer. :( (But I did enjoy writing reviews for video games back in school. Free games, woo hoo! :D)
Again, I'm sorry for the length. It was difficult to determine a stopping point for the previous chapter and a starting point for this recent chapter. So I decided to make this chapter the longer one.
Maybe I'm not cut out to be a writer. :( (But I did enjoy writing reviews for video games back in school. Free games, woo hoo! :D)
The long chapter was fine and you are a very good writer don';t let anyone tell you different ;)
The length of the chapter was fine and you're doing well so like Ashley said, dont let anyone tell you different. Sometimes it is very hard to determine a stopping point for the chapter, but always go with the gut feeling. Some of the chapters in mine have reached 10-12 pages in MSWord when I posted them here. Just keep writing, you're doing fine :)
After healing his sister's wound, the dark elf patched it with bandages to reduce the formation of a scar. "So, she helped you return here?"
"Yes, she did," Irydria said.
"What will you do now?"
Irydria gave it some thought. Her brother was right. Petty revenge was practically pointless. For years she thought of getting her revenge on the light elf that left her to die, and it turns out that the light elf wasn't responsible. Her preparations and training for her revenge were all for naught. Just what exactly was she to do now? It's as if her life came to a complete halt, the only goal she had now gone. She knew she didn't have an answer for her brother.
"I don't know. This was so unexpected."
"How about taking up another profession?"
Irydria smirked at the idea. That would mean she would have to practically start over, maybe even get new armor and weapons. Besides, her power as a Storm Screamer was nearly unmatched, thanks to her sword. There was no way she was giving that up. "I don't think I have the desire to do that."
"You've concentrated on your training that you haven't traveled the lands much. Why don't you take a break and do some traveling?"
As silly as that sounded, it didn't seem like a bad idea. The recent events have taken a toll on her, mentally. Maybe she should take a break. What harm will that bring?
"I guess I should. I feel like I've been under so much pressure."
"That's something a visit to the Hot Springs will ease. Maybe Laneele can go with you."
Laneele. Ever since her recent encounter with the light elf, her opinion of her shifted dramatically. What she thought was a selfish, snobby light elf turned out to be a kind and helpful person. Even though she had deadly intentions for Laneele, she saw that the light elf didn't take it personally. In fact, when Irydria realized her mistake, Laneele didn't ridicule her at all. She helped her, even offered to spar with her, as if she was a friend.
"You know, in a way, she reminds me of you. And I thought you were the only one with that kind of personality."
"Maybe this means you need to travel the lands more and meet new people," Irydria's brother joked. Irydria playfully pushed her brother away.
"There's something I have to tell you, about the day you found me in the Ruins of Despair."
The dark elf knew this time would come. "What about it?"
"Laneele said it was the zombie that almost killed me, not her."
The dark elf nodded. "I thought it might have been."
Irydria stared at her brother. "You knew? Why didn't you tell me?"
He answered her question with a question. "Would you have believed me if I told you what really happened?"
Irydria lowered her head. She knew the answer to that.
After a moment, Irydria stood up. "I'm going to the weapons trader. I think I should get rid of this."
Irydria touched the dagger that was sheathed on her right hip. She bought the dagger for the sole purpose of killing Laneele. Now, there was no use for it. She untied the dagger from her belt and looked at it. It was a weak dagger, too weak to do any training with it, but for what it was intended to do, it was enough. With the intention no longer present, this was now a dagger that was just taking up space. With the dagger in hand, Irydria was about to leave the room when she stopped and turned to face her brother.
"You know, I was supposed to thank you for the enhancements you gave me earlier...after I killed Laneele."
The dark elf walked over and hugged his sister. "I guess you won't be doing that."
Irydria hugged her brother in return, a tear slowly running down her face. She let out a sigh before letting go of her brother and left for the weapons trader.
The dark elf watched his sister leave. It was about time she opened her eyes and saw the truth. He played a dangerous game, practically putting Laneele's life in jeopardy. Now, it seems that it was worth it. He was glad to see his sister was no longer ruled by vengeance. Her defiance, well, that's something that he knew he couldn't change. Who would she be if she was no longer defiant?
________________________________________
When Laneele was certain she couldn't see the entrance to the Dark Elven Village behind her, she stopped running and pushed the top button on her medal. Making sure no one was nearby, she cast her Return spell.
Back at the Elven Village, Laneele noted the sun's position. It appeared to be high noon. It seems her personal matter didn't take all day like she initially thought, but at least she had the rest of the day to recover from Irydria's attacks. That dark elf sure knew how to fight. She was looking forward to sparring with her, and she definitely wasn't going to be a Treasure Hunter while challenging her.
Laneele went to her abode, removed her armor and put away her weapons, then went to the center of the village and rested near the World Tree. She summoned her baby kookaburra and let it bath itself in the shallow water, occasionally splashing it. The kookaburra followed suit and, using its heads, splashed Laneele in return.
While the kookaburra bathed, Laneele's thoughts drifted to the first time she met Irydria. After becoming an oracle, she knew the best place to advance in her field was at the Ruins of Despair by Gludio. She was just entering the ruins when she saw a female dark elf running from a zombie. She looked incredibly frantic, almost tripping when the zombie threw its dark spell at her. The zombie looked weakened, so she moved in as close as she could before casting her wind spell. The problem was, the zombie started casting its second spell before she began casting hers, and she prayed that the dark elf would be able to withstand the spell in case she wasn't fast enough. Unfortunately, after letting loose her spell and killing the zombie, she saw the dark elf fall.
Laneele walked over to the fallen dark elf, who eventually turned on her back and stared up at the sky. Laneele knelt down beside the dark elf and looked at her. Her breathing was shallowing and her eyes were drooping, a sign that she was near death. She was about to bring her back when she saw a male dark elf in the distance run towards her. He looked incredibly experienced, and from the way her situation looked, she believed that he would accuse her of killing the female dark elf and the rest of the group that lay dead nearby. Before leaving, she left a resurrection scroll and some healing potions by the dark elf's body to show that she meant no harm. Talking would do no good, especially with a dark elf, and race tolerance didn't exist yet. As bad as it looked, she had to leave and let the male dark elf take over.
The kookaburra, finished with its bath, stepped out of the water, walked close to Laneele, and fluffed its feathers, splashing tiny droplets of cold water on Laneele.
Laneele turned her head away and brought her hands up, a poor attempt at shielding the light splashing. "Hey, that's not fair. I wasn't paying attention!" The kookaburra whistled in response.
Laneele took out a towel from her bag and did her best to dry and wipe the water off the kookaburra. While she was drying it, the young elven children came over, asking to play with the kookaburra again.
"Of course, but remember what I said yesterday."
"We do," the children responded. They ran to the side of a nearby building and played "Hide-and-seek," a game adopted from the humans. It involved one person covering the eyes and counting to a certain number while the others would take this chance to find a hiding spot. Once the person was finished counting, the person would go hunting for the others. If found, the person who was hiding had to run to the very spot where the "counter" was counting and avoid getting "caught." If the person made it, he or she was "safe" and the counter had to find a new victim. If the person didn't make it before caught by the "counter," that person was marked the counter, the game was over, and a new game would start up again. If all made it to the "safe spot," the same "counter" would count for the next game. The kookaburra was always partnered with someone, and the children took turns as to who was partnered with the kookaburra.
While the children played, Laneele took the opportunity to have lunch at the eatery. As she ate, she contemplated on tomorrow's trip to the Dark Elven Village. Would it be fine to let the young light elves explore the Dark Elven Village on their own while she sparred with Irydria, or should she stay near the group the entire time? Laneele couldn't decide. As much as she hated doing things on a whim, this was probably one situation where she would have to wait and see what would happen. The elves were still very young and inexperienced; it's possible that she may have to stay near them the entire time, just in case.
The next day, Laneele woke up bright and early. She knew the young elves would be up soon, so she thought of having breakfast before they did. Apparently, she didn't wake up early enough as the group was already having breakfast themselves at a table. Laneele heard them talk about their itinerary; my, my, they were very excited to go. As much as she liked to see young elves interested in the world, she hoped that looking after them wouldn't become a permanent job. Laneele ate at a different table and paid for her breakfast, the group still talking amongst themselves when she finished.
Back in her home, Laneele put on her armor and checked her medal. She knew she'd have to take the entire party back when the visit was over, so sparring would have to be postponed; if she sparred with Irydria as a Moonlight Sentinel like she planned, the elves would question her if she teleported the party back to the Elven Village afterwards. The Elven and Dark Elven Villages didn't have trainers and masters that had the ability to change warriors' professions, so she didn't want to look suspicious. She couldn't.
Laneele headed to the Temple to see the hierarch and inform him of the trip to the Dark Elven Village. The hierarch wished her well and she descended the stairs. At the bottom, she could see the group staring and waiting for her.
"We're ready, Laneele," Elrond said.
They seemed outfitted for battle, each wearing their best armor and equipped with their best weapon.
Laneele couldn't help but stare. "We're going to another village, not an arena."
The group looked at themselves and at each other. Lenwe spoke up. "What's wrong with what we're wearing? Isn't this how everyone is equipped when outside of their hometown?"
Laneele figured that this was due to the visitors that would come to the Elven Village. Indeed, outsiders would always come in the village outfitted in what looked liked their best. Laneele just sighed. "Well, that's true." Laneele admired how observant the young elves were. "Since we're ready, let's head to the Neutral Grounds.' The group followed Laneele to the gatekeeper, and everyone was transported to the three-way fork, courtesy of Laneele.
At the three-way fork, Laneele cast her speed spell on everyone and led the way. Everyone stayed close to each other while following the path. The group occasionally scanned the areas around them, noting the obvious change in scenery as they headed deeper in the dark elven lands. They passed the Swampland, the infamous School of Dark Arts, and one of the catacombs. Laneele noticed the flags hanging. It must be the week of the validation, Laneele thought.
In the distance, Laneele spotted the cavern entrance of the Dark Elven Village. Stopping a few yards from the entrance, Laneele turned to face the group. "Everyone remember; because this is a village, the same rules apply."
Amras looked around. "Where's the village? I don't see anything except a cave."
Laneele explained. "This is an underground village. Not all villages are above ground like the Elven Village."
Everyone stared at the cavern entrance. Laneele read the expressions on their faces. It was obvious; they were scared. The group whispered to each other, like they always do.
"A village underground?"
"I thought only dungeons and catacombs were underground."
"Maybe this is a 'dungeon village,' where they turned a dungeon into a village."
"And all the dead bodies of warriors are hanging all over the ceilings."
Laneele interrupted them. "Now that's enough. Everyone, we'll be fine. Just remember what I said." Laneele turned around and began to walk towards the entrance. The young elves immediately followed.
As the group followed the winding path and reached the inner entrance, Laneele was greeted by Irydria.
"Laneele! I was wondering when you'll be coming." Irydria held out her hand.
The humans had a certain type of greeting where one person would hold out the right hand, palm facing towards the left and the fingers spread open. The other person would raise his or her own right hand and grasp the other's forearm, just passed the wrist. They would lightly shake each other's arm up and down a few times before letting go. This type of greeting, rightfully called a handshake, spread all around Aden and Elmore, and all races used this type of gesture to greet and to sometimes say farewell.
Laneele shook Irydria's arm. "Are you well?" Laneele asked, noticing the bandage on Irydria's wound.
"I was going to ask you that," Irydria responded, referring to yesterday's scuffle. Irydria turned her attention to the young group, placing her hands on her hips. All the light elves were staring at her. Irydria was amused by their stares.
"So these must be the visitors you mentioned," Irydria said, staring at the young elves. "Welcome to my village. We haven't seen much of your kind recently. We were beginning to think that you were tolerating the other races except ours."
This made the young elves nervous. They fidgeted and looked at each other, including Laneele. Irydria smiled at their reactions. Laneele rolled her eyes. "Irydria, stop." Irydria lightly laughed and turned her head to Laneele. "I'm just teasing them." Irydria stepped aside. "Please. Enjoy the sights of my village."
The group slowly made their way toward the main area of the village, looking all around. They were shocked at seeing an underground village, but relieved that it looked more like a village than a dungeon.
Laneele stared at them as they walked away. She became distracted by Irydria's playful smack on her shoulder.
"They'll be fine. Don't worry your pretty little head. Come, you must tell me about your other professions. I'm curious as to the type of warrior you've become."
Laneele and Irydria walked side by side, conversing with each other. They reached the stairs leading to the magisters' place and sat down on the steps.
"A Doomcryer?" Irydria exclaimed. "How did you pull that off?"
"I still don't know. Granted the orcs were a very difficult race to get along with at the time, but it was quite an experience."
"I'm amazed. I don't have the patience to learn another profession. But what possessed you to follow an orc's profession?"
"I wanted to help people," Laneele responded.
"But you're already a Saint. I don't understand."
Laneele explained. "Being an Eva's Saint gets pretty tedious when in a large group. It's difficult to keep everyone alive. And giving enhancements to everyone individually tires me out; I'm always sitting down trying to recover."
Irydria understood. "Ah, I see what you mean. A Doomcryer's songs do come in handy in a large group."
A male dark elf approached and addressed them. The dark elf introduced himself and mentioned one of the raid parties he was a part of and that he remembered Laneele being a part of the group.
"I think I remember that raid," Laneele said. "It was the one at The Giant's Cave. You were the Bladedancer, am I correct?"
"Yes, I was." The dark elf seemed impressed that she remembered; the raid seemed so long ago. "You were a Silver Ranger at the time. You're one of the few people I have met that took up so many professions. Your skills are impressive."
Laneele nodded her head. "Thank you. As are you with your dances."
Irydria perked up. "You're a Moonlight Sentinel too? What else are you hiding?"
This alarmed Laneele, but only slightly. Laneele just smiled and sarcastically said, "I'm secretly training to be a Spellhowler."
Irydria threw her head back and laughed. "A Spellhowler?" Irydria continued to laugh. Laneele and the dark elf also laughed with her.
"So, tell me more of the raid at The Giant's Cave," Irydria said after she and the others finished laughing.
"I believe we were fighting Gorgolos," said Laneele.
The male dark elf nodded. "We needed as many skilled archers and wind spell casters as possible. Its minions were a pain."
"Yes, they were." Laneele turned to Irydria and said, "They hated arrows and wind spells. You would have loved it."
"Oh no," Irydria said, shaking her head. "No way would you ever find me a part of a raid. I don't have the patience for those. People take so long to gather a party. Then, there are the idiots who don't even know what in Shilen's name they're supposed to do. It's like they left their heads back in town. And just how in the underworld could you keep minions down? I hate minions."
It was at that point when they heard the familiar scream of a female light elf.
Seeing the dark elf cast, Laneele dashed towards the dark elf at an incredible pace, using a speed spell that she knew the dark elf wouldn’t expect her to know. When she closed in and while the dark elf was still casting, she pulled her dagger back as far as she could and quickly thrust her dagger at the dark elf’s exposed abdomen.
This move interrupted the dark elf’s casting, and she staggered back, immediately covering the wound with her left hand. Blood seeped from between her fingers.
While slightly doubled over, the dark elf used her sword to keep herself propped up. “How in the underworld could you have run that fast? The only ones who are capable of that speed are…” The dark elf paused, slightly wincing at the pain from the wound. A look of shock filled her face. “Humans? You actually trained with those mediocre beings?”
Seeing the dark elf cast, Laneele dashed towards the dark elf at an incredible pace, using a speed spell that she knew the dark elf wouldn’t expect her to know. When she closed in and while the dark elf was still casting, she pulled her dagger back as far as she could and quickly thrust her dagger at the dark elf’s exposed abdomen.
This move interrupted the dark elf’s casting, and she staggered back, immediately covering the wound with her left hand. Blood seeped from between her fingers.
While slightly doubled over, the dark elf used her sword to keep herself propped up. “How in the underworld could you have run that fast? The only ones who are capable of that speed are…” The dark elf paused, slightly wincing at the pain from the wound. A look of shock filled her face. “Humans? You actually trained with those mediocre beings?”
O ok it was some previous RB sorry thought it was that last fight.
The six light elves explored the village and were eventually drawn to the center. They stared at the giant stone gray hand that was in a relaxed fist and had the index finger pointed up. Blue lightning was emerging from the hand and shooting upwards. When they followed the light upwards, their jaws dropped at what the saw. A dark blue ball of light was hovering above. Beyond the ball of light, instead of a ceiling, they saw what looked like a black sky with tiny star-like lights.
"How is that possible?" said Elrond. He looked at the entrance where they came, fixed his gaze on the entrance's ceiling, then followed the ceiling back to where they were staring before. The brown ceiling seemed to turn black as it neared the hand. "What kind of magic is this?"
"The dark kind, obviously," Amras said in a sarcastic tone.
Lenwe looked back at the hand, then noticed that it didn't just stop at the wrist. It actually continued downward. His eyes followed the arm that was below the grate that everyone was standing on. With his chin practically touching his chest, he saw the stone face of a woman with a spiked helmet. But the stone statue didn't stop there. Below the face was the body of a person. Due to the size of the hand, the statue had to be massive.
While still looking down, Lenwe said, "Wait until you see what's below us."
All of them looked down past the grate. They too couldn't believe what they saw; a giant and complete statue right underneath where they were standing.
Yreth however, was standing directly above the statue's head. When she looked down, she only saw a large stone face staring up at her. This view shocked her and with a tiny shriek, she hopped back, bumping into one of her fellow brethren. She turned around and her hands immediately rested on his chest. She closed her eyes and huddled against him, trying to recover from the shock of what she saw.
She felt her fellow brethren caress her right upper arm and her back. Or at least she thought it was her fellow brethren.
"Easy there," said the unfamiliar voice. "You're safe now. There's nothing to be afraid of."
Yreth pulled back slightly and looked up. Her eyes met the eyes of a dark elf. He had a goatee on his chin and purple streaks in his dark, black hair. His dark eyes were staring back at hers. He stopped caressing her, but still had his arms loosely wrapped around her. Yreth's eyes widened at who she was looking at.
Yreth had never had contact with a dark elf before, not even spoken to one. To be face-to-face with a dark elf or even embraced by one shocked her even more than seeing the gigantic face of the stone statue looking back at her. Seeing the look on her face, the dark elf let his arms fall to his side and immediately Yreth jumped back, half pushing him away at the same time. Still staring at the dark elf, Yreth let out an ear-piercing scream.
The five light elves immediately looked in the direction of the scream. Idril saw Yreth stand there for a second, then watched her turn around and run towards her, almost tripping. Idril quickly moved forward and hugged Yreth. "Oh my Eva. Yreth, are you all right?" Idril felt Yreth hold her tightly. She could feel her shaking as well. "Yreth, it's fine now," she said in a soothing tone. Yreth was almost in tears.
Amras, clearly forgetting where he was, immediately approached the dark elf, unsheathed his sword, and pointed it at him. "What did you do to her?" he asked in a low, threatening voice.
"I did nothing," the dark elf calmly said. "She seemed to be scared of something. I only wanted to calm her down. I had no intention of alarming the delicate one." The dark elf stood still, unfazed at the sword that was pointed towards his chest.
Amras sneered. "If you did anything to her—"
"Amras!" Laneele ran towards the group, Irydria following close behind. Stopping a few feet from the dark elf and Amras, Laneele said with a commanding voice, "Sheathe your sword!"
Amras looked at Laneele. "But he—"
"Your sword! Sheathe it!" Laneele was angry. She thought the elves knew better than to unsheathe a weapon in a peace zone and point it at someone. She felt the eyes of all the dark elves staring at her and her kind. She had to quickly take control of the situation.
Amras looked back at the dark elf. His eyes squinted in anger. The dark elf stared back, expressionless.
Laneele thought quickly. She didn't want to embarrass her fellow elves, but she knew that they still had much to learn. If the only way to learn was the hard way, then so be it.
"Amras, remember where you are. I will not have a scandal on our heads." Laneele's voice was firm.
With these words, Amras slowly lowered his sword and sheathed it. He also released his stare from the dark elf, looking at the floor instead.
"Amras." Laneele knew that wasn't enough. She waited for him to speak.
"I apologize, to you and your race for my...behavior." Amras never lifted his eyes. Instead, he bowed to the dark elf. To his surprise, the dark elf bowed in return.
"Please, accept my apology instead," said the dark elf. "I had no intention of upsetting her."
Amras straightened up and stared at the bowed dark elf in disbelief. A dark elf apologized? This can't be. His mother's stories about the dark elves were very different than what he was witnessing now. As he stared at the dark elf, he noticed he was not wearing any armor at all, only to be dressed in regular clothes. He also noticed that the dark elf had no weapon of any kind. He just realized he drew his weapon against a defenseless person, something that his father taught him to never do. Ashamed, Amras turned his head away.
Seeing him turn his head, Laneele took this as an opportunity to approach Amras. Laneele stood next to him and faced the dark elf, who had risen from his bow. "I apologize on behalf of the light elves. I assure you this will not happen again." The dark elf merely nodded. Laneele gently grabbed Amras' arm and led him back to the rest of the group by the statue.
Laneele wasn't finished with him just yet. "What were you thinking? We never unsheathe a weapon of any kind and point it at someone when within a peace zone. And were you aware that the dark elf was unarmed?" Laneele kept her voice low but firm.
"I'm sorry. I didn't realize..." Amras paused before continuing. "Yreth looked scared. I just wanted to protect her."
Laneele looked over at Yreth and Idril, both of whom were looking at her and Amras. Yreth seemed to have calmed down but was still holding on to Idril. Lenwe and Elrond stood behind Idril, and Lúthien continued to watch from a distance, still standing next to the stone hand.
Laneele took a deep breath and calmly said, "It's time for us to go back. We've obviously had enough for the day." Laneele motioned for Lúthien to come closer to the group. "Everyone, wait here."
Irydria watched the entire scene. She was impressed with the way Laneele handled the situation.
Laneele approached Irydria. "I apologize. I was unprepared for something like this." The male dark elf walked towards Irydria and stood next to her. Laneele faced the dark elf. "Thank you for your patience. I will be sure that they...relearn some manners before coming back."
"You must be Laneele. I am Radorin. My sister told me about you, before and after her new opinion of you."
"Hey." Irydria smacked her brother on the shoulder, then shook her hand in pain. "Ow. What have you been eating, adamantite nuggets?"
Laneele's eyes widened as she looked at Radorin. "You're Irydria's brother?" Laneele was shocked. "You're much more polite than her. Are you sure you're related to her?" Laneele said in a sarcastic tone.
"Not you too," said Irydria. Laneele and the dark elf laughed.
Laneele said her goodbyes to Irydria and Radorin and walked back to her group. Laneele cast her return spell and blue lights encircled the light elves. Yreth was staring at the floor, but felt strangely watched. She looked up and caught Radorin staring at her. She immediately looked down, but then looked up again at Radorin, who was still staring at her. Their gazes were tightly locked at each other until Yreth disappeared.
Everyone appeared back at the Elven Village. Laneele immediately turned to Yreth to ask what happened.
"Yreth, what made you scream? You sounded like you were in trouble."
Yreth replied, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scream like that. When I bumped into that dark elf, he..." Yreth wrapped her arms around herself and slightly shuddered at the thought. She remembered how soothing it was to have her back rubbed. It made her relax. She felt comforted by him, at least until he spoke and realized who exactly she bumped into. As she thought back to that moment, she realized that when the dark elf rubbed her back, he actually reached under her hair, and his voice was soothing. Can dark elves really be so gentle? She couldn't believe she went as far as resting her head and hands on his chest. And what made her return his stare? She had no reason.
"I thought I bumped into Elrond or Amras. I wasn't looking."
Laneele became concerned when she noticed Yreth's reaction. "What did he do to you?"
Yreth put her arms down and looked at Laneele. "Nothing. He just tried to calm me down. He didn't harm me. I...I was just surprised it wasn't who I thought it was. That's all."
Laneele studied her face. Yreth looked calm; a little scared, but calm. If something was truly wrong, her eyes would definitely give it away. But Yreth's eyes were calm and still. She wasn't avoiding eye contact with Laneele, which proved she was telling the truth. Laneele was satisfied. "Well, if you say you're fine, I'll leave it at that. Everyone, get some rest. I'll go see the hierarch."
Amras immediately spoke up. "Do you have to tell him...?" Amras fell silent and didn't finish his sentence.
Laneele turned to Amras and said, "Yes, I do." While Laneele made her way up the stairs, Amras stared at her. The rest of the group tried to comfort Amras and lead him away from the temple.
"I can't believe I did that," Amras said in self-criticism. "Laneele specifically said that the same rules apply in the Dark Elven Village, and I end up breaking them. The first village I visit, I end up doing something stupid." Amras let out a long sigh and turned to Yreth. "Yreth, are you sure you're all right?" Amras asked.
Yreth nodded. "I'm fine. I just...overreacted as usual." Yreth sighed. "Do you think we'll ever get to go back?"
"What? Go back?" Amras exclaimed. "I'm not going back there. What if something happens to me? What if something happens to me while I'm in another village? I'll never leave the Elven Village. I bet some of those dark elves are just outside the village right now waiting to ambush me for what I did."
"Now you're overreacting," said Lenwe. "You did apologize. So did Laneele."
The rest of the group did their best to calm Amras. Elrond suggested they get something to eat, since it was just past high noon. "Maybe a goblet of wine will calm you down."
"You're right. I need a drink. I think we all need a drink."
The group made their way to the eatery.
Laneele reported the entire scenario to Asterios. When she finished, Asterios took his time to respond.
"Well, that was quite unexpected. Is the poor girl all right?"
"She is," Laneele answered.
"And Amras?"
"I'm sure he's learned his lesson, my liege."
"As long as the situation ended well, then there's no reason for us to worry. I'm sure it won't affect the views of the other young light elves about the dark elven lands."
Laneele only nodded and took her leave.
As Laneele descended the stairs and made her way to her abode, she contemplated about going back to the village the next day since she wasn't able to spar with Irydria. With the way she acted, it seems that they were becoming fast friends. It was rather interesting, considering Irydria used to have deadly intentions for her.
__________________________________________________
At the Dark Elven Village, Irydria slapped her brother on the back of his head. "I saw that."
Radorin slightly flinched and rubbed the back of his head. "I hate it when you do that." Radorin faced his sister. "And you saw what?"
"I saw that look on your face. You've taken a liking to that light elf."
Radorin lowered his arm and turned his head back to the spot where Yreth disappeared. It was strange. Holding her in his arms, caressing her back and trying to calm her down; he felt strangely attracted to her. She seemed so delicate and scared, yet he felt her calm down, albeit for a little while. There was the feeling that she depended on him for comfort, something that he had never felt before. He felt the need to protect her, no matter how small or big the situation may be. She even stared back at him before she and the group disappeared. His thoughts and feelings were disturbed by Irydria's second slap on his head.
"Hey, daydreamer."
Radorin flinched again. "Would you stop that?"
"I really don't want to. I'm having too much fun distracting you."
Radorin walked away. He made up his mind. He had to see her again.
"Hey, wait!" Irydria caught up to him. "I'm sorry. I was just teasing you. You know how I am. Where are you going?"
Radorin was heading to his abode. "I want to see Yreth again."
"Who?"
"The light elf."
Irydria stopped. "What? Why? Right now?" She then ran to catch up to him.
"Yes."
"Do you really think she'll want to see you again so soon?"
"I don't care. I want to see her again." Radorin reached their abode and went to his room, rummaging through his things, apparently looking for something.
Irydria stood in the doorway, arms crossed in front of her chest and leaning against one side. "What are you looking for?"
Radorin picked up a square, black box and walked toward Irydria.
"This." Radorin flipped the top open. Inside was a set of jewelry, sparkling blue.
Irydria straightened up and looked in the box. She then looked up at Radorin curiously. "Your old jewelry? For what?"
Radorin closed the top while staring at his sister. Irydria's eyes widened. "No way. Are you serious?"
Radorin put the box aside and began to close the door. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get ready."
Irydria stood staring at the closed door, not believing what was happening. Her brother and a light elf? She found it shocking and amusing at the same time. She knocked on the door. "Can I accompany you?" Irydria asked.
Radorin called out from behind the door. "Sure. Just don't do anything stupid."
Irydria responded. "Of course. You know me."
Radorin opened the door slightly ajar and peered out at Irydria. "Yes. I do know you." Radorin then closed the door.
Irydria laughed to herself. Her brother never seemed interested in anyone before, so it was strange and a bit relieving to see him interested in someone. Plus, she would get to see Laneele again. She didn't have the chance to ask her to join her for a trip to the Hot Springs. In a way, Laneele was her first friend ever since she completed her training long ago. The only person she would talk to was her brother, probably due to the fact that she tended to have a short temper and defiant attitude. During her years of training, she concentrated on her goal, and her anger towards Laneele tended to unnecessarily extend further, causing her to snap at practically anyone she came in contact with and brushing off advice. Only her brother knew why she seemed constantly angry, and he knew full well not to take it personally.
Radorin stepped out of his room in his best robes. "How do I look?" he asked his sister.
Irydria stared at him, creasing her eyebrows and leaning her head to one side. "I don't know. Desperate?"
"Very funny. Let's go." Both of them headed outside to their striders.
After resting, Laneele stepped out of her abode and walked to the World Tree. She saw the group of young light elves conversing with each other about what happened that morning. They obviously gathered at the World Tree to relax, no longer equipped with their armor or weapons. They turned their attention to Laneele when she approached.
"How is everyone?" Laneele was more concerned about Amras and Yreth, but she didn't want to be rude by addressing only them.
"We're fine," Elrond answered. "Nothing that a bit of wine wouldn't fix."
"And your training? How is it coming along?"
"Well, we're pretty much at the point to move up," said Lúthien. "We just don't know what to do afterwards."
Laneele understood where they were coming from. She went through the same thing, and occasionally she would get advice and some not-so-good advice on her training.
"You'll know after you've advanced. I highly suggest all of you stay in a group. You'll progress faster and easier that way. If everyone is in a group and works together, you'll have no trouble at all. Just be sure to have some scrolls available, just in case."
The group began asking all sorts of questions for Laneele; the lands, the people, the monsters. Laneele did her best to answer them. One of the female light elves asked a shopping question.
"Giran is a great place for shopping. You'll probably end up doing a lot of footwork looking for bargains, even traveling to other villages. But I know some people in that town that may be able to give you some good prices on what you want."
A voice behind Laneele responded, "That's true. I got a good price for my staff in Giran."
Laneele turned around. Radorin and Irydria were standing behind her.
Laneele was slightly startled. "Oh my. I didn't think I'd see you two again so soon." Laneele let out her hand and shook Radorin's and Irydria's arms. "What brings you to the Elven Village?"
"I came here to see Yreth," said Radorin.
Laneele turned to look at Yreth. Yreth stood frozen in place, eyes wide and staring at Radorin. Everyone else in the group looked Radorin, then at Yreth. Idril grabbed on to Yreth's shoulder and whispered in her ear, "Oh my Eva! Yreth! He came to see you! He came to see you, again!"
Yreth slightly blushed. That same dark elf came over to see her? What for? Maybe she shouldn't have stared back at him while she was waiting for Laneele's spell to return them to the Elven Village. Yreth noticed that he was dressed differently than the first time she met him. For a split second, she noted to herself how handsome he looked. She then averted her eyes and unconsciously brought her right hand up to her mouth, her knuckle from her index finger resting on her lips.
Radorin was glad to see her again and did his best to contain his excitement. The last thing he wanted to do was scare her again. He noticed the slight redness in her face; was she embarrassed to see him again? Whatever the reason, he liked it when she blushed. It made her delicateness look all the more appealing to him.
The young male light elves stared back and forth at Yreth and the dark elf. This was too strange for them, despite the race tolerance that the hierarch had taught them.
Radorin approached Yreth and stood in front of her. His approach made Yreth look up at the tall dark elf and she lowered her hand.
"I am Radorin," said the dark elf.
Mimicking Laneele, Yreth immediately but slowly brought her hand up in front of her and said, "M...my name is...is Yreth."
Radorin looked down and noticed that Yreth's hand was in a position for the typical handshake greeting. But instead of grasping her wrist, he took her hand in his and slowly pulled it towards his face while turning it so that the back of her hand was facing up; he stared at Yreth as he did this.
"Yreth. It is my pleasure to meet such a beautiful light elf." Without taking his eyes off her, he gave the back of her hand a gentle kiss.
Yreth began to profusely blush. She could feel her heart beating faster. She brought her right hand to her chest when he let it go and covered it with her left hand. Idril and Lúthien lightly giggled at what they just saw. The male elves were slightly intrigued by this type of introduction, also adopted from the humans. They have heard of it before, but have never seen it executed.
Laneele and Irydria watched the entire scene, dumbfounded. After a while, Laneele lightly spoke, addressing Irydria but still watching Radorin and Yreth. "I'm at a loss for words."
Irydria snickered and leaned her head toward Laneele so that she can hear. "Wait until you see what happens next."
Laneele briefly looked at Irydria with a curious look, then turned her attention back to Radorin and Yreth. She watched Radorin reach in his satchel and pull out a black, square box. He held up the box in front of Yreth and flipped the top open. "This is for you, to help you with your training."
Yreth stared at the contents with wide eyes. The rest of the young light elves stood behind Yreth to get a peek at what was inside. While still staring at the contents, Yreth slowly and unconsciously brought her hands forward to accept the box Radorin had given her. Lúthien was the first to say what they were.
"Yreth, do you know what these are? Mithril Rings, Omen Beast's Eye Earrings, a Necklace of Darkness...Yreth," and with a lower voice Lúthien continued, "do you know how expensive this set of jewelry is?"
Yreth couldn't believe what she was holding, what the dark elf was giving to her; such beautiful, yet expensive jewelry. She knew she couldn't accept these since she wasn't ready to wear them yet. She looked up at Radorin.
"Radorin, thank you, but I can't. I can't accept this. This is—" Yreth began to give the box back to Radorin, but he held up his hand at her to stop her.
"It is a gift for you. I want you to have them. I also want to be the one to put them on you when the time comes."
Yreth brought her hands back towards her and stared at the set of jewelry again. Be the one to put them on? On her? What could he mean? She unconsciously bit her bottom lip.
Radorin was elated when he saw her accept his gift. He didn't miss Lúthien's comment about the jewelry. Compared to his current jewelry, they weren't expensive at all. Since he had no use for them anymore, he figured that this would be an excellent gift for Yreth.
Elrond leaned his head back toward Lenwe, who was standing behind him. "He's good."
Laneele was so engrossed in the scene that she didn't notice Asterios by her side until the last minute. "These past few days have certainly seen some excitement," said Asterios.
"Indeed, it has," Laneele responded.
Radorin spoke again. "I would like to spend some time with you, in private, if it is not inconvenient for you." Radorin hoped that he wasn't being too forward with the light elf. She blushed a lot and didn't want her to feel uncomfortable, but he simply wanted to talk with her.
Yreth looked up at Radorin and stared for a few seconds. In private? Just her and a dark elf? What's going on? Yreth didn't know what to say or do. She just met the dark elf this morning, and here he was, standing in front of her again, not to mention giving her expensive jewelry. Is this normal? Yreth stood speechless until Idril used her elbow to nudge Yreth out of her silent stare. Yreth quickly came back to her senses and said, "O...of course. It will not inconvenience me at all. Um..." Yreth closed the box and held it to her chest with both arms. She tried her best to keep her composure and stop stuttering. "We can go sit by the edge of the stream, if that's...if that's all right with you."
Radorin smiled at her. "That would be perfect."
Yreth cleared her throat and said, "This way." Yreth led Radorin to the bridge by the gatekeeper. When they reached it, Radorin placed himself next to Yreth, and both of them walked side by side down the bridge and sat by the water's edge. The young light elves followed them and stopped at the railing next to the bridge, the female light elves still giggling to each other and the male light elves watching out of curiosity.
Laneele, Irydria, and Asterios stood in place, watching the new couple and the group walk off.
"Aw. That's so sweet. My brother has finally found someone," Irydria said to no one in particular.
Laneele, while staring at the light elves, said to Asterios, "Tolerance of other races, huh?"
Asterios sighed. "This will be quite an era for us...for all of us."
"Laneele has returned to the Elven Village. So far, she had a run-in with a female dark elf."
"Have you confirmed it?"
"Not yet, my queen. If she is indeed in possession of it, she's hiding it rather well."
Queen Kaylin turned around, her back towards the kneeling Treasure Hunter. She raised her left hand to look at the three medals she was holding. Gripping them tightly, she sneered. "I want to know within two weeks time. No longer."
The Treasure Hunter bowed her head. "Yes, my queen." She then rose up from her kneeling position and ran off, not wanting to stay in the queen's presence any longer than she had to.
Kaylin continued to stare at the medals. "I'm not oblivious to your presence," she said aloud.
A Ghost Sentinel emerged from behind the nearby large rock. "And you shouldn't be." The male archer walked to the Duelist and stood behind her, wrapping his left hand around her waist and brushing his cheek against the side of her head. Kaylin raised her right hand and touched the archer's left arm, still staring at the medals. The archer's eyes fell upon the medals. "You're too obsessed with those trinkets. I'm beginning to think that you care more for those than me."
While still in the dark elf's grip, Kaylin turned around to face him, lowered her left arm, and raised her right hand, placing it on his shoulder. "You know that will never happen. You far outweigh any material possession. And I want you by my side, always."
The archer raised his right arm and wrapped it around her waist, pulling her closer to him at the same time. "That's all I want to hear." With that said, he gently kissed her forehead.
Dalaar then looked in Kaylin's eyes, his face taking a serious expression. "Laneele will be a great challenge, I'm sure you are aware." said Dalaar, still holding her in his arms.
"You said the same thing about the others, and yet I defeated them with ease," Kaylin said with a smile.
Dalaar's voice changed from a gentle to a cautious tone. "It may be true, your skills as a Duelist are incredible, but rumor has it that Laneele trained with the orcs. You must tread carefully when challenging her."
Kaylin backed away, forcing Dalaar to let go. "You doubt my skills? Have you not seen what I am capable of?" Kaylin felt insulted that Dalaar would doubt her skills, obvious by the tone in her voice.
"No, I do not doubt your skills, and yes, I have seen what you have done. I have also witnessed Laneele's skills at one point. I assure you, this is one warrior you should not take lightly."
Dalaar did not want to anger his queen, but he did not want her to fall victim to Laneele. His own spies brought back more unsettling news about the light elf's skills; even he feared her, albeit a little. "I am merely providing you advice since you have not seen her in action before."
"Hmph." Kaylin raised her left hand and looked at the medals again. "I have not seen the others in action before either, and now their armor and weapons grace my halls. Laneele is one of the last to possess the medal. Asterios will not be a challenge, but he will provide the leverage I need against her."
"How do you even know she possess it in the first place? We don't even have that information yet."
"She does, and we will." Kaylin never lifted her eyes.
Dalaar stared at Kaylin staring at the medals. She was a good queen of Aden, very practical, but there were times when he questioned her mentality, like now. She promised him a seat beside her, once she was in possession of all the medals. He wasn't sure how the medals would guarantee her a position as the ruler of all of Aden and Elmore, but it wasn't his place to question her. Whatever plan she had, she seemed to follow it accurately and deliberately.
Kaylin looked up and caught Dalaar staring at her. He had that look again, the kind where he seemed concerned about her well-being. To ease his mind, she put the medals away in her satchel. "Please don't worry about me, my love. You know how carefully I plan."
"I do." Dalaar turned around to note how much time had passed, based on the sun's position behind him. "We must return to the castle." Kaylin simply nodded, mounted her strider, and headed toward her castle, Dalaar following close behind on his.
Kaylin and Dalaar arrived at Aden castle in an hour. After dismounting the striders and handing the reins to the stable master, each went their separate ways. Dalaar proceeded to the sparring room to practice, and Kaylin headed to the library to meet with her scholars. She wanted an update about the four medals they were studying and handed them the three medals she acquired earlier in the month.
The scholars were studying the medals, referencing a very old diary that documented them. There were nine in all, and the only explanation the scholars could find for the number is the relation to the number of castles in Aden and Elmore. If the past castle lords were indeed in possession of the medals, it could explain their tight rule over the lands and the peace the lands experienced during the time. Now, if Kaylin had all medals in her possession, then technically, she would be the ruler of all the castles, and in essence, the world. More research had to be done, for there were many questions still left unanswered: How did the medals fall out of the castle lords' hands? Why were they lost, only to show up again? Who was truly in charge of determining who was permitted to possess the medals? Most of all, the questions about the birth of the medals were the most important: Who made them, and why? It also raised the possibility that race tolerance may have existed so long ago.
After Kaylin handed the scholars the three medals and hearing the lack of any news, she went to the sparring room and found Dalaar firing his bow at the targets.
"Have the scholars found anything new?" Dalaar said without taking his eyes off the targets.
"Of course not. Progress hasn't been good, as of late." Kaylin walked toward a target and unsheathed her dual swords. Swinging her hands in figure eights as she closed in on a target, she viciously stabbed the target once with each sword, then plunged both swords in the target before ripping it apart. Kaylin then moved to a different target and practiced her regular swings on it.
"Do you honestly think you'll find out about Laneele in two weeks? That Treasure Hunter began spying on her only recently."
Kaylin slashed the target to pieces before moving on to the next one. "Laneele will slip up soon enough. They all do. And when she does..." Kaylin unleashed an incredible amount of energy from her swords, destroying an entire row of targets. Bits and pieces of wood flew everywhere and rained down on Kaylin, who stood staring at the spot where her target was, still in her battle stance. Dalaar stopped firing his bow and looked at his queen.
Ever since Kaylin was presented with her own medal, her lust for power slowly grew, but she seemed to keep it in check. Her mentality seemed to teeter on the line between reason and insanity. When her scholars happened across the old diary that explained the medals, her mentality leaned on the side of insanity, hunting down and killing the other carriers of the medals and even going so far as to take their armor and weapons as trophies. But to her people, she was a sensible ruler, fair and just. Dalaar found it difficult to read her. Ultimately, as independent as she was, she had a soft side; it's exactly why he admired her and fell for her.
"My queen, perhaps you should relax and get some rest," Dalaar said. "You seem to be under a great amount of stress lately."
Kaylin assumed a relaxed position, letting the tips of her swords touch the floor. She then slowly and carefully sheathed each sword.
"Perhaps I should." Kaylin then looked at Dalaar. "But I want you to be with me."
Dalaar put aside his bow and walked over to Kaylin. He undid her buckle and put aside her sheathed dual swords. Taking her hand in his, he led her out of the sparring room and to the resting room, informing the guard by the door that they were not to be disturbed. Once inside, Kaylin removed her heavy armor and relaxed on a chaise while Dalaar positioned himself behind her and massaged her shoulders. Kaylin tilted her head back and stared up at Dalaar, his head upside-down from her point of view.
"Did I ever tell you how much I love you?" asked Kaylin.
Dalaar smiled. "I'm sure you have, at one time or another," he said with a sarcastic tone.
Kaylin laughed. "Well, I do. I honestly don't think I could rule the world without you."
Dalaar brushed her hair away from her face. "You know I will never leave your side."
While Radorin and Yreth were talking by the stream, Laneele and Irydria went to the tavern and sat at the bar. Laneele ordered a goblet of white wine, while Irydria, sitting to Laneele's right, ordered something smaller but a bit stronger.
"Oh, yeah!" Irydria exclaimed after she chugged her shot and ordered another from the bartender. Laneele stared at her, almost felt embarrassed just by sitting next to her, but she couldn't help being entertained by Irydria's actions.
"Do you even know what time of the day it is?" Laneele asked as the bartender placed Irydria's next drink order in front of her.
"Hey now, I haven't had a drink like this in ages." Irydria downed her second drink in one gulp, wiped her mouth and put down her glass. "Besides, after all the training I went through, I finally get to relax. Oh, which reminds me, have you been to the Hot Springs?"
"I've been there a few times before."
"Well, I've only been there once, and I really want to go again. Come with me, please?"
What's this with people wanting her to accompany them all of a sudden? "Why can't you go by yourself?"
Irydria looked at her with a sad look in her eyes and a slight frown. "Please come with me. I don't have many friends, and I barely traveled the lands. I'd ask my brother, but he seems preoccupied at the moment. Please?"
Laneele stared back at Irydria. Irydria had a pout on her face, which made Laneele slightly laugh. With a sigh, Laneele answered, "Fine, I'll accompany you."
Irydria exclaimed, "Yes! Hot Springs, here I come. I can finally relax in those hot waters." As she said this, Irydria stretched her arms high above her head, arching her back at the same time and letting out a rather large sigh. People's heads then began to turn towards her and Irydria. Laneele knew exactly who, or rather what, they were staring at. She even caught the bartender staring when he placed Irydria's next drink order in front of her. Desperate to get Irydria to stop stretching, Laneele asked, "Are you up for sparring?"
Irydria lowered her arms. "Sure. I almost forgot that I took you up on that offer yesterday. I'm ready when you are."
Laneele was surprised at how eager she was, but she didn't want to do so today. "How about in a few days, at the arena by the Monster Derby Track?" Laneele purposely said this in order to travel to Giran. She knew there were masters there that could switch professions for people. She already switched between two professions in the time she's been in the village, and she hoped that Irydria didn't notice how quickly she was able to switch from Eva's Saint to Adventurer to Eva's Saint again in the span of three days.
"The arena? I hate the people at the arenas. They always interfere. Sure, I get back at them, but it never stops. Why can't we just duel each other outside the village?"
"Because I'm on the saint's path right now. I have to go to Giran to see one of the masters. I wouldn't be much of a challenge to you as an Eva's Saint." Laneele was about to realize the mistake in mentioning her current path.
"Ah yes, that's right. You brought the group back here just this morning." Irydria then paused. "Wait a minute...you were an Adventurer just yesterday. How could you have switched professions so quickly? The travel to Giran from the Dark Elven Village takes at least a week and a half, and that's if you're riding a strider."
Irydria stared at Laneele, a very curious look on her face. This was the first time Laneele was confronted about switching professions so quickly. She should have known better, since the Elven Village's masters didn't have the ability to allow people to switch professions. She never encountered a problem about it before, since she was always in Giran whenever she accepted invitations for groups. She would explain the professions she mastered, and if she needed to switch, she would pretend to go see one of the masters in Giran who had the ability to switch professions for her. After discreetly pushing the appropriate button on her medal, she would meet up with the group and off they would go, none the wiser.
"Gatekeeper," Laneele said.
"The gatekeeper?" repeated Irydria. "All the way to Giran and back? Wow, you must be rich. I'm jealous."
Rich? Laneele wasn't rich at all. Most of the money she had was spent to buy food for the kookaburra and strider. The kookaburra she grew attached to, and the strider was for travel. She found it was cheaper to have a strider than to constantly use the gatekeeper, and since the strider was faster than traveling on foot, she would be able to outrun any monsters or beasts that would come after her while passing through the lands. Plus, she grew attached to her strider as well.
Irydria gulped down her drink in one swig, raised her arm, and called out to the bartender. "Hey, another one, please."
Laneele wished she could stop ordering. Her behavior was beginning to get slightly erratic. It was beginning to look more embarrassing than entertaining. Maybe she knew how to make her stop.
"You know you're paying for your own drinks, right?"
Irydria stopped waving her hand, and then said, "Um...never mind. Cancel that." Irydria lowered her arm and turned to Laneele. "You're such a spoilsport, you know that?"
"I'm merely looking out for you," Laneele responded. "You need to save up for the Hot Springs. It's not a cheap trip."
"Yes, I know," Irydria said with a sigh. She looked inside the shot glass and tried to drink the last drop inside it when Radorin came up between her and Laneele.
"Do you know what time of the day it is?" he said, looking at Irydria.
Irydria put down her glass and turned her head to look at her brother. "Don't give me that." Irydria then swiveled her bar stool to face him.
"So, how was your conversation?" Irydria said with a smile.
"You think I'd tell you?" Radorin said, smiling in return.
"Just tell me what she's like. She seems so shy. I'm surprised you were able to talk to her in private."
"She said she's training to be a summoner. I told her some good areas where she and her friends can train after their first advancement."
"Ah, yes. The good old days. Life was so easy back then." Thinking about 'the good old days' made Irydria think of the day she first encountered Laneele. She turned away from her brother and played with the shot glass.
Laneele saw Irydria turn and stare and fiddle with the shot glass again. This behavior usually meant a person was lost in thought. "You're thinking about it again, aren't you?" Laneele asked.
"Wow, you're good. Yes, I was thinking about that day at the ruins." Irydria kept her eyes on the shot glass, tilting the glass in different directions with her fingertips. Irydria then lifted her head and turned to Laneele. "Speaking of which, I think my brother has something to tell you about that day."
Laneele turned her head to Radorin, who was staring at his sister. What could she mean by that? Did he know something about that day?
"Were you the dark elf I saw running towards me?" Laneele asked.
Radorin looked at Laneele. "Yes, it was me. I know you didn't try to kill my sister. I saw the items you left behind.'
Irydria turned to her brother. "She left items behind? What were they?"
"A resurrection scroll and some healing potions," Radorin answered.
Laneele just stared at Radorin. He knew all along; he knew she didn"t kill his sister. But why did Irydria not realize it until Laneele explained it to her? Did he deliberately withhold that kind of information from his sister this whole time? Many conclusions and "what ifs" filled Laneele's mind. Was Radorin the one who had deadly intentions for her, but used his sister to do it for him? No, he doesn't seem to be that type. What if Irydria succeeded in killing her? He would actually go that far and allow that to happen?
"Why did you not tell your sister what really happened if you knew all these years?" Laneele asked.
Radorin responded, "Because I knew that she wouldn't listen to me. The only way she would know is if you told her, made her remember what really happened. And I didn't want her to live her life ruled by vengeance. I saw no other option to convince her."
Laneele turned away from Radorin and rested her elbows on the bar table, her head down and her hands wrapped around the back of her neck. He knew, for so long he knew what really happened. She was Irydria's target for all these years. She could have lost her life at any moment, all over a lie, all over facts that Radorin deliberately withheld from his sister, just to change his sister's attitude about revenge. He would actually sacrifice someone he didn't know, just to prove his sister wrong? Laneele saw no reason for Radorin to involve some outsider to help him change his sister's attitude. It was his problem, and his alone. How dare he involve her in his problem! She was innocent to begin with!
Rage began to rise. Laneele humbly prided herself as a true warrior, following its unwritten codes and ethics. This whole time, Radorin led his sister to believe she was the opposite; a cold-hearted light elf who would kill others out of selfish pleasure. Laneele was furious. He made it sound like her life was worth throwing away, and worse, he compared her to a Chaotic!
Irydria and Radorin watched Laneele turn away. Judging from her reaction, Laneele was obviously upset, but neither of them really knew what to say. Radorin put his left hand on Laneele's right shoulder and said, "Laneele, I'm sorry. I know you're upset, but—"
Radorin was cut off when Laneele swiftly turned around, grabbed Radorin's throat with her left hand, and pushed him back. Radorin fell on top of the table behind him, and Laneele pinned him to the table, her hand nearly crushing his throat. Her right hand was pulled back in a fist, ready to punch him.
Radorin did not see this coming. She moved so fast that it took him a few seconds to realize he was lying down and no longer standing. He grabbed Laneele's forearm with both hands after he fell back. He saw Laneele's right hand pulled back, and then looked at Laneele. Her face was grimaced in anger, she was bearing her teeth at him...did he just see her eyes just turn red for a moment?
Radorin was terrified. She moved too fast, and it wasn't just because he was standing right behind her. He didn't even see her turn around. He tried to pull her hand away from his throat, but something was not right. She had an incredible grip on his throat, and despite using both hands, he couldn't get her to let go. The best he could do was to pull her hand away just enough to allow himself to breathe.
Many people in the tavern turned to look towards the commotion. Those sitting closest to the table that Laneele had Radorin pinned to quickly stood up and moved away. Everyone was staring at the two.
"Was I that expendable to you?" Laneele screamed. "Was it worth it? Was my life worth solving your sister's problem?" The rage inside Laneele kept rising. "How could you?!"
Radorin did his best to speak. "Laneele, it's not what you think. I knew—"
Radorin couldn't continue as Laneele squeezed his throat even more. Radorin tried moving his head side to side to loosen her grip, but it barely worked. The pain was beginning to be unbearable. Radorin clenched his teeth.
Irydria saw Laneele lunge for her brother, but because Laneele reacted so fast, she couldn't stop her. Irydria didn't know what to do. Casting a spell would only attract the sentinels of the village to her, and if she tried to approach Laneele, she was afraid Laneele might do something worse to her brother. She did, however, notice someone exiting the tavern. Irydria tried to think of a way to buy more time.
"Laneele, I'm sorry," Irydria called out. "I only found this out from my brother just yesterday. I know I should be angry at him for not telling me sooner, but I knew I wouldn't have believed him, and I would've tried to kill you anyway. I would've thought it was just one of his ways to sway me."
Laneele looked as if she was ignoring Irydria or didn't hear her, because Laneele did not respond.
No amount of apologies or explanations would relieve Laneele's anger. It disgusted her to know that someone would go this low, and for what? Behavior adjustment? This was what her life was worth?
Laneele scowled, and with a scream, threw her fist towards Radorin's face.
Radorin squeezed his eyes shut and waited for her punch. He then heard a loud noise next to his left ear. He opened his eyes, turned his head, and saw Laneele's hand. His eyes widened, not because she punched the table, but because her fingers appeared to be dug into the wood of the table. She clawed through the table? Radorin looked back at Laneele with fear. Laneele was staring back at him. She then lifted her right hand and turned it palm up. In her hand was a chunk of wood, but what really concerned Radorin was that she wasn't bleeding at all; no signs of bruising or broken fingers were apparent. Laneele didn't even appear to be in any pain. How did she do that?
"But what?" Laneele asked in a low-pitched voice.
"Huh?" Radorin didn't know what Laneele was talking about.
"Finish your sentences. But what? You knew what?"
Radorin slightly stuttered. "B...but I knew...I knew you w...would—"
Laneele interrupted Radorin, her voice louder than before. "You knew I would what? Speak!"
Radorin felt slightly humiliated from Laneele's interruption and command. "I...I knew you would have defeated my sister. I knew...I knew she wouldn't be able to kill you."
Laneele leaned in closer, staring at Radorin in the eyes. "And how could you know that I wasn't going to kill her?"
Radorin tried to turn his head and pull Laneele's hand away, but Laneele kept a firm grip on his throat. Radorin struggled to breath. "Because I know...I know you follow the ethics of a true warrior. You...you would never kill my sister."
"Yet you led her to believe I was a Chaotic. A Chaotic!" Laneele crushed the wood piece in her right hand, wooden splinters protruding from between her fingers. Her teeth were still borne at Radorin. Anger burned through Laneele.
Irydria's and Radorin's eyes widened when Laneele crushed the wood piece. Irydria feared the worst for her brother.
"Laneele! Stand down!" Asterios was standing by the entrance of the tavern, Sentinel Knight Alberius by his side.
Radorin saw Laneele's eyes move in the direction of Asterios' voice, then move back towards him. He was staring back at her, his hands still gripping on to Laneele's forearm. Radorin then saw a tear forming in Laneele's right eye. It fell on Radorin's cheek, and Laneele lightly whispered, "How could you?" Her mouth turned into a frown.
While taking deep breaths, Laneele slowly let go of Radorin's throat and backed away, her head slightly tilted down. Shaking the wood pieces out of her hand, she then turned and headed towards Asterios.
Irydria rushed to her brother's side and helped him up. What in the name of Shilen was that just now? Laneele moved with such speed, it seemed to exceed that of an Adventurer's. Irydria looked at the table to see the extent of Laneele's anger. The table's thickness was more than half a thumb's length, yet there lay a hole in the middle. Only the strongest of orcs can make a hole in a table that thick, but with a punch. Laneele didn't even make the hole with a punch; she clawed through it.
Everyone in the tavern stood still and stared at Laneele as she was escorted out of the tavern by the hierarch and the sentinel knight.
"Radorin, are you all right?" Irydria frantically asked. She stared at her brother.
Radorin cupped his throat and took in deep breaths. If Laneele was able to claw through the wood like that and crush a piece of it in her hand, she could have easily crushed his throat. But how could a mere light elf have that kind of strength? Could it be from the training she received from the orcs? What about her speed? Where in Aden did that kind of speed come from?
"Yes, I'm fine," Radorin responded to his sister.
Irydria turned to watch Laneele leave the tavern. "What was that just now? Laneele, she just...she..."
While watching Laneele leave, Radorin slowly responded, "I don't know."
Nope, haven't disappeared. :) Been so busy both ingame and out that I haven't had too much time for writing or reading. I just caught back up on your story and am loving it. :D
I'm working on the next installment of mine and hope to have it out sometime next week, barring unforeseen distractions. *cough* husband getting jealous of MSWord *cough* :)
Or my clan deciding that they want to monopolize my attention again. :eek:
Radorin had never been so scared in his life. Laneele's speed and power...no normal elf is that fast or that strong. But could an elf achieve that kind of speed and power? If so, how?
One of the people from the tavern was a Cardinal and offered to examine Radorin. Radorin accepted and allowed him to examine his throat. A close observation revealed some bruising, but nothing to be concerned about. The Cardinal applied some minor healing to Radorin's throat and his upper back to ease any pain.
While the Cardinal healed Radorin, the tavern workers began to clean up the area of the commotion, sweeping up the wooden pieces and determining how to move the damaged table out of the tavern. The tavern manager addressed his customers, apologizing for the recent commotion. He even offered everyone's meals on the house. Everyone eventually returned to their seats or left tips and immediately left.
Word spread quickly of Laneele. The humans who witnessed the event were the first to spread the news, as humans are usually the most gossiping of the races.
The group of young light elves were talking by the gatekeeper about Yreth's new "encounter" when they heard screaming coming from the tavern. Minutes later, they saw Asterios and Alberius run down the Temple stairs and toward the tavern. Eventually they saw them exit the tavern with Laneele. It didn't take long for them to find out from the humans what happened.
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Asterios left the tavern and headed to the Temple, followed by Laneele, then Alberius. When they were inside, Asterios nodded at Alberius and said, "Thank you, Alberius. I'll take over from here."
Asterios bowed before the hierarch and returned to his post.
Asterios turned his attention to Laneele, who had her head lowered, her long hair shielding her face.
"Laneele, this is completely unexpected of you. Your behavior was beyond that I have ever seen. What had gotten into you?"
Laneele kept her head down, a single tear falling from her face. "I'm sorry, my liege. But you couldn't possibly understand the anger I was going through."
Asterios stared at Laneele. "Try me."
Laneele explained to Asterios what she found out from Radorin and the feelings it generated within her. It was difficult to keep her emotions under control as she relived the scenes in her mind.
Asterios listened intently to Laneele. Hearing the part about her putting a hole in the table especially drew his concern.
When Laneele finished, she raised her head to see Asterios' reactions. She held his gaze only for a few seconds only to lower her eyes again. She felt humiliated. She couldn't look at Asterios straight in the eye.
"Laneele, I understand your frustration. But you know all too well what any warrior must do above all else; it is to keep your emotions controlled and not let them rule you. Be it anger, sadness, or even arrogance, all emotion must remain in check. No emotion, positive or negative, must go to such extreme."
Laneele was well aware of these ethics. Having to be reminded of them made her feel embarrassed.
"However..." Asterios turned and walked onto the balcony. Laneele noticed Asterios move and instinctively followed. Once on the far end of the balcony, Asterios turned and faced Laneele.
"...I believe I would have done the same thing if I was in your position, except the part about the table."
Laneele raised her head up, curious about Asterios' response. The same thing?
"My liege, I don't understand. You would do the same thing? I practically acted just like a Chaotic, the very thing that enraged me in the first place."
"No, you didn't. You acted in a normal fashion. Your emotions stemmed from Radorin's words. You had a reason to act the way you did."
"Sir, the fact that I let those emotions consume me makes me no better than a Chaotic. I..." Laneele couldn't find the heart to continue speaking and lowered her head again.
Asterios began reciting a part of the codes and ethics of a true warrior.
"A true warrior fights for the good of the lands and the people. A true warrior's intentions are never selfish, never petty, and never for monetary gain."
Laneele closed her eyes and began reciting the codes and ethics along with Asterios.
"We defend those who cannot defend themselves, even at the risk of our own lives. We teach younger warriors what we've learned and continue to learn from others. We are brothers and sisters in arms. And most importantly, we do not allow our emotions to cloud our judgment. While no one can become an ultimate warrior, we can achieve to be a true warrior; true to ourselves, and true to others. And..."
It was at this point that Laneele stopped reciting and opened her eyes, suddenly realizing what the next part of the code meant. Asterios continued to recite the codes by himself.
"...it is in this that we may walk amongst other warriors, no matter the rank. For honor to ourselves, to our people, to our lands; may we hold our heads up high, face our challenges, and forever know what it means to be a true warrior."
Asterios paused for a moment before speaking again.
"Laneele, while we warriors are burdened with having to carry such responsibilities on our shoulders, we have a right to be proud. No one should be allowed to take away that right. We've earned it. And by that right, no one, absolutely no one should dare compare us to Chaotics. It is a great insult to be compared to such types. That's why I said I would have done the same thing if I was in your position."
Laneele's only response was, "I understand, sir."
Asterios studied Laneele's reactions. Her head was still lowered. She obviously still felt guilty for her reactions. But that didn't worry Asterios. What bothered him was that Laneele was a naturally modest light elf, maybe too modest. While Laneele understood that she shouldn't be compared to Chaotics, she was humble when it came to her pride as a true warrior.
"Laneele, you're too modest. There's no reason to hide your pride as a true warrior from others. You have a right to your pride and a right to show it. Some even have no idea of the multiple professions that you learned. They know you only as an Eva's Saint."
Laneele lifted her head. "I like it that way. I don't like being famous, or infamous; I feel like I'm showing off, and I hate that feeling. I chose what I do to help people, not to gloat. Isn't that what being a true warrior is all about?" Laneele rhetorically asked. Displaying her pride meant she was the center of attention, and she hated being the center of any attention. She never felt comfortable when in that situation.
Asterios laughed. He remembered her humble personality when she was younger, and to this day she was still a humble elf. It seems that she'll never outgrow that.
Asterios changed the subject. "Laneele, about the table..."
Laneele braced herself. What was he going to say? What would she have to say? She couldn't tell the hierarch how she was able to destroy the table like that. Fellow warriors would dishonor her for learning such a brazen technique.
"...that table is rather rare. I'm not sure the carpenters make that kind of table anymore. It might even be discontinued. And it was part of a set. The tavern might look funny with a different colored replacement table."
Laneele's head jerked back. "Eh?" Why was he talking about replacing the table rather than how she damaged it? Laneele then understood. He was trying to brighten her mood.
"Sir, I know what you're trying to do."
"I've heard about your ability to guess what other people are thinking. You are good. Is it working?"
Laneele faintly smiled. "A little."
"Well, it's just a table. It can easily be replaced. But on a serious note, just how did you manage to put a hole in the table? Was it from your training with the orcs?"
Laneele stood silent for a moment and looked at the trees behind Asterios before responding, "Yes, it was."
No, it really wasn't, thought Laneele.
"I see. Was this something extra that they taught you, aside from the profession?"
Still avoiding Asterios' eyes, Laneele replied, "Yes, they did."
No, no one taught me.
"Well, it seems like a very powerful technique. I trust that you will use that technique wisely from now on."
"Of course, sir."
"And Laneele, don't worry about paying for the table."
"But sir—"
Asterios lifted up his hand to stop Laneele. "I think you have more important things to worry about than the table."
Laneele understood what he meant. Radorin and Irydria. "Yes, my liege." Laneele bowed, signifying her leave. She was grateful that Asterios would cover the cost of the damaged table, but hated that she had to lie to Asterios about her technique. She wasn't ready to tell Asterios, or anyone, of her technique.
As Asterios re-entered the Temple from the balcony and watched Laneele leave, past memories of Laneele began to resurface. He remembered how humble she was when she was younger; she also had a peculiar habit of trying to do things right the first time, always upset at herself for not getting something done right after the first attempt. She always thought she wasn't good enough for anything if she couldn't get something done correctly the first time. Asterios laughed to himself. He remembered lecturing her on that kind of self-assessment, telling her that it's normal to try multiple times before getting a task done right and not to berate herself so harshly.
However, not just the memories of Laneele resurfaced. He helped a lot of elves through their training, but for some reason Laneele stood out amongst the rest. How she stood out, he couldn't figure it out. She was always so reserved and quiet, yet polite. When the time came for her to advance, it pained him when she left, but he never let Laneele know how he felt. It took him years to convince himself that her leaving was for the best. Seeing her again after all these years was not good.
The third part of this next chapter is credited to KnightOfDarkness. I was having a bout of writer's block when KnightOfDarkness' suggestion helped me get the story going. Also, I'd like to thank KnightOfDarkness for some clarification I needed.
Laneele descended the Temple stairs, the recent events racing through her head. Radorin. How could she apologize to him after what he did? Radorin knew nothing about Laneele, and despite her good gesture of leaving healing items, he led his sister to believe that she was almost killed by Laneele out of cold blood. Disgusting. Whatever good impressions Laneele had of him were now gone.
Radorin and Irydria were standing outside the tavern watching the light elves struggle to carry the damaged table out the door. A small crowd gathered just outside the tavern, including the group of young light elves.
Radorin turned to face Laneele when she approached. Laneele stopped in front of Radorin, and Irydria stood behind him.
Laneele stared at Radorin. Her anger with him hadn’t dissipated. Radorin cautiously spoke first.
“Laneele, I understand how you feel. It was wrong of me to do to you what I did. What I thought was a good idea, wasn’t. Putting your life on the line like that…it was unjustifiable. I hope you can accept my apology for what I did.†Radorin bowed to her, hoping it would ease her obvious anger.
Laneele stared at the bowed dark elf. Oh, how she hated him for what he did. Laneele worked hard through the years to rise through the ranks of warriors, studying the different professions and completing the necessary tests. Receiving the medal was the greatest honor a warrior could achieve, as a scant few were awarded it. And this, dark elf, had the audacity to compare her to a Chaotic? It took Laneele all she had to contain her anger and emotions. Apparently, it wasn’t enough.
Not hearing a response, Radorin rose from his bow and stared at Laneele. She was staring back at him. The silence was unnerving.
Eager to ease the uncomfortable air, Radorin said, “Laneele, please, say something; anything.â€
With a quick motion, Laneele pulled back her right arm and landed a blow to Radorin’s face. Her strike caused Radorin to sway slightly to the right, but he kept his footing and squeezed his eyes shut for a moment as the pain shot through his face. He raised his left hand to cover his left jaw where Laneele just struck him. He straightened himself, still covering the left side of his jaw. He opened his mouth and moved his lower jaw back and forth, making sure it wasn’t broken or dislocated.
Irydria gasped when Laneele struck her brother. Her sisterly instinct wanted to scream at Laneele for doing that, but she quickly held it back. Laneele had a right to do that. She would have done almost the same thing if she were in Laneele’s situation; only it would have been much worse than one punch to the face. What her brother did to Laneele she believed was completely uncalled for. Laneele was a well known warrior. While it was wrong of Irydria to assume that Laneele tried to kill her, it was even worse for her brother to compare such a well-respected warrior to a Chaotic.
Laneele assumed a relaxed position, staring at Radorin. She made sure she didn’t use full force, or else his jaw would have shattered to pieces, or worse. Even though it wasn’t a full force blow, it was enough to alleviate her anger at Radorin.
“Apology accepted,†Laneele said. “But it will be a good, long while before I can see you in an acceptable light again.â€
Radorin nodded, fully understanding what she meant. He knew he deserved what Laneele did to him. If taking a punch to the face is what it took to earn her respect, he was more than willing to accept. He had no qualms against her; rather, he was glad to know that she was able to do what he couldn’t do for years. Irydria was the only family he had now. He couldn’t lose her.
As Laneele left for her abode and made her way through the crowd, the people parted, allowing her to pass yet stared at her as she passed by. Eventually, the crowd dispersed. Radorin and Irydria were about to leave the village when Yreth approached them, still holding on to the gift that Radorin had given her earlier.
“Is it true?†Yreth called out. “Is it true that you called Laneele a…Chaotic?†Yreth wanted to know. Can she trust someone who would do something like that to Laneele? Laneele was practically everyone’s role model. If someone can just put Laneele down like that, then that person had no idea who Laneele really is. Laneele wasn’t arrogant like most other warriors. She wasn’t the type to crave “fame and fortune;†that was a human trait, but other races picked up on that as well. Laneele was considered a hero to some, despite never taking part in the Olympiad. To Yreth, Laneele was great in every way. To see Radorin easily insult her hero like that, can she see him as a good person?
Radorin turned around to see Yreth’s concerned look. Her eyes looked slightly sad, and he was afraid of what she was thinking. He slowly approached her.
“I didn’t call her a Chaotic. I merely…led my sister to believe she was one. I will admit that even though I knew what my sister thought of her, I didn’t try to prove my sister wrong.â€
Yreth became slightly annoyed at Radorin’s answer and shook her head. “I care not for technicalities. You called Laneele a Chaotic!†Yreth was almost in tears, for what she was about to do saddened her.
Yreth lowered her head to avoid Radorin’s eyes and stepped closer to him. She immediately shoved the jewelry box to his chest. Radorin reflexively grabbed it, and Yreth turned and ran.
Radorin stood still, staring at Yreth until she was no longer within sight, then looked down at the jewelry box he held. The winds blew cold, and the sun was beginning to set.
He knew chasing after her and trying to explain himself would be pointless. He could defend himself over and over, but the damage had been done. Reputations were very delicate; all it would take is one bad news to ruin someone. Radorin didn’t believe that falsely calling Laneele a Chaotic would ruin her reputation, but it may ruin his, as he just saw from Yreth’s actions. Radorin’s heart suddenly felt heavy in his chest. He deserved Laneele’s punch, but did he deserve Yreth’s rejection?
Irydria, an unfortunate witness to what just happened, took her brother by the arm and led him to their striders. Any comforting words she said to her brother fell on deaf ears.
__________________________________________________
Radorin lay on his bed, hands folded on his chest, eyes staring at the ceiling. That day seemed to start out so well. Things were fine until his sister brought it up. Yet he knew he couldn’t blame Irydria for the way things turned out. Laneele had to know what happened, that it was him she saw at the ruins and that he knew she didn’t try to kill his sister.
He thought about his time with Yreth; the time they talked by the stream, to the time Yreth returned his gift to him. He felt a myriad of emotions within him; confusion, sadness, anger, and self-loathing. Comparing Laneele to a Chaotic was definitely not the best choice in solving his sister’s problem. While he was sure he didn’t call Laneele a Chaotic directly, Yreth’s words rang in his head: I care not for technicalities. You called Laneele a Chaotic! When the situation was seen in a broader view, she was right; he did call her a Chaotic. Radorin sighed. Can this be repaired? Was it even worth repairing?
A knock on the door disturbed his thoughts. Radorin turned his head towards the door to see Irydria enter with a tray.
“Hey. I brought you some food.†Irydria made her way into the room and closed the door behind her.
Radorin turned his head back toward the ceiling. “I’m not hungry.â€
“Brother, please. You’ve been this way for a week. Have you even been outside at all?â€
Radorin turned his head further away from Irydria and looked at the wall. “I said I’m not hungry.â€
Irydria put down the tray on a nearby dresser. Raising her voice, she said, “Look, this is getting ridiculous. There are plenty of other available maidens out there. When are you going to realize that and move on?â€
Annoyed, Radorin rolled over to his side and turned his back towards Irydria. “You’ve never experienced this before, so you obviously don’t understand my feelings. Go away, sister.â€
Irydria immediately lowered her head, not realizing that what she said would have this much of an impact on her brother.
“Radorin, I’m sorry. It’s just that, I’m worried about you. You’ve barely eaten and haven’t been outside. This can’t be good for you. I can see in your face that your health is beginning to deteriorate. If you keep this up, I may not have a brother anymore.â€
Radorin huffed. “That seems a bit extreme.â€
Irydria walked over to the bed and sat down near the edge. “Extreme or not, you’re the only family I have.†Irydria put a hand on his shoulder and tugged slightly. “Radorin, please eat something. You’ll need your strength when you get Yreth back.â€
Radorin huffed again. “You saw the way she looked at me. There’s no way she’ll give me a second chance.â€
Irydria sighed. “You haven’t even tried yet.†With a harder tug, Irydria persisted. “And you need to eat. You can’t waste away like this.â€
Radorin said nothing and made no effort to move. Irydria silently stared at her brother for a while before standing up. When she opened the door to leave, she stopped and looked at the black jewelry box on a table. Irydria then turned to look at her brother.
“We all have a right to prove ourselves. And Yreth should know your side of the story before she makes such quick judgments, the same way I should have known Laneele’s side of the story from that day at the ruins. You owe Yreth at least that much. And you owe it to yourself to tell her.†With that said, Irydria exited the room and closed the door.
Radorin thought about his sister’s words. It was amusing in a way, hearing his little sister be the one to give him advice. Radorin sat up. She did have a point. Yreth needed to hear his side of the story. With a sigh, Radorin slowly reached for the tray of food his sister left for him.
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Kaylin was in the library pacing the floors, while her scholars were discussing the medals they were studying. Things were not going so well. There was a conflict about the age of the medals, thereby questioning who could have crafted them. Some were saying the medals were made right before the peaceful era of Aden, others said the medals were much older than that, the crafter long gone. There was also an argument about the magic properties of the medals. Some say magisters and priests would have been able to cast a spell on them, other say that one had to be highly skilled to enchant the medals the way they are now. There was great difficulty in determining just how simple or complex the process was for making the nine medals. The scholars seemed to be arguing with each other more than working together.
A guard knocked on the door and entered the room.
“Your majesty, you have two visitors who wish to see you. One of them is Reile.â€
Not bothering to look at the guard, she said, “Not now.â€
“But your majesty, I believe she said this has something to do with a person named Laneele and is very important.â€
Kaylin stopped pacing and looked at the guard. News about Laneele? It seemed rather quick of the Treasure Hunter to bring news about her.
“Very well. I will be available in a few minutes.â€
“Yes, your majesty.†The guard quickly exited the library.
Kaylin looked at Dalaar, who was sitting in one of the chairs watching Kaylin pace back and forth and listening to the scholars argue with each other. She put her hands on her hips.
“Well, this day is starting to look better.â€
“If what your Treasure Hunter has to report is good,†added Dalaar.
Both of them exited the library and made their way to the throne room. Once in the throne room, Kaylin sat down and Dalaar stood to her left.
“Bring them in,†Kaylin commanded.
The door guards opened the double doors and Reile and a Cardinal entered. Stopping about mid way, both briefly kneeled before the queen. Two other guards stood behind them.
“You have the news I was expecting?â€
“Not quite, my queen,†Reile responded. “I am still continuing with that mission.â€
Kaylin frowned and her forehead creased in slight anger. “Then this visit must be good enough to interrupt your mission.â€
Noticing the tone in the queen’s voice, Reile spoke cautiously. “Indeed, it is rather useful information that I feel you must know, your majesty.â€
Kaylin leaned forward and rested her chin on her hand. “I’m waiting.â€
Reile relayed the events of what happened at the Elven Village tavern after learning of it from the others. The Cardinal was most helpful, as he was one of the witnesses to the event.
Kaylin, however, didn’t seem impressed with the news. “We already know she trained with the orcs. She put a hole in a wooden table you say? Without bothering to heal herself afterwards?†Kaylin faced Dalaar, and Dalaar returned her look. “So, she’s chosen the path of the Grand Khavatari. At least we now know her final path.†Kaylin then looked at Reile. “This was the useful information you had for me?â€
The humans looked at each other, and Reile nodded at the Cardinal, signaling his turn to speak. The Cardinal looked at the queen and made one step forward.
“Your majesty, Laneele is not a Grand Khavatari. She is a Doomcryer.â€
This garnered Kaylin’s attention. “I beg your pardon? And you know this, how?â€
The Cardinal felt Kaylin’s eyes on him. He slightly hesitated, fearful that the queen would not believe him, but forced himself to speak.
“I know, because Laneele was a member of a raid party a few months ago. At the last minute, we found out that the Doomcryer in our party wasn’t experienced enough. We needed a replacement. She volunteered. She chanted the Doomcryer’s spells of protection for us throughout the raid while I and a fellow Cardinal kept the party healed. Laneele performed remarkably well, but she didn’t want any form of payment or reward for helping us.â€
Kaylin leaned back on her throne and thought about what she just heard. “Well, that doesn’t explain what Reile just relayed to me. One of you is lying to me.†And with a hardened voice, Kaylin added, “I don’t appreciate liars.â€
Eager to ease the rising tension, Dalaar leaned towards Kaylin and whispered, “My queen, maybe both are truly telling the truth.â€
Kaylin whispered back in a hasty voice. “Did you hear their stories? It’s obvious they conflict too much. One of them is definitely lying.â€
“My queen, if they were lying, do you think they would be so bold as to be here telling you such conflicting stories? I believe both of them are telling the truth, and there is something more to Laneele than we know. Why else would we have this hard of a time trying to see if she is the last to possess the medal?â€
Kaylin stared at Dalaar. “What are you getting at?â€
“What if Laneele is hiding more than just the medal? Her ability to claw at wood with her bare hands gives the impression that she knows the Bear Spirit Totem, a skill only Monks know. What if she found a way of learning such skills outside of the profession?â€
Kaylin’s eyes lowered away from Dalaar. “Then Laneele would be a very formidable opponent.â€
“Not only that, but maybe she can teach you how she did it. Then you would be just as formidable as her. Rather, you could be more formidable than her.â€
Kaylin was beginning to like the idea. Whatever Laneele knew, she wanted that knowledge. The medals would guarantee her rule over the kingdom, and the skills she would learn from other professions would make sure that no one would try to overthrow her. Indeed, the news she received today was good.
Kaylin motioned for Dalaar to step back so that she can address her visitors.
“Reile, continue with your original mission.â€
Reile bowed. “Yes, my queen.â€
“And you, Cardinal.â€
The Cardinal stood at attention. “My name is—â€
Kaylin immediately interrupted. “I have no desire to know your name. If you are a person I will be frequenting more often in the future, only then I will want to know your name.â€
The Cardinal, although confused at Kaylin’s answer, nervously bowed. “Yes, your majesty.â€
“Guard, reward this Cardinal handsomely. He has provided very good information for me.â€
The guard behind the Cardinal untied a rather heavy-looking pouch from his belt and handed it to the Cardinal. The Cardinal addressed Kaylin again.
“Thank you, your majesty. This is incredibly generous of you.â€
Dalaar responded. “Those who help the Queen of Aden in any way are always rewarded.â€
The Cardinal wasn’t sure how his information was useful to the queen, but after being rewarded so well, there was no need to dwell on it. Both humans took their leave and exited the throne room.
Reile and the Cardinal silently walked down the corridor. The Cardinal was lost in thought over what just happened and how he earned his adena. Reile broke the silence.
“Queen Kaylin may have strange customs and beliefs, but when you think about them, they make sense.â€
“Strange sense,†the Cardinal added.
At the end of the corridor, Reile stopped the Cardinal and lowered her voice. “Remember, what you did today must be kept a secret. Queen Kaylin does not appreciate those who talk about business with her behind her back. If people found out just how much the queen rewarded you for such little information, others will try to help the queen in exchange for such a reward. If the queen’s time with others turns out to be wasted time, well, let’s just say that there is a different reward for that. And the queen has ways of finding out who talked behind her back.â€
The Cardinal sensed that such a reward was not positive. He immediately responded, “I understand.â€
Both parted and went their separate ways.
Kaylin, still sitting on the throne, stared at the double doors. “Now, here’s something I don’t understand. Why would an accomplished warrior like Laneele have to learn more skills from other professions? What exactly does she have to prove?†Kaylin rested her elbow on the arm rest of the throne and rested her chin on her hand. She looked up at Dalaar. “She doesn’t seem to be after a castle, and she’s never attained a Hero status. And why is this the first time we’ve heard of something like this about Laneele? It’s as if she’s kept this a secret, just like her medal.â€
Dalaar looked back at Kaylin. “From a broader view, she wouldn’t have the respect of fellow warriors if they knew she was learning skills and spells outside of her professions.â€
“Maybe so, but she would be an incredible warrior. She wouldn’t even need the medal. So, why keep it?â€
“I believe only Laneele can answer that,†Dalaar responded.
Kaylin stood up and walked down from the throne to the floor. Dalaar followed.
“I want to know. I want to know what she knows. I want to know how she does it.â€
Kaylin knew her plans regarding Laneele would have to change. Her original plan was to kill her and Asterios once she had their medals. It seems that she’d have to keep Laneele alive a bit longer after getting the medal from her. The same may be said for Asterios. Reile had one more week to complete her mission, but Kaylin was sure the Treasure Hunter would be successful by then.
Kaylin and Dalaar returned to the library to hear if the bickering scholars had made any progress since their absence.
They stepped off the boat, Nathias helping Laneele onto the port. They walked hand in hand, toward Gludin. Laneele had just met Nathias’ parents on Talking Island.
Neither of them wore their armor or had weapons on them, but instead they were dressed in regular, civilian clothes. It would have been rude and rather uncomfortable having dinner with Nathias’ parents clad with armor and weapons.
They were discussing the time they spent back on the island when they noticed someone running toward them. Something wasn’t right. The person was heavily equipped, holding a two-handed sword. The way he was holding his weapon looked like he was ready for battle.
As the person got closer, Laneele noticed the blood-red eyes of the person. A Chaotic!
“Oh no. Nathias, it’s a Chaotic! We have to get out of here!†Laneele tugged on Nathias’s arm.
They began running toward Gludin, but the Chaotic was catching up incredibly fast. Since Nathias was slower than Laneele, he told Laneele to go ahead and call for help.
Laneele hesitated. “But Nathias, you’re unarmed. You won’t survive!†Laneele began to cry, afraid to face a possible outcome of the situation if she left him.
“I’ll be all right. Just go, get help as fast as you can. Go!â€
Nathias pushed her away, desperate to keep her away from the Chaotic.
Laneele ran toward the town of Gludin, screaming for help.
“Please help! A Chaotic! He’s going to kill him!â€
She ran past the guards, knowing they wouldn’t leave their posts if a Chaotic wasn’t close enough. Laneele ran down the walkway, calling out to anyone for help.
Laneele then ran to the main area of Gludin, still screaming for help, still not getting a response. Desperate, she ran to the closest warrior and tugged on her arm.
“Please, he’s going to die! You’ve got help him!†Tears filled Laneele’s face.
The warrior took pity on Laneele and said, “Easy there. Where is the Chaotic?â€
Laneele took in deep breaths in order to speak clearly. “By the harbor. Please hurry!â€
The warrior turned to her companions and motioned them to follow. She turned to Laneele and said, “Lead the way. We’ll do what we can.â€
Laneele nodded and ran. Another warrior clad in heavy armor bumped into Laneele.
“Were you the one who said there was a Chaotic nearby?â€
Laneele frantically nodded. “Yes, please, this way.â€
The group followed Laneele outside of Gludin and toward the harbor. When the land sloped downward, she saw a horrible sight and stopped in her tracks.
Nathias was down to his knees. The Chaotic had his sword pointed at Nathias’ throat.
“Nathias!†Laneele screamed.
Nathias turned towards Laneele. His eyes turned dull, as if he was ready to accept his fate. Knowing what was coming, he smiled at Laneele, his last words being, “Laneele, I love you.â€
The Chaotic had a sickening smile on his face, pleased to see the people who gathered to witness his transgression. With both hands on his sword, in a reverse grip, he raised his sword slightly and plunged it into Nathias’s chest.
Laneele watched in silent horror as Nathias’s head jerked back toward the Chaotic, then slowly looked down at the sword in his chest. Blood began to drip from his mouth. He then raised his right arm and grabbed the imbedded blade in front of him.
The Chaotic wasn’t satisfied. The bloodlust still running through his veins, he yanked out his sword from the human’s chest, blood spilling from the wound. The human was forced to let go of the blade, his right arm following the motion of the withdrawn sword then dropping to the side. The human looked up again at the Chaotic.
The Chaotic’s grin never dissipated. He switched to a regular grip, pulled the sword back over his right shoulder and swung at the human’s neck.
Laneele quickly sat upright, awakening from a nightmare she hoped she wouldn’t have to dream again. She sat still, bringing her breathing under control. Her eyes felt slightly puffy. She turned and touched the pillow behind her; it was slightly damp. She was crying during the nightmare. Laneele slowly pushed her covers away and turned towards the nightstand next to the bed. She lit a candle sitting on the nightstand and carried it to her dresser. She poured water in a bowl and washed her face, sniffling slightly. After drying her face she took the candle back to the nightstand. She turned the pillow over, blew out the candle, and lay back to bed.
Laneele closed her eyes, hoping to fall asleep soon. But sleep wouldn’t come easily, as her thoughts drifted to her nightmare. As the images flashed in her mind, sadness began to set in. However, instead of fighting it, she let it take over, tears beginning to fall on the pillow once more. Suddenly feeling cold, Laneele tugged on her blanket and silently cried herself to sleep.
Laneele awoke the next morning. She rubbed her eyes to adjust to the sunlight peeking in from the windows. She looked on her pillow to see tear stains on it. Her thoughts immediately drifted to her nightmare she had just a few hours ago. Shaking the thoughts from her head, she stood up and walked over to the bathing room.
After her bath, Laneele dressed herself in regular clothes and headed towards the eatery for breakfast.
It had been just over a week since the incident at the tavern, yet Laneele felt the air tense up as she walked in. Very few people were in the tavern eating breakfast, so silence easily took over. Laneele sighed. It couldn’t be help. She just had to bear with it. Laneele took the empty table in the corner and sat down.
While she was eating, the familiar group of young light elves walked in. While looking for a table large enough for the group, Idril noticed Laneele in the corner.
“Look, it’s Laneele.â€
The rest of the group turned to where Idril was looking and pointing. Idril immediately walked over and greeted Laneele. The group followed.
Laneele was calmly eating her breakfast and was finishing up when Idril approached. Eventually the entire group was standing in front of her. The rest of the group greeted Laneele, and Laneele greeted them in return.
“How have you been? We haven’t seen you much,†said Lenwe.
“I’m well, I suppose.†Laneele then noticed the smiles on their faces. “I can tell you all seem to be in a good mood today. Did something good happen?â€
The group looked at each other, still smiling. Lúthien revealed the mystery of happiness to Laneele. “We’ve advanced!â€
The rest of the group nodded and smiled even more, clearly happy at their accomplishment.
“It happened just yesterday,†said Amras. “All of us took the tests, and we passed.â€
“Congratulations,†Laneele said.
“Thanks, though it seemed a bit too easy,†said Lenwe.
Laneele smiled. “Everything seems easy because it happens so quickly. I guarantee you, things will get a bit more difficult from here on in. But as long as you keep your wits about you, you’ll be fine.â€
Amras spoke up for a request. “Laneele, I remember you said you knew people who can give us good prices on armor and weapons. We’d like to purchase some new armor and weapons.â€
“Of course,†Laneele replied. “But we’d have to go to Giran for that. Are you all up for the travel?â€
Elrond answered with a confident tone, “We sure are.â€
“Very well. We’ll go in a few days. But the trip will be rather pricey if you go through the gatekeepers.â€
“We’re prepared for that,†Amras responded.
“And we’d like to explore the towns a little bit more, on our way to Giran. We plan on starting with Gludio,†Lúthien added.
“It seems like you planned your itinerary well. Then, I will meet you in Giran in five days, at the monument in front of the church.â€
The young elves were excited, their smiles reflecting their current moods. They thanked Laneele and sat at a table to have their breakfast.
When Laneele finished her breakfast, she headed to the Temple to see the hierarch. Her nightmare brought up a certain issue she had been concerned about, and she thought that the hierarch would be a good person to talk to about it. It was rather risky, but the issue had been bothering her for so long that she had to talk to someone she trusted. Luckily, Asterios wasn’t currently occupied.
Laneele approached Asterios. “Good morning, my liege.â€
Asterios returned her greeting. “Laneele, good morning. How have you been?â€
“I would like to speak to you, in private.â€
“Of course, let’s go to the balcony.â€
As Asterios turned, Laneele let out a hand to stop him. “No, outside the village.â€
Asterios turned to face Laneele. “Pardon?â€
“I’d like to sit by the water, outside of the village.†Laneele was afraid of eavesdroppers, so she preferred that this conversation be discussed elsewhere.
Asterios began to contemplate the situation. Something was wrong. Laneele’s request was a bit strange, but he agreed.
Both of them walked down the bridge near the gatekeeper and sat down by the stream, looking at the water. They sat silent for a while before Laneele spoke.
“Asterios, how often do you think about the codes and ethics of a true warrior?â€
Asterios looked at Laneele. She was facing the water, resting her chin on her propped-up knees. Laneele was asking him about the codes? This was likely not good.
“I tend to not think about it. I have no reason to.â€
Laneele thought about his response. It was a typical response she would get from other fellow warriors, and obviously Asterios was no different. But instead of letting it go like she did with the other warriors, she continued.
“Asterios, I can’t help but think that the only reason warriors are elite is because of the weapons we bear. Even the magicians are useless without the appropriate weapon. Take that away, and we’re as helpless as the commoners.â€
“True. That’s why we warriors must be appropriately armed.â€
“But if we’re unarmed, why must we turn and run, or stand our ground and accept death? What’s wrong with trying to fight back, even unarmed?â€
“Fight back unarmed? Laneele, you know as well as I do that there’s no chance for any unarmed person to survive against an armed warrior. It’s too obvious who would live and who would die.â€
“But Asterios, what if there was a chance?†Laneele was now looking at him with a pleading look, hoping that he would be the one to understand. “What if there was a way to fight back, unarmed? And what if there was a chance to…survive?â€
“Laneele, where are you getting these ideas?†Asterios was looking back at her, now concerned. This was definitely not good. No one ever questions the codes and ethics of a true warrior. The tight adherence to these rules was for the safety of the warriors and to uphold a long tradition. And just what would make her think that a weaponless warrior would survive an attack? This type of thinking wasn’t like her at all.
Laneele looked down at her knees, Asterios’ recent question clearly telling her that he would not understand, just like the other warriors. Laneele knew she shouldn’t have brought this up, but she thought that at least he would understand her point of view. The codes and ethics of a true warrior were strongly adhered to and therefore, never questioned. But her nightmare brought back her questioning. Did Nathias really have to stand there, do nothing, and sacrifice himself to save her?
Ever since Nathias’ death, Laneele questioned that part of the codes. Why did it have to be that way? Why did an unarmed warrior have to run or give up life, simply because of the lack of a weapon?
Instead of finding answers, Laneele did what would be considered taboo.
It has been brought to my attention that the latest chapter in this story greatly conflicts with the lore of Lineage II. Therefore, I will be suspending my submissions until I am able to adjust the storyline.
However, if I can't come up with a new and proper chapter one month from now, I will no longer continue with the story and delete the thread.
Obviously this noob (me, duh) has much to learn about Lineage II. Let's hope I can learn within a month and keep the story going!
What is it we can work on this it can't end here NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
I agree, so far it's been very good. Just because it doesnt follow the lore of the game to a "T" is not reason enough (in my mind at least) to stop the story. Mine doesn't follow the lore of the game either and it was never truly my intent to. I didn't want to follow a story line that had already been set out and would restrain my creativity. I took my story and wrapped it in the world of L2, and really merely hint at the lore.
The story is too good to simply leave off. May I make a suggestion? Perhaps two versions of the story. One that follows the lore, and the other your own creativity that does not necessarily conform to the lore of the game. Very few people know, but there is actually two versions of my own story that is being written. One to post here, and another for people to request. With two versions, one can be your base to let the creativity flow, the other can be the more modified version to post. I can pm you an example of what I mean if you want.
It has been brought to my attention that the latest chapter in this story greatly conflicts with the lore of Lineage II. Therefore, I will be suspending my submissions until I am able to adjust the storyline.
However, if I can't come up with a new and proper chapter one month from now, I will no longer continue with the story and delete the thread.
Obviously this noob (me, duh) has much to learn about Lineage II. Let's hope I can learn within a month and keep the story going!
Orochi, it shouldnt have to follow the lore exactly verbatum, i mean NCSOFT doesn't follow their own lore. the biggest example being the Kamaels...
it should be easy to change it up a little bit to continue, it's probably just a writers block every writer gets it, just need some more inspiration.
Eager to avoid further questioning from Asterios, Laneele left the village with her strider later that afternoon. Asterios, however, was greatly concerned. What was happening, or had happened, to Laneele? She always respected rules and guidelines before, so his conversation with her was something out of the ordinary. While Laneele’s questions worried him, there was no proof that she actually broke any of the codes and ethics. Still, he had to know what bothered her to the point that she would at least question them. Asterios thought about his options. Asking her outright would probably not work, and more than likely she would not ever bring it up again. Asterios wanted to find a way to help her, but first he had to know what happened to Laneele, if anything happened to her at all.
Asterios then requested the help of the sentinel knights to find Elisor.
__________________________________________________
Radorin sat at the edge of the cliff, looking at the Isle of Souls, home of the Kamael. He had heard of the race before; humanoids with only one wing and very formidable warriors, but he had little contact with them. The race seemed to keep to themselves and rightfully so; their introduction in the lands of Aden just happened recently, and the reception of the race was met with mixed opinions. Some liked the race out of curiosity; some hated them out of fear. Radorin wasn’t sure what to make of the new race. He was too busy thinking about Yreth.
Irydria found him looking out at the island.
“So this is where you are.†Irydria sat down next to him and faced the island. “Glad to see you outside.â€
Both of them sat in silence for a while. Irydria sensed that he was deep in thought about something, or rather, about someone. She was happy to see that her brother’s appetite returned and had finally stepped outside of the village. But the constant thought about the light elf was probably still bothering him, and she tried to think of a way to get him to stop thinking about her, just for a moment. She was afraid that the constant thought about Yreth would bring Radorin back to his depressed self.
Irydria turned to her brother. “I have a good idea. Let’s go to Giran. I’ve been saving up to get a hairpin, but I don’t know which one to get. Come with me and help me decide? Please?â€
Radorin turned to face his sister, a certain look on his face. “You want a what? Didn’t you say that hairpins were for, if I remember correctly, the conceited?â€
Irydria smacked Radorin on the arm. “That was only because I couldn’t afford one at the time.â€
“But you can now?â€
“I told you, I’ve been saving up. Plus, I hear the prices went down.â€
Radorin chuckled at his sister. Irydria tended to have a fickle side, so there was no telling what her tastes changed to the next day.
“When did you want to leave for Giran?â€
Irydria was excited at his agreement to accompany her. “Let’s go now. We can travel by strider for a few days and do some sightseeing. When was the last time you saw the lands again?â€
“It’s been a while. But are you sure you want to go now?â€
Irydria stood up, grabbing her brother’s arm at the same time and tried bringing him to his feet. “Yes, I want to go now. The travel can do you some good. Oh, and maybe we can find you a feathered hat. I’d love to see you wear one.â€
“A feathered hat? Is that the new fashion trend these days?†Radorin said as he stood up.
“What do you mean ‘new trend’? These hats have been around for a while. Where have you been?â€
“I’ve been watching over you, keeping you out of trouble, that’s where.â€
Irydria tugged on her brother’s arm a little more before letting go and ran towards the village. Radorin took his time, keeping a walking pace, watching Irydria run off. Irydria then stopped and turned around, waved at him and told him to hurry up. She then turned around and ran the rest of the way.
Radorin wasn’t oblivious to what his sister was trying to do, but he was the only family she had left. He was the older one after all, and he was the one who had to take care of her, not the other way around.
__________________________________________________
Laneele stopped near the bridge that led straight into the Neutral Zone. Since she left rather late in the day, night had already fallen. Because Laneele hated traveling at night, she decided to set up a fire by the small river near the bridge and camp for the night.
After dismounting her strider, she then removed the bridle and saddle from it. The strider gave a vigorous shake, relieved to have the bridle and saddle removed. It proceeded down the bank and drank from the stream.
Laneele went to the forest to gather any branches and twigs for a fire. While she gathered what she could, her thoughts reverted to a part of the codes and ethics.
All warriors were taught to always be armed, even within the towns. Laneele thought it was inappropriate to carry a weapon around town with so many civilians and young children roaming about. She always took care to sheath her weapon, making sure no one would accidentally get hurt.
While it made sense to always be armed, Laneele didn’t like the answer she received when she asked one of the masters what to do if she didn’t have a weapon on her at all.
“Don’t be weaponless. Ever.â€
That was the only response she would receive. The tone of voice she received in that response easily inferred that that “guideline†should be strongly adhered to, and most of all, never questioned again. If only that “guideline†was more enforced before Nathias’ death…
But his life was lost, a scene she helplessly witnessed. Maybe if the warriors had some type of backup skill, something a warrior can use if caught weaponless, Nathias would have had the chance to survive, and Laneele would have been able to live some of her life with the human she fell in love with, despite the human’s short life span. At least she would have been happy.
Nathias’ death and the “guideline†prompted Laneele to create her own backup skills, training alone and taking on battles without equipping a weapon. At first, the risks were great; she came so close to losing her life so many times. But the training gave her the ability to practice and hone her skills, testing her body movement and aiming for the appropriate weak spots on monsters and creatures.
One of the problems was the aggressive humanoid magic users. For them, she had switch to her archer profession, relying on her magic barrier spell and her jewelry. Her speed had to be honed, as she had to close in on them fast before the repeated spell attacks and weakening spells would significantly whittle her away.
Another problem was the fact that she tested her skills only on monsters. They were beginning to be too predictable, and Laneele needed a challenge in order to improve. However, sparring against another warrior with just her backup skills would put her on the spot. The masters would have endless questions and most likely strip her of her status and reputation.
Yet another problem was the ramifications that would result if such skills fell in the wrong hands. The Chaotics were already bad enough, learning professions only to go on a killing spree. If Chaotics knew what Laneele knew, well, she tried not to imagine what would happen.
After Laneele gathered enough branches, she returned to where she left her strider and prepared the area for a fire. Her strider was already lying down on its side, almost dozing off. Laneele started the fire, carefully adding more branches as the flames began to grow. Laneele made sure there were enough kindling so that the fire would last long enough. Satisfied with the fire, Laneele laid down near the already sleeping strider. She fell fast asleep, unaware of the fact that someone had been following her.
The group of young light elves was standing near the large monument in front of the church. They made it in time, and now all they had to do was wait for Laneele. They looked around, taking in the sights of Giran, the main marketplace. Everything they saw impressed them. The sheer number of people was amazing, not to mention the armor they wore. People were running around, looking at the different shops set up. Screams filled the air, ranging from people looking to buy items, trying to sell items, and filling a party for a raid.
"Are...are we even in the right town?" Amras asked. There was no way one town could be this busy.
"Yes, we are. According to my father, this is normal," Lenwe said, sensing Amras' bewilderment.
"Laneele should be here soon, so we'll be able to get what we need and get out," said Lúthien. She wasn't particular about large crowds, and seeing so many experienced warriors was beginning to make her uncomfortable.
"Oh, come now, Lúthien. Don't you want to see the shops? There's so many. I could stay here all day," said Idril.
"Me too," said Elrond. "I hear when night falls, the shops are still going. It's like this town never sleeps."
Yreth silently looked around, listening to the shouts that filled the air and glancing at the many shops that were set up.
Laneele walked into Giran, heading toward the monument. The travel to Giran helped ease her thoughts. At least now she can concentrate on something else. She immediately spotted the group and approached them.
"I see you all made it well," said Laneele. "Were you waiting long?"
Elrond answered, "No, we just got here ourselves."
"That's good. We have to wait for my companion. I sent word that I will be here with you today. She can provide all sorts of armor and weapons for you at a good price."
Laneele then heard her name being called out.
"Laneele!"
A dwarf with orange-colored hair and very long bangs called out her name, drawing out the second syllable of her name while running towards her. The dwarf stopped yelling her name just before she jumped into Laneele and gave her a tight hug, wrapping her arms around Laneele's waist and burying her head into Laneele's stomach.
Laneele had to take a step back to absorb the diving hug from the dwarf.
"Hi, Al. I see you got my message." Laneele smiled, placing her hands on the dwarf's shoulders.
Aliyanna, Al for short, was a Warsmith. Despite her age, Al always seemed to act a bit on the childish side, yet she was an excellent crafter with high success rates.
Laneele met her when she was training for her second profession. Al was selling some items at rather high prices, but she was begging for people to buy them and help her make some income. The people would scoff at the poor dwarf, ignoring her pleas and passing her by. Laneele took pity on the dwarf and made a deal with her. If she can sell Laneele items at a good price, then Laneele will buy the items and also throw in the materials she would find, instead of selling them at the shop. The dwarf agreed. Ever since then, Laneele has been her best customer.
Still holding onto Laneele, Al looked up at Laneele through her bangs and said, "I missed you, Laneele." She then let go of Laneele and began jumping up and down in place. "What did you get me?"
Laneele laughed a little and reached in her satchel. "I have some good materials for you." Laneele gave Al various items, ranging from animal bones to crafted leathers. Al eagerly took them and looked at them thoroughly.
"Wow, you do have some good stuff, Laneele."
"Here's one more thing I have." Laneele pulled out a pair of gloves. "These look like good quality; I'm sure you can use them."
With a loud gasp, Al took the gloves and stared at them.
"Blue Wolf gloves!" Al exclaimed. "How did you get these?"
"I was part of a raid a month ago. The party gave it to me as payment for helping them out. They were very insistent that I take them. But I'm sure you would have a better use for them."
Al observed the gloves for a while, then stuffed them in her satchel, along with the other items Laneele gave her.
"Thanks, Laneele. You were always my best customer." Al then looked up at the group of light elves.
"So, this is the group described in your letter?"
"Yes." Laneele then addressed the group. "Everyone, this is Al. She'll take care of you regarding your weapons and armor." Laneele then turned to Al.
"Al, take good care of them, all right? Treat them the same way you've been treating me."
With a salute to Laneele, Al answered, "Yes, sir!" She then motioned the group to follow.
"Come, to the warehouse. I have all kinds of things for you. You'll like them!"
Al then ran off. The elves just stood in place, looking at each other first.
"I know she seems a little...strange, but she's a trustworthy crafter," Laneele said in a bid to ease the group's first impression of the dwarf. "I wouldn't recommend her if she wasn't."
The group agreed with Laneele, then ran to catch up with Al.
A moment later, Laneele heard her name called out again.
"Laneele! Fancy seeing you here."
Laneele turned to see Irydria.
"Irydria, what brings you to Giran?"
"I wanted to get a hairpin. My brother is also here. I wanted him to help me decide which hairpin to get."
Laneele immediately thought of Yreth.
"Well, if he wants to see Yreth, she's here. She's at the warehouse with my dwarf companion, getting some new armor and weapons."
Irydria stared at Laneele. "Uh, you said Yreth's here? In Giran? Right now?"
"Yes, she's here...is something wrong? I can tell from the tone of your voice. Did something happen?"
Irydria relayed the events that happened between Radorin and Yreth two weeks ago. Laneele was surprised. She didn't hear anything about that from Yreth, or from the group. What especially surprised her was the fact that it happened the same day Radorin gave his gift to Yreth, and unfortunately, the same day Laneele lunged at him.
"Oh my Eva. Is your brother all right?"
"Yes, he is now. Thank you for your concern. I was afraid he was never going to step outside again. I'm just glad I got him to come with me to Giran."
While conversing with Irydria, Laneele heard her name called out yet again, this time from someone she hoped she didn't have to see again.
"Laneele! How's my favorite warrior?"
Irydria saw Laneele's face cringe, then saw her force out a smile and turn around to address the person who called out to her.
"Mayne."
Mayne was a Hell Knight, with three other professions under his belt. Like Laneele, he was a well-respected warrior. He was famous for his raids and especially his former status as a Hero; he held the title for one full year, a feat many have tried but were unable to accomplish.
It was his experience as a warrior and his history that earned him the respect of fellow warriors. A former captain of the guards of Giran, he left the position, tired of the politics that smothered his position as well as challenged his own views of the world. He became a soldier-for-hire, selling his services to those who needed it, only asking for a fair price. Most of the time, it wasn't money he needed. A meal and a bed was what he would usually ask.
The males looked up to Mayne, for he was the only warrior known to maintain a Hero status for so many months in a row. Many asked to spar with him and Mayne happily obliged, letting them know what they did well and giving advice on what to improve. Some saw him as a mentor and role model, following in the same professions he had trained.
Mayne was also a handsome human and quite the charmer on the single maidens. Sometimes he would flirt with them, giving a hug or wrapping his arm around their waists. The females always seemed smitten by him, mostly because of his good looks and charm. He had that fine, chiseled face that the females always seemed to talk about and the type of personality that no one can resist.
Laneele was probably the only person in Aden who didn't like Mayne, but she barely showed it, even to Mayne himself. She was also probably the only person who didn't like his advances toward the females or his response about not participating in the Olympiad anymore.
"It's not challenging anymore," he once smirked. "These new Noblesses are too easy to defeat."
Laneele always thought Mayne had an air of arrogance, but she couldn't prove it. All she knew was that she didn't like the human.
"How are you? It's been quite a while since I last saw you." Mayne raised his arms and gave Laneele a hug. Laneele, however, kept her arms down. She really hated how he greeted her; something about being hugged by him made her uncomfortable. He always held her tight when hugging her, almost cradling her in his arms. It was too intimate for Laneele to tolerate. Then why couldn't she just tell him to stop? Because there really was no harm in the way Mayne hugged the females.
"Not long enough," Laneele muttered under her breath as Mayne pulled away. But he heard her mutter something and asked, "What did you say?"
When Mayne stepped back, Laneele responded, "I said, "Yes, it has.'" No way was Laneele going to tell him what she really muttered.
Mayne's attention turned towards Irydria, who was standing to Laneele side. Mayne approached Irydria.
"Well, I guess what they say is true. Beautiful does beget beautiful," Mayne said while staring at the dark elf.
Irydria immediately smiled at the human. She had never met a human so handsome-looking before, not to mention so tall. She raised her hand up to him.
"Hello," Irydria said, adding a slightly sensuous tone to her voice.
Mayne took her hand and said, "Hello, beautiful." He then kissed the back of her hand.
"Irydria."
"Beautiful Irydria," Mayne said with a smile on his face.
Laneele rolled her eyes at what Mayne said and mouthed the words, "Oh my Eva," while Irydria slightly giggled.
"So, what brings a beautiful dark elf like you to Giran?"
"Oh, I'm just here to get a hairpin." Irydria couldn't stop smiling.
"A hairpin? Someone as beautiful as you doesn't need a hairpin." As Mayne said this, he slipped his other arm around Irydria's waist and pulled her toward him, still holding on to her hand.
Irydria then turned to Laneele and said, "Laneele, you didn't tell me you knew someone so handsome and charming." Irydria then turned her head to face Mayne again.
"Oh, I guess it slipped my mind," Laneele said in a rather monotonous tone. Seeing Mayne act so forward with Irydria made her blood boil, but at the same time, she was glad that she wasn't in Irydria's position.
"I truly am sorry to cut this so short, but I must get back to my brother." Irydria really did not want to leave, but she had to find her brother before he found Yreth.
Mayne let go of her hand and waist. "That's a shame. I was hoping you would join Laneele and me for a drink."
Still smiling, Irydria said, "Maybe some other time."
Mayne nodded and said, "I look forward to it."
Irydria said her goodbye to Laneele and Mayne, then walked off. Mayne stared at Irydria as she walked away.
Seeing that Mayne was distracted by Irydria's, well, assets, Laneele carefully took a slow step back and began to turn around and head elsewhere. She only took two steps before Mayne called out to her.
"Laneele, heading to the tavern without me? I still owe you that drink."
Cursing to herself at not being able to sneak away, Laneele turned around and said, "Oh, yes, I forgot."
Actually, Laneele didn't forget. She wished that it was Mayne who would forget about it, as she always told him to do. She also wished that she never met the arrogant human so many months ago.
Laneele was doing her normal training one day when she heard screams, then saw a male human charge through the trees and into an open area. Behind him were quite a few ogre-like monsters that were running after him.
While running away, the human lost his footing and tripped, giving one of the monsters ample time to catch up to the fallen warrior. The monster raised its club, but before it could bring it down on the human, Laneele quickly equipped her bow and fired an arrow in the monster's arm. The monster dropped its club right on its head, temporarily stunning itself. The human took this as an opportunity to stand and finish off the monster.
When the first monster died, the human pulled out a vial and began to drink its contents, despite the fact that there were three other monsters running right towards him. They were closing in on the human fast while he had his head tilted back, still drinking from the vial.
Laneele was stunned that a warrior would just stand there and calmly drink a potion while there were monsters coming right for him.
What in the...this human is either very brave or a complete idiot, Laneele thought. She began to fire arrows at the monsters, diverting their attention.
When the monsters began running toward Laneele, the human finished drinking the potion's contents, threw the vial to the ground, and charged at one of the monsters. After killing one, he ran after the other. Laneele killed the one closest to her, and both she and the human killed the remaining one.
When the dust finally settled, Laneele ran over to the human.
"Are you all right?" She asked. She noticed the human was wearing heavy armor, armed with a sword and shield.
The human eyed Laneele and said, "Yes, I am. I underestimated my strength, something I don't usually do. You have my thanks for saving my life; I am in your debt."
Laneele nodded and said, "You're welcome, but your gratitude is enough. There is no debt that you owe me."
The human walked closer to Laneele. "Oh, come now, let me at least buy you a drink. It's not often I get to meet a beautiful warrior such as yourself."
Seeing where this was going, Laneele immediately started to walk away. "There is no need for that. As I said, your gratitude will do."
Not backing down, the human caught up to Laneele and began walking next to her. "But I insist. You practically saved my life back there. As a warrior, I can't let that go."
Laneele was stunned that the human wasn't leaving her alone. She tried, as polite as she could, to refuse his offer. "Well, I'm truly sorry, but there's no need for you to go through the trouble. Now, if you'll excuse me." Laneele began to run off.
The human stopped walking, watching the light elf run off. He knew he wouldn't be able to catch up to her, so he yelled, "My name is Mayne. May I at least have yours?"
Laneele saw no harm in letting him know. Without stopping, Laneele yelled back, "Laneele."
About a week after the encounter, Laneele learned more of Mayne's background. And the more she learned, the more she wished that she never met him, or at least never mentioned her name to him. She began to run into him sporadically, no matter where she was. Each time he would inquire about the drink he owed her, and each time she would turn him down, giving an excuse and mentioning some other time. She always had an excuse to give him; she was needed for a party, or she was on her way to a raid and people were waiting for her. This time, she didn't have an excuse. How could she get away from him now?
Mayne approached her. "Well, I didn't forget. How could I forget to repay the one who saved my life?"
"Mayne, that was months ago. And really, you don't need to repay me. I was just doing what any warrior would have done."
Mayne placed himself next to Laneele and put his arm around her shoulder. "Oh, come now, beautiful. I know you're not busy right now. Surely, you have time to have a drink with me. And I'd like to get to know you more. I've only heard of you from other warriors. I'd like to get to know you, from you yourself."
Laneele's mind began to reel, trying desperately to think of an excuse this time. But the harder she tried, the more she began to think that she may have to take him up on his offer, despite her dislike for him. She was about to give in when, by either a fluke or a blessing of Eva, she heard her name being called out.
"Laneele! Laneele! Thank goodness. Are you available? We need another archer for our raid. Can you join us? The rest of the party is ready. We've been looking for an archer as experienced as you, but we've had no luck until now. We're desperate. Can you help us? Please?"
Thanking Eva in her head, Laneele immediately stepped forward, escaping from Mayne's grasp and accepted the human mage's offer. Turning to face Mayne, she said with a smile, "Oh no. I guess I can't have that drink with you today. Maybe another time." Laneele immediately followed the human mage, asking him about the raid and members of the party. She was being stared at by Mayne, and, unbeknownst to Mayne, another set of prying eyes.
The group of young light elves found the dwarf at the warehouse, asking the warehouse keeper for all kinds of armor and weapons. At first, she was carrying a few weapons, then the pile increased to various armor and robes. The pile was so high the dwarf couldn't see past them, but she skillfully turned around and walked to a corner of the room, where she dropped the entire pile at once, temporarily filling the warehouse with clamoring noises of the armor and weapons hitting the floor. The group gathered around the pile, looking at what they could use and what they could afford.
"Come, look," Al insisted. "These are all good stuff, very useful. I'll give you a good price, better than the traders, don't you worry."
The group observed the choices they had, picking up the items and asking Al how much each piece was. Amras was the first to finish picking out his armor and weapon and paid the dwarf. He then asked if she can take his old armor and weapon.
"Can't; they're too flimsy," Al responded. "But you can sell them at the trader. The traders will take anything, yes they will."
Amras nodded, but before he left, he suggested that the rest of the group meet by the monument in half an hour. "I'm interested in seeing what the other shops have. I'm sure the rest of you would like to see the shops too, especially Idril."
"Oh hush you," Idril said. "But I agree. I'd like to explore the town a little bit while we're here."
The group agreed with the plan. Amras went to the nearest weapons trader while the rest of the group picked out their new armor and weapons from Al.
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Radorin looked at the shops, trying to find a hairpin for his sister. The prices for the hairpins did go down like Irydria said, but not by much. He wondered how his sister could have possibly saved up enough to buy a hairpin.
Making his way to the least crowded area of town, Radorin caught site of a female light elf selling all sorts of hairpins. While looking at the selection, his eye caught a hairpin in the shape of a butterfly. It was lined with gold with blue-colored wings. He picked it up and observed it in his hand. He had never seen a hairpin like this before and asked the seller where it came from.
"I don't remember," the seller said. "I think I stored it away in my warehouse a long time ago and forgot about it. I noticed it when I was cleaning out my warehouse. Honestly, I don't like the blue color; I don't want it anymore."
Radorin stared at the hairpin and thought of Yreth. He then thought of the black jewelry box he secretly stashed in his satchel before he and Irydria left. While there was virtually no chance that he would see her again, he held a tiny wish and hope that he would run into her in Giran. If he didn't by the time he and Irydria had to leave, then he would sell the jewelry and forget about her. But that was something that conflicted with what he really wanted to do, what he hoped will happen. Seeing the butterfly hairpin made him make his choice. He paid for the hairpin and quickly stashed it in his satchel. Right after, Irydria came over.
"There you are," Irydria said. "Are you all right?" Irydria was hoping he hadn't seen Yreth yet, or found out that Yreth was in town.
Radorin looked at Irydria and said, "Of course. Why wouldn't I be?"
"Oh, no reason. I just hope you're not bored."
"How can I be bored in Giran? Besides, look what I found."
Radorin pointed to the various hairpins that the light elf was selling. Irydria looked them over and couldn't decide which one to buy. She picked one up and held it next to her temple, asking her brother for an opinion. After a few minutes of modeling the hairpins for her brother, Irydria decided on the pink-colored hairpin. While she paid the seller, Radorin overheard a couple of humans talking about something he had never heard before: bracelets and talismans.
"These bracelets are great," said one human. "And there's a decent selection of talismans to choose."
"When did these things become available?" asked the other human.
"Oh, just recently. I tell ya, the trader's shops are starting to sell some interesting things nowadays. Who knows what's going to be available next."
Bracelets and talismans? This was certainly new to Radorin. Deciding to check them out, he told Irydria where he would be.
Irydria thought for a moment. The place selling the bracelets was the jewelry store, which was on the west side of town, and the warehouse, where Laneele said Yreth was, was on the north side. Seeing no chance of Radorin running into Yreth, she nodded. Radorin headed in the direction of the jewelry store.
__________________________________________________
After selling her old armor to the armor trader, Yreth noticed it was almost time to meet at the monument. She ran out the store towards the alleyway and made a sharp turn. She ended up bumping into someone.
Yreth immediately stepped back and bowed at whoever she bumped into. "Pardon me. I was in a hurry. I wasn't looking. I'm...I'm sorry."
A familiar male voice spoke. "It's all right. But you're not hurt, are you?"
Yreth looked up to see Radorin. She was shocked to see him again. "Oh, Radorin. I had to meet my friends soon, so I hurried out of the store. I'm sorry; I know I should have looked where I was going first." Yreth was trying to keep calm and remain polite. She was definitely not expecting to see him after what he did two weeks ago.
Radorin smiled. He was glad to see her again and glad that he brought the black box with him after all. "It's all right." He noted her new robes. "I can tell from your robes that you have advanced."
Yreth said, "Yes, I have."
"Congratulations."
Yreth nodded at Radorin. "Thank you."
Radorin noticed that she was still wearing her old jewelry. He reached in his satchel and pulled out the black box.
"I believe you can wear these now," Radorin said.
Yreth looked at the box and immediately waved her hand in front of her. "Oh. No. Radorin, it's fine. I'm sure I can afford to buy the jewelry later on."
Radorin was annoyed. "Yreth, please, don't reject me again. This was a gift for you, and I want you to have it." Radorin continued to plead with her. "Please, accept this as an apology for what I did. And besides, why wait to buy the jewelry when you can have it here and now?"
Yreth looked at Radorin and responded. "Well, you have a good point in that aspect, but you should be apologizing to Laneele, not me."
"I did, and I got a punch to the face, remember?"
"Oh. Yes, I remember."
Radorin continued. "What I did to Laneele obviously hurt you too." Radorin raised the jewelry box to Yreth. "Please. Let's put that behind us."
Yreth hesitated. If Laneele can forgive Radorin, surely she can do the same. Yreth looked at the black box. This was definitely too good to pass up, considering the type of jewelry Radorin was giving her. Yreth looked at Radorin and gave him a small nod.
Radorin smiled, happy at her acceptance. He opened the box and took the Mithril Rings out. Taking one of her hands in his, Radorin removed her old ring and replaced it with one of the Mithril Rings. He did the same with her other hand. The rings immediately adjusted to a smaller size, as these types of rings usually do.
The rings were incredible. They were definitely much better than her old rings. And they shimmered bright blue under the sunlight. Yreth couldn't take her eyes off them.
While Yreth examined the rings, Radorin put her old rings in the box.
"Hold this, please," Radorin said and gave the box to Yreth to hold. As Yreth held the opened box, Radorin used his index finger to lift up her chin and shift her head to her left. He removed her old earring from her right ear and fastened one of the Omen Beast's Eye Earrings, then did the same to her other ear.
Yreth was getting a little nervous. Being so close to the dark elf was giving her pixies in her stomach.
After putting the new earrings on her and placing the old ones in the box, Radorin stepped forward closer to Yreth and raised both hands to reach around the back of her neck, under her hair. Yreth stiffened slightly, curious as to what he was doing. As Radorin looked down at her, he unfastened her necklace with ease. Radorin took the Necklace of Darkness and put the old necklace in the box in its place. Since all her old jewelry was in the box, Yreth saw no reason to hold the box open any longer. Yreth closed the box and put it in her satchel. While she did, she noticed Radorin move and step behind her. She saw Radorin's hands reach out in front of her, holding the necklace. Radorin whispered softly in her ear, "Lift up your hair."
Yreth hesitated for a moment before she raised both hands and gathered her hair. After cupping all her hair in one hand, she lifted up her hair and rested her hand full of hair on her head, exposing the back of her neck. Radorin put the necklace on and fastened the clip.
Yreth then felt Radorin's breath on the nape of her neck. That gave her chills down her spine and it took Yreth a great amount of control to keep from reacting to the chills. He was too close to her and her nervousness rose even more. She let her hair down and was about to thank Radorin and leave when he put his hand on her right shoulder.
"Turn around. I'd like to see how you look," Radorin gently said.
Yreth slowly turned around and looked at Radorin. The dark elf was staring at the necklace, then at the earrings. He then looked at her eyes, brushing the hair away from her face.
"You look beautiful. The jewelry matches your eyes."
Yreth tilted her head down and blushed, a little embarrassed at Radorin's compliment. Radorin then put his index finger under her chin and tilted her head upwards. He stared at her.
Yreth looked into his eyes. She immediately noticed how close Radorin was standing to her. She was curious as to what he was thinking as he looked at her. Why did he always stare? She then felt herself being pushed gently towards the dark elf before realizing he was pulling her closer to him. The motion of being pulled toward him made Yreth lift up her hands and rest them on his chest. Yreth let out a light gasp. He put his arm around her? When did that happen? She couldn't break eye contact since Radorin still had his finger under her chin.
Radorin had to hold her in his arms again, just as he held her when he first met her back in the Dark Elven Village. He loved the way she blushed and the look on her face when he pulled her to him. Radorin couldn't hold himself back any longer. He stared into Yreth's eyes and lowered his gaze to her lips. Very slowly he lowered and tilted his head to the right, parting his lips at the same time.
Seeing what was about to happen, Yreth unconsciously closed her eyes and unknowingly parted her lips slightly.
"Yreth! Yreth, where are you?"
"Yreth, hey! Where'd you go?"
"Come on, Yreth! We'll leave you behind!"
"Want to buy a Sword of Damascus! Paying very well!"
Yreth opened her eyes suddenly and jerked back slightly at the sound of her friends' voices calling out to her, letting out a small gasp. Radorin pulled his head back when he heard her gasp and let go of her chin. ****, he was so close.
Yreth took a step back, forcing Radorin to let her go. Yreth bowed to him and said, "I'm sorry. My friends are calling me. I must go." Yreth immediately turned around and ran towards the center of Giran.
Radorin could only stand and stare at Yreth running away. Why did she allow her friends' voices to stop her? Was she still upset at him? Maybe he was being too forward with her. Radorin rethought his actions through and determined that he was being too forward. Female dark elves don't mind the forwardness, but Yreth wasn't a dark elf. He'd have to take things slowly if he wanted to win her over.
Yreth ran to the monument and joined her group.
"I'm here. I'm ready to leave," she immediately said.
Lenwe asked Yreth, "Did you have a chance to look at the shops?"
Yreth quickly responded, "No, but that's fine. We can leave now. I'll look at the shops some other time." Yreth voice was a little rushed, but she tried to keep calm. Idril noticed and asked what was wrong.
Lúthien noticed something different about Yreth, then said, "Yreth, where did you get that necklace?"
Yreth looked down at the necklace. "Oh, I just got it. Uh, shouldn't we...be going?" Yreth wanted to get out of Giran as soon as possible. She was slightly flustered that she was almost kissed by Radorin and felt the need to get away from him.
Idril asked, "You just got it? From where?"
Elrond felt as if he was being watched and looked in the direction of the archway that Yreth came from. Standing in the archway was Radorin, staring directly at the group, or more specifically, Yreth.
"Oh, I think I know where," he said, still staring at Radorin.
Idril looked up at Elrond, then followed his gaze. She too saw Radorin at the archway, then looked at Yreth.
With wide eyes, Idril said, "Yreth, you ran into Radorin? Did he give you the jewelry?"
The rest of the group turned to see Radorin. When Yreth looked behind her and saw Radorin staring at her, she immediately turned back to face the group again. They all noticed her blush. Amras moved behind Yreth in order to block her from Radorin's view.
In a flustered voice, Yreth answered, "Yes, he did. He put it on me. Can...can we go now?"
Lúthien asked, "He put it on you?" Lúthien suspected that him putting the jewelry on Yreth wasn't what made her blush just a while ago. "Did he do something else?"
Yreth fell silent for a moment, then raised her hand and touched her lips. This gesture made Idril nearly scream out, "Oh my Eva. He kissed you!?"
Waving both hands in front of her, Yreth quickly responded, "No, he didn't. He almost did. Look, can we just go? I'll explain later."
Amras, sensing Yreth's nervousness, agreed with her. "Everyone, she's nervous. Let's just go now. We'll talk about this later."
Radorin watched the group move toward the gatekeeper and disappear. He then heard a voice call out to him.
"I see that everything went well," Irydria said.
Irydria was standing on the other side of the archway, leaning up against the wall with her arms crossed in front of her. She witnessed her brother put the necklace on Yreth, as well as his attempt to steal a kiss from her before she ran off at the call of her friends.
Without moving his gaze from the spot where Yreth disappeared, Radorin said, "Yes, a little better than I expected."
"That's good." Irydria then moved to stand next to her brother. "So, what happens now?"
Radorin didn't have an answer for his sister. He was glad Yreth accepted his gift and allowed him to put the jewelry on her. This gave him the hope that he would see her again, and one day, give her the butterfly hairpin he purchased. From this point, what happens now, only Shilen would know.
Laneele spoke to the human mage, a Warlock, gathering as much details as she could regarding the raid and party members. While Laneele was talking to the human, Al came forward, a very large sack on her back. She looked like she was about to fall over from the weight of the sack.
"Laneele, a favor please. Can you lighten me up? I'm heading to Dion to sell some old stuff and make some room in my warehouse."
Laneele looked at Al. "Al, couldn't you just go to Dion first and then grab your things?"
Al looked at Laneele with a small frown. "But...but my warehouse is full. I didn't realize how full it was until I sold those young elves the armor and weapons I had. I can't even put all the stuff you gave me in storage." Al pouted and continued to beg. "Please, please, please?"
With a smile, Laneele happily obliged, relieving Al of the massive weight on her back and shoulders by casting a spell. Able to stand upright again, Al thanked Laneele and disappeared by the gatekeeper.
Because of that spell, it was obvious Laneele would have to "visit one of the trainers" in Giran. After telling the human that she would meet up with the group after switching professions and gathering necessary items from her warehouse, Laneele ran off in the direction of the warriors' guild.
Making sure no one was behind her, Laneele ran past the warriors' guild instead and continued down the alleyway. She turned left and took the stairs heading down another alleyway, then made another left and headed to the warehouse. Shops were set up nearby, and Laneele decided to take a quick look at the shops to see if she needed anything for the raid or for future use.
While looking at the shops, Laneele couldn't help notice a gut feeling that she was being watched. To test her feeling, she immediately looked up in the direction of the staircase leading to the center of Giran. Sure enough, she caught a glimpse of someone retreating and hiding behind the wall. The person was too fast for her to see who it really was, but it was enough to prove her feeling.
The moment she set foot in Giran, Laneele sensed that she was being followed. She would have addressed it, but she had to meet with the young light elves first, then Irydria showed up, followed by Mayne. Then when the Warlock called out to her, she used that chance to get away from Mayne. She didn't have time to immediately go after whoever was following her, but maybe she could somehow lure her follower out.
Laneele eyed a shop between the stairs and the archway leading to the warehouses. She pretended to look at the seller's shop, but positioned herself so that her back was to the stairs. After about half a minute, she proceeded to walk toward the warehouses. After turning and crossing the archway however, she immediately placed herself to the right of the archway, her back against the wall, waiting for her suspected follower to pass by.
To avoid catching the wrong person, she stared at the ground, looking at the shadows. Her follower was tall, so dwarves were omitted from her guess. Her follower would most likely stand near the archway where the view of the inside of the warehouse can be easily seen from a distance. She deduced that if her follower did not immediately see her in the warehouse, her follower would then proceed until she was within sight again.
Her theory proved correct. After two people passed by without stopping, she saw a person's shadow stand still, then eventually proceed forward. The moment her suspected follower crossed the archway, she quickly grabbed the person's right wrist and twisted it in a motion to pin the arm against the follower's lower back. Using her left hand, she swiftly grabbed the back of the follower's neck and swung the person around, using the momentum to push the person against wall, right where she was originally standing. Her follower used the only arm available to instinctively raise it and put it up against the wall in an effort to avoid a full face plant into the stone wall. After pinning her victim to the wall, Laneele bellowed out behind the person's head.
"Why are you following me?" Laneele didn't really care who it was; finding out why she was being followed was more important to her.
Elisor frantically responded, doing his best to speak despite having his face pushed into the wall.
"Laneele! I'm sorry! But Asterios asked me to follow you! I'm sorry! I meant no harm!" His voice sounded desperate, with a hint that he was in a little pain.
At the sound of Elisor's voice, Laneele immediately released her grips on him and grabbed his shoulder to spin him around.
"Elisor? Oh my Eva, I'm so sorry! I knew someone was following me, but I wasn't sure who it was. Are you all right? You're not hurt, are you?"
Elisor leaned his back against the wall. He grabbed his right wrist, massaging away the slight pain he experienced from Laneele's arm trap. He moved his shoulder around in a circle, making sure it wasn't dislocated. Satisfied, he began to massage his face, brushing away some dirt from the stone wall that stuck to his cheek.
"I'm fine," Elisor said. "But that was a strange move you did. It took me by surprise. How did you do that?"
"I'll tell you later. But why were you following me?"
Elisor put his arm down and stood upright. "Asterios asked me to. He said he was worried about you. He said you two had a discussion and you left abruptly. Laneele, what's going on? Are you in trouble?"
Laneele clenched her teeth. Her mistake of talking to Asterios about her beliefs led to another problem: getting Elisor involved. This was something she did not see coming. Now she'd have to lie to another person, one who looked up to her. Elisor was still too young and inexperienced to understand, and she certainly did not want to "corrupt" Elisor in any way. He was making great progress, and Laneele saw potential in him. Indeed, Elisor may actually do more than catch up to her. Elisor may even surpass her if he continued with his training. Maybe he would be able to see her point of view about the codes and ethics, but now was not the time.
Laneele closed her eyes and put her hand to her forehead, letting out a sigh. "No, I'm not in trouble. Asterios and I couldn't agree on something and we ended up having a small argument. I suppose I left the village out of frustration, but I had to meet a group here anyway." Laneele put her hand down and looked at Elisor. "So, why did Asterios send you to spy on me?"
"He said he just wanted to make sure you're all right."
"But why spy on me? Why couldn't he just tell you to come to me and tell me that he was worried?"
"Now that, I don't exactly know. All he said was to follow you and make sure you're all right. I didn't feel comfortable questioning him."
Laneele understood Elisor's uncomfortable feeling. Asterios was the hierarch of the village after all.
"Well, tell Asterios that I'm fine, and that there's nothing for him to worry." Laneele turned around and began to walk to the warehouse. Elisor, however, followed her.
"But Laneele, are you sure? I have to report back to him and let him know."
Laneele reached the warehouse and asked the warehouse keeper for extra arrows, potions, and other items she may need for the raid. Laneele then turned to Elisor while the warehouse keeper was completing her request.
"Yes, I am sure. Tell Asterios that I'm fine. Make something up if you have to. In fact, tell him that I told you to make something up. Asterios is just being overprotective, like he always is."
Elisor's forehead creased in slight confusion. "Overprotective? He's the hierarch. I think his over protectiveness is justifiable. He's been watching over us for more than a thousand years."
Laneele took her items from the warehouse keeper. "True, but the discussion we had was minor. He has other things that he should focus on that are more important than a small argument. Even he would agree to that."
Laneele packed her items and put a hand on Elisor's shoulder. "I must go, but tell Asterios that there is nothing to worry about. If he feels that we need to have another discussion, then I will happily oblige."
Elisor nodded and watched Laneele about to exit the warehouse when she turned around to face him.
"By the way, how long have you been following me?"
Elisor answered, "Since you set up camp by the bridge at the Neutral Grounds. You were already asleep when I reached you."
Laneele was impressed at his reconnaissance skills. To follow her since then and for her to not notice until she reached Giran, he certainly had potential. "That long? You could be a great Treasure Hunter if you trained for it."
Laneele ran off, leaving a daydreaming Elisor behind. Treasure Hunter? Elisor thought to himself. I could be a great Treasure Hunter?
Laneele met the party at the meeting place. The warriors looked like they were doing something to pass the time, either sitting down and talking to each other or dueling. Laneele approached the Warlock, who had summoned a creature by his side.
“I apologize for my dilatory arrival. I had a small, unexpected encounter.†Laneele didn’t like being late, as she hated latecomers herself.
“Please, don’t apologize,†said the Warlock. “We felt it was worth waiting for you.†Actually, only the Warlock felt she was worth waiting for. None of the party members knew of Laneele’s reputation like the Warlock did.
Laneele nodded. “I am ready when everyone else is.†As she said this, Laneele discreetly reached for her medal at her wrist and pushed the appropriate button.
The Warlock made the announcement that the last person in the party was finally here and instructed everyone to make the proper preparations. He ordered everyone to have their weapons unsheathed and to be properly positioned. He confirmed everyone’s role in the raid.
He turned to the Warcryer and ordered him to cast protection and strengthening spells on the party. Everyone stood at the ready.
The moment the last spell was cast, the Warlock gave the command to initiate.
Provoking the monster, a Dark Avenger stood with his sword and shield ready. The monster gave a loud, resonating howl, and it and its minions went after the Dark Avenger. When the Dark Avenger was sure the monsters were focused on him, he ordered everyone else to begin attacking its minions.
The warriors of the party focused on one minion and attacked it fiercely. Laneele kept her distance, firing her arrows with precision. As she nocked an arrow, she carefully watched the movements of warriors. Bringing up her bow and pulling back the string, she took aim at an opening and released her arrow, timing it carefully so as not to accidentally hit any of the party members.
The party members brought down the minions one by one. When the last one fell, all attacks went to the minions’ boss.
Surrounding the monster, the warriors swung their weapons fiercely, slowly but effectively whittling down the giant. The spellcasters sent their damaging magic to the monster, while the healers kept a close eye on the Dark Avenger’s health. Laneele fired her arrows with meticulous aim, occasionally using a double-shot spell for extra damage.
After about a few minutes of an exchange of blows, the monster pulled back its weapon and made a wide swing, knocking back the group of warriors nearby. Laneele took aim, but held her bow at the ready. This was a sign, and she waited for the monster’s next move.
The monster took the opportunity to take a few steps back from the felled group, bringing up its arms to shield the spells that were still pummeling it. The monster gave a massive resonating howl, just like the one he gave when the battle began.
Laneele watched the area carefully. She then saw one dead minion rise up and howl.
“Minions! It’s calling the minions back!†Laneele screamed.
The group struggle to get up. The spellcasters paused their casting, waiting for the Dark Avenger to make his move.
“Aw, cripes. This is why I hate minions,†said the Dark Avenger. Once on his feet, he provoked the awakened minion. The minion gave a massive howl and charged at the Dark Avenger. The Dark Avenger braced himself for the minion coming at him from the front and the minion’s boss coming at him from behind.
When the Dark Avenger gave the signal, the rest of the warriors began attacking the minion. But as soon as this one fell, another one awakened and went after one of the archers.
Feeling a blow to the back, the Phantom Ranger ran closest to the Dark Avenger so that he can provoke it. Thankfully, one of the healers healed the Phantom Ranger before he suffered major damage.
While the group was pummeling the second minion, the third minion awakened and ran after the nearest warrior, a Gladiator. When the Gladiator felts the hits to her back, she ran a few yards away from the group and let the minion chase her before she stopped and turned around to attack it. The Gladiator felt that she could handle the sole minion as the Dark Avenger was already handling another minion and the minion’s boss. After seeing the third minion, a few members of the party switched targets to help the Gladiator.
When the third minion was obviously close to death, the Gladiator ordered the members to go back and help the Dark Avenger and the rest of the party. After some hesitancy, the members went back and left the Gladiator to kill the minion.
Out of desperation or opportunity, the minion swung an upper cut at the Gladiator, causing her to fall on her back. Because she was launched in the air at a rather high angle, she lost consciousness after hitting the ground. The minion began walking towards the disabled warrior.
Laneele’s ears picked up the noise caused by the Gladiator when she hit the ground. When Laneele turned around, she saw the near-dead minion walking towards the fallen warrior. Laneele aimed her bow and loosed an arrow at it, hoping to attract it. The first arrow hit the minion in the arm, but the minion did nothing. It continued its march towards the Gladiator. Laneele aimed again, this time for a critical spot on the minion. The second arrow was more damaging, but the minion paused only slightly before continuing. Laneele then performed her double-shot spell, hoping the increased damage from the consecutive hits would deter it from the Gladiator. For a moment, it seemed to work. The minion stopped to yank out an arrow impaled in its shoulder and howled at Laneele. However, it merely tossed the arrow aside, focused back on the fallen Gladiator, and proceeded to walk towards her.
Laneele had to act quickly. She ran at full speed towards the minion.
When the minion reached the fallen Gladiator, it raised its weapon high in the air. Right before it swung down on the Gladiator, Laneele closed in and leaped in the air, kicking the monster in the chest with her right foot. Knowing that one kick wouldn’t be enough to push back the large minion, she immediately pivoted in the air and used her other leg to kick the monster again.
The monster lost its balance and stumbled backwards a few steps before falling to the ground. Laneele landed at the minion’s feet and nocked an arrow. She walked to the minion’s head and pulled back the bowstring.
The minion looked at Laneele and let out an angry growl. Laneele aimed at the minion’s head and released her arrow, silencing the minion.
Positive that the minion was dead, Laneele ran towards the Gladiator. She knelt down next to her.
She was still breathing, which was always a good sign, but Laneele was worried about the damage she had taken if it was enough to knock her unconscious. Laneele had to wake her somehow.
“Friend, can you hear me?†Laneele asked. After no response, she was about to retrieve a potion from her satchel when she noticed a Bishop from the group heal the Gladiator. The Gladiator opened her eyes and let out a moan.
“What happened?†the Gladiator asked.
“You were knocked out by one of the minions. It’s dead now. But the battle is not over. Come, we still need you.â€
After one more heal from the Bishop, Laneele helped the Gladiator to her feet. The Bishop returned to focusing his heals on the Dark Avenger.
“Thank you for saving me back there, friend. I suppose that will teach me not to do that again,†said the Gladiator, giving a head tilt to the dead minion that knocked her out.
Laneele and the Gladiator returned to helping the party, which had already killed the only minion left and was battling against the lone monster boss.
After a few minutes of constant blows, the boss succumbed and died. The entire party let out a victory cry, followed by the scavenging of the monster’s body.
Laneele sat down to rest while the party argued amongst themselves about how to divvy up the loot they found. She was later joined by the Warlock that asked her to join the raid.
“Ah, the bickering cometh,†said the Warlock as he sat down next to Laneele. “I’d give you a pouch full of adena, but I’ve heard about how you are about ‘payments,’ so…†The Warlock said no more, knowing that Laneele knew what he meant.
Laneele nodded. “Thank you. Participating is rewarding enough. I’m always glad to help.â€
When the party finally reached an agreement on who got what, the Elder in the group brought the party to the nearest village.
On a nearby hill, standing atop a large rock, Reile smiled in satisfaction. “I’ve got you now. I knew you’d let your guard down one day.†Reile then dispelled her veil and began her trek back to Aden Castle.
Ever since Laneele left the Elven Village a week ago, Reile had been stealthily following her. It was strange that one of her own kind began following her, but Reile used that to her advantage. In case Laneele sensed that she was being followed, her new pursuer would be to blame. And in the end, he was. After Laneele "caught" her pursuer, it became easier to follow her. The fact that Reile was in Giran also helped; the large bustling crowd made it easy to blend in. Laneele didn't even notice her standing nearby when she was talking to Elisor, her pursuer, at the warehouse.
Kaylin and Dalaar listened attentively to what Reile had to report; from when Laneele cast the weight-lifting spell on a dwarf, to her participation in the raid.
"You are absolutely sure she has a medal?" asked Kaylin.
"I have no doubt, your majesty," replied Reile. "I saw her cast a spell that only Elven Elders know, then during the raid, she executed a skill that only archers know. She did not stop at the warriors' guild at all while in Giran."
Kaylin was pleased to know that she was correct about Laneele. While Reile confirmed Kaylin's suspicions about Laneele possessing the medal, it was how Laneele disabled the minion during the raid that really piqued Kaylin's interest.
"That sounds impossible, you know," Kaylin said.
"I know it does, your highness, but I witnessed her movements, if they can be called that."
"What about magic? Surely she used some kind of spell."
"The only magic involved was the enhancements she received from a Warcryer who was part of the raid party."
"And no other magic was involved?"
"None that I saw."
Kaylin leaned back in her chair and contemplated. She can't recall any of the races having a skill that allowed that kind of body movement. And no magic was used? This was beginning to get complicated. First, she's learning skills outside of the profession, and now she using a skill that has never been used before? Dalaar's earlier warning about Laneele would definitely have to be heeded, and heeded well. Laneele was more skilled than she originally thought. Kaylin returned to addressing Reile.
"Reile, you have done well in this mission and gathered very useful information for me. Whatever you want, name it, and I will see to it that it is granted."
Reile was surprised at this offer. It took several seconds for her to give the queen her answer.
"You are truly generous, your majesty, but I only wish to take my final test."
"Ah, yes. You have yet to fully complete your training." Kaylin then summoned a guard who came forward with a treasure chest and stood in front of Reile. The queen said, "I believe this should help you in your final test. You should be able to use it by now."
The guard opened the box. Inside the box, fitted in the slot, was an Angel Slayer dagger, glowing blue. Below it were three crystals; one blue, one red, and one green.
While Reile looked at the dagger in quiet amazement, Kaylin continued.
"I believe your Demon Dagger is...overdue, for an upgrade. I have also included a selection of crystals for you to choose."
Reile looked up at the queen, then looked back at the dagger. It was a marvelous dagger, intricately crafted. The guards on each side had carvings in the shape of wings. One oval-shaped, periwinkle-colored jewel was embedded just below the grip, and two aquamarine-colored jewels of similar size were embedded just below it. Their positions made the dagger look as if it had eyes, staring right at Reile.
Reile reached for the dagger and ran her finger lightly against the length of the grip. The blade's deep blue glow flowed from the guard to the tip. Quite highly enchanted, and no doubt much more powerful than her current dagger. Reile then retracted her hand. She definitely wasn't expecting this type of reward. While she was progressing in her training rather well, her armor and weapon showed signs of significant wear, and in that condition, she was unsure that she can take her final test. Many questioned why she was still wearing her Plated Leather armor and still using a non-enchanted Demon Dagger. Both served her well, but their usefulness was beginning to be outgrown. Even worse, the prices for new armor and a new weapon were not cooperating with her. She was expecting money as a reward in order to purchase new armor, and to see a high grade weapon as a reward was too good to be true.
"Forgive me, your majesty, but I can't possibly..." Reile was in too much shock to finish her sentence.
"Here now, are you refusing the queen's reward to you?" Dalaar curiously questioned.
Reile quickly shook her head. "No, no, it's not that. I just...I just feel that my queen is...overcompensating me for my service to her."
Kaylin threw her head back and laughed.
"Reile, you have no doubt served me well, and I believe I will use your services again in the future. You wouldn't want to be ill-prepared if I have a need for you again, would you?"
Reile quickly responded, "No, no, of course not, your majesty."
"Then please, take this gift, and choose a crystal."
Reile carefully removed the dagger from its case, and thought carefully before reaching for the red soul crystal to further enhance the dagger. The guard holding the chest closed it and walked back to his original position.
"Now, the only thing you need to worry about is your armor. I'm sure you will be able to find a proper set for yourself."
Reile bowed before her queen. "Yes, yes I will, your majesty."
Reile then took her leave. Kaylin, without turning her head, addressed Dalaar.
"Well?"
Dalaar responded, "You spoil your people, you know that."
Kaylin smiled. "Such rewards to them will assure me of their loyalty. Their desire for the best material possessions is exactly what makes them so manipulative. She will come back for more. They always do."
Dalaar pondered Kaylin's logic. It made sense, as usual, as he just witnessed with Reile. But her undertone was so sinister, just like his people. The only difference was that she was more subtle in her ominous ways than the dark elves are.
Dalaar spoke up, changing the subject. "Well, you were right. Laneele did have the medal. But what of these movements that the Treasure Hunter described?"
Kaylin then faced Dalaar. "I don't believe that is something to worry about, as long as the proper person has been found. Speaking of which, has someone been found at all?"
"Yes. I believe he is well suited for the next phase."
"Is Laneele already familiar with this person?"
"There is a good chance that she is."
"But can he be trusted?"
"Yes. He is one of the best mercenaries in Aden. He will perform the mission without question."
"Good. See to it that it is taken care of. I will handle Asterios."
Dalaar nodded. "I will take care of it personally, my love."
When Dalaar took his leave, Kaylin began to pen a letter addressed to Hierarch Asterios regarding his medal.
A week after the raid, Laneele received a letter. It was a request from Flame Lord Kakai of the Orc Village to meet with him and the orc chiefs. Hand written from the Flame Lord himself, the reason for the meeting was obviously important, even though Laneele had no idea what it was. Although it would be an expensive trip, Laneele did not want to keep the orc leaders waiting; the letter was written five days ago and the messenger had some trouble locating her. Laneele rolled up the letter and put it in her satchel. She spoke to the gatekeeper who transported her to the Orc Village.
The moment Laneele appeared in the Orc Village, it was apparent that she was not welcome. Glares came from all orcs who laid eyes on her. Many stopped what they were doing to stare and point. Ignoring the looks, Laneele proceeded to The King's Hall entrance. However, the orcs began following her.
"Blasphemer!" yelled one orc.
"Desecrater!" yelled another orc who also threw something at Laneele. Laneele felt something hard hit her back. Reacting, she spun around to face the source. By that time, other orcs proceeded closer to Laneele, almost completely surrounding her. The orcs began screaming at her.
"How could you?!"
"We allowed you to learn one of our professions, and this is what you do behind our backs?!"
"Someone get an axe!"
Laneele looked around at the angry orcs. The scene was beginning to look like a mob. Orcs were beginning to throw small rocks and rotten food at her. What was going on? She couldn't understand where their anger was coming from. And the names they were calling her, what could they mean? She couldn't recall offending any of the orcs. Was this the reason why the orc leaders requested to see her?
Despite bringing up her hands to shield herself, Laneele couldn't avoid everything that was being thrown at her. The shouts and cries were beginning to fill the air. One orc came forward and shoved Laneele so hard that she fell to the ground. A small yelp escaped her lips.
"Please stop, I don't understand. What did I do?" Laneele pleaded. Every time she tried to look up at the orcs, she had to recoil from whatever was being thrown at her. For Eva's sake, she just arrived!
"You know exactly what you did, light elf," one orc yelled. "You should be executed for what you've done!"
Executed? Laneele didn't even know what she's being accused of. What could she have possibly done to anger the orcs so much? She was getting more confused by the second.
The yelling continued until a loud voice bellowed out, "Enough!"
The orcs immediately quieted down. Some of them parted to allow the Flame Lord through.
"What is going on here?!" demanded the Flame Lord. He looked down to see Laneele on the ground, scared and slightly disoriented. She had small bruises and cuts from the objects that were being thrown at her.
One orc exclaimed, "That blasphemer dared to show her face in the village. She must be punished for her crimes."
The Flame Lord looked up at the orcs and explained. "She is here because I requested her presence. She is my guest, and this is how you treat her?" The Flame Lord shook his head, angry and embarrassed. "I expected more from you. She hasn't even set foot in the village for five minutes!"
The orcs, guilt-ridden, said nothing at first, but one had the audacity to speak up.
"But my lord, you know that she—"
"Silence!" yelled the Flame Lord, his booming voice leaving a slight echo. When he was sure no one would dare speak again, he added, "We know only what the Warcryer told us. Laneele has a right to tell her side of the story. We are not barbarians. We will act in a civil matter and listen to both sides before coming to any judgments. I and the other chiefs will be the ones to handle this. Have I made myself clear?"
The orcs nodded, some responding with, "Yes, my lord."
The Flame Lord gave one last command. "Back to your previous duties, everyone."
While the crowd slowly dispersed, one of the Centurions helped Laneele to her feet. Laneele brushed foods and dirt off herself and bowed to the Flame Lord.
"Th...Thank you, my lord," Laneele said in a trembling voice.
The Flame Lord handed her a small towel. "I greatly apologize for my people's behavior. This wasn't supposed to happen."
Laneele took the towel and wiped off what she could from her hair and armor. Flanked by the Centurions, she followed the Flame Lord to The King's Hall. On the way, she tended to her wounds as best as she could. Thank Eva she still hung on to the bandages she kept in her satchel.
Laneele followed the Flame Lord up the incline, passing Atuba Chief Varkees and Neruga Chief Tantus, giving a small head bow to each of them. The Flame Lord took his place while the other orc chiefs gathered near him. The tall, stone chair the Flame Lord sat on had pillars, located on the left and right of the chair, with fire on top. Varkees and Tantus stood to the Flame Lord's left, and Uruto Chief Hatos stood to his right. Laneele stood in front the orc leaders, facing them. The Centurions exited The King's Hall and stood outside the entrance. One took the towel from Laneele before exiting.
"Are you all right?" asked the Flame Lord. "Would you like some time to yourself first?"
"I am fine," said Laneele. "The wounds are only light cuts. They're not serious." Laneele was eager to find out what this is all about and why the orcs acted so hostile to her.
The orc leaders nodded to each other. "Then let us begin," said the Flame Lord. "I'll get right to the point. A Warcryer claims to have seen you use a modified form of Tangsu, something that the trainers are absolutely sure they never taught you. Modifications of our sacred technique are considered sacrilege, which is why our people accosted you the way they did the moment you arrived."
Kakai paused to allow Laneele to comprehend what he was talking about. Laneele was somewhat confused. She altered their Tangsu?
"But my lord, I never trained in Tangsu," Laneele said. "I trained in the path of the Doomcryer. How can I alter something I never learned?"
Acknowledging this, Kakai further explained. "About a week ago, you took part in a raid. The Warcryer in that raid witnessed the way you disabled a raid boss' minion before killing it."
Laneele's head jerked back. The reaction in her face was obvious. The minion! Someone saw her? She was sure that the minion was far away enough from the party that no one would be able to see her. Her decision to disable the minion the way she did was to quickly save the unconscious Gladiator. She tried to distract the minion in any way she could, yet not even her archer skills were enough to deter it. With all other options exhausted and time running out, she used her backup skills as a last resort.
"Laneele, this is a great offense. Ever since rumor spread about what you did, our people felt betrayed." Tantus reached up and pointed outside, at the balcony behind Laneele. "They demand that you be stripped of the Doomcryer profession. And in case you hadn't noticed, they also demand your head."
Laneele tried to see things from the orcs' point of view. The Flame Lord and the orc chiefs were right. Laneele's techniques that she trained herself in did seem like a modified version of Tangsu. The only difference was the use of her legs and feet, in addition to what she called "holds" and "traps" meant to keep someone immobilized. Laneele knew that Tangsu focused on inflicting as much damage as possible using the fists. Her techniques were similar, except that they involved the use of her entire body in a more efficient manner. While her skills helped her develop a decent amount of strength, she also focused on her speed and moving her body in ways to gain an advantage. This included a lot of dodging and ducking while keeping her eyes on her opponent.
"Would you care to explain yourself, light elf?" asked Hatos.
Laneele lowered her head and closed her eyes, thinking about where to begin. There was no point in trying to hide her skills any longer. She was caught, and she didn't want to label the Warcryer a liar. She would have to confess. No lies this time; she already lied to Asterios. He too should have known the truth. Words had to be chosen carefully, as this was the first time she would be divulging such information to anyone.
Taking a deep breath, she lifted her head, opened her eyes, and began with Nathias. It was painful to reiterate what happened, as those memories still affected her after all those years. Laneele lowered her head again to keep the orc leaders from seeing the tears fall down her face.
When she finished, she wiped the tears from her eyes and lifted her head, continuing with her explanation; the decision to form the backup skills, the limitations, and why she kept them a secret. While this wasn't how she imagined her backup skills to be revealed, she felt a burden lift from her shoulders when she finally disclosed her secret, a secret she held for over 100 years.
The orc leaders listened attentively. This was a shock to them. What she was doing was practically going against the codes and ethics themselves.
When Laneele finished, the orc leaders huddled close to each other, whispering with the Flame Lord. When they finished their private discussion, Kakai spoke up.
"Laneele, all of us lost loved ones to Chaotics at some point or another. While we understand your feelings, do you realize that the creation of these backup skills stemmed from your own incompetence and selfishness?"
Laneele's forehead creased in slight confusion. She was shocked to hear that kind of response. Being called such things affected her pride, as a warrior and as a light elf. Her hands fisted at her sides. She had never felt so insulted before.
Kakai continued. "You and Nathias were responsible for keeping yourselves well protected, especially during those times. The codes and ethics were made for a warrior's protection, not to be heeded at your own convenience."
Laneele was getting more upset and hung her head down, unable to face the orc leaders. A lecture was the last thing she wanted to hear. She felt that they did not understand her at all. Laneele clenched her teeth. Incompetence? Selfishness? Fine. She admitted to herself that it was foolish of her and Nathias to not be equipped properly, but she refused to believe that her backup skills were created out of selfishness. Her skills saved the Gladiator, did they not?
"However," began Varkees. "The Kamael have proven to be formidable warriors, given their ability to disarm warriors, albeit temporarily. Your backup skills may be of some use."
Laneele lifted her head. The mood shift caught her attention.
"But as you said, these skills of yours have not been tested on warriors, is that correct?" asked Hatos.
"Yes, sire," Laneele replied hesitantly.
"Then how would you like the opportunity to test it against one of our own?" asked Kakai.
Laneele was dumbfounded. The chance to test her backup skills against a warrior? Did she hear correctly?
Kakai continued. "Laneele, we are in a new age. Many things seem to be happening all at once. We have seen a new race. Current warriors are learning new skills as well as learning professions from other races. And the new recruits are learning and training faster than before. Your backup skills couldn't have been discovered at a more appropriate time."
Laneele had trouble understanding the sudden shift in the orc leaders' moods. At first, they seemed to be berating her for her skills; now they sounded as if they were approving those same skills. Their quick change of view seemed suspicious to Laneele. Something seemed out of place. What did the discovery of her backup skills have to do with the "new age"?
"Why?" asked Laneele. "Why are you offering me this?"
Tantus said, "Because in order for us to keep up with the new age, Tangsu must also be modified. Your backup skills may be the change that Tangsu needs."
Things were beginning to make sense, but there was one issue that she had trouble putting in perspective.
"My lords, forgive me, but one thing bothers me," Laneele said. "If you need my skills, then why did the orcs treat me the way they did when I arrived?"
"Because they do not know our plans," said Varkees. "Although we've been planning this for some time, we have to tread carefully. We're talking about modifying a sacred technique that has been in our race for centuries."
So this was the real reason she was summoned; the orc leaders wished to learn her backup skills, the skills she held secret for so long, to improve Tangsu, something they have been secretly planning for quite some time. But her skills were far from perfect. The orc leaders' offer of giving Laneele a chance to test her backup skills against a warrior was a great opportunity to hone her skills. But could she succeed, especially if it was against one of their own? Was she ready? More importantly, was this the appropriate time for her skills to be made public?
"May I have some time to think about this?" asked Laneele.
"Of course," Kakai replied. "I'll have a Centurion take you to where you will stay. You will be under my protection."
The Flame Lord summoned a Centurion, who escorted Laneele to the room where she will be staying. When she was gone, the orc chiefs began asking questions amongst themselves.
"Is this acceptable? Laneele is only learning half the truth," said Hatos. Mentioning the Kamael's disarming skill and the "new age" to Laneele was just a ruse.
"But we're not exactly sure if she's the one," said Varkees. "We have yet to see her skills. She must be tested first."
"What if she doesn't accept our offer?" asked Tantus.
An orc soothsayer emerged from behind the Flame Lord's chair, apparently listening to the entire conversation. The orc chiefs faced the soothsayer when she emerged. "It is said that the prophecy will be fulfilled during this time," she said, placing herself next to Hatos. "The Warcryer witnessing Laneele was no accident. She must be the one."
The soothsayer was referring to a prophecy foreseeing someone of non-orcish blood showing the orcs the true way of Tangsu. When the soothsayer revealed this prophecy to the orc leaders, the Flame Lord restricted the soothsayer and the orc chiefs from revealing the prophecy to their people and the other races. He knew that there may be some backlash, especially if the one to show the true way of Tangsu was indeed an outsider. The Flame Lord did not want to stir up any controversy, especially amongst his own people. The prophecy had to be handled carefully.
The Flame Lord looked at the soothsayer. "Even if she is, our people will not easily accept the prophecy."
Truth be told, the orcs may never accept the prophecy, judging from the way they treated Laneele when she arrived. The Flame Lord had no reason to doubt the soothsayer; she predicted the arrival of the Kamael, among other things. Yet the soothsayer's prophecies have never caused a problem before. In this case, not only will his people feel betrayed as Tantus said, but they may feel intimidated by the other races, races that they deemed physically inferior.
The Flame Lord leaned forward in his chair, resting his elbows on his knees and bringing his hands to his chin.
"For now, all we can do is wait for Laneele's response."
The group of light elves, minus Amras, sat at the table at the pub, each with their maps laid out across in front of them. They were discussing where they would hone their skills, putting their training to good use. Given the fact that they just passed their first tests, they decided to train near Gludin, a town known for its surrounding training lands meant for novice warriors. The plan was to choose a place now and begin training tomorrow morning.
“How about Windmill Hill? It’s really close by. We can just walk there,†said Idril.
“The Abandoned Camp is better; more challenging,†said Lenwe.
“What about the Orc Barracks?†asked Yreth.
“There’s too many, especially for us,†said Elrond. “We could try the Wastelands.â€
“Ugh, no,†said Lúthien. “I hate basilisks.â€
The discussion continued until an opened scroll was dropped in front of them, on top of their maps. Startled, everyone leaned back and looked up at the source of the dropped scroll.
“We’re not going to any of those places,†said Amras, now standing at the head of the table.
Everyone turned to the table to look at the scroll.
“What is this?†Lenwe asked, still staring at the scroll.
“This is where we’ll be training tomorrow,†said Amras. “I signed up all of us to participate. I signed up just in time, too.â€
Everyone looked over the scroll, reading its contents. It mentioned something called the Seven Signs and two factions: the Lords of Dawn and the Revolutionary Army of Dusk. One appeared to be having an advantage over the other in terms of seal stones.
Elrond leaned back in his chair. “I give up. I can’t make heads or tails of that scroll. Why don’t you just explain to us what this is and what exactly you signed us up for?â€
Amras took his seat. “It’s a bit complicated, but I’ll give you the bottom line. We’re going to the Necropolis of Sacrifice tomorrow. It’s an underground dungeon and it’s perfect for us. Everything is stronger than normal, but we should be fine.â€
Lúthien looked up from the scroll. “So, basically, you’re sending us to our underground graves.â€
“You’re being paranoid. Everyone hunts there. Only fools go in alone. Since we’ll be together, we can handle it. Trust me.†Amras took the glass of wine that he ordered earlier and took a sip.
“What of these seal stones?†Yreth asked.
“Those determine which faction controls the dungeons. If we collect enough and turn them in, that faction gets control for a week. Today was the last day to sign up. The scroll indicated that the Lords of Dawn are in the lead, so I signed us up to fight for that faction. They’ll have full control of the dungeons for a week before the fight for control starts up again.â€
“So, we collect seal stones for the faction. Is there any reward?†asked Elrond.
“Ancient adena,†said Amras.
“Ancient adena? What’s the difference?†asked Idril.
“Only certain people accept ancient adena. They sell items that can only be purchased with such currency. They’re actually worth it.â€
“Says you,†Lenwe said.
“Look, let’s just try it out tomorrow. There’s nothing to lose.â€
“Except our lives,†mumbled Lúthien.
Ignoring the comment, Amras continued. “If it doesn’t work out, then we’ll leave and we can hunt anywhere you want. All I’m asking is that we try it out.â€
Everyone else looked at each other, gauging each other’s looks. Amras said he just wanted to try it out, plus he went to the trouble of signing up everyone. However, it was their curiosity of the necropolis that determined their decision. It was unanimous. The Necropolis of Sacrifice was to be tomorrow’s training ground.
The next morning, everyone gathered at the gatekeeper, fully equipped and prepared for whatever Amras had planned.
“We’re going to the Langk Lizardmen Dwellings since it’s the closest place to the necropolis,†Amras said.
With the help of the gatekeeper, everyone appeared near the dwellings and looked around. Idril spotted a large structure in the distance: four tall pillars with a square-like top. From the top, large, long flags hung down. The symbol on the center of the flag was that of a helmet and what looked like the sun. She pointed it out to Amras.
“Is that it?†she asked.
Amras turned to look. “Yes, that’s it.â€
Everyone ran to the structure and stopped. A square-shaped pool of water was centered among the pillars. As they peered in, they noticed how deep it went.
“Now what do we do? If the entrance is blocked by the water, how do we get in?†asked Elrond.
Amras replied, “We swim down.â€
All eyes looked at Amras.
“We what? We don’t know how far down the entrance goes!†exclaimed Elrond.
Amras rolled his eyes. “You are such an elpy. Then I’ll go.â€
Amras secured his sword and shield, took a deep breath, and jumped in. The others peered down into the water, watching him swim deeper and deeper into the water.
As Amras swam deeper, he saw a large square opening and swam toward it. After he passed the opening, he broke the surface of the water. His first view was a stone incline sloping upwards. He swam towards it and stepped out of the water. In the distance was a white glowing ball hovering just above the floor, in front of a portcullis. On the other side, he could see another glowing ball, exactly like the one on his side. Amras wiped the water from his face and smoothed his hair back. He walked toward the glowing ball and lightly touched it with his hand. He then heard a voice speak.
“Behold the gateway to the Forbidden Sacred Area! My job is to guard it, and you cannot pass without my permission.â€
Understanding that the glowing ball was the one talking to him, he replied, “Please, allow me to pass.â€
The glowing ball said, “I see you have permission. Very well.â€
Amras’ vision turned black, then light appeared again.
Amras was at the other side of the portcullis, standing next to the glowing ball that he saw earlier. He observed his surroundings. Though dark, the area was lit with torches attached to the wall. The ceiling seemed higher than normal for an underground dungeon. Everything seemed to be intricately carved. Engravings of animal heads with human bodies and eyes adorned the walls.
Amras walked down the only path in front of him. As he rounded the corner, he equipped his sword and shield. He immediately stopped when he saw a creature walk across; something very tall, with a type of pole weapon. Eventually, he saw a skeleton armed with a sword and shield walk by. He had seen enough. Amras ran back to the entrance and swam upwards.
The rest of the group saw him surface.
“It’s dark, but we can see. There are torches everywhere,†Amras said. “And it’s not that far down of a swim. Just follow me.â€
Everyone looked at each other. Lenwe was the first to speak.
“I’ll go. I’m ready.†He then secured his weapon.
Amras re-submerged underwater, and Lenwe jumped in after him. One by one, the rest of the elves dove into the water. Yreth was the last to jump in.
When Amras reached the opening at the bottom, he stopped and looked up, making slow hand signals for Lenwe to go ahead. He waited until Yreth passed him, then followed her and broke through the surface. They stepped out of the water and looked around.
Following Amras, the group went to the glowing orb, and all were transported to the other side of the portcullis. Amras warned them about the next room he saw. He informed them to be ready, as he had no idea how many monsters there were, or if they were aggressive. The plan was for the group to stay in the hallway, and Amras will go investigate the room. If any aggressive monsters came after him, he would lead it back to the group where they would kill it. His father warned him earlier of the monsters in the catacombs and necropolises, so taking the monsters one by one would have to do.
Armed with his sword and shield, Amras slowly stepped in the room, the others watching from the hallway. He looked around. The room was larger than he thought, not to mention the amount of monsters in it. There was no way the group would be able to handle so many at once. Amras took a few more steps when one began to act suspiciously. It was an ugly monster, its arms bound behind it and blindfolded. It held its weapon by its teeth; a long chain with an axe-like blade at the end. He eyed the monster carefully. He heard it growl, then it began charging right at Amras. Even though it had a blindfold, it knew exactly where Amras was. Amras turned and ran towards the group.
“Incoming! And it’s really ugly!â€
The group saw it, and Amras’ description was accurate. They had never seen a creature so grotesque before. When Amras reached the group, he turned to face the creature and stood ready. The monster swung its head, making the chained axe swing at a wide arc. Amras deflected the attack with his shield and began his own attack.
Lúthien ran to the monster’s back and began stabbing it. Idril joined Amras and began attacking the creature with her own sword and shield. Lenwe stayed back and fired his arrows on it. Yreth cast her spells on it. Elrond focused on Amras, keeping his health up. Eventually, the ugly monster fell to the ground with a groan.
“For Eva’s sake, that thing was strong,†Idril exclaimed. “It took practically all of us to kill it!â€
“So, what do you all think?†Amras asked. “Did you want to go somewhere else or keep going?â€
Lúthien answered, “I want to keep going. As long as we take these creatures one at a time, I think we’ll be fine. I just want to go back to the village in a few hours.â€
Everyone else agreed.
For the next hour, this was the process they used. Amras lured one monster to the group, and they killed it in the hallway. Everything was going fine, until, while they were attacking one of the monsters in the hallway, a human ran by. He screamed at them.
“Stop! Run! Run!â€
Behind the human came a slew of monsters. The human ran by the group and rounded the corner. However, the mob never followed him all the way.
Because the group of elves was attacking one of their own, the entire mob changed their attention from the human and turned on them.
Lúthien dodged one of their attacks and ran. Amras deflected the attack, provoking the monster. The mob turned their focus on Amras and Idril.
Elrond screamed, “We have to fall back! There’s too many of them! Go where that human went. They probably can’t follow us if we get to the other side of that gate!â€
Amras screamed back, “Do what he said! I’ll hold them off! Idril, go!â€
“But—â€
“GO!â€
Idril turned and ran, as did the others. Amras took the blows and deflected their attacks before he noticed he was surrounded. There was no way out.
Dammit! What do I do now? Amras thought. There was no room to get around. All he could do was dodge and keep his shield up, but the pummeling wouldn’t let up. There was too many. Was this truly to be his underground grave?
Suddenly, a flash of light exploded from each of the monsters, and three of them fell to the ground. Amras stared at the fallen monsters. What just happened? That couldn’t have come from him. His change of attention gave one of the monsters the opportunity to take a swing at him. Despite deflecting the attack with his shield at the last minute, the blow was enough to throw him back, forcing him to the ground. Amras began shuffling away. As the remaining three monsters raised their weapons, he saw a spell hit one of them, bringing it down instantly. Another spell, another one down, and the remaining monster swung its pole down, missing Amras’ legs before it too was hit by a spell and fell to the ground.
Amras stared at the mass of bodies down on the ground, panting heavily. He then fell backwards, lying down on the ground in a spread-eagle position.
“Thanks everyone. That was too close,†he said between breaths.
“Uh, Amras, that wasn’t us,†Lenwe said.
Amras replied, “What? What do you mean that wasn’t you?†Amras stood up and turned around. What he saw immediately answered his questions.
Standing at the end of the hall was Radorin, staff in hand and adorned in robes. The rest of the light elves stood there, facing him.
Radorin asked Amras, “Are you all right? Are you injured?â€
Amras was shocked at seeing the sight of Radorin, and appalled at the fact that he was the one that saved him. Though it was the human’s fault for putting the group in a dangerous situation, he would have been more content to be saved by anyone but him.
Amras approached the group and answered, “I’m fine. Elrond can heal me, right Elrond?†He turned to face Elrond.
Elrond stopped staring at Radorin and turned his attention to Amras. “Oh, yes, of course.†He cast his healing spells on Amras.
“See? We’re fine. And we would have been fine if it weren’t for that human.â€
Idril sensed Amras’ rudeness. “Well, we wouldn’t be fine if Radorin hadn’t been here. We owe him our thanks, Amras.â€
Yreth curiously asked him, “What are you doing here?â€
Amras also asked the same question. “Yes, what are you doing here?†Amras felt that he followed them here, just to get close to Yreth. He didn’t like the fact that the dark elf had an interest in her.
Radorin calmly answered, “I came here to find the Merchant of Mammon. There are items I needed to purchase from him. When I arrived, I saw a human run into the room, and I heard screams and loud noises, so I went to investigate. That’s when I saw you surrounded.â€
Amras huffed at his response. “Oh. Well, as you can see now, we’re fine.†He wanted Radorin to leave.
Radorin took the hint. “Very well. I’ll leave you now.†Radorin turned and walked away, heading towards the merchant.
Yreth watched him round the corner, then turned to Amras. She couldn’t believe his rudeness. Radorin saved his life, and Amras just brushes him off? Feeling that Radorin wasn’t properly thanked, she ran after him.
Radorin was about to talk to the merchant when he heard his name called out. He looked up and saw Yreth walk towards him. He too approached her, curious as to why she called out to him. Both stopped at the center of the room.
“Please, on behalf of the group, accept my thanks for saving Amras.†Yreth bowed as she said this.
Radorin replied, “You’re welcome. Just tell him to be more careful, especially in these dungeons. Too often are there inexperienced warriors here taking on the monsters by themselves, only to get others killed, just like that human almost did to you and your friends.â€
The human, who was still in the room, merely rolled his eyes and left the dungeon.
Yreth bowed again. “Yes. I will warn him of that. Thank you again.†Yreth turned and took two steps forward, then stopped.
Something didn’t feel right to Yreth. She felt as if a mere “thank you†wasn’t enough to express her gratitude for Radorin saving her friend. True, Amras was a bit rude to him, but that was the way Amras was; headstrong, proud, but caring. Even if it was another light elf that helped him, he would have acted the same way, though not as harsh.
Yreth began thinking of what to do to express her gratitude. A handshake seemed too familiar; everyone used that gesture, and it was already too late to do that. Her other option she had in mind was quick, but slightly more intimate. The thought of doing it made her blush. But seeing as she had to quickly return to her friends, and the fact that Radorin was most likely wondering why she was still standing there, she made her decision and turned around.
Radorin watched her turn and begin to make her way back to the group when she stopped and stood still. He pondered what she was doing, then saw her turn around and walk towards him. Very quickly, she leaned toward him, stood on her toes and gave him a quick peck on his cheek. She then turned around and ran, disappearing around the corner.
Radorin stood dumbfounded, shocked, but most of all, elated. He raised his hand and touched his cheek. She kissed him! She actually kissed him! A smile formed on Radorin’s face. She must have overcome her shyness during that moment to do that. His thoughts wandered back to the first time he held her in the Dark Elven Village, to the time when he spoke with her near the stream at the Elven Village, to his daring attempt to kiss her after he gave her his old jewelry at Giran. Her bold move of giving him such an intimate gesture increased his confidence at winning her over. Radorin lowered his hand and returned to the merchant, who was smiling at him.
“And what are you smiling at, merchant?†asked Radorin. He looked over the merchant’s items, looking for what he intended to purchase.
The merchant replied, “That was quite a daring gesture that young elf did. She seems like a fine lass.â€
Radorin nodded. “Yes, she is.†Radorin saw what he wanted and reached in his satchel for payment.
“You must care for her that much if you saved her friends. I dare say that you may even be in love with her.â€
Radorin stared at the merchant, pausing slightly before giving him his payment. “And what do you know about love?†he asked.
The merchant smiled again. “It was a very long time ago, even before your time. But in my travels, I’ve also seen it in enough people to know what it looks like.†The merchant took Radorin’s payment and gave him his purchase.
Radorin had to give him credit. He usually paid very little attention to the people around him to notice their actions. He began recalling his own actions. He thought about the time when Yreth returned his jewelry to him and how he sulked indoors afterwards. He remembered how content he felt when he saw her again in Giran and she accepted his jewelry again. He also remembered the butterfly hairpin he bought with the intention of giving it to her when the appropriate time came. That time was closer than he thought. The merchant could be right. He may be in love with her. But would she love him in return?
The merchant spoke as if he read Radorin’s mind. “Look, lad. She obviously has some feelings for you if she personally thanked you for saving her friends. Whatever it is you have in mind, there’s no reason for you to not go through with it. Just be sure you’re ready for the consequences, even if they don’t turn out in your favor.â€
Radorin took his purchase from the merchant and put it in his satchel, responding with a rhetorical question. “Seeing as what just happened, do you really think the consequences would not be in my favor?â€
The merchant gave a hearty laugh, and Radorin looked towards the hallway where Yreth ran to and stared in that direction for a few moments before leaving the dungeon with a smile.
Asterios read the letter penned by the Queen of Aden. It mentioned a request to personally see him at her castle and to discuss the medal that he held.
She knows? Asterios thought as he read the first part of the letter. The second part explained why; she revealed herself to be a carrier of a similar medal.
Asterios finished reading the letter, then had it burned. The information contained in the letter could not be revealed to anyone. Asterios thought about the letter’s contents and wondered why the queen would request to see him and reveal such a secret to him. He also wondered how she knew he had such a medal in his possession.
While the letter asked to see him as soon as possible, Asterios hoped that he could see Laneele first before leaving the village. Elisor’s report of her gave him a slight worry, and he hadn’t heard anything more about her. Yet he had to brush off his concern, since it was obvious that she had somewhere to go due to her abrupt departure from the Elven Village. Elisor explained to Asterios that she said she had to meet some people in Giran. But was that the real reason she left?
Laneele’s discussion of warriors fighting unarmed gave him cause for concern. It wasn’t like her to suddenly question the codes and ethics, so something must have happened to her that would cause her to do so. Whatever it was, he wanted to help her, not as just a mentor, but also as a friend who cared deeply for her. Despite the fact that she fell in love with a human, a fact he learned from the gossiping humans who visited the Elven Village, his feelings for her never waned. Although two centuries had passed since the human’s death, Asterios sensed that Laneele still loved Nathias.
Nathias…
Perhaps he was the reason why Laneele brought up unarmed warriors. Asterios had heard how the human died so unusually easily against the Chaotic. He even got a glimpse of that same Chaotic when he tried to enter the Elven Village long ago. Asterios’ thoughts began to whirl in motion. Was Nathias’ death related to Laneele’s questioning of the codes and ethics? She did mention fighting back unarmed when she spoke with him outside the village that day, as he recalled.
After Nathias’ death, Laneele focused more on her training. Asterios received updates about her from the other elves and visitors who came to the village, learning about her supportive and generous attitude. Eventually he heard about her medal from a fellow medal carrier. When she returned to the Elven Village recently after completing her training, he came close to confessing his love for her, but every opportunity was abruptly taken away from him. Perhaps Eva was sending signs that the time was not right. Or was she sending signs that such a love was not meant to be?
Regardless, Asterios decided to wait until tomorrow morning to leave for Aden, in the hopes of seeing Laneele first. Pity, since Eva once again will be denying him another opportunity.
________________________________________
At the same time, in the Orc Village, Laneele paced back and forth in her room, contemplating the Flame Lord’s offer. A few days had already passed since her meeting with him and the orc chiefs, and she was sure they were awaiting her response. Laneele then went out to balcony, hopped up on the low wall, and sat on the edge, looking out into the field.
This was definitely an opportunity that Laneele couldn’t pass up. Finally, this was a chance for her to properly test, and even tweak, her skills. Eva knows her skills could use some improvement. Yet things haven’t been going well for her decision. Every time she came to a conclusion, something else got in the way, forcing her to rethink her decision.
She thought about the Flame Lord’s comments about the creation of her backup skills. He called it “selfish.†The more Laneele thought about it, the more it seemed true. She never asked for approval for the creation of such skills from any of the masters, and the only motivation for it was Nathias’ death. More of the Flame Lord’s words came back to haunt her: “You were responsible for keeping yourselves well protected, especially during those times.†That lack of responsibility cost Nathias his life. And it was that lack of responsibility that made her begin to assume that Nathias’ death was brought on himself. Even more painful was that she partly blamed herself for his death. Although still a novice back then, she knew the spells to help herself and Nathias; yet in her panicked state, she instead ran to town calling for help while Nathias stood his ground. She left Nathias unprotected against that Chaotic. If she didn’t, she believed he would have survived just long enough for the other warriors to intervene in time.
With Nathias’ death brought much hatred and blame to Eva for not protecting him. Laneele even blamed Einhasad for not protecting the human. If Einhasad was truly the humans’ goddess, why did she allow Nathias to die such an awful death? It took years for Laneele to come to terms with his death and stop blaming Eva and Einhasad for his death. Her creation of her skills wouldn’t bring Nathias back, but she continued her training in the hope that such skills will be used for a warrior’s protection in the worse case scenario.
The ramifications of the skills were the reasons she kept them secret, especially if the skills fell in the wrong hands, namely the Chaotics. It was this specific reason that she constantly changed her mind. Her skills would either work against them, or end up being used by them; a classic double-edged sword situation. The decision was too difficult to make.
However, she couldn’t keep the Flame Lord and orc chiefs waiting much longer. Heaving a sigh, she turned around and hopped off the balcony. She approached the door and opened it to address one of the two Centurions guarding her.
“I’m ready to see the Flame Lord. I have made my decision,†she said.
The Centurion nodded at her, nodded at the other Centurion, then left to inform the Flame Lord and the orc chiefs. Laneele closed the door and leaned her back against it. She closed her eyes and heaved another sigh.
Oh Eva. Please let this be the right decision.
________________________________________
Mayne sat in a corner table of the tavern, taking swigs from a mug of wheat barley beer. He sat with his elbows resting on the table, occasionally twirling an adena coin in front of him. He watched it spin on its edge, then watched it settle down on its side, coming to a slow stop. He picked it up again and twirled it, watching it spin on the table. He then abruptly grabbed it, pinching it between his fingers, then began tapping it repeatedly against the table.
He stared at one of the cracks on the table, thinking about a job offer from a few hours earlier. He had yet to make his final decision of whether to accept or not. The client was an old man claiming to be Queen Kaylin’s head scholar. After hearing the job, Mayne initially declined it right away, due to its “extreme†condition. But the old man seemed desperate, talking a lot and giving his reasons for the job. He even showed Mayne half the payment, an amount Mayne had never seen offered to him before. After hearing the old man plead his case, Mayne eased his mind by telling him that he’ll think about it and give him his answer later in the day. The old man settled for Mayne’s response and promised to return in the evening. While telling the old man this was actually a way to get rid of him and his constant prattle, there was a particular part of the old man’s story that made Mayne reconsider his earlier declination – something about history repeating itself.
Mayne stopped tapping the coin on the table and twirled it again. At that moment, a dark elf dressed in leather armor sat down across from him.
“Have you been waiting long?†asked the dark elf.
Mayne put his hand over the coin to stop it from spinning and looked up at his new client. “No, I have not. And even if I had, I probably lost track of time anyway.†He took his mug and drank the rest of its contents, then raised his mug in the air and yelled, “Hey beautiful, another round please.â€
A brown-haired woman replied, “Coming right up, handsome.â€
Mayne put his mug down at the edge of the table and focused his attention on his guest. “Would you like to try a round? It’s the best wheat barley beer ever, only found in this town.â€
The dark elf looked at the mug with creased brows, then looked at Mayne. “No, thank you. I’m more of a wine drinker.â€
“No problem,†Mayne said. With a louder voice, he yelled, “Hey beautiful, can you also get me a goblet of your fine wine for my guest here?â€
The same woman replied, “No problem, dear.â€
Mayne smiled and gave a slight laugh. “That girl, you have to love her.â€
The dark elf stared at Mayne, not amused. Mayne saw the serious look on his face, then cleared his throat and sat upright.
“So, Dollar, was it?â€
“Dalaar,†the dark elf corrected.
“Ah. Forgive me. You said you wish to hire me. Just give me a summary. Details come later.â€
“I come on behalf of the Queen of Aden. She wishes for you to bring someone to her at her castle.â€
Mayne leaned back against the wall at the dark elf’s words. This was the second time today that the queen’s named was mentioned, the first from the old man a few hours ago. It was typical for him to receive multiple requests in one day, but for two different requests to relate to the same person? This was strange, and it made him a little nervous. He hoped this wasn’t related to the old man’s request just hours earlier. As a test, Mayne asked, “This job comes from the queen? Why couldn’t she meet me herself?â€
Dalaar answered, “I’m sure you would understand that, as Queen of Aden, she has difficulty prioritizing the important matters given what little time she has to personally deal with them. It’s normal for her to send a proxy in her place in these situations.â€
Mayne thought about the dark elf’s answer. He wondered if the queen sent this proxy because she found out about her head scholar’s plan, or if she really didn’t have the time to meet him in person. Still unsure if there was some connection between this client and his earlier client, Mayne sat upright and began to ask for the details.
“You say this is an escort job. Who would I be escorting to the queen?â€
Dalaar replied, “Laneele.â€
Mayne’s eyebrows rose in curiosity. “Laneele? I know her. She’s my friend. What does the queen want with her?â€
Friend? Dalaar wondered if Mayne really knew the meaning of the word, “friend.†From what he’d seen and heard about Mayne, all the females he met were his “friends.†Even the waitress who arrived to bring him his goblet of wine and replaced Mayne’s empty mug was a “friend.â€
“That, you do not need to know. Only know that you are to bring Laneele to the Queen of Aden,†Dalaar replied.
Mayne was slightly annoyed at the dark elf’s answer. “That’s it? All I have to do is bring Laneele to the queen? You could just ask Laneele to come to her.â€
“This involves more than just escorting Laneele to the queen.â€
Now things were beginning to get interesting, and a bit confusing.
“I thought this was just an escort job. There’s more?â€
“There’s something you must do before escorting Laneele to the queen.â€
Dalaar took something from his satchel. He then placed a small, glass vial on the table, between him and Mayne.
Mayne looked at the vial. There appeared to be a white substance inside, like a powder. Mayne stared at it a bit longer before looking up at Dalaar.
“Are you asking me to drug Laneele?†Mayne didn’t like where this was going.
“It’s a sleeping powder. Even though it takes effect after a few minutes, the effect cannot last long. Use this on Laneele, then search her.â€
Mayne’s eyes widened. “Pardon me? Search her? What the hell does that mean?â€
Mayne felt insulted. He knew about his behavior with women, but he was no louse. He was also disturbed by the tone of voice the dark elf used, as to imply that Mayne would have no problem, or no decency, with “searching†Laneele. Mayne’s anger rose, and he didn’t bother to wait for Dalaar’s answer.
“Look, a******. I’m not uncouth towards women, or in general. And if I am, it’s because of people like you.â€
Dalaar raised his hand in front of himself, his palm facing Mayne, in attempt to diffuse Mayne’s obvious anger. “Easy. It’s not as bad as you think.†Dalaar then put his hand down. “Just search her things. We just want to confirm if she’s in possession of a certain item.â€
“So, now you want me to steal from her?â€
“No, no.†Dalaar shook his head. “Just a confirmation. You don’t need to take anything from her.â€
Mayne seemed to calm down a little, but only a little. “Fine. What am I supposed to look for?â€
Dalaar explained. “A round, thin object, made of glass, similar to a medal. There should be a symbol in the center. If it’s not in her satchel, try around her neck, or belt. She has to have easy access to it.â€
Mayne thought for a moment about this extra part of the escort job. A medal? This sounded somewhat familiar.
“I still don’t understand why you want me to do this,†Mayne said. Searching Laneele seemed a bit…invasive.
“You’re the only one who can get physically close to her,†Dalaar said. He remembered Reile’s report about seeing the way Mayne interacted with Laneele in Giran, and Kaylin said she needed someone that Laneele already knew, mercenary or not. Mayne was a perfect fit for this part of Kaylin’s plan.
“Why can’t I just ask her if she has this ‘medal’?†Mayne asked.
“Because she’ll deny it.â€
“She will?â€
“Absolutely.â€
“Then if she said she doesn’t have it, she doesn’t have it. Why do I have to go to such lengths to find out?â€
Dalaar was getting annoyed with Mayne’s questioning. “Don’t you perform jobs without question?â€
“Not when it involves friends.â€
“I thought mercenaries don’t have friends,†Dalaar said bluntly.
“You’re about to cross the line there, buddy,†Mayne said in a harsh tone, pointing his finger at Dalaar. “I highly suggest you choose your next words carefully.†Mayne wasn’t kidding. The dark elf’s attitude was beginning to further irritate him.
Dalaar put his hand to his chest and bowed his head. “My apologies. I was out of line.â€
“D*** straight. See that it doesn’t happen again.†Mayne put his hand down and took a swig from his mug. He then put it down and wiped his chin using the back of his hand. Mayne leaned back, staring at the table.
The job was simple, yet questionable. Nevertheless, the dark elf was right. It was normal procedure for mercenaries to perform jobs without question. It was also normal for mercenaries to not have any close friends, but rather, acquaintances, usually for connections. More importantly, it seemed that this proxy had no inkling of Mayne’s meeting with the old man earlier. The only other connection between the two jobs that Mayne could see was the medal that the dark elf spoke of. The more he thought about it, the more it seemed like the old man knew about the queen’s plan than the queen knew about her head scholar’s plan.
Dalaar could sense that the human was currently contemplating the job. He eyed Mayne carefully. Was this human really the best mercenary in Aden? He did not like him at all.
Mayne shifted his eyes up to meet Dalaar’s. “So, what is this job worth to the queen?â€
Dalaar was relieved. It was about time Mayne moved on to further discuss the job rather than his social status. Instead of answering Mayne with words, Dalaar placed a satchel on the table. He did this three more times, displaying a row of four satchels on the table in front of Mayne. Dalaar then reached for his goblet and sipped its contents.
Mayne stared at the satchels. Each one looked heavy and packed to the brim. He looked up at the dark elf, then back down at the satchels. This, all this, was payment for a mere escort job? He leaned forward and tugged at the opening of each, making sure of what was inside the satchels before giving an answer.
Dalaar gave a slight “humph†at the human’s obvious doubt of the payment. He really did not like the human at all.
“Do not worry. There’s no reason for me, or the queen, to deceive you. The job may be simple, but it has its value to the queen. And regarding your friend, she will not be harmed.â€
Mayne looked up at Dalaar. As much as he wanted to know the reason behind the job, he knew that wasn’t allowed. Knowing too much about a job could get him involved in a situation more than he should, or would want. He preferred to stay out of any politics a job may have. He saw Laneele as a fellow warrior in arms, but what the queen wanted with her was really none of his business. Mayne asked one final question.
“When do you wish to have Laneele escorted to the castle?â€
“As soon as possible,†Dalaar replied.
Mayne began taking the satchels off the table and placed them into his own satchel. He took the vial and held it between his fingers, eyeing it carefully. He then placed it in a special pocket in his glove. Mayne then began drinking from his mug again.
“I’ll bring Laneele to the queen when I see her next time,†Mayne said after putting down his mug. “I don’t know how long it will take. Laneele’s not one to sit still for very long whenever we meet.†Mayne’s forehead then creased in a small realization. “I think she doesn’t like me.â€
Uninterested, Dalaar took another sip from his goblet, then placed a few adena coins next to it.
“Then it’s settled.†Dalaar took his leave. The meeting took a little longer than expected, but he received the desired results out of it. He headed to Aden Castle to inform Kaylin of the good news.
After Dalaar left, Mayne drank the last of the mug’s contents, then continued to fiddle with the adena coin from earlier. The waitress came by and took his empty mug, the half-filled wine goblet, and the adena coins next to it.
“Another round, handsome?†she asked.
“Of course. But make it a shot. I need something with a little more kick.â€
“Sure. What did you have in mind?†The waitress asked.
“Oh, I don’t know. Surprise me.†Mayne then gave the waitress a wink.
“Right away, sweetie.â€
After the waitress left to complete Mayne’s order, an old man in full white robes sat across from Mayne.
“Have you decided?†he asked Mayne after settling in his seat.
“You’re a persistent one, old man, if not crazy,†Mayne replied, not looking up from the adena coin he was playing with.
“Queen Kaylin must not get the last two medals. And there is only one way to guarantee that she doesn’t,†the old man said, referring to his earlier job offer to Mayne.
“Why couldn’t you ask an assassin to do it? They have stealth techniques to effectively perform this job of yours.†Mayne asked. He still didn’t lift his head.
“The fact that they have stealth techniques may arouse the queen’s suspicions. If it comes from you, she won’t suspect anything,†the old man explained. “She and her partner have spies. I’m risking my life, and possibly the lives of my fellow scholars, by coming here and asking you to do this. And it must be done soon. I don’t know how much longer I and the other scholars can stall the queen. She’s getting very impatient about knowing the full history of the medals.â€
“And I suppose you know the full history of those medals?â€
The old man replied, “I do. And I’m the only one that knows the entire story. The other scholars know some, but they agree with me that Queen Kaylin must not get all the medals, given her lineage. I’m begging you, please accept my request.â€
Mayne thought for a moment. The dark elf’s job of escorting Laneele to the queen was highly convenient. It would get him inside the castle and close to the queen without arousing suspicion, making the old man’s job easier to complete. It was the reason why he accepted the dark elf’s job. But there was something he had to ask the old man. He stopped playing with the coin and looked up at him.
“Did you know that the queen, or rather, her proxy, just offered me a job?†Mayne asked bluntly.
The old man looked curiously at Mayne.
“No. I am not aware of that. What type of job?â€
“It involved this medal of yours. Apparently the queen knows who has one of the medals and requested me to escort that person to her castle.â€
The old man was surprised. The queen was acting rather quickly with her plans. He heard about how one of the last two medal carriers was the hierarch of the Elven Village, but he didn’t think the queen would find out who was in possession of the other medal so soon. The old man leaned forward toward Mayne.
“Does she suspect anything?â€
“Judging from what her proxy told me, I highly doubt it.â€
“So, you declined, yes?â€
“No. I accepted.â€
The old man looked at Mayne with wide eyes, stunned.
“You what?!†the old man exclaimed. “How could you do that? Queen Kaylin will certainly get her hands on all the medals! The reason I’m hiring you was to prevent her from doing so!â€
The old man composed himself when the waitress came by to give Mayne his shot glass. She then turned to him and asked what he would like. After the old man told the waitress that he didn’t want anything from the bar, Mayne chugged his shot in one gulp. Mayne then cringed, yelling aloud at the same time, “Whew! Now that’s one hell of a kick!†He set the shot glass on the waitress’ tray and told her to keep them coming. The waitress nodded with a smile and left.
After recovering from the alcohol’s “kick,†Mayne replied, “Look. You need me to get close to the queen. That dark elf’s job is the only way for me to do so in an effective and efficient manner. Since that dark elf needs me to escort the person who has this medal to her, I’ll use that same person to get close to the queen. If she gets her hands on the medal, I’ll get it back …†Mayne paused for a moment before continuing, choosing his words carefully, “…and complete your job request.â€
The old man shook his head. “It may be too late once she gets her hands on all the medals. She already has plans to get the other medal within a few days.â€
“You’ll have to trust me on this. It’s the only way I can perform this ‘job’ of yours.â€
The old man shook his head again, feeling even more hopeless. “You may have a hard time ‘completing my job request’ if she has all the medals in her possession by then. You have no idea what those medals can do.â€
Mayne continued to argue, a little offended that the old man began to doubt his skills. “If the queen finds out that someone has been stopping her from getting the medals, who do you think she’ll begin to suspect first? You and the other scholars are the only ones researching these medals. You have to let her continue her plans. If she finds out someone has been interfering, then your life, and the lives of your fellow scholars, will truly be in danger. And I don’t think you want that on your conscience.â€
The old man lowered his head, thinking about Mayne’s words. Mayne did have a point. He couldn’t arouse the queen’s suspicions, not while she was so close to getting all the medals. He actually didn’t care much about his life. He was old, and he believed he lived long enough in this world. His fellow scholars didn’t deserve to be in danger, which is why he didn’t disclose all the information he knew about the medals to the other scholars. Most of them had families to care for. The old man raised his head.
“So, you’ll accept my request?†asked the old man.
“That depends. Does the payment still stand?†Mayne responded.
The old man then put seven satchels on the table in front of Mayne. “Here is half of the payment. The other half is with my granddaughter. When the job is complete, I, or the other scholars, will let you know where she is to receive the rest of the payment,†the old man said.
Mayne nodded his head, satisfied. “Very well.†Mayne then took the satchels and stuffed them in his own satchel. Normally, payments were to be made in advance and in full, but given the old man’s job request, Mayne made an exception. He also hoped this would be the only time he would make such an exception. He didn’t like the job, but from what the old man told him, if it were true, it had to be done. He agreed with the old man’s earlier explanation that history cannot be repeated.
The old man heaved a sigh, relieved to know that all this will soon come to an end. It was a daring request, but under the circumstances, he knew it had to be done, and soon. The queen’s obsession with the medals was beginning to be unhealthy, and the secrets of the medals’ history had to be protected, no matter the cost. Too many lives were already lost at her hands, and Einhasad forbid two more lives will be lost. At that moment the waitress came by to give Mayne his second shot glass serving.
“Um, miss?†said the old man.
The waitress turned to face the old man. “Yes sir?â€
“I think I’ll have a drink after all.â€
“Of course. What would you like?â€
The old man looked at Mayne, watching him cringe when he chugged his shot in one gulp. He then looked at the waitress and made a quick head tilt towards Mayne. “I’ll have what he’s having.â€
Laneele stood before the Flame Lord and the orc chiefs at The King’s Hall. Laneele however noticed another orc she had never seen before with the orc chiefs, standing closest to the Flame Lord. The orc held her gaze at Laneele, as if she knew exactly who she was. It was eerie. Laneele could feel the orc’s eyes peering into her, as if she was interpreting her soul, reading her very essence. Laneele then shifted her eyes to the Flame Lord as he began to speak.
“So, you have made your decision?â€
“Yes, my lord,†said Laneele.
“And?â€
“I agree to test my skills against one of your people.â€
A wave of relief swept over the Flame Lord and the orc chiefs. Finally, their plan of improving Tangsu will become reality. They believed it was an important step in this day and age, as all the other races were learning new skills and gaining new abilities. The orc chiefs and Flame Lord believed that improving Tangsu was necessary to rival the new skills the other races were learning.
“However,†Laneele said aloud, catching the orcs attention and quite possibly short-changing their contentment of Laneele’s response. The orcs looked at Laneele, curious as to why she had something else to say. Her outburst and word choice gave them concern.
“Yes?†said Tantus.
“Despite the results of the ‘test,’ I will be relinquishing my Doomcryer profession.â€
The orcs stood dumbfounded at first, then began whispering to each other.
After their discussion, the Flame Lord asked Laneele, “Is this a matter of pride?â€
Laneele shook her head. “No. It’s a matter of respect. Not for me, but for your people.â€
The soothsayer leaned down to the Flame Lord and whispered, “This was not in the prophecy. I’m afraid I cannot help you in this regard.†She then stepped back to leave this matter to the chiefs.
The facial expressions of the rest of the orcs were clear; they wanted an explanation.
Laneele took the silent hint and explained.
“The development of my skills was meant for the good of all warriors. Yet such a development resulted in offending you and your people, which was never my intention. I also never intended my skills to be a deliberate modification of Tangsu. Because of my inadvertent offense, I will be relinquishing my Doomcryer profession to appease your people. Although this is merely a misunderstanding, it is clear that the longer I retain the Doomcryer profession, the more I offend your people. They wanted my profession stripped away, as Chief Tantus once said. I will not deny their request.â€
“You know that by relinquishing your Doomcryer position, you may end up severing ties with us, despite your best intention.†said Hatos.
Laneele nodded her head in response. “I am prepared for that. But I have hope that, despite severing such ties, I will be able to keep an agreeable relationship with you and your people.â€
The orcs leaned in and whispered to each other again, this time longer than before. Laneele patiently stood still, waiting for them.
When they finished, Kakai asked Laneele, “If you will be relinquishing your Doomcryer profession, what will be its replacement?â€
Laneele slightly lowered her head in contemplation, then raised her head before speaking to the Flame Lord.
“Actually, I haven’t thought that far ahead yet.â€
The Flame Lord gave a slight laugh. “Well, we are disappointed at your decision, but such a decision is yours and yours alone. You still have the support of the orcs, no matter the result.â€
Laneele breathed a sigh of relief. The orcs were good allies, and losing such good allies would not bode well for her and her race.
“The test will begin tomorrow at dawn. A Centurion will come to retrieve you. Do get some rest. You’ll need it,†said the Flame Lord.
Laneele bowed to the Flame Lord and the orc chiefs.
“Thank you, my lords.â€
The next morning, Laneele was served a fine breakfast, then later escorted by a Centurion to the Flame Lord and the orc chiefs at The King’s Hall. Laneele then followed the Flame Lord and the orc chiefs to the Valley of Heroes below. The Valley of Heroes, between The Pa’agrio Temple and The King’s Hall, was large, with various stone structures and ruins scattered everywhere. The orc chiefs remained near The King’s Hall entrance, while the Flame Lord stepped into the Valley of Heroes. Laneele followed.
“These are our training grounds, used by our people for centuries,†the Flame Lord said as he walked through the valley. “It is here where many orcs come to test their Tangsu skills before progressing in their professions. Only those who have defeated their opponents with valor and dignity will progress through their training and continue to advance in their professions.â€
Laneele looked around. She can sense that many battles, or tests, took place here. Rocks were strewn about. Stone pillars looked battered. Some of the grassy areas had bare brown spots. The wide open area allowed for plenty of movement. Yes, this was a good place to train.
While Laneele looked around, she asked the Flame Lord, “Who will I be sparring?â€
The Flame Lord turned around to face Laneele. He merely looked at her.
Laneele returned the Flame Lord’s look, then slightly recoiled, taking a small step back.
“You? You will be the one to test me?â€
The Flame Lord expected this reaction from Laneele. He began his explanation.
“As I said before, the orcs do not know our plans. This is the only way to test your skills without arousing suspicion. The orc chiefs and I will make the final judgment of whether your skills warrant modifying Tangsu. That is, of course, if your skills prove to be satisfactory.â€
Laneele was still in slight shock seeing her opponent. She expected someone completely different, maybe a Centurion or a Grand Khavatari. But the Flame Lord himself? While she was honored that she will be sparring him, she was also frightened.
Kakai was the Flame Lord for a reason. His efforts of gathering the orcs from different tribes to humbly reside with one another with no internal animosity received great praise, as he was the only successful orc to do so. This action earned him the respect of all the orc chiefs and the tribes, thereby earning him the rightful title of Flame Lord. Besides having multiple professions, the Flame Lord was one of the few orcs who mastered Tangsu. His skills and experience knew no equal; his knowledge and wisdom knew no bounds.
He had a natural fighting spirit, quick reflexes, and great judgment. The numerous years of training he spent during his younger years molded him into the finest warrior many have seen. Because of this, rumors spread only among the medal carriers that he was offered a medal, but declined. While the Flame Lord would neither confirm nor deny such rumors, the medal carriers continued to gossip, even argue as to why the great orc would decline such an offer. Nevertheless, they still respected him.
Not only was he a great warrior, but he was also a good family man, raising his son by himself. His late wife, an Overlord, died when their son was two years old. His son, now an adult, was a practicing Overlord like his mother, and was hopeful in joining the ranks of the Dominators. The Flame Lord had never felt so proud.
Laneele was not prepared for this, and it showed. Kakai spoke to ease her discomfort.
“Laneele, we did not tell you this because we wanted you to get some rest and stay focused for the test. And remember, though we call this a ‘test,’ we merely wish to gauge your skills and see whether they are what we need to improve Tangsu. If we like what we see, then we will make arrangements for improving Tangsu. But if we do not like what we see, then you are free to leave and do what you wish. We merely ask that you keep our plans for Tangsu secret, and we will do the same with your skills.â€
Laneele took multiple breaths to calm down, taking in what the Flame Lord said. Back when the Flame Lord made the offer to test her skills against one of his own, she never thought that he meant himself. If her skills were worthy enough to be considered for improving Tangsu, she had an obligation to show the Flame Lord what she trained in. This test would be quite a challenge, since this would be the very first time her skills would come into play against a warrior. She had every reason to give it her all.
The Flame Lord watched Laneele in quiet contemplation.
“Laneele, take your time. I understand the shock this must have on you.â€
Laneele took one more breath.
“I am ready.â€
Chief Hatos approached to lay the ground rules.
“The fight will begin at my signal. The fight will end when one yields. No magic of any kind is allowed, not even enhancements. We expect this to be a fair fight.â€
Both nodded at Hatos.
“Assume your positions.â€
Laneele and Kakai stood opposite each other. Laneele took her place, while Kakai stood his ground. Hatos took several steps back.
“Great Pa’agrio,†began Hatos. “We dedicate this battle to you and our ancestors.â€
After Hatos said this, the orcs exclaimed, “Tejakar Pa’agrio!â€
Hatos looked at the Flame Lord, then Laneele. “Ready?â€
Laneele took her stance. Kakai merely stood in place.
“Begin!â€
Right at that moment, Laneele rushed to Kakai at great speed. With her right hand, she aimed to punch Kakai at his head, but since he was so tall, she had to aim at his chest. Kakai folded both his arms inward to guard his chest, a mistake Laneele was expecting.
While she ended up punching his arms, Laneele quickly raised her left hand and punched his exposed mid-section. She used her forward momentum to quickly step past Kakai and turned to face him, stepping back a few steps to give her more room.
Kakai felt his mistake as Laneele rushed past him. He quickly turned around to face Laneele, seeing her back up.
A double punch, one high, then low. How interesting, thought Kakai. While her speed was extraordinary, it was her punches that caught his attention and forced him to be on higher guard; they were stronger than any he experienced, even from his own kind. Yet he did his best to not show any pain. The last minute flexing of his abdominal muscles helped only slightly.
Laneele quickly studied the Flame Lord. She was positive she threw those punches at her highest strength, yet the Flame Lord showed no reaction. This was going to be more difficult than she thought.
With no time to waste, she ran toward him and with her right leg, raised and chambered it, knee tucked towards her chest, then using her left leg, forced herself forward. When she was within range, she shot out her right leg, heel aimed at Kakai’s abdomen. Kakai instinctively lowered his guard to block her attack.
With his guard lowered, Laneele quickly lowered her leg and, while pushing off it to propel herself forward, repeated the same double punch as before. However, Kakai leaned his upper body back, forcing Laneele to miss her high punch. He adjusted his arms again to better block the lower punch from Laneele. Not wanting to miss an opportunity, he raised his right arm and shot it backwards towards Laneele as she stepped past him.
Not one to be outdone, Laneele ducked and rolled out of the way, forcing Kakai to miss. She noticed him beginning to extend his right arm before she completely passed him and expected something to happen. And she was right. Laneele quickly stood up and faced Kakai.
This was unusual. Kakai had never seen such movement before, or felt such power. If he hadn’t dug his heels in the ground, that leg move Laneele performed would definitely have knocked him over, seriously injuring him in the process.
With her arms up in defense, Laneele positioned herself in a sideways stance. She began shuffling back and forth, side to side.
What now, she wants to dance? thought Kakai. He couldn’t figure out what Laneele was exactly doing or planning. What was with the strange position she took? An answer, however, was already on its way.
As she inched her way closer to Kakai, Laneele raised her right leg again, using her left leg to propel herself forward, but instead of shooting her leg out like before, she repositioned her leg, this time aiming her knee at Kakai, and swung her foot at angle, hitting him in the side. As she put her foot down, she spun her body around. By the time she was facing Kakai again, she raised her left knee up, but put it down and quickly hopped up using her right leg, which swung at an arc towards Kakai’s face with more force than the previous kick. Because the spinning movement was too fast for Kakai to raise his arm and protect his head, her attack landed, her reach being better with the use of her legs. Using her momentum, she continued to spin, putting her right foot down but swinging her left leg up high, bending her leg at the knee and whipping her foot, striking Kakai in the face again.
Just as Laneele was putting her foot down behind her, Kakai moved in, stepping forward. Adrenaline rushing through his body, he took a swing at Laneele with his right hand, ignoring the pain from his face, his pride berating him for allowing Laneele to hit him in the face twice in a row.
This proved futile, as Laneele merely used her momentum to continue turning, pivoting on her left leg and spinning out of the way. Laneele chose to spin out of the way instead of block. Just looking at the orc gave her an idea of his massive strength. Who knows just how much damage Kakai can inflict.
Kakai stumbled forward, trying to regain his footing as fast as he can. However, the moment he turned to face Laneele, she was already charging at him. Laneele raised her right leg again and used the same angled kick as before, hitting him in the side. But instead of putting her foot down, she retracted her foot and swung her leg at the same angle, but this time aimed for Kakai’s head again. Kakai leaned back, Laneele’s foot just inches away from his face. Not yet finished, she chambered and shot out her right leg, heel digging into Kakai’s abdomen.
That last attack forced Kakai to stumble back, giving Laneele enough time to get in another attack. By the time Kakai stumbled back two steps, Laneele was in the air, her knee hitting Kakai in the chest.
This forced Kakai to stumble backwards even more, right into a stone wall. If it weren’t for the wall, he definitely would have fallen over. Leaning against the wall, Kakai eyed Laneele, who was back in her sideways stance, hopping back and forth. Kakai growled in a low frustration, ignoring his desire to massage his face and his chest from her attacks. He acknowledged her offensive skills. Now it was time to test her defensive skills.
Pushing off from the wall, Kakai charged at her. When he was in range, he threw his right fist at her.
While Laneele weaved out of the way to dodge his right arm, Kakai raised his left elbow and swung it at her face. Laneele quickly brought her right arm up to block, but the force was so great that her own arm ended up hitting her in the face. Laneele jumped back quickly to get out of range.
Laneele shook out her arm and massaged her face with her other hand, trying to ease the pain she felt. She cursed at herself for not moving fast enough, but then again, she was used to doing most of the attacking. Most of the humanoid monsters either used magic or swung a weapon only once before Laneele set in for a kill. Humanoid archer monsters were no problem since they took their time nocking an arrow in place and usually fired at most two arrows before Laneele dodged and dropped them to the ground.
Watching Laneele shake her arm gave Kakai a curious thought. Was she not used to receiving what she could give? Kakai hoped that wasn’t the case. If she trained without weapons and survived this long, surely she was able to take a few hits herself. Kakai began to charge again, this time with more aggressiveness.
Laneele began backing up, but due to Kakai’s range, he was able to reach her in no time. Kakai began throwing punches, forcing Laneele to take more steps back. Laneele, keeping a better focus, was able to successfully dodge all his punches while stepping back, until she found she could no longer move back.
Kakai had backed her into stone wall. Clever. So focused was she on dodging that she failed to stay aware of her surroundings. At Laneele’s surprised look at where she ended up, Kakai took the chance to pull back his arm and throw his punch with all his might.
Laneele ducked and rolled out of the way, diving under Kakai’s swinging arm. When she turned her head to look at Kakai, her eyes widened. Kakai’s arm was elbow-deep in the wall. She watched him pull his arm out of the wall, a giant hole in its place. Laneele stood up and stared. That was exactly where her head was! Kakai could have easily bashed her face in, killing her instantly.
Laneele was frightened with the same fear she felt when she witnessed Nathias’ demise. The fear made her body tense, practically to the point of paralyzing her. By the gods, what was going on? Wasn’t this supposed to be just a test? Regaining control of her body, Laneele briefly checked her surroundings before focusing on Kakai. Direct attacks appeared to have no effect. As she tried to think of her options, Kakai began charging at her again.
Instead of standing her ground, Laneele turned and ran towards two stone pillars standing side by side, a few feet apart. Running at full speed, she leaped at one side of the pillar, feet firmly on the wall, then pushed off. She quickly turned to grab the ledge of the opposite pillar. Planting her feet against its side, she pushed off again, grabbing the higher ledge of the original pillar. She continued jumping higher, back and forth between the pillars until she grabbed the top ledge of the higher of the two pillars, then pushed herself off and landed on top of the shorter pillar. From her crouched position, she stood up, watching Kakai catch up to her.
As Kakai ran to Laneele, he watched her nimbly jump between the two pillars and land on top of the shorter one. Just where did she learn to do that? She had reached the top of the pillar just as he was catching up to her.
Kakai stood at the foot of the shorter pillar and called out to her, “Running away?â€
Laneele, looking down from her perch, hesitantly replied, “Not running, just…assessing the situation.†She never meant to run. She needed more time to figure out how to defeat Kakai. This sort of situation is unprecedented. Never had she come across a warrior so challenging, despite desiring such a challenge. Clearly she received more than she bargained for. True, she needed the challenge to hone her skills, but she secretly craved the challenge for her own selfish reasons, one of those reasons being her ego. Obviously her selfishness got the better of her, as it’s highly possible that she may be defeated by Kakai, the first warrior to experience her skills. This was not the result she was expecting. She expected defeating Kakai and impressing the orc chiefs enough to pass on her skills. But to lose her first match against a fellow warrior? Her pride would have none of that.
Kakai curiously looked up at Laneele. Assessing a situation? Could it be due to the fact that she’s never used her skills on a warrior before? Kakai decided to see just how well she could “assess a situation.â€
Kakai called out to her, “Well, then assess this!â€
Kakai threw a flurry of punches into the stone pillar Laneele was standing on. Laneele was forced to crouch down as the tremors from Kakai’s punches rumbled through the pillar. Keeping a steady position, she watched Kakai below.
After several punches, Kakai took several steps back and looked up at Laneele. At first, nothing seemed to happen.
Laneele kept a crouched position, wondering why Kakai stopped and stepped back. She then began to hear noises from below, ones that sounded like rocks crumbling. Eventually, she felt a jolt. She grabbed the sides of the platform, then felt herself leaning forward.
The lower area where Kakai punched the pillar began to crumble and collapse. This caused the pillar to begin leaning forward, top portion first.
Realizing what Kakai did, Laneele kept her balance and held onto the pillar. As she began to fall forward, the stacked rocks that formed the pillar began to fall and separate. Laneele knew she was too high up to jump down to the ground without incurring serious injury, so she hopped backwards onto the other rock that was already on its way down. She continued to hop backwards to the other rocks that were falling behind her.
The orc chiefs watched in the distance as Laneele hopped backwards onto the rocks behind her.
“Interesting,†Varkees said. “She’s jumping backward from rock to rock to slow down her descent as the rest of the rocks fall forward.â€
Kakai watched as Laneele made the first jump backwards. He took several steps to the side to avoid the first falling stone. As it hit the ground and bounced away, the other stone came down near the spot where the previous one fell. As the other stones plummeted to the ground, they began to kick up dirt and sand, forming a cloud of dust around Kakai as they fell. He immediately saw this to his advantage.
Laneele landed safely on the ground, her guard up ready for any attack. However, because of the cloud of dust that formed from the falling stones, she was on high alert. Though she couldn’t get a good visual on Kakai, she kept her eyes and ears open, waiting for any kind of movement.
Laneele heard a noise, then what sounded like a grunt, then saw a large stone coming at her. As she quickly dodged to the side, she saw another large stone fly towards her. Quickly clasping her hands together into a fist, she raised it above her head and, with a downward force, smashed the stone to pieces before it hit her. She then silently moved to another location to try to throw off Kakai’s aim and figure out where the hell he was.
The orc chiefs saw her obliteration of the stone with surprised looks, as this was the first time to actually witness the destructiveness of her physical strength. It could possibly rival the Flame Lord’s.
Another stone was thrown, but not quite in Laneele’s direction. It was several feet away from Laneele’s current position. As she watched it fly in a different direction, her peripheral vision caught movement. When she turned her head to see what it was, all she saw was a large hand reaching for her. Too slow to react, Laneele found the hand wrapped around her neck. As she grabbed Kakai’s wrist with her left hand, she found herself being shoved backwards until her back hit a wall. On the moment of impact, her right hand was pinned to the wall by Kakai’s other hand. Opening eyes she didn’t realize she had closed, Laneele looked up to see Kakai’s face.
Kakai threw the first two stones to get an idea of Laneele’s position. Despite the light elf’s silent movement, he watched for the disturbance in the cloud of dust to give her away. When he figured out her position, he threw the third stone as a distraction and quickly charged at her.
Now he had her, surprised at how easy it was to catch her. Was this truly the outsider from the prophecy?
“Do you yield, light elf?†Kakai demanded.
The orc chiefs watched Laneele become trapped in the Flame Lord’s grip. One orc chief shook his head. Another stood with his mouth slightly open. Another orc chief stood silent, then turned around and began to walk away.
Laneele stared at Kakai in the face, eyes beginning to water and turn red from Kakai’s choke hold. The pressure was unbearable; she was having trouble breathing.
With one hand pinned and the other hand pulling on Kakai’s wrist so that she could somewhat breathe, Laneele tried to kick him away, but found she couldn’t lift her foot. Kakai used his legs to immobilize Laneele’s, pressing his knees against Laneele’s knees and using his shins to keep her from moving her feet. He knew he was crushing her against the wall, but this was the only way he could think of to quickly immobilize most of her limbs and have an advantage.
Being in this sort of situation was a predicament for Laneele. She knew what to do only if an enemy was at a distance. Kakai was much too close to her for her to do anything, and all her limbs were immobile, save for her left hand which she had to use to concentrate on Kakai’s grip on her throat. She was at a loss. The only thing left to do was to yield. She closed her eyes, ready to speak.
Don’t give up!
Laneele heard a voice. It definitely wasn’t Kakai’s. Maybe her conscience?
“But I’m trapped,†her mind’s voice responded. “I can’t break free. He’s much too strong.â€
You can’t give up. The Laneele I fell in love with would never give up.
Laneele, upon hearing those words, opened her eyes in shock. But something was different. Kakai was no longer in front of her. Her arms were down to her sides, free to move around. She brought her arms up and looked at them. She began to notice that she was no longer pushed up against a wall, but rather standing in an open field. Laneele looked around to gauge her surroundings. Nothing seemed familiar. As she looked around, all she could see was grass. The field seemed to go on forever in every direction. This was not the Valley of Heroes. By the gods, where was she?
As the wind blew through, Laneele tried to recall what happened just moments before. She remembered being forced up against a wall by Kakai. She remembered the choke hold he had on her. She was about to yield when she heard a voice speak to her. That voice sounded very familiar.
Right then, the same voice called out, “You are stronger than you think, Laneele.â€
Laneele turned towards the sound of the voice. Her mouth dropped open at what she saw. Standing in the field several feet away from her was someone she never thought she’d ever see again.
Due to current events in my real life and the future of Lineage II, it is unfortunate that I will no longer be continuing this thread.
I cannot continue to write a story I no longer have time for, and the upcoming update for the game is making it difficult for me to adjust the story accordingly.
If anyone would like to take over this thread and continue the story in his/her own way, by all means, go nuts.
It was good to see such positive comments about the story. I'm sorry that it has to end here.