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Sisters
Posted: 13 Feb 2004 04:13 PM |
The two elves stood staring at each other for a few long moments, both unable to believe the evidence of their own eyes.
"Where are you from, originally, Ferein?" asked Elvalia.
"Bronwyn shook her head, "I'm not sure, maybe originally, but I grew up in a druid grove just outside."
"What...what of your parents? Were they druids as well then?" Elvalia waited, almost certain that she knew what the answer would be.
"I don't know, I was left with the druids as a baby, they brought me up as one of their own. If I ever asked, they couldn’t – or wouldn’t tell me anything about who left me there.”
Strangely unsurprised, Elvalia said, “I just can’t understand how we look so alike, it really is a little… unsettling.”
“I know what you mean, it’s like talking into a mirror.”
“We could be related I suppose, though I don’t remember my parents ever mentioning they had brothers or sisters. Even so, I don’t recall even cousins looking as alike as we do.”
Elvalia shook her head as if trying to clear it and then decided to change the subject.
She looked into the shadows cast by the surrounding buildings, “Have you been travelling long?”
“Not really, I only left the grove a few days ago, I felt I had learnt all I could there and wanted to see a bit more of the world. The druids said I was ready.”
Elvalia was still peering into the shadows, “Well it’s dangerous to travel alone, and perhaps you’d like some company?”
Bronwyn smiled, “That would be lovely.”
For the next day or so the pair toured some of the places Elvalia had discovered since leaving the forest – carefully steering clear of those she thought might prove too dangerous for the druid. They discovered that they had much in common, apart from lonely childhoods, and found themselves drawn to each other in some curious way. Quite often one would look up to find the other was studying her.
Elvalia couldn’t come to terms with how she felt about her new companion, she had close friends but none of them had affected her like this. She began to feel some curious connection to her new acquaintance.
A few days later Elvalia stood on the plains talking to Avari, she had told her about Bronwyn, had told Loli and Legolas too, and described the strange similarity in looks – and in some ways attitude – between them.
She had been discussing a trip to Ferein with Avari, when all of a sudden she felt disoriented, only just managing to keep her balance by grabbing Avari’s arm.
“You all right Elvalia?” said Avari. “What’s wrong?”
“I… I don’t know, it’s just a feeling, like I need to go somewhere. Come on.” She ran off towards Midor.
Alarm showed on Avari’s features, “Elvalia! Wait!” she called as she ran after her.
She caught up with her just outside the main gate and grabbed her shoulder, “Elvalia, what’s goin’ on? This ain’t like you.”
Elvalia turned and smiled at her. “It’s all right, I don’t think it’s anything to worry about, but I’ve got to go into Midor. Come on.”
Avari shook her head, “I ain’t goin’ in there, I can’t, and ye know that.”
“Oh, right. Wait here then, I’ll only be a minute – and don’t worry.” Then she turned and ran past the guards into the city.
Once inside she walked straight into the market place to find Bronwyn haggling with one of the stallholders over prices. “I knew it! I… I felt you were here!”
“And I felt you were coming. This is getting really strange you know.”
As a result of a joke they had played a few days earlier on Legolas, they were both clad identically. Elvalia was still a little disappointed that it had taken Legolas at least 5 minutes to work out which she was.
“Come with me, there’s someone I want you to meet.” Said Elvalia, heading back towards the city gate.
Avari was leaning against the wall of Gepetto’s, still looking slightly concerned, though the look of concern was quickly followed by one of complete consternation as they ran up and she looked from one to the other.
“Elvalia?” she said, looking from one to the other.
“This is Bronwyn, my… my new friend, I told you about her the other day.”
“I remember, now I see what you meant. It is uncanny, are you sure your father didn’t marry twice?”
“No I’m not,” Elvalia laughed, “but I think there’s a little more to it than that. Let’s find an inn and talk.”
Not wanting to go to Midor for Avari’s sake, they walked to Paws and sat down in one of the darker corners of the inn there.
“Now, what’s all this about Elvalia?” Avari said, still a little unsettled by the experience.
“Tell her Bronwyn, about your childhood.”
Bronwyn repeated what she had told Elvalia the day they had met but added a little more she hadn’t heard before for good measure. “I was the only child there, they called me a gift from Elbereth.”
“I’m still havin’ trouble followin’ this.” Said Avari.
“I think we’re sisters Avari, twin sisters, it would explain a lot.”
“But why split you up? You were brought up by your parents – at least until they were killed. Why shouldn’t Bronwyn have been?”
“I’m not sure,” acknowledged Elvalia, but why then did they leave Ferein? Why move to the outskirts of the forest? I think we were being protected. I heard my father say to my mother the night before they died ‘as long as Elvalia lives, that is all that matters.’”
Avari’s brow knotted in concentration as she tried to grasp what it was her friend was trying to explain.
“And then there’s Aros,” said Elvalia, “why look after me for all those years in the forest when it would have been just as easy to have friends look after me in Ferein. There must have been some alive then who would have taken me in.”
“This is what I think happened, for some reason we were to be hidden. Don’t ask me why. Bronwyn was taken to the grove to be trained in my mother’s footsteps while I stayed with my parents who moved out of Ferein to hide me, and bring me up in the ways of my father, as a ranger and archer. Aros kept an eye out when they were killed.”
“Are you the same age then?” Asked Avari.
“As far as we can tell, I lost track of time in the forest, while Bronwyn says record keeping wasn’t high on the list of the druids’ priorities. We certainly look the same age.”
“All we need to do now is prove it, but I’m convinced. Even if that isn’t exactly what happened, we’re sisters. I know it. I feel it. I felt her presence in Midor from the plains!”
“And I knew she was on her way,” said Bronwyn.
“I feel differently when we’re together, it’s not like when I travel with you or anybody else. It feels like… like when my parents were alive… like family.”
Avari sat scratching her head. “It’s a strange story all right, but I can’t deny it sounds convincin’. So ye need proof. How’re ye goin’ to get it? I seem to recall ye mentionin’ a book, with a picture o ye father?”
“No, that was just about his days as an archer before I was born. As I see it we have two options. Firstly, we could ask Neek.”
Avari looked up in surprise, “Neek? Why him?”
“I was talking with him a while back, he knew my – our father. But there is another way of finding out.”
“An’ jus’ how’re ye goin’ to do that?” said Avari, leaning back in her chair and crossing her arms, beginning to wonder how Elvalia could be so certain of all this.
“Aros. We ask Aros. If anyone knows, he will.”
“Possibly, but even if he does he may not tell ye.” Avari grinned broadly, “Tho' if it turns out ye are sisters I don’ know what I’ll do, I have enough trouble lookin’ after one o’ ye
Events conspired to keep Bronwyn and Elvalia apart over the next week, so they didn’t see much of each other, although both felt the curious pulling sensation occasionally. Nor for once did Aros appear, and Elvalia was beginning to despair of being able to get to the bottom of the problem.
She was out early one morning in Brandibuck Vale, collecting hemp, when once more she had the feeling that Bronwyn was nearby. Having not seen her for a while Elvalia decide to stop what she was doing and go and find her. Packing away what she had collected, she picked up her bow and walked off down the road towards Mirghul.
As the road entered the trees, she stopped to ready herself for the passage through the goblins. Securing anything that was likely to reflect light or make a noise. She was sure she could handle herself well enough but didn’t see the point in wasting arrows when it was easy enough just to sneak through.
She was just tying down a loose buckle on her armour when Bronwyn came running out of the trees, closely followed by her large dire wolf Mythos.
“Hello sister, I thought I’d find you here.”
“I was just coming to find you, I thought you were in Midor.”
“Not any more,” Bronwyn giggled, “I could have waited but Mythos was hungry – and food is so expensive.”
“And goblins so plentiful,” laughed Elvalia, deciding for once not to mention anything about being careful. “Well you’ve saved me a trip anyway, let’s… “
A vacant expression appeared on her face. Bronwyn ran up to her and took her face in her hands. “Sister?”
She sighed with relief as Elvalia looked at her and smiled. “Come with me, someone wants to see us.”
“Who? Why? Where are we going?”
“Nothing to worry about, I think we’re going to get some answers – hopefully.”
She led Bronwyn east through the Vale and climbed up the track to a small rest camp.
“Greetings, children, have a seat and make yourselves at ease.”
Elvalia bowed low, smiling broadly, “My lord.”
Bronwyn running up behind almost died of shock, “Oh my… I mean… er… greetings my lord.”
The two elves sat beside their God, one – Elvalia – with a serene smile on her face, feeling as she always did at times like this that she was totally at peace, protected.
Bronwyn on the other hand sat shaking like a leaf, fidgeting uncomfortably and casting looks occasionally at Elvalia as if to seek reassurance.
“It is a fine day, is it not?” Said Aros, “How are you two?”
“Never better, my lord,” grinned Elvalia.
“Er… well… a little shaky actually.” Said Bronwyn.
“Oh? Why is that?” said Aros.
“Well, hunger I think, I haven’t eaten all day.”
“Have some of this then,” said Aros, passing her a cut from the roast, which suddenly appeared above the fire. “Elvalia?”
“Thank you my lord but no, I am not hungry. Not for food at any rate.”
“I sense more of your questions, child.” He laughed, as she blushed.
“I’m sorry my lord, but you are probably the only one who can answer this.”
“Go ahead, we won’t find out unless you ask.”
“Are we sisters, my lord?”
“Straight to the point as usual,” he said, laughing, “what makes you think that?”
“Well the main reason you can probably guess just by looking at us, my lord. We are identical.”
“As near as makes no difference,” he smiled, “go on.”
“I was rescued by you my lord an protected by you to follow my father’s path, I think it’s safe to say that.” He nodded.
“While Bronwyn here was raised by the druids, following a path my mother chose for herself.”
Bronwyn suddenly overcame her shyness, “It’s true my lord, and they said I was a gift from Elbereth.”
Aros’ eyes narrowed, “Intriguing, but hardly conclusive – is there anything else.”
“We seem to be linked together in some strange way, each of us can tell what the other is doing, no matter how far apart we are. And then there’s the way I feel about her, it’s different from friendship, or even love.”
“Well, for definite proof I’d need to consult the Father and ask to see his Book if he would allow it. Which is by no means sure.” Smiling at Elvalia’s downcast features, he added mischievously, “There may be another way, however.” Turning to Bronwyn, he said, “Do you have anything at all from your childhood?”
Bronwyn sat deep in thought. “Nothing that would… oh! Wait a minute, there is this…” she fell silent as she began to rummage through her pack, then eventually brought out a silver ring. “This was given to me by the druids when I left the grove, they said it was left by the couple who took me there.”
“Is there anything special about it?” Asked Aros.
“Not really, apart from the fact that it’s very pretty, it does have a word carved into it in elven though, see?” said Bronwyn as she passed him the ring. “I can read it of course but I’ve never come across the word before, I’m not sure what it means.”
Aros examined the ring closely, turning it over between his fingers.
“It says Elmirie.”
“What!” cried Elvalia, jumping to her feet.
“Do you recognise it then Elvalia?
“Of course I do, it was my mother’s name!”
“Oh! Then… then..”
“Then you are sisters, children.” Said Aros, grinning broadly.
“You knew all along my lord!”
Aros, by now laughing, nodded. “But sometimes it’s best if you discover things for yourself.”
“But why were we split up like that? Why were we so protected?”
Aros began to fade, but his figure remained just long enough for them to hear one last sentence….
“That, children, will soon become clear. Be safe both of you.” |
Elvalia - Chosen of Aros
Elrith Mellin
Perin - 'Cleric (an' drewid) o' Elbreff' Weddin's an' pies a speciarality
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Songs of Sisters
Posted: 15 Feb 2004 11:44 AM |
I have been hearing many tales of the Elven sisters watched over by Aros....what a heroic and romantic song it would make! Mayhap if I seek them out, I could gather enough information, and permission to sing their tale....If they didn't reject me, that is....*sigh*
Macha |
Trishy
Macha Sparrowsong - Song is my life
Coretta Alandar - Cleric of Midoran
Dekla Debena - whatever
Not all people who wander are lost.
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Elvalia alone again
Posted: 15 Feb 2004 03:09 PM |
The lightning forked down from the dark skies, and the sound of the thunder, the wind and the torrential rain drowned out any other sound that otherwise might have been heard.
The standing stones craned their heads upward casting almost perpetual shadow across the top of the hill.
In the lea of one of the larger stones she sat staring up into the skies, unheeding of the rain, which lashed at her face and plastered the blonde hair to her head.
She had come here for guidance, as was her wont, and for the first time in a long while had received none.
She had come here to pray to her lord but he had not answered, nothing but the sounds of the weather.
Tears mingled with the rain running down her face. She was so lonely. She had friends, acquaintances, even a sister now. But she was still alone.
She reached out and ran her hand along the bow, which leant, unstrung against the stone behind her. She had coiled the string in her tunic earlier to protect it from the rain.
“Father….” She whispered.
So lonely, as she had been since her parents’ death. Friends came and went busy with their own lives. She had thought she had found happiness with Legolas and then he disappeared, who knows where, to return briefly then disappear again – until he was gone more often than by her side.
Nobody she could talk to about it, nobody who would understand, who knew what such loneliness could mean – not even Bronwyn, who had at least had the company of other elves as she grew up.
Elvalia ran her hands over her face to clear some of the water and blinked. There was one who might, one who knew how she might feel. One who knew uncertainty and terror and the need for companionship?
She stood and squeezed the rain from her hair, took her bow and padded silently down the hill.
“She will know; all I have to do is find her.” |
Elvalia - Chosen of Aros
Elrith Mellin
Perin - 'Cleric (an' drewid) o' Elbreff' Weddin's an' pies a speciarality
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Beginnings
Posted: 21 Feb 2004 03:06 PM |
The atmosphere in the Four Winds was what one could only describe at best as ‘thick’. Smoke from the fire, torches, and the pipes of the assorted clientele combined to hang in a low cloud a foot below ceiling level, making the already dim lighting even worse.
In the shadows of one of the darkest corners sat a young woman, her face obscured by her hood, and her feet upon the table in front of her. She leant back on the bench, apparently asleep.
At the bar, one of the locals nudged another with his elbow, winked, and then strolled over to where she sat.
“Ello lass, looking fer a little company are ye? Praps a room fer the night eh? If ye’re friendly enough ye might get both.” He grinned, revealing a mouth full of gaps, combined with teeth which looked as if they would soon be joining their absent friends.
“Watcher say? Cold night out, fancy a little warm up?”
The woman’s left hand reached slowly down from where it had been concealed under her cloak towards the darkness under her bench. Then she clicked her fingers.
The man’s grin disappeared and he backed away slightly as a pair of green eyes blazed into life.
“I’m fine as I am friend,” came the woman’s voice, “but Trin here might like to play. He enjoys a bit of fun before a meal.”
As the man beat a hasty retreat towards the bar she chuckled and reached down to scratch the panther’s head. “Good boy, you’ll protect me won’t you?”
The panther purred deeply as she dropped it some scraps from her plate, then reached for the mug in front of her.
Taking a deep swallow of what had been rather optimistically labelled elven wine, she leant back and sighed.
It had been a difficult day, like the two before it. She had scoured the streets of Midor and Port Royale, searched the plains, and hunted through the villages of Buckshire and Paws. But had not found her.
Sighing again she sat staring into the flames of the fire for a while, and then closed her eyes, remembering…
She was wandering along the Northern Highway early one morning, on her way to Buckshire from the Standing Stones where she had been to pray. It was so early that the sun had only begun to show weakly through the trees and a low mist clung to the ground. Swirling around her knees as she walked along the road singing softly to herself.
Some way ahead of her she made out the dim form of somebody heading in the opposite direction and sat down to wait, intrigued as to who else might be about this early in the morning. As the figure drew nearer and spotted Elvalia, whoever it was seemed to stop and hesitate a moment before deciding whether to continue and come closer.
As the person came nearer and the light grew a little stronger, she could see that it was a young woman, and when she came within a few yards stood to greet her.
“Hello, I don’t believe we’ve met, I’m Elvalia.” She said with a smile, studying the girl before her.
Not being an expert she guessed that the human before her was nineteen or twenty years of age, clad in battered plate mail, with a sword strapped at her side and a shield on her back. Her shoulder length hair was a deep, burnished red colour and the fringe hung untidily from her forehead to half conceal dark chestnut coloured eyes. Eyes that looked defensively at Elvalia as she said:
“I am Jone… Jone Eagle.”
As if noticing that she was being studied the girl quickly looked away, her gaze fixed on something in the far distance.”
“That’s an unusual name,” said Elvalia, “but a pretty one.” The girl’s eyes flickered towards her briefly then away again.
“I chose it myself,” she said, a little defensively.
Understanding somehow that it was a sensitive subject, Elvalia smiled and said, “It’s lovely.” She tried hard not to grin, as the girl seemed to relax slightly.
“Where were you headed? I have nothing to do at the moment if you would like some company on your journey.”
Jone fidgeted and seemed to hesitate for an age before finally answering.
“To the standing stones, to call my goddess.”
Elvalia was now definitely curious. She had heard of only one other, Avari, who used the stones as a place of devotion as she herself did. To find that this young woman did the same had definitely aroused her interest.
“That’s a coincidence, I have just come from there. I go there often to pray myself.”
The chestnut eyes swivelled once more towards Elvalia, as the girl seemed for the first time to take an interest.
“You do? Whom do you pray to?”
“Aros, he has watched over me all my life, and watches all elves and archers. I go there to give thanks for his protection.”
A hint of eagerness crept into the girl’s voice.
“I have heard that he appears to those who worship him on occasion. Is that true?”
Elvalia smiled and nodded, “It is, I have seen him on many an occasion.”
Jones eyes once more took on that far away expression. “You are lucky, I wish my goddess would come to me.”
Elvalia looked at her with sympathy, “I have heard that some deities are not so active as Aros and do not walk the lands as he does. Who is it that you follow?”
Jone looked up at the skies where the sun was at last beginning to break through in earnest. “Vilyave, mistress of the winds and the birds, I call to her often but she does not answer.” Her features took on an expression of infinite sadness. “I do not know if she even wants me as a priestess, she has not answered.”
“You have divine energy through spells surely?” said Elvalia.
“Yes, I have spells.”
“Then she at least hears you prayers,” said Elvalia brightly, “and that is a good sign. It is unusual though, I never met a priestess of Vilyave before. What set you on that path?”
The girl stiffened and her eyes glazed over, Elvalia noticed for the first time that she had been clenching and unclenching her fists and that her fingernails – almost like talons – had drawn blood in places as they dug into the flesh of her palms.
Alarmed, she tried to soothe the girl and said softly, “I’m sorry, if you don’t want to talk about it…”
The girl relaxed slightly, “It is all right, I am not used to trusting people, but you… you seem different somehow, gentler, more genuine than most I have met.”
“Perhaps if we went somewhere quieter you could tell me about it. There is a secluded campsite not far from here. We could talk there. I don’t think many people use it.
The girl stood for a long moment gazing at Elvalia before seeming to make up her mind. “Very well, secluded would be good I think.”
So they walked off along the highway towards Buckshire outpost, then south from there to the village itself. The blonde elf leading the way, followed by the tall young redheaded human – in total silence.
It struck Elvalia as she walked that she had not once heard the girl use her name, nor seen her even come close to smiling. She wondered what it was that had made her that way. She glanced over her shoulder at Jone who stalked along a few yards behind her, haunted eyes fixed firmly on the ground before her.
They arrived in Buckshire village and Elvalia led the way east, wading across the stream to arrive at a small campsite under the eaves of the wood.
They sat down in the shade and once they had made themselves comfortable, Elvalia looked at Jone and decided to get straight to the point.
“So, you were going….”
“Elvalia?” Interrupted Jone, shocking the elf into silence by the use of her name.
“Do you have friends?”
“Yes, of course, some of them very good ones,” answered Elvalia with a slightly quizzical look on her face.
“Are any of them men?”
Elvalia blushed, wondering where the questioning was leading, “Some of them, why?”
Jones eyes switched from their customary focus on the horizon and looked at Elvalia intently. “Have any of them forced you…. you know…”
Shocked, Elvalia turned an even deeper shade of red, “No, of course not, they, he would never…” Comprehension suddenly dawned on Elvalia and she reached out to take the young woman’s hand. Jone flinched momentarily but allowed the touch.
“Jone, has this happened to you?” asked Elvalia quietly.
The young woman frowned and clenched her fists, “No, I would not let it. But it is the way of things where I come from.”
“And where is that?” asked Elvalia gently, sensing that she was about to find out the reason for the girl’s strange behaviour.
“I come from Port Royale, near the docks. We had a home there where I lived with my parents and brothers.” Her eyes flickered towards Elvalia and away again, “It is not a very nice place, Elvalia. Life is cheap there, and so is everything else. I left.”
“Why?”
“Because I didn’t want to end up like my mother, sold on the streets so my father and brothers could drink.” She glanced up quickly at the shocked expression on the elf’s face and then back down at her hands. “I left because I thought they might do it to me too, and I didn’t like the way they had begun to look at me.”
“They wouldn’t have, surely?”
“They would, women are belongings there, to be used as the men see fit. But not me, I will not be used.”
“What of your mother?”
Jone’s eyes for the first time showed expression as a hint of sadness appeared in them. “She was weak, she should have fought.” She said, looking down at her claw-like fingernails, “I did.” A solitary tear rolled down Jone’s cheek.
Elvalia decided it might be best to change the subject. “Tell me how you came to Vilyave, Jone,” she said gently.
Jone sighed and relaxed almost gratefully.
“I ran from my home in the middle of the night and hid in the backstreets until most were abed, then when it was quiet I left the town and wandered for a while until I came to the place where the stones are. There was a storm but I was so tired that I slept anyway. When I awoke, I saw a bird circling high in the sky above, and took its name for myself. I saw her there in my mind, Vilyave, and prayed to her. She granted me some spells, but she would not come to me. Still I pray and she will not come. I am alone.”
“We are alike I think, in some ways, Jone.” Said Elvalia.
A look of curiosity and confusion entered Jone’s expression. “Why do you say that?”
“I know what it is like to fell loneliness, I know what it is like to have no family, no friends, nobody to talk to.”
“But you seem so… so happy.” Said Jone, frowning.
“Now, perhaps, but it was not always that way, would you like me to tell you?”
Jones eyes narrowed as if she still expected some trick, scarcely believing that the elf before her could even understand what unhappiness was.
“All… all right.”
The sun climbed higher into the skies above and it was early afternoon by the time Elvalia had finished telling Jone her story. Elvalia wiped away the tears which always appeared when she spoke of her father, and looked at the girl who stared at her with compassion.”
“It is true, then, you do know what it is like.”
Elvalia nodded.
“But you say you have friends now?”
“Yes.”
“I would not know how to make a friend, I would not know how to act. How do you decide if someone is a friend or not?”
“Friends are people you care about and who care about you. People who would go out of their way to help and protect you, to see that you come to no harm.”
“I have no friends then,” said Jone with an air of finality, “there is nobody who thinks that way about me.”
“Really?” smiled Elvalia, “Are you so sure of that? I know of one who would be proud to call you a friend… if you wish.”
She looked at the girl who had once more focused her gaze on something in the far distance as she stared across the fields. Jone sat for a while, then turned to Elvalia and smiled. “I think I would like that… friend.”
At the crash from the direction of the bar, Elvalia came out of her trance with a start, somewhat ashamed that she had drifted off while reminiscing. She looked across and smiled as she saw her suitor from earlier being carried form the inn in a drunken stupor, then stood to leave herself. “It is no good”, she thought, “I must find her.” |
Elvalia - Chosen of Aros
Elrith Mellin
Perin - 'Cleric (an' drewid) o' Elbreff' Weddin's an' pies a speciarality
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Re: Beginnings
Posted: 21 Feb 2004 05:02 PM |
| *applause* |
Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them.
-Henry David Thoreau
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A Friendship Sealed
Posted: 23 Feb 2004 04:37 PM |
The moon climbed high above the woods south of the Northern Highway, casting deep shadows across the fields. A small fire burnt fitfully under the trees, the flames reflecting in the green eyes of the young elf as she threw the remains of a boar's leg to the panther, which lay nearby.
"There you go boy, finish it off."
She looked up at the skies above, satisfying herself that the weather was likely to stay dry. Then, making sure her bow was near at hand, she leant back against her pack with her hands behind her head and gazed up at the stars through the trees.
She watched a beetle walk along a branch above her and smiled as she thought back once more to her first meeting with Jone Eagle. Beetles had been involved then too, but somewhat larger ones.
On the late afternoon of that first day, they had headed along the coast road towards Port Royale. On the way they met two young elves who explained that they had heard of an insect infestation in a nearby cave and been asked to clear it out.
Not particularly eager to join them, but at the same worried for their safety, Elvalia ha looked at Jone, who looked back and shrugged.
“All right we’ll help, but at the first sign of major trouble we run for it”
At first, it must be said, all had gone well and the four of them had dealt easily with the giant beetles they had found within the cave, the two younger elves hanging back slightly as Jone and Elvalia made short work of the opposition.
Pausing for breath, Elvalia had looked up at Jone and smiled, “We make a good team you and I.” The chestnut eyes had flickered across Elvalia’s features and a hint of a smile appeared on the girl’s face as she nodded.
As they probed deeper into the caves, Elvalia dropped back slightly to cover the rear. Hearing a suspicious noise she walked back a little way and listened, decided it was nothing, and turned to follow her companions.
Peering into the darkness ahead she sighed as she realised they were nowhere in sight.
“Elvalia, you must be the only ranger in elven history who manages to get lost every time you turn a corner.” She muttered to herself as she padded silently along in the direction she thought they had gone.
Coming to a junction, she stood for a short while, listening. Nothing. “Here we go again.” She thought, “Well last time I turned right and that didn’t go to well.”
She turned down the left hand passage, bow at the ready. The darkness ahead was almost impenetrable, even to one with her eyesight. She froze and listened, thinking she had heard something, and then walked cautiously forward once more. There it was again! A sound like someone tapping pebbles together. She waited a while until it stopped. Strange. Squinting hard she stared ahead of her and could just make out a very large shape in the passage ahead of her.
Deciding that the left turn hadn’t been the right choice after all, she turned and walked rapidly back the way she had come abandoning any attempt at silence. Behind her she heard a loud scuttling as the creature was obviously alerted by the sound she made, and broke into a run.
She could hear the creature getting closer and as the light grew a little better near the junction she risked a glance over her shoulder.
A stag beetle! She ran past the passage to her right and on down the tunnel, straight into another beetle. Quickly, she raised her bow and began loosing arrows as fast as she could, but she was too close and the one in front approached too quickly. She dropped her bow and reached for her scimitar, just as the pincers tore through her armour and into her chest. She just had time to realise that this encounter wasn’t going to end happily when the stag beetle hit her from behind and everything went black…
She started to regain consciousness and felt her head cradled on something metallic, while a hand brushed the hair gently from her face.
She looked up and saw a pair of chestnut eyes looking down at her in concern. She realised then that her face was wet and that the girl had been crying. “Jone? What’s the matter?” Then the full realisation of what had happened in her and she began to frown with concentration, realising that Jone wouldn’t have the kind of power needed to bring her back to life. “How did you? Who?”
“Really child you must learn to be more careful you know. People will start to think I’m your own personal cleric.” Said a familiar voice
She looked down towards her feet where Aros stood smiling and with Jone’s help, climbed shakily to her feet, then bowed before her god.
“I am sorry my lord, I do seem to be taking up rather a lot of your time recently. I will try to do better.” She said with a smile.
Aros grinned, looked at Jone, then the two elves, “Be safe all of you.” Then with a pointed look at Elvalia, “and be careful.”
With a last chuckle he faded from view
Elvalia looked at the two elves that stood with a look of astonishment on their faces.
“Who called him? Which one of you was it?” They both shook their heads rapidly and pointed over her shoulder. Turning, she looked quizzically at the girl. “Jone? I don’t understand, how did you call Aros?”
Jone was as usual looking everywhere but at the person who addressed her, “I prayed to Vilyave, she said. “I asked her to send a message to Aros via the winds that one of his children was in danger, and he came.” She looked as if she didn’t quite believe what had happened herself, “I’m not sure I believed that tales of him walking among us till just now.”
A smile of sympathy spread on Elvalia’s features. “But don’t you see Jone? He came, that means Vilyave heard you, she is watching you even if she doesn’t come.”
As the girl smiled, Elvalia reached up to wipe some of the moisture from her face. “You were crying. Why?”
“I have just found a friend Elvalia, I thought I had just lost one too.”
Elvalia smiled, “Well, I am fine, you need not worry.”
Jone looked rather pointedly down at the elf then gestured quickly with a finger before looking away. “You might want to get some more armour though.”
Elvalia looked down to see the great rents the beetles had made and blushed as she pulled the pieces together to cover herself…
She woke to find that the fire had gone out and rain was falling steadily. She jumped up cursing under her breath and began to collect her belongings together. Then froze as she heard someone approaching. She grabbed her bow and readied an arrow, pointing it in the direction from which the noise had come.
A broad grin broke out on her face as she saw the red headed girl carrying a torch and stumbling through the undergrowth.
“Jone!”
The girl looked up and smiled as she fastened those chestnut eyes on her. “Hello Elvalia, someone said you were looking for me, so I thought I’d best come and find you…. before you got lost.” |
Elvalia - Chosen of Aros
Elrith Mellin
Perin - 'Cleric (an' drewid) o' Elbreff' Weddin's an' pies a speciarality
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Meeting Macha
Posted: 24 Feb 2004 08:29 PM |
The cart pulled up in Paws and the assorted passengers climbed wearily out. Last to leave was a young elven woman who landed surprisingly heavily, hefted her pack over her shoulder, and trudged off toward the inn.
She was happy now, happier now than she had been for a long time since she finally found Jone a few nights before. Her problem now was that she was tired, more tired than she could ever remember being before. All she wanted to do now was find the inn and a bed for the night – or maybe two.
As she neared the tavern she saw a young woman looking alternately at the notice board and the door, seemingly trying to make her mind up about something.
“Another lost sheep,” she thought, smiling to herself, conveniently forgetting that it wasn’t that long ago when she had been in the same position.
Trying to look a lot brighter than she felt, she walked up to the woman.
“Hello.”
The woman froze as if she had a knife at her back. As she turned Elvalia was surprised to see a look of apprehension – almost fear - on her features.
“Greetings,” she said, “I am Macha Sparrowsong, a pleasure to meet you my lady.”
Considering the state of her clothing and general appearance, Elvalia thought the description a little exaggerated, but smiled nevertheless as studied Macha. “Pleased to meet you Macha, I am Elvalia, I…”
“Elvalia! The Elvalia? The one from the tales?”
If forty trolls had burst from the door of the inn Elvalia wouldn’t have been more surprised. Completely nonplussed she looked back at Macha, “Tales? What tales?”
“Why the ones they’re telling about you of course, all over!”
Elvalia was beginning to look a little worried and moved toward a nearby bench where she sat, and looked up at the young woman, “Tales about me… who… what are they saying?”
Macha was beginning to look a little worried; “You are that Elvalia aren’t you? You have a sister don’t you?”
“Why yes, Bronwyn. She is my twin.” Elvalia then blinked and stared with amazement as Macha began to jump up and down, clapping her hands happily.
“I knew it! It is you, all the tales describe you so well!”
“People are telling tales about me? I don’t understand, what are they saying?” said Elvalia, beginning to get slightly worried.
“Oh, you know! How Aros chose you, how beautiful you are, and how you have been reunited with your sister for some divine purpose, all sorts of things really. It would make a wonderful song you know.”
“A song! A song about me! Where are they telling these tales?” Said Elvalia.
“Oh all over! I can’t wait to put them to music, so sad, and yet so heroic.”
Elvalia snorted, “Heroic, me?” She shook her head, “I never knew I was so well known. And you say there’s a song as well?”
“There will be when I’ve finished it. People will be singing it for generations!”
Starting to recover slightly, Elvalia stood resignedly and took the woman by the arm. “I still don’t know what’s going on, but you’d better come into the inn with me. If you’re going to write songs you’d best hear the story first, the real story that is..." |
Elvalia - Chosen of Aros
Elrith Mellin
Perin - 'Cleric (an' drewid) o' Elbreff' Weddin's an' pies a speciarality
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Re: A Friendship Sealed
Posted: 25 Feb 2004 07:52 AM |
On the late afternoon of that first day, they had headed along the coast road towards Port Royale. On the way they met two young elves who explained that they had heard of an insect infestation in a nearby cave and been asked to clear it out.
Absolutely great story. Its an amazing read, with great detail and prosaic talent. I feel somewhat put in place with my meager attempts.
One small question, who were the two Elves as the Aros encounter sounds amazingly like one I had, and was in fact the first time I met Aros. To which I believe my word were "Holy feces!".
I cannot remember who it was that agreed to come and help me and by this it sounds like it was you and Jone. Would be greatful if you could confirm.
Thanks again for a great little read. |
Never argue with an idiot.
They drag you down to their level
and then beat you with experience.
Akril
Quinellieth. 20th Circle of the Order of the Ring |
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Re: A Friendship Sealed
Posted: 25 Feb 2004 08:13 AM |
| It was you, but my memory couldn't come up with who the other was and I didn't want to offend |
Elvalia - Chosen of Aros
Elrith Mellin
Perin - 'Cleric (an' drewid) o' Elbreff' Weddin's an' pies a speciarality
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Re: A Friendship Sealed
Posted: 25 Feb 2004 12:30 PM |
| I think it was Mars. I wasnt complaining for the omission (especially as i was barely present, well present but useless). Was fun to meet Aros though. Glad he has a sense of humour. |
Never argue with an idiot.
They drag you down to their level
and then beat you with experience.
Akril
Quinellieth. 20th Circle of the Order of the Ring |
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Looking For Trouble
Posted: 26 Feb 2004 07:23 PM |
The stag fell dead without a sound as the arrow buried itself deep in its chest. From out of the bushes stepped an elf clad in olive green who hurried over to the corpse, removed the arrow and slung the body across her shoulders, staggering a little under the weight.
“Sorry friend, but it has to be this way,” she muttered as she trudged off into the trees.
A short while later she came to a track worn through the undergrowth and dropped the stag with a sigh of relief. “Now to get ready,” she said to herself.
She took off her cloak and any loose items before stowing them in her pack along with a wicked looking scimitar she wore at her side. Then taking a stick of charcoal, and some moss from a nearby tree, she set about covering the bare skin on her face and hands with a green and black pattern, completing the effect by pulling up her hood and tucking away her blonde hair.
Finally, she put her pack back on, picked up her bow, and moved silently into the trees where, as she stood still, she merged into the surroundings.
For twenty minutes she stood there, arrow nocked, staring back up the track past where the stag lay, not moving, hardly breathing.
A low grunting from further down the track alerted her to the fact that her prey was on its way and she lifted her bow in readiness and waited.
Soon enough the ettin shambled into view and, spotting the stag, stopped to look around and sniff the air for competition. Satisfied that it had the meal to itself it bent and pulled off a leg.
As it did so, it presented the prefect opportunity to the elf, who took the chance and shot, hitting it squarely between the shoulder blades.
It bellowed with rage and turned to face her, lifting its great club menacingly. She stood for a moment then, as it leapt towards her turned and ran off down the track for all she was worth.
Hearing the ettin closing on her she panted, “Aros, but this one is fast! I hope this works or it could be a short evening.”
She burst at last from the trees and angled across the field, still keeping to the track, which wound around the base of a tall, rocky outcrop. “I hope you’re ready!” She called as she ran past, turning to face the ettin some twenty yards past the rock and bringing her bow once more to the ready. Pleased that its prey seemed to have given up the ettin roared once more and charged towards her.
As it approached the rock a young redheaded woman stood quickly and swung her sword crying “Vilyave!” and severed the ettin’s head with one blow, sending it rolling backwards.
The rest of the ettin carried on for a few paces before falling at the elf’s feet, spraying her with blood in the process.
She looked up at the girl standing on the rock and grinned, “Well that worked quite well Jone.”
Jone smiled back, “Not too bad, but you shouldn’t have let him get so close, he might have caught you.”
“Not with you around he wouldn’t,” smiled Elvalia, walking over to the head and picking it up to put it in a sack she pulled from her pack.
“This is the one isn’t it? Do you think those Halflings in Brandibuck will pay?”
“They’d better, we need the money to pay for your bath.” Laughed Jone, gesturing towards Elvalia’s face and hands and the gore dripping from her armour.
Elvalia looked down and shrugged and then smiled back up at her friend, “I’m glad we’re travelling together again Jone, I told you before we make a good team didn’t I?”
Jone smiled back happily and pushed the red hair from her eyes. “I’m glad too Elvalia, and yes, we certainly do.” |
Elvalia - Chosen of Aros
Elrith Mellin
Perin - 'Cleric (an' drewid) o' Elbreff' Weddin's an' pies a speciarality
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A Time For Explanations
Posted: 28 Feb 2004 07:53 PM |
The sun began to descend in the skies behind the tower of Ladriel, casting reflections of brilliant purple, yellow and orange across the waters of the lake.
Some way from the road towards Ferein, the young redhead finished her prayers, climbed stiffly to her feet, and walked over to where her friend sat near their shoreline campfire.
She watched, amused, as the elf mopped up the last of the rabbit stew into her mouth with a hunk of coarse bread, managing to get as much down the front of her tunic.
"Ah, there you are Jone, I saved some for you, here." She tipped the remainder from the pot into an empty bowl and cut a three inch thick slice of bread with her dagger. Passing it over, she dropped the bread, but picked it up quickly and brushed it against her tunic before putting it back on the plate.
"Thankyou... I think," said Jone.
She sat beside her friend and they leant back against the tree, Jone rather dubiously picking at the contents of her bowl while Elvalia devoured another chunk of bread.
"I don't know how you manage to eat so much." said Jone.
Elvalia thought for a second while chewing hungrily, then answered - spraying the girl with breadcrumbs as she did, "That would be the forest I suppose, I learnt then to eat what I could when I could and I suppose I've kept the habit."
"Hmmm."
They sat in silence for a while gazing across the lake, then Jone set her bowl down.
"You never told me you know."
Elvalia stopped reaching for the remaining bread and turned, puzzled, "Told you what?"
"Why you were looking for me."
"Oh, that... No, I suppose I haven't. Would you like some more bread?"
"No thankyou, I have enough. Well?"
"I don't really know where to start," said Elvalia evasively.
"How about the beginning? It would seem as good a place as any."
Elvalia sighed, throwing the remains of the bread into the fire she walked down to the water's edge, where she sat gazing at the moon rising above the lake. "It's so beautiful here," she murmered. She felt a hand on her shoulder and looked up to see Jone watching her with concern.
"It is," she said as she sat beside her, "now stop evading the question and tell me."
"All right... I am lonely Jone, so lonely. I have friends of course, I know that. But they all have their own concerns and their own loved ones. Though we travel together occasionally, there is never anybody who is there for me all the time."
"I have had enough of being alone. People, even my own kind, say that elves have no perception of time as a human would, that we do not understand the concept of your years."
"Believe me, this elf understands. I have had my time alone. Much as I love the forests and the trees I would not live there again with nobody to share it."
"You asked why I eat so much? Because there were times when I was so hungry that the pain was almost unbearable. Times when I was so weak with hunger that I could barely fend for myself. I will not go hungry again."
"In the same way, I have no wish to suffer the pain of loneliness again either."
She drew her legs up and wrapped her arms around them, resting her chin on her knees.
"I do not understand," said Jone at last, "you speak of being alone, what of Legolas?"
Elvalia drew in a deep breath and it seemed to Jone for a moment that she would not answer.
"What of him indeed. I have not seen him for so long I am not sure he is even among the living. When we first met it seemed that he was the answer to everything I needed, he was kind, caring and attentive. I think that after spending so much time alone, I was glad to hand over the responsibilty for myself to someone else. When... when we first pledged our love for one another, he promised me that he would be there beside me always, that he would care for me and provide me with anything I needed, he even promised to help find my father's bow."
"But then he seemed to change. After we were chosen by Aros he seemed to find another purpose in life, something else to focus on other than me."
"I admit that perhaps I was a little jealous, I was upset that he felt he needed to spend all his time bowcrafting or exploring new places. All he would answer was that Aros had said that his destiny to be a great bowcrafter. Maybe he is, for his sake I hope so, but I did not and can not understand why he feels he needs to achieve his destiny as fast as possible."
"It is my destiny, I believe, to become a great archer like my father but I do not expect this to happen tomorrow. I do not feel the need to kill everything in sight just to perfect my skills."
"I never see him any more, and I suppose I am no longer the wide-eyed young elf fresh from the forest and in need of a friendly face. Perhaps I have just outgrown him."
"I found the bow without him," she looked across at where it leant against a tree. "In some ways it was like finding my heart. I think that bow is me now, like it was my father before me. I will never give it up."
Jone smiled softly, "All right, so you are lonely, and you are no longer in love with Legolas, but why look for me?"
Elvalia turned and looked at her friend. "Because of all the people I know, I thought that you would be the one most likely to understand. To know what it is to be alone, afraid and unsure of the future."
"I said when we first met that we are very much alike in some ways you and I. You have changed, grown as I have, but I think that still holds true."
Jone seemed to consider what she said then nodded.
"I enjoy your company," said Elvalia, "I hope you enjoy mine. I would like it if we could make travelling together a more permanent arrangement. What do you think?"
Jone gazed back at her for what seemed an age and then turned and picked up her bowl. "I would like that very much Elvalia," she said as she pulled out a rabbit's foot - complete with fur - from her stew. "But you are going to have to learn how to cook." |
Elvalia - Chosen of Aros
Elrith Mellin
Perin - 'Cleric (an' drewid) o' Elbreff' Weddin's an' pies a speciarality
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Vilyave
Posted: 14 Mar 2004 09:50 AM |
The sun was falling in the west and the shadows from the walls of Midor were lengthening as the two women walked through the gate. Clad in serviceable, but rather battered looking armour which had probably seen better days and definitely wasn’t up to the standard of that worn by the guards at the gate, who smirked and nudged each other as they passed.
The taller, redheaded human was clad from head to foot in plate, sword at her side and shield slung on her back. The blonde elf who followed, hair falling over her face as usual, wore a chain shirt with patched leggings and carried just a quiver full of arrows and a long silver-tipped longbow slung over her shoulder.
They walked off down the road to the plains and into the gathering darkness, still watched by the guards.
“You know,” said the elf, “I’m still not sure about this, we seem to spend an awful lot of time lately picking on folk who are bigger than us.”
The redhead looked over her shoulder and grinned, “Unless you’re planning on invading Brandibuck Vale, anybody we pick on is likely to bigger than you.”
The elf glared back but couldn’t quite keep the smile from her face as she answered, “Ah, but I don’t need to worry about size when I have a personal wall up in front to take the blows.”
“Wall! Is that what you think of me?”
“Well no, of course not, but you have been looking a little wider round the hips lately.” Laughed the elf, dodging the arm swung in her direction. “Enough! Enough! It’s your own fault, you shouldn’t have started it.”
The redhead relaxed, still grinning, “I suppose I did, I’m sorry Elvalia.”
“No matter. Seriously though Jone, I worry about you up front there all the time.”
Jone shrugged, “One of us has to do it, and the armour’s usually strong enough t stop the worst.”
“Yes, but what if one day it doesn’t, especially if we keep doing this sort of job.”
“That’s why we’re doing this job remember, you need new armour and so do I. The Knights want the mountains cleared, we’re available, and they’re playing well. Simple really.”
“It is if we don’t end up simply dead. Why can’t they do it themselves?”
“You heard him, all the knights are busy or they would. None are available do we got the job.”
“Hmm, well just be careful. I’d hate to lose you.”
“Elvalia, when you’re around I have to be careful. One of us does. Besides, the way you’re shooting lately, I hardly get a chance to swing a sword at anything anyway.”
“You’re not complaining are you? I can always miss now again if you’d prefer, “grinned Elvalia, “any way, I’d need to be a lot better than I am to stop these ogres getting to you.”
“We’ll be fine, they’re not much tougher than ettins. Besides, we get to play with the orcs on the way and I know you love that.
“That’s true, I hate orcs.”
It never ceased to amaze Jone that the usually mild mannered elf could act so irrationally where orcs were concerned, but then, remembering the circumstances of her parents’ death it was hardly surprising.
“Yes, well just the ones patrolling today, I think. We’ll have enough trouble with the ogres without rousing the whole orc camp. Elvalia grinned back innocently, “Me? Stir up trouble? I don’t know where you get your ideas sometimes.”
Laughing softly and shaking her head, Jone led the way into the deep forest outside Midor, where short work was made of the opposition before passing on into the mountains.
“Well here goes, we’d best prepare I suppose.” Said Jone, beginning to cast protective spells for both of them, and summoning her huge dire bear, Tempest.
The few orcs that they ran into were swiftly despatched, much to Elvalia’s delight, and they paused at the entrance to the mines.
“Remember, in and out quickly if we can, we’re only after the chieftain. And be careful.” Said Jone.
“I will, just remember what the knights said about that mage though,” replied Elvalia.
Nodding, Jone led the way into the mine, where things went surprisingly well. Any ogres they met were quickly dealt with by a combination of Jone’s sword, Elvalia’s bow and Tempest’s ferocious attacks.
As another fell to the floor with a crash, Elvalia drew alongside Jone and grinned up at her, “I’m beginning to wonder what we were so worried about – we’re better than we thought.”
“Maybe, but we haven’t met the chieftain yet, and that mage is about somewhere as well. Let’s get the job done and get out of here, something about this place disturbs me.”
Having learnt by now that if Jone felt that way there was normally a good reason, Elvalia just nodded silently.
They pushed on into the mine and eventually came to a junction, the tunnels stretching away into the darkness on either side. They walked slowly up to it and each took a different direction, Jone looking left and Elvalia right.
“There’s an ogre this way,” whispered Jone, “I can hear him muttering to himself, I think it’s probably the mage. Anything your way?”
Elvalia peered along the tunnel, screwing up her eyes to see as far as she possibly could.
“Nothing.” She whispered.
“All right we’ll take the mage. Tempest and I will go first; you make sure you keep hitting him with those arrows of yours. They might put him off.”
“All right, I hope he’s alone.” Answered Elvalia.
“So do I,” grinned Jone, flashing her teeth in the darkness. “One way to find out,” she said, bracing herself to charge.
Elvalia stepped out into the passage and took aim at the figure she could see moving about in the cavern at the end of it.
“Go!” She whispered, and as Jone ran off down the passage closely followed by Tempest she began to loose arrows as fast as she could. The bellows of rage from the target told her that she was finding her mark; Jone’s war cries and the bellows of Tempest told her that they had joined battle too.
Despite the fact that she was hitting the target, the mage continued to chant and she heard Jone cry out suddenly in dismay. She called out her friend’s name and moved forward a short way to get a better view.
“It’s Tempest! He’s dismissed him!” called Jone.
Elvalia moved closer still and, knowing that their strength had been cut by a third, concentrated all her being on her next shot, she channelled all the energy and force she could muster into the arrow and watched as it whirred away to land at the mage’s feet. The mine shook with the explosion, rocking the mage and sending flame coursing up his huge form. That gave Jone the chance she needed and a few well-aimed strokes of her sword, accompanied by more of Elvalia’s arrows, were enough to send the mage to the hells.
Lowering her bow, Elvalia sighed with relief and looked at her friend standing over the body. “That could have been a whole lot worse.”
Jone was still trying to catch her breath and started to turn towards her, “Yes, it’s a good job… Elvalia! Look out!”
Following her friend’s terrified gaze, Elvalia spun round to see a huge ogre bearing down on her. Bringing her bow to bear she just managed to get off a couple of shots before the chieftain’s huge axe swung down and tore into her side…
She awoke in darkness and quickly looked around her. The mage still lay where he had fallen and nearby lay the body of the chieftain, minus his head.
“Jone?” She called softly, looking around for any sign of her friend and finding none.
She bent and picked up her bow from where it had fallen, completely puzzled. If it wasn’t for the fact that the chieftain lay here dead and her armour bore the signs of his strike, she might almost believe the whole thing had been a dream.
She had seen her friend bring others back from the brink of death with the assistance of Vilyave, but if she had done it this time where was she?
More to the point, if she hadn’t then who had?
A mystery, but one to which the answer would have to wait. Her priority now was to get out of here and back to safety in one piece.
Under no illusions about her chances of fighting her way out alone, she decided to take the stealthy approach and, hiding herself as best she could, began to creep back out through the mine. Although she came across several ogres patrolling the tunnels she remained unseen and, breathing a sigh of relief, stepped out into the weak morning sunlight of the mountains.
Much as she would have liked to send a few orcs back to their maker, she decided once more that a stealthy approach was best and set off towards the forest, remaining hidden as she passed under the trees. She could see the light growing as the trees thinned nearer Midor when she heard voices approaching and hid against a tree.
“Where did she fall?” said a male voice.
“In the mines, and I’m not leaving her there. Come on! Hurry!”
“I know that voice,” thought Elvalia and stepped out on the path as she abandoned her concealment.
“It’s all right Jone, I’m fine”
The redhead stopped dead in her tracks and gaped. The two figures behind also stopped and looked at Elvalia and Jone in confusion. “I thought you were dead. You were dead. How…” Said Jone.
Elvalia shrugged, “I don’t know, I woke up in the mines and decided to sneak back to Midor. Whatever happened, I’m her and I never felt better.”
Jone looked down at the ground, crestfallen, “I’m sorry I left you Elvalia, I used all my energy defeating the chieftain and didn’t have enough left to help. It was too dangerous to rest and pray there so I went back to Midor. Soapie and Doujan here agreed to come and help and we were just on our way back.”
“I know, don’t worry, “said Elvalia, looking past Jone, “thank you both for coming – I appreciate it.”
Doujan smiled back, “Well, since I’m not needed I’ll get back to Midor, be safe all of you.” And ran off back the way they had come.
Elvalia turned to her friend, “Well, I saw you had the chieftain’s head does that mean we’ll get paid?”
Jone nodded, “We’ll go back to the Knights now. If you want to come along Soapie, we can give you some gold for your trouble.”
The Halfling grunted, “Mmmph, leas’ the day ain’t a total waste then.”
The three of them turned and began to walk back towards Midor. As they did, Elvalia reached out and laid her hand on Jone’s shoulder, “Don’t worry Jone, I knew you hadn’t left me without good reason. I know you better than that, I couldn’t ask for a better companion.”
Jone smiled back, “Nor I, it’s just that I was worried….”
“Sshhh! Wos that? Didjer hear sumfink?” Said Soapie.
They froze, listening intently. A dull thudding could be heard echoing through the trees. “A giant?” Asked Jone.
“Sounds bigger to me,” said Elvalia, peering through the trees, “look there! That tree’s moving!”
They watched amazed as the huge tree lumbered through the forest, then started to back away as it caught sight of them and began to move quickly towards them.
“I don’t like the look of this,” said Elvalia, “run!”
They took off through the undergrowth, dodging around trees and under low branches.
“What in the hells is it?” Panted Jone.
“I don’t know, but it doesn’t seem friendly and it’s gaining on us, perhaps if we split up.”
The three of them darted off in different directions and Elvalia looked over her shoulder to see that the tree had selected Soapie for a target and was catching her fast. She readied her bow and once more concentrated all her energy into enchanting the arrow. She stood aghast as it burst at the base of the tree with no effect then looked away as the tree crushed Soapie beneath its feet. All the arrow had done was gain the tree’s attention and it turned quickly towards her. As she turned and ran she called out in panic, “Aros! Help us!”
She was knocked from her feet by a swinging bough, and then pinned to the ground. Struggling for breath as she felt the life being crushed from her body…”
She opened her eyes and pushed herself to her knees to find Soapie looking at her.
“Soapie? What happened?”
“D’yer fink yer could explain what that is?” Said the Halfling, pointing upwards.
Elvalia looked up to see an enormous white bird hovering over them.
“Gods! What is it?”
“Dunno, but it’s done us a favour, I fink.”
They turned as Jone came crashing through the undergrowth behind them.
“Are you two…”?
She stopped in amazement, dropping her sword as she caught sight of the bird. “It can’t be…”
Elvalia at last began to realise the significance and grinned at her friend. I think it is, it’s Vilyave, Jone.”
Tears were beginning to appear in the redhead’s eyes as she stood looking at the bird, “But how? Who called her?”
“I didn’t, but I did call out to Aros just before I fell. Perhaps he sent her.” Said Elvalia, “It worked the other way before, remember? You called him through her.”
Jone nodded, beaming up at the bird. Elvalia didn’t think she had ever seen her friend so happy.
“I told you, didn’t I? I told you she’d come one day.”
Soapie had been looking from one to the other and up at the bird in increasing consternation.
“So Vilyave raised us, right? Oo’s is the bloody bird then?”
Both Elvalia and Jone burst into laughter as the bird disappeared in a blaze of light.
“Don’t worry about it Soapie,” said Elvalia, “let’s go and get you that gold we promised.” |
Elvalia - Chosen of Aros
Elrith Mellin
Perin - 'Cleric (an' drewid) o' Elbreff' Weddin's an' pies a speciarality
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The Armour
Posted: 20 Mar 2004 05:57 PM |
It was curious just how peaceful this place could be. One of the main routes to Ferein, but you could walk just a little way from the track and find complete solitude. Nothing to disturb, just the sounds of the water lapping on the shore, the birdsong, the drone and hum of the insects.
It was even more curious how of late her life seemed to have turned full circle. Jone was still convalescing after the illness which had affected her so badly, so by and large she travelled alone. She stayed away from the cities - from Ferein or Port Royale - coming close on occasion but never actually entering them. She had no need to use a boat, nor any need to visit for supplies.
She had not visited Ferein much lately either, coming no closer than the Path of Aros or the garden.
It seemed as if once more she ws becoming a creature of the wild.
She took one last look around to make sure she was alone then pulled of her clothing and stepped into the water. She walked deeper to bathe, letting her hair spread in a golden cloud behind her and relaxing in the cool water.
She leant backwards and floated, then began to first hum, then sing.
She smiled as she realised she was singing the same tune she had sung all those years ago.
The one from her childhood.
No words, no story, just a tune. one which seemed to come into her head at moments like this. Moments when she felt closest to nature.
It was strange, but she thought at times that it was almost as if she had learnt it somewhere, not from her parents that was for certain. She wondered what Macha would make of it, smiling as she thought of the song that was being sung about her. Elvalia's song.
No, this was Elvalia's song, and it wasn't meant to have words. It conjured pictures in her mind of the skies, of the sun and the moon and the stars. It sang of the trees. The trees above all, and the sound of their leaves as they reached up to the heavens and spread their limbs to the winds.
Still singing, she waded back to the shore and stretched out on a large flat rock to dry herself in the noon sun.
That was it she thought, the trees, the forest, they were Elvalia's song. Rooted in the earth but always reaching up and out for something better.
She rolled over onto her stomach and rested her chin on her hands to look at the woods which stood a little way back from the shoreline.
Strange, she thought. She was an archer, would never be anything else, but trees were also part of her. They had looked after her, protected her. Perhaps it was some trait inherited from her mother. After all, Bronwyn seemed to have inherited some skill with the bow.
She looked around, remembering the time she had met the dark tree, not far from here in fact. When was it? So long ago it seemed. Mars had been there, and Doujan and Legolas. Sent by Aros on a mission to help Callia.
She smiled as she remembered their trepidation as the tree approached, how they had hidden their bows when the tree had objected to them.
Her main memory of that event wasn't the negotiation over the dagger or any discussion, but the words of the tree. She could still remember them now and smiled as she played with a length of her blonde hair.
"Is that moss?" He had asked.
"Of a sort, yes."
"I have never seen moss that colour, like sun on the corn."
She remembered how even as the tree had threatened and raged she had been curiously unafraid. How she had felt sympathy for the timeless being.
She could still remember vividly the curious look and the tear that had appeared in the tree's eye as they had parted. How she had cut a lock from her hair with her dagger as the discusion came to an end.
"Take some of my moss ancient one, in memory of this day, for I will remember it always."
And she would, the memory of how the tree had reached out and gently run a twig through her hair would never leave her.
"You know, you ought to be more careful. I could have been anybody." Came a giggle.
Elvalia hurriedly reached for her clothing then looked u with a grin as she recognised the voice.
"Bronwyn! It's good to see you, it's been a long time."
"Yes, too long," said her sister, watching as Elvalia began to pull on her threadbare clothing.
"What were you thinking, you were miles away. Was that you I heard singing."
"Yes," said Elvalia, blushing slightly, "just daydreaming. Is that how you found me?"
Bronwyn tapped the side of her head significantly, "No, the usual way. You ought to know by now you can't hide from me."
Her nose wrinkled slightly as Elvalia pulled on a slightly tattered cloak over no less tattered armour.
"Is that the best you've got?"
"Yes. Why? Is something wrong with it?"
"It's falling apart sister, you ought to take more care."
"Well, it's rather old, and I never seem to have enough money to buy new armour."
"I have a bit, why don't we take a look in Ferein?"
"The store's empty - it has been for months."
"Not any more," grinned Bronwyn, "I heard they've got some new stock."
"Really? Well I don't mind taking a look. If nothing else it will be good to travel together again."
A strange glint appeared in Bronwyn's eyes as she answered, "It might be better than you think."
Elvalia picked up her bow and grinned back, "All right sister, keep your secrets. Shall we go?"
They walked off along the shores of Ladriel then through Brandibuck Vale into Mirghul. Passing through the cavern and out onto the plains they headed for Icy Vale, arriving without incident a couple of hours later. As the strolled through the farmlands of Gladden, Elvalia turned to her sister, "How's your sneaking these days? Any better?"
"Not much," grimaced Bronwyn, and besides, I prefer to travel with Mythos, which makes sneaking a little awkward."
"Oh well, we'll just have to fight our way through, are you sure you'll be all right?"
"Of course," grinned Bronwyn, "and yes, I'l be careful."
So saying, she cast protections on them both and they wandered up into the hills.
As usual, the trolls were waiting in ambush, but with Elvalia shooting point blank, Bronwyn wielding a wicked looking scimitar, and Mythos tearing and ripping with his vicious jaws, the first few were dealt with easily before the sisters continued up onto the plateau. Once there, Elvalia began to pick off others from a distance while Bronwyn and her companion dealt with any that managed to get close enough. The shamans and chieftain on the cliff above were dealt with in similar quick fashion. The explosions from Elvalia's arrows were still echoing through the hills as the sisters turned to smile at each other.
"I'd forgotten how good it could be to travel with you sister," said Elvalia.
"Me too!" Giggled her twin.
"Well, we aren't finished yet, I can hear some more over there under the cliff," said Elvalia, running over to look down on six of the beasts who had gathered at the mouth of a cavern below.
She began to pour shots down into the group, wondering as she did so why it was that they were too stupid t run around and up the hill after her. She turned to say the same to Bronwyn when she heard a new sound from below and looked back down to see Bronwyn setting about the trolls with her blade. As the last troll fell Elvalia called down, "I can't believe you just did that."
"Well I can't let you have all the fun," grinned Bronwyn back up at her.
"We seem to have cleared most of them out, let's go before we outstay our welcome."
They ran off toward Latonei, passing quickly through the woods and on into Ferein, where they stopped outside the store.
"Are you sure they're open for business again?" Asked Elvalia.
"That's what I heard, there's only one way to find out."
They walked through the door into the dim interior of the hollow tree. Elvalia looked over the racks and shelves, passing over the weapons to look at the leather armour.
"These aren't bad, and they don't cost that much. They should last a while." She said.
"Maybe," said Bronwyn, "what about that one."
"That's Ferein battle armour, there's no way we can afford it."
"How much?" Asked Bronwyn, looking at the shopkeeper.
"27000 gold." She answered, with a slightly smug look on her face.
"Told you," said Elvalia, "not in this lifetime.
"Here," said Bronwyn, starting to pull bag after bag from her pack, "we'll take it, and throw in one of those helms for good measure."
As the bags clinked onto the counter, Elvalia stood thunderstruck.
"Where did you get that? I've never seen so much coin."
"Oh yes you have, but you never hold onto it, you're too generous."
"As the storekeeper passed over the armour and helm and began to count her takings, Elvalia reached out for her sister's shoulder.
"But you can't..."
"Oh yes I can," giggled Bronwyn, you've done the same for me in the past. Think back to all the times you've bought things for me; armour, clothes, the weapon you got from Neek, all the bandages and potions."
"But all of that isn't worth this..."
"It is, because it came from you, this is my thanks. Besides, with all those songs they're singing about you it's about time you looked the part. Try it on."
Still stunned, Elvalia disrobed and pulled on the pale blue armour, marvelling at its lightness, then stood and faced her sister as she donned the helm.
"Now you -look- like a protector of Ferein," said Bronwyn, gazing at her proudly. "The helm's a bit scary but it doesn't make your appearance much worse"
The smile began to fade as she realised Elvalia hadn't answered but just stood there, her shoulders shaking slightly.
"What's wrong?" she asked, her expression changing to one of concern as the helm was removed and she saw her sister was crying.
Elvalia walked over and threw her arms around her twin, burying her face in her nack.
"I don't think you'll ever know how much this means to me sister," she sobbed. "You're right, but I don't just look the part, I feel it. It's like I finally belong now. I'll never forget this... ever."
Bronwyn was a little stunned, never having seen her sister this emotional. She held her tightly, "I think I understand, perhaps one day you'll be able to do the same for me. Now come on, dry your eyes, protector, and we'll see if we can find a drink somewhere."
"All right," said Elvalia. "But this time it's my treat." |
Elvalia - Chosen of Aros
Elrith Mellin
Perin - 'Cleric (an' drewid) o' Elbreff' Weddin's an' pies a speciarality
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Laying Demons to Rest
Posted: 28 Mar 2004 05:20 AM |
As the rest of the party said their farewells, she stood by the campfire on the Plains alone.
Gathering herself physically and mentally she looked down at the six cuts on her hand, smiling slightly, and walked off silently and stealthily through Mirghul, Brandibuck and onto the shores of Lake Ladriel.
As she passed the tower, she abandoned the path to Ferein and walked off towards the low hills and her favourite spot beneath the tree at the shoreline.
Laying aside her bow and her pack she pulled off her armour and waded into the cool waters of the lake to bathe.
She climbed out, dried herself, and pulled on the soft green clothing she had made for herself, stowing her armour in her pack.
She sat beneath the tree and sat gazing up at the new moon over the lake, reflecting on the events of the past two days.
Malagard was dead, his dark tower crumbled to nothing, and she smiled with pride and gratitude that she had been able to play a part in his downfall and help her friends.
She would never forget the whispered words of the Lady Valia as her spirit at last found peace: "Thank you, I am free."
So... and evil conquered, one less to trouble the people of these lands.
And another name, one more to add to those she seemed to collect whether she wanted them or not.
'Protector of Ferein', granted by Aros, 'Chosen of Aros', or so Macha's songs would have it. And now... another, given by Siann that morning as they had discussed what the day might bring. She smiled as she looked down once more at the cuts caused by his talons, tingling now from their immersion in water. 'Elvalia, Silver Lady of the Bow'.
Names.. some she liked, some she was proud of, some she could scarcely believe, but in her head she was just Elvalia, an archer.
And a lonely archer at that, it had struck her as the others left that they all seemed to have somewhere to go, or someone to be with. She had nowhere really, not while Jone was still weak from her illness. Unless...
Coming to a sudden decision she jumped to her feet and picked up her pack and bow, then walked off under the moonlight, heading north.
Resting just once and gathering food as she went, she walked for three days, skirting the borders of Ferein and avoiding contact with anyone, until at last she stepped from the trees and looked out across the long familiar clearing, clearly lit by the moonlight above.
She stood in shock. Where was the lodge? Walking over to where it had stood she studied the ground, wondering at the ashes through which the grass had grown. What had happened here? For one brief moment at Ladriel she had felt hope, hope that she could return here and repair her home. Have somewhere to live and perhaps some day find peace.
But there was nothing.
Tears began to run down her cheeks as she looked up in the moonlight and cried aloud "Is this it then? Nothing remains here for me now but the memories in my head, nothing of my parents but what I know. Am I destined to wander forever?"
She stood in silence, no answer but the hoot of an owl from the trees.
Looking towards the forest she spied at its edge the familiar shape of the hollow log she had once hidden in.
She walked over to it and slowly dragged it out from its resting place until it lay over the place where her home had once stood. There she drew her dagger and knelt beside it, stripping the dried bark from the wood.
Once the log was clean she took a firm grip on the blade and painstakingly began to carve in a flowing, elven script.
Some hours later she blew the final shaving from the log, studied her work, and bowed her head briefly in prayer.
She stood, gathered her things, and looked around the clearing one last time before walking off into the trees to the south, pausing only to look up at an owl which hooted as she passed beneath it.
As she moved deeper into the forest and her moonlight-lit hair faded from view, the owl jumped from its roost to glide silently to the earth. As it landed it shimmered once and disappeared. To be replaced by a green clad elf with silver hair, carrying a bow.
He stood for a while, staring off in the direction she had taken, then turned and walked to the log, squatting to read what she had written.
"Here, in this clearing, lie the remains of Arod Archer of Aros and Elmirie druid of Elbereth. Beloved parents of Elvalia and Bronwyn. May their souls rest forever and find peace in the arms of the Gods they loved."
Aros stood and looked sadly once more in the direction Elvalia had taken, a single tear running down his face.
"They will child... they will."
He turned once more to the log and laid his hands upon it. At his touch the wood changed, becoming a fine white limestone, the writing beginning to glow, giving off a soft green light.
"Rest here in peace my children, and fear not for your daughters."
As she walked back through the forest Elvalia heard the hoot of an owl as it passed ovehead and smiled grimly.
"No home here then," she thought, "but there is another place I might find one."
The owl hooted once more, and fell silent. |
Elvalia - Chosen of Aros
Elrith Mellin
Perin - 'Cleric (an' drewid) o' Elbreff' Weddin's an' pies a speciarality
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Return
Posted: 29 Jun 2004 04:34 PM |
There was barely a sound to disturb the night. Naught but the rustling of the leaves in the soft breeze and the occasional cry of beast or bird.
Certainly not any sound of civilisation. Not even footsteps betrayed the passage of the lithe form passing rapidly through the trees bow in hand.
She paused at the base of a large oak to regain her breath, a glimmer of moonlight through the canopy above briefly lighting up the green eyes that roved ceaselessly around her, and the blonde hair that fell loosely in front of them.
She stood motionless and silent for a moment, then sat and laid aside her bow. Reaching into her pack she pulled out some dried meat and began chewing on it hungrily.
As she finished her short meal, she lifted her head, trying to gauge from the position of the barely visible moon and stars the direction she should take.
Satisfied at last that she was headed the right way, she fastened her pack and stood once more, checking that her rapiers were secure before picking up her bow and heading south.
Swiftly and silently she passed through the trees, settling quickly into her rhythm and padding effortlessly through the forest. More than once, the undergrowth clattered as some creature was caught unawares by her sudden appearance nearby. But having become used to such sounds, she did not so much as pause to investigate – just pushed on relentlessly towards her goal.
After a few hours the dim light beneath the trees began to brighten slightly, and she glanced up briefly to note that the sun was rising, braking through the canopy in places to cast narrow beams of light through the trees.
On she ran, without stopping, until at last she noticed a change in the light and character of the forest around her. Slowing to a walk she peered through the red mist that appeared to thicken ahead of her, clinging to the trees and muffling the normal sounds of wildlife.
A slight smile broke out on her face as she stopped and gazed around her. “I know this place… Bloodwood!”
Even the soft melodic sound of the elven tongue sounded out of place here as she spoke quietly to herself.
“Not far to go now then…” she muttered as she once more began to walk, slightly more wary than before.
Passing into ever more familiar territory, becoming ever more vigilant, she paused as she heard a soft grunting ahead of her.
The grime on her face was broken by the glint of her teeth as she grinned in anticipation. Making sure her arrows were within easy reach, and taking a firmer grip on her bow, she began to creep towards the sound, stopping only once she could see the huge form in the mist ahead of her.
Crouching down, almost invisible in the shade of a nearby tree, she debated her course of action.
She knew that if necessary she could sneak past the ettin, passing within feet without the slightest concern. But on the other hand….
Quickly pulling an arrow from her quiver, she nocked it, drew the bow and loosed it at the monster in one fluid motion, nocking another almost as soon as the first had sung its way from her bow. Three more swift shots and the ettin fell to the ground, scarcely having had time to notice where she was firing from never mind react.
She strolled past the corpse, encountering nothing else between there and the gates into Brandibuck Vale. Passing out from under the trees, she stood a while, breathing deeply in the clean air and taking in her surroundings before strolling over to the nearest stream.
She threw her pack and bow to the ground before wading barefoot into the water, stooping to drink from her cupped hands.
Having quenched her thirst she walked back onto the grass and reached for her pack, realising as she did so that she had already eaten the last of her provisions.
Tapping the purse at her side she pulled a face, “Oh well, Midor isn’t far away and I’ve enough for a meal at least.”
Gathering her belongings she strolled through the Vale, snuck unnoticed through Mirghul, and then ran across the plains to the outskirts of Midor.
As she approached the gates she shouldered her bow and smiled at the armour-clad guards.
“Where do you think you’re going elf?”
Surprised, Elvalia stopped short, “What do you mean? I’ve come for some supplies and perhaps something to eat.”
The guard turned to his comrade, “Savages… think they can just wander about where they will. Look at her, filthy, dressed in tatters… typical.”
“Yeah,” sneered the other as he looked at Elvalia, “Why don’t you just clear off back to Ferein with the rest of your savage friends and their heathen Gods.”
“Savages? Heathens?” Severely shocked, it was only then that Elvalia noticed the board near the gate and, ignoring the guards, wandered over to read the notices.
As she read through the list of charges and executions her shock changed rapidly to anger and she turned back to the guards.
“Well, having read what now passes for ‘laws’ and ‘justice’ in Midor I think I will head for Ferein. At least us ‘savages’ understand something of the meaning of civilisation.”
“So you say!” guffawed one of the guards, “Get out of here vagabond.” As he said this they began to advance on her, stopping only when they realised she had somehow managed to unsling her bow and now stood at the ready.
“Try it animal, and I’ll give you a taste of elven justice. You need not worry. I would not enter your cesspool of a city if you begged me.”
The two guards stared intently at the unwavering arrow, then, deciding that though armoured the elf was unlikely to miss from six feet away, began to back off.
Elvalia did the same, not taking her eyes from them until she was far enough away to turn and run swiftly back across the plains to Minaeth Caverns.
There she paused momentarily and sagged against the cave wall, confused by what had just happened. Midor? Killing elves? Why she had fought before those very gates to defend the city, as had others of her race.
Resolving not to go there again at least until she had found out more, she sighed and headed for Icy Vale. There she stopped briefly at the inn for the meal she had missed in Midor before carrying on towards Gladden.
As she entered the cool, calm shade of Latonei she paused looked around, savouring the familiar sights and sounds and certain that no fortress would ever be as secure as the feeling she had in places such as this.
Remembering the words of the Midoran guards, she wandered over to a nearby pool, undressed, and bathed. Once finished, she stood and surveyed her discarded clothing sadly. “Well they were right about that at least, they are tatters.”
Pulling on her clothing she decided she needed money, fast, and the best way she knew of getting it was….
She jogged to the oakhouse, shouldering the door open, and grinned at the man who sat warming himself by the fire.
As he looked up at the sound of the door slamming behind her, recognition began to appear in his eyes as she laughed.
“Hello Strand, I’m back…. Got any spare axes?” |
Elvalia - Chosen of Aros
Elrith Mellin
Perin - 'Cleric (an' drewid) o' Elbreff' Weddin's an' pies a speciarality
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Re: Return
Posted: 29 Jun 2004 05:30 PM |
******OOC*******
((Welcome Back))
******OOC****** |
-Narenia
Main PC: Dina Islme |
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The Letter
Posted: 03 Jul 2004 05:26 AM |
Strand looked up, wincing, as the door to the Oakhouse flew open and slammed against the wall.
“I might have known it would be you, can’t you ever just open the door?”
The green eyes smiled back at him.
“Where have you been anyway? I haven’t seen you for days. Have you given up crafting?”
“Not exactly, I just have something a little more important to do.”
Strand snorted, “Never thought I’d hear you say that. So where have you been?”
“Talking…. and now I’m going to do a little writing,” she said, strolling over to the desk in the corner and leaning her bow up against the wall.
Strand was now trying very hard not to laugh – “Writing! You? I didn’t know you could. What are you writing, a book?”
She laughed as she bent her blonde head over the parchment, “Hardly, just a letter to a few people. People who need help to help themselves.”
Strand shook his head, grunted, and resumed his contemplation of the fire.
She sat for some time carefully writing what she had to say on the sheet, pausing every so often to consider what she had written and wanted to say next. At last, she laid down the quill and leant back in the chair, sighing.
“All done?” said Strand, looking up, “Want me to deliver it for you?”
“No it’s all right, I need to make some copies first, to make sure everybody sees it.”
“Suit yourself,” he said, looking up once more as she stood and picked up her bow.
“Where are you going now?”
“To make sure it’s delivered to the right people,” she said, grinning at him.
“Well don’t…. “ he began as the door closed with a loud bang.
“Never mind….” |
Elvalia - Chosen of Aros
Elrith Mellin
Perin - 'Cleric (an' drewid) o' Elbreff' Weddin's an' pies a speciarality
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Conspiracy
Posted: 03 Jul 2004 02:42 PM |
The streets of Midor were as busy as usual. Though to the cloaked figure walking through the streets the atmosphere seemed subdued – almost fearful.
The figure walked calmly down the narrow street and slipped into the doorway in the dim alleyway.
“Now to just wait for nightfall,” she said softly to herself.
She sank to the floor in a corner of the abandoned room and, drawing her knees up in front of her, rested.
Very little disturbed her reverie as the afternoon passed and the pedestrian traffic on the streets outside dwindled to a trickle, the streets becoming silent apart from the tolling of the city’s bells as the moon rose above the buildings.
“Well, here goes… time for the latest instalment,” she muttered to herself.
Standing up she pulled a sheaf of parchment from inside her cloak and, using a lifetime’s experience – and a little magical assistance – concentrated on blending her appearance into the background until, to the naked eye, nobody was to be seen.
Almost silently, she slipped through the streets, stopping only as she reached the notice boards that were to be found on almost every corner. At each one she paused only long enough to replace the latest edicts of Vidus with a sheet from her own sheaf of papers, then moved on.
As the pre-dawn skies began to lighten one of the guards at the main gate jumped and spun around, weapon at the ready.
His comrade’s face broke into a grin, “Jumping at shadows again mate? There’s nothing there.”
The other peered intently into the brightening gloom then, at last, shrugged and resumed his patrol.
Up the road, towards the plains, a slightly built cloaked figure strolled towards Minaeth – the melodic sounds of a light chuckle snatched away in the breeze behind her. |
Elvalia - Chosen of Aros
Elrith Mellin
Perin - 'Cleric (an' drewid) o' Elbreff' Weddin's an' pies a speciarality
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A Change of Direction
Posted: 07 Jul 2004 10:21 AM |
Strand reached out for his tankard and took another pull on his pipe, sighing with contentment and not a little gratitude that he was sat here in front of the fire and not braving the storm outside the Oakhouse.
He jumped as the door burst open and hit the wall; wind gusting in closely followed by what seemed to be more a waterfall than raindrops.
“Evening Elvalia,” he grinned, having learnt by now that it was her preferred method of announcing her arrival.
He looked up as walked out from behind the dividing wall and walked over to a couch, throwing herself onto it without answering or even acknowledging his presence. She dropped her bow to the floor and lay back on the couch, resting her feet on the armrest and staring up at the ceiling through the wet blonde hair plastered to her face.
“Well, good evening to you Strand, how are you? Fine weather we’re having Strand, done anything interesting lately…” He muttered as he walked over to the entrance and closed the door behind her.
“You could at least have dried yourself, you’re making the furniture wet.”
As she still didn’t answer, he stopped next to her and shook her shoulder gently, “Elvalia? Is something wrong?”
At last she seemed to realise she was not alone and, brushing the hair from her face, focused her green eyes on his face.
“What? Oh…. Sorry Strand I’ve got a lot on my mind….”
“So I noticed, care to tell me about it?”
“I can’t… I’m sorry, it’s something I have to work out for myself.”
“Suit yourself,” he said, throwing a blanket to her and sighing with exasperation as it fell to the floor ignored. “Where have you been anyway? I thought we were supposed to be eating together.”
“The palace… with the princess…”
“My you’re mixing with a better class of person all of a sudden,” he said, as his eyebrows arched upwards.
“Hardly, she just asked to see me…”
“Oh, I see.”
“No you don’t, nobody does…”, she said as she stood and picked up her bow then walked towards the door.
“Now where are you off to?”
“Something I have to do.”
“Can’t it wait?” he asked, wincing as the door slammed shut and a faint voice came from the other side of it.
“No… no, it can’t.” |
Elvalia - Chosen of Aros
Elrith Mellin
Perin - 'Cleric (an' drewid) o' Elbreff' Weddin's an' pies a speciarality
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Indecision
Posted: 09 Jul 2004 02:47 AM |
The falcon soared in the warm updraft then tipped its wing and dived, wheeled around the statue and harp and spread its wings against the current and came to rest in the branch of the tree where it tilted its head to gaze down on the figure below, sat at the very edge of the precipice.
The young elf sighed and lay down on her back, resting her head on her hands as her blonde hair fanned out on the ground.
Her green eyes stared up at the clouds above and she frowned slightly, trying to work out how best to proceed.
To some extent the meeting with the Princess hadn’t gone well and she was still trying to get over the shock of being faced not only the Princess but also the entire Council. It was probably that more than anything else, which had convinced her that there was a lot more involved here than she had first thought.
A wry grin crossed her face as she recalled the time she had spent on her knees begging forgiveness as Camthalion had raged.
The swing of emotions through the meeting had been incredible, first the very real fear that she would be punished – the anger had been genuine enough – followed by relief when it became clear she wouldn’t, then, at last, total surprise at what she had been asked to do.
The only problem, and source of her current dilemma, was how to go about it. She had one contact, and one alone. She didn’t trust him, even more so given his background, but she knew that if she was to get anywhere with this she would have to see him again. The problem was where. The attack on the guards – and Aros forgive the person she was almost certain was responsible – had meant it would be even more difficult to get anywhere near Midor, especially given who and what she was.
Then of course there was the fact that above all it would have to be done alone, as the Princess had said, this was a secret. Not even her friends could know.
She rolled over onto her stomach and, pulling a blade of grass from the ground, rested her chin in her hands as she began to chew on the stem.
For a long while she remained in that position, oblivious to her surroundings, then at last she got to her feet and picked up the bow, which lay on the ground beside her.
“Oh well, something will come up, it always does, I’ll just have to see what happens.”
With a bit more of a spring to her step but not a lot less resignation, she walked off through the temple gardens, pausing only to bow to the High Priestess on the way. |
Elvalia - Chosen of Aros
Elrith Mellin
Perin - 'Cleric (an' drewid) o' Elbreff' Weddin's an' pies a speciarality
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A Parting of Old Friends
Posted: 20 Jul 2004 06:33 PM |
Mineath echoed to the sound of metal on rock, the bats disturbed by the sound brushing the ceiling of the caverns as the twittered about far above.
Not that the elven maiden noticed, she was too busy hacking away at the pillar of rock with her axe, stopping occasionally to follow the track of the precious copper vein as she followed it through the rock. Hacking free one last nugget of the badly needed metal she stowed it away into her pack and hefted the heavy weight.
Satisfied that she could manage she headed off to where the dim light showed the exit to the Plains.
As she left the darkness she squinted up at the Sun then stopped, thunderstruck.
“Oh no! I’ll be late!”
Turning back the way she had come she re-entered the caverns and headed as fast as she could towards Latonei.
Casting anxious glances up at the sky occasionally to keep track of the time she made her way as rapidly as possible and arrived at last at the Oakhouse where dropped her pack in a corner rummaged in it for a moment before extracting a well wrapped package and disappearing into the rear. Followed by the amused gaze of Strand, used by now to such rapid entrances and exits.
A few minutes later, however, his eyebrows arched upwards as she reappeared dressed from head to foot in an obsidian gown.
“My, my, unusual to see you looking so ladylike. Going somewhere special?”
The green eyes which looked back at him were for once devoid of laughter as she gazed back at him, looking more as if her thoughts were miles away.
“You could say that,” she said, “see you later.”
Strand grunted, “Have fun.” Luckily not noticing the quick glance and flash of anger she cast back in his direction before realising that he probably had no way of knowing.
Seeming to gather herself, she picked up her bow then left.
Feeling strangely serene she walked through Mystic Woods and along the aerial walkway into Ferein itself, pausing briefly to bow and intone a greeting to the Warriors at the gate to the temple.
She walked steadily towards the gardens, bowing low to the High Priestess and taking a brief detour to cleanse herself in the fountain, and arrived at last in the shallow arena to see that some had already arrived. Not pausing to greet anybody she walked up to the statue and harp and knelt before them in silent prayer.
There she stayed for some time, only distantly aware that the funeral had begun and only barely taking in Calia’s words as she spoke. Concentrating instead on what she meant to do, what it meant to her and hoped it would mean to the family of the fallen.
Focusing at last on what was happening she became aware that Calia had finished the service and was now talking to those others who had attended.
Certain now of what she was doing her gaze fell briefly on the elven druid who sat on the lush grass.
Ignoring all else she walked up behind him and laid her hand lightly on his shoulder.
As he turned to look up at her she spoke, barely aware of the words she was saying as the elven tripped melodically and naturally from her tongue.
“I shed tears of blood for your loss brother”
The druid looked up at her quizzically, not answering.
She turned and wlked over to stand beside the coffin and looked down at it intently for a few moments.
Then, certain of what she would do at last she held out her bow over the coffin and spoke once more in elven.
“This is my bow, “Finfalin’s Whisper”, made by my father Arod and passed to me by our Lord Aros. I give it now to you to accompany you beyond and protect you as it has protected me.”
Slowly she bent and laid the bow before the coffin and bowed.
“May Aros watch over you brother.”
She turned and looked briefly at the others present as if daring them to touch it then bowed once more to the statue and the harp.
She felt Calia’s light touch on her shoulder but, ignoring it, walked almost in a daze from the temple…
… she wasn’t even sure how she came to be there but when next she was aware of her surroundings she realised she was sitting in the garden, just off the path of Aros, tears running down her face.
The elven words came to mingle with the sound of running water, birdsong and breeze through the trees as she looked up at the skies.
“I hope you approve father.”
“He died at the hands of humans like you and mother.”
“It was the highest honour I could think of.”
“There was a time father when that bow was all I could think of.”
“I have outgrown it in many ways, I hope you and mother are proud.”
“I hope that wherever you are you look on with mother at Bronwyn and I and think your sacrifice worthwhile.”
“I will make another, one that will bear your name.”
“Whatever happens to me your memory will live on as I hope his does.”
Then, at last, she fell silent. |
Elvalia - Chosen of Aros
Elrith Mellin
Perin - 'Cleric (an' drewid) o' Elbreff' Weddin's an' pies a speciarality
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A Letter To The Council
Posted: 22 Jul 2004 03:27 PM |
Strand let himself in out of the rain and strolled over to the fire, grabbing a flask of ale from the table as he passed.
Drinking deeply he turned his back to the fire to warm himself then noticed her sitting hunched over the desk.
“Trolls are more active lately, Ronan must have been upsetting them again. I’ll have to have a chat with him.”
“Hmmm.”
“What are you writing now?” He asked, craning his neck to get a look.
“I wouldn’t bother, it’s in elven. It’s a letter for someone to hold for me, I’ve already written one for Bronwyn – I’d like you to give it to her if… well, if anything happens to me.”
His eyebrows arched upwards at her reply, “This to do with that mage is it?”
She turned and fixed her green eyes on his, deadly earnest, “Forget him Strand, you never saw him. No matter who asks, he was never here.”
“All right, keep your secrets,” he said, slightly hurt.
“I’m serious Strand, for your own sake forget you saw him, promise me you’ll say nothing.”
He frowned slightly but nodded at last, “All right, I promise. Who’s the other one for then?”
“You know, he was here with me yesterday. I’d hoped to see him again but I couldn’t find him. When he calls in next give it to him for me, he’s expecting it and will know what to do.”
“Are you sure you want to give it to him, I mean…”
She smiled, “Strand, I would trust him with my life and I know you would too, just do as I ask. Please?”
He sighed and nodded as she sealed the letter and passed it to him, together with the one she’d finished earlier.
“So where are you off to now then, more secrets?” He said
“Ferein, to ask for an audience,” she smiled up at him.
“And then?”
“And then I wait, old friend, and then I wait. Just remember the letters for me won’t you?” She said, as she rose from the desk, picked up her bow and headed for the door.
“I will. Oh… and Elvalia?” He said as she opened it.
“Yes?”
“Be careful.”
She looked back at him grinned, “I always am Strand, you know that.”
She walked quickly through Latonei and Ferein to the palace, where she bowed to the guards at the gate before entering.
Walking through the halls she came at last to the entrance to the royal chambers and walked up to the desk where the elf looked up at her somewhat impatiently.
“Yes?”
“Good day to you Elorin, I’d like an audience please, with the Princess.”
“By appointment only… name?”
“Elvalia, Elvalia Mellebin.”
“Very well… reason?”
“She’ll know, we’ve spoken on the matter before, “ Elvalia answered.
“Well it’s customary…”
“I know, but trust me, you don’t need to know.”
He sighed, clearly upset at being kept in the dark, and added her name to a list before looking up at her as if surprised to see her still standing there. “Was there something else?” He asked.
“Yes, actually.” She smiled, “I’d like an audience with the full Council too, if that’s all right.”
As he looked about to speak she jumped in quickly, “Yes, by appointment only, and no, I can’t tell you why. So if you’d just like to add my name to your list?”
“I’d prefer them one after the other as well, if possible, Princess first.” She said, barely containing an urge to giggle at his expression.
As his quill scratched on the parchment he intoned, “Very well my lady, you will be informed.”
She bowed then looked at him with a smile. “My thanks Elorin, farewell.” Then turned and walked towards the exit.
Behind her Elorin watched her leave then shook his head before returning to the work before him.
She walked back through the gates to the palace and stood momentarily looking up at the clear cloudless sky.
“And now, we wait.” She said as she walked back off towards Latonei. |
Elvalia - Chosen of Aros
Elrith Mellin
Perin - 'Cleric (an' drewid) o' Elbreff' Weddin's an' pies a speciarality
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Marillan - Part One
Posted: 14 Aug 2004 03:32 PM |
((with thanks to Sirac for the refresher and also an apology for the paraphrasing due to a lost log))
((OOC note, apart from Elvalia and Marillan obviously, there is only one other IG who has heard this story, or is aware of Elvalia's thoughts about Marillan))
The morning sun had just appeared above the horizon, the songbirds in the trees beginning their chorus of welcome.
An early morning mist curled among the trees and columns and around the knees of the young elf that trod lightly through the gates of Ferein.
She turned towards the market, hoping by her early arrival to get the best price for the bows she carried in a bundle over her shoulder.
Though seemingly oblivious, her green eyes quickly scanned the surroundings, wary, even here. It was a habit.
At this early hour there was no one, save the market traders and – in the distance – the guards at their posts outside the palace.
She stopped short, a movement, just at the edge of her vision. She stared over at the spot, brushing the blonde hair from her eyes.
Nothing.
Shaking her head in dismissal, she approached the market traders, and ten minutes later, turned to the gates with a smile on her face and a considerably heavier purse.
As she passed the columns near the gate she stopped again, a sound this time… no more than a slight scuffing sound, but a noise nevertheless.
“Hello…?” She said quietly, “Who is there? Show yourself.”
There was a muffled sob of dismay and Elvalia relaxed visibly as a very young elf maiden stepped from behind a pillar.
“I… I’m sorry my Lady…. “ She said, casting nervous looks in all directions, “I… I meant no offence…. Please…. Please don’t punish me….”
A slight frown passed across Eulalie’s features at the girl’s reaction.
“Punish you? Why would I want to punish you?”
The younger girl became increasingly agitated and began looking wildly around. “Because I deserve it…I always deserve my punishments… I know it’s my fault…”
Increasingly concerned by the maiden’s behaviour but seeking to calm her Elvalia began to move closer, stopping in surprise when the other flinched and backed up against a nearby wall.
“I’ll not hurt you,” said Elvalia softly, “who are you?”
“M…M…Marillan, my Lady…”
Elvalia smiled reassuringly, “Well met Marillan, I am Elvalia, pleased….” She stopped short as the girl’s piercing blue eyes opened wide in a mixture of shock and awe.
“You are the Lady Elvalia? Oh! I… I am sorry to anger you… my lady…”
Slightly amused but covering it well, Elvalia once more tried to calm her. “I’m not angry Marillan. You know me then? I did not think we had met….”
“Oh! No my lady…. But everybody speaks of you…. The famous Lady Elvalia…. Are all the tales true? Did you fight demons and Tarik’s elves and.. and…”
Unable to contain herself any longer Elvalia laughed, startling Marillan even more. “Well, I’m Elvalia and I don’t know of any others so I suppose it must be me… but I didn’t do those things alone…”
Marillan flinched once more and the still wide open eyes took on a look of fear, “I… I’m sorry my lady…. I have angered you…. Please don’t punish me like he does…. It… it’s just that…”
“Just what?” Said Elvalia
“I… I never thought I’d meet you…. They are true aren’t they… the tales I mean…. He said they weren’t but they are aren’t they?”
“Some of them, I suppose, but you shouldn’t believe everything you hear.” Said Elvalia, smiling wryly.
For reasons Elvalia didn’t quite understand, the young elf maiden had continued throughout to glance wildly around as if expecting to be attacked at any moment, as she fell silent looking nervously about her Elvalia took the chance to move closer and examine her properly.
Her eyes were her most prominent feature, that piercing blue, very pale skinned, with hair which was dyed blue also. Very frail she looked too, yet graceful. Above all, she was nervous, terrified more likely.
“Relax, Marillan, this is Ferein, no one will harm you here.”
Marillan shook her head violently, “It doesn’t matter… he’ll come… he’ll find me… and when he does he’ll punish me…”
Frowning slightly, Elvalia took a quick look round, “There is nobody here. Besides, you are safe with me, I’ll protect you.”
With these words, Marillan seemed to relax visibly.
“If it bothers you to be here, I know a place we can go, to talk where we won’t be disturbed.”
“Are… are you sure my lady?” said Marillan nervously, “he will find me if he wants to.”
“You’ll be with me, I’ll look after you.”
Still looking frightened and a little confused Marillan nodded at last.”
“Come with me then, you’ll be fine.” Smiled Elvalia.
Marillan followed nervously as Elvalia led the way swiftly through Ferein from the city until at last they came to the Path of Aros, where Marillan once more stopped fearfully.
“The… the guards won’t hurt us will they?” she asked from behind Elvalia.
“The Warriors?” Elvalia said over her shoulder, no the Warriors of Aros are here to protect us.” Missing the frown on Marillan’s face she walked calmly off towards the stream and garden. “Come, not far now.”
She calmly walked off towards the Secret Garden, somehow aware that Marillan would follow in spite – or perhaps because – of her nervousness. She led the way deeper into the woods and stopped at last between the two large waterfalls, sitting with a sigh of contentment next to the stream.
Laying her bow down on the ground she gestured to Marillan to sit with her.
“It… it’s beautiful…” said Marillan, jumping as a deer stepped from behind a tree.
“I think so, I love it here,” said Elvalia, smiling. “It’s the only place I can come and know I won’t need that.” Nodding as she spoke towards her bow.
As Elvalia leant back against a tree, patently relaxed and unconcerned, Marillan began to relax too, even though occasionally she would flinch at some sound or other.
Elvalia sat, gazing at the flora and fauna around her, “It always reminds me of where I grew up… I feel most at home here.”
Marillan looked at her curiously. “Ferein… it is not your home then…?”
Elvalia’s eyes showed a fleeting flash of pain before she looked back at the girl and smiled sadly, proceeding to tell the story of her childhood.
“From what you say my Lady your home must have been close to mine….”
“You think so? I do not know… it is gone now…”
“It must have been hard, to be alone for so many years…”
“At times… though I am never truly alone, Aros is with me always.” Said Elvalia, smiling.
Her eyebrows arched upwards in surprise at the frown and dislike that appeared on Marillan’s face.
“Father says Aros and Elbereth are evil gods, that they care not for those who worship them, but use them for their own ends.”
A thousand questions sprang to Elvalia’s mind but she controlled herself and smiled at Marillan instead, “That is not true Marillan, Aros saved my life, and has done many times since, so too has Elbereth. Aros has always been there at need.”
“Saved you? How do you know it was not him that arranged their deaths, so you would worship him?” Sneered Marillan.
“Because he told me so Marillan,” said Elvalia, “he has never lied to me… I have no reason to doubt him.”
It was clearly apparent that Marillan was not convinced, and curious though she was as to why this should be, Elvalia instead changed the subject.
“Tell me of your father. What is he like?”
To her surprise pride appeared on Marillan’s face, “He is a hunter, the best, I do not know a better. It is his life.” She began to look round nervously once more.
“Is it him you are scared of?” asked Elvalia gently.
Marillan nodded jerkily, “He punishes me… but you must understand…. it is not his fault, it is mine, I do not do what he wants, I deserve it. He asks me to clean an cook and look after the house but I don’t… or make mistakes… he tells me I should not go out or Tarik’s elves will get me. But I do.”
“He is a good person, a fine person, but he changed when mother died, he just hunts now.”
Elvalia looked at her shrewdly, “So you ran away…”
Marillan looked at her plaintively and nodded, “I want to be a hunter too… I used to go with him before mother died but he will not allow it now.” She looked around frantically, “And now he will come for me and punish me again. I will never be a hunter now.”
Elvalia reached out a hand to calm her, “I told you, you are safe with me, I will protect you.”
She gazed at her appraisingly. “Would you like me to teach you?”
Marillan’s eyes lit up, “You… would… You would do that for me?”
“Of course, if you want. I only hunt occasionally, but I can show you how to use a bow, and how to hide.” Smiled Elvalia.
“Oh, my lady, I would like that…” she looked round nervously once more, but I must go… in case he finds me…”
“Very well… “ said Elvalia, getting to her feet, “I’ll show you to the dock.”
She watched the barge sail away from the shoreline, frowning slightly then turned to walk back to Latonei. |
Elvalia - Chosen of Aros
Elrith Mellin
Perin - 'Cleric (an' drewid) o' Elbreff' Weddin's an' pies a speciarality
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Marillan - Part Two
Posted: 19 Aug 2004 03:06 AM |
She walked out of the hills throwing a cheery smile in John’s direction, and looked briefly up at the sky.
A fine day, a good one for crafting.
She paused at the stream to take a drink then proceed through Icy Vale to the pass, concealing herself as she did so – why bother the wolves for no reason.
She ran quickly through the Mineath and concealed herself once more before walking out onto the Plains; she would sooner catch any lingering bandits unawares than be caught by them.
As she neared the cavern entrance she paused, sounds of fighting, coarse cries she recognised as those of the undesirables that sometimes gathered here and another, higher, more melodic voice – someone was in trouble!
Walking quickly to the very threshold of the cavern she nocked an arrow and peered out, four of them, three gathered around someone she couldn’t see, and another – just beginning an incantation prior to casting a spell.
Her green eyes narrowed in a familiar frown of concentration as she swiftly brought her bow up and sent three shots in the direction of the spell caster, bringing her down before she had a chance to react.
Two of the others began to turn in her direction but died too, before they could close enough to attack her.
Another two swiftly launched arrows and the last fell – leaving their potential victim standing shaking and breathing hard.
As she lowered her bow and looked at the other, her eyes opened wide in recognition.
“Marillan! What are you doing here?”
“My.. my lady! Thank you, I… I didn’t know they were here…I was trying to fight them off but there were too many of them.”
Elvalia nodded, “They lie in wait for the unwary, trying to do just that.” She surveyed the corpses calmly, “Still… No matter, you’re safe now.”
Still shivering slightly, Marillan followed her gaze then looked at Elvalia in awe, “You… you are so quick! I never saw a bow used like that… “
Elvalia smiled ruefully, “I wasn’t always that fast, a lot of practice and a lot of hard lessons learnt. I prefer to avoid situations like that completely if I can.” She cast a wry look at the young elf, “In fact if you hadn’t been here I’d have probably passed by without them even noticing.”
Marillan reddened and cast her gaze downwards, flinching slightly, “I… I’m sorry my lady… It’s my fault… “
Frowning slightly, Elvalia tried to reassure her, “It’s nobody’s fault, you’re not the first to be caught by them. As long as you learn from it there’s no harm done.”
Looking at her appraisingly, Elvalia continued, “In fact, I’m not doing anything pressing at the moment, and promised to teach you… how about your first lesson?”
Marillan’s eyes lit up. “You… you would do that? For me…? I… I don’t know what to say…”
“Then say nothing,” smiled Elvalia, “there’s no need. Now, first things first, you need a bow – a good one.” She took a long bundle she had been carrying from her shoulder and quickly strung a composite bow, holding it out towards the girl.
“For… for me? I couldn’t take something like that… it it’s wonderful…”
“Of course you can, I’d only sell it anyway and it’s better than anything you could buy and use at the moment. Here, take it, it will help you.”
Elvalia glanced once more at the corpses, and then turned again to Marillan who was still looking at the bow. “Of course, if you could get past them without them seeing you then you wouldn’t need to worry about a bow, can you hide?”
Marillan grimaced slightly, “I’m sorry, I can, but I’m not very good at it… I still get seen… even if I don’t want to be…”
Elvalia smiled, “I wouldn’t worry about that, you’ll get better the more you practice, and fewer and fewer will see you.”
“I have an idea, there are some bears in a wood near here, how do you feel about sneaking and hunting a few of them?”
Marillan began shaking once more, “B...Bears? A…Aren’t they dangerous?”
“Some of them are… the bigger ones… but I’ll be with you. If we sneak up on them you can get a free shot in. I’ll look after you.”
Marillan looked around nervously then looked again at the bandit corpses and smiled at Elvalia, “A..Alright, if you say so my lady.”
Elvalia smiled, turned, and led the way down from the plateau onto the plains talking as she went.
“The black bears are the easiest, they normally fall to a couple of shots… or do to me.. so you shouldn’t have much trouble with them. The brown ones are a little tougher, but the worst are the grizzlies. Just remember one thing, if they look like they are going to close before you can kill them… run, there is no shame in it.”
She paused, and stopped to look at Marillan who had been following along behind looking steadily more nervous. Smiling encouragingly, Elvalia beckoned her on, “Don’t worry, I’ll be there too, you’ll be fine. Just hide every time you get a chance, it gives you the advantage, you can pick your fight.” She pointed to where the trail led of into Sunix woods, “It’s just through there, let’s go,” she said, breaking into a jog.
What happened next Elvalia was unsure, but she found herself on the ground, slightly dazed, with no Marillan in sight. She got to her feet and ran towards Sunix, creeping into the trees.
She looked around the woods… no sign of her, and checking the ground found no tracks either. Slightly apprehensive, she pushed deeper in.
Low grunts ahead of her gave away the presence of a bear. Confident that it couldn’t see her, she moved closer.
A grizzly, bent over something on the ground, its muzzle red from a recent kill.
Elvalia moved in to get a better view then stopped in shock… it was Marillan, sprawled out on the ground, hideously torn by tooth and claw.
Anger rose quickly within her, anger and shame. She had led her here and now she had fallen. Swiftly nocking an arrow, Elvalia launched three shots at the bear and sent it crashing to the ground next to Marillan’s body.
The anger was still there, it wasn’t enough… stalking swiftly through the wood she dispatched bear after bear coldly seeking out revenge until after a short while, none remained to be found.
Shouldering her bow she walked back to where she had left Marillan and stood over her looking down at the horror caused by the bear.
Anger now faded from her green eyes as she stood head bowed with tears running down her cheeks.
“Oh, Marillan, I’m sorry… I promised I would help you and look what I’ve done…”
Falling to her knees next to the young one she looked desperately among the trees and wiped her eyes with her sleeve.
“Perhaps… there is one chance, perhaps he will hear.”
Clasping her hands together and closing her eyes she composed herself, deliberately seeking calmness and looking for the link… the closeness she always felt… the feeling of protection.
“My Lord Aros, it is I, your loyal servant Elvalia. Forgive me… forgive my misguided pride and help this young one who has fallen victim to it. Please my Lord, bring her back so she may have a chance to live as she wishes.”
The woods fell silent as Elvalia waited, calmly, certain in her beliefs.
Slowly, she opened her eyes and gazed down at the body through the tears, which had once more begun to form.
They widened as the horrific wounds began to close, she had done it! It was working. Faster and faster, horrific gashes and tears began to close until no sign of injury remained.
And then she disappeared.
Elvalia gazed down stunned at the flattened grass and bloodstains where Marillan had lain.
What did this mean?
If Aros had heard where had she gone?
She knelt there for some minutes, unsure what to do next, until at last silently, she slowly stood and walked off through the trees towards the Plains. |
Elvalia - Chosen of Aros
Elrith Mellin
Perin - 'Cleric (an' drewid) o' Elbreff' Weddin's an' pies a speciarality
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