The guards had seemed more alert than usual today, as they never usually asked about you unless you looked shifty, and Nethania thought she looked quite trusting. 'Very strange'she thought before giving her horse to a stable keep and placing a small amount in his hand in thanks. 'I trust you to be kind to my partner' and the stable keep nodded 'Only the best for paying customers'. Humans were so easy to bribe theses days, not at all as clever as a common elf. Nethania sighed, wondering why today had felt so different here in Ining, was there something interesting happening.


Nethania turned around to find her good friend Elrohir behind her. 'It's nice to see you old friend' she said as she kissed his cheek, which in her village was a mark of respect.

'My family are well, my father is still making weapons, a little unnerved since the passing of mother but all in all he is good'. She paused and took a breath 'How has your recent journey been, are you still at camp' she asked, wishing she had accompanied him instead of working with her father. She only knew that Elrohir travelled quite a bit, but she had never asked him if she could also go, even though she could help his team greatly with her being a mage.

She continued to question him, whilst pushing the hair from her face elegantly. It had been s long since they had last met, and she was beginning to worry about him.'So has the King asked your company, or are you just here for recreation?'

She wondered if she had already asked too many question and decided to wait for his answer. As the got deeper into the city, she felt the strange presence she had felt earlier only this time stronger.

'May I ask one more thing dear friend, can you feel that?' She assumed he could as he was very talented and skilled and far superior to a small village Elf like herself.

As the guards left he sneered down on them. Humans, it could have left a bile taste in his mouth. Though no matter how thin their population was in the world of Osar he still had a distaste for them entirely. Why? Many people wouldn't know unless they knew Elrohir a long time ago. His past that left almost a permanent scar across his heart.

But I digress.

He was too enlightened by Nethania's presence, as he hadn't seen her in some time and had grown fond of her. He listened to her ongoing quarry and simply smiled at her mound of questions and accepted the peck on his cheek, as he knew it was her custom.

"My deepest sympathies towards you and your father. I'm sure times without your mother is more than displeasing, but the two of you are strong. And yes, until just recently our battalion has been cornering the ogre tribe of maneaters in the east, though they are large they are very good at hiding. But all is well, the men's spirits are high."

He wanted to go more on about battle strategies and such, that being one of his favorite pass times, but he thought that she wouldn't entirely understand, least of all enjoy it. It was then when he saw the signs of yearning in her eyes. He has always been keen on her feelings, to him she might as well have just shouted it out loud. "Perhaps someday." He muttered lightly before continuing on to her next questions.

"It's a mix of both, more because I had received word from the king, aye." Nodding he added, "I'm glad I met you before the king."

The mood suddenly changed when she mentioned about the strange feeling. Elrohir's once soothed face turned rigid and stern again. "Aye, I felt it on my journey here. The winds demand change, for the better or worse. I fear it is why the lord has summoned my company." He was silent for a moment before turning his head back to her.

"May I ask you, though, what is to become of you now, dear Nethania? Shall we meet at a place after my meeting?" They were now not too far from the palaces walls and could see the great building that was founded here, left by the ancients. No matter how many times Elrohir saw this place, he still marveled at the ostentatious design. 'I wonder...' he thought...

With your heart guiding you, run through,
Right now, to the unmapped place of freedom.

Young Roderick could feel a frog in his throat, nearing steps could be heard clearly even through the solid fog. He desperately hoped the smoke would never clear, so that he may remain in it's misty sanctuary and never have to deal with his progenitor or even worse, the police.

He began backing away from the sound of footfalls, looking out for impeding shadows peeking through the veil of white and retreating into the thicker clouds of smog. But just as fate would have it, a gentle breeze from nowhere in his room swept away his cover in a single breath, leaving him naked to the crowd before him.

His jaw dropped when he found a hundred pair of eyes staring back at him*, how did they get in here!? But prying his eyes away from the crowd, he saw that where his ceiling once was now an azure sky; pristine and untouched by the ill of pollution. It dawned on him that he was no longer in his room ...

The mob took a step closer to inspect this stranger who quite literally popped out of nowhere in the middle of their town square, whispering to one another in a hushed tone.

A human? Is he a human? I thought they were only fairytales ...

He must be a magician, look at all the smoke ...

What's he doing here?

Don't go too close Myria. He may be armed!

Willing himself free from his trance, Roderick looked down and in his hands; blackened and sore. That's right, he was trying to put out his mistake before he got pulled into this weird ass dimension ...or fainted.

The crowd took yet another step, they were starting to tresspass his personal space.

"Back off, peo-" They weren't people, most of them looked like they leapt right out of the pages of some failed Dungeons and Dragons handbook! Elves, dwarves and god knows what he could not recognise. Adrenaline flushed all sorts of ideas into his head, from outright attacking them to a disturbing laughter.


"I MEAN IT!" He cried out, thinking if he acted more upset than they were, it might really diffuse the whole situation.

Daniel was awe struck by the tall slender women standing in the doorway. She was like a grand statue, a figure of strength. Just standing in her presences was like getting getting tackled by a football team. She was a good foot taller that he, long straight blond hair down to her backside. Her eyes were ruby red, and sparkled with a confidence. Her body seemed almost fail, with a lack of body mass. She had a kind smile, showing her pristine and white teeth. Her face was long and thin like the rest of her body. By far her most notable feature were her elf like ears, that had three hoop piercings in them. She wore a silver and blue robe like dress, that seemed to have an erratic design.

"So are you coming," she said with a smile, and a soothing tone of voice, "the King has summoned you." She put an emphasis on "has" like it would encourage him to go with her. Daniel was still taking aback by the woman's outstanding presences. He couldn't seem to muster up the courage to even speak to her. He just stood there staring, he noticed that it was raining, quite hard actually. Then he saw streak of lightning crash down, and heard the thunder come directly after. He usually was impartial to storms, but he liked this one, it made him feel stronger, calmer, smarter. Like he could harness the power of it. Like it's an extension of himself, or better yet an ally.

Daniel finally swallowed his fear, took a big gulp, and said, "Why?"
No matter how strong he felt, he wasn't stupid. Acting strong against such a intimidating person could have bad repercussions, to say the least.

The woman let out a giggle, Daniel was perplexed by why it was funny. He wondered if he had made a fool of himself. He stood there for a very awkward minute, until finally she said, "Of-course the king wants to see you, you one of the heroes, aren't you?" Daniel knew not to answer the question, she already knew the answer, and he was figuring it out.

Daniel sighed a pitiful sentence, "Okay, lets go."

Great!, I have prepared a steed for you outside!" She motioned for him to come, and turned around to walk outside. Daniel saw something, that was unnoticeable before. She had a metal pole strapped to her back.

"You can't go out in the storm with that lightning rod on your back!"

The girl smiled with delight, "How did you know its name was Lightning Rod."

Daniel stopped, he was confused, but knew not to ask anymore questions. Daniel walked out the house, and saddled his horse. Then he heard a scream, he looked around and saw groups of twos coming out their house, and running off towards the forest. The women turned to him, smile diminished, "Lets go." He and the women took off into the forest, the point of the scream.

Nethania listened carefully to what Elrohir had to say, his stories were always very interesting to her.

She had been correct about his meeting with the King but she wondered why, possibly for another quest. It had always annoyed her that the King had never needed her company, as she had a lot to offer even if she was an elf who happened to hold her own race higher than humans.

Although she could have possibly went away with Elrohir, she had never asked him as she feared his answer would most certainly be No. To think of it she had never really seemed much more than an Elf, as her healing ability was little known, how she would like to find someone who appreciated it. Yet the world was mostly human now, and they were slow learners and very stupid, she had yet to find another healer she could talk with.

The strange feeling around her only seemed to confuse her more when Elrohir could feel it too, hopefully the King would explain and she could ask her friend what he had said.

'Ah yes Elrohir, it would be nice to see a little more of you before you go and leave again, where would you like me to wait for you' Nethania said whilst still thinking over how she could leave her village and set off on some kind of journey. Then she wondered if it was right to leave her Father alone, he used to be a very strong Elf but he had weakened with age and all he had was Nethania. 'maybe...' she said quietly to herself 'Maybe I can...'

Would it be wrong to leave? Or would her Father be proud she was leaving for once and not worrying about him. You could tell by the expression on her face she was in deep thought over something.

"I MEAN IT!" Rockerick yelled once more but his words only turned on deaf ears, it was quickly progressing into horror for him as his they began to close distance from him.

Oh you have GOT to-be-kidding me, he thought rolling his eyes, feeling the cat and dog weather sip into the attire that was not his, chilling in places he would rather leave dry. Wet cobblestone floors and thick waterlogged clothes, the rain had effectively sojourned him. Hope, on the other hand was drying out.

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"Ladd'e," A phrase not used in a long time in Osar, even the dwarf who said it felt awkward. "-we mean yer nay harm."

"Really?" Roderick asked sacarstically backing up slowly, he was not buying it, they still surrounded him like a pack of rabid rats.

"A'ye, don' need yer to flip like 'e troll on the boat."

"I won't- STTOOPP!" He shouted at the top of his voice, scaring them into halting for just that moment, clearing his throat. "I won't freak out if you stop coming closer, okay?" He tried to say nicely, calming down.

Stepping forward, the dwarf tried to explain.

"But the king su-"

"Ah."

"Bu-"

"But!"

"He said-"

"For F**K SAKE!" Roderick yowled raising his fists at them, he meant business. All flushed in red, the teenager was more prone to anger when threatened. A six feet tall drpping wet barbaric looking human, dressed in fur lined clothes made of animal skins with thick, tense arms ready to bludgeon whoever got too close did look threatening to the vertically challenged of the crowd.

But there was no lack of tall ones either. “The king has summoned you for an audience,” A rather androgynous being with slender pointed ears emphasized in a calm, mature and cold voice.

Roderick’s distrustful eye narrowed down on to the whispering crowd.


Mommie.
Yes, sweetie.
Why is that elf so angry?
He is called a human, a man dear child. Not an elve.
Then whoo is f**k??
Its that angry man's god.

(sorry it took me so long)

Maraek ran down the mountanside with haste, and he decided he would have to ask around the castle maybe to see what he could do to help in this strange quest. The wind felt good on his skin and made his ponytail fly around in the wind almost as if it was going to fly off. After he had bested the mountain he ran into a bare plain and he could see the castle in the distance. "What a waste of effort to build such a thing." Maraek said scoffing. Then he heard an unfamiliar voice in his head that made him jump.


[Maraek I know you seek information, and you will have it. So I need you to follow me.] “Where?” [King Enurn seeks an audience with you, you have a bigger role in this than you may thing Maraek.] Maraek could tell that the voice was a fairy, since he had seen them in his woods all the time and heard them laugh. "Alright, but can I ask if there are others?" [There are a few, and you shall meet with them soon enough.] Maraek simply nodded in understanding and ran towards the castle.

It wasn't long until they reached the palace's walls and had to stop due to the guards, a couple of stern looking dwarves lowering their pikes to block the way. Elrohir turned and smiled to Nethania and nodded.

"Indeed. There are plenty of places for you to visit around here, perhaps you may happen upon someone interesting. I shan't be long I'm sure. There is a pub not far from here, we can meet there if you wish." He pointed down the road. "It is a quaint place." He bowed, holding her hand he kissed it lightly, as a gesture of respect where he is from, and said, "But now I must leave. Be safe." With that he turned around and headed to the guards. They saluted him and raised their pikes after the mention of his name, "Sir Elrohir Durza, son of Valadil the Dragontooth."

He made one last glance back to Nethania, it was a blank look, void of any emotion, just an acknowledgment of her existence if anything, then walked inside after the gates opened.

He walked past the courtyard, through dinning room, and down several corridors to reach the throne room where the king spent most of his time deliberating a mound of issues. When Elrohir reached the doors he stopped, hesitant as he thought things through.

Just was the lord calling him for? It couldn't be about his current progress with the ogre tribe, he had just sent word of that not even a fortnight ago, that they were spotted recently but put up no effort to battle and fled into the woods where they lost them somehow. What could be so urgent to call him from the battlefield of his current campaign?

It suddenly re-dawned on him what he was speaking to Nethania again, that feeling of ill-boding changes in the winds. Could that be it? Certainly the king could feel it too. Perhaps he could further explain it. After his talk within his mind he glanced up and took a deep sigh, pushing the large doors open, which would normally take a very sturdy dwarf to do, and walked in, greeted unfriendly like by the guards within. They again raised their pikes to the words of his name and he strode with his abnormally quick elf speed, as if floating, to the throne, where he stopped and knelt to one knee and lowered his head, his one hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

"My lord, it is I, Elrohir Durza, answering on the word you have sent me." He said in a rich, loud tone. "How may I serve you?" He awaited his answer, even if it took a century to receive...

Somewhat close to the adventurers, though hidden by a myriad of corridors, guards and walls was Palace Inging: a massive structure that nobody could fathom lest they'd been in it; it had been left by Osarian ancestors, though it was unknown when or how. Plenty of myths surrounded this place, and even more so the royalty that came in and out of it.

Just now, coming in wasn't royalty but a particularly loyal subject of the King's, Elrohir Durza, an elf involved in a campaign against the ogres not too far from Inging. Upon the usual show of respect, the King rose from the throne with effort. It was too tall to be a dwarf, yet too short to be a human; his bald head covered by the symbolizing crown and set of colorful, almost mystical jewels. King Enurn was living proof that one did not need possess royal blood to reign over Osar.

"I call for you with no intention of speaking your militia's affairs. Durza, there is something that sprouted to my priest court's attention - word of..."

The King paused, a tad nervous as the left hand reached up and stroked the long, gray beard with angst. Stepping down the uneven hall (elevated more as one went deeper) until his height was even with Elrohir's, he proceeded to speak.

"I'd prefer if we were NOT HEARD BY ANYBODY ELSE."

With a hand motion, Enurn apologized for the rude tone. Shortly afterwards, the two rows of knights raised their arms and left the room, turning each other one by one to cross the grand door of gold and fancy wood.

"These new guards, so very imprudent. Durza, my priests have discovered the prophecy is unfolding: though I'll admit to not being too struck, they have presented... Odd symptoms. I am talking to you of the Osarians with the highest spirituality known-- I can only wonder what will be of the Kingdom if nothing is done."

At this moment, a pause was given to the speech, pray the elf understood the degree of seriousness within not only this moment, but each and every one coming afterwards.

"You possess great knowledge in the battlefield, for that, I wish for you to accompany the heroes in their quest to eradicate this evil. They have been summoned close to this place, and will be brought promptly by several escorts I've ordered. As of now, a messenger has arrived with word of some of them, saying they are in the dirt road leading to Rakit forest; there seems to have been some minor trouble with an orc..."

He sighed. This job was rather demanding even when it only involved dealing with minor issues; Enurn was not the best man for this position, however the compassion he'd shown towards the subjects was greater than what had been seen thus far. Gripping the scepter from his right hand tightly, it was lifted about half a foot, then quickly stricken on the floor three times - the banging noise was a species of wordless farewell and good luck wish to the elf. Having been so accustomed to royalty, it was unlikely this would bewilder Elrohir.

Back at Rakit forest, a pair of heroes had come up to Myrna, asking about the situation and what that huge, green thing was.

"I really don't know a thing..."

She spoke, monotonous and just staring at the orc, wailing still with a deep, shattering voice. Not knowing the feeling of a mother, the woman rushed forward regardless, not caring if the beast confused her with one of the thieves.

This isn't the time to make questions, just-- yeah. Finn slid across her shoulder and hugged Myrna's neck. How could she be scared? Wasn't Finn part of Osar? Not even managing a sigh, merely blowing out air and leaving the mouth open, as if to speak.

"B-Baby... Little people with blankets take him for food! Had big pot..."

The orc sobbed, unable to get up from grief it would seem. Upon closer inspection, Myrna noticed there was a piece of black cloth further into the forest. While working for a fast food restaurant doesn't make one an avid tracker, it certainly does help in following a smell. Bacon, greasy meat, dirty lettuce, plastic cheese, and even clothes! The strip wasn't even big enough to cover her palm, it was large enough to harbor a scent.

Sniff, sniff...

"Hey... The he-heroes?"

Hesitant, the little creature asked her to see to the companions with a glare. This was dubious at best, but what if they came from Earth as well? They certainly didn't seem like the rest of the species here. Going back to where the dirt transcended into grass, she found the pair and spoke out loud.

"I-Uh... I'm Myrna." The woman then kicked the floor idly, doubtful as to how to proceed-- just how do you ask someone whether they want to help a giant, green thing find its baby?

"What you mean to say is that we're going to find that orc's kid. How do you feel about joining us?"

Nethania wandered away from the castle and into the village streets. The time away from Elrohir would help her think of a way to convince the King to let her assist him.

To Nethania Elrohir was a kind Elf, although his judgment was clouded by the appearance of others as were her own. In both their eye's humans were not as adapt as their race, which could make them prejudice but in Nethania's eyes this was the truth. Humans to her were slow, stupid and greedy and Elve's were the opposite and much more 'Pleasing' to the eye, no other race could compare to that of the Elve's.

It was not her fault she was this way, as her Father sheltered her from human contact and told her lies about humans so she would never leave him alone like her mother did.

She found herself in the market place, with people yelling prices and deals at her. She remembers she needed some ingredients that she needed to make potions and antidotes, it was lucky she met Elrohir as some of the things she needed were only sold here. Nethania walked along the market till she met eye to eye with an old sales man.

'I would like to purchase some ingredients from you sir. She said in a clear unchanging voice.

'Oh yes certainly, I take it your a Mage to be coming to my store... there aren't many around nowadays so business is lacking what it needs' The old man replies before remembering Nethania's face from the last time she had came. 'Oh I do remember you, you fixed my arm for me when I fell and I gave you free Ingredients... I do hope you will pay this time.

Nethania sighed throwing more than enough money on the table for him 'Just make be a bag of all your Ingredients so I can leave Old man'.

The man placed eight bottles on the table, four herbs and some beast hide on the table. 'There you go Miss, Have a safe journey home'

'Thank you old man, be safe' She said before wandering what else to do.

That thing... Jack thought... almost in disgust. He could get used to being in a weird place with a fairy... and who knows what else... but orcs? He'd seen the Lord of the Ring movies. Those things were dangerous. He was so preoccupied by the sight of the wailing orc he nearly didn't notice Myrna, another human.

She seemed just as nervous as he was when he first got here, not that Jack was any less nervous. He still had no idea as to what he was doing, what his purpose was, or how dangerous this was. What were chances he'd return to Cranston alive? But, by the looks of it, Jack had something to do here in Osar, and it looked like everyone else could see it too.

Jack grinned as he noticed her and the other humans near him. Phew, I'm not alone. He also noticed she had a fairy too, making him wonder if everyone else had fairies... "Hello, I'm Jack," Jack stated, tightening his brass knuckles and tightening his grip on the book. He'd kind of forgot about the old book. The binding was coming loose, and it looked really old. He was weary about taking it with him, see as how they'd probably be chasing things...

He wasn't sure if the book (or himself) were put together enough to endure such a task.

And then he noticed Myrna's weapon, and then the weapons of those around him. It certainly made Jack feel better about being here as clueless as he was. It reassured him to know that he wouldn't be alone in this risky, possibly life-threatening business. He imained this was how a soldier felt before he went on the frontlines. And then, in the midst of all this thinking and pondering, Jack heard the voice of a child.

"Jack! You're gonna help this woman help the orc, right?" the fairy snapped at Jack with the childish spunk he'd possessed the whole day.

For a moment he took in the orc's cries, and felt a pang of sympathy and sadness... and then he remembered the Lord of the Rings. "She's a living thing, right? Yeah, I'll help," Jack nodded and looked from his fairy to Myrna. Jack knew, being a 'hero,' there'd be some kinda of 'quest.'

He was just surpised at how much of him was excited for it.

He frowned when he saw how scared she was, he was very scared himself, he had just been in an accident that would of killed him, but here he was. He was about to tell her how he got here, but he did not think it would convince her that this was a dream.

"I do not know what to do either, but until we do, lets go with them. Neither did i."

He smiled as she took his hand, she trusted him, or she just wanted to get out of this place. He did not care what her reason was, as long as he could save her, thats all he cared about. Holding her hand, he helped up to a standing yet akward postion. he walked with her, still holding her, to make sure she didnt fall, he made his way to the carrige.

They were only about halfway there, when the horses began to act strange. They couldnt stand still, they were tring to get out of the harness that held them to the carrige. Ace looked around, tring to see if he could spot what was causing them to act this way. in the distance, he could see something coming.

"Hey squire, you know this place, can we out run that in the carrige."

Ace yelled at the squire, pointing in the direction that the monster was coming from. The squire looked in the direction he was pointing, and started to panic. Ace guessed that they couldnt. He let go of the girl's hand, and drew his swords.

"Stay in the carrige, dont come out until i say so."

Eddie was starting to breathe heavily now, he hadn't run like this since schools PE classes. "Whats your name *hah* by the way, and isn't *hah* Orcs (atleast he assumed it was an Orc) one of the bad guys?" Eddie asked the Elf that was pulling him along, while running almost as fast as Usain Bolt himself. "My name is Sar Thres, and who told you that orcs (Eddie was atleast right about that it was an orc) were the bad, as you say, 'guys'?" The Elf said, his breathing seemingly not affected by the fast running at all.
"Just someone named *hah* Tolkien. No one you should *hah* know of." Eddie answered. As his chest started to hurt he could imagine that they left a cloud of dust behind them, even though it was raining still.

When they had arrived at the spot where the Orc woman where located, Eddie looked back to see if there really was a cloud of dust behind them, but of course there was not. They got there in time to hear a humans fairy say "What you mean to say is that we're going to find that orc's kid. How do you feel about joining us?". Sar Thres quickly responded with a yes and looked sternly at Eddie, as if he was his child and he would become greatly punished if disagreeing. Eddie who had almost fallen over after the sprint.

"*hah hah* If you say so." Eddie just muttered, then as his brain connected with that there were some humans there, who had the same confused look as he he almost screamed out "Please tell me you know what a touchdown is!" with clearly visible desperation. Eddie then looked at the giant green orc with distrustful eyes. "You won't eat us will you, I come in peace and this guy *pointing at Sar Thres* , because of me, comes with a bad mood so if you try to eat me he will probably take care of you." Eddie said, avoiding to look at Sar Thres, assuming that the look he had now was one preferably not seen right now.

Lee was standing just behind Myrna with his sword drawn. The beast before them looked like something out of a fantasy movie, but then again so did everything else in this world.

Was that woman going to approach the thing? She certainly must be insane. Why would anyone in the right mind approach an orc who had just had it's baby taken from her?

Lee was astonished that it could speak the same language as him. He wasn't even sure if he had been speaking English, maybe even his language was changed to match that of Osar.

Obviously no amount of comfort would help this mother orc who had just lost it's child. Lee didn't know what it was like to be a parent, but he tried to put himself in her shoes. He watched as the woman picked up a small peice of cloth and sniffed it. "What on earth are you doing? How can that possibly help..." Was what passed through his mind.

Once again, he heard the word. Hero. Why was everyone calling him a hero? He might would have asked the question if he hadn't heard the voice of the woman introducing herself, and then a small fairy on her shoulder asking them to help in retrieving the orc baby.

"My name is Lee." It was the only answer he had so far. Help these people he had never met? Go after a band of thieves in a strange world with only a sword? These were the kinds of things Lee dreamed about when he was a child. Now that he was actually put into a situation like that, he wasn't so sure what he wanted anymore.

"I will help as much as i can. I'm not sure what kind of help i can offer, I've never actually used this." He said, motioning to the sword in his hand.

Lee looked to the man who had just arrived with another elf. When the man asked if he knew what a touchdown was, he wanted to hug him. "When you get the ball in the endzone!" He said with the biggest smile on his face. These people were obviously from Earth as well, and maybe they knew how to get back home. Sticking with them was the only option.

A while passed and Roderick, though reluctantly, had accepted that he was no longer on his home world and even with that hint of mistrust, he quickly grew accustomed to the strange beings. Walking down the cobblestone streets underneathe what store shelters there were with the elven escort by his side, he noticed that apart from looks these people were not so different from humans afterall.

"You know, back on Earth, we had a hard time determining an elf's height. You were actually one of the more popular creatures, in literature, we knew."

"Really?" The elf said, slightly indignant at being called a 'creature' but pardoning the human's outspokeness.

"Mhmm." Roderick pursed his lips, shrugging lightly with a tilt. A few moments of silence passed ...

Everything looked like a replica from the Dark ages, a period of time better left in the deep, dark recesses of history. Looms made cloth, masons made buildings and steel made war. At least, he thought, everything looked rather peaceful in the rain at the moment.

"So how did you find me anyway? I must have looked like I popped out of nowhere, to you."

"His highness imparted that you and your kind would be called into our plane somewhere near the Ritual site, the palace." Though cornered by rows of shop houses and rustic living quarters, the elf gestured with his full palm in the general direction of the palace beyond the clutter.

"The rest, was effortless. With the immense distortions in the natural flows caused by your arrival, Scrying showed that it was clear as dew where you would materialize."

"Scry?" Roderick asked, one brow high.

The elf looked taken aback by his question, meeting him with the same expression. "Did your mentors not teach you how to Divine as you were a child?"

Roderick sideglanced at the rhetorical question, isn't it obvious? "No, no my mentors taught me multiplication as a child. How to read and write, how to throw a football ..." All the stupid things we don't really use in life.

The elf frowned ever so subtly, were these humans really their saviours?

"How does one Scry?" Roderick asked, mimicking the accent, curious about the concept.

"Very well, I shall teach you the basics of Divination." The elf said slightly exasperated, Roderick noticed but he saw past the elf's pompousness and paid no heed to it.

"Follow my footsteps." And they deviated from the path.

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'Thank you old man, be safe.' There was another elf at the counter of what he could only pressume to be some sort of Alchemist's shop, slender and tall with brown hair cascading down, he could not help but take a second glance as he entered.

"Ahem." Roderick turned to face his escort.

"Pay attention." The elf, whose name he did not even know, in fact both of them had barely been introduced, strolled a single digit among the labels on the shelves till a powder so fine he thought it was liquid.



The elf then procured a small bowl and a vial of clear from his robes and placed them on the counter, enticing quiet attention from the shopkeeper.

Roderick watched his every movement, though one eye unmoving, confused but expecting an explanation soon.

"First, we fill the bowl with water." Roderick grimaced at the simplicity, only for a moment.

"Not just any water, this liquid has flowed through ancient caverns and crystal mines beneath the very earth we stand on to reach such a state suitable for this practice."

"Mineral water?"

"Yes, you could say it's 'Mineral Water'." What an unrefined, mundane way to put it. He emptied the vial into the bowl, then picked up the other phial.

"This is ground fishbones, dried in moonlight, preserving it's arcane qualities to pristine. Only the best can be bought here." The elf sure knew how to sweet talk, the storekeeper was in no time, holding back an earlength grin.

"A pinch is enough." He plucked at the ivory mill and delicately sprinkled it over the water's surface, Roderick could smell the salt in it.

As the granules sank, something unusual happened, they formed a white line leading towards him even through they were scatteredly dispensed. Almost climbing out of the bowl, Roderick could not help but lean closer.

He turned to look at the elf, who had his eyes closed, concentrating.

"It takes a clear mind, solid focus on what you want to see. You can't just divine anything, even with cantrips this simple." Said warningly, as if something bad were to happen if he did otherwise.

"So what are you trying to look for?" Roderick asked.

"Faint magical imprints ..." The elf opened his eyes, looking at one of the crystalized ridges pointing straight to Roderick. "It looks like the Summoning rubbed off a little on you, it was powerful work." Though the pattern pointed in many different directions, the second most prominent mark pointed to the elven woman.

"Can I try?"

Elrohir's eyes stayed stern and focused on the king, even as he dismissed his guard. He had to agree with the king as he mentioned about the new guards, but said nothing. As Enurn went on, boasting about the Elf's dedication and admirable skills, Elrohir couldn't help but let a small smirk peek its way across his mouth. He was, in simple words, thrilled to know that his lord thought so highly of him. All of his time and dedication has been acknowledged, it only boosted his self-confidence.

It was just after that did Enurn mention the ill-fated words of the ancient prophecy and the 'symptoms'. His overconfidence and pride quickly shrank as his smirk furled to a hard frown. A sense of deep hatred surged through him; though he showed no emotional change on the outside aside his smile vanishing.

'So it is true; the myth of the heroes descending upon our world to right the wrong that has been made? Inexcusable!" He thought quickly in his mind, still heeding the king's words. His soul was further crushed when the lord wished him to journey with these people. His pride would normally not allow that; for he believed that he and his fellow Osarian's could defend the kingdom and land. The thought of someone else from another plane saving them was absurd.

He kept all of his thoughts in his mind and stood with a deep bow.

"As you wish, my lord. I shall not fail you. I beg you my leave." With another bow he turned; his cape whipping around, and left the chambers. He kept his steady abnormally fast stride until he reached the courtyard where he stopped. Slamming his balled fist, backhand, into wall, leaving a well-sized indentation. He bit his lip, cursing under his breath.

After than he walked outside and began to look about.

"Rakit forest it is then." Elrohir grumbled. "But first..." He began into local market in search of the person that he left. A short while after he caught glimpse of the young Elf woman near a supply shop, and stood behind her.

"Nethania." He said calmly, hoping not to startle her. "I may be in need of your aid." The look on his face showed of his concern.

Soon his attention was brought to a couple, an Elf like himself and a human, standing in the same shop as them. His eyes widened at the sight of the two.

'Humans' he thought. He wanted to inspect further but pushed the thought from his mind, refocusing on Nethania.

Nethania heard Elrohir, and turned to see the concern on his face. It was true the King must have had big news to tell, as usually Elrohir never showed how he felt. She finished putting the herbs she had purchased before answering.

'What is it I can assist you with, whatever it is you always have my power to lend' she said pausing ’anything for a fellow elf'.

Nethania too spotted the couple near them, and she could tell from looking one was a human, she stared at them for a little as to her and elf and a human accompanying one another was very strange. She tried to figure it out in her head, why the two were together but quickly fell back into reality.

'Sorry, my eyes were wandering for a second but it's nothing important. So where are we needed' she said trying to look directly at Elrohir but switching her gaze to the odd couple.

Although she couldn't help but wonder why it was now Elrohir needed her, there were other times when he could have offered a place at his side but he never did. It was curious, the strange feeling from before had grown a lot stronger and even Elrohir was acting a little out of character. Nothing seemed to be normal today, the strange couple who Nethania felt inclined to investigate was already annoying her and she rarely lost her temper at something as trivial.

She couldn't contain it any longer 'Elrohir, Is it possible for two different species to travel together... In my village it is only elves so I am not sure how common it is outside of it'.

"Can I try?" Roderick asked the elf, proactively picking up the vial and scrutinizing the contents within. Sorcery was rare on earth, the young human could not help but be intruiged by it.

Looking through the empty portion of the clear phial, he could see the blurry image of the elven woman now joined by another sharp eared gentlemen. Roderick felt like he was living in a videogame, living the dream of gamers everywhere, a smile born from wonderment and gratitude began.

'Anything for a fellow elf.' The escort's ears perked up at hearing this phrase, portraying such loyalty to one's own race was admirable, especially among their kind. Pirouetting from the young human, who was now emptying the bowl into the crevices of the stone floor, the escort came to meet eyes with her and her accquaintance.

"Hey," Roderick looked up from the desk, "How does-" But before he could finish his sentence, the elf had crossed both arms against the chest and tilted into a slight bow to two strangers in the shophouse, procuring his quizzical look.

"L'rd Elrohir. It's an honr."

Roderick on the other hand, felt no inclination to follow suit, he was not part of this world till an hour ago. He stood there for a moment, eyebrow raised, more engrossed in his 'project' than the mention of royalty which he was certain meant nothing to him.

Holding back his question for the moment, he resigned his attention to the liturgy.

See only what you want to see...

Closing his eyes and rolling one of them back, mentally blocking all distraction. He held his hand outwards, feeling the grit of ground bones nestled in between his fingers, he dearly wanted it to work on the first try.

Emptiness but one ...

The grains merged, crystalizing to form two strong, solid lines at the bottom of the basin, both leading to the elven duo. A few faint lines pointed out of the shop, through the walls.

Huh ... He thought to himself.

-Rakit Forest-

Jack, Lee... Normal names, normal people. This is all-- no, I need to focus.

"Myrna? You still with us?"

"Shh."

The vague sound was uttered from the woman's mouth, only a faint noise to drive off Finn's question, one that had come from concern due to the closed eyes. It was tough, focusing oneself on a single smell, then tracing it despite the humidity coming from what was now a dying drizzle. Still, Myrna had a nose similar to a hound, and the tongue of an old cow to compensate - it wasn't unusual for her to just taste 'rough' or 'smooth' in a meal. Still, her gift was useful right about now.

Sniff, sniff... Myrna's nose wasn't even disproportionate to her face, just how does ordering around teenagers in a fast food store help with tracking? Faithless in the source, but certain of the skill. Finally her lips opened again, directing to the entire group with a discreet confidence in the words.

"North, they're going north." A born tracker. The sense of smell to match a dog's and the orientation to match a seasoned adventurer's - for a moment her worries of going back left, substituted by a feeling of usefulness and a wave of glee. Afterwards, she pointed to the right with a finger: if that were north, it was only because the sun had come out recently on the horizon behind, thereby turning the back into east, the front into west and naturally Myrna's left was south.

"You seem really confident about this, child."

"The moss in the trees is more abundant on the northern side. All of the trees look kind of green on the side that isn't facing us."

With that, the hand corresponding the sheath, -the right- felt up the hilt of the blade. While she knew nothing of swordsmanship, or of just their tools, this blade felt rather poor to her. Sure, the captivating design was evident, but the sharp edge seemed too thin, as if it were begging a master's precision, and it was quite obvious there were no swordsmen amongst them. After giving a few steps in the direction of the orc again and waving goodbye, a turn effected Myrna to the group.

"How... How did you all come here?"

Too imprudent, but alas, the thought didn't cross her until she had caught up to everyone and eased the orc's sobbing. The piece of cloth lay tied around Myrna's right wrist, no longer needing a shield from the rain as it was now changed for an indistinct rainbow in the distance. She then moved a wrist in a circular manner, pointing once more to their goal...

-"Cesspool's Shack" Tavern-

A short walk along the dirt road, one cutting off Palace Inging and going straight north would lead one to the Cesspool's Shack: a relatively safe haven for thieves and shady figures, amongst them, the thieves involved in the orc lady's tragic loss. In fact, they were in the tavern's basement just now discussing their deal; what unscrupulous bunch...

"Stupid green bastard bit at my coat! It's all ripped... This wouldn't have happened if you weren't so incompetent!" A tall, lithe figure with a very coarse voice, yelled at a group of smaller men dressed in leather armor from the comfort of his dark robes and hood.

"I'm'sorreh boss! Is'real biggun, it'll help'yer spells lots wonnit?" The one in the middle spoke, just barely holding the grip on his tongue enough to muster speech.

"Just keep it tied until we can find the rest of the ingredients. For the time being I want you two to go upstairs and distract the keeper. You three will start the initiation ritual while I gather enough life force... And you!" He shouted at the remaining quartet, some very large men in comparison to himself even. "You'll scout the outside!"

"MMM! OOGHA... MISS MOM... Sniff..." A chubby baby orc fought against the cloth wrapped tightly over its mouth, desperate for a mother and its freedom.

Eeeekkk... The old wood creaked horribly when six men came out the trapdoor, two sitting on the long stools in front of the bartender and the other four, bigger men going outside the tavern, one for each corner.