Aiden Vanderhill's Story

Chapter 7: Treacherous Transport

With the arrival of their transportation, the Barracuda clan, Aearion, Aranhil, and Merilwen set out for the currents to take them to The Docks. The Barracuda clan was once an autonomous clan amongst the waters of the Ocean Kingdoms. They were vicious predators of the seas which once controlled a large portion of the depths. They were much larger than the average Barracuda. One day the Barracuda clan suddenly attacked the cities of the Mer kingdom. They were fought off by the Mer warriors. The King of Morenion, Vehiron, once subjugated the rouge clans of the Barracuda and made them subservient to the Mer kingdom. However being a race of creatures that deal in surprise attacks, they lie in wait for the most opportune moment to strike and deal a heavy blow to the Mer Kingdom. Three royals in their grasp and unguarded, this was indeed a chance they would never have again so now was the time to strike.

“We shall make good time in today’s currents my lords and lady.” Spoke one of the six large Barracudas in a cold dark, whispery manner. Each of the royals sat each in their own carriage, made of coral. Two barracudas affixed to reins, held by one of the royals, pulled a coral carriage along. Then the fish took off at full speed.

While traveling the through the currents the shifty barracudas signaled each other with their large glassy eyes. They would strike when the group got close to the shore of The Docks. “We are almost there. Please make your preparations for disembarking my lords and lady.” Spoke another one of the six barracudas. This was the key phrase to initiate the strike.

The barracudas swiftly snipped at the reigns that held each other and set themselves free of the royals grasp. They swam forward and whipped back around to attack. Aearion quickly conjured up his bow and arrows and shot two barracudas in one shot piercing their gills and killing them instantly. Merilwen summoned a large protective clam that encased her for defense and the two barracudas that snapped at her swam full speed into the clam stunning them. Aranhil hurled a barrage of explosive pellets that blow holes in the remaining four barracudas. They drifted in the water writhing in pain as they died.

“A just reward to you foul beasts to have thought you’d warm us! May the bottom feeders devour your flesh slowly!” Aearion exclaimed.

“I suppose they were to be expected to be so treacherous. I could never fully let my guard down with a barracuda.” Aranhil replied calmly as he stared at the descending barracuda carcasses.

Merilwen turned to the two mermen and looked up to the surface above. “The surface is only a few seconds away. We shall approach the docks soon. We must however be careful the docks harbor many working humans. They often load things on and off of the ships for the beings of Arcadia. Humans are weary and fearful of us because of our history with them. We must make sure that we do not attack or even seem aggressive so that they understand that we are here on a peace mission, not to harm them.” Merilwen informed the two, she was little affected by the previous event.

The three finally reached the water’s surface and floated in the tide as they watched the bustling docks. “We shall proceed. Let it be known that we represent our proud and magnificent race while here on the soil of the land.” Aearion’s voice carried on in a regal manner. He began to swim toward the shore. The other two followed closely behind him.

The human workers consisted of import and export cargo haulers. They were very busy loading and unloading large crates and boxes of items from abroad. There were also many ships docked, some were cargo vassals others were pirate ships docked and refueling. There were also pirates along the docks amongst the workers. The three Mer royals arose from the water as they reached the docks. They levitated over the wooden boards. One of the men in the bird’s nest of a docked ship noticed the three Mer people as they floated gracefully toward the land. “MER-FOLKS A COMIN’!!!! MER-FOLKS A COMIN’!!!! DON’T LET THEM DRAG YOU IN THE WATER!! THEY’VE COME FOR THE CARGO…!!” He yelled in a manner only watchmen could accomplish. The man’s gruff and loud voice billowed throughout the docks. The many men were alerted and all ran to arm themselves with swords, harpoons, spears, and staffs.

“This is not what you had in mind Merilwen… They will try to kill us. I don’t want to harm them but we cannot allow them to bring harm to the Prince. So I pray you forgive me now, if they strike so shall I.” Aranhil warned the Mer princess quietly, his eyes fixed on the surrounding human workers and pirates.

“Filthy human fools discard your weapons and let us PASS!! We are NOT petty thieves and murderers as you assume!” Aearion commanded the humans in a tone that carried his disdain for his audience.

One of the pirates present suddenly launched a wooden spear at Aearion. “My lord please watch out!” Merilwen shouted she quickly placed her hands over her mouth and extended them forward, blowing out subzero air which froze the flying spear solid. She then struck the spear with her tail and it shattered into pieces of ice shards.

A distinct, somewhat raspy, voice appeared from the crowd, “Boys… boys… don’t be so hasty! Don’t you see these aren’t our garden variety fish fold here. Their armor and abundance of fine jewels, these are royals.” The voice drew closer. The crowd of men parted revealing the mystery speaker. http://i1122.photobucket.com/albums/l52 ... posite.jpg

“You… but how?” Merilwen gasped quietly to herself. Aranhil glanced over at Merilwen in confusion.

A pirate by the name of Brandeau approached the front of the crowd. The other men respected and feared this man. He stood tall and thin, his hair was long and pure white and tied in to a ponytail. He wore a long blue pirate coat with no shirt underneath to cover is slightly lean chest. His loosely buttoned pants were dark navy blue and he wore high black pirate boots. He wore an eye patch over his right eye. He looked to be around the age of 50.

“Well my dear, if you don’t look a day older than the day you were dragged onto my ship.” Brandeau spoke with a wide grin on his face. “Surprised to see me? I’m sure surprised to see you.” He began to laugh. Merilwen was too shocked to respond. “By the way, whatever happened to good ole Aiden? He’s the only pirate to ever successfully steal anything away from me ya know.” Brandeau stepped closer to Merilwen.

“Step not an inch closer lest I cast a spell on you.” Aranhil warned with hiss of the voice, his eyes illuminated an icy dark blue color. Brandeau ceased his advance.

“Let them pass. Let them pass! Do not harm them for they are guests of the Seelie!!” A merchant elf approached the commotion as he spoke. He was the one of the owners of the port area. The men quickly cleared away as he came through. “Back to work you simpletons! And as for our Pirate, guests…. I suggest you see your attention elsewhere.” He commanded the humans and they obeyed. Brandeau began to walk away.

“I’ll be seeing more of you my dear. Then we can REALLY chat. I’ll be waiting and I’ve got all the time in the world.” Brandeau chuckled as he looked Merilwen up and down and quickly sprinted off.

“Are you alright? My deepest apologies for this riff raff! Welcome to the land of Arcadia!” The elf spoke with a bright smile.

Chapter 10: The Merchant, the Mermaid, and the Pirate

written by masato22

Aranhil stared silently at Merilwen while Aearion spoke with the Merchant Elf. He was indeed bothered by Brandeau the pirate’s familiarity with Merilwen. She was collecting her thoughts in silence as the possibility of her secret being revealed increased with the presence of Brandeau lurking about.

“Thank you for your welcome. The presence of those horrible humans attempting to attack us was indeed discouraging to our cause. I pray that you gain better control of them in the future, fore next time I will ruin them if they dare to strike at me again.” Aearion was furious that a human had the gall to attack them. He very much carried a low opinion of them.

“I’m so very sorry Prince of the great seas! Such foolishness will not happen again under my watch. These humans are of the working class slaves. They are ignorant brutes, pay them no mind please. I am Finrod Sáralondë. I am a high ranking elf of the Trade industry.” The Merchant replied in apology.

“Working class slaves? May I ask what that is exactly?” Aranhil broke is gaze away from Merilwen and inquired of the Elf.

“They are humans owned by elves and are sent to work in the docks to earn extra money for their masters. The working class slave is usually the head of a slave family, for example, the father and husband of a slave woman and child. The slave women and children are more so fit for work in the home. However, the men are better able to accomplish physical labor such as the import and export hauling of the docks, or the coal mine excavation sites. ” Finrod explained with a proud look on his face. Merilwen cringed a little as she listened to him go on about the use of human slaves.

“And would you happen to know and be able to tell me who the man that approached us was? Fore I much desire to know of his status.” Aranhil requested of the elf. He was very curious about that man and noticed that he seemed to be much different than the other humans present at the docks.

“Ah, THAT human…” The elf spoke with a noticeable attitude. “He is not a slave unfortunately. He is a Pirate named Brandeau. He’s not of Arcadia and I am not sure of which land he hails from. Pirates are not bound by slave status. They are indeed EXTEMELY low class citizens in Arcadia due to them being human. However because they are foreign and are undocumented they belong to no one. They are only allowed to remain in Arcadia for short time and are not allowed to take up residence here lest they become citizens and run the risk of enslavement.” Finrod spoke in an dull voice that showed his disdain for the pirate class and his annoyance with having to waste his time explaining them. “Please my lord Aranhil, am I correct?” The elf inquired, Aranhil nodded in confirmation before the elf continued. “Don’t concern yourself with matters relating to those low lives. The Festival of Unity will be afoot soon and you have the treaty that you wish to have signed. I was informed ahead of time. Are you prepared to make your way through Anaon? I could have an escort take you through the forests.” Finrod spoke.

“That’s quite alright we have a guide the lady Merilwen Vanamarilla. She knows about the land in abundance. However thank you kindly for your generous offer. If only other races were as hospitable as the elvan race.” Aearion spoke in a princely manner. “Shall we see you in Anaon dear sir?” He asked.

“I will be present there soon. I have import and export records to file with the administration of the Seelie. Well I wish you the most pleasant of travels and enjoy the festival. Good day royal highness Aearion, Duke Aranhil, and Princess Merilwen!” Finrod bowed elegantly and began to head for a docked ship barking out orders to the toiling human slave workers.

“Let us continue forward. Merilwen lead on please.” Aearion turned to the princess with a smile. He had gotten over his frustration with the human dock workers and Pirates.

“Oh, y-yes my lord.” Merilwen was pulled from her deep train of thought. She was relieved that Finrod had left. She very much disliked the sight of how the humans were treated along the docks. And to hear Finrod gloat about their enslavement so proudly made her look at him with less respect. The elegant elvan man turned out to be little more than a high class slave driver in her eyes. She wished that she could one day change the mindset of men like him. “We will approach a river soon. It is the central river of Arcadia. The area of the river closest to the docks is without a bridge. However that is not a problem for us.” Merilwen snickered a little to herself.

The three passed through the docks. There were many humans that were astounded by the rare sight of merpeople on the land. The sailors and pirates were accustomed to seeing or even catching them on a rare occasion. However a land bound human would merely hear of them in tales and see them in pictures. They gasped and awed at the sight of the three majestic royals. Merpeople were considered unlucky to catch to sailors, they were known to summon storms and tsunami waves in order to escape capture. They were a sight to behold.

As they crossed the border of the docks Aranhil, still curious about Brandeau, began to question Merilwen. “Merilwen, you have met that pirate before have you not? Why was he so familiar with you? His conversation disturbed me.” Aranhil spoke calmly.

Merilwen’s etyes opened wide in surprise. She hadn’t expected Aranhil or Aearion to ask her about the ordeal given the distraction Finrod provided. Aearion ceased his advance and turned to Merilwen. “Yes, Aranhil brings up a very curious point indeed. Tell us what this is about and answer honestly.” Aearion warned Merilwen calmly.

The pearl princess sighed and looked down to the ground below. She then turned to the docks behind them. She bagan to move her hands in a manner that looked like she was smoothing out a sphere shape. The air in between her hands carried a mist of ice that soon formed an icy statuette in Brandeau’s likeness. “That pirate… almost killed me once.” Merilwen spoke solemnly. The other’s eyes widened in shock. “During the reign of Humanity, I was one day swimming along the surface of the sea. I desired to see the sun and fill my lugs with air. There appeared a large pirate ship. I quickly ducked beneath the surface but they were fishing and threw out a large net. I got caught and dragged on board. Brandeau was the captain of that ship. He said that the flesh of merpeople was known to give a human immortality if consumed. He was going to kill me and sell me to someone who desired to live forever.” Her tone was filled with sorrow.

“Why didn’t you say anthing about this before?! How did you escape!?” Aearion asked desperately. He was mortified by the tale.

“I… was saved by a man. A young, human, gentlemen on board the ship disliked the fate that was being affixed to my life by Brandeau. He, under the cover of night, snuck me away on a rowboat to the shore of Arcadia. His name was Aiden Vanderhill.
(Young Aiden Image: http://i1122.photobucket.com/albums/l52 ... -36013.png ) I was afraid at first but he was kind and gentle. He and I spoke and became friends. He set me free.” Merilwen smiled as if lost in a daydream.

“What became of him? If that was the age of the Reign of Humanity, he must have passed away.” Aranhil inquired calmly.

“He and I… fell in love. We saw each other every day. He lived secluded not far from a deserted shore of Arcadia where Brandeau could not find him. He was my source of happiness. He grew older, because he was human, and as he aged I did not.
(Aiden Aged image: http://i1122.photobucket.com/albums/l52 ... trophe.jpg )
He was just as handsome in my eyes and I loved him not a fraction less than the day we fell in love. He grew sick and this sickness threatened to take him from me. I offered him immortality and he refused. He said that he was but a season in my life and that his time to end had come.” Merilwen’s expression grew sorrowful. “On his deathbed I couldn’t cease crying. My tears glowed and somehow he became trapped, incased in a magical crystal. I knew not of the spell I cast, whether to call it a blessing or a curse. He lives in suspended animation asleep in crystal. I want to break this spell this is why I desire to know as much about the land and it’s magic to set him free. I know you may frown upon my love for a human my lords, I pray that you grant me forgiveness and understanding.”

Aearion was in shock. He couldn’t bring himself to yet speak. Aranhil floated over to Merilwen and gave her a gentle hug. “I dare not cast scorn onto your heart. I am grateful to the man that saved your life and blessed your heart with tender love. If this human has indeed treated you well I have no objection to him.” Aranhil encouraged Merilwen with a smile.

Aearion collected himself, “I do not understand how such attraction to a human being is possible, but… I shall try my best to understand. Your gentle heart is far too kind and gracious. Perhaps we can all learn to love as openly as you do. I suppose we shall have to find a way to restore this human to animation. But, he is most definitely going to have to get my approval before you are to have the sea’s blessing.” Aearion said sternly, trying to suppress his smile.

“Oh Thank you Prince Aearion, Duke Aranhil!! You have my deepest thanks!” Merilwen shed tears of joy.

Aranhil’s smile faded slowly, “Wait a moment, If your Aiden and that Brandeau lived during the Reign of Humanity, which was centuries ago, how is it that Brandeau is this alive and as young as we saw him today? That was the strange aura I felt from him. His energy did not feel like the other humans present. He said, ‘That he had all the time in the world.’ He must have somehow acquired immortality.” Aranhil spoke with a grave tone, his eyes glowed with a serious intensity.

Chapter 11: To Spire Rock

written by masato22

Aranhil’s smile faded slowly, “Wait a moment, If your Aiden and that Brandeau lived during the Reign of Humanity, which was centuries ago, how is it that Brandeau is this alive and as young as we saw him today? That was the strange aura I felt from him. His energy did not feel like the other humans present. He said, ‘That he had all the time in the world.’ He must have somehow acquired immortality.” Aranhil spoke with a grave tone of voice; his eyes glowed with a serious intensity.

Aearion interrupted, the mer prince was fed up with talks of the immortal human pirate for who he had little respect for. “We shall deal with him and put his immortality to the test if he dares to cross our path again. I do not intend to pardon him for once trying to harm our Merilwen.” Aearion let out a sigh, “Well then, we should be going. On to Anaon.” He spoke regally.

Merilwen led the group the central river of Arcadia. There they could rejuvenate themselves and rehydrate their bodies. This would allow them land mobility for another day after the next two. The aquatic creatures found in the river spoke with them. They told them of their lives on the main land and of the things they’ve observed. It was a truly fascinating for the merpeople to hear.

They continued further into the outer forest area of Anaon. The old trees towered over the trio in a windy and twisting fashion. Aearion was in awe of the land, its features and beauty. There were very few occasions in which he had left the sea, and then he advanced little past the shores. The scenery of Anaon was truly an amazing site to behold.

“By the tides… this is truly wonderful!” Aearion exclaimed in excitement.

“This is indeed beautiful. It is much different from the sea and ocean floor. The land dwellers are indeed fortunate and blessed to live in such a place.” Aranhil praised the environment.

Merilwen was not as surprised by the environment of the land, for she had visited the land for many a year when she stayed with Aiden. The two would take strolls through the forests and he explained the land and many of its workings to Merilwen. Seeing the forest and the plants of the land made her remember him and the happiness she enjoyed in her time with him.

There were many creatures afoot, many of which the group were unfamiliar with. They were mostly harmless in nature so they posed no threat to the trio. The three mer royals wandered for some time in the seemingly endless forest. “I’m having a difficult time navigating through this forest. The map is not very precise about the trails present. I think we are lost in Anaon I am afraid. I am most sorry my Prince.” Merilwen spoke with a timid vocal tone.

“It can’t be helped. Even as an expert there is still much you might not be familiar with, and that is understandable. Never you worry princess.” Aearion reassured Merilwen. Aranhil smiled warmly at the two. He was glad to see Aearion expressing his softer side. Suddenly the trio heard a faint rustle of the trees.

Suddenly a soft and wispy voice reached the trio’s ears. “What a sight, what a sight, children of the sea in the wood. How many years has it been since the sea king last sent his messenger to Spire Rock, three or maybe five? I cannot remember, but I do remember that the merman that would come before was much more ancient in appearance than those who float before me now. Who might you three be?” The forest grew calm at the sound of the feminine voice.

“I am Prince Aearion, son of King Vehiron, ruler of the Morenion Kingdom. Reveal yourself now!” Aearion commanded. He was weary of someone who could see them but he could not see them.

“Very well then I shall come down. It’s rare when I am paid a visit by royalty, especially royalty of the mer variety.” The wispy and mellow voice echoed from the trees. Down dropped a seed the size of a walnut from the tree. It was adorned with a purple jewel. The seed shimmered and cracked open allowing the jewel to drop into the seeds’ core and it began to s9prout a beautiful bloom. From the bloom, which grew larger by the second, sprouted a dryad of great beauty.


“Elemmírë Galathil is my name. Welcome to the Wood of Anaon. I assume you are in need of assistance are you not?” Elemmire inquired. “The last emissary sent by the sea king needed my assistance.”

“Why indeed we do milady.” Aranhil spoke as he bowed respectfully and smiled at the dryad woman of exceptional beauty. “We are lost in the wood here. We are trying to find Spire Rock. Are we close?”

“Well you are indeed fortunate to have run into me. I am a guardian of the wood, thus I know all there is to know about this area.” Elemmire smiled as she blushed. “I wish the previous merperson who came by the last time was as handsome as you.” Elemmire found Aranhil to be quite dashing. “I’ll show you the way.” Elemmire plucked her root-like feet from the ground and sauntered through the forest. They eventually reached Spire Rock. It was very tall and seemingly impossible to scale.

“This is near impossible to climb. How will we make it up there?” Aearion spoke with uncertainty.

“I shall help you with this as well. Leave it to me please.” Elemmire began to chant something quietly. Suddenly a large stalk of vines sprouted from the ground grabbed each of the three and delivered them to the top of the Rock. “Sorry if I startled you. We are now here.”

“I was indeed startled by this strange magic… What form of being are you madam?” Aearion asked in a rattled manner.

“Me? Why you are unfamiliar with the land. I, my charming prince, am a Dryad. You can consider me a tree spirit, a woman of the wood so to speak.” Elemmire giggled.

“Indeed an intriguing being you are.” Aearion spoke in amazement.

“Well now, there is far too much attention being paid to me. Your host has arrived now.” Elemmire motioned toward an elf that approached the group.


A beautiful elvish woman approached the group. She walked gracefully toward the group. Her pale face bore a smile most comforting. “Welcome friends! I am Alatariel Léralondë an Elvish priestess of Spire Rock. Welcome to the home of the Fae!” Her voice was soft and her words seemed to float about the air. “I shall show the way to my father Lord Ingwe Leralonde. He is one of the high summoners of the Fae. He shall also be your main host in negotiations regarding your treaty. Come…” Alatariel turned around to lead the way and was stopped short as she saw her father was already present. “Oh, Father you are already here.”


“Yes my daughter, I heard of giant vine stalks scaling the fortified Spire Rock and had to see for myself what this commotion was about. Ah, indeed Elemmire the Dryad is the cause of this eventfulness. It is wonderful to see you again my dear.” Ingwe spoke with a joyous tone. Elemmire blushed shyly as she held her cheeks with her palms. Ingwe then turned to Aearion, Aranhil and Merilwen. “My distinguished guests, welcome! I am Ingwë Léralondë. I shall give you a grand tour of Spire Rock.” The group then proceeded to tour the area with Ingwe as their guide.

Chapter 12: Aearion’s Promise
written by masato22
As Ingwe showed the group around the beautiful scenery of Spire Rock Aranhil quietly spoke to Merilwen. “I’ve wanted to say something to you but things seemed to have been moving swiftly so I felt before I hadn’t the time. Now that we have reached Spire Rock we can rest a little easier. When our business is done, I would much like for you to take us to see where your Aiden abides. If we can examine this crystal that he’s incased in we should have a better idea of what to inquire about in regard to setting him free.” Aranhil smiled as he spoke. He had faith that they would find a way to restore the human Merilwen loved to animation once more.

Merilwen was delighted. “Thank you Lord Aranhil. I will most certainly show the way when our task has concluded.”

During the tour Ingwe took the group to admire the view from atop Spire rock of Arcadia. The Mer people stood in awe of the grand view. Arcadia was indeed a rich land of forests, cities, waters and much more. Prince Aearion looked down to the ground below the Spire and noticed a creature most peculiar seated at a bench and eating a pastry.

“What in Tidus’ name is THAT STRANGE CREATURE BELOW?!” Aearion exclaimed in surprise. He had never seen anything like it. His exclamation made the others jump in surprise.

“My goodness you are one loud prince!” Elemmire the dryad complained. “That, my friend, is an Aviopter. She most certainly would not take kindly to you calling her a ‘strange creature’. They are indeed pretty interesting beings.” Elemmire looked down on the Aviopter with a smile.

“Fortunately that loud and dramatic behavior doesn’t run through all members of the family.” Aranhil snickered a bit. Aearion quickly shot Aranhil an annoyed look as if to tell him to ‘shut up’. Aearion's glare only made Aranhil laugh more. Merilwen had to giggle herself at the Prince's reaction, he could be so dramatic at times she thought.

“Well I am most excited that you are enjoying the many sights of the land Prince Aearion.” Ingwe chuckled. “We should be going to dinner now. There is a small feast that has been prepared for you. Lady Elemmire you are indeed invited as well. You will all meet some of the Seelie council members at dinner.” Ingwe spoke regally. He was quite excited to have his guests about Spire Rock. The three Mer People were quite different from the previous ambassador from the Ocean Kingdom.

Chapter 20: Questioning the Elvan Half Orc

Voronwe, after the council meeting, paced quickly through the halls of the Seelie. He was on a mission to find Mablung the half orc, half elf. He was highly upset and confused as to why he would object to the Mer Kingdom’s treaty that was proposed at the council meeting held earlier that day. He wanted to get to the bottom of Mablung’s reasoning because he believed that something was majorly off about this council activity.

Voronwe checked Mablung’s quarters and there he was, seated at his desk. The bronze Half elf sat looking over a few documents of various importance. Upon Voronwe’s entrance which was not very quiet, Mablung looked up in an annoyed manner. “Voronwe… I would ask what brought you here but I’d rather see you leave.” Mablung sneered.

“What reason have you to oppose that treaty today?! And to propose that the Mer Kingdoms of Morenion join in on the war front of the land kingdoms given a war starts? That’s preposterous!! Explain yourself!!” Voronwe was very angry. It was not often that his temper rose like this however this issue was close to him.

“First of all COUNCILMAN, I will have you get this one thing clear and that is I need not explain ANYTHING to YOU… Secondly even if I were inclined to give anyone an explanation you would be nearly last on my list of candidates. Given your bias….” The Bronze half orc sneered.

“Excuse me? What do you mean bias?” Voronwe questioned in confusion, his eyebrow raised and eyes squinted.

“I mean that you and the Duke of Illaria have been quite comfortable… with one another as of late. And I would call the boyfriend of a councilman’s interest as an obvious bias.” Mablung retorted as a wicked smile crept across his face.

“How did…” Voronwe began.

“Oh you’re surprised? I thought all of the Seelie knew that the walls have ears AND eyes…” Mablung began to laugh. “I’m just protecting Arcadia by protecting the Seelie, and if the Merpeople are a necessary piece in this chess game I shall use them. It seems you use them too however in a different way… hahaha…” Mablung mocked.

Voronwe was repulsed. His eyes actually began to tear. He was truly offended. “You are disgusting…. We’re done.” Voronwe exhaled strongly and began to turn toward the door.

“Good… I hope the two of you can have a child that actually lives long enough for you to actually see. Hmph.” Mablung scoffed and began to snicker.

Voronwe’s eye began to widen. He turned around and glared at Mablung. “If I were not sworn into a pact of brotherhood with you… I’d kill you right here and now!” Voronwe then whipped around and stormed out of the room. He quickly charged through the elvan halls of the Seelie and into the garden. He sat down on a bench surrounded by flowers and he began to weep. He was emotionally full. His deceased wife and child were always a sore subject for him and his newfound emotions for Aranhil, the Duke of Ilaria, was quickly becoming another sensitive subject as well. Aranhil happened to be exploring the Seelie and came across the Garden where Voronwe sat conflicted.

“Lord Voronwe, are you alright? You look to be in sorrowful tides.” Aranhil swam across the air and sat down next to Voronwe. He placed his hand on the councilman’s back and began to gently rub him in an effort to calm him some.

“Sorrowful tides… a very appropriate saying. Is it a common phrase for merpeople to say?” Voronwe asked with a slight smile. He was beginning to feel much calmer with Aranhil present.

“Yes it is. We often describe things by the tides. I suppose it’s far more practical for those of the sea but not the land.” Aranhil said with a smile. He then wiped the tears away from Voronwe’s cheeks. “We merpeople don’t often see tears. But to actually witness them is sadder than simply knowing that one is crying. I want for you to be at peace and to be happy. What is the matter Voronwe?” Aranhil inquired.

“I am much disappointed in how your treaty was treated today. I apologize for my people’s rudeness.” Voronwe spoke in a sulky tone.

“You need not apologize. Politics exists everywhere the land and sea are no exceptions. I am most glad that you are in our corner. And most of all, I am ever glad that you are in my corner. Thank you Voronwe.” Areanhil said and hugged Voronwe closely.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Aearion and Merilwen sat in Merilwen’s quarters. They were trying to take it easy after an ‘eventful’ council meeting. Aearion did not want to discuss the events of the meeting any further. Merilwen asked him if he was alright and he was, for the most part. Aearion was simply ready to place his mind on to something else.

“Merilwen, about this human lover you want to help, where is he located? We shall have to make a trip to see where he is crystalized. If we examine him we might be able to find some sort of clue as to how to set him free.” Aearion suggested as he smiled. He felt relaxed now that he was able to think of something else.

“He lived in a small cottage on the edge of Anaon. It stood by the seaside. It is still there. When we return to the sea it might be easier to get there. Or we could go on our way back to the ocean, but we’d need a guide.” Merilwen looked upward in thought.

“I see. Well perhaps the dryad that we met, what was her name?” Aearion asked.

“Elemmire, her name was Elemmire.” Merilwen informed.

“Yes, Perhaps Elemmire can guide us through Anaon. We shall ask her when we see her.” Aearion patted Merilwen on the shoulder. The festival of unity would follow the next day and they would hopefully see Elemmire then.

Chapter 25: The Pirate Resurfaces

as written by RichterGotz and Masato22

Luthor suddenly realized that he was being spoken to. His smile faded, suspicion immediately taking hold.

"Do you want a stone, sir?"

The creature standing before him was strange; if a bat could breed with a human, it would look like this. Suddenly, the tales from the Goblin Market night scene returned to him. Stories of foul monsters that drank the blood of the living and could shape-shift into a bat. Luthor's hand strayed to the hilt of his cleaver. Still, the being seemed friendly enough, though he was not an expert on the facial expressions of bats. She, since the being's body type and form suggested a female, was holding a small stone in her hand. A simple script character had been engraved on its surface. Luthor took it in his hand and held it up to his face; the taste of iron suddenly crawled across his tongue. It was enchanted, then; probably a simple ward meant as a good luck charm.

Luthor smiled as he eyed it. To be honest, he needed all the luck he could get today. He glanced back at the she-bat.

"How much?" He asked. "Or is this so you can earn some charity points in the afterlife?"

He could feel the brutish power runes that ran down Gram's blade resonant with the simple luck charm.



Faramire Elessar and Eldeen

"Oh, thank you for the explanation sir...?" Krel trailed off. "My name is Krel Erro. Are you Eldeen?" he asked, addressing the unicorn.

Eldeen nodded his head and telepathically responded to Krel. “Yes, I am Eldeen of the Pale Crystal Wood. It is a pleasure to meet you Krel Erro. I’ve but a few occasions to have seen a Gargoyle before. Faramire and I do not often leave the Pale Crystal Wood so it is indeed refreshing to meet all of Arcadia’s wonderful citizens. Gargoyles are often found in cities with lots of stone correct? I would imagine that to be ideal for you.” Eldeen’s voice was deep and soothing, the listener usually felt a warmth in their heart when he spoke.

“My apologies for barging into your thoughts. Fore Eldeen and I are slightly telepathic to a certain degree and we often hear the random thoughts of others. I definitely did not intend to be so rude my friend. I sense you were having trouble with something. As a courtesy to you I offer my assistance to you in any way I can.” Faramire spoke to Krel with a smile.

The Mer Royals

While the three Mer Royals spoke with Elemmire the Dryad regarding visiting the cottage in the woods, the home of Aiden Vanderhill. They planned to see what they could do to set him free from his crystalized state. Elemmire saw a peculiar figure in the crowd. It was Brandeau the pirate. He walked through the crowd looking at all of the festivities. He was a human but not a slave and that fact seriously bothered many an Arcadian.

“Who’s that mysterious man over there? He looks to be quite the bad boy…” Elemmire pointed to the man whom she found to be attractive.

Merilwen, Aearion, and Aranhil looked over to where Elemmire pointed only to the pirate Brandeau. Brandeau also spotted the group and a sarcastic grin crept across his face. He walked over toward the group and waved hello. “Well… my, my, my! It’s so nice to run into you fine Merfolks today! I knew I’d probably see you on stage or something but not in the crowd itself! I’ve become quite a lucky fellow!” Brandeau spoke in a cool raspy voice.

“Why would you come here? Aren’t you afraid someone would try to enslave you?” Merilwen protested.

“Well you see my dear, my documents are firm and in order so I should be having little to no trouble with that love. Perhaps I’ll spend the day with you then love. Since good ole Aiden is nowhere to be seen, I might as well keep you company.” Brandeau replied with a grin. He placed his arm around Merilwen’s shoulder and Merilwen responded by frosting over his hand. He quickly pulled it away.

“Alright, alright love. I get it. I mean you no harm, just putting it out there. My qualms with you are settled love. I’m more interested in my personal vendetta with Aiden. By the way… You wouldn’t happen to have heard the name Luthor Huss before have you?” Brandeau asked.

“Why no I have not heard that name before.” Merilwen responded curiously.

“That’s certainly not an elvish name, so if this Huss is a human, we certainly wouldn’t have heard of him. Nor do we care to know him.” Aearion sneered.

“Well, I’m Elemmire it’s a pleasure to meet you Mr…?” Elemmire introduced herself flirtatiously.

“Ah~ How could I ignore such a beautiful petal? My apologies love, I am Brandeau. It’s a pleasure to meet you miss Elemmire! I am most glad to meet a Dryad most beautiful like you.” Brandeau responded with a smile. Elemmire blushed as Brandeau kissed her hand.