"Oh, you're so good," Aranel said, clapping her hands. She watched the dancing with joy, and she temporarily forgot her troubles. The way they were moving looked like magic.

<sorry im not writing more, writers block>

Far to the North, the tribe-less gang of Trolls gathered again. They knew their acts would bring more elves running more loot to steal, and throats to cut. They revelled in the joy of it and were just biding time until they returned for their attack. For now they gathered more trolls to their cause, and slowly but steadily, the gang grew into an army.

---------------

From the East, the forces of the Elven army sent contigents to the small town that was attacked. A squad of calvalry and a detachment of footsoldiers clad in fine elven armor strode into what appeared to be a Ghost town. Minh had spotted them down the road, but remained silent when he came down the steps to meet them.

"Hail, citizen. Are you from-" He stopped as he took in the strange appearance of the Harlequin Shadowdancer before continuing "Around here?" He finished.

Minh shook his head, "No. I'm not." He replied in Elven, "I came to assist when I heard the news. We have survivors." He gestured toward the houe they had taken refuge in, "Over there."

And so the Captain dismounted and rapped on the door.

Aurelier had noticed Minh leave through the door and silently followed as everyone else was distracted by the dancing. She listened closely to the conversation. The man hadn't looked like an elf when she saw his face, yet he spoke it fluently to the army. She jumped when the man knocked on the door right next to her ear. Everyone in the room turned silent as they looked at the door. Aurelier decided that she needed to be more outgoing as she opened the door.
"Hello officer," Aurelier said in her quiet and enchanting voice. "What news do you bring us?

The Elven officer smiled in a friendly manner. His face was that of a typical Elven High Classman. Clean-shaven, with his long, white hair pulled back and braided on one side, to mark three years in the army. He bowed in his gleaming mithri plate armor, expertly crafted falchion swinging at his waist, which he steadied with a quick hand, "G'day m'lady. I was told there were survivors of the attack here. I am Mar'ger of the nd Battalion, Ryal Army of the King. We must speak with any and all survivors to get a first-hand account of what happened here." He turned to look toward the church, "I heard there was a festival... Is... The church the place of attack?" He raised a brow and turned back to her. Minh spoke up from behind, "That would be correct, Sir Knight. " The man half-turned and sneered somewhat before turning back, "Thank you, though I believe I was talking to the ELF." he responded with an air of supremacy. He was a man used to having people follo orders and only speak to him when spoken to.

Minh frowned and glared through his Mask before stalking off to start dragging bodies into the nearby patch of garden and bury them, using some of the town's tools to dig graves and marking each one with a butterfly ymbol of some kind. He was content to let the Elven Knight sort things out. Probably better that way, he didn't want to aggravate anyone and cause problems for the poor women in the house. As he busied himself with moving corpses and digging graves, the Knight continued.

"Now, from what we've heard, it was a rogue band of Trolls. Tension is high between our Kingdoms as of late What with the Warlord Gruzzbal cutting of our Trade Agreement, and now these raidings across the lowlands? It's despiccable. However we have no proof, as of yet, that these trolls were instruments of the Gruzzbal's court, and so that is what we are here to determine. If there is any way you can help us, we urge you to do so." He said with a suggestively threatening tone.

-------

Deep in the Northern Forests, the Trolls banded around several campfires, spread among the mountain outcroppings. The attack was tomorrow, and their scouts had reported that an Elven company arrived. This pleased Warband Captain Farkin, and he smacked the little Goblin around in jovial displays of mirth. He rallied his troops and sent the cry, "TOMORROW BOYZ! TOMORROW AND WE GET OUR HANDS AROUND THEIR DAINTY, ELFY NECKS! THA BLOODHANDS DON'T FEAR NOBODY!" he roared, and the warband replied in kind. Trouble was brewing for our happy band of Elves, Fae, and Haf-elves And it was just a day away...

Aurelier nodded to the officer. "I was not attending the festival when the attack happened. When I arrived there, I found my brothers and sisters murdered. My friend Aranel, was a priestess in the Church at the time of the attack. She escaped." She shifted the weight back and forth between feet. She then looked up at the taller elf, he was over a foot taller, and stared him in the eye. Her eyes looked like saphires in the sun that shone so happily on the sad scene. "Why did you speak so rudely to my friend?" she asked, nodding towards Minh. "He is my guest here and I do not appreciate my guests being treated like this." Some said this was a big step towards Aurelier breaking out of her shell, but it was more of a leap.

Nadia followed Minh, and watched him as he dug the graves and buried the dead. She still didn’t know what had happened, but she had no doubt that she would find out soon. Instead of listening to the soldiers as everyone else was she decided to do a dance for the dead.

She stared with a ball of water in her hand and began moving slowly. Her bells sounded with each graceful step, they were like a melody for the dead. Her chin was held high as she was watching the water as it moved through the air. She used it to create beautiful and serene designs in memory of those who had died. Her hand, feet, water, and every motion was in tune, and rhythm with her bells.

Minh grunted with each shovel of dirt. The chunky, dirty projectiles flinging over his back and landing in a pile at the foot of each grave. He kept his mask on, but had removed the top part of his leather suit, revealing swirling tatooes that ran from his shoulders down his back to meet near the middle of his back and swirl into a yin-yang type figure surrounding a blue-tinted moth. The moth's wings touched and wrapped around the outer edges of the ring, and in each of the four corners were different symbols: A crescent moon in the bottom right, the sun in the bottom left, and two silver stars in the upper corners. It moved with his muscles and seemed to flap it's wings with each shovel throw, which got angrier and angrier. His mask still covered his face and at last he stopped to watch Nadia dance for a short while after dumping the next body into the grave, saying a silent prayer, and filling it in. He then placed a medium-sized boulder at the head of it, and laid a Rose Quartz butterfly on the rock. After Nadia was done, he would set out to finish the graves and find himself a place to wash up, and set up a small sleeping area out behind the house, so that when he did catch some sleep, he could stare at the stars.


---------

The Captain looked half amused at what he saw as disrespect. His head turned toward Minh and then back to her, "Friend? I hardly think that half-blooded cave man deserves such a title. Pet, or neanderthal would suffice in his case. However, calling him what you will, I will not be interrupted by his ilk. " He leaned forward and planted a plated boot on the flooring, causing it to shake, "Now I need to know from where they attacked and where they were headed. Like the last few attacks, we assume they will be returning. So unless you want to watch your precious mudhole of a town burnt to the ground, I suggest you assist us." he said with a sneer and stood back up, composing himself. He turned quickly, "I'll be setting up base in the Town Hall." he said and set about moving his troops into the city to set up defenses. They moved furniture and doors from now-empty houses to erect makeshift barricades. Around the town, the defenses went up and what was once a defenseless town turned into a funneling death trap. The barricades would funnel enemies down the main throughway toward the Town Hall, which was heavily guarded and fortified by nightfall. For all his air of superiority, the Knight-Captain knew what he was doing.

By nightfall, the small battalion of about 25 footman, and 5 calvalry inclduing the Knight-Captain had made the town as defensible as could be.

------

Gruzzbal's messenger arrived to Warband Captain Farkin around midday. The order was to destroy this paper, and likewise, the Elven village below. He noted that it will not be sanctioned by him, and anyone caught will be branded a Rogue Traitor. He then went on to thank him in the name of Gruzzbal and the Mighty Slayer. This pleased Farkin, and he could barely sleep that night, not due to the fact that he was too dimwitted to make a camp, but due to his giddiness.


<< If anyone else wants to control ANY of the NPCs that's fine. I'm just moving it along a bit ;) >>

Aurelier tested her voice and sang a few scales. She wrapped enchantments through it and prepared to sing and make them do her bidding. She didn't have a good feeling about this Captain. He didn't seem right. She saw the small, blonde elf dancing for the spirits. She counted the rhythm and walked over to the two elves. She didn't care what the Captain said, he was an elf at heart. She sang with to the tune of the girl's bells. After her dance was done, she pulled her some roses out of her pockets in her dress and laid them on the graves of her friends.
"Hello," she said to the young elf. "I'm Aurelier." She looked up at her with aquamarine eyes.

Nadia finished her dance and kept the ball of water in her hand. She watched as the other elf laid roses on the graves then introduced herself.

“Hello, I am Nadia.” She bowed her head slightly in a polite gesture. “Thank you for your help.” She turned and listened to the Captain talk. When he put down the first nice person she met she hurled her ball of water at him. It drenched him from the top of his head to about mid chest.

“Why you good for nothing!” The captain yelled at her and began to advance towards her. She let out a squeak and back away hastily.

Aurelier began singing, taking control of the Captain's body and caused him to go back to City Hall. He walked back and she sang a song to make him forget it. She smiled because she hadn't used her talent in so long.
"Nice job, Nadia." She complimented

She gave Aurelier a smile. “You too!.” She hugged the girl then ran over to Minh and grabbed his arm. “I wont let anyone be mean to you, so don’t worry about it okay?” She was smiling up at him, in a very childish happy way. She let go of his arm and went over to Aurelier. “I think I’ll go to sleep now, my day has been very long.” she hugged her wrist to her and went back into the house to find a bed to sleep in.

"I got bad feeling, like somethings coming," Aranel said to Aurelier. "I think we should all leave, completely avoid the trouble. I know! We'll go to the orcs! I lived with them the first years of my life, they'll protect us. They may be small-brained, but they're good fighter and hate the trolls."

Minh overheard Aranel speaking and couldn't agree more. It was getting late, but not too late for travel. And he knew the forests well, "I know a path we can take." He said quietly. He wasn't sure what to make of these people yet, but they were as close to friends as he'd had in a while, so he was going to help them if he could. He packed some bread rations and filled his flask of water, urging the others to do the same. He didn't trust Orcs, but he felt a need to look out for and take care of Nadia. Something about the little girl sparked a resemblance of someone he knew, and he couldn't quite place it. By late evening, he was ready to go, urging the others to pack lightly, "Desna will guide and watch over us. She will provide provisions where we may find none. But we must move. I fear whatever is going to happen is going to happen soon." he said as he nervously eyed the roaming patrols of the Elven Soldiers.

Aurelier looked over Nadia's body and saw that she was around the same size. She ran into her own cottage and grabbed a few small rose plants to take on the way. She packed a few dresses for her and more clothes for Nadia so that she didn't jingle everywhere she went. The orcs scared her and she was nervous leaving her town. She came back and handed Nadia a dress that resembled hers.
"Here, you won't need to be reminded of your past," She gestured towards her ankles.

(if anyone wants to know more about any of my npc's pm me. they are open for controlling)

Shoxom stood at the top of mount Barikeil looking down at the troll encampment, his coat flapping in the wind. A flash of movement hit the corner of his eye. Nerik, the scout, had finally returned from his recon mission.

"It looks like the Trolls are getting ready for another attack upon the village, if we strike now they will be totally unprepared. They have moved all their weapons and armor further down the mountain to a camp closer to their target."

Shoxom grinned. This was working out all too perfectly. After a raid on their homes, the trolls would go berzerk with rage with a high likely hood of killing each other; and that, would be the perfect time to strike again. Shoxom turned to his second in command,

"Grail, rally the band. We attack at Sundown"

Grail, turned and walked down the backside of the mountain. Shoxom turned once again to Nerik and congratulated him for his good work. Reaching into a bag at his waist, Shoxom pulled out a few gold coins and tossed them to Nerik,

"Here's a bonus, spend it wisely"

Shoxom stood for a while longer as Nerik followed Grail down the mountain. He knew that trolls followed a tribal system that elected the strongest as their leader, if he could have a one on one dual with the Troll Chieftain than he would end up with a band of trolls at his command. A frightening thought indeed.

Farkin, standing with blue-tinted skin, at around seven feet tall. Clad in his Wargear: A horned helmet made of Black Iron, accompanied by a spiked Pauldron on his right, and a smooth one on his left, the rest of his armor was the same, dull grey. On his back hung his mighty Warhammer, 'Grimskull' A legendary weapon he got after defeating his father in armed battle. He was leader of the Bloodhands War Band. A Special Operations unit, poised as a tribe-less, degenerate group of ransackers. It was a clever ploy, especially for trolls. This way they could execute raids upon neighboring towns and villages, draw in the guard in small chunks, and over time, wittle the Elven forces to thin themselves. The Bloodhands were just one of many such tactical units. The massive operation was known as Gr'Kall Mu'thak. Or "Bloody Vengeance." In the Troll tongue. And some, even within the ranks of the Trolls, suspected it to be much too intelligent for even their leader. The band of one-hundred or so Trolls, hand-picked by Gruzzbal and Farkin themselves, were poised over the small elven village. The loot they took was discarded for the most part, some of it was used to fuel the machine, but for the most part, it was part of the tactic.

Supplies were moving through the mountain, weapons and supplies being moved to a closer camp at the base of the mountain, a kilometer or so through thick forest from the town. There would be two points of attack, a Pincer manuever. The Heavy Hitters would charge with their shield-Mace combo, while the lighter units would move around the outskirts and attack directly toward the Town Hall. The initial attack was to draw forces away from where the Kobold Scouts reported the bulk of their force was stationed: The Town Hall. It was all to begin just before sunset, coming in from the East, the rising sun would be at their backs, and their archers would have prevailant winds coming out of the valley that morning. It was perfect. Trolls weren't much for long-term planning, but put a bunch of weapons and soldiers to use them, and they will devise a strategy in no time.

------
Troll Capital
Nightfall, Day Before Attack


Gruzzbal sat on his throne, flicking his pet Hellhound's ear. It would not whimper, nor move. But it would just sit there with it's dull expression. He flinched as a piercing voice rang out across his hall, "GRrrruuzzball!" The Vampire roared.

Clad in the finest of silks, a flowing black cape trailing his footsteps, and his fine, master-crafted leather boots pattering their way into the room, the source of all the intelligence for Bloody Vengeance. And he was pissed.

"What did I tell you? You BLOODY imbecile?" he demanded, his voice full of venom as he bared his fangs at the gigantic, Aarmor-clad, battle-ready Troll Chieftan.

"What you'ze told me wuz ta get da boyz ready fer a foight!" he responded, not with anger, not even the slightest movement. His Hellhound was hissing at the Vampire, and Gruzzbal continued flicking it's ear, seemingly bored, "And dats what we done." he finished.

The Vampire looked flustered, "Why are you moving Trebuchet to support the Bloodhands!? They're supposed to ransackers, not besiegers!" he flailed his arms in the air. Gruzzbal laughed. He always was amused by the puny, pale-fleshed undead.

"Dem Elfies got horses 'n stuff so I backed up da boyz wiff some... Help." he said, sounding the word help weird, as he had never really used it.
The alliance with this particular Vampire was a secret to everyone outside Gruzzbal's circle, and it was to be kept that way. For the real machine at work went much, much deeper than anyone could ahve imagined... And it was about to turn Admeta upside down.

Aurelier began passing around the house that they had taken residence in. She didn't like always being nervous for what might be coming. she thought about how she might be able to protect herself from the trolls that had killed so many of her friends. "I don't like this, Minh." She said to the older elf. she hated pacing around the house, preparing to face the unknown.

Nadia excepted the dress willingly and went to change into it. After she did she carefully removed her bells and placed them in her bag. If something bad was going on and they needed to hide, her bells would not be of any help. She thanked Aurelier and as she did noticed how similar they were to each other. Blonde hair and blue eyes. It seemed rather odd.

As the others packed up their things Nadia stood still and waited for them. She was very tiered but sleep would have to wait. Especially with the odd feeling on the air. This were different in this area. She had never felt something quite like this. She stood with Aurelier and Minh and waited.


(Sorry I was away for the weekend)

Aurelier began humming to herself, hoping not to manipulate anyone by accident. She could not help but think something bad was going to happen. She turned to the other short, blonde elf. "Nadia, what was your life like before the humans took you?" She asked, and not wanting to be mean she added. "You don't have to answer if you don't want to. The quietness is making me feel uncomfortable." The other elf had fit perfectly into the dress she had given her.

Nadia had to think before she answered the other elf. “I am not sure, I don’t remember.” Her voice was soft and she felt ashamed of not remembering her life before. “It was such a long time ago, I was very young.” She paused and thought harder. She wasn’t sure about what happened or how she got to be with the humans,. But she had been having dreams about a family of blonde elves like herself. If they were her real family then… “I think I had a mother and father and…a sister.”

Aurelier nodded. She could relate to her. "I don't remember my family either. The elders told me that they were killed by trolls on a trip to the Lake of Souls. They said they could only find me. I had a sister, a twin, that disappeared with them. I wish I had discovered my talent at a younger age so I could've saved them. Now trolls killed my friends when I wasn't there to help. I blame myself for what happened." She shuffled her feet, this was her first time talking about her family to anyone else, including Aranel.

Minh waited patiently. He kept looking out the windows, into the forests, scanning them for something before he'd turn back and check on what everyone else was doing. He tried to project an air of calm, hoping the others would benefit from it. He kept his mask on, he still was unaware that the Elven Knight-Captain had revealed what he was, and assumed that the other elves' knidness was just because the Knight-Captian was being rude anyway. The mask served to keep an attempted visage of him being an elf and nothing more. Or less, in most elves' eyes. But he had no time to dwell on that, now. He was sure they'd think of less of him if they found out, and right now that would be bad.

He watcehd Nadia for a short while, noticing her fatigue. He thought it over and decided that if he had to, he'd carry her. But no matter what, they were leaving this village. He thought about offering to help them pack, but then realized he wasn't sure if females were picky about things they packed, and for that matter, what females would pack anyway. He resigned to keeping watch, and making sure there was enough food for at least a week.

"We should get going soon." He said, approaching the group silently and keeping his voice low, "I don't mean to be rude, but we can't be sure how much time we have left." he finished, looking at each of them before stepping into the quickly-fading light. He turned his head back, "I'm going to let the Knight-Captain know we're leaving. So he has one less thing to worry about. Defending this village is going to be his priority, not us." he said and was about to add 'That's my responsibility now.' but felt it would be silly, and so he shut his mouth and made for the Town Hall.

-----------------

Knight-Captain El'eniel was in the Mayor's office. The white-haired Knight had his orders laid out in front of him, and he was mulling over them. Scattered about the desk was a map of the city with markings for where he expected attack, and where he had men stationed along with patrol routes. He frowned and stood suddenly, as a knock sounded on the door. He was half-clothed in armor, the intricate armor was sitting on a table in the corner. He wore his greaves, but the rest was removed so he could do work. His curved Falchion hung loosely from his belt and he gripped it's hilt reflexively,
"Come in."

"Beg your pardon, Knight-Captain, but one of the citizens wishes to speak with you."

"Which one?"

"The male, sire."
Silence filled the air and El'eniel sighed, "Send him in." he called at last, relaxing his grip and sitting down in the chair. Minh entered and walked up to the middle of the room, just in front of the desk. He opened his mouth to speak, but El'eniel cut him off, "What do you want, half-blood?" He asked with a sneer plastered over his face and revulsion in his voice. He made no attempt to hide his scorn, even if he had no real idea why he hated the man, other than his mixed heritage.

Minh kept his calm face, "Just to let you know that we are departing." He responded, his voice tight as he held back a torrent of insults.
El'eniel looked up and scoffed, then glanced out the window. With a raised brow, he looked at Minh as if the man were insane. Which he was, but El'eniel didn't know that, "Leaving? Now? It's nearly sundown! Where will you go? The forest will eat you alive!" he laughed in mock of the idea and sat back in the chair. Minh remained unphased,

"I know these forests much better than you, or your men, or even the trolls. I've wandered them since I was child, and-"
"-Wandered them because no Elven village would accept you as their own, I assume?!" he roared and laughed at his own insult.
Clenching his jaw and grinding Minh responded through his teeth, "Because I am a followed of Desna. And I am not here to negotiate. I'm here to inform you that our safety is no longer in your hands. Enjoy your evening, Knight-captain." He said and turned in one fluid motion to leave. The nkgiht-Captian stood and shouted, "Stop right there! I didn't say you could leave." he moved around the desk and closed the distance between them with a few strides, stopping inches from Minh's face, which had turned to confront him.
"I didn't ask." he responded with as even a tone as he could muster. The Knight-captain sat silently brooding for a moment before sighing in frusrtation, "You're not worth my time. And niether are your friends. Get out of my sight. If I see you back here, I will brand you a traitor and cut you down myself!" he called as he went toward the desk and sat back down. Expecting to be able to say more, El'eniel was surprised to see that Minh was already gone. He ground his teeth at that, but let it go and went back to defending the city.


-------

Driknel was a small Kobold. He didn't have much as a child, since Kobold were low on the community rung. He had enlisted with the Bloodhands as soon as he heard about it, and was given a hand crossbow which he wielded like a light crossbow, and a small club with some scraps of leather armor that was made for a goblin. It fit loosely, but it fit. Driknel felt invincible in it. He beamed with his station, the emblem of the Bloody fist on his armor shown proudly and he always kept it shiney. He was a scout, but it was as good a position he could have wished for, and he even got to eat each night! Things were definitely improving in the last week since he joined, and tomorrow would be his first big mission! He couldn't wait!

Rolling over in his sleeping bag, he tried to quell his excitement and fall asleep. He knew he'd need it tomorrow to catch some elves in the face with his arrows.

Aurelier watched as Minh left and began singing a calming song and felt everyone's muscles relax. She imagined Nadia moving fluidly to the slow-moving song and if she added water it would make the song even more peaceful. She wasn't sure if she was ready to leave this town, even if she always felt like an outsider in it. No one would answer her questions about her missing twin when they found her parents' bodies. She would miss her rose garden and the few friends that were now buried. She made sure to keep rose roots with her at all times for whenever she settled down again. She ended her song and she felt everyone's emotions flood back in the room. At least she wasn't the only tense one. She sat on the floor next to Nadia and across from Aranel. She wasn't sure if leaving was the right idea. The elf knights would help them right? Plus, trolls were bound to be in the forest if they were going to attack the village. Well Minh looked like he knew what he was doing and she thought she might be able to trust him.

The Dwarven warmaster guffed a bit at the suggestion, "Ya theenk WE 'err in collaberation with thoos moonsters?!" He roared, his long, braided, brown beard seemed to ruffle with his emotional outburst, "How long have ye known the tales of the Mountain Folk, Human, because I'll tell ye right now, we're proud supporters of Troll heads being on PIKES!" the three Huscarls to the Dwarven Warmaster, Grom "Meadbeard" Hizzit roared in llaughter, their gruff voices filling the chamber. A few Gryphon riders of the Netherhammer squad joined in as they passed by.

"We don't mean to imply anything, Warmaster Grom, we were simply here to inquire as to your position on the matter, seeing it as your two enemies are at each other's throats, and war is about to break out all across Admeta..." Resplendent in his diplomatic robes, dirty blonde, but clean-cut hair, the human Emissary, Farraday Jordan was a well-respected man among his own kind. Known for being the man who talked the Elves into peace, and kept good connections with the Dwarves through mining allowance agreements and trade agreements, it was an obvious choice that he would be sent here to negotiate for the Dwarves assistance in the war that everybody knew was coming. It was like a dark, black cloud just before the thunderstorm, and negotiations today were like pulling down your laundry and shutting your doors up tight.

"So.. What you're saying is.." The Warmaster began, turning his beady little eyes on the Diplomat, "You want our help when the Trolls and Elves start poking each other with their sticks?" He said at last, and Farraday was relieved he didn't have to say it. Bobbing his head up and down in a nod he responded,

"Exactly, my lord... We wish to know that the Dwarves can be trusted... We seek to strengthen our bonds, because we see the great power and know the fame of the Dwarven battle prowess." He explained, throwing on the butter to try and win the Dwarf over.

It worked, and later the negotiations came to a war agreement. A defense pact, really. That if the humans went to battle, the Dwarves would assist. And vice versa.

Already ties and alliances that were left untouched in the wake of the peaceful, prosperous centuries that spanned between the last great war were coming together.

Shoxom called his men together as the sun had begun to set, the night breeze bringing a slight snowfall. Five groups of ten stood mildly chilled in their battle gear waiting for his command.

"Tonight is the night we show the world that we are a force to be recconed with. This raid with either bring us the trolls as subordinates, or the reputation that will strike fear into any oppositions hearts. Either way, we win."

The bandits around him gave a chear, although being careful not to be loud engouh for the trolls to hear. Shoxom waved his hand to silence them so they could recieve their orders.

"Group one, pack up camp and move it to the northern side of the troll encampment. On my signal, bring it down into the troll camp and begin reinforcing the perimiter. Group two, you are the eastern raiders, if a tent goes up in flame, charge in and kill anyone in your way. Group three, western raiders, same thing. Group four, you are my backup in case the dual is unable to commence. Finally, group five, your my stealth squad, go in now and set up in the the predetermined locations. if things turn for the worse, you'll be able to take care of most of the resistance. Any questions? Didn't think so. Move out."

All five groups went to go prepare for the comming battle. The snow, falling more heavily, began to quickly cover the footprints.