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Arlathina Dalisia

Walk the lighted path...

0 · 690 views · located in Celandine

a character in “The War of Celandine”, as played by Arlathina

Description

Name:Arlathina Dalisia

Race:Elf

Age: 212

Appearance: By most Elven standards Arlathina is a beautiful maiden, and any human would find her fairer than any female of his race. She has long brown hair with redbrown streaks. Her long and flowing hairstyle frame her round and jovial face in such a way that suggests youth. She has dark angled chocolate brown eyes that are uncommon in Elves. She inherited these from her mother. She has thin lips and a small nose which make her eyes look much larger. She has a beautiful embroidered Autumn colored dress. (See Picture) The large circlet with the inlaid ruby is a family heirloom that has been passed down from mother to daughter in House Dalisia since before the Erandor Concordat. When it was given to Arlathina it still had flecks of her mother's dried blood.

Picture:Image

Personality: Due to recent events in her life Arlathina has hardened into a somewhat cold, and indifferent person. Her father testifies that before this she had a beautiful colorful personality that was reminiscent of the great variation of flowers that populate the Silverwood Forests during Spring. Some scraps of this personality can still be seen within her. Although it is an arduous task to draw them out. She often spends weeks out in the forest alone. She enjoys the solitude.

Rank: As a Queen's Handmaiden Arlathina is treated as part of the royal family.

Weapons/Equipment: Arlathina is a legendary archer despite her tender age. She has her family's ancestral bow. This bow was crafted by Arlathina's Great-Great-Great-Great Grandfather. It has lasted so long due to the material it is made of. Steelbark can endure for hundreds of thousands of years. The large flowering vines that emboss the bow still look as if they were carved yesterday. These flowering vines are the symbol of the Dalisia clan.

Magic: Each Noble Elven House is endowed with a special, and unique power. Each of these powers have been taught along the generations for millenia. The soverign deity of House Dalisia is Y'ffre the forest god. He is sometimes referred to as Edan Tel'Nomor, or Man of The Oaks. Arlathina is a daughter of House Dalisia. House Dalisia is very intune with the forests, and other things that have to do with nature. Therefore, House Dalisia was rewarded with the ability to control the growth of plants. They can also manipulate trees, and plants, do their bidding. Because of this ability members of House Dalisia have always been given a title. Hin Tel'Nomor, or Child of The Oaks.

Opinion on the war: Arlathina has a particular resentment towards Dwarves. They were responsible for her mother's death. Arlathina's Words: "I want to be the one to rid Celandine of the last of those stumpy fiends! Never again will they waddle Celandine without the fear of my reckoning hanging over their minds."
Also, she has sworn fealty to the Elven Queen.

History/Bio: I remember waking up that morning. I felt something in the house. Something I had never felt in the house that I had spent my whole childhood in. I felt despair, and devastation, but most of all, I felt hollow. As I walked through the hall my hands found their way over to the grooves in the wall, where artists had spent days painting the small waving vines and leaves, with tiny light brown deer dotted here and there. It was something that had always comforted me, something that felt familiar, and safe. I then heard wailing. Wailing that can mean only one thing... heartache. I walked into the main hall to see my father clutching his face, pulling on his hair as if it would distract him from the pain he felt in his heart. When he raised his head I took in his bloodshot eyes, and mourning expression. I then realized why I had felt so strange that morning, and why I felt as if I needed the comfort of the paintings on the wall. My mother wasn't coming back from the front lines... My body shut down at that moment. My vision turned gray, and watery as a stream of tears began to fall down my face. I saw my father's mouth moving, trying to console me, but it mattered not. He was mute to my ears. All I could think of was my mother. My sweet mother who had sang me lullabys as a child, and swatted my fingers for trying to get the sweet pies she cooked during the Summer Solstice. My beautiful mother who I had inherited my large almond eyes from, and my elegant demeanor. The last sensation I felt was falling. A terrible falling feeling, I almost thought I had hurled myself out of the window, and down the cliff that my house was built on. I think I would have favored that fate. It certainly would have saved me much suffering, but nay. I had only fallen to the hard stones that this wretched place was built out of. My father rushed over to me, but it still seemed as if my hearing would never return. I guess the strain on my body was too much, because after that I fainted. My brothers later on recieved the news. They did not fare any better with the news than I had. My twin brother Lafarin collapsed to the floor, in a heap of convulsing sobs. I remember as I watched him on the floor, his whole body shook with the might of his anguish. I guess I should have pitied him, but my eyes were dry. I had no more tears to cry. The only thing left in my heart was hatred for the abominations that had killed my mother. The Dwarves. Though, that seems like such a long time ago now. Finally, my chance may be close at hand to rid them of this world, and let me tell you all something. I will mercilessly seize upon it as a snake mercilessly seizes a mouse between its jaws. In order to further my interests of destroying these animals, I accepted the formal invitation to become a Queen's Handmaiden. They are not the dainty housekeepers that may come to mind though. We are an elite group of Elven Warriors who have pledged our life to the Queen, and I will have it that her royal Highness may walk from these woods, to the Ankhor Mountains and back, without a single incident to stand in her way. Will you dare stand before me? Come, I will show you the true might of an Elven Archer.

So begins...

Arlathina Dalisia's Story

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(Hmm... You are right. I have been thinking about making a character of my brother Lafarin, but there is already so many elves. In fact, I will do it. Me, nor my brother will be controlling large armies, but we will be soldier's ourselves. I prefer to be in the heat of battle rather than in the back determining strategics. So hopefully it won't upset the balance!)

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(Okay I've decided that its time just to start the RP so Lets start! :D)

I walked among the ferns and small brooks on my path back to Isteria. The Queen had sent me on another pointless trip to the fringes of the Silverwood Forest... again. It only made it worse that the only person I had for company was my odd twin brother. He was energetically bounding through the forest. He never ceased to stop talking also. It was quite a horrible torture.

"Arla, when do you think we will be getting home? Don't you find it rather amusing how that worm slinks across the ground?" He looked at me with excitement in his eyes. We had been camped out in the forests for two weeks now, searching for Dwarf Scouts. We only found two which me and Lafarin had ambushed. He climbed a tree and I hid myself among the bushes. When they walked underneath the tree Lafarin was hidden in I shot one of them in the back. Before the second dwarf even had time to try to help his fallen companion Lafarin threw himself on top of him, and stabbed him in the back. Arget'Evarinya had always looked so soiled when covered with blood.

"Yes Lafarin," I said in a cynical tone "it is hilarious." He looked at me warily, sensing my irritation.

"Sister, why do you never laugh like you did before? You're quite depressing to be around." He slowed his pace, and looked at me waiting for my response.

This truly irritated me. "What reason do I have to laugh? I'm out here with only you as company, which can get quite tiresome after a while." The moment I had lashed out in anger, I regretted saying a word. He looked at me with his bright green eyes, that were filled with such hurt. It was amazing how someone who could take life like a man, could be reduced to a sniveling child. Although my thoughts didn't deter the guilt that welled up inside of me. Slowly I looked out upon the forest, the sun was setting and soon it would be dark. "Let us make camp here tonight. We should arrive back at Isteria by noon tomorrow. You will be happy then, yes?"

He answered me in a detached voice. "I suppose so, sister." After camp was made, I sat down and fashioned a spit out of a juniper berry branch I had found on the forest floor. On it, I put 3 chunks of wild chicken I had shot. I handed the rest of the meat to my brother who sat with his knees against his chest staring at the fire. He didn't seem to notice, or if he did he was just uninterested.

"You should keep your str-"

Lafarin cut me off before I could even finish the sentence. "Do you think mother is happy? Wherever she has gone?" He slowly inclined his head to look at me. The question caught me very off guard. The subject of my mother was one that we usually had avoided. For him to bring it up so casually, was kind of like breaking an unspoken rule.

"I haven't the slightest idea Lafarin. Hopefully she is." A dull ache resonated from my heart as I thought about my mother. Remembering her scent of wild honeysuckle. We didn't talk for the rest of the night after that. Before I fell into the clutches of a fitful sleep I began to wonder... Is she happy?

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And there it was, the Queen's castle. It was an architectual wonder. The whole castle had been built of the limestone that grew in these mountains. Delicate carvings, and proud spires decorated the roof here and there. It was built to stand against catapults, bombs, really anything that can be thrown at it. And once the great ten foot doors were sealed they stayed sealed, but for now they were open. I walked through into the grand courtyard that sat in front of the entrance. As always the beauty of the garden was stunning. Magicians had used the ancient arts to make every flower we knew grow. There were roses, primrose, daisys, loivissa, and really any other woodland flower you could name. I stopped and gazed at a patch of delicate purple aconitums. They were such tranquil plants. I stood there and enjoyed the fragrance of the flowers. After a while I was snapped out of the trance by a servant gawking at me.

"Lady D-d-dalisia?" He muttered weakly.

"Yes? What is it?" I gazed at him with hard piercing eyes. This only made him get more nervous, as I noticed he was wiping his palms on his apron.

"The Queen wishes to see you in the War Council Room." After saying these few words he fled into one of the many corridors of the castle. When I arrived in the War Council Room I was greeted by the Queen's warm stare. The room itself was beautiful. Large satin brown sheets of fabric were draped up on the wall. The ceiling had been painted to look like a bright summer sky, with new green leaves fluttering in the breeze.

"Arlathina, you have returned. This is good news you are just in time for the meeting." It always amazed me just how regal, and prestigous the Queen's accent was.

I curtsied slightly and said "My Queen, I am honored to be in your presence one more. My trip was well, but I was not told of a meeting." I gazed at the nobles and servants mingling among the large inner table.

She looked at me with a bright grin. "Why dear its because I just called it. Why do you still don your travel wear? No matter let us begin! I wish Commander Quartam was here I sent a servant to fetch her but she never came back... Hmmm. My friends, let us begin" The nobles all snapped to attention. My father was there, as well as 8 other members of the various noble houses. I also saw the other five Queen's Handmaidens. Eserah, Narya, Endrid, Catalia, and the leader of our regiment Trianna. Trianna gazed at me with a kind stare and gestured for me to come sit next to her. I did so and began to wait for the meeting to begin.

The Queen began and no one could resist doing anything but listening to her. She just had that kind of voice "We have recieved word. It is official now. We Elves are at war." Conversation exploded out among the nobles, and the soon the War Council Room was a disorganized lot of inherent babble. The looks on their faces ranged from angry, to scared, and even some were plain excited. "Calm my people, calm. Our ancestor's were masters of the forest. They knew the ways of the trees, and the ways of the prey and predator. Even now our flesh carries the instincts that our ancestors carried in their mind. Let the humans come! Let the bloody Dwarves come! If they take one foot in our forest we shall show them the true terror of enraged Elves." Roars rose from the nobles who had moments before had a calm, stuffy demeanor. Even I felt estrogen pumping through my body at a furious rate. The whole mass had sooned turned into a orchestra of screams, shouts, and pride guided by the wave of the Queen's words. "In the coming weeks you will all be given assignments, and make sure you take care to do them properly. Your family, your home, and your race depends on it. Now let us begin. Arlathina, remind me, wasn't your mother killed by dwarves?" She gave me a fierce, determined stare.

"Yes, your highness, she was." I took care to let no emotion leak into my words.

"It has come to my attention that the Dwarves used to mine the limestone that is plentiful in these mountains. They left behind many tunnels that would allow them to walk all the way from the Ankhor Mountains right into our domain. While you were over in the southern fringes I sent Handmaiden Eserah to the northern fringes, there was a caravan of human merchants that turned out to be spies. They were carrying a substantial amount of gold and some gunpowder. I had some smiths fashion the gunpowder into bombs. You will collapse these tunnels with these bombs. Take Commander Quartam. Am I understood?" She gave me a cold stare, daring me to challenge her.

"Yes, your highness, but what about the treeline? We must set up defenses and battalions. Towers to keep watch for enemies. Wouldn't I be of more use there?" One of the Queen's Druids stepped forward.

"We and the Queen have erected magical barriers in the ancient arts. If anything enters the forest we shall know before they can travel a league inward. You should take care to recognize young Arlathina, that we are connected to this forest now. What it feels, we feel. This feeling will grow among the people the longer we stay." Then with that he stepped back into his place at the Queen's side.

The Queen looked at her with a pleasant smile on her face. "Does this answer your question Arlathina?"

I bowed my head and mumbled "Yes, highness." After a few more proceeds, such as speeches from varigated nobles, and a few more assignments the meeting was adjourned. The Queen called me to her side when it was over. Instead of leaving with the rest of the procession the Druid's lingered. The Queen looked over at him and said with a loud projected voice.

"Leave us! Now." With that all ten of the druids scampered out of the room, fighting over who would be the first to get through the exit. The Queen then looked at me.

"Arlathina, I apologize I know you dislike this assignment, but in these troubled times it is imperative that you and your fellow Handmaiden's follow my commands without question. Am I clear?" She gave me a stare, that could make someone go insane. I wanted to plead to go to the front lines, but then I finally consented.

"Yes, your highness." With that I stomped out of the throne room to go find this Commander Quartam.

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I walked along the many corridors in the castle. Eventually I found myself knocking on a large cherrywood door. "This is where the Queen said she would be..." When there was no answer I just to decided to barge in. There hunched over a book was a woman with white hair and grey eyes. White hair didn't suprise me. It wasn't uncommon among Elves. She looked up at me and I began to speak.

"I hope your ready for an adventure." I said this very matter of factly.

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Hmm... It wasn't everyday a stranger shoved knifes to my throat As we walked down the corridor to the large ten feet doors I began to try to converse with her. "I take it then that Queen has already briefed you on where were going and what we shall be doing? You know you should really quit being so paranoid... You've killed quite a few people... I was expecting you might think I was an assassin. Trust me, I would never murder another Elf. Well, if your ready to go then we should be off."

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(Double post glitch oops! Hey glmstr could you make sure that you tag your characters in your post?)

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The question seemed quite odd, I wasn't used to talking about family matters with a complete stranger. I looked at her to see if she was serious, and she did seem curious.

"Well, I wouldn't know. I've never attended one of my father's parties. My brother Nifael is prone to idiocy when he is deep in his mug though. My father doesn't need to throw a party to get him drinking. I haven't the slightest idea why your being brought along. I told the Queen that I would be of more use in the front lines, yet I do see the importance of making sure the Dwarves don't come crawling out of the ground. I have been told there are 5 major tunnels that we need to cut off. If you find this task distasteful then I would suggest you talk with the Queen. If not, meet at my house at sundown. Me and a band of guides will be departing then. Goodbye." I left her standing at the large stone doors with a dumbfounded look on her face. The nerve of her. Those assassination attempts were obviously a figment of her imagination. No other race gets into the Silverwood Forests let alone Isteria, and I know of no Elves who would betray their race.

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At Sunset Yuhra showed up, panting.

"Let us set off then." The trip would take two days, due to the circuitous route we would be taking. It was a long hot 3 hours before we reached the first destination. The guides began to dig until the earth gave way. We dropped in 3 sacks of gunpowder with flaming strings attached. We ran at least a league before we heard a faint boom. We worked through the night in 5 hours we collapsed another 2 tunnels in the same fashion as the first. Finally, after a long 2 days in the forest we returned to Isteria to find the city in overdrive. Smith's pumped out weapon after weapon. Hundreds of soldiers ran into the forest. (Elves do not march in lines like most other races, due to the damage it can cause to the forest.) I ran to the War Council Room as fleetly as my feet could carry me. When I arrived in the radiant building the Queen stood circled by various generals, and commanders. She looked at me suprised with how soon I had finished my assignment.

She nodded at me. "I suppose you and Commander Quartam didn't have any inconviences during your travel, and all the tunnels have been collasped?" The officials gathered around her complaining that we had no time to chatter. "Silence! Arlathina's quest was, and is crucial."

I regarded the nobles with an air of sorrow. I hadn't meant for them to be berated. "Yes, your highness. It is done as you wished." This seemed to please her.

"Good, very good..." She stared at me for a moment. "I have not sat idly in the time that you have been gone. I have news. A large Dwarven force has been seen marching from the Ankhor Mountains toward Erandor. This puts my schedule a few weeks forward. My druids have fortified the fringes of the forest. It is nearly so thick that you can't see 5 feet inside. Also, I have a force of 2,000 Elves stationed there to watch to make sure they dont change their course. Also, I assume you saw the 500 Elves I just dispatched this morning to join them. I will be placing them under Commander Quartam's control. I would like you and your brother Lafarin to accompany Quartam as advisors. Oh yes, one more thing. How was Quartam on your trip? Was she... agreeable?"

So, that was why she had sent that woman with me. "She was fine. I think that she will make a fine Commander for the forces." I knew in my heart that I was lieing, yet I did not want to delay my trip to the fringes any more than it already would be. "If you would excuse me your highness. I would like to go get my brother, and belongings." I began to turn away when the Queen raised her voice.

"Arlathina, wait. A few more things I almost forgot. Stop by Yunah's I had her forge a special leather armor for you. Your brother also, and do not forget to say high to your fellow Handmaiden's on the front lines. Eserah and your leader will be accompanying you... And Arlathina, please be careful." She seemed to be sincere, it was quite a high compliment from the Queen. It meant that she actually had feelings for you as more than a subject.

"Yes, my Queen, I will." I ran out of the War Council Room headed for the practice field. As I passed my house, I saw Nifael and my father arguing. I didn't have time to stop though. I passed Kareen's house, Terah's house, Quesa's house, and Shiara's house until the Practice Field came into view. I ran towards Lafarin who was currently engaged in a furious duel between himself and Evir.

"Lafarin! Lafarin! We have work come!" He flicked his head towards me in confusion. Evir took advantage of the opening and gave him a light cut on his upper arm.

He hissed in pain. "Evir! Would you hold on?" He began galloping towards me at an amazing pace. When he was a few feet in front of me he stopped. "What is it, Sister? Why are you so frantic?" I recounted the events of this morning, and together we hurried to Yunah's. It was only a short run. When we arrived Yunah handed us both our individual sets of armor wrapped in linen cloth. She then directed us to the back where we could change. I came out in a stunning leather suit that was dyed red. The leather was with small metal plates that permitted the flexibility, and acrobatics of an archer, while also giving the defense a heavy swordsman might get. It also had been dyed red, with the beautiful flower Aconitum painted on the sides. The armor was a bit more revealing that anything I usually wore, but it still provided enough security. When Lafarin stepped out in his new armor, he looked like a true warrior. The armor had been made out of Polished Steelbark. Along with Arget'Evarinya he looked as if he should be commanding the army. After a short thankyou to Yunah Lafarin and I ran into the Forest.

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In the morning, I awoke to the chirping of energetic songbirds. They wove together the most beautiful melodies, using high pitched squeaks, and long mournful whistles. Lafarin walked up next to me and put his hand on my shoulder.

"'Quel amrun. Ta naa vanima." Good morning. It is beautiful It suprised me that Lafarin had spoke in the ancient language. During the years of peace we had adopted the Human's language. Although all Elven children mastered the language of their ancestors by the age of 10. It was rarely used except for very formal events, and when the only other people you wanted to understand were your fellow Elves.

"Why do you speak in the ancient language brother?" He looked at me with a goofy smile.

"Amin gorgamin gothrim lye merna tyara lye mar lye i'lambe english." I fear our foes shall hear us if we speak in english. I decided that he was right. Having the Dwarves and Humans not able to understand our language could be an advantage. I followed suit and switched over to the ancient language.
"Le merna aut farien?" Shall we hunt? It always suprised me how dramatically the ancient language changed Lafarin's voice. It sounded very soft, and even, like a water running over smooth stones. He seemed even ten times kinder than before.

"Cuamin linduva yassen megrille." My bow shall sing with your sword. Lafarin and I bound off into the forest like two wild deer. The forest made my body traverse between the trees in graceful, languid movements. We scouted the woods for a good hour before we spotted a large group of doe. Just as I was about to take the shot Lafarin whispered.

"N'ndengina ta!" Dont kill it! He pushed my bow down to the ground. The does fortunately had not heard Lafarin. He then pointed over to a clump of nearby bushes where a newborn colt was sitting. Barely able to walk. Lafarin then explained to me that If I killed the mother the baby would die also, and that would be unessecary suffering. I shouldn't have been so careless. Lafarin and I decided to shoot an older doe incapable of having anymore children. She probaly would have fallen prey to a mountain lion, or other predator soon. I nocked an arrow, and pulled back my bow to its limits, then as I took three breaths... 1... 2... 3!
I let my fingers slide off the bow string. The arrow went soaring over bushes, and through the crook of a tree before it stuck itself in the calf of the poor deer. The rest of the does scattered, with the young colt prancing after his mother. When we drew close to the old female, we saw that the shot had not killed her. I blamed myself, I had been aiming for the heart but the slight breeze had made it angle in the wrong direction. Lafarin came up behind the deer, and put his hand on her heart.

"Lanta kaima, poikaer." Sleep, wise one. With the jerk of his hand Lafarin slit the doe's throat, and ended her suffering. Taking life from another being could change one forever. Though, I was more experienced with it than Lafarin, he dealt with it well. We hauled the doe back to camp, and the Elven warriors ate, sang, and danced around campfires. They were in such high spirits because they had only eaten fruit, nuts, and berries from the forest. Things went slowly that day. No sign of marching Humans or Dwarves yet. Though I had a feeling they could still be lurking out there. It mattered not, for Commander Quartam arrived today so hopefully she'll take the reins and won't be letting them sneak up on us. My words with her were brief, and that is showing generosity. Lafarin and I mostly rehearsed the ancient language, which still felt odd on my tongue, while skipping rocks on the reflective surface of a shallow pond we had found nearby for the rest of the day. Everyone was very laid back that night, and my sleep very peaceful, and natural. I think the Druids are doing some magic on the forest from Isteria, yet I did not dwell upon it for long because sleep siezed me, and it dragged me far into its dark confines.

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Upon arriving back in camp I didn't even give Lafarin a chance to console me about the events that had just conspired. I headed directly for my tent, and grabbed my favorite red dress. I stored it in a linen cloth, and then I made a bee-line for the pond Lafarin and I had skipped rocks on the previous day. It was a short walking distance, but you had to climb up a steep hill to reach it. It was quite exhausting, and when I reached the peak of the hill, I let myself have thirty seconds to rest. I peeled off my clothes which were caked with blood and sweat and set them on a rock. When bathed in the pond I began to scrub at my arms as if they were covered in a foul substance. I often felt that way after taking life. I decided that my leather armor could use a good wash, so I collected it from the rocks and scrubbed at the blood, sweat, and dirt that was deeply imbedded in it for about 15 minutes. When I took it out of the water it looked perfectly new, and smelled of the peaceful pond. Such a comforting aroma, I then dressed in my flowing red dress, which was one of my favorite garbs, and headed back towards camp.

When I arrived, I threw my leather armor on my bed, and began to think. My thoughts began to sway towards the Humans again. I had to occupy my mind. First I tried combing my hair until it looked very shiny and glossy, but I soon got bored. I then realized what better way to occupy someones mind that then to go see the conceited, paranoid Commander Quartam? I had specifically placed my tent on the other side of camp so as to avoid her ridiculous outbursts. Earlier I had heard of some of the soldiers talking about a pair who had gotten into a squabble, but that was not what I was going to see her about. A letter had arrived from the Queen, and she wanted us only to read it in eachother's presence. I zigzagged my way through the city of tents that dominated the forest floor. The soldiers on this side of camp seemed to be in good spirits. Maybe there had been a shipment of wine, or mead. I thought. On my way I chanced upon one of the Captain's I had spoken with a day ago.

He bowed his head to me and murmured "Handmaiden Dalisia..." I was not used to such reverence, but since I had joined the Queen's Handmaidens I had to get used to it. I finally arrived in front of Commander Quartam's tent. I lifted the flap to find her asleep. Wow, she must be under alot of stress. I let out a bleary sigh and roused her. When she was up and seemed to be thinking properly I began to recount to her the events of this morning. I would have mentioned the successful defenses we had mounted, but I was sure she had already seen.

"You should look at this Commander Quartam." She looked up at me, with a perplexed expression. I pulled the letter I had recieved from the Queen. It was a small eggshell white envelope that was magically sealed by the Queen's Druids. It was a complex enchantment that only allowed the envelope to be opened by those who it was adressed to. I sat it down on the desk.

"Elea i'dolen." Reveal this I stated in a clear, calm voice. The trick to using the ancient language to perform magic was to make sure that your words were calm, and gentle. If even one syllable was pronounced incorrectly the spell could have unseen, and sometimes devastating, effects. The wax seal on the envelope began to boil until it evaporated into nothing. It filled the air with a sweet aroma. The envelope folded back, and I pulled out the letter. It read;

Dear Arlathina, and Commander Quartam,

Arlathina, I am very pleased with your performance since you reached the Fringes. You did outstanding when setting up defenses the first day you arrived. You and Lafarin both... Please give him my thanks. Talk has been rampant in Isteria. They mostly talk of the deeds of The Bane of Humans. Nearly every elf was congregrated when my druids watched through the eyes of the forest as you fended off that attack from the ravenous humans. You did miraculously, you represented our race as a proper elf should. You should keep that attitude. Speak softly, yet keep your arrows sharpened, and your bowstrings taut.

Commander Quartam, thank you for resolving the issue of those two fighting babboons. They will be punished fairly when they arrive back in Isteria. We have been watching you closely Commander Quartam. Remember, keep the peace in camp, for that is your role. Also, I would like for you to send pairs of scouts hunting in the forest on an hourly basis. Food stockpiles are running low, and we cant have three thousand Elves starving out on the fringes. When was the last time you put down the knives and picked up a bow? You should help to feed your men.

May the leaves of your life tree never turn brown, for the morning starling flys through its leafy domain.

Sincerely, Queen Vanira.


I sat myself in a chair, and reflected on the riddle that Queen Vanira had left at the end of her letter as I waited for what Commander Quartam had to say.

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The sight I had just seen appaled me. I stormed up to the Commander.

"Lets get one thing straight, Commander. I'm not your average warrior, and I'm not under your jurisdiction. I am a Queen's Handmaiden. Sent here on Queen Vanira's behalf. My fellow Handmaiden's Eserah and Niara are here also and would support me in this matter. You cannot dismiss me, or give me any other orders as you would a common warrior. Furthermore Amin fueya ten'lle." You disgust me. "Only a coward uses magic to kill prey." I let my hand fan out in a slow motion in the Elven gesture for dishonor. I glanced over at the buck she had slain. Her knifes floated above her head still wet with blood. I let the rage well up in me as I screamed. "You dishonor the spirits of the forest! I hope you make amends with them, for one day they will turn on you when you least expect it. Are you not Elven anymore?" I hissed at her. "Lle naa Elandili, Lle holma ve' Edan." You are a half-elf, you even smell like a human. "Your impure blood blinds you to the ways of the forest, and for this it shall reject you." The words sounded like acid flying from my mouth. She looked at me as if she was confused of how I could know, but it was plain. She smelled of Human like a skunk in a field of fragant roses. Not only that she slightly resembled a Human. She was not blessed with the high cheekbones, or slanted eyes that most elves were. Her body structure was also stockier than that of a normal Elf. I didn't even bother explaining it to her. I was too impatient.

I stomped over to the prey that she had killed. I let a few tears fall for the poor creature, to die in such a dishonorable way... I layed my hands over its heart and said the rites to pass an animal into the afterlife. "Lissenen ar' maska'lalaith tenna' lye omentuva, quel esta." Sweet water and light laughter until we next meet, rest well. I stood up and looked at this woman. She disgusted me, every fiber in my being willed me to reach over and scratch out her eyes, or maybe cut off her legs leave her to be a feast for wolves, but I stood there, and stared at her in a stonic expression. What else could I do?

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As she walked away Arlathina followed in a furious pursuit. "No! My mother did not beat me, disrespect me, or threaten to disown me! My mother was wrenched from my life when I needed her most! You still have your mother and yet you are not grateful for it. She died trying to protect the forest which you now dishonor! Nadorhuan!" Cowardly Dog! Seeing her attempts to make Yuhra feel even an ounce of remorse for this atrocity Arlathina stopped and headed towards her tent on the opposite end of the camp. She seethed with anger, and her heartbeat reminded her of a horse galloping at full speed.

When Arlathina reached her tent she threw open the flap, and stomped inside. She gradually lowered herself onto her bed until she was in a sitting position. She reached over into her bag of supplies and pulled out a radiant circlet with a beautiful crimson ruby set into it. She hugged it to her chest and let her tears flow in an avalance of pain. Soldier's heard the muffled weeping from outside the tent walls. One of the few bold ones lifted the tent flap, and poked his head in.

"Handmaiden Dalisia is ever-"

Arlathina cut him off with a horrible mangled scream. "Get out!" The soldier withdrew from the tent with a pale face. The whole camp heard this, and was careful not to disturb her for the rest of the night. Even when they passed by her tent they would tip-toe by so as not to invoke her wrath. Arlathina just sat there... Dismayed at her ability to control her emotions when it came to her mother. She put away her mother's circlet, even though it wasn't her mother's it was her's now. Then, she lowered herself into her cot, and began to imagine fields that glistened with dew, and her mother's radiant smile. Soon, she was dreaming of a better place far away from the cares of this world.

(glmstr its kind of weird, with the way your mother treated you, you were given pain gradually over the years of your upbringing, and Arlathina got it one BIG dose. How Ironic)

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In my parade of emotions yesterday, I had forgotten to notice Lafarin's dissappearance. In the morning I awoke to find a note tied to my bow. In the note Lafarin claimed that personal reasons dictated that he must return to Isteria. Though I highly doubt that it was something extremely serious. His heart probaly began to ache for Evir, or some other petty reason. I decided that today, I was going to take it easy. I glided from my tent to a fire which was surrounded by yawning soldiers. Many still had exhaustion riddled across their face. No one mentioned my episode last night, which I was thankful for. It was a stain on my honor.

I began to casually converse with the soldiers who peered at me in a slightly amused way. "So, whats the word around the camp men?" I asked making sure to seem friendly. The men looked at eachother as if wondering what they wanted to tell me was appropriate. One of them spoke up.

"Well, many a juicy story has been floating around the camp. Stories of white stags, and mythical beauties roaming the forest have been floating around, but the real gossip is that Scariah was seen sneaking into Aeiro's tent. I wonder what they did there? Maybe trying to bless our race with a child." I began to chuckle, amused by the shameless antics of the warriors.

"Do you warriors have nothing to do but to sit around and make up idle stories? Well, what a wicked tale you weave soldier." I gloated at him in a mocking tone. He smiled back at me in return. He began to look out into the distance. I turned my gaze in the direction his head was facing, but all I saw was an empty stretch of forest. Shafts of light penetrated through the dense treetops wherever they could. When I turned back his sight bore into my very soul.

"Why was it you and Commander Quartam were bickering like old women yesterday?" He asked as if it was any of his buisness. I was shocked, I mean I knew we had been loud, but I didn't know the whole camp had heard. Anger pricked at my conscience again, but I slowly let it dissipate while I began to think of my respone.

"Tel'nil edainme ndeg kelvar yassen templa. 'Kshsira imya apsa agar. Aspa kolindim n'uma yamen e'Tel'Quessir. Amin delotha aspa, antole ulua sulrim!" I said in as calm a voice I could muster. He looked at me with an astounded expression.

"I wish I had the courage to say such words. Cormlle naa tanya tel'raa." Your heart is that of a lion. I smiled at him, his words washed over me in a warm feeling.

"Indeed it is, much wind pours from my mouth though. I should get back to the duties that press for my time. Vanya sulie." Fair winds I stood and walked away. I decided that that was just what I had needed. A little bit of time to vent. Now I could think more clearly about the planning Eserah, Niara, and I had to do. I walked towards their tent, and began to think on my battle strategy. Who first? Humans, or Dwarves?

(Sorry I didn't post all day. I have a cold, and I don't feel too good. Where has Saxious, and Arianna been? I hope they come back soon. If there is no representative of the Dwarves they autolose. So hopefully he returns soon. Have fun you guys! ^-^)

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Niara stood elegantly as I entered the tent. Eserah stood with a furrowed brow. I held out my palm and in a formal gesture Niara walked forward and lightly brushed her fingers against it. She then smiled at me and gave me a tight hug.

"It is most wonderful to see your sister. Cormamin lindua ele lle!" My heart sings to thee! Niara said with a motherly tone. Niara then retreated from the contact and held me at arm's length. She seemed to breathe in my features as she looked me over for cuts and bruises. She bent down and examined a scrape I had recieved on a jagged rock on the hike back from bathing yesterday. She looked at me with a disapproving expression. "You should take better care of your body Arlathina. It is very beautiful. Tanka hawar." Heal. The cut vanished, and left in its place was a patch of unnaturally soft, radiant skin. I felt a sensation of love blossom in my heart. Niara had partially become my caretaker since my mother's death, although it wasn't just me. Niara often cared for all six handmaidens. The role fit her well since she was a superb healer and her overall personality was that of a caring mother. I looked at her with kind eyes. She and the other Handmaidens were some of the only people I had let myself become close to lately.

"Nae saian luume!"It has been too long! I lamented to her in the ancient tongue. "I apologize that I have been too preoccupied to come and visit my sisters. I would have chosen a tent closer to yours but your tent is so far from the front lines. I think I would have been of far more use there." I looked to Eserah and she stared back with an angry glare. I began to feel uncomfortable. Eserah had always had a fiery temper, and was easily offended. "Why do you glare at me this way sister?" I asked.

"Do not think I didn't hear of your conversartions with Commander Quartam. Queen Vanira has also learned of this also. She is displeased... with both of you. You should not have reacted the way you did. Although I can understand from your position you saw what she did as a dishonorable crime. You should try to view it from her point. She does not appreciate the leaves that bud on the ancient oaks the way we do, and that is beyond her control. Though let us not dwell on these matters. The Queen has sent us on a mission to Erandor." Eserah began to laugh as my face transformed into a bright mask of joy. I was always curious about the world outside the walls of the forest, yet I never thought that I would actually leave the den of leaves I had lived in my whole life. She handed over the letter the Queen had sent to them. It detailed what our objective would be in Erandor. Under human guises, we were to track down and assassinate a man named Drake Ravenseeker. I began to snicker in mischevous way.

What happend next I can't say for it would be revealing too many secrets of the Elven Culture. Though when we left the trees, and picked our way through the field of traps that surrounded it... We appeared to be Humans. Niara had retained her bouncy golden locks, but her face looked much more plain. Her lustrous blue eyes now only retained a dull fraction of the beauty they had once known. Her body was also of a thicker build. Eserah's hair usually resembled the brilliant blaze of fire. Although now it was more peaceful, like the auburn color of leaves in the fall. The transformation had also been detrimental to my features also. My hair had lost much of its luster, moisture, and strength. I felt as though I were wearing a wig of dry straw that could be ripped at any moment. My glistening brown eyes could no longer catch the light as they once did, and the most important feature was our ears. They were no longer pointed, but rather curved in an awkward arc at the tips. I felt like I dishonored my mother's memory by appearing this way. Though, I knew it was nessecary to the mission that we attracted as little attention as possible. We all wore dark gray cowls that concealed most of our bodies. The sleeves hung in a graceful way, but other than that it was a distasteful garment. It felt strange to have an irregular bone formation, although I did the best I could to manage as a Human.

As the Silverwood Forests became dark neverending line that spanned from the west to the east for as far as I could see, I began to feel vulnerable. Without the ancient beings of the forest watching over me as they always had I felt exposed. I tried to put the sensation at the back of my mind. I just looked down at my feet and focused on walking. Left foot... right foot... left foot... right foot. Only a couple more thousands of those until Erandor...

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This journey is having an effect on my mental state. The plains bear no resemblance to the peaceful forests I am accustomed to, for I long to see a tree, or at least something different than the dead stalks of grass that seem to go on for oblivion. Maybe even a bush... Niara and Eserah also seem to be going mad. During the first leg of the journey Niara would not be quiet, but now I beg for her to speak and laugh as she once did. Yet all she does is hang her head and walk, and it breaks my heart to see a spirit like hers so somber. I keep looking into the distance to see if maybe I can make out a speck in the distance, and often I think I do. Though it always turns out to be a mirage.

When I was least expecting it I heard something other than the crunch of dead grass underneath the soles of our shoes. I lowered myself to my knees and put my ear to the ground listening... Hoofbeats. It was a large group, ten at the least. Also they were not wild horses, their gait was that of cheaply trained horses. Eserah and Niara looked at me warily. I nodded at them and they each put one hand on their weapons which were hidden in the folds of their gray cloaks. I gripped an arrow in my right hand. I wouldn't risk revealing my bow until I knew whether this group was friendly or enemy. Even if they were friendly a bow that expensive would drive even the kindest souls to take life. I saw them approaching from the east. There was eleven men each riding on individual horses. They all were armed, and galloping at full speed towards the three of us. The recent change of events seemed to rejuvenate Niara. A semblance of light had returned to her eyes, and her skin no longer looked so pallor.

The men riding the horses looked like merceneries. I didn't like it, so I looked at Eserah and Niara and mouthed 'Dina' or Be Silent. They both nodded back at me which confirmed they understood. Eserah, Niara, and I all threw our hoods up over our heads and stared down at the ground. We formed a small triangle by standing back to back just as we had in training, because we assumed they would try to intimidate us by surrounding us. We waited for what seemed like an hour before I could hear the whooping of the savage men. When they reached us it turned out we were right. They reined in their horses and began to circle us until one of the men yelled.

"Stop! Show your faces." We ignored his command and stood like silent statues. Annoyed, he dismounted his horse and walked forward to Niara. He stuck a knife to her chin and lifted her face. He examined her for a bit, then smiled in perverse satisfaction. "Oh! Its alright boys!" He began to chortle in a disgusting laugh. "It's just some gorgeous women. These will make a fine addition to our lot. Erandor can always use more slaves. Maybe we can have some fun with them though when we get back to camp." I lifted up my face and looked the man straight in the eye. He was scum. A slave trader! I should have seen it coming!

"N'deg sen." Kill them. The lead slave trader only had time to mutter a confused 'wha?' before Niara had jammed a knife deep into his neck, cutting his jugular vein, he bled out in a matter of seconds. I sprang into action. I excelled myself forward at the man who was mounted directly in front of me. He tried to stab out with his spear, but I dashed out of the way and pressed the arrow in my right hand into his stomach as I knocked him off his horse. I slipped my bow over my head fired two arrows into a man who was trying to flank Eserah from behind. She smiled when she heard the groans of the dieing man behind her. A man approached my horse from the rear and slashed at it's legs. The horse buckled underneath me, but before it could hit the floor I did a somersault off the horse's back. Everything seemed to slow down, similar to when I was in the middle of the forest hunting a deer. While at the pinnacle of my jump I was upside down looking at my enemy. I felt my fingers slide onto the velvet bowstring and pull back. I released the string from my grasp and it emitted a slight twang. The arrow penetrated at the top of his skull and became lodged in the jaw. The man limply fell to the floor, in a pile of twitching limbs.

As I landed I bent my knees to help absorb some of the shock. I was just in time to see Eserah skewer the last slave trader who came charging towards her. I pulled my arrow from the carcass of my fallen enemy. He gave a slight shudder, but after that he showed no more signs of life.

"Vanya Sulie." Fair Winds. I muttered as I looked down on the dead men. Eserah and Niara also repeated the saying, then we began to loot the men looking for supplies, food, or anything else of value. We found only a few apples which we all enjoyed with some honey Niara had gotten as a gift from one of her many suitors, and a small supply of gold. Of the eleven horses that were originally present three had ran away, and two had been slain. Six were left, pawing the ground with their powerful hooves. I removed the muzzles, reins, and saddles from three of the horses and slapped them on their behinds, which sent them all galloping off into the distance. The three that were left over were what Eserah, Niara, and I had considered to be the healthiest of the six. One was a reddish brown stallion with a white mane, crest, and tail. He was my first choice. The other was a dark grey mare with a brown mane, and black tail which Eserah had chosen enthusiastically, and last was Niara's horse. He was a light tan stallion with a white mane, and tail, indeed he was quite beautiful. We mounted our new horses and set off southeast towards Erandor. It was quite odd at first riding a horse, because I had only riden three or four times in my life, but Eserah who had riden Elven Horses daily in Farya gave me many tips, and within 30 minutes I discovered that I was a natural. With the horses it should only take us two days to reach Erandor. I am so happy! I am so sick of these plains! I thought as the three of us galloped towards our destination.

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(glmstr thats what I do all the time! Totally do that. Hey is Yuhra going lesbo for me? Thats so cute! When I get back from Erandor we should totally make them a couple.)

Erandor was unlike anything I had ever seen before. It was large, bustling, and insane. As we neared the gate guards stopped us and asked what our buisness was in the city. Niara made up some ridiculous story of coming to see relatives for a wedding. When Niara had finished speaking the guards nodded their heads at us and pointed towards a stable where our horses would be looked after. I released my new companion into a fenced in area that was packed with countless other horses. The owner of the stables gave me Niara, Eserah, and I each a paper that had a red laurel leaf stamped onto it.

We walked through the vast cities streets in wonder. None of us had ever seen such a packed city. I bumped shoulders with hundreds of people in a matter of minutes. In Isteria, if someone bumped shoulders with you it meant that they disliked you, though these people didn't even take notice. It was quite astonishing.

"Where do you suppose we begin? He could be anywhere, and the city is so vast. How will we ever find him?" Niara inquired with a concerned stare. She was right, the city was so big that it could take years to find this man.

Thats when I remembered! In Human Culture if you needed information, you went an inn or tavern. The letter had Queen Vanira sent us told of three inns, and two taverns in town. We headed towards a tavern named The Dragon's Kettle. Supposedly, it was the largest tavern in town, after a few minutes of dark alleys, and packed streets we arrived at the front door of The Dragon's Kettle. Inside, we were greeted by enticing stares. The men stared at us as if we were something to eat, often licking their lips, and rubbing their hands together. Niara, Eserah, and I walked to the bar and each took a seat in uncomfortable wooden stools.

A man walked up behind me and whispered in a raspy voice. "You should come back to my room darling. You'll not find a warmer bed in all of Erandor." I swiveled my head until only one eye rested on the disgusting man.

"I'de rather not. Now scram!" I said in a loud voice. The man muttered something though I didn't make out what it was, and walked away. I couldn't believe the nerve of that man! Courting in Elven Culture was something that spanned out over years, and sometimes decades. A large bulky man walked towards us with three glasses. He sat down one in front of Eserah, one in front of Niara, and one in front of me.

"I apologize for the rabble. They can't control themselves really. What could fine women like yourselves want on a fine day like this?" He questioned in a thick deep voice. He looked at us suspisciously, I unconsciencely felt the tips of my ears to make sure they were still curved, and not pointed. I relaxed a bit when I found out that I was only being paranoid.

I reached into the folds of fabric that accentuated the insides of our robes, and pulled out a large purse of coins. I slid it across the counter until it rested underneath his hand. "Information." I stated in a low voice. "Drake Ravenseeker, what do you know about him?" He began to laugh. A deep hearty laugh that made the counter tremble. He regarded us with great familiarity after that.

"I suppose you guys are going to join the army too? You wouldn't happend to be friend's of Daedrons would you?." I didn't recognize the name, though I nodded and told him yes nonetheless. "Well, last I heard Daedron was looking for him. I saw him walk off in the direction of The Drunken Huntsman. Its an inn not too far from here. I assume they are staying there. You know I used to be in the army... with Daedron's father." Before he could delay us farther I cut into his budding story.

"Thank you, your help is greatly appreciated." Niara, Eserah, and I walked towards the door. The man watched us the whole way out. I felt his presence at the back of my head. When we were once again in the bustling streets I let the feeling subside. We walked towards The Drunken Huntsman which was not that far away just as he had said. As I was walking I sniffed the air. Undead! The foul stench of unnatural bodies that were still in the process of decaying. I tracked the smell to two beings in long dark uniforms who surrounded a woman, and two men. One of the men was older than the other. I identified the woman as the necromancer, and the younger man was a thief. I could tell by how he eyed the purse of every passerby, probaly trying to evaluate it's weight, and therefore its value. The older man walked with much honor, like a soldier who had seen many battles. I decided that the older man must be the army recruiter we were to kill, but we couldn't do it here... It was too public, we would never make it out of the city unscathed. I told Niara and Eserah that we would shadow them until we reached the inn. Then we would find a way to isolate him from the rest of the group. I leaned back against the wall until I saw them walk in, then I hurried after them into the building. This was going to be fun.

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I watched from the rooftops as Arianna rode away from the soldiers. Their once tense shoulders now began to relax. I snatched my bow from it's resting place on my back. I slowly grabbed an arrow and fitted it the side of my bow. I then began to pull my bowstring until it looked like a graceful 'C'. I aimed the tip of the arrow to the back of the blonde youth's neck. I then released the arrow. In a matter of seconds it had torn through the youth's throat. Wide eyed, blood poured down his armor, and he clutched at his neck as if in an attempt to unlodge the arrow from his windpipe. It was all in vain. The young man was dead in a matter of seconds.

The soldiers flew into a frenzy, searching surrounding streets, and rooftops, but I was already gone. I hope they noticed the carving in the shaft of the arrow. It said: Lasta lalaithamin. Listen to my laughter. The young man had payed for his insolence, and I was once again concealed in the sea of humans. I made my way back to the alley where Eserah, Niara, and I were residing.

Niara looked at me with a sad face. "Did you do it quickly?" She frowned.

"Yes I made it quick." I fibbed hopelessly. She looked at me with disappointed eyes. She knew that I was lieing, I had made him suffer, and he knew in his last moments that he would not survive.

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I watched from the rooftops as Arianna rode away from the soldiers. Their once tense shoulders now began to relax. I snatched my bow from it's resting place on my back. I slowly grabbed an arrow and fitted it to the side of my bow. I then began to pull my bowstring until it looked like a graceful 'C'. I aimed the tip of the arrow at the back of the blonde youth's neck. I released the arrow, and in a matter of seconds it had torn through the youth's throat. Wide eyed, blood poured down his armor, and he clutched at his neck as if in an attempt to unlodge the arrow from his windpipe. It was all in vain. The young man was dead in a matter of seconds.

The soldiers flew into a frenzy, searching surrounding streets, and rooftops, but I was already gone. I hope they noticed the carving in the shaft of the arrow. It said: Lasta lalaithamin. Listen to my laughter. The young man had payed for his insolence, and I was once again concealed in the sea of humans. I made my way back to the alley where Eserah, Niara, and I were residing.

Niara looked at me with a sad face. "Did you do it quickly?" She frowned.

"Yes I made it quick." I fibbed hopelessly. She looked at me with disappointed eyes. She knew that I was lieing, I had made him suffer, and he knew in his last moments that he would not survive.

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Niara, Eserah, and I sat at a table with our faces staring down at the mahogany wood. We absorbed everything we could as we turned our ears in their direction. Fortunately, the transformation that we had undergone effected only our looks. Our hightened senses of touch, taste, sight, and hearing were still Elven. I slowly tried to interpret what they were saying. He had recieved two letters which were now resting in his pocket. The woman necromancer had her own troops, probaly a small force of undead, and the man was sending his troops east.

I looked at Niara and gave her a small smile. "Get the letters." I said in low voice. I watched as Niara unstrapped her gray cowl, and walked behind the bar. She bent over, and retrieved a bar wench's apron. She looked at herself in the reflective surface of a glass of beer. She frowned a bit, then wiped off a smudge of dirt on her cheek. Out of her jacket, she pulled a small packet of crushed Melarho Wethrina leaves. Lover's Deceit. She tore the top off the packet, and dumped the contents into the glass. She then grabbed the platter of drinks and walked towards Ravenseeker's table.

"Compliments of the owner, sir." Niara said in a seductive voice, which sounded a little bit odd to me. She then sat the beer before him and waited until he took a sip. After he had wet his throat she glided behind him, and began to rub him on the shoulder. "You are such a tense man, why don't you let me help you?" At first he looked up at Niara in confusion, but soon the Melarho Wethrina leaves took effect. His eyes glazed over, and his movements became slow and groggy. Niara sweet talked him for some time, while the female necromancer looked on in horror. She rubbed his large chest, and giggled in a girlish way. He looked at Niara adoringly, and in his drunken stupor Niara reached down and pretended to rub his groin. All the while with her other hand she reached into his pocket and silently slipped out the two letters.

She then deposited the letters into her corset, and turned away. "Sorry, but my shift is over!" Niara lied as she left the building. Ravenseeker frowned, as if he was deeply dismayed by her sudden change of mood. His heartache wouldn't last long though the Melarho Wethrina leaves would soon wear off. I picked up Niara's cowl, and Eserah and I quickly followed her out of the building. We regrouped in an alley nearby. I read the letters maybe three times, before I was satisfied with what I found. A trustworthy necromancer? Ha, thats a first! I slipped the letters into my pocket, and we headed towards a different inn. Eserah was dismayed I wasn't going to kill him today, but we would have him when he left the city. Mission accomplished.

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I sat against the wall of the Lover's Shack. It was a horrible place, only suitable for roaches, but it was the only other inn in town. I watched the infinite ocean of unfamiliar faces going about their daily tasks. I pitied them I guess, they would probaly all be dead soon. It was near dawn and the sky was tinged with pink and orange. It was very beautiful, and in Erandor a beautiful sight was a rare sight. It didn't help that the city was packed with thousands of refugees from every corner of The Great Plains. Most parts of the city were extremely dirty, and primitive, as a result disease was rampant here. Many of the houses were built of adobe bricks, which gave the city a natural cave appearance. Although this wasn't true in the Market District, and Castle District. That was where the wealthier citizens lived, completely, and blissfully, unaware of the suffering, poverty, and crime that went on in the Undertown. It was quite strange to see emaciated children, who's ribs stood out against their frail bodies in disgusting definition. Elves had never known suffering or poverty, even the lowest peasants ate enough to sustain themselves.

A man bumped into me as he passed. I began to muster anger, but then I felt him slip something into my palm. Without a word, he walked away, once again blending into the endless crowd of Humans. I looked down, and pressed into my hand was a letter bearing the Royal Seal. I strode into the parlor of the inn. It was a dingy room, with low-hanging ceilings. The candles cast a dim orange light, while Niara and Eserah sat at a rickety table conversing. The parlor was mostly empty, except for a few anonymous people. As I walked past Niara and Eserah looked up at me, but I paid them no heed. I walked to my room and closed the door silently. I looked at my unappealing surroundings. The room itself was made of wooden beams, and a dirt floor. The furniture consisted of a creaky wooden stool, a poorly made nightstand with a brass candle on it, and a brown-stained matress, that I'm sure was infested with fleas, ticks, and other insects. I sat on the stool, and after a series of squeaky protests I pulled the letter out of my pocket. I opened the letter, careful not to rip the exterior envelope, and began to read.

Dear Arlathina

Your objectives have changed. I want you to return to the Forest immediately. Two of my scouts have gone missing near the Human City of Hollam. We will have Drake Ravenseeker on another day, but for now I want you here where you can defend our borders. The information you have gathered on the Human Army is valuable enough. Before you leave the city though, I want you to send Eserah to find the traitorous Night Elf that betrayed Arianna. Kill him. You have done well Arlathina, the Forest will welcome you with open arms. Tula eska, Hin Tel'Nomor. Come home, Child of The Oaks.

Your Queen, Vanira


Tears of joy sprang to my eyes, turning my vision into a twinkling veil of stars. I dried my eyes, but the mere option of leaving this wretched city overwhelmed me, and again tears flooded my eyelids. I folded the letter, and put it in my shoe. I walked back to the parlor, and told the innkeeper that we would be leaving. He gave me back 2 gold pieces. Niara and Eserah looked at me with questioning expressions, but I only told them of our new commands once we were out of earshot of anyone. Eserah and Niara were also ecstatic about returning to the forest. When we left the Lover's Shack Eserah went in her direction, and Niara and I headed towards the stables.

We handed over the stamped pieces of paper we had been given upon depositing the horses in the large field. The horsekeeper retrieved our trio of horses, and returned them to us. They had bulked up since we had last seen them, and I rubbed my head against my chocolate brown stallion affectionately. The slave traders who had onced owned them must have been quite cruel. They were thin horses when we acquired them, and their ribs made deep depressions in their coat but no longer. The field had very nutricious grass, and soon they looked like the proudest horses in all of Erandor. Niara mounted her steed, and I did likewise with Elemmiire. I named him after one of the constellations in the Spring sky. Since it was spring when I got him.

Niara and I rode out of the gates of Erandor. We went half a mile, and stopped at a tree. Very rare in the plains. We waited for a long time. By the time Eserah arrived the sun had gone down, and the stars had came out.

"Is it done?" I asked her in a flat, emotionless tone when she approached us.

She looked at me with a fire in her eyes. "He didn't stand a chance, but he did beg for his pitiful life." She explained in a matter-of-factly way. Niara threw her arms around Eserah, and expressed her worry. She then began to heal a large gash on her arm that the thief had managed to inflict. He must have been handy with a knife to get past Eserah's defenses. After Niara had finished Eserah mounted her mare, and we set of Northwest towards The Silverwood Forests.