The Days of High Adventure (EtherealElvenEmpress & Greeneyed23)

[Greeneyed23]

Kalo Noresh rubbed his eyes as he entered the township of Granding, hissing "Damned magicks." Then resumed walking, leading his horse , Larry, through the mud filled streets of the squallid little rivertown.

Dressed in his usual black leathers, his twin longswords obvious, one on his left hip, the other hanging upside down by his left hip, and with two visible elven daggers on his belt and right thigh, everyone was giving him a wide berth. And with his dirty and matted white hair and hard eyes, even the foolish who might have bothered him for fun or coin took pause.

And all stilled when they saw the emblem on his chest. Hanging on a silver wrought chain was the flame wreathed head of a Dragon, and upon closer inspection, the flame wreathed heads of a Wolf, a Lion, a Bear, and an Eagle were engraved onto the pommels of his swords, while smaller flameheads were engraved into the hilts of his daggers, the Snake and the Tiger.

Seeing these even the most haughty of 'hard' men stepped back, letting the stranger pass.

Kalo smirked just a bit as he saw them approach then step back, knowing precisely why.

Then he smiled. "Well hello Hamish."

The man he had greeted tensed, then slowly straightened, then turned away from the stall he had been leaning into, facing away from the newcomer. A big man, well over six and half feet, and with arms like slabs and legs like pillars supporting a barrel sized torso, Hamish chewed his torn lips nervously as he brushed back his dirty grey hair then smoothed down the matching beard. "Kalo...been a while."

"it has indeed. Seven months in fact. But here you are. And the price on your head has tripled. Twice."

"Kalo...I...you...you don't need-"

Kalo clicked his lips and Larry snorted, then walked over to an alley and into it, ignoring the cries of those within the passage.

Sensing trouble the crowd began to part, forming a wide oblong around the two.

Kalo smiled his coldest smile as tensed his left shoulder, then with a flicking flourish drew the sword from his back into his right hand. "Now Hamish. Be a good boy and come along. otherwise I shall be forced to harm you."

Hamish chewed his lip a little more. then said. "Really Kalo. I didn't expect you to come..." And whistled.

Twelve of the onlookers stepped forward, producing an array of weapons as they formed a loose circle around Kalo, Hamish drawing a large smithy hammer from the stall he had been 'inspecting.'

Kalo continued to smile, but said nothing.

Hamish growled. "Just....fuck off then! we don't have to-" Granding folks would speak of this day for centuries, and of the first strike even longer. Without stepping forward, the Black Flame gave an odd little flick of his right hand and the blade there buried itself in Hamish's throat. then both hands moved and metal darts took the two closest in the face, dropping them instantly. As they fell Kalo stepped forward, gripped his blade and spinning toward the next, tore the blade free, resulting in a torrent of blood that sprayed right into the face of the first of his attackers.

This blinded the woman, and she staggered back, flailing her spear wildly as she screamed for her companions to kill him.

Kalo ducked the spear three times, then gripped the shaft and yanked her forward as she was taking another step, thus breaking her stride and forcing her forward, into his blade. Her head flopped to the ground, and he spun once more, hurling the spear at a foe across the way, impaling the poor fool through the middle.

The fool screamed in surprised agony, startling several of his comrades as Kalo stepped past the beheaded woman, tossing the blade to his left hand and faking to draw his other with his right. As he did so the mace wielder, the next closest to him, swung a beautiful two handed blow at Kalo's head. But Kalo was not there. He leaned out of the way and calmly lopped off both arms, then with a backswing beheaded this one as well, then kicked the head right into the face of his next foe.

This one held a pair of fighting daggers and had been coming in low, so the head took him dead in the face, breaking his own nose and jaw, and breaking at least two teeth. As he screamed and clutched his mouth, Kalo drove his now drawn right hand blade into and through the fool's nose. He lived long enough to notice he felt no pain. Then fell, Kalo letting his weight pull the blade free.

He turned to the remaining six, all of whom were still on the other side of their circle, split on either side of the impaled spear victim, who was pinned to a wall behind him, and screaming and curcing wildly, flailing at his fellows for help.

Kalo smiled his coldest smile and flourished his blades, the blood thick on each. But, for a wonder, all six remained, then two, the two closest to him, charged. These two bore swords, one a massive bastard sword, the other a oddly short broadsword. They came in too fast however so Kalo merely sidestepped, ducked their swings, and nearly guffawed as they struck each other, the shorter sword cleaving deep into the other's chest, while the bastard blade beheaded the first. Kalo drove a blade into the survivor's heart, then stepped past and cross slashed the third charger, who had rushed up trying to hide behind the swordsmen, wielding her whip and dagger high.

The pair of slashes sliced up her whip and cut her throat and into her heart, and opened her belly to the air. As she screamed her last, Kalo hooked her about the head with a pommel and spun her over his hip, throwing her into the last three, forcing two to leap back and knocking the leader to the mud, his club pinned between him and the already dead woman.

Kalo hopped over him, then stabbed him through the right eye, kicked the first of the last two in the knee, snapped his blade up and out of the downed one to strike the third in the face with his pommel, then beheaded the second and drove both swords through his final foe's heart.

He pulled them free and whistled for Larry as he began collecting heads and tossing the bodies onto a cart. Once it was full he tossed some coppers to the owner. "Bury them wherever."

The man nodded eagerly and was off while Kalo went to speak to the Empire's commander in the area.

thirty minutes later, sans the bag of heads but with another very heavy bag of crowns, he went to one of local taverns and got a room, a meal, and rubdown for Larry.

it was after he ate and drank that e decided to wash and was in the tub, soaking, his eyes closed, when the knock came. "Yes?"

"begging your pardon sir, but there are two...gentlemen who wish to speak to you."

"Alright."

He opened an eye as they were led in. And smiled. "Well Oltan Greensfirth. And Hanary Lowtide. What are two elvish lords doing here?"

The two smiled and gave him polite bows, then sighed. "Kalo we have need of your help once again. Our people need you to ferry a member of our people across the planes to their destination in safety. we would happily pay quite handsomely for this, and even more so should she arrive unharmed."

"This isn't another marriage journey is it?"

They smiled but shook their heads. "No. suffice to say she needs to be brought safely from our home to another realm."

"Hence your need of a plane walker. Alright. we ride to your realm at dawn?"

"yes...do you have your Proper dress?"

"My fancy shite? Yeah. it's in the pack. unless you wanna go shopping in the magnificent Granding market."

"I think not. They are already calling your deeds today the Gruesome of Granding."

"Nice. bit gaudy but nice. very well. i'll even shave and wash my hair. send in the washgirl would you?"

"Of course. but we have some details to go over."

"Here? anyone could list-Oh."

Oltan, the elder of the two nearly identical elven statesmen, held up a small golden device whose wings were fluttering. It was a speaksafe, a magical device that rendered any noise heard from outside it's area of safety utter nonsense, making listening in nearly impossible.

"What of yours Kalo?"

"Which one? the big one got stolen and the little one only works a tenth of the time anymore."

"You should have one of our craftsmen repair them."

"Sure...sooo..."

They sat on a bench at the end of the tub while the washgirl, a young woman of 18 summers, entered and began to wash his hair and face, then to carefully but expertly shave him. As she entered they began speaking elvish, though she took no notice. she just did her work carefully, though she did notice that the big white haired man was covered in scars, and held an odd allure even the elves could not quite manage.

They finished just as she completed shaving her customer, so first the trio said their farewells, then he turned to her and gave her six crowns. She tried to demure, shaking her head, but he ignored her words and sent her on her way with the little fortune., then went to bed himself.

And in the morning they were off toward the elvish realm from whence the pair came.

 

[EtherealElvenEmpress]

This was not what Elara Idril Was expecting.a journey was one thing but crossing realms was a different dragon. Hillia was beyond the reach of humans and most did not bother going there since the route was treacherous. High and hard to breathe The hire anyone went up the mountain which meant it was a great place for the elves to make their Home Base. Far removed from society the elves loved it that way especially since their life span was a blink of an eye it compared to humans.

The mage Who was also the Citadel shaman had a long white hair which most looking at her from the back would think that she was very old until they would see her long pointed pale ears. Today she was dressed in green with her staff it was unmistakable that she was doing work and protecting the city. All of the locals knew her even the royalty and it seemed like she might even have more power than the king himself considering her status.

“Mistess El! My cat is stuck in the tree again! Can you just give my cat wings it’ll be easier?” An alpha child with tug at her long dress getting her attention making her smile as she shook her head no. “No darling…. cats should not have wings especially your cat. I’ll get it down now stay out of trouble I’m sure the cat does not like climbing trees and getting stuck there perhaps you should stop chasing it around like it’s a dog behind her to your pets.”The maid said kindly with a wave of her staff she easily made the cat float down from the nearby tree and the tiny Elflein was very happy holding their pet and thanked her by giving her a hug which she excepted even though the child they try to offer coin but she waved it off.

Just another normal day in Hillia. At least it seemed like a normal day nothing too crazy was going on and she was just doing her usual patrol and helping out the citizens with a little things that they needed. A cough here a little spell here nothing was out of the ordinary as she was checking to make sure all the awards and safety measures were around the city and it was a nice walk for her.

Little did she know her reality was soon to change but for now she was enjoying her secluded city at the near top of the mountain. Even the city gates did not have guards even though elves them selves were prepared for war they just didn’t see the need to have guards posted at their secluded out of reach area. The laughter of elf children running around the city and the bustling activities could be heard from anyone approaching but it was very rare to get visitors that were not expected.

It was still early as Elara Chose to hang out by a vendor with freshly baked bread near fruit stand offering up some coin for it even though they tried to refuse her payment considering all that she did for the city she still paid them even though they were reluctantly took it.

When and if the new stranger decided to venture up to their home With the other elves in tow that would eventually set off some alarms with her and the wards set up since they have one non-elf passing through but for now it seemed very peaceful and quite picturesque and almost like it was a perfect getaway secluded from human intervention….

 

[Greeneyed23]

Their journey to the realm was quiet and mostly peaceful.

It had mostly to do with the elves in regard to nature. Their presence soothed even the most hostile of creatures.

As for the rest, well Kalo handled that.

There were no fights as one look at his cold eyes sent even the most opportunistic bandits running.

Just before they left the road proper there was a minor incident however.

They were rounding a bend and preparing to keep along the hidden path to their home but were stopped by a quintet of men fussing over a broken down wagon.

But before the men could call out Kalo barked out a laugh. "Why Smiling Tom. When the devil did you return? I haven't seen you since the seige of Kornak...they said you were hanged ss a traitor."

The man in the middle of the group looked up confused, then smiled. "Mr. Kalo Noresh sir." He made a gesture to his fellows, but they were already putting their weapons away, and the wagon suddenly fixed itself. "I was Kalo. I was."

He walked forward, revealing himself to be a head taller than Kalo, and about 80 pounds heavier, but most of it muscle, and a still new rope scar around his throat.

Kalo hissed. "That must have hurt. Still making deals Tom?"

"Yes sir, Mr Noresh sir."

Despite being the bigger man, Tom was clutching his hat nervously before him, between himself and Kalo. It was abundantly clear he feared the warrior.

Kalo chuckled. "Shame they didn't spare you pain along with long life eh Tom?"

"I agree sir Mr. Kalo sir. But I have been about my business sir, Mr. Kalo sir. Not been hurting people. Just...uh..."

"Robbing those that can afford it? As WE agreed Thomas?"

"Yes sir Mr. Kalo Sir! Ain't we lads?!"

The others nodded dumbly.

Kalo sniffed the air. "You wouldn't be lying to me now would you Thomas? You know I have dealings with far more than mortals. If one of your patrons is violating rhe compact event hrough you..."

"No sir! Every word the truth sir! I may have beena little rough with some of the menfolk, but no killing and no troubling the poor sir I swear it on my mother's eyes sir."

Kalo smiled coldly. "You ate your mother's eyes Tom. So she would stop judging you. Try something else."

Tom gulped, and knelt, clapsing his hands in supplication. "I swear it on the antlers of he who raised me up? Who granted me my smile and gifted me strengths and powers unusual. Plesse Mr. Kalo sir -"

Kalo ignored him and whistled then made an odd high litched cry followed by a low looping call like unto an elk or moose, but with more force behind it than even the greatest of either species could produce.

And from the ground sprouted first a magnificent set of glowing blue antlers. Seven feet tall, with hundreds of points, and lookingnlike a wicked thorn bush from each main 'stalk' antlers of the grandest of such beasts all combined rose up as moose, an elk, a massive stag, a goat, a reindeer and more besides all appearred in one spot. Then with a pop it locked into place as a massive male Elk.

It towered over all of them, even those on horseback and shook it's head, then walked up to Kalo, and startling the elves, bowed it's great head to him. Then a low rich voice filled sith the sounds of wind and rain and the rustle of leaves and running in the moonlight spoke. "My old friend Kalo. It is well to see you. Have you need of my aid and succor? The debt between us remains my friend. "

Kalo nodded. "It does. And yes and no. I am fine and first allow me to introduce my companions. His Lordship Oltan Greensfirth of the loping fields. And Sea Lord Hanary Lowtide of the Broken Coast. Both are elves of great kindness, love of their realms, and deep wisdom. My Lords, this is Athuesnal. Spirit of the Wild Run."

The stag bowed. "Gentle elves. You know my cousin Farhast well. I smell his friendship and presence upon you. I am honored to meet you. My presence in your dens is unwelcome. Long ago I proved.....uncomfortable with even polite confinment in one of your dens. I do hope Queen Duella has forgiven me...but Kalo you summoned me. Why?"

"I need to know if Smiling Tom here iz behaving himself."

And he gently but firmly pushed Tom around his mount, out of his hiding place.

The Stag's eyes locked on Tom who whimpered. "Lord and Master. My King and my God. I have held to your command. I swear it!"

Kalo spoke softly. "He swore it on your antlers."

And Smiling Tom smiled. It was a good smile.

A smile filled with fun and delight and mischief and too much dancing and hangovers and headaches and short tempers and unexpected pregnancies and bad choices and war.

It was rare to see such a smile. But Tom certainly had one.

But as the great Stag glared at him, Tom's smile slowly faded.

And he began to shiver even harder.

FInally after some minutes the creature spoke. "He tells true my friend."

"Very well. Thank you. Thomas? You and your fellows get you gone."

"but Kalo I-"

"I was not asking Tom. MOVE!"

Tom and his fellows dove into the wagon which darted off quicker than quick.

And the Stag began to walk with them as they left the path and entered the forest, banishing their tracks and speaking happily with the elves while Kalo listened and smiled.

 

[EtherealElvenEmpress]

It was peaceful in Hillia on this day with minor festivities and the usual parties and events that they had. The king and his court we’re comfortable in their castle and some of the guards with the day off we’re enjoying the food stalls with all sorts of delicious foods cooking and smells wafting in the air.

Elara Took part in some dancing and decided to put on a little magic show which a lot of the elf children loved and even drew a massive crowd. This land even isolated if anyone is close they could hear the festivities and if they were sensitive the magic they could easily feel the power of wards around the kingdom.

If Kalo and his group with his Merrie men got close to the city they would all be alerted but he was smart enough to bring two ells with him that would actually let him get through without so much as setting off a massive defensive reaction.

Elara Took a break from her magic show and dancing I decided to get some food at a nearby store picking some elven bread and vegetables to eat. If that group got closer perhaps the board guards might question why they were there but there’s only one way to find out was for the group to approach the two guards making sure no one who was not an elf get past the first defense of their kingdom…

 

[Greeneyed23]

Kalo sighed at the border but slipped on his ring and the necklace marking him as elf friend.

So when they crossed, the wards did not go off and only the escort guard was alerted simply to walk with them to the court of the King.

"Kalo!"

"Your Majesty. How good to see you. What's this all about?"

The King held up a finger. "Have someone fetch Elara Idril."

Then turned to Kalo. "My friend we have need of an escort while a priceless elemental stone is taken to our kin across the planes. You of course were the first choice."

"Alright...and why can't i just take the stone?"

"I am afraid buth custom and magic eliminate that possibility entirely. It may be carried only by one of our mages and is not to be touched by any non-elf. Even a treasured elf friend such as yourself."

"Alright...and this Elara? Is she to be my..charge?"

"She is. She is an accomplished mage and I sure the two of you will manage well."

"Maybe. If she isn't as radiant as most of your people. The last elf woman in a mortal town caused a riot of people wishing to sleep with her. I only just got your neice out of that town unscathed."

"I recall. And that's precisely why you were asked to help us."

Kalo sighed but nodded. "Fair enough. Anything else?"

"Yes but we should wait for Elara."

"As you wish."

 

[EtherealElvenEmpress]

The day was calm for Elara as she enjoyed the festivities of her peaceful time. The fun would soon come to an abrupt end when the king himself send someone to fetch her from her day of relaxation. A part of her almost refused but it was the king so the mage begrudgingly went to see what this was all about.

The walk there was silent since in her head she figured maybe the king wanted her put up new wards or update spell-work in the castle. That would be the most easy thing for her to do. As she was led inside Elara kept quiet. Watching and listening especially when the King decided to tell her what was about to happen.

When she finally made her way to where the king and the others were standing the look on her face was skeptical but also confused.

“It is rare that you send for me your highness. What made i owe this pleasure?”her voice was soft and she was dressed as if she was out scouting around the town. Most mages wore robes associated with the temples, shrines and gods. Here she was out with the people and making sure the town was safe and she wanted to know why the King pulled her away from that and who the others were with him.

Even though she was silent her eyes spoke volumes as she would look around the room and size up the people with the King but right now all she could do was gas and help maybe it was just lifting a curse or sickness from one of them she had no idea what awaited…

 

[Greeneyed23]

"Elara Idril! How lovely. We have need of you. The Stone of Storms and Skies must be taken to the temple of the Unification. You are to be entrusted eith this task. This is Kalo Noresh. A warrior of great skill and a plane walker who will guide and protect you on this journey."

The King raised a finger. "And yes you must go with him. Any attempt to complete this journey alone is certain to end in failure and thus the destruction of the stone and our people."

Kalo arched a brow. That warning did not please him. It sounded like he had been gifted a spoiles brat to defend.

She might be beautiful, he would admit that she was bretahtaking in fact, but now he was on guard about her attitude and behavior.

Elf maidens could be very...particular. and superior. Especially their mages.

But as she looked at him he gave the formal elven bow to her as was proper. It was perfect. He had clearly been taught well and had practiced much. "My Lady."

 

[EtherealElvenEmpress]

The look she gave the King with an eyebrow raised she looked extremely skeptical especially when he decided to order her that this was a task that she must do. “I know for a fact you have others why would you call on me for this task. I’m much better suited here. I like where I am right now why are you picking me for this?” she was not happy about the order that she was given nor did she care about the stone.

In her eyes this was not her circus and not her monkeys and she had better things to do then carry a stone from one place to another. With her staff on hand she still crossed her arms and looked over the person that he was trying to send her with with a skeptical glare. “With all of the respect I’m sure our people will be fine we’ve survived many things and I’m sure we will survive the stone as well please find another mage. It’s enjoying my afternoon and you interrupted my lunch. As much as I admire you your highness this is not a job that I signed up for when I agreed to work under you. I don’t take well to orders being forced upon me with creature I don’t associate with. May I leave now?” she was only asking to be polite since she look like she already was with her foot out the door when she walked in even more so when he told her what the task was.

She knows how the stranger bowed she gave a light bow in return, but she was stubborn and that was not hard to tell by her demeanor especially since she wasn’t interested in working with him at all.

 

[Greeneyed23]

"It is the year of the Rising Elara. We will not survive if the stone is not in place at the proper time. We need a mage of your skills who is not wed or rearing children. Such is the law. And you are but one of six that meet that requirement. Sula is too old. Terim has no legs. Harath still attacks humans on sight. Gela is set to wed within the year so is technically disqualified and she isn't as skilled as you anyway. And do we even need to pretend that Yazrith could go?"

The whole court shuddered at the very idea.

"No Elara I am afraid it must be you. All of the apprentice mages are too young and lack the skills. If you do not take it the stone will Raise the Storm of Souls and the Endless wind and wipe this enclave from the world. It has happened before. I will not allow it to happen again. You pledged to serve me as needed to aid our people. Our people need this more than all else."

Kalo grunted. "And you don't look like a coward to me My Lady."

Even the King hissed and winced at that but Kalo ignored them watching her. "Avoiding a tedious and boring task I get. But ignoring a dangerous one is the act of a coward. And you are no cowars Lady Elara. Unless I am much mistaken. If you are, say so. I won't escort a coward and weakling. I don't have the time for it. Better I just start killing your people if those are the options. Less painful."

The two lords who had brought him spoke before she could. "He is right Lady Elara...the Storm of Souls is not a good way for anyone to die, least of all elves."

Kalo whistled the melody to the tragedy discussing the last time it had happened. It had devastated the peoples. Children had been devoured by the storm and their bodies had roamed the wastes that had once been so lush, hunting and killing their former parents. This a dozen other horrors were well known.

One of the others hissed. "How know you the Fall of Alunginith?!"

He answered in perfect elvish. "I was taught of it by my lords here. And your Lord King there." He gestured at the three clearly and they each nodded as the court fell into silence.

The King looked at Elara again. "Please Elara. I beg of you."

 

[EtherealElvenEmpress]

She wasn’t taking well to hang this new human use her first name and she rolled her eyes at him as they decide to tell her she was her only hope and she wasn’t really having it. “To be honest Yazrith isn’t a bad choice especially since I really don’t wanna do it. And who said I was on first name basis with him? Just because I’m not disqualified does it mean I should be voluntold to do it. I chose this kingdom because I am pretty much left alone to do what is needed and protect everything this is not my job. It’s Lady Idtil to you and my answer is a firm no you don’t pay me enough for this.”Elara was cold as ice especially when she did not want to do something.

She had to laugh at the fact that they called her not a coward but that was not going to sway her in any way shape or form. “I’m now coward just lazy especially when it’s nothing to do with me find someone else. I don’t work with humans. There’s nothing you can offer me to make me change my mind I’m not going if you want it that badly you do it your majesty you knew my stipulations about joining your kingdom. I don’t get involved you have others and trust me I can throw a stone anywhere in another kingdom will take me in.”that was no lie especially since she was quite well now but also her stubbornness preceded her.

“I know you must’ve been refused quite a few times by others try to plead your case with them your highness I’m not in the mood today you interrupted my lunch and my downtime there’s nothing in it for me I may be an age but I’m also pretty much a mercenary glory and the idea of being a hero doesn’t appeal to me so I wish you all good luck with that and I allowed to leave now?” he shot a look at the new person but she didn’t want to join him not without proper incentive at least.

 

[Greeneyed23]

Oltan raised a hand before anyone else could speak.

He moved to her side. "Lady Idril, I must apologize for what clearly seems a poorly thought out proposition. But I can assure you that preparations were exhaustive. We had even made arrangements with seven other mages prior to you. But for one reason and another they are now all beyond us. And time is running out. This is not hyperbole. If that stone is not properly handled and taken where it belongs, then it would be wiser if we left here now or simply killed ourselves. And it would be wiser still for you to break service with the king than to remain."

He forestalled her argument with the same raised hand. "I am not threatening you. I but speak as one who has seen the wages of the past. I walked the streets of Junice when the Storm of Souls had settled after a century of destruction. I saw the roaming hordes of empty shells. The littered corpses piled into walls. The monsters who trod there then are the nightmares of this and many other worlds. You have served this realm honorably and well. We ask this of you because we need a mage of your skill and ability. Otherwise we shall begin the process of the long sleep. That is the choice."

The King gestured and a scribe walked to her and unfurled a scroll. The order was simple. Should this venture fail, or be refused, then Hillia would be dissolved. The people would be sent to the other elven quarters where they had friends and family in the hope that would take them in.

And the King and his council would take the stone and ride into the wastes to die.

And the forest and all around it would wither and decay, just as it had before they came.

Kalo chuckled. "The Noble Crusade. You elves always impress me. Willing to die rather than endanger others. I wish my own people were so thoughtful. Dangers of youth I suppose."

He moved to a chair and sat. "For what it is worth I will accompany the stone either way. Whether with the stubborn mage or with Lord Oltan and this court. Consider it a salute to old friends."

The King nodded. Then he stepped down and came to Elara'a other side. "Lady Idril...Elara. Please. We finally have a home here. Peace. Children are being born again. Do not damn them for your pride. I beg of you."

He considered her, then startled everyone by actually kneeling and taking her hands. "Please...my daughter is with child. Do not condemn the little ones the hell of being outcasts. Or the abyssal doom of the Storm. Please Elara."

His eyes were wet and she could feel his utter terror and as he dipped his head over their hands she saw a flash of it.

A column of swirling smoke, dust and debris miles high and many many miles wide. Within flew monsters of every shape and size, and as the vision held her she saw elves running, screaming, begging, and being torn apart, yanked into the maw of the storm, devoured by the creatures within. And worse.

Here and there an elf just on the cusp of the storm would be yanked back into it and vanish. Then a shape would shamble along until suddenly lurching forward and attacking another elf.

The vision lasted only a few seconds but she still saw hundreds of elves die in horrible ways, then saw that it was no warning. No dire prophecy.

It was a memory. Of when the elf before her was young. When their home had been in a far off place they had thought peaceful.

Oltan spoke very softly. "The Rising comes My Lady. And you alone can save us. It is no trifle. We do not ask lightly. But your answer determines the fate of this entire realm."

And then he and every other elf in the room knelt.

Kalo looked around, then met her eye, curious. And more than a little disdainful. Elves often amused him. But their egos irritated him.

And this haughty she-elf had moved to the top of that list. She had been told the restrictions and the laws, and laws of elves were not made out of conveince or profit but to protect life, yet she refused out of spite.

If she deigned to agree he would not forget that. Nor that she made his friends beg just to save the people she claimed to care for. Elves. Always have to make a show of their pride. Especially those who have little else.

He was not bothered by her prejudice. He had expected her to dislike humans. She elfs always did.

But her haughty attitude in the face of death did not impress him. Even if she was older than she seemed it smelled of selfishness at the least if not outright cowardice.

And he had little time for either.

they told you it has to be held by a mage, woman. Your king is no mage. Do you not listen? Or are your ears too high to hear those beneath you. If he takes it he will begin the Storm. It will devour him and his council and he will become one of the Stormdwellers. A creature bent solely on killing others....Elves...He did not let his thoughts touch his face, and his mental walls were impenetrable, but no matter her decision, Kalo did not think much of this little forest sprite and her arrogance.

He took a glass and a pitcher of water and filled the glass, sipping it, watching her decide all their fates.

He was utterly calm before either choice. Oltan was a friend. And he owed the old elf a great deal. More than enough to face death with him.

Besides, he would not shame Oltan by abandoning him when one of his own turned down the task out of petty malice and spite.

He eyed the girl and shook his head, sipping his water and this time he said it in a whisper. "Elves..." as he looked away, wanting to view something that didn't turn his stomach.

Lord Oltan on his knees before this egotistical little girl. It was disgusting.

Magic was fading even amongst the first line, and here she was acting if the death of everything around meant nothing compared to her prejudice and pride. What Nonsense.

He sipped the water again, growing more irritated and more disdainful of this she elf the longer this madness went on. But he said no more.

She had clearly taken offense of a human speaking to her. Likely thinks she knows all there is to know and has seen all there is to see. I don't know how old you are forest sprite, but I can see in your eyes. You know Nothing!

 

[EtherealElvenEmpress]

The king himself was pleading with her but honestly she was hoping that this would be her retirement and she could just help the kingdom and hear people were asking for a favor and it was a bit insulting that she was down the list that far and her pride was definitely getting in the way.

“I joined your kingdom in hopes to not be sent out again. It looks like that’s not happening. I probably would take us on but you’re putting me with a human. Why must I go with a human?” She would ask wondering why she needed the companionship of this short-lived creature. “You speak to me as if I have not seen such things in my lifetimes. I’ve seen more than you know I think you forget my age. The seven before me couldn’t do it and now I’m being sent out again my adventuring days have been long past.” The mage would try to explain. Your pride had been hit with being one of the lower choices in the mage group but to be honest she didn’t want to join but it seem like she was not given a choice.

“If I go you owe me greatly. This was supposed to be my chance to step away from adventuring in your drawing me back in with this. I am more insulted that you put me with a human considering what I’ve dealt with working with them before. You know how I feel about them. I would’ve said yes to this endeavor if there wasn’t a human involved. How do you know they didn’t cause the start of this disaster?” She would ask looking her up and down and giving him a look of disgust as if he caused the entire thing but his kind were always causing trouble and they probably started this.

“If I say yes to this I don’t want him I want to go with elves I think that’s a fair ask. Why must he go with me I can handle this on my own I don’t need a babysitter besides I’m way older than he is.” Elara Was drawing her line in the sand and wondering if the King would let her keep it but this human had no idea about her history but he could tell already that she had a very strong hatred for humans and now she was being asked to work with him but the question was what he stepped down or insist that he go with her?

 

[Greeneyed23]

They stood.

The king sighed. "Yes I know. It was bevause you asked not to go that you were considered last Elara. And because you dislike humans given ykur history. But no they had nothing to do with it. The stone of Storms and Winds is entirely elven. And has existed amongst our people since before we came to this particular plane. Before we ever met humanity."

He gestured at Kalo. "It must be Kalo Noresh because he is the only planes walker we are on good terms with. The realms are in flux Elara. And you have never seen the various planss as he has. None of us has."

Kalo now folded his arms but remained silent. Now he really didn't like this little forest sprite.

Oltan spoke softly. "Lady Elara we do apologize but you are our last chance. We considered all the possibilities the moment the stone began to react. And you were set aside because of your desires and your...stated concerns. But then the other choices proved unable, unwilling, or unsuitable. We can only apologize for this. But please, we cannot send a large group. They will draw too much attention. Just to collect Kalo we were seen, noted, followed and engaged constantly by bandits and the various governments we passed by and through. You don't have thst kind of time."

 

[EtherealElvenEmpress]

“You owe me. By doing this you owe me. I just wanted to live peacefully and stay away from their kind after what they did. When this is all said and done you do realize I’ll find another kingdom to move to and you’ll never see me again. I received my payment and vanished like I should’ve done years ago. If I knew any humans would be walking through your kingdom I wouldn’t have stayed. Consider this my last favor to you your highness and I expect to be left alone for the rest of my days.” She was cold as she looked over Kalo with a disgusted look on her face.

“We aren’t friends. I’ll do my part and you do yours got it?” And he explained the reasons the others couldn’t do it and when he mentioned unwilling she rolled her eyes so far back it looks like she might lose them. “You got your wish king. Once I’m done with this I’ll take my leave. Send a human outside let him lead the way don’t expect me to be nice to him. This is a job but I want it done as quickly as possible. I also want the names of the unwilling when I return I will have words with them since they put me in this position along with yourself. Do you no longer get to use my first name since after the stunt I don’t consider us friends Olin.” With that she would turn and walk out of the room she was not happy about the outcome but she do it as long as the king would pay her for it especially since it is something that would make her extremely uncomfortable with the human. Elara Didn’t bother talking to him only at him but since I came one of this she figured he would tell his pet human what he wanted and the fact that they left the fast as she could come home get her things and find a new kingdom to retire in quietly without being bothered. She was a very well-known mage but everyone knew her stance on humans maybe not Kalo, but she wasn’t happy to be near him.

At least for now she was outside and keeping to herself and she would accompany him but he knew this trip was not going to be easy or pleasurable with her attitude and hatred for humans.

 

[Greeneyed23]

The King sighed.
"Well...we should-"

"Give her the stone and get this shit done. I have no time to waste on tantrums."

They stared at Kalo.

Then did as he said.

He joined her a bit later, along with seven mages. They were all incredibly old, even for elves, and they presented to her a locked chest. Then a key.

"Go with the blessings of the Elect sister...we wish you peace."

And the moment she accepted all seven of them burst into dust and ash and blew away on the wind.

Kalo grunted. "After you my Lady." He gestured at the path out.

No one came to see them off. No one cheered as they left.

They rode out alone and in utter silence.

 

[EtherealElvenEmpress]

Elara Really didn’t like to be forced into anything especially interacting with people she didn’t want to deal with but she took the stone in silently turn to leave not bothering to say goodbye; she was seething. She was the last choice with obvious reasons and she was still upset about being disturbed and having to do this one last thing when everyone else didn’t at least her party would know when she was done she would make people pay for making her do this.

Kalo most of her to go first and she didn’t really acknowledge him at all she wondered if she could ignore him the entire trip. This was a journey where no one would see them off either efforts would probably go unthanked.

“The faster we do this the faster I get rid of you so let’s make it quick human even though I can do this without you I’m stuck with you. Why don’t you to leave the way so we can get this done and we never have to see each other again.” Those were her first words to him even though she wouldn’t look at him but it was easy to tell she just didn’t want to talk to him or deal with him. Most elves kept to themselves and when forced to do something they didn’t want they were usually not the kindest creatures especially since they rarely interact with other races unless they had to.

Elara wondered how long this would take especially since she had avoided humans for centuries and now here she was stuck with one how the hell was she going to get through this???

 

[Greeneyed23]

Kalo said nothing.

For twelve hours.

The first word he said since they started was when he dismounted and took both set of reins. "Camp."

The horses were tired and he had spotted what was actually an excellent campsite in a well enclosed grove, complete with a small stream.

He stepped aside so she could get down, then tied the horses off and untacked them, putting the tack into his bag, where they vanished. He had a bag of spaces.

Great spaces as it turned out. Once the horses were cropping he drew out a tent, unrolled it, touched a bright green string, then flicked it, and it snapped together, becoming a rather large camp tent fit for a lord or lady.

He then pushed the opening open and bowed her in, clearly meaning for her to enter.

When she did she found another surprise. Another peice of magic. It was a tent of halls. In other words it was MUCH bigger on the inside. They entered into a foyer of sorts, with tables chairs and even a large comfy couch, then to the left was a doorway.

He went to it and whispered, and the doorway became a door, the architecture of it elven, and her full name, Lady Elara Idril, written in Elvish over the door.

A key produced itself and he took it, whispered something else, then lay it on the table in the foyer before her before moving to the kitchen, which was straight ahead from the foyer.

He began to prepare the still lit fire there and soon had a fresh vegetable stew cooking, and then ran a hand over a panel, and she smelled fresh bread, Elvish bread, baking.

He then bowed to her as he went to the door on the right, which had no name or keyhole, but opened at his touch, and he went into a large comfortable bedchamber.

He vanished from her sight for a moment, then came out with a box and sent outside and while the stew cooked, and stirred itself and the bread baked, he brushed the horses down, then tied them so they could get water, but would not founder.

That done he drew another device out of his pack. A vanisher.

And hanging it from a loop in the opening he blee on it and it begsn to flutter.

Now people could walk right by them and not see or hear or even smell their horses. And the tent might ss well not exist.

That done he went to a smaller door just between her new door and the opening, and revealed a washroom.

He thoroughly washed his hands arms and face then stepped out, leaving the door open for her use, and went to the kitchen and began to serve up the meal.

The dishes were a bit rough, but from long use, and were clearly well cleaned and maintained, and despite her mishivings the stew looked and smelled wonderful, an elvish recipe.

The bread was also elvish and looked perfect and smelled even better.

He also served up elven berry tea, then sat at one of the tables, allowing her to have one of her own, and ate. He ate hungrily, but very neatly, not even slurping and always using his napkin and not even burping in her presence.

He finished first and took his dishes in to wash them, then he tended to some things until she was done and took her's as well, washing them.

That done went turned the light off in the kitchen and went to his door and bowed to her again, then went in and shut it.

She would not see him again for the rest of the night.

When she deigned to look she found a gorgeously luxurious elven bedroom, with bath and even a closet of making, with currently one additional outfit just like what she already bore, down to the stitching. The bed was lush and warm, and it even had s makeup tsble complete with a basic offering but as she exmained it a pair of new lipsticks popped into existence and dropped into a drawer.

His tent was clearly one of those very special magical items that catered to the user, in this case her, doing all it could to plesse her.

The next morning she found a lovely elvish breakfast laid iut, including on fine royal china, complete with extra napkin and additional forks and spoons.

As she ate she could now see him tending to the horses, including retacking them.

When she was done he reentered, bowed, cleaned her dishes, then gestured for her to step out, then unmade the tent by flicking string, leaving no sign, not even a bent blade of grass.

He then mounted up, waited for her, and they were off him having shared but one word with her.

She was stubborn, but so indeed was he.

 

[EtherealElvenEmpress]

The 12 hours went by in silence as they kept on their journey but they were not speaking and Elara preferred it that way especially since she didn’t want to talk to him humans were dangerous and why the King sent her with him even if he could do think she couldn’t she just didn’t understand why it had to be her. King knew her stance with humans and her history was very bloody with their kind.

When Kalo mention camp all she did was not making sure to keep the box that she needed close to her unsafe hopefully this trip would not take forever. Once the horses were set up he used magic that she was familiar with the set up camp but she didn’t keep any conversation so she would follow him in and they just had to tolerate each other. What he had had way too much of her people ingrained into it and she wondered who he took this from but she didn’t dare say anything just took it as her accommodations to deal with him.

She would watch him to make sure he would eat first as if he would poison her because that’s what humans would do wasn’t it? She would take the time to sleep in bed and get ready for the next day in the morning she was shocked to find more elven food ready for her. She would change her outfit and talk and mother to herself about how he got such magic and when she ate her breakfast after seeing him 10 to the horses she would get herself ready to continue the journey.

They didn’t speak all night and she was just fine with it. Once it was time for them to go she would mount the horse as well making sure she had everything before she would finally speak and it probably wasn’t kind she was curious about why he had all of this.

“Who did you murder to acquire what you have this is elven magic. Why do you have this?” She would finally speak up and he could tell that she was thinking the worst especially if he had something like this what else was he capable of and now he could tell she was keeping herself more alert especially around him and it did make her wonder was he going to try something with her…

 

[Greeneyed23]

He rolled his eyes and showed her his ring. It marked him as elf friend, and bore the King's seal and Lord Oltan's house sigil.

"I have served the King and your people several times in the past. In doing so I have been given a great number of gifts. Including this tent from Lord Oltan. If you wished you could examine the markers to find his still present seal and sigils. And I have this and other things because I have proven trustworthy and of value to your people and their leaders."

He gestured at his saddle, elf made by a lady she knew.

He pulled an elf bow from his bag, and a quiver and arross made by the elven fletchers. "They also edged and strengthened my blades and my armor. As have the dwarves and a number of others. Now any other questions? Or shall be off?"

He gestured, somehos still respectfully, toward the road.

"My lady?".

 

[EtherealElvenEmpress]

“You? Times have really gotten difficult having they? Or that standards got really low..” she rolled her blue eyes right back at him still in shock that someone like him could’ve gotten a ring like that.

“Trustworthy to them but not to me. I don’t care as long as you stay out of my way and I’ll stay out of yours…” Elara Who is normally pretty warm and welcoming but with humans she had a very long and deep grudge against. “No other questions but don’t expect me to be giving you gifts. A curse maybe but no gifts. If your kind refund my kind does it mean we are all friends.” She would scarf and he called her my lady, but would go ahead she just had to get through this and she would be able to get rid of him and find a new kingdom void of humans. “The Only saving grace I have is if you murder me they all know it’s you especially since everyone knows I don’t go near humans so if you try anything funny just know that in death I’ll still ruin your reputation. Lead the way human.” She didn’t even bother giving him a name even though she knew it but in her long life it was easy to see that humans had really left a mark on her and since elves live for so long she wasn’t the only one of her kind with the same grudge against his own…

 

[Greeneyed23]

He sighed but set off.

And once more said nothing more to her.

They were forced to ride a bit longer than he really liked as they broke free of the forest proper and went along the trail for some time before he found a suitable copse of trees with a small pool of water for the horses.

He made camp and bowed her in again, this time the meals were waiting for them.

He did pause before he ate. "Knowing I am likely offending you somehow, would it be possible for you to mask your more evocative features? We will be entering Galltown tomorrow and they have their own grudges against your people. But not everyone there is guilty so I'd rather not kill everyone. If not, i accept the hate and acknowledge your judgement that I am a fool."

With that he ate, cleaned up, cleaned up after her, then went to bed.

 

[EtherealElvenEmpress]

Luckily his companion was rather quiet in this journey seems like it would take forever but she made sure to keep the box safe and close to her. Elara would have been content to just not talk but here they were with him letting her know what was coming next which was useful and she would normally thank him if he was anything else but human.

“I mean…I could… that would make your life a bit easier wouldn’t it since it is your job to protect me the questions will you?” He was saying how she could be a bit more feisty but she wasn’t going to mask herself but she was going to see what he was going to tell her since they stopped and had to take a rest before the next step in their travel.

“Maybe we should make this a test see if you can find a trustworthy people and protect me from the bad ones. What do you think?” It was kind of silly for her to ask what he thought considering how she was curious to see his reaction to her house and she was testing the waters more letting her blue eyes scrutinize over his features try to see if she could try to read his thoughts without using any gifts of hers and trying to glean any sort of reaction.

She wasn’t sure if you would answer her tonight or tomorrow but she would eat and finish up and go to bed herself but when they woke up she was wondering what he would have to say to her or how he would deal with her reaction.

 

[Greeneyed23]

"If you don't I will likely have to kill a great many people. and not even half of them will be human. you may hate us, but the dwarves have long had peace with your people. the same for the orcs, the Genoi, the Hadasim, the Fae, and the small folk. But if you would rather make a point, go ahead. I will do my job."

And with that he shut his door and turned off his light, asleep a few minutes later.

he was awake early once more to tend to the horses, then to prepare breakfast, flapjacks and fruit, and more tea, and sat at the table eating and reading an elvish tome. She couldn't see the title, and he ignored her presence, her plate and glass waiting for her, neat and proper, a pitcher of tea by her glass.

But looking at him she could also see that his armor had been brought out of somewhere and was polished, as were his swords and several other weapons. He was clearly prepared for violence today.

 

[EtherealElvenEmpress]

Elara listened but she did make a point to not talk to him unless it was needed. She made sure to eat and took care of what she needed to do making certain not disturb him or get too close to him especially since she had a feeling he might try and do something. She had zero trust in his abilities.

My morning came what came out of her room didn’t look like an elf she had lovely translucent wings and tiny little ears she would not take on a human form because that was degrading that she would take on a fairy which was much different from an elf. She didn’t care what he was reading she went to go get her food but didn’t talk to him all she did was say something at him.

“Don’t say I never did anything for you even though you’re kind doesn’t deserve to exist after what they’ve done I won’t hurt others humans I don’t care for no don’t you ever say I didn’t do anything for you you’re welcome.” Elara Took her food and went back into the room that she had putting more distance if possible between them she was tolerating him and kind of make his life a little easier but I didn’t mean they would be best friends.

 

[Greeneyed23]

Hr just smirked to himself and kept reading.

Galltown was a sprawling farming and market village on a river delta, just east of a massive lake that connected to the sea.

Her wings drew some stares, and her beauty far more, but no one bothered her, and they were soon a on a barge.

Kalo did move to her side as they dismounted then. "The goblins here are very sweet and they make excellent tea. Go up to the second floor and enjoy."

It was clearly a suggestion not an order as she was surrounded by humans, orcs, half elfs, tieflings and a host of others, but humans did dominate the space.

Upstairs the goblins were skittering around like mad, but the place eas cleanz smelled lovely, and the guests did all look well tended.

As she entered four goblins spotted her and rushed to her side. "Beautiful lady ma'am! We get you tea yes?"

"Tea yes. And biscuits?"

"Cookies not biscuits!!"

"The man called them biscuits."

"They are cookies me tells you!!"

During this mininargument she was gently ushered a seat by a corner where she had a magnificent view of the rapidly flowing river and the lake they would be passing through, which was large, deep, but still incredibly blue.lml
L
She had a whole pot of perfectly steaeped tea, with honey, and a cup with a sugar bowl all laid befoware her the moment she sat down. It was delicous and smellerd wonderful.

Kalo stayed below and out of her sight.