Archives: Search for Azala
Chapter 3: Camp on the Grasslands
As the sun began to set, the two high elves led their hired help off the road and into the grassland. Not far off the road, situated in the shadow of large boulder protruding from the ground, was an oft used campsite. The grass had been worn away by years of feet and hooves, and ruts through the grass showed that caravans often camped here.
“This will do for tonight,” Seri said, examining the rather large campsite. She was just glad to be out of the city and sleeping in the open. It was no forest, but it was still nature. “Estas?” She looked to the other high elf. Saying his name was enough to let him know she needed help to dismount.
Sairina followed the elves into the camp and eagerly dismounted. Bracing her back with her hands, she stretched, issuing a few pops from her vertebrae. “By Cha Za! I should have never taken the side saddle!” the priestess said.
Luria hopped down from her beast of burden and patted its head. “Good horsie,” she told it, then her stomach grumbled. “Oh, I’m so hungry... when are we going to eat?”
Hearing Sairina’s back pop, she winced. “I guess there’s a few disadvantages to riding in style,” she smiled. “I can ride bareback if you want mine.”
Sairina smiled gratefully to Luria. “That’s so kind of you! Are you sure that you will be comfortable riding bareback? I don’t want to inconvenience you,” the priestess replied. She was more than happy to take the saddle, but she had to consider Luria’s comfort first.
* * *
Phaeton dismounted from his steed as well and patted the animal on the neck gently, then scratched just behind his ears as he leaned down and nuzzled his pocket once more. The young savage chuckled then reached into the pocket to pull fourth a few pieces of dried fruit, he carried on missions to curb hunger along the trail. As the gelding munched happily on the fruit, he spoke as he turned and surveyed the campsite. “It would seem you like this spot as well eh boy? Good, I do as well.”
The young man led his horse over to a nice spot and secured him reigns where he could graze with the other horses. The camp was large and fairly secure, glancing up he noticed a flurry of more clouds as it spelled the possibility of rain. At the sound of Sairina’s statement and Luria’s own, he suppressed a slight grin, and turned in the direction of the high elves regarding them for a moment. Elves were still something new to him, such mysterious beings of wonder, wisdom and worthy of great respect. The savage began clearing the camp’s fire pit of debris and wood that couldn’t be used, and made sure the rocks for the firebreak were secure. Once Phaeton had finished he stepped off into the underbrush to gather firewood, the savage relished the wilderness, it was far more comfortable to him than the trappings of civilization. As he moved quietly, taking care to watch his footsteps and move with care he gathered the firewood they’d need for the night. To Phaeton this was good practice as well as work, as he wanted to test his ability to move through foliage and underbrush quietly without noise.
Phaeton scouted around the perimeter of the camp as he gathered firewood. The young savage moved silently and quickly as he went about the chore, finally coming face to face with a wolf. The animal didn’t appear to be moving towards the camp only away from it, most likely it was searching for a meal and the sounds of the party had frightened the animal. The young savage knelt slowly as he kept his eyes on the animal, the wolf watched him warily for a moment as their eyes locked. The animal seemed to take an appraisal of the warrior and then trotted off into the foliage away from the camp. The young savage sat for a moment thinking, to his people it would’ve been a sign of good luck or perhaps some other significance. The shaman would’ve been able to tell him what exactly, the thoughts of shaman made the young man wonder about his brother and family. As he sat for a moment taking in the smells and sounds of the forest.
It seemed a lifetime ago when he’d left, now he would most likely never see his brother again. As he’d been banished and disowned, to return would’ve meant death and what was more, Phaeton wasn’t sure he’d want to return now after all the wonders he’d seen of the outside world. The savage decided that this was taking too much time, he could ponder such matters another time as he needed to finish and get back to camp.
After gathering the needed wood, the savage made his way back to camp, entering and giving a respectful bow towards the high elves as he did so.
Estas helped Seri out of the saddle and the pregnant high elf went to sit on one of the old logs beside the fire. Estas had been required to do most of the work when they camped, but with their hired help, he could relax. Phaeton had already taken to preparing the fire, but the others didn’t seem to be doing anything.
Seri gestured for Estas to speak to her. “Would you give them some duties for setting up camp?” she asked her companion.
Estas nodded in agreement to Seri. Maybe hiring the mercenaries wasn’t such a bad idea, it meant less work for him since Seri was becoming even more encumbered by her growing child.
Phaeton returned with the firewood and materials needed to keep a steady fire going, the young savage’s eyes roved over the camp as he noticed the high elves sitting and talking in their way. After placing the wood in a secure place he’d prepared, the savage gathered a line and hook then stepped over towards the elves, stopping short of them by several feet. The young wild man smiled in a gentle manner as he waited for the two to finish their conversation then spoke, as the son of a chieftain he at least knew the value of good manners, “Forgive my intrusion honored ones, but I’m going to try and find a small stream if I can and catch us some fish. How would you like your fish prepared if I may ask? My cooking skills are limited, but I will try and prepare what I can to the best of my ability.”
It was his custom or at least the custom of his people, that everyone in their tribe provide and help the infirm, the young and pregnant women. To others it might have seen like work, but to Phaeton it was merely a custom and as natural to him as breathing.
“That’s so kind of you!” Luria said, overhearing Phaeton’s offer to find food. “Is there anything I can do to help out?”
“Fish?” Seri replied, staring incredulously at Phaeton, about ready to give him a lecture on how wrong it is to take the life of another living creature. With a sigh, she softened her gaze. He didn’t know that high elves were strictly vegetarian. “No, we do not eat meat, nor anything that would end the life of another being.”
* * *
Estas walked toward the other warriors while they unsaddled their horses. “Things will be much faster if you all work together preparing camp. One or two people can finish unsaddling their horses, one of you should agree to do the cooking, and someone else can set up beds and tents,” the high elf said. He didn’t know who had the best report with horses, or who was the best cook, so they could decide amongst themselves. Once he was sure everyone heard, Estas returned to his horse and began unpacking Seri’s tent.
“I can take care of the horses,” Kitsa announced. She had dismounted from Orion’s horse, ready to do whatever work needed to be done in camp. “But I need some help,” she said, looking back at Orion. She wasn’t familiar with saddles and bridles, but she wanted to learn exactly how to take them on and off if she ever got her own horse.
Phaeton turned and smiled at Luria giving the elf female a gentle smile, “I would be honored and would most enjoy your help Luria. Thank you.”
He then turned back and listened to Seri’s statement about their eating habits. The young savage thought for a moment, then nodded as he thought. He could prepare some trail cakes and even make them quite sweet, and there were plenty of tubers, roots and greens he’d seen on the way. Phaeton wasn’t a farmer, but he knew enough from living in the Wildlands, of what he could prepare. With a respectful bow and smile, he looked Seri in the eyes, regarding her with his blue ones and spoke, “Then please allow me to prepare a meal for you both, one without meat. I will do my best to make it as tasty and filling as possible, and I thank you for educating me in the matter of things I did not know. I am honored.”
Phaeton, waited for the high elf’s reply to his offer, the young savage was so eager to assist them and still more than a bit in awe of the high elves, all elves in fact.
Seri regarded Phaeton’s request apprehensively. He probably wouldn’t know what she would want to eat. Humans didn’t consider the lives of plants, and he would probably tear up something by the roots and end its life. “No, we have our own food. You may cook for the others,” Seri replied.
Luria put a hand on Phaeton’s shoulder and smiled. “Elves believe that all things containing spirits are equal, from the tiniest leaf to you and me. That’s why they don’t eat them. Why don’t you help Kitsa with the horses, and I’ll handle the food? Cooking is work for women, after all!” She chuckled at that, and bowed her head to the high elves apologetically. “Please excuse my friend. He’s new to elves and all.”
Phaeton smiled and seemed relieved as Luria spoke to him, the savage glanced back at the elf female and spoke in a gentle voice, “My thanks Luria, I...I have much to learn. Hahaha....you have good humor about you my friend. I shall go and help our companion with the horses. Remind me when there is time to tell you more of my people, that way you can tell me more of civilized customs and things.”
The savage gave the high elves a respectful bow and spoke with a reverent voice, then departed to help Kitsa with the horses. “Forgive my foolish ignorance honored ones, I will endeavor to become wiser. Thank you for your patience.”
Seri nodded to Phaeton as he apologized, though his over eagerness to serve was starting to bother her. Or maybe that was just her hormones talking. The high elf laid her hand on her round belly, feeling the energy of the child inside her, and its occasional movements. Seri closed her eyes and a soft, content smile turned up the corners of her lips. She was starting to feel frustrated with the human, but thinking of her child settled her emotions. It was, so far, the most satisfying experience of her twelve-hundred odd years, to create a new life. She was around two hundred years old when Estas was born, and it was nearly two centuries since Deedlit’s birth, and now, she was bringing the next youngest high elf into the race.
She had been apprehensive when Azala, once her student, began to seduce her. She felt that she was above the act that he was so intend on consummating, even though she had never partaken in that particular pleasure. And then, once he had his fill, he was gone. However, now, she felt it was the best thing that ever happened to her. Whether Azala wanted to accept his responsibility as a father or not didn’t matter much to Seri, but she felt he should know and be given the chance to decide. What ever he chose, she would still have a child.
The elders had been unsure at first whether to consider her child a high elf or not, but in the end, they decided that so long as the child was raised a high elf, it was a high elf. Really, the only difference between them and the so-called common elves was the fact they were immortal. If a high elf lived outside the Forest of No Return, they would live for a thousand years, like the common elves, or the dark elves.
Seri was certain this child was female, which was what her instincts told her. However, no one could be entirely sure until the child was born. Aluina was the name Seri had decided on; once her instincts had insisted that it was a girl, she had discarded any male names she considered. Whenever someone asked her the gender, she answered “girl” without a second thought. It wouldn’t be too long until they could be absolutely certain, though a high elven mother’s instincts could definitely be trusted, there was nothing quite like actually knowing the truth.
* * *
Orion remained silent, as usual. Things struck him. He found it strange that the elves told them that they would not eat anything that destroyed the life of something else. Surely they thought the vegetables had life forces as well? They just picked living things that could not feel pain to eat, to ease their consciences. But the fact was, ultimately, it would be as if they decided to cut down a tree. They did the same with the food they did eat. He wondered if the high elf just didn’t express himself correctly. To boot, he wasn’t a fan of their superior presence, but he would tolerate it, since it gave him something to do.
Orion watched Kitsa dismount and volunteer for horse duties. He very quickly realized that the high elves had not volunteered themselves for anything. And while one of the was pregnant and showing, the other was perfectly capable of assisting. But he made no mention of it. Orion tended to remember small things that added up later. He dismounted as well. “I will care for the horses as well,” he said in a low voice, taking away the various horses alongside Kitsa.
Kitsa followed Orion’s lead and began gathering the reins of the horses near her, which included Phaeton’s horse, Ikhen, the high elves’ horses, and Sairina’s horse. As she went to take Aeru’s reins, Sairina stopped her long enough to unpack her gear from the saddle.
“Just leave the saddle here where someone can find it,” Sairina told Kitsa. It was too heavy and pointless to carry it around, they might as well just leave it behind and hope someone else could find use for a side-saddle, or at least sell it.
Kitsa nodded to Sairina, then led the horses, following where Orion brought the ones he led. There were a pair of posts set up for tying down horses in the grass, all they needed was a rope.
The horses patiently stood by as they were unpacked and unsaddled. Kitsa paid close attention as Orion unbuckled straps on his horse, Soiff, first, and once he informed her of the right way to do things, she went to take care of Luria’s horse.
Orion seemed to take the lead in getting the horses free of their riding wear. The common elf took a moment to gather the ropes from their various locations. Most of the riders had ropes, and there were extras for those who did not. Kitsa did not seem to be very knowledgeable when it came to the care of the horses, so he took it upon himself to teach her. He brought her over and handed her a rope. For safety purposes, he chose to teach her with his own mount, since she was not jumpy.
He instructed her on how he preferred to tie horses. He took off all of the equipment from his horse and showed her how it was done. He taught her how to tie the knot for the horse’s head, making a loose loop around their necks. He explained how this was comfortable to the horse all of the time, unless it tried to fight the rope. If it did, the knot would get tighter and so would the loop, making them choose between suffocating and living with being tied up. Most trained horses were contented with this method, since they didn’t struggle. He allowed Kitsa to tie the ropes to half of the horses, while he did the other half.
Quite pleased with her newly implemented skills in horse care, Kitsa grinned and turned to Orion to see if he approved of her rope harnesses and knots.
Orion examined the knots and nodded his head. “Good,” he said. “You have learned this skill quickly,” Orion remarked. He wasn’t much for conversation. In fact, he found it uncomfortable and unnerving. Of all of his traits, eloquence was only available for his movements.
Phaeton headed over to aid Kitsa and Orion with the horses, but the savage could see they had things well in hand. Still, if there was any last bit assistance he could give it wouldn’t hurt to do so. The savage stepped over to the pair and spoke as he watched them. “How may I help?”
* * *
As a priestess of Cha Za, Sairina was provided a tent, though she had yet to set it up. The priest who gave it to her wrote instructions, but she was still having problems setting it up. She had a set of interconnecting wooden rods that would be the main support, a white silken tent that was laid out on the ground, and a collection of pegs. The priestess was struggling with connecting the pole’s segments properly.
Estas finished setting up Seri’s tent quickly, he’d been doing it for months now, so it didn’t take long. Once he was finished, he noticed Sairina trying to set up her own. The high elf walked to the priestess without a second thought. “Do you need help?” he asked.
“Oh, yes, I could use a little,” Sairina replied, smiling gratefully to the high elf. She had at least succeeded in finishing the pole. The priestess stood with the six foot tall pole in her hands and looked up at Estas. She had to catch her breath for a moment; Estas was very beautiful, after all. “Could you hold the tent up for me?” she asked, pointing to the opening flap of the tent laying flat on the ground.
Estas nodded and picked up the flap, then stepped in, lifting the tent over his head. Sairina followed behind him, carrying the pole. “There should be a notch on the ceiling,” she said, and stood the pole to push up the ceiling of the tent, while Estas felt around for the notch.
“This must be it,” Estas said, holding up the center of the tent where a puckered hole was sewn. Sairina stood the pole up and moved it into place while Estas pulled the cloth down and secured the post. As they worked so close in an enclosed area, Sairina was close enough to feel his warmth and smell him. The high elf’s scent was very appealing, almost intoxicating, and it made her want to be closer to him.
She took a step closer, now standing barely inches from him. “Th...thank you,” she said.
Estas looked down at her with a raised eyebrow. The step she took closer to him, the slight stammer in her usually composed voice, and the look in her eyes made her feelings quite obvious. However, Estas was not the least bit interested in human women, though many became interested in him since he’d been traveling. “You’re welcome,” Estas said coolly, as if she had done nothing at all. The high elf stepped around her and out of the tent.
Sairina breathed a sigh of disappointment after Estas left her tent, not only was she disappointed, but relieved and embarrassed at the same time. What was she thinking, flirting with a high elf? He didn’t seem interested in her at all. Now she probably wouldn’t be able to look him in the eyes again. Maybe he was in love with Seri? Or maybe it was simply the fact that he felt humans were below him.
* * *
Kitsa smiled with Orion’s approval. As Phaeton joined them, there really wasn’t anything left for him to do with the horses, but they still had tack and packs to take into the campsite.
“You can help us carry equipment,” Kitsa replied, motioning to the stacked saddles, pile of bridles and packs. The quarter-elf herself started tossing bridles over her shoulder and picked up her own pack and a couple others.
Phaeton gave Kitsa a nod, smiled and stepped over picking up two saddles and some other equipment. The young savage was fit and strong carrying several items was no trouble for him at all. The young man turned in the direction of the young woman and spoke, “Is there anything else? If not then mayhap we should determine night watches in shifts. I don’t mind any particular shift.” The savage waited to follow Kitsa and Orion, since they knew where the equipment would be placed.
Orion gathered what was left, which wasn’t much, seeing as Phaeton seemed to be able to carry the bulk of it. He led them to a good spot where other travel supplies were being kept. With a nod, he bade them unload their burdens. He turned to Phaeton, who had recommended deciding the night watches. Phaeton seemed like a good person to have around. He seemed to keep opinions to himself and he had a presence of humility that made Orion comfortable around him. Phaeton’s simplicity was refreshing, since he was surrounded by elves, who were normally all but modest.
“We should take that up with everyone,” he stated calmly. “The work here is done. We should join the others in the preparation of the camp.”
Phaeton finished placing the saddle bags and equipment where Orion indicated and as the savage listened to the elf’s reply, he couldn’t help but smile. The young wild man had to admit he liked quiet demeanor of the elf, Orion was wise and spoke only when there was something worth saying. He didn’t dally with words like others, it was an admirable quality that Phaeton truly respected. The blue eyed savage turned towards the elf and spoke as he nodded in agreement, “Aye, then that’s what we shall do.”
The savage stepped back over towards the camp, along with his companion. This venture was truly turning out to be enlightening, Phaeton was learning more of civilized people and elves than he thought he’d ever learn. And he was enjoying every moment of it.
Orion simply nodded his head slightly in respect of the so-called savage. Orion didn’t necessarily trust anyone in the camp, but he had some respect for Kitsa and Phaeton. They seemed hard-working and diligent. Not only that, but they were well-mannered and didn’t see themselves on any sort of other level. Perhaps Phaeton put himself on a lower level than he deserved, but at least he didn’t seem to mind it. Orion was not a fan of his employers, high elves, who always seemed to have an air of superiority that he never took to. He would not fight it, but he certainly would not buy in to it either.
Orion joined the rest of the camp silently. He glanced around the camp, looking for any sort of work that needed doing or someone needed assistance doing. He would offer assistance if necessary.
* * *
“It’s just a little further to the caravan camp,” Y’ezela assured Lanir. It was dark, and everyone knew that was a bad time to travel, especially near the Wildlands, which were unclaimed territory. Not only were there nocturnal monsters to worry about, but bandits and raiders as well. A pretty half-elf wouldn’t last long, but at least she had a ranger on her side.
They were unable to find her mother, it seemed Mirael had went on the road again. Lanir’s mother was in Raiden for certain. Y’ezela hoped her mother had gone there as well, and maybe, if they were really lucky, they’d find her in the camp, but it was a slight chance.
Lanir glanced over at Ez, she was holding up fairly well but the half-elf could tell she was obviously disappointed. It made him appreciate the fact his mother was at least rooted in one spot, he hoped that Mirael had decided to go into Raiden. If by some chance she visited his own mother, that would have made things all the better. The young man mused as they traveled and spoke as he kept careful watch around them. “I’m fine, are you? It has been a good stretch of the legs. I’m sure by the time we reach the caravan maybe someone will have spotted Mirael and can tell us something?”
A good chipper attitude was what he’d been keeping on their journey, the last thing he wanted was for his childhood friend to fall into a state of despair. He was going to make sure they found her mother, Ez needed that; it was as important to her as he finding his father.
Y’ezela gave a sigh, “If anyone is even at the campsite. It’s just a idea, I doubt we’ll find any sign of her,” the half-elf bard replied, then gave Lanir a bright smile. “Either way, we’ll have a place to rest for the night.”
As they traveled further west, the glow of a fire could be seen up the road. It appeared that someone at least was at the campsite. Y’ezela’s pace picked up, she was eager to be off her feet and get something to eat. The closer they came to the camp, the more they could see. There were no wagons, but there was a line of horses just outside camp.
“It doesn’t look like a merchant caravan,” Y’ezela said. “But I hope they won’t mind if we share the camp.”
Lanir nodded and spoke, Ez was tired and the fact that they hadn’t found her mother had only deepened her depression, but at least they’d found a campsite. If the people were nice enough and they were lucky enough perhaps they would share their camp and fire with them. “Perhaps.. I hope they’re the type who take well to elf-kind. Maybe they’re just travelers and wayfarers like us? Well only one way to find out.”
Lanir picked up the pace a bit and took the lead slightly ahead of Ez, if there was trouble he wanted to deal with it first. He doubted there would be, more than likely if they weren’t allowed to share they’d be told to move on. But, one couldn’t afford to take chances on the road.
* * *
Sairina set up her bed in her tent. It was big enough for two people, maybe three and there were two other woman in the party. Once Sairina had set up her bed, she walked over to Luria at the campfire, actively avoiding looking at Estas.
“Excuse me, Luria,” Sairina said. “I have some extra room in my tent. I thought you might like some privacy, if you want to share the tent.”
“Sure, thanks!” Luria said to the priestess. “Hey, I’m about to cook something up for us! Did the temple give us any food in those supplies? Me and Phaeton can probably catch enough to make up the difference if we need too.”
Sairina nodded with a smile as Luria agreed to share her tent. “Actually, all they sent with me was a month’s worth of travel rations; biscuits and dried meat. I can easily get us fresh food from any vendor or inn, but that certainly isn’t an option tonight,” she replied.
“We better save that stuff for harsher terrain,” Luria said. “I’ll go foraging a bit. I just hope everybody’s stomachs can wait that long.” She waved and hopped off into the grass to produce food in the best way she knew how.
Phaeton finished assisting Orion and his other companion as he glanced around and noticed Luria bound off in search of food. The savage smiled as he admired how effortlessly the elf woman stepped off into the underbrush. The savage looked to Orion and spoke as he headed off towards the grass as well, “I think I will gather up some berries, and perhaps some game for those of us to eat such as well. There’s no sense in my not helping Luria. I’ll return shortly, my friend.”
The grass reminded him a lot of his homeland, game would be a bit scarce, but if you knew where to look you could find good game and enough food to last for a night or two.
* * *
Once Kitsa had taken care of the items she carried she took her own pack and began to unroll her blankets next to the fire. Sairina stopped her before she even laid out her blanket though.
“Kitsa, you’re welcome to share my tent with Luria and I,” the priestess said, making Kitsa pause. “For modesty.”
Kitsa considered it for a moment, then replied with a smile. “Thank you, I think I will take you up on that offer.”
Kitsa took her belongings into the tent and set up her bed across from Sairina’s, then returned back to the campfire. The exotic quarter elf sat down on one of the old logs set up around the fire. With Phaeton and Luria finding food, the horses taken care of, the only jobs left to do was for everyone who hadn’t set up their beds to do so. That meant Kitsa had nothing left to do but enjoy the night.
* * *
Lanir and Y’ezela began to walk down the rutted path toward the camp. Y’ezela’s green eyes sparkled in curiosity as she noticed the strange group of travelers, especially when she saw the three elves. “Lannie, look, elves!” Y’ezela whispered.
* * *
Seri noticed the two half-elves, one a young woman clad in white with dusky skin and dark hair, the other a blonde man. Little to any of their knowledge, the two half-elves and Seri’s unborn daughter all shared the same father.
The high elf’s eyes shifted to Orion, certain that he had heard their steps. As her hired guard, she expected him to meet them and determine what they wanted.
Orion did not look at Seri at all. As far as he was concerned, he worked for the group, not for her. But politics was not a topic he liked to deal with. He picked up the sound, then the sight, of the beautiful half-elf, and then the other half-elven man. Perhaps they were a couple? To his experience, the need for racial similarity commonly drew half-elves together much easier than having a racial mix.
The experienced elven traveler approached them, one hand hanging over the handle of a single, silver dagger, inscribed with the symbol of Cha Za. “Hail, travelers,” he said as he approached, making sure they noticed him, since he came from the side. “I would ask your purpose in approaching our camp.” He seemed calm and relaxed in his movement. The hand over his weapon hung very limply, as if he did not expect to use it. He leaned on one leg, his other hand hanging to his side. The white-haired common elf, despite his casual disposition, was making note of everything he could tell by sight of them. He sized both of them up, in case a problem might occur.
Lanir stepped forward a pace or two noting the elf’s caution and the position of his hand over a hilt. It payed to be cautious, there was no harm in that. The elven ranger smiled and drew back the hood to his cloak so his ears could more freely feel the air and spoke in a calm and gentle voice. He wasn’t blind to the realities of the road as he placed his hand near his rapier’s hilt, if the need arose, though he doubted it would. “My companion and I seek no harmful intentions, we merely wish to share your fire if you would allow.”
Ez was tired and he was weary too, if at all possible he hoped that their full blooded brethren would be willing to extend a bit of hospitality; if not then they’d have to seek a campsite elsewhere.
Orion glanced over them again. They did not seem to be that much of a danger. They had elven blood in them, which helped ease his mind a bit, but he could not make the decision to allow them on his own. After all, he was “serving” the two high elves, who expected to have the final say on everything. If they did not want extra company, they would not have it.
The common elf glanced back over at the camp. “You two will wait here. I will make your request to those I work for. I will return in a moment to give you their decision.”
The common elf backed up slowly, then moved back towards the camp, his footfalls not making any sounds. He approached Seri, who was the top of the order in his mind. “Excuse me, Miss...There are two just over there,” he said, pointing. “They both have elven blood in them. They are seeking a warm camp fire to sit by. I do not believe that they have any sort of negative intentions. So I ask you: Are they welcome here?”
“Yes,” Seri replied with a nod. The high elf studied the two half-elves curiously. She had never seen so many before, though the only one she had ever met was Leaf when Deedlit brought her to the forest. It seemed that the common elves had been busy with the humans in the last twenty or so years. A sharp prick of emotion was felt in her chest as she realized the young man looked very similar to Azala. It was probably just a coincidence, many elves looked the same.
* * *
Y’ezela waited impatiently beside her half-brother, craning her neck to see what the pregnant elf said to the pale one. She noticed a taller elf nearby, who cut a trim figure in a fitted green coat. He seemed very noble, like the elf lord Lanir said his father was. “Look at him!” Y’ezela whispered, pointing secretively at Estas.
Lanir glanced over in the direction of the person in question that Ez was speaking of, he was amazing, the elf certainly looked noble and seemed to have an air of nobility about him. The half-elf ranger nodded then followed their guest as he whispered to Ez, “I’m...not sure, I’ve no idea how my father looks. Only my mother said I bear a striking resemblance to him. Maybe... he could be... or he might know my father. One can never tell.”
* * *
Orion nodded. He had expected the high elf to be a bit more long winded than she was. Perhaps he did not give her enough credit. There was a possibility that Seri was more down-to-earth than he had previously thought. The silver-haired elf turned away gracefully and began to approach them. With his casual orientation, he walked up to them. Although he seemed relaxed, one hand still hung on the handle of his silver dagger. Just because Seri saw no problem in allowing them to sit amongst them did not mean they weren’t simply good actors looking for easy prey. He glanced over them once more, looking for any changes, but he found none.
“I have spoken with my companion. She has agreed to allow you to sit among us. You may join us by the fire. Food is not yet finished being prepared, but, when it is ready, you may partake in it. Follow me. I will introduce you to our group.” Orion led them into the boundaries of the camp and waved them over to spots next to the fire. “Across the fire is my employer, Miss Seri. To your left is Miss Kitsa,” he said, pointing to a vaguely elven woman whose attire was dominated by shades of red. “Next to her is Miss Sairina.” She appeared to be the only human around, but was just as elegant as any elf could be, dressed in white with accents of gold. “Over there is Estas, another of our employers.” Orion was silent for a moment, but he quickly realized that he forgot someone. “And I am Orion.”
The elf cloaked in silver sat down by the fire, looking into it for a moment. The group was silent. No one seemed quite comfortable. He looked back up. “So... what should we call you two?”
After being seated at camp, Lanir glanced around taking in the faces and names of all they’d been introduced to. The half-elf nodded with soft eyes and spoke in an even gentle tone, “I am Lanir. This is Y’ezela, my dear friend and companion. Thank you for allowing us to share camp with you.”
The high elf looked at the pair passingly, apparently not all that interested in them. Apparently he considered them worthy enough of his attention to give a curt nod to, before returning his attention to other things. However, he was well aware of both of them. The fact that they were obviously half elves still dumbfounded him a bit. In her experience, humans were generally immature, scatter-brained creatures who hurt each other without much of a thought. Parn, whom had shocked him, was the only human he could really respect, partially since that human had won the heart of Deedlit, but there was a noble spirit in that human that was an oddity in his race. He didn’t look down on half elves, just was dumbfounded by them.
Looking back at the half elves, the look to them likely made them feel somewhat alienated, as if he had deemed to accept their existence. “So, why are you both out here?”
Kitsa watched the two half-elves curiously. She couldn’t believe she had met four today! Her father told her that he was unique and that there were very few like him because of the secretive nature of elves. Maybe things had changed in the last hundred years since he left Lodoss.
The exotic woman smiled warmly and gave a small wave from across the fire at Lanir and Y’ezela after the young man introduced himself and his companion. They likely had no idea she had elven blood, her pointed ears were hidden by her hair. She was just an exotic human to most.
Lanir glanced over in the high elf’s direction and gave a respectful nod then replied to the query as he spoke in a smooth and even voice. The half-elf’s voice was usually soft spoken but always had a strange tone to it that was soothing, “We search for family as well as travel the highways and byways of Lodoss. Since we’ve known each other in times past in our childhood, we decided to travel together. Milord, I pray thee if I might ask a question of you?”
If nothing else he was determined to show the proper respect due a High elf, as he wouldn’t just blatantly ask a question of the man. But he was curious if this elf was his father. A way to find out would be to mention his mother’s name to ask if he’d ever met and befriended a merchant named Terasia. If the fellow didn’t allow the question, he wouldn’t ask. But he severely hoped Estas would allow him to do so; he had to know.
The high elf looked passively at Lanir for a moment, wondering what question he could possibly ask. After a few moments of thought, Estas raised a brow and answered. “I will answer a question if it is in my knowledge to do so.”
Lanir nodded and spoke as he thought of how to pose the question. The young half-elf certainly didn’t want to be insulting, and coming out and asking ‘Are you my father?’ was certainly NOT the way to handle things. After a moment he spoke as plainly and respectfully as he could, “Sir, have you had a chance to meet any of the small merchant caravans which sometimes frequent around Raiden, milord?” It was an odd question, but not inappropriate. Lanir watched the High elf, and waited for an answer. If he had perhaps an expression or an ear twitch might give the young half-elf a clue as to whether or not Estas was his father.
“Eh? Here in Raiden? Whenever I left the forest before, I always preferred to stay clear of humans. The closest to humans I’ve ever even gotten was in Alania, and for a while it was just to get a...friend of mine back to the Forest of No Return,” Estas said dryly, crossing his arms and raising a brow. “In fact, I don’t recall ever even coming to Raiden, this would be my first time here. You’d have to ask Seri if she has been around here, she has left the forest far more times than I have.”
Seri, who had been listening into the conversation, shook her head. “I have never been to Raiden either. I only traveled the east and south east of Lodoss,” the high elf explained. Suddenly, the high elf gasped and sat up straighter. She moved her hands to her belly and smiled. “She just woke up,” Seri said, then her smile turned a little bitter, “I guess I might not sleep so well tonight.”
* * *
Y’ezela examined the people in the camp while Lanir spoke to the regal looking elf. The group was very interesting, not at all like most adventuring parties where it was mostly some unspectacular looking mercenaries and whoever hired them. This group had three elves, one exotic woman dressed in red, and a priestess of Cha Za.
Y’ezela smiled and waved back at Kitsa, then a woman emerged from the grass out of the darkness. The bard’s half-elven ears perked upwards in surprise as she noticed the woman was a half-elf too. She hadn’t said much, she left most of the talking up to Lanir.
Luria returned to camp carrying a hare of decent size she had managed to catch by the ears. She figured the high elves wouldn’t be happy with that, but her philosophy was that everything eventually became dirt for plants to eat anyway, so when she was hungry she was going to eat what was available. Luria was not the most philosophical explorer there ever was. She also managed to find a bush of berries and carried them in one of her baggy sleeves she had rolled up. She doubted they could eat that either. Just what do they eat, anyway? It wouldn’t be a lot of food for everyone, but it was enough.
Upon returning to the camp and finding new members present, she pouted. “Aw, nobody told me there were going to be more people!”
Sairina was just as curious about the half-elves as the others. And, like them, she had met so many only recently. It seemed that the half-elven population was booming. As Luria returned, Sairina moved over to her to explain the situation; “They just showed up a moment ago,” Sairina replied. “They were just passing through the area and need a place to sleep for the night. Lanir and Y’ezela are their names. Do you need any help with dinner?”
* * *
Phaeton had gone a bit further from the camp than his companion did, but the savage didn’t mind as he found a few berries and tubers and roots. Normally, he’d have hunted for a rabbit or some such but out of respect for the High elf female, he decided to curb his natural inclination towards meat.
It was fine as well, as the young wild man wanted some small time to himself to think. Ever since coming to civilization he’d seen many wonders and the like but none compared to the feeling of living off the land outside. The grasslands reminded him of his home, and the young man sat and rested for a moment when he heard the soft padding of an animal. A rabbit emerged from the grass to stare at him, the tiny animal was frightened as the savage’s blue eyes locked on it and he smiled as he spoke, “Not this day little one. This eve I dine without meat. I merely wish to think back...back to my home...”
The warrior did just that as he sat sighed and looked up into the sky, he could only guess as to his father and brother’s state at the moment. Perhaps he was disowned by them. But, he never disowned them in his heart. Shaking his head, Phaeton rose with his burden and stepped back towards camp and emerged to find they had guests. The savage’s blue eyes locked on a female and male whose appearance marked them as having elf blood.
* * *
Orion sat in silence. The entrance of two more people, whether it was simply for the night or for a more permanent place in the group made him uneasy. Orion did not particularly like new faces. The size of the group he traveled with already was quite uncommon for the likes of him. Adding two more seemed excessive. As much as he wanted to be kind and think of a reason to take on two others in their travels, he could not think of one. The mission wasn’t much of a danger, that would be for certain. It was simply the task of hunting down the father of this elf’s child. No direct danger, he thought, should come from that. Extra numbers were not necessary.
The silver-haired elf glanced around to the others around the fire. “Excuse me...” he said quietly as he stood up from his place. He nodded to Seri and Estas before walking off to the edge of their camp, far from the light that the fire gave off. To the others, he seemed to join with the shadows as he disappeared off into the woods...
* * *
Phaeton was quiet for the most part as he’d returned. The savage was aware of the elves distaste for meat and out of respect, he took his meal with him as he began to step back out into the grasslands to eat. The blue-eyed wild man hadn’t stepped much further than a foot or two before the half-elf turned in his direction and spoke, “Greetings to you. I am called Lanir. I thought we’d seen all of the party, but I see was mistaken.”
Phaeton turned towards Lanir and gave a curt nod regarding both he and the female half-elf then spoke in a calm gentle voice, “I am Phaeton Sky-eyes, I greet you in respect and honor. If you will pardon me, I shall take my meal and eat at the camp’s edge. I would be pleased to speak with you and your companion later.”
The savage stepped off silently and fluidly, making almost no noise as he moved. Lanir turned towards Ez and crooked a smile as he spoke, “A strange human, but at least he’s a silent one.”
* * *
“Oh,” Luria said, “half-elves huh? They seem like nice folks from what I can tell by looking.” She pulled out her knife and looked at it hoping that the edge was sharp enough. “I’m gonna go skin this rabbit. Since they don’t like meat and stuff, I thought I’d spare them the display,” she added a bit of sarcasm with that last part.
After preparing the meat appropriately, she spit them on the arrow bolt she used to kill the rabbit, and began to roast the soon-to-be meal over the fire. She smiled at Sairina taking a break after her work was done. “Kinda meager, but it works, you know?”
“Well, it’s certainly not what I’m used to,” Sairina replied, looking a little apprehensive about the spitted meat. “But, I should get used to such things.”
Suddenly, Sairina saw Seri stand and the high elf had gone pale staring at the rabbits. Seri spun around and staggered away from the campsite before retching into the brush.
“Oh my,” Sairina said, covering her mouth with her hand. She already knew the high elves did not approve of killing creatures for food, but to add pregnancy into the mix was just asking for sickness. “Excuse me,” Sairina said to Luria, then hurried to Seri’s side.
The priestess wrapped her arm around the high elf’s shoulder and pulled her long, blonde hair aside, distantly noticing how soft and smooth it was. “Are you alright miss Seri?” Sairina asked.
“The...meat...” the pregnant high elf heaved, then drew a kerchief from out of her coat to dab her mouth.
“I’m sorry, miss Seri. I’ll help you to your tent so you don’t have to see it,” Sairina said, kindly pulling Seri’s hair away from her face.
“Yes, thank you,” Seri gasped. Sairina ushered her away to the high elf’s tent, shielding the view of the fire as best as she could.
Estas didn’t turn green, like Seri did, but his nose did raise, and his eyes gave the half-elf a look that screamed ‘don’t you know any better?’ Shaking his head, he mumbled under his breath. “How savage... they’ll eat anything.”
Y’ezela covered her mouth in reaction to Seri vomiting; it made her gag a bit. She was completely unaware of the high elves’ diet. Raised by humans, she was used to eating meat, it just seemed like a natural part of life to her.
* * *
Luria felt bad about what she had done, she wondered if she was being really insensitive. She figured she probably was, and decided not to cook meat again. Even the smell would probably make them uncomfortable, so she stood up and looked to see where Orion had gone. Plopping down on the grass next to him, she munched on her skewer. “I don’t get it,” she said with a full mouth. “Oh well... I guess we better buy more dried fruit and meal next time we’re in town. They’re paying us, after all.”
Kitsa was hesitant to take a skewer of her own after Estas voiced his disapproval, but she was hungry. With her back to Estas, she picked up a skewer of meat as discreetly as possible and hid in front of her body as she quickly hopped toward where Luria and Orion sat.
“This is very awkward,” she sighed and bit off a chunk of meat secretively.
Luria gave Kitsa a broad grin. “If you get caught, you can blame it on me, everybody thinks I’m a spaz anyway,” she joked. “I just don’t hold myself above other animals is all. Hawks eat rabbits too, so why not me? Oh well...” She scarfed the rest of her food quickly and swallowed it. Making sure none of it was on her mouth she returned to the camp.
* * *
To break up the tension, Y’ezela took her lute from behind the log and spoke up so the whole camp could hear. “How about song? Would anyone like to hear some music?”
Phaeton finished his meal and headed back to camp, the savage returned just in time to hear the female half-elf’s statement. Curious, the blue-eyed savage smiled stepped closer and sat a small distance from her and her companion as he spoke, “I would like to hear your music. I have heard some civilized music and have found it to my liking. It is very different from the tribal songs and music we shared in my clan.”
The young savage made himself comfortable, to him music was a pure treat. Phaeton enjoyed a few things about civilization and during his travels the various songs, tunes and chimes he’d heard were all new and alluring to him.
Luria clapped her hands together and smiled at everyone apologetically. Of course, most of them didn’t return the sentiment but it was the best she could do. “Did somebody say something about music? I love music!”
With her question eagerly met by some of their fellow campers, Y’ezela brought her lute out from behind the log she sat on. A mellow tune seemed to be best for the situation, and hopefully soothing to the pregnant elf.
* * *
Orion joined his employers quietly, walking from the shadows of the quickly descending night. His stealth, even in the presence of elves, was impressive. Only the silver tones of his clothing betrayed his secretive presence. He made no real attempt to sneak in, but approached in his usual silent manner.
In a low voice, he spoke. “Humans and those raised as such are of a different view and culture. To them, destroying lower levels of life is acceptable. Even plants have spirits, so, in effect, to eat anything from nature destroys a spirit.”
Orion peeked into Seri’s small tent shortly after her retreat into it. She was definitely not feeling social, and the silent way he slipped in felt like an invasion of privacy to both Seri and Sairina. “Yes, I know,” Seri snapped, obviously still ill. Her skin was pale and she had a sheen of sweat on her forehead. Her sharp response was enough to turn Orion away.
Miss Seri doesn’t really know, Orion thought. To operate in a human-dominated world, she would have to get used to human customs. Orion was long since desensitized to the habits of eating meat. If she expected to just waltz into a place like this and not find this sort of coinsurance, she was ignorant. Orion didn’t feel sorry for her at all. He didn’t feel sorry for the rabbit either.
He left the tent, half from surprise and half out of a lack of interest to deal with a high elf or two. For all the honors people placed on them, he didn’t see anything special about them. Perhaps they were great shamans, but if all her enemies had to do was slaughter and consume a rabbit and she would fall to her knees and vomit, they were in for some trouble.
* * *
Y’ezela began strumming her instrument, looping a short, subdued tune three times before she began a song in a deep, vibrato, alto. The song was in the common tongue, but a dialect usually reserved for the upper class. She had learned it from a bard who played for the kings. It was rarely played because of the subject, but it struck a cord with her, and she loved it. She had decided to single-handedly bring the song into the spotlight so people would be more aware of elf and human love.
The song was the tale of a young woman who became lost in the woods. She was rescued by a beautiful elven man, and the two feel in love. The grand sort of love that began at first sight and was greater than the gods, the sort of love found often in romantic tales, but rarely in real life. The woman and the elf wished to marry, but her family would not allow it. But, despite their best attempts, her elven prince whisked her away to live in his marvelous palace in the forest. The woman became pregnant, but before her child was born, her family sent soldiers to find her and kill her beloved elf husband. Afraid for her child, she escaped from the soldiers and traveled many miles away to have her baby. The song ended in her dreams for the half-elven child.
Y’ezela played out a final three strums, growing higher in pitch until she lifted her hand away from the strings. Then, the half-elven bard lifted her head to see her audience’s reaction.
Kitsa finished her meal quickly, out of Estas’s sight, then returned to the campfire during the first verse of Y’ezela’s song. The quarter-elf was soon entranced. A story about a elf and human love was one she could relate to. Though her father was half-elf, he was so alien among the Azarns; as far as Kitsa was concerned, he was a pure elf.
When Y’ezela finished, Kitsa clapped enthusiastically.
Luria’s eyes were wide and paying close attention to every word. It started out just in the same way her parents had met, but went down the tragic hill from there. By the end of the song she grabbed onto the nearest person who happened to be Kitsa (unfortunately enough for her), and began bawling. “That’s so incredibly sad but beautiful!” she sniffled. “Oh gods, I think I’m going to cry!”
Kitsa suddenly was clung to, but it was Luria, and she was equally moved by the song. Kitsa threw her arms around her half-elf friend and cried in agreement, “So sad and beautiful!”
Luria was so surprised after realizing what she’d done that she wasn’t getting smacked for it (as was the norm) that she stopped crying and blinked at Kitsa in surprise. “Hey that’s right, you’re from a mixed family too!” she beamed. “Wow, we should write a new song that ends more happy-like!”
She cleared her throat “Okay okay I just thought of one!” She began to speak-sing some words:
“My new friend’s name is Orion, and he’s a quiet guy!
I wonder if he’s tired of us, or if he’s just too shy?
I anticipate in wonder, oh what will he speak today?
It’s a shame this light elf hasn’t got a lot to say!”
Not surprisingly, Estas choose not to eat the meat, and instead gave a slightly disturbed look through the whole meal. When they finished, he simply watched as they discussed several topics, eventually leading to song. While the others discussed it happily, he quietly brooded it. When Luria sang, however, he raised a brow and gave her a quizzical look.
Orion didn’t notice Luria singing at all until he heard his name. His ears twitched and he spun around to see why his name was called. It was some part of a silly limerick or song. Orion sighed, their jest not warming his heart, as it did the others. He was not like the others here. He knew this. He could not be jolly and dance about. It was not in him. So, he kept walking away from the camp fire. He found a tree to lean up against, the fire still in sight. He listened to the sounds of the night and sighed. Here in the shadows, he wished he could stay forever...
* * *
Sairina stayed with Seri in her tent through dinner. Though she was hungry, her first concern was with the mother-to-be. With a prayer, she healed Seri’s nausea, and continued to sit with the high elf and softly chanted prayers for good luck.
Once the high elf’s stomach settled, she began eating fruit and a strange elven biscuit while Sairina spoke her prayers. The priestess could feel that Seri was not quite comfortable around humans, but she wanted her to be more relaxed.
As they listened to the song, Seri showed little emotion, and it was obvious she was trying to remain aloof on a subject that involved something taboo in elven culture. Sairina didn’t speak up about it, she only continued her prayers.
“Would you like some?” Seri finally spoke, catching Sairina in between chants. The high elf offered an apple in one hand and a biscuit in the other.
“Oh...thank you,” Sairina replied, hesitantly reaching for the food. She didn’t want to take food from a pregnant woman with a limited diet, but she was hungry and Seri was offering. Maybe she had more than enough. Apples didn’t last long, it was best to eat them quickly before they spoiled. So, she took the offered food.
“This is my thanks for your blessings, priestess,” Seri replied. “I would like my rest. Thank you, again.” The high elf was looking much better, her skin had regained its color and her sweat had dried. Sairina had her hands on Seri’s belly long enough to feel the child settle. The high elf laid back onto her bed slowly, and Sairina quickly helped her to get comfortable. Once Seri was settled, Sairina stepped out of the tent and went to the fire to join her companions.
* * *
“Seri is resting now, she will be just fine,” Sairina told the camp as she took a seat on one of the logs around the fire. “As an expectant mother, certain smells and sights may make her ill, even if they wouldn’t affect before her pregnancy.”
Luria chuckled, noticing that Orion passed into the grasses again out of sight. “Ah, I guess he didn’t like that one,” she said and shrugged. “I’ll have one for each of you by the time our journey is over if I’m not stabbed to death or shot through along the way.”
She looked over her shoulder to find Sairina return. “Yeah I’m sorry about that,” she apologized. “I’ll stick to grain and vegetables unless we get some time away from our charge.” She looked around at their surroundings, the grasslands would not be too favorable in that respect but not impossible. “I’d offer to help you with the lady too, but I’m sure I’d mess such delicate things up.”
Sairina watched Orion walk away from the camp and gave a sigh. She could see him quite well in the dark with his white clothes. It concerned her that he might have taken Seri’s reaction to heart. The high elf was feeling ill and unsociable. Seri’s haughty attitude seemed to drive a wedge between her and some of the party members, but Sairina was granted a glimpse into the high elf’s true self, behind the shield of superiority she donned.
“Yes, I would think it best if we were more selective in our diets around miss Seri,” Sairina said, then bit into the apple Seri had given her. “Just wait until tomorrow, then maybe you can do more for her, Luria,” Sairina added after she chewed her apple.
* * *
The half-elf’s beautiful song touched Phaeton’s heart. The savage was reminded of the folk songs and a few love songs his people sang. But mostly they sang in tradition, when happy, sad and even in celebration of life.
The blue-eyed savage rose and stepped over to the bard and knelt, he removed a small necklace which was colorful and ornate. Very privative, but with beautiful workmanship. He spoke in reverence, “Thank you, your song...it moved my heart. I am grateful. Never have I heard anything so beautiful.”
The young man stepped off and sat down a distance away, his face was turned and if anyone had seen him, there were tears in his eyes. Phaeton hadn’t heard music to stir the heart since he’d left his people.
“Oh my!” Y’ezela gasped as Phaeton presented her with the necklace. “Thank you...” As the tribesman walked off, Y’ezela turned to Lanir to show him her prize.
* * *
Dinner was finished, the song was finished, and Seri had gone to sleep. It seemed like it was time for the rest of the camp to settle in.
Kitsa spoke up, recalling her earlier conversation with Phaeton and Orion, “Should we discuss the watch shifts?”
Hearing Kitsa’s suggestion, Sairina decided it was time for her to go bed. “Well, I’ll leave that to you mercenaries,” the priestess said and stood. Turning to the bard, she added, “Y’ezela, you may share my tent. I offered a space to Luria and Kitsa. I think we could squeeze a fourth person in there, so long as as one of them are on watch.”
Y’ezela looked up from examining Phaeton’s gift with Lanir. “Oh, thank you, I would be grateful,” the half-elf replied. She picked up her belongings and stood, then leaned down to kiss Lanir’s cheek. “Good night, Lanir,” she said as she pulled back.
The bard turned and followed Sairina to her tent.
Lanir smiled and gave a chuckle as Y’ezela kissed him gently, the half-elf was roused from his quiet revere spoke, quickly and softly as he watched her walk away, “Oh?! Oh good night Ez, sleep well...and it was beautiful, but I expect no less from such a beauty and talent as you, hehe...”
The ranger settled back and thought about it, she’d grown into a very lovely young woman. They were childhood friends and it was a true blessing to see her again, maybe... no, what was he thinking? They were friends, dear ones at that, anything else would be absurd.
Lanir gazed over at the human who’d given her the necklace, he was a strange one and the half-elf not feeling tired rose and stepped over to the dusky-skinned savage to speak with him. “That was a kind gesture, you made Ez happy. Thank you.”
Phaeton looked up from thinking and smiled then nodded as he spoke, “It is I who am honored. She has a true gift, I wish I could have given her a more appropriate gift. Spirit folk such as you are to be revered and respected.”
Lanir hadn’t heard the reference before and noted the young man’s strange garb and mannerisms and spoke, “Spirit folk? I’ve never heard my kind called that but thank you. You’re not from this area are you? If I may where do you hail from?”
The savage hadn’t truly wanted to think about his homeland, but he couldn’t be rude, so he responded anyway, “I hail from the Wildlands near Flaim. My people are what...civilized folk call...savages. But we are not savages, we live close to the land and animals. We respect nature and it in turn provides all we need or will ever need.”
Lanir liked the sound of that and gave a nod then stretched and spoke again. “I’d like to speak more, but it is late and I’m sure you’re tired.” Lanir dismissed himself and stepped back over to where he’d been sitting and laid out his bedroll, he lounged back and was soon listening to the sounds of night.
Phaeton watched him go then sat quietly, the young man settled back and gathered his blanket from his pack he’d rest a bit then get up and stand guard awhile. The savage would sleep. Sleep would ease the pain of homesickness and he knew he couldn’t return home.
* * *
The ghostly demeanor of Orion was his trademark. He almost seemed to appear when he wished to. And that he did, his footsteps silent. Other than his clothes, the only thing that drew attraction to him was his voice, “I will take care of the watch. When I am fatigued, I will wake someone.”
Luria followed along with Sairina, yawning and stretching her arms over her head. “Hoo boy, am I ever tuckered out,” she said. “I’m up for watch duty too though, if I need to be.”
Kitsa nodded to Orion. “I will take the watch when it is needed,” she said to her fellow mercenaries. The quarter elf bowed her head and turned to follow the other women. “I will see you when it is my turn,” she said, bidding them goodnight as she slipped into the tent.
