"Well," The elf remarked dryly, "Isn't this a surprise. What do you want, Fiersome?"
"…I feel it… the life of the land being drained away…"
"Do you?" The raven haired one replied, his voice rather flat.
"Soon, my time will come. The earth will be robbed of its power and I will break free of my chains…"
"…and then, what will you do?"
"Everything will burn… the impurities will vanish and life will be born anew…"
The elf's expression darkened.
"The people have brought this upon themselves. They have forgotten the land and now it will no longer protect them. You can try to save them if you wish, Earthmate… remember… your enemy is not me… should you destroy me, the land will still continue to decay, bringing upon ruin…"
"…you…" The elf's voice echoed across the area, "You overgrown reptile!"
"…tch. Gone…" The elf sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. "…now what?"
"Hey. I'm back…"
"Oh. Atrea. How did it go with the Councilmen?" A dwarven woman was standing outside one of the rooms when the elf entered. The elf gave her a tired look. The woman smiled sadly. "Too bad then. Lia's condition worsened. She's just a child now, and the illness will get worse as she grows older."
"I… We should send her away."
"Atrea?" The woman looked shocked. "Where do you want to send her?"
"Lianne. We'll take her to Lianne. She'll stay there. The air's better there, and there's a chance she may recover."
"We're moving to Lianne?"
"No, Mika. Lia is going to Lianne. I'll arrange something there, don't worry. We have things to do here."
"But… will she be alright alone?"
"…she might die if she stays here, Mika. You understand? Everything around here has changed, what with the new 'mana technology'. And… well. I saw Fiersome today."
"…so did I…"
"Then you know…"
"I'm sure we'll pull through. We've always pulled through."