Summary: The earth shook, her mind fractured. The earth burned, she was forged. The earth rejuvenated, she awoke.
Dragon Age: Rejuvenation
Six years had passed since the incident in Brecilian Forest. The Sabrae Clan – which these Dalish elves are called – now resided at the foot of Sundermount in the Free Marches, north of Ferelden.
Sakura, recently turned 18 years of age, laid on top her aravel flipping the pages of her newly acquired book. Not much had changed in her six years with her clan. She grew taller but she kept her hair shoulder length.
Quickly flipping through the page she found the page she was looking for and grinned. She absorbed the words like a plant absorbing sunlight.
"Sundermount is the tallest mountain of Vimmark and has a fearsome reputation," she began. "Legend says it was the site of a vicious battle where the ancient Tevinter Imperium and the elves of Arlathan unleashed horrors into the waking world, and creatures prowl the heights to this very day, unaware that the war for which they were summoned is long since over."
The more she read it seemed that every problem or calamity always led back to the Tevinter Imperium. Sakura sighed and held the book close to her chest, looking up at the cloudy sky. A small breeze came through making her close her eyes in content. She could feel the sun's rays caressing her skin and she enjoyed the heat. Sakura smiled, sensing his presence.
"Tamlen.," she warned before opening her eyes. He was staring down at her with his grey eyes.
"You're reading again," he pointed out, sitting next to her. Smiling she got into a sitting position.
Ever since the incident Tamlen and her were inseparable. He grew into a handsome elf that often had the elvhen girls squealing. Many female elves were infatuated with him and more often than not were simpering fools around him. However, Tamlen was like her best friend and she came to appreciate him over the years.
"So what if I'm reading again?" Sakura huffed, blowing a strand of hair from her face. "Reading stimulates the mind, lethallin."
"It's a beautiful day lethallan," Tamlen said before moving to lay his head in Sakura's lap. "We should be out exploring looking for lost things."
Sakura looked down at him and chuckled. "Do you remember how that played out last time, didn't you lethallin?"
"That was six years ago Sakura." Tamlen pouted.
"Six years ago yet we're still paying for it." Sakura pointed out.
Tamlen sighed. "Ir abelas lethallan, If I had known-" he started but Sakura flicked his nose.
"I'll have none of that Tamlen," Sakura told him sternly. "Now let's stop this gloomy conversation and do something fun."
At this Tamlen brightened up and sat up quickly. "What do you have in mind?" he asked, giving her a smirk.
Sakura stood up, dusting off imaginary dust before folding her arms and throwing Tamlen a smirk. "How about a contest?"
Tamlen's smirk broadened. "To see who can hit the most targets?"
"Of course," Sakura said, walking to the edge of the aravel. "The last time we did, our score was tied."
Tamlen stood next to her. "So you want to break that tie now." he finished for her.
The wind blew strongly as they stood side by side. She glanced at Tamlen.
He was focused, she noticed.
She turned her attention back to the set of bow and arrows on the far side of the camp near Ilen, the Dalish crafts master. She knew he was eyeing them and she smirked. A small gust carried some leaves near the aravel and their eyes zoomed in on them. Multiple leaves began to fall slowly towards the earth and when the last leaf touched the ground they both jumped off the aravel, moving swiftly towards the shed filled with bows.
"Lethallan you should give up!" Tamlen yelled from next to her. "I'm going to win!"
"I'd like to see you try!" Sakura yelled back before both broke off into different directions. Sakura weaved through elves moving swiftly. Spotting a box ahead she nimbly jumped over it before ducking under a clothesline. The shed was just up ahead and she sped up.
"You think you're going to win?!" Tamlen questioned appearing next to her just as they passed Fenarel and Merrill who was yelling at them.
"I don't think. I know." Sakura laughed as both ran side to side, racing to the shed. They both arrived at the same time.
She snatched up a bow, some arrows and quickly got into position. She pulled back the bow string ready to launch an arrow. She focused on the first target in front of her before firing one off.
Bullseye!
She walked slowly across the range shooting the arrows into the targets. She finally reached the last one and fired it. She watched in slow motion as it missed the mark by a bit. Sakura stomped her feet in frustration and glared at Tamlen who hit the bullseye in every target while she missed one.
"Looks like I win this time Sakura," Tamlen said, smirking at her.
Sakura glared at him before slowly breaking out into a smile."I'll win next time." she said with a smile.
Tamlen laughed. "Maybe, lethallan."
"Great work you two as always," Ilen said coming up behind the two with Merrill and Fenarel behind him.
"Sakura you were really something there," Fenarel said, standing next to her. "Maybe next time you and I can have a contest."
Before Sakura could reply Tamlen stepped in. "She won't be doing any contests with you lethallin." he said, "you'll be challenging me, the winner first."
Sakura laughed. "After you challenge him I'll have a contest with you Fenarel."
"Oh, Tamlen maybe you and I can practice making poultices together," Merrill added.
Sakura chuckled. She Tamlen hated stuff like that which is why he always disappears when there were lessons. She tried to get him to learn just a bit more than basic first aid but he refused.
"I'm sorry Merrill. I have plans right now." Tamlen winced, glancing at a smiling Sakura.
"Like what?" Merrill pouted, placing her hands on her hips.
Tamlen gulped and thought up of a quick excuse. "Oh umm, Sakura and I were going to prepare for our upcoming hunt." Everyone turned to Sakura who stood with her mouth agape.
"Really?" Fenarel questioned.
"Um, yes we were going to prepare…. for our hunt," Sakura replied, shooting a glare at Tamlen.
"That's great. I was about to tell you both that I'm required to create special bows for you two to hunt with," Ilen told them.
"But Tamlen.," Merrill whined. "You could hunt with me."
Tamlen huffed in annoyance and grabbed Sakura's wrist. "Ma serannas Ilen, but I'm afraid Sakura and I must go," he said quickly before dragging a protesting Sakura off.
"Why must he always choose Sakura?!" Merrill hissed, stomping her feet childishly.
Fenarel shook his head and walked away while Ilen busied himself with the bows. Merrill groaned in exasperation and followed Fenarel.
"I hate this," she mumbled, trailing behind Fenarel.
.
.
"Would you slow down Tamlen!" Sakura yelled as Tamlen pulled her across the camp. "What's your problem?"
Tamlen stopped near a fallen tree, let go of Sakura's wrist and plopped down on the tree. He brought a hand to his face and sighed. Sakura's face softened at this and she sat down next to him with an arm over his shoulder.
"Tamlen?" she said softly.
"I'm fine lathallan,.." he said, sending her a small smile.
Sakura looked unconvinced. "Are you sure?"
"Yes, I just have stuff to think about," Tamlen said before breaking out into grin as if nothing happened. "Sing for me."
Sakura blinked. "What?"
"Sing for me lethallan." Tamlen repeated, suddenly holding her hand in his.
Sakura narrowed her eyes at him. "Why would I sing for you?" she asked.
"Because your voice is beautiful," he said almost instantly. "It's almost ethereal..."
Sakura rolled her eyes before smiling. "You don't have to compliment me to get what you want."
"It's still good to try." he said, chuckling.
She smiled, pulling her hand from his grip and stared into the sky. She closed her eyes and her lips began to move, elvish words escaping from between pink lips.
"Heruamin lotirien...alai uethri maeria, halurocon yalei nam bahna dolin nereba maome." she sang, her voice light and strong.
Tamlen's smile slowly drop from his face as he listened to Sakura. He watched her, captivated by her voice, memorising every detail of her face. His heart thumped rapidly within his chest, increasing in speed.
"Ame amin halai lothi amin aloamin Heruamin..."
From the first time, he met her he didn't think much of her. He thought she was weird. She was so alien to him and he wanted her gone. He thought if he teased her enough she would leave but that didn't work. He only had managed to upset her that day and it felt so good at the time but when she punched him it was then he knew she was the one.
"Heruamin oh lonai Imwe naine beriole"
From then on, he wanted to change that. He wanted to make her feel welcome but she hated him immensely and the only way for him to get close was to her was tease her. He tried to include her in everything after she tried isolating herself. He was determined to make her feel welcome. He was the one who planted that seed of being unwanted in her mind and he wanted to make up for it so every time she was alone he would annoy her and get her to join him with the others.
"Ame amin halai lothi amin aloamin Heruamin ame amin Halai lothi amin Noamin."
She was reluctant at first but she came around as she soon knew he wouldn't give up. She still didn't want to be around him longer than she should but he was happy that she had at least felt welcomed.
"Ame amin halai lothi amin aloamin Heruamin..."'
Then the incident happened in the Brecilian Forest. When she was leaning over him, crying on his chest. Somewhere deep in his heart, he knew he wouldn't have mind dying right there and then with her. Her shedding her precious tears for him made his heart soar.
She stayed with him even though she could've died and even when he begged her to go she stayed. In that moment, despite the pain, was he fully understood the feeling in his chest. He couldn't see her the same any more and definitely not after she lied for him when they got into trouble. It was then he fell in love with her and every moment he spent with her was him falling deeper.
"Ma vhenan.." Sakura whispered, finishing the song.
Sakura opened her eyes and turned to Tamlen who was still staring at her. "What?" Sakura snapped, narrowing her eyes at him.
"You're amazing, you know that right?" Tamlen told her, giving her a sweet smile.
"I-" Sakura started but was cut off by Fenarel,
"Sakura," he breathed out, stopping right in front of them. Tamlen glared at him, clearly annoyed. "The Keeper wants you," he turned to Tamlen. "You as well, Tamlen."
"We'll go to her right away. Ma serannas Fenarel." Sakura said, nodding her head towards him before turning to Tamlen. "Let's go lethallin."
Tamlen let an annoyed sound before standing up and helping Sakura up. He shot Fenarel a glare before walking towards him. "Read the mood, Lethallin!" he hissed quietly so Sakura couldn't hear.
Fenral laughed. "Ir abelas."
"Sakura hurry up!" Tamlen yelled as he started to walk away.
"Coming!" Sakura shouted before hurrying after Tamlen.
"Ara seranna-ma, Keeper," Syria an elvhen scout greeted. "there has been sightings of a pack of wolves just a little ways up the mountain."
Marethari nodded. "How many?"
"About a dozen Keeper." he replied, fastening his bow on his back.
"Continue to keep watch Syria, and stay alert." Marethari ordered.
"Of course Keeper." Syria replied before running back to the mountain entrance.
Marethari turned to the Ashelle who was walking towards her. Plastering a smile on her face she walked to meet the female elf.
"Keeper, I brought the poultices you wanted." Ashalle said, holding a bag of potions.
"Ma serannas, Ashalle." Marethari thanked her, taking the bag and putting it in a box. Ashalle turned around to leave but Marethari stopped her."I need to speak with you Ashalle."
"What is it about Keeper?" Ashelle questioned.
"I intend for Sakura to take the hunters test early along with Tamlen," Marethari started. "Do you think they're ready? I do not want to send them to their deaths. Lately, we've lost some elvhen brothers and sisters."
Ashalle looked deep in thought before she replied. "Keeper, If I may be so bold but do you think that they're ready?"
Marethari sighed, tapping her staff on the ground in thought. "Tamlen is reckless but good with his blades and sword. However, he has a bad habit of acting first and thinking after.
As for Sakura, thought she focuses of potion making, herbalism and poison making she's very talented with swords and bows. She's very intelligent and tends to think first before she acts.
I think Sakura is ready but I'm not too sure about Tamlen."
Ashalle chuckled. "Those two were at odds when they first met but over the years they've become quite close. I think they'll do great."
"I'm just worried." Marethari said in a worried tone.
"Just follow your gut instinct keeper." Ashalle smiled.
Marethari nodded. "You're right," Marethari replied. "Ma Serannas, Ashalle."
"Ma Serannas, Keeper." Ashalle said, before leaving.
Marethari spotted Fenarel talking to Junar and walked over to him. Coming to a stop by the two elves she cleared her throat.
"Keeper?" Fenarel questioned as Judar bowed his head slightly.
"Could you tell Tamlen, Sakura and Merrill I'd like to see them." Marethari told him.
"Ma nuvenin," Fenarel said, bowing his head slightly before running off.
Marethari walked back to her aravel thinking over the decision she made. She could only hope it was the right one.
"Andaran atish'an, Keeper" Sakura and Tamlen both said at the same time.
Marethari turned around and regarded the two. "Andaran atish'an da'lens"
"You called for us Keeper?" Tamlen asked.
"Yes da'lens, just wait for a moment," she said, waiting for Fenarel and Merrill.
"Are we waiting for someone Keeper?" Sakura asked, shifting nervously on the spot.
"Yes-ah there they are," Marethari exclaimed as Merrill and Fenarel showed.
"Andaran atish'an, Keeper," they said, bowing their heads.
"Now that you're all here I'll put it bluntly," Marethari told them, "I intend for you to venture into either mountains or the plains for your hunter's test. You are to slay a wolf and bring back it's pelt, however, you will be going in pairs."
"Sakura," Marethari started, standing in front of the pink haired elf. "You and Fenarel will be heading into the mountains."
"What?!" Tamlen yelled in surprise. "But-"
"Tamlen." Marethari warned sternly, silencing him. "You and Merrill we be going to the plains. Merrill's magic will prove quite useful."
Sakura glanced at Tamlen who was glaring at the ground. She laughed. "Good luck Tamlen." she whispered with a smile.
"Gather your supplies, your armour and meet me by the camp exit." Marethari told them before leaving.
"Tamlen I can't believe I'm getting to complete my test with you!" Merrill squealed. "I'll go pack now" She announced and ran off towards her aravel. Fenarel nodded at them both and left.
Tamlen sighed. "I'll meet you by the gate lethallan." he said before leaving. Sakura stared at his back as he left.
"Tamlen.." she whispered before shaking her head.
Sakura walked into her and Ashalle's aravel. Ashalle looked up from the cauldron and regarded her with a smile.
"You be safe out there da'vhenan and don't do anything reckless," she told her, surprising Sakura.
"You know about the test?" Sakura asked, eyes wide.
"Never mind that I know," Ashalle said, digging into her old trunk, pulling out a red ribbon. "I want you to have this for good luck." Ashalle handed Sakura the red ribbon in which she took it gratefully.
"Ma serannas mamae." Sakura replied, watching the red ribbon in her hand. It felt like saw the ribbon before but she couldn't put her finger on it.
"Now hurry on and get ready for your test," Ashalle told her, patting her shoulder. "The keeper is waiting."
Sakura nodded and went behind the curtain in the corner to put on her armor. In just a few minutes, she stood by the gates dressed in close fitting brown leather armor adorned with leaves and straps. On her waist were her two daggers strapped in a leather belt holster. Attached to her back was her bow that was designed with cursive lines and vines. To finish, the red ribbon Ashalle gave her was tied over her head like a headband.
"I only have a few words to say; Be safe and swift," Marethari told them.
"Ma serannas, Keeper," they said, bowing their heads slightly.
"Begin!" Marethari said sternly before walking off.
Tamlen quickly grabbed Fenarel's arm and brought his lips to his ear. "Take care of her you hear me?!"
Fenarel nodded with a smile. "I'll take care of her lethallin."
"Promise me." Tamlen pressed, his tone worried.
"I promise." Feneral replied.
"Fenarel? Tamlen?" Sakura called, watching them with a confused look.
"Tamlen..." Merrill whined.
Tamlen let go of his arm and turned to Merrill. "Let's go Merrill." he said, walking past her.
Fenarel approached Sakura. "What was that about?" Sakura asked, still looking at Tamlen.
"It was nothing," Fenarel told her. "Ready?"
Sakura nodded. "As ready as I can be," she replied.
Fenarel nodded and they both started trekked up the mountain n search of their prey.
Tamlen knelt on the ground and touched the dirt. He brought it to his tongue and tasted it. "They're near here Merrill." he said but got no answer.
"Merrill?" he called turning around but came face to face with her, their lips almost touching. "What the- Merrill!"
Merrill giggled. "You're face was priceless!"
Tamlen huffed in annoyance. "Come on let's go," he mumbled, turning around and walking ahead.
"Wait up!" Merrill ran behind him, slowing down to walk as she got next to him.
"Look this test may not mean much to you but it means a lot to me." Tamlen snapped, glaring at Merrill.
"Or Sakura..." Merrill mumbled.
"What?" Tamlen questioned, narrowing his eyes at her.
"Are you really doing this test for you or Sakura?" Merrill asked, her voice soft. They had stopped walking and now stood in the middle of the road.
"This isn't about Sakura." Tamlen mumbled, looking away from her.
"You can't even look me in the face," Merrill said, in a pained voice. "It's always her huh?"
Tamlen snapped his head in her direction. "What do you mean by that?"
"Tamlen I see the way you look at her," Merrill said, sighing. "You're probably worried about her right now, aren't you?"
"Why are you so concerned about Sakura and I?" Tamlen asked, irritated.
"Because I love you!" Merrill yelled, her voice pained. "It was always you and I before she came along..." She trailed off into a whisper.
"Merrill I-" Tamlen started.
"I understand Tamlen. You changed and I guess I did too..." Marrill told him. "I was jealous of Sakura because she caught your attention without trying and I had to try hard to get your attention but I lost to her anyway...I-"
Several growls cut Merrill off from her speech and Tamlen cursed as he looked at the pack wolves surrounding them. He should have never let his guard down.
"Looks like we didn't have to find them cause they found us." Tamlen spoke, his face grim. Merrill turned around, her back to Tamlen's.
"It was my fault...If I had never-" Merrill started but Tamlen interrupted.
"It's not your fault," he said, eyeing wolves around them. "let's just pass this test lethallan."
Merrill eyes widen for a moment before she nodded. "Yes!"
The wolves lunged, their teeth bared. Tamlen quickly drew his daggers and he sidestepped the first wolf, quickly dragging his dagger across the open neck.
Merrill twirled her staff in her hand, dodging the wolves jumping at her and knocking them away with her staff. She pointed her staff at two wolves and shot a blast of cold air in their direction, freezing them solid. In a few minutes, Tamlen and Merrill quickly dealt with the wolves. Tamlen wiped the blood from his face and turned to Merrill.
"Let's take the pelts and get out of here lethallan." he said, bending down in by the wolf in front of him.
Sakura struggled against the bonds that held her down on the stone altar. The wound on her leg bleeding profusely made her wince in pain. Her breathing was erratic as she watched the cannibals dance around her.
She had never felt fear like this since that time in Brecilian Forest.
They were chanting all around her with flaming sticks in their hands. Some were sharpening knives and gathering leaves. Sakura struggled against the bonds once more that held her tight. The bonds were chaffing against her skin, turning it an angry red. She whimpered, her head whipping from side to side watching the cannibals prepare. She could only hope Fenarel got back in time.
Flashback
Sakura and Fenarel slowly walked up the mountain with their bows in hand ready for danger.
"Any sign of wolf tracks from the pack that Syria mentioned?" Sakura asked Fenarel, keeping an eye on their surroundings. Fenarel bent down and touched the dirt lightly. He could see the tracks but they were faint. He sniffed the air and nodded to Sakura who was looking at him.
"They're near here but we need to be careful. One footprint was a bit larger than the others," he told her, standing.
"Great White Wolf?" Sakura questioned, remembering reading about it in a book.
"It could be possible," he said, readying his bow and arrow which made Sakura do the same.
They walked a bit further up the mountain path and came upon a fork road. Fenarel bent down and checked the tracks. He looked at Sakura and pointed towards the left path. Sakura nodded and they slowly walked down the left path. Hearing growls up ahead they both hid behind a large jutting rock.
"That's them alright," Fenarel commented, leaning against the rock breathing heavily.
Sakura smiled. "Nervous?" she asked.
Fenarel nodded but he wasn't nervous about the wolves. Sakura took a look from behind the rock and saw the wolves gnawing on flesh. There were about ten of them including a more larger white wolf. Sakura turned to Fenarel.
"You were right," Sakura said, letting out a nervous breath.
Fenarel facepalmed and sighed. "Great White Wolf?"
"Yes and about ten other wolves," Sakura added.
"How are we going to do this?" Fenarel asked, gulping.
"This path is basically a dead end so it's better for us to get some distance from them," Sakura told him, her mind running wild. "If we could get at least twenty feet from this rock before our footsteps alert them we could easily get into position and pick them out one by one."
Fenarel nodded. "Aim for the heads only?"
"Preferably the head or the legs," Sakura replied, peeping at the wolves once more before turning back to Fenarel. "Ready?"
Fenaral adjusted his position as if ready to leave. "Yes, this mountain gives me a bad vibe."
Sakura couldn't help but agree with him. "We mustn't make a sound." she whispered and started walking while crouching, occasionally looking back at the wolves gnawing on what looked like a human.
When they got a good distance they stood in the open path with their bows ready to fire. They both looked at each other and nodded. Fenarel whistled loudly catching the attention of the eleven wolves. The wolves perked up at their presence but did not move.
Sakura growled, aiming at one wolf and let loose an arrow. The arrow whistled as it cut through the wind and burrowed itself in the head of a wolf. The wolf whined and fell to the ground.
"Good shot," Fenarel replied.
"Thanks." Sakura smiled, feeling confident. The wolves broke out into a run, heading towards them. The Great White Wolf stayed behind, observing them.
Sakura and Fenarel began picking them off one by one, firing at their heads and legs. Sakura shot the last smaller wolf that was just five feet of her. Suddenly, Fenarel screamed as the white wolf was on top of Fenarel trying to rip his throat out. How did it get there so fast? She thought.
"Fenarel!" Sakura yelled, running towards him with her dagger drawn. The wolf noticed her and directed a loud howl in her direction, making her stop dead in her tracks.
Sakura fell to her hands and knees. She lost all of her energy the moment it howled. Sakura stared wide-eyed as Fenarel fought off the white wolf. Whatever the wolf did was unnatural and dark. She was going to pass out.
"Sakura a little help here!" Fenarel yelled, pushing back against the wolf's massive weight.
She couldn't give in right now.
Fenarel needed her.
Sakura used all of her strength to fight off the weakness that took hold of her. Unknowingly, her body glowed green for a moment before disappearing. Sakura felt her strength returning and quickly took up her bow and arrows and aimed for it's head.
"Take this!" Sakura bellowed and fired the arrow.
Before the wolf had time to react to the arrow, it hits the target and a loud whine echoed through out the mountain. Fenaral let out a sigh of relief and pushed the wolf off of him.
"Ma serannas Sakura" he thanked her, standing up and wiping his face that was covered in saliva.
"That wolf wasn't normal." Sakura told him as she pulled the arrow from the wolf.
"I agree, the wolf seemed very unnatural" he replied, shuddering just thinking about it.
"Let's just head back to camp." Sakura said, bending down in front of the wolf with her dagger. She began to cutting off the skin of the great white wolf.
After she and Fenarel had gotten a few wolf pelts they started to head back down the pathway. Everything was quiet and the only sound could be heard was the howling wind and their footsteps. Sakura felt like something bad was going to happen and glanced at Fenarel. Going by his expression, she knew he felt the same way.
"Fenarel-" Sakura started but was cut off as a pain shot through her leg.
She let out a scream and fell to the ground before looking at her leg. A long knife was stuck deep in her leg. She blinked away the tears that sprang to her eyes and glanced at the group of half naked men behind them.
"Pe lala!" one of them yelled before running towards them.
"Sakura!" Fenarel yelled, firing an arrow one hitting him right between the eyes.
Sakura could tell there were too much for them to take on. Even if Fenarel could get her a healing poultice in time they still wouldn't come out alive. Sakura tried to get up but fell back to the ground. She was bleeding profusely and her muscle was torn.
"Feneral get back to camp now!" Sakura yelled, throwing her bag of wolf pelts at him. Fenarel caught them and looked at her like she was crazy.
"Sakura I can't!" he yelled, firing another arrow.
"Fenarel you have to go back," Sakura breathed out in pain as she tried to get up. "You have to inform the Keeper. We both can't die here!"
Fenarel looked conflicted by Sakura pressed him further. "Fenarel go!" Sakura screamed as the men got nearer.
Fenarel cursed."Don't you die Sakura!" he yelled before running off.
The strange men had finally reached her, grabbing her roughly by her hair. Sakura screamed out in pain as they dragged her away, yelling in a strange language.
"Fi fi!" they yelled, dragging her into a cave further up the mountain.
Flashback End
"Fi fi!"
The cannibals as Sakura deemed them made a fire with some wood inside the cave. Sakura shuddered as one came and licked her face.
"Halani Ar!" Sakura screamed, turning her face away. "Please let me go!"
"Fi fi!"
"Fo fo!"
The all chanted together, dancing around the fire as Sakura cried out for help.
Tamlen and Merrill approached the Keeper who smiled upon their safe return.
"Andaran atish'an, Keeper," Both Tamlen and Merrill said. "We brought back the pelts from some wolves." Tamlen continued.
"Well done da'lens," Marethari said, nodding her head. "We will be celebrating your passing tonight when Sakura and Fenaral returns."
"Ma Serannas, Keeper" Merril said, bowing her head.
Tamlen frowned. "They haven't returned yet?"
Marethari shook her head. "Not yet Tamlen but you have nothing to worry about I have faith in them," she said, smiling.
"Keeper!" a distressed voice yelled.
Marethari's smile fell off her face and dread filled her heart as she watched Fenarel ran into camp. Tamlen's eyes widen in fear as he noticed Sakura wasn't with him. He suddenly threw himself at Fenarel, pushing him hard.
"Where the hell is Sakura?!" he yelled, gripping Fenarel by his shirt. Hunters from around the camp soon surrounded them.
"Where is she?!" Tamlen yelled in a cowering Fenarel's face.
"Tamlen!" Marethari yelled before ordering a few hunters to pull him off.
The hunter's struggled to pull off a furious Tamlen. "You promised to protect her!" he yelled, struggling against the hunters.
Marethari approached the distressed Fenarel. "What happened da'len?"
Fenarel dropped to the ground, the pelts falling out of his bags. "We were attacked by a group of men that dressed strangely and spoke a language I have never heard of," he said quickly. "Sakura she was injured and begged me to go.."
"You should have stayed and defended her to the death!" Tamlen yelled as the hunters held him back.
"Tamlen!" Merril yelled.
Ashalle ran into the crowd. "Where is Sakura?! Is she ok?" she asked frantically.
Marethari sighed. "Was Sakura alive when you last saw her?"
Fenarel nodded.
"Merrill, Junar come with me," Marethari ordered the two. "We're going to get Sakura back."
"I'm coming!" Tamlen yelled breaking free from the hunters hold and approached the Keeper. "And you won't be able to stop me."
Marethari regarded him and gave him a small smile. "I was never going to."
Tamlen nodded and stood next to her. "Everyone else guards the camp!" she ordered before the other hunters ran off.
Ashalle approached the Keeper. "Please bring her back...please Keeper." she said sadly.
"I assure you Ashalle. No one hurts one of my da'lens." Marethari said, her voice steely. She turned around and headed up the mountain.
Sakura closed her eyes in fear as the men removed her armour, leaving her in only her underwear. They threw water on her and began scrubbing her. Sakura whimpered as they scrubbed her skin raw, leaving it red. Her wound was still bleeding but slowly now. Her head felt light and she figured it was because of her blood lost. The large one who she figured was the leader began shouting and pointing at the dying fire.
"Bal liki liki maboogi snickle snickle!" he yelled making the others rush into another part of the cave.
Sakura watched the smaller men scamper and assumed he told them to get more fire wood. The leader approached her and ran a hand across her body licking his lips. Sakura glared at him.
"Get your hands off of me!" she yelled, making he erupt in laughter.
"Toute de suite toute de suite!" he yelled, stomping his feet.
Sakura closed her eyes, thoughts of Tamlen invading her mind. She was so scared and wanted him here with her. A sob escaped her lips and she broke down in tears.
"Fo fo!"
Sakura gasped as her bonds were released as she was dragged over to the fire by the leader who held a knife made out of bone. He yanked her hair, pulling her closer to him. Sakura screamed in pain and tried to struggle against him but her strength was spent. He held her up by her hair and held the knife by her throat.
"Die!" the leader yelled.
"Tamlen!" Sakura screamed. She didn't know why she called for him even though he wouldn't be coming.
"Sakura!" a voice yelled from the entrance of the cave.
"Pe?" the leader questioned, removing the knife from Sakura's neck but still holding her by her hair.
Sakura's heart thumped in against her chest as she saw Tamlen standing there with his bow trained on them.
"Let her go!" he yelled, quickly firing off two arrows which hit the leader dead in his chest. The other cannibals squealed in fear. The leader dropped Sakura and stumbled back his eyes wide before falling down dead. Before she could get up someone held her up and pulled her close to their chest.
"Sakura." the person yelled frantically.
"Tamlen?" Sakura questioned, her vision a bit blurry from blood loss.
"Sakura it's me." Tamlen said softly, brushing her hair from her face.
Sakura could hear the screams of the monsters that captured her but her focus was on Tamlen's voice that calmed her. "Y-you-," she started, her voice barely above a whisper. "You saved me."
Tamlen closed his eyes and pulled her closer. "I could never leave you Sakura, not even if I tried."
"Ma serranas, Tamlen..." Sakura whispered before fainting.
"Ma emma lath Sakura." he whispered into her ear.