Azanar Vas Elvhenan:
Azanar has very long crimson hair that flows like fire over his pale features. He has heterochromic eyes. His left is gold like his brother's and the other an emerald sheen. He wares a armor of golden plate laid upon crimson fabric with a gold embroidered red hooded cloak and was made to resemble the dragon hunter armor from the Dragon age series. He is in plain clothes curently which consists of a white dress shirt, silver over coat and pants and shoes.
Uriel:
A beautiful elf with short black hair, olive skin and green eyes with intricate markings resembling branches starting on her forehead and ending just below her eyes.
Ricca:
A Former paladin turned Guard Captain with fair skinned and dirty blonde hair. Has a small goatee and blue eyes. He wears gray iron armor.
Calder:
The paladin captain of Rimun. A young man in a blue caped full set of silver plate armor. He has rainy white medium-lenght hair and icy white eyes
Arundeil:
He has tan, sun kissed skin with blue eyes and shoulder length auburn hair. A gold hoop earring in his right ear and wears a black tri-cornered pirate's hat with an Eagle feather, a black shirt with puffed sleves with a deep v showing off his chiseled chest and the scar across it, tan breeches held up by a black leather belt with a gold Buckle which also holds his runed silver cutlass and duel pistols. And lastly black leather boots with gold buckles.
Aurora:
The young woman has fair skin, long rainy white hair, and icy white eyes. She wears a blue and white dress that flows from top to bottom and has a jewel neckline, which subtly reveals the modest dress worn below it. The satin, corset-like tied fabric of her dress covers her stomach where the continuous flow is broken up by a thick cloth belt worn fairly high around her waist.
Rimun: Demi-Human District
Arundeil stood outside a tavern with a mug of ale in his hand. He watched as a crowd amassed nearby. And the sound of yelling rang out through the streets as a crowd of demi-humans gathered in the middle of the District.
He then noticed at the center of the mob a familiar face.
In the center of the mob stood Mayor Ricton, his hands bound.
Arundiel then spoke to himself.
"Well, this can't be good."
He then heard Azanar's voice in his head.
"(Arundiel, Are you still in the lower District? )"
Arundiel then answered.
"Ay, my Lord. I just got done downing a pint, though. It looks like the Mayor got himself in a wee bit of trouble.
Azanar then spoke again.
"Yes, Lady Kelart and I are on our way. I would like you to watch the situation until we arrive. Don't interfere unless the Mayor is put in danger."
Arundiel then replied.
"Of course, my Lord."
"Thank you. We will be there shortly."
Azanar said before silence returned to Arundiel's mind.
The yelling from the crowd then came into focus.
"We have suffered long enough!"
A young-looking elf yelled out from the middle of the mob. His clothes were ragged, and he had short red hair and dark red eyes.
"For months, we've watched our friends and family die in the streets, thinking the gods had forsaken us."
His words washed over the crowd, who hung on every word.
"All along being poisoned, murdered by the very people who claimed to be doing everything in their power to find a "cure."
He then turned and addressed Mayor Ricton, who had his hands bound and was on the ground.
"Isn't that right, Mayor?"
He then walked over to the mayor and knelt down before continuing.
"I'm sure you all had a good laugh as my people died in the streets, thinking the gods had forsaken us."
Mayor Ricton then spoke up.
"I would never... If I had known it was poison I..."
The elf then cut him off.
"No more excuses! I watched helplessly as the life drained from my daughter's eyes while she lay in my arms, asking what she had done to deserve this... She was innocent! So I don't care whether you or your incompetence was responsible. It is still on your head! So your men will deliver the antidote, or we will deliver your head."
The Mayor then spoke.
"Words cannot express the sadness I feel at the loss of your child, any child of Rimun. As a father myself, I would be broken, but the other Noble Families are responsible for this betrayal. Killing me is not the answer. You would be doing them a favor in getting rid of a voice that speaks on your behalf."
The red-haired elf erupted in anger.
"You throw us in slums, give us scraps and then speak as if our Savior!?
He then balled his fist and threw a punch aimed at the man's face.
But before it could reach its mark, another hand grabbed it, stopping it in its tracks.
The mayor then looked up and saw the sun-kissed skin and blue eyes of Arundeil, who then addressed the young elf.
" Now, now. There be no need for that."
Arundeil said with a friendly smile as he fixed his hat.
The red-haired elf was surprised and tried to pull away but found he could not loosen the stranger's grip.
"How?...who?... Let me go!" He yelled.
Arundiel then replied.
"If you insist..."
He then released his grip, causing the man to lose his balance and fall back.
Angered now, the man shot back up.
"You bastard! Who the hell are you?
Arundiel then took his hat and placed it on his chest before bowing slightly and replying.
"I am Arundiel. Captain of the Vingilot. And the Mayor here is our host and therefore for under our protection. Sorry lad, but I can't let you harm him."
The red-haired elf then scowled as he replied.
"So, just like everyone else, you and your master come to bow to the humans..."
He then unsheathed his blade and pointed it at Arundiel.
"If that's the case, then elf or not..."
Then a human woman ran out of the crowd to the mayor's side and spoke up.
"Arden! Stop this! The Mayor has always been kind to us. If he didn't want us here, he wouldn't have fought so hard to give us the right to stay here."
The woman had light blue hair and soft, elegant features. She then pulled out a handkerchief and wiped the sweat and dirt from the Mayor's face.
Arden then replied.
"Damn it, Marian... We can't just stand by while they choke the life from us."
Marian then spoke.
"I am not saying that we do. But this way will only get us killed."
The red-haired elf then addressed the crowd.
"Would you rather die on your feet or in your beds too weak to move?"
The crowd then yelled out.
"On our feet!"
Arun then looked at Arundiel, Marian, and the Mayor with confidence written on his features."We will not let them decide our fate."
Marian then spoke, angered.
"But you will? Do you think they will simply stop with you? No. They will kill us all, including your sister, and feel justified. We can find a better way. Lord Azanar helped my son and me. I am sure if we ask him, then he will help.."
Arundeil then spoke up.
"You should listen to the lass. She has the right of it. My lord will help if our people are in need."
Arden then looked at the Sailor Elf and spat.
"Your Lord has been here for days and has only sought to the needs of humans...and a half-human. I will not seek help from a bootlicking..."
Before Arden could finish his sentence, Arundeil's blade moved like lightning and stopped just at the nape of his neck. The Elven Sailor then spoke, his eyes cold, all mirth gone.
"Lad...I love our people more than life it's self. But I will hear no words against lord Azanar. For he loves us most of all."
As Arden stood shocked at Arundeil's speed, a voice rang out from behind the crowd.
"Stand down, Arundiel."
Arundeil then took his blade from Arden's neck and sheathed it.
Arden looked out at the group of paladins before he addressed the mayor...
"Perhaps you were right...It seems even you are expendable. They send soldiers when we ask for a cure."
The soldiers then stopped in front of the crowd, Remedios at the front with Kelart, Azanar, Father Maxwell, and Calder following behind. Remedios then spoke out.
"In the name of the Four Gods. I, Grandmaster of the Paladin order, demand the release of the Mayor of Rimun.
The crowd then murmured with doubt.
" The Grand Master?" One man said.
"She is the greatest warrior in the Holy Kingdom." Another man said.
Arun then addressed the crowd.
"Do not be intimidated. We must stand firm for those we love."
He then addressed Remedios.
"And do you have what we requested?"
Aurora then spoke up.
"I must see my father first. Is he alright?"
Arun then began to reply but was interrupted by Marian, who helped the mayor to his feet so he could be seen.
"He is here, lady Aurora."
Aurora then yelled out.
"Father!"
Azanar tried to speak but was cut off by Remedios.
"You will hand him over now!"
Arun stood his ground.
"Only once we are cured."
Azanar tried to interject again, but Remedios was fuming.
"I do not take orders from you!"
Azanar gave out a heavy sigh in annoyance as his patients ran out, and he waved his hand.
"Enough! "(FLOAT)"
The Mayor and Marian then began to float up into the air as the crowd and Arun looked on in awe.
Azanar then brought his hand towards his chest.
"(PULL)"
Marian and the mayor moved quickly through the air to Azanar before being gently placed on the ground. Aurora ran and embraced her father as soldiers cut his binds.
Azanar then held out a hand and helped Marian to her feet.
"It's good to see you again. How is Arnen?"
He asked.
Marian then answered.
"He is doing well. Thanks to you. I..I"
Arun then interrupted. "But what about the cure!"
Father Maxwell then replied.
"Ha. You are no longer in any position to make..."
He stopped mid-sentence as the ground glowed a bright white as a magical circle engulfed the whole district.
He then noticed Azanar holding out both hands.
"(GREATER DETECT POISON)"
A dark mist glowed within the sick as Father Maxwell then spoke.
"What is this? I've never seen magic like this."
Kelart then answered.
"It's a spell that isolates poison in living things, making it visible and easier to target. He used it after the operation to cure the captured townsfolk."
Father Maxwell then noticed a strange glow coming from his hands. He then quickly hid them under his robes.
Azanar then spoke
"(Mass Greater Cleanse)"
A wave of light washed over the area, wiping the dark mist away.
As the magic circle dissipated, the townsfolk examined themselves and each other, finding that all evidence of the sickness was gone.
Cheers and sobs of relief filled the air before Father Maxwell spoke up.
"Impressive Lord Azanar... I must admit. Your skill in the healing arts is incredible. And I am happy to see the people restored to health. Nevertheless, the mayor was taken against his will and held hostage. Someone must be held responsible."
Azanar then thought to himself.
"( God! This guy won't even let me have this..)"
Remedios then spoke.
"Father Maxwell is right. This entire demonstration was an act of treason and must be punished."
Fear then began to wash over the crowd as Mayor Ricton spoke up.
"These people were suffering. They were tired and delirious from the poison and the loss of so many loved ones. And I was unharmed. Surely we can overlook this incident in light of the circumstance."
Remedios then replied.
"Though I appreciate the sentiment. The rule of law cannot be overlooked."
"But.."
The Mayor began to retort but was cut off by Arden, who placed a hand on his shoulder.
"It's ok, Mayor."
Arden then looked at Remedios and spoke.
"I am responsible for this. I took the mayor hostage. Everyone else had nothing to do with it."
Father Maxwell then scoffed.
"You don't really expect us to believe..."
Kelart then spoke up.
"You understand what that means, Arden? The penalty for treason is death."
Arden then replied.
"All that means to me is that I get to see my daughter soon..."
Kelat then looked to her sister.
"Reme... They have already lost so much..."
Remedios then spoke.
"We must uphold the rule of law, or we are no better than the savages outside our walls. They must all face Justice."
"(Enough)"
Azanar thought as frustration filled him.
Azanar then stepped in front of Remedios and spoke, a look of disappointment on his face.
"No..."
Remedios then inquired.
"No?"
Azanar then continued.
"No..you will not harm them. If it is justice you seek, then find those responsible for the poison. The one who set this all in motion. These people will not be your scapegoat. Nor the man who just lost his child...who would face death for his people... No, you will not have him either."
Remedios was taken aback by Azanar's sudden declaration and replied, her hand now resting on her sheathed blade.
"All who stand against the holy kingdom must face the consequences. If you refuse to stand aside, guest or not, you will face the same."
Azanar then spoke, ignoring her threat.
"You know... Ever since I came to this land, I have seen so much disregard for my people... Injustice after injustice..."
He looked around at the disrepair of the buildings around them.
"Indignity after indignity... Relegating us to a " Demi-Human District" when the only physical difference between us is our ears and build... But no more. I cannot, in good conscience, leave my people in your care any longer. Especially now that I know without a doubt, who has been poisoning these people and conspiring with eight-fingers."
Calder then spoke up.
"Wait..you know who it is?"
Azanar then answered flatly
"Yes."
Remedios then inquired.
"Well, if you are so sure... Don't leave us in suspense... Who is it?"
Azanar's eyes then fell on Father's Maxwell.
"Father Maxwell? Would you please remove your hands from your robes..."
Father Maxwell stammered as he replied, his hands still hidden.
"You... You can't be serious? What do my hands have to do with anything?"
The group all looked confused as Azanar pressed the issue.
"Someone who has handled the poison multiple times would have residue left on their hands...Although invisible to the naked eye. My spell would have revealed it. And since I only cured the poison within the victims. It will still be visible..."
Father Maxwell then began to back up slowly as he spoke.
"This is absurd! I will not stand for this! I am heading back to the temple."
As he turned, he found Calder's blade blocking his way.
Maxwell's eyes then fell on Calder.
"You dare raise your Blade to a High Priest?"
Calder did not waver.
Maxwell then looked to Remedios.
"You're just going to allow this to happen? It is your duty as Grand Master of the Paladins to protect the priesthood."
Remedios then walked toward the priest and placed her hand on Calder's blade, guiding it away from Maxwell, earning a sigh of relief from the Priest.
She then spoke through her teeth, revealing her level of irritation as she drew her sword, placing it against his throat, and said.
"Show us your Dammed hands!"
Father Maxwell then instinctively raised his hands in surrender.
The group gasped at the sight of the dark mist covering the priest's hands.
Kelart then found her voice and spoke.
"So it's true... You are the traitor."
The priest's expression darkened as his eyes fell on the high priestess.
"Traitor?... No... You're the traitors. You are allowing these parasites to infect our home. You and your whore Queen.
The blade against his throat pressed harder. Remedios spoke.
"Another word against the Queen and I will remove your head from your shoulders..."
The priest then smirked and replied.
"Don't be a fool, Remedios. The laws are clear. Only the temple counsel can decide my fate. And I am sure after this display they will come to find me innocent.
Calder then spoke.
"You can't be serious! You were working with Eight-Fingers helping them kidnap and poison the people of Rimun. How could you possibly justify?..."
Father Maxwell then cut him off matter ofactly.
"I was coerced by Eight-Fingers...Forced to give them elves and refugees in exchange for no true citizens of the holy kingdom being harmed while they tested their poison. The counsel will understand my reasoning."
He then held out his tainted hands as he smiled smugly.
"Go ahead and cuff me, Commander... Let's get this over with."
Azanar then thought to himself as his ring began to glow.
"(Yeah...no. I have had enough.)"
He then addressed the priest.
"You had it all figured out, didn't you. All this death and suffering, and you don't care one bit..."
The priest then replied with fake remorse.
"Oh, I will make penance and have to live with the regret of my actions for the rest of my days."
Azanar then spoke as a menacing aura surrounded him.
"Then it's truly a shame..."
Father Maxwell then inquired.
"What's a shame?"
Azanar then answered.
"That you didn't make it to the capital..."
The Priest then stepped back, realizing the elf's meaning.
"But the law is clear you can't..."
The flame then burst from the ground and engulfed the man.
Everyone except for Azanar and Arundeil looked on in horror as Maxwell thrashed at the flames as he screamed in pain.
In the next moment, the blaze overtook him, leaving only ash.
Azanar then brushed his hands together before speaking.
"Well, now that that's done with, I suggest you investigate his home and the Temple for black dust. I am sure..."
Azanar was then cut off by the paladins all surrounding him and Arundeil before drawing their weapons.
Azanar sighed disappointedly.
"You can't be serious..."
Calder then spoke, his weapon drawn as well.
"Dammit, Azanar! Do you have any idea what you've done?"
Azanar then answered plainly.
"Rid the world of a madman..."
Calder than spoke.
"Killed a priest! in the presence of the Grandmaster of the Paladin order and The High Priestess.
Azanar then retorted.
"Priest!? That was no priest. That was a monster in robes.."
Remedios then spoke up.
"Be that as it may. You still killed an unarmed man without due process. For that, you will be taken into custody and tried before the Queen."
Azanar then replied.
"I will not.."
Remedios then spoke again, anger now in her voice.
"If you do not come willingly, you will be forced."
Kelart then spoke up and pleaded.
"Please, Azanar, the Queen will understand..."
Azanar then smiled kindly at the high priestess.
"If she is anything like you've described, then I do not doubt that she would. But I will not stand before her in chains...never in chains."
Remedios then spoke.
"You no longer have the choice. The law must be upheld."
Azanar then replied defiantly.
"The same laws that would let a murderer, of my people, walk free?"
Remedios then replied.
He would have been stripped of his position, his reputation tarnished..."
Arden then spoke up.
"That's not enough! We lost loved ones watched them suffer and die. That priest got what he deserved."
The rest of the elven mob began to yell.
"Yeah, I agree!"
"He got what he deserved!"
"Leave Lord Azanar alone!"
Azanar then spoke.
"Now, why don't we all head to the capital as equals, and I will gladly explain my actions to your queen and notify her of the impending Exodus of my people from your lands."
Remedios's anger swelled.
"(Who the hell does this guy think he is?)"
She thought to herself as her men awaited her orders.
Kelart then placed a hand on her sister, calming her.
"Remi, As High Priestess Maxwell was my responsibility... This falls on me."
Remedios looked at her sister for a moment before she relented.
"Fine! I will leave this to the queen's judgment."
Azanar then sighed in relief.
"I am glad we agree."
He then raised his hand, prompting his royal guard to stand down.
Uriel and the rest of the royal guard then released their invisibility, revealing their blades at the paladins' throats.
The paladins stood shocked at the reveal. Remedios most of all. She stood perfectly still as Urial's blade slowly moved away from her neck.
Uriel then sheathed her blade as Azanar walked past and spoke.
"Arundiel, ready our tributes. Shouldn't keep her highness waiting..."
Remedios then turned to Gustav and spoke through gritted teeth.
"Prepare to move out. We are returning to the capital."
The crowd then dispersed, leaving Kelart and Calder alone in the street.
Kelart stared at the scorched ground where Maxwell once stood.
"All this time... Right under my nose..."
Calder then spoke.
"Don't blame yourself, Lady Kelart. Maxwell had us all fooled."
Kelart then stood up straight and replied.
"Perhaps. But it falls on me to ensure that this never happens again."
She then regained her full composer and spoke with authority.
"Gather your men. We will search for the temple and his quarters. If there is any evidence of other traitors, I will know of them."
The duo then left with purpose.
Evunial Vas Elvhenan:
Has short silver and blue hair, With heterochromic eyes. His left is gold like his brother's and the other like Shining Sapphire. He is wearing a shimmering white and gold armor. His chest piece is not covered by his white hooded fur overcoat.
Izunia
This dark elf has short dark gray hair and red eyes. She is clad in her form fitting hooded blue and white rogue armor set with gold accents complete with gauntlets, grieves and a gold embroidered white cape with fur of a white lion on its collar and shoulder.
Pirotess
A Stunning dark she-elf. This woman has long white hair that reaches down to her lower back, piercing honey colored eyes and wears a revealing white battle dress with an opening down the middle starting just above her chest and ending at her navel. She also has white gloves and boots with a rapier straped to her belt. And wears an assortment of jewellery including a gold tiara and arm band.
ShadowBlade
This Dark Elf has a deadly and foreboding air about him. He wears closefitting jagged black armor with a hooded dark purple cloak and matching sash on the front of his belt. The lower part of his face id covered by a menacing skull mask reveling only his cold gray eyes
Eltharion
This High elf has a strong and noble air about him. He has pale skin, long silvery hair and dark blue eyes. His ruby incrested silver and gold armor gleams like star light
Ariel
This beautiful elven mage has long light orange hair, light green eyes and sun kissed skin which id covered in beautiful and intricate tattoos. Her clothes seem to be made from leaves and branches and shows off her shapely figure.
Araina:
A beautiful and busty elf with gold hair. She has heterochromic eyes. one green and the other red. A former slave saved by Evunial now resides in the mountain fortress.
At the Elven fortress in the Eastern Mountains: Barad Eithel
A light snowfall descended upon the newly repaired great fortress as it bustled with activity as merchants and travelers in heavy furs came to pay tribute to the new lord of the mountain.
The white fortress, standing like a crystal, sparkling just the same as any cut diamond, seemed to disappear and reappear with the dancing snow.
Large trees surrounded the structure like great armies defending their citadel. Their armored trunks reached out in the air protectively. This great expanse of green in defiance of the ever-present snow enhanced the castle's eerieness and beauty as a massive door made out of hard iron guarded the passage.
Sentinels in silver and blue Armor, the fur of white lions adorning their left shoulders, silently walked the walls keeping their eyes on the mountain path. The circle towers had a spiraling staircase making it awkward for invaders to fight upwards, But also uneven, so the defenders had an advantage.
Great mighty pride trebuchets stood with legs on towers ready to unleash their hinged fury. The white stone seemed eerie in the night as its beauty was enhanced when the radiant moon shined down upon it.
At the entrance to the main keep, Pirotess entertained a line of people as they stood, waiting to see Lord Evunial.
"Please wait a little longer. I am sure my lord will be here soon." The elven beauty said.
"No hurry, my lady. I am sure lord Evunial has much to do." One man said, too enamored with the stunning elf to care about the wait.
Another man then spoke.
"Yes, what are a few more minutes."
Pirotess then mustered up a smile as she replied.
"Thank you. You are too kind."
But Pirotess had grown tired of the men's lecherous stares and wished to be done with them.
"( Dammit! Where the hell is Ariel. I asked her to fetch Evunial ages ago. I don't think I can endure this ogling much longer.)"
Just then, Izunia then came from around the corner, and Pirotess quickly addressed her.
"Ah, Izunia. Come here a moment."
Izunia then quickly complied.
"Yes, Lady Pirotess? What is it?"
Pirotess then took the young elf out of the human's earshot and spoke.
"Do you know where Lord Evunial is?"
Izunia then answered.
"Well, last I saw, he was inspecting the fortress defenses with Lord Eltharion."
Pirotess then thought out loud.
"Hmm. Well, that explains why my messages aren't getting through to him either. He doesn't wish to be disturbed."
She then looked at Izunia and spoke again.
"Could you do me a favor, dear?"
Izunia then replied.
"Of course, Lady Pirotess."
Pirotess then gave a genuine smile.
"Thank you, my dear. Can you go and fetch Lord Evunial? The Elders of the neighboring towns have come to meet him. I had asked Ariel to retrieve him, but it seems she got lost on the way. Please hurry back as soon as you find him."
Izunia then nodded and replied.
"On it. Be back soon."
Pirotess smiled as she watched the young elf runoff.
She then reluctantly turned her attention back on the line of humans.
Izunia ran around the fortress looking for the Elven Lord but could not find hide or hair of him. As she searched, a burst of cold air erupted from a room in front of her. As she went to investigate, she found two elves standing in a frosted over room. One a boxum blonde, and the other a tall, serious-looking male elf. Both were wearing blue and white elven magister robes.
"That spell is meant to be used outside, Araina..."
The tall elf said. Slightly annoyed.
Araina then apologized profusely.
"I am so sorry, Master Carnen... I just got a little over-excited."
Master Carnen chuckled slightly as he brushed frost from his clothes and light blue hair.
"No need to apologize. I am impressed with your progress. You simply need to learn a bit more... control."
The elder elf then noticed Izunia standing in the doorway.
"Ah. It seems we have company..."
Araina then quickly turned As Izunia addressed her with a smile.
"Wow, Araina... It looks like your magic is getting stronger."
Araina then replied sheepishly.
"Oh, this is nothing... Master Carnen is going to teach me a spell that can freeze a whole lake."
Carnen then chimed in.
"Only after you've mastered this spell...and control."
Araina then curbed her enthusiasm.
"Oh..yeah..Of...of course master Carnen..."
Izunia chuckled to herself as she thought.
"(Ariana has really come out of her shell. I am happy we were able to help her..)"
Araina then spoke, waking Izunia from her thoughts.
"Umm. Is everything ok, Izunia?"
Izunia then replied.
"Oh...yes, I just came by to see if either of you had seen the High Commander."
Araina then answered.
"When we went to get my new robes earlier today from the Barracks. I saw him and lord Eltharion speaking with a few trolls. He might still be there."
Izunia then replied.
"Thank you. I will check there next. Good luck with your training Araina!"
As Izunia left, Carnen addressed his student.
"We start again, and this time remember...control."
The Barracks.
As Izunia approached the Barracks, she heard a commotion. She then found a crowd of soldiers, both elven and human, watching as three giant trolls faced off against Evunial. The young elf blushed as she saw the state of the High Commander.
Evunial stood shirtless with a proud smile on his face, holding a wooden katana. His upper body was well-muscled, with intricate tattoos covering his chest and going down his arms. Even though his upper body was on full display, He seemed unaffected by the cold save for the steam radiating from his body and the mist of his breath.
The trolls, on the other hand, looked to be exhausted as each one took heavy breathes, the heat of their bodies steaming in the cold air. They each were fully armored with intimidating weapons.
One wielded a sword the size of a man, the second held a great club, and the third used two jagged blades.
The troll with the great sword then rushed the Elven lord thrusting his blade toward Evunial's chest.
Evunial then effortlessly dodged the attack. Stepping to the left of the thrust. He then raises his weapon with his right hand and hits the troll on the back of the head, instantly knocking the brute out. The other two trolls then rushed in.
The dual blade troll then swung his swords at Evunial's neck. In one smooth movement, the Elven commander parried both blades downward, Leading the troll's face into his knee, leaving him unconscious.
The third troll who had been waiting for a perfect opportunity then snuck up behind Evunial. His club raised, poised to come down on the elf's head. But before he could even move, Evunial turned with lightning speed, his blade cutting upward, stopping just before hitting the troll's chin. A gust of air then followed the swing's arc and knocked the troll up into the air before landing on the cold ground.
Evunial then walked up to the dazed troll and helped him to his feet with ease. He spoke as he did.
"You are improving, but you are still attacking individually. You must work together as a team. If you can learn to do that, nothing will be able to stop you."
The three trolls now standing then slammed their fists onto their chests in salute.
"Aye, High Commander!"
They yelled in unison.
Evunial then turned to address the crowd of soldiers.
"And that goes for all of us! As long as we stand together, all will fall before us!"
The crowd then all saluted and yelled.
"Aye, High commander!"
Evunial smiled proudly before speaking.
"At ease, men, back to your duties."
As the crowd dispersed. Izunia began to call out to Evunial.
"Evunial! I..."
But she was cut off as Arial addressed the commander while holding his heavy white lion fur-lined overcoat.
"Pure excellence, my lord. Your ability to inspire is second to none."
Evunial smiled sheepishly at the comment as the elven mage helped him into his coat.
" Oh, I am sure Azanar could do better..."
Ariel then stepped in front of Evunial, placed a hand on his chest, and spoke.
"Your brother is the grandest of all kings. But remember, it is you that inspires his armies. Your honor, courage, and strength that they will follow into all battles, on all nine worlds."
Evunial was taken aback by the kind words and began to reply.
"Thank you, Ariel, I..."
He stopped mid-sentence as he felt Ariel now drawing circles on his chest with her finger. Ariel then spoke with a seductive tone and a mischievous smile.
"It is quite cold out here. Perhaps we could finish this conversation, in the warmth of my chambers."
Evunial stuttered as he struggled to reply.
"We...Well. I..I um...you see..."
Izunia then walked up and addressed the two powerful Elves.
"Lord Evunial, Lady Ariel."
Ariel then sighed in annoyance.
"Ah, the stray..."
Evunial then quickly spoke.
"Be nice, Ariel... Izunia is a friend and citizen of Lokelonde and will be treated as such."
Ariel then begrudgingly complied.
"Of course, My Lord."
Evunial then spoke to Izunia.
"What is it, Izunia?"
The dark elf then answered.
"Lady Pirotess sent me to fetch you. The village elders you sent for have been waiting for you. I don't know how much longer she can stand them ogling her."
Evunial then thought to himself as the two female elves exchanged dirty looks.
"(Damn completely forgot about that... She's going to be pissed..."
Izunia then continued.
"She also said she sent Ariel first, but I see she got distracted..."
Ariel glared at Izunia for a quick moment, then spoke.
"My apologies, my lord, I will accept any punishment you deem fit."
Evunial sighed before he spoke.
"No need for that. Let's just not keep her waiting any longer."
The trio then headed toward the main keep.
The Main keep.
Pirotess sighed with relief as she saw the high commander, followed by Izunia and Ariel.
"About time you got here. What took you so..."
She then sniffed the air before continuing.
"You were training the trolls again..."
Evunial then spoke.
"Yeah, sorry. Got a little carried away."
Pirotess then raised her hand.
"No need, just..."
She stopped mid-sentence as she looked the commander up and down. Seeing his chest and tattoos clearly through his open coat.
She then glanced at Ariel knowingly. She then addressed Evunial again.
"Would you like to change first?"
Evunial then answered.
"Nah..better to get this over with. Send them in."
He then walked past Pirotess and into the grand hall.
A few minutes later.
Evunial leaned back in a fur adorned white stone throne, listening to one village elder's introduction after another.
Some brought tribute, others brought woe and requests for help, and others still seemed to simply observe. Curious about the mysterious new rulers of the mountain.
Eltharion and Pirotess stood watch over the proceeding as Evunial listened patiently to the last of the Elders.
"Hello, my Lord. My Name is Markus Rene. I am Elder of Ajourn village on the eastern edge of the mountain.. It is an honor to meet you."
The man was of average build and height with light brown hair and green eyes. He also looked to be the youngest of the men labeled elder. Evunial noticed a sadness in his eyes. A weight that seemed to hang over his every word.
Evunial then leaned forward and replied.
"I thank you, Markus, for such a gracious greeting. But I can sense that you came for more than introductions. Please, speak freely."
The Village leader then spoke.
"Well. My lord, you are correct. I have come in the most dire of need ..."
The man then took a deep breath before continuing.
"For three generations, my village has been under siege by a shadowy cult of monsters...Every six years, they show up in black cloaks and demand we give them six children... Three boys and three girls. With the threat that if we don't, they will take all our children... And each time they give us three days to choose which children we give up."
Izunia gasped at the thought as she covered her mouth.
Eltharion then chimed in.
"Did no one think to fight these invaders? Kill them before they got the children."
Markus then replied.
"Of course we did... The first time the clocked things came, the village men prepared an ambush, and on the third day when those monsters came to collect, the men attacked from all sides. My grandfather, who was elder at the time, told me that it was over in seconds. All the men were dead... In pieces. We have tried to contact the Adventurers Guild but have no means of paying them in gold so they refuse..."
Pirotess then spoke.
"But surely if other villages got involved..."
Markus then continued.
"We have asked our neighbors, men in this very room. For help countless times, but our pleas have fallen on deaf ears..."
The room grew quiet with shame before the young man continued.
"It is said that you singlehandedly defeated the troll lord of the mountain. Is that true?"
Evunial then replied plainly.
"It is..."
Markus then bowed deeply.
"Then I beg of you! We will give you anything you ask! Just please save our children!"
The man held back tears as he stared at the ground, waiting for an answer. But instead, he felt a hand on his shoulder.
"Raise."
Evunial said, guiding the man back up to full height.
"Your people have given more than anyone ever should. I want nothing.. Except to know when these creatures will return."
Markus then answered.
"They have already come and took the children two days ago. My... The previous elder could not live with handing more children over... So he hung himself. I was then appointed leader but I will not stand by and do nothing while my people suffer. I will not follow in the footsteps of cowereds!"
Markus took a breath before finishing.
"I then heard a powerful warrior had defeated the troll lord. And hoped you would lend your sword. We do not have much we will gladly give you all we...
Evunial then raised a hand.
"Be at ease. I need no payment to protect the people of this mountain."
The commander addressed his general.
"Eltharion. This will be a top priority."
The mighty elven warrior then bowed as he replied.
"Of course, my lord. I will see to it immediately."
Evunial nodded at Eltharion before addressing the room.
"I understand if some of you are apprehensive about my intentions for this mountain. But know that as citizens of Lokelonde, your woes are now mine, and I will do everything I can to aid my people."
Evunial took a moment to let his words sink in before continuing.
"Now, I am sure you are all tired from your journey. Please feel free to stay the night and..."
Evunial felt a slight rumble under his feet.
Eltharion then spoke.
"You felt it too?"
Evunial nodded in response before speaking to the elders.
"Enjoy our hospitality. I have business to attend too. But I will see to all of your requests as soon as possible."
As the men then began to leave, Evunial then placed a hand on Markus, stopping him from leaving.
"Did they follow you?"
Markus then stuttered a bit.
"Honestly, I... I did not think I would make it here alive. I am truly sorry if I brought them to your doorstep."
Evunial then replied with a wave of his hand.
"No matter, All the easier to deal with them..."
Pirotess then chimed in.
"My Lord. I received a message from the research team in the caves... Somethings coming."
Evunial then thought.
"(Finally! A unique event!)"
He then spoke.
"Let's not keep our guest waiting. Eltharion, tell your men to make a parameter around the entrance but do not engage. Let us first see what comes from the Deep Roads."
At the Entrance.
Evunial stood in a snowy field before the massive runed opening into the mountain; A testament to skilled dwarves that once ruled the mountain.
He could hear the sound of shifting earth getting louder and louder as something big drew closer.
Next to him stood Ariel and behind him stood Eltharion at the head of a line of Elven soldiers shields in hand, like a shining wall of silver. And behind them stood Izunia, Pirotess, and Markus.
The rumble grew like thunder before abruptly stopping as a gust of air blew out of the cave with dust and debris flying out toward Evunial, who was unbothered.
Evunial peered into the darkness but found he could not make out what the beast was. Only that it was massive, as two giant red eyes swayed in the dark.
Then a raspy ominous voice came from the darkness. It spoke in a whisper, yet all present could hear it.
"WHERE IS OLROOG?..."
Evunial then answered plainly.
"Olrog is no longer lord of this mountain. That title now falls to me."
The creature continued to sway in the darkness as it inquired.
"AND WHOOO ARE YOOOU?"
Evunial then answered.
"I am Evunial Vas Elvhenan. High Commander of the Elven Kingdom of Lokelonde. Who are you?"
The creature then answered.
"I AM RANOOK. I SSSSERVE THE MISTRESS OF THE DEEEEP."
Evunial then replied.
"And to what do I owe this visit? Ranook?"
The shadowy monster then replied. Still slowly swaying in the dark.
"THE MISTRESS DEMANDSSS YOU GO NO FURTHER INTO THE DEEEP. IT IS OUR DOMAIN. YOU WILL RECEIVE ONLY ONE WARNING..."
Evunial then thought to himself.
"(Wait. So there is a group of sentient monsters in this Mountain... I wonder if they are what drove the dwarves away... Oh, this just keeps getting better and better. I can't pass up a good old fashioned dungeon crawl..."
Evunial then calmed down and spoke.
"I don't think you heard me... I am the lord of this mountain. From it's deepest roots to it's highest peak. Tell your mistress I will allow your people to remain in my Mountain. But I will go wherever I please."
The creature now stood eerily still as it replied with quiet rage.
"INSOLENT FOOL!! YOU WOULD DARE DAIN TO BE OUR LORD?! GIVE US PERMISSION!? YOU WILL DIE FOR YOUR INSOLENCE. YOU AND ALL OF YOUR KIN!
The creature then seemed to retreat into the darkness.
Ariel then spoke.
"Hmm, all bark, it would seem..."
Evunial then replied.
"No... It's up to something..."
Just then, the creature burst out of the shadows with lighting speed. Revealing the massive white scaled body of a Serpent Lord as it struck at Evunial, its terrible jaws, filled with rows of teeth, dripping with venom poised to swallow the Elven Lord whole.
But to the monster's surprise, it could not bite down as Evunial held its massive mouth open with ease.
The elven lord then spoke.
"Now, I will admit... You are an impressive beast."
As the beast struggled with Evunial's Herculean grip, venom began to drip, burning the ground with each drop.
Markus then found his voice and spoke, fighting past his fear.
"He must release the beast. His strength beside, the venom will kill him."
Eltharion then replied.
"You underestimate our lord... If what you say was true, it would already be too late... Look closer."
Markus then looked a saw as the venom did not affect Evunial. The noxious liquid rolled off of him and burned the ground.
The giant beast thrashed around with all its might making the ground shake as it slammed its body against it.
"Alright, Enough of this!"
Evunial said before turning the beast's head and slamming it into the snowy ground."
The giant snake then spoke, pained.
"HOW?... WHAT ARE YOU?"
Evunial then knelt down, looking into the snake's giant eye.
"Like I said... I am the Lord of this mountain."
The monster seemed to shiver as it looked into the elf's eyes. It seemed to realize something at that moment... He was helpless...
Evunial then addressed Ariel.
"Subdue him. But with a spell that lets him talk."
Ariel then raised her hand and spoke.
"Of course my love.' "(Nature's Grasp)"
Vines then grew out of the ground pinning the great serpent in place.
Evunial then stood up and called out to Markus.
"Markus!"
The village leader reluctantly came forward, intimidated by the giant snake even if subdued.
"Ye...yes lord Evunial?..."
Evunial then spoke to the giant snake.
"Ranook, I have a few questions for you... Answer me honestly, and I will let you go back to your mistress unharmed. Do you understand?"
The snake then nodded its massive head.
Evunial then began.
"This is Markus. He is the leader of a village on the eastern edge of the mountain. Shadowy figures have been demanding tribute in the form of children from them. Is your mistress responsible?"
The snake then answered plainly. "No."
Azanar then inquired. "Then who is?"
Ranook then answered.
"The east is the Hobgoblins' domain. They must seek to bolster their number. It is they who torment this village."
Markus then spoke.
"Bolster their number? How does stealing children help them do that?"
Ranook then answered.
"Forced breeding. HobGoblins reach fighting age quickly and easily. And humans are compatible for breeding purposes."
Markus took a step back as the thought made him sick.
Izunia then spoke
"No... Those poor children..."
Evunial then stood up and spoke.
"Thank you, Ranook."
He then addressed Ariel.
"Release him.."
Ariel then waved her hand, causing the vines to recede into the frozen ground.
Ranook then rose back up to his full height, towering over the elves and human.
Ranook then spoke.
"YOU WOULD RELEASE ME WITH SUCH EASE?"
Evunial then smiled as he replied.
"I said I would... And I never go back on my word."
Ranook tilted his head slightly, confused by the elf's words.
Evunial then turned his attention to Markus.
"Do not worry. We will find the children and bring them home."
Eltharion then walked up and spoke.
"l can have scouts comb the east of the mountain for any caves that lead into the mountain."
Ariel then chimed in.
"And I can use my tree's root system to map the tunnels."
Ranook then spoke up.
"It will not work... Eventually, perhaps but not in time to save these children. The Hobgoblins have built hundreds of decoy tunnels and trap to keep their layer safe."
Evunial then looked up at basilisk and spoke.
"What are you saying? That we can't save them?"
"Not by yourselves, but with my Mistress's help, there is a chance."
Evunial then inquired.
"Why would you help us?"
Ranook then replied.
"Because the Goblin King is as much a threat to my people as he is to yours and getting rid of him benefits us both... But mostly, it's because I wish for my queen to meet you. For she believes no one on the surface would show us kindness or mercy, and up until today, neither did I..."
Evunial thought for a moment before replying.
"(Hmmm could be a trap... But I am so damn curious! Might also find whatever is messing with our long-distance communications)"
"Alright, but I will have a personal guard accompany me."
Pirotess then spoke.
"I really must object. This could be a trap."
Evunial then replied.
"It could also be our only shot at saving those kids and the countless others that could be down there. And I will not stand by and let them suffer if I can save them."
Pirotess looked Evunial in the eyes and saw his resolve. She then sighed in defeat before relenting.
"Alright... I can see your minds made up. Just promise you will return in one piece."
Evunial smiled and replied.
"Of course. I promise."
He then thought to himself.
"(Hmm, this could also be a chance to get Izunia stronger...)"
"Izunia with me."
Izunia then replied, barely able to hold her excitement.
"Of course, Commander."
Evunial then addressed a hidden ally.
"Shadow Blade."
The dark elf in question then rose from Evunials shadow and stretched as he spoke.
"Yes, my lord?"
Evunial then continued.
"You're coming with. I will need your eye for traps..."
The masked elf continued to stretch as he replied.
"Finally!! Some action. I grow bored of this entropy."
Evunial then turned to Ariel, who quickly cut him off.
"I know what you are going to say, my lord... I will stay and protect the fortress. All I ask is that you take Erui once more so I may be by your side."
Evunial nodded before Ariel waved her hand, summoning a mass of vines that opened up, revealing the young dryad.
Erui then looked up and smiled as if waking from a deep sleep.
"Hello Lord Evunial, it is good to see you again."
Evunial then smiled back.
"It's good to see you too, little one."
Evunial then turned to the Serpent Lord who's head hovered over them.
"We are ready. Lead the way."