The sweet shafts of nighttime light guided the rider on as she headed in the direction of Ennt, a town not more than five hundred miles from the forests of Solia. By her map which she picked up at the last crossroads, Caityri was a little less than 100 miles away. And she had been riding for miles yet...her mare rode on the night. During the day, she could travel but it felt enchroaching, like she did not belong. The silver flame was present, and yet, it could not be accessed. Thus was the curse, to feel the love and sweet triumph of her path during the day, without it truly being present.
Caityri slowed her mount to a trot when she saw the forests, which held the Sea of Aerylian. Named after the honoured knight Sir Aerylian, to drink the waters was supposed to instill within the questing soul bravery and courage. "Such unwordly ignorance," caityri murmured, smiling inwardly. Humans had to believe in something, and myths like these always appeared at hand, ready to clasp the weak minded soul.
Cantering into the forests, and through the trees, Caityri pondered the concept of belief. A soft shimmering awakened her from her brown studies. The waters of the sea could be seen through the trees, glistening and lovely. Oh to be alive! Caityri galloped her horse through the trees and errupted onto the shores of the giant lake, whose ends could not be seen. She got of her horse, unsaddled it, and urged it to the water. There was still much to do this night, travel-wise. Looking out over the immense body of water, Caityri was startled to find the star and moon's reflection upon the shadowy surface. Suddenly disoriented, the elf maiden had to look upward to find the real skies. Or was it down...
Her eyes grew wide, and she gave a manical laugh.
"My stars, my moon, you decieve me so!" Laughing, she lay down on the grainy sand, and gave a sigh of wonder.
Too soon her mare trotted over and nudged her face with a wet muzzle. Rising from a light sleep, Caityri stood up and saddled up her mount again. Stoking it's soft, sleek coat with her fingertips, the elf looked up at the round moon again, and sighed longingly. So beautiful...I shall forever remember that night so long ago...was it five days ago? so long ago.
On Caityri and the horse, whom she affectionately christened Nightfire went. There was still a few hours to the night on Caityri's count, and these she must ride hard. Nightfire's toned muscles rippled beneath her as she leaned forward and urged the mare on. Trees, stretches of grass, the unseen road she was upon...all entered and fled her vision in a blur. Nightfire was so magical...it seemed the horse was powered from the sky itself, and used all it's energy to the fullest extent. Caityri was barely conscious of the moon's slow journey across the heavens. As if reminding her every now and then that dawn would be approaching, it blinked into Caityri's vision, then just as soon, blinked out. That, and the breeze on her face made the ride seem dream-like. Caityri throughly enjoyed it, while it lasted.
Something made her turn her eyes east ward, and she saw the tell tale signs of dawn, the rays of sun invading her cradle of enchantment. Caityri mused about her thoughts concerning the sun as she rode into the forest at the side of the road. Glancing up, Caityri saw the town of Ennt in the distance. The far off distance...across the plains. This marked the end of forest land, and she really did not feel like riding her beloved through the scorching rays. That evil sun...not evil, no not evil. What is it then?? Not admirable, yes, but certainly not evil, thinking as she demounted. Caityri shot one last glimpse at the rising sun, and shivered. Just...not preferred. She could stand in broad daylight, she knew she could. But her entire insides screamed out in the wrongness of the situation, the sense of not belonging. Turning abruptly away from the sight, Caityri hastily disappeared into the protective coolness of the damp forest. It had rained recently.
Waiting out the sun and it's abhorred onslaught, Caityri gathered plants that were good as food. The berries here grew abundantly, and commonly. Caityri tasted one that was plump and green. It grew on a vine that curled around the base of a thin tree. Finding the new taste to her liking, Caityri gathered a fair quantity and put them into her saddle bags for later. Licking her lips and moving on, Caityri looked for a nice place to sleep. By her mare was a large tree that was partially hollowed out. A crack ran vertical, and was wide enough for her to poke her head in. Nothing but dry leaves was found. Securing her scimitar about her waist, caityri slipped into the tree. It was warm, and damp. Not overly so, though. Poking her head back out and realizing she forgot to unsaddle her horse, she went, and did so. That finished, Caityri slipped back in, and curled up for a much needed nap.
A sense of time, and other forces, awakened the elf maiden from a peaceful, starry dream. Glimpsing through the crack, Caityri noted the hazy air. The sun was setting. Uncurling and stepping outside, Caityri stretched, and saddled up her horse again. She led Nightfire to the edge of the forest, and nodded satisfactorily at the disappearing rays. Turning her head toward the zenith of the sky, caityri noticed the first and brightest awakenings of stars. It was time to ride, and be at the city with much time to spare.
Mounting, and spurring her horse off at a fierce gallop, Caityri's soul was arising. The night's sighs reached her senses. This was her domain, her realm. Her time, and here she was comfortable. No one could take this right of rule away from her, for her sisters reigned supreme in the darkness, and thus, she.
A soft, far off sound drew her eyes forward again. Rays of light unseen to all but her outlined dark shapes riding ahead of her, and towards her. Drawing her hood up, Caityri made sure her scimitar was at ready and kept forth at breakneck speed. The company came closer and closer, and she realized they were mounted. Silver highlighted outlines of sword scabbards, gleaming armor, shields...This was a war company, she realized.
"Hail, rider of the night! We are the noble Prince Fieran's Company." A male voice called as she looked to ride past them.
Slowing her pace reluctantly due to the status of the band infront of her, Caityri halted Nightfire before the speaker.
"Aaye, noble company." she said in a quietly, which reached the human's ears as naught but a whisper on the breeze. They shifted uncomfortably, and the man edged backward.
"All's well, I hope." He said, with finality.She gave the barest of nods, and bowed slightly in her saddle, intending to be off. Caityri noticed with amusment the prince's eyebrows raise slightly at this so obvious dismissal of communication.
"Well and good. Let's away, men." The commander called out, and Caityri circled her horse about and rode off at full speed. The Prince of Tsorin, riding away from a town this early in the eve...an oddity to be pondered at a later time.
Caught up once again in the rush of celestial powers, yet sober this night unlike the last, Caityri made towards Ennt. What would she do there, the elf mused, drawing ever nearer to Ennt.
Shadows played over the grassy meadows and wheat-filled fields. Shadows made by unseen casters, Caityri realized. Startled, she slowed and looked intently out over the land. Yes, they were definitely shadows, but of what? and cast from what? Shaking her head, Caityri continued on.
Some time later, Caityri approached a gate guarded lackly by sleepy guards. They nodded, barely awake she knew, and let her pass.
Caityri was oddly curious about the inns and taverns that were in abundance to either side of the cobbled street. Already, several drunken men were drifting about, calling out outlandish and obscenely amusing ballads. Caityri had to smile at the merry air. Everything was so carefree, it was truly different.
Halting at a likely looking inn to spendthe eve at, Caityri trotted her horse around to the back. A stableboy immediately leapt to attention, and stood, admiring her mount. Caityri grinned, and flipped back her hood. He was further awwed by her un humaness.
"An elf! There are several here this night!" He said, eyes wide like a little lad's.
"Oh? Are there any such as I?" She smiled, winking. He shook his head, then stared longingly at Nightfire.
"Her name is Nightfire." Caityri said, noting his expression.
"Can i...un saddle her?" He said wistfully. Caityri laughed aloud.
"Oh dear! I have just enough money for a goblet of wine and lodgings as it is! I'm sorry!" She got off, and was about to lead Nightfire to the stables. The boy tugged her sleeve hesitantly.
"Please, no pay do I ask. It would be an honour to tend such a magnificient animal. Please?" He looked up through long, boyish lashes. Caityri grinned broadly, and handed him the reins.
"Be gentil, she's well bred, but road weary."
A smile that warmed Caityri's heart lit upon the boy's face, and Caityri strode towards the inn. Ah, it was a joy to meet people who sincerely enjoyed what they did. If only everyone could be like that little lad...the young elf maiden mused as she entered the inn. A wild change of atmosphere met her then.
The noise hurt her ears, so loud since the quiet of her solitary road. The noise, and the busy happenings. But I must get a little bite to eat, Caityri thought mournfully. This would not be a peaceful evening.
Finding a dark, uninhabited corner by a window, Caityri plunked herself down at a table. Distorted rays of the moon's light fell on Caityri's upturned face then, casting an gleam to any person who happened to glance her way. A lass not older than 13 years bustled over, and halted just before Caityri. Caityri turned toward the girl.
Eyes and deep as the night sky stared from the shadows at the barmaid, and the young lass almost backed away.
"Could I get you anything this fine eve, fair elf?" She asked with a high girlish voice. Caityri smiled to herself, so young...humans are indeed so different.
"Aye, lass. I could do with your tavern's soup, and do you have meade?"
"Yes, what tavern in pleasant Ennt wouldn't? So close to the elven forests we are. We recieved a shipment of good Solian wine just this morn. Care any for that?"
Caityri almost fell from her chair. She'd die for a good dose of her clan's wine, it truly was renowed. Recovering her poise, Caityri grinned.
"I'd really appreciate that, my thanks lass."
The maid noted the furtive sparkle in the elf's eyes, which were becoming even more unsettling at that point, nodded, and hurried off. Strange folk this eve, she reflected, and shuddered.
Sometime later, Caityri recieved her food. It was a welcome distraction, the utterly disgusting going-ons in the tavern were beginning to truly disgust her. Human men, did they have no honour? No sense of personal space...? Caityri hungrily spooned the thick, hot soup into her mouth. There wasn't much in the bowl, Caityri thought when she was finished, looking mournfully at the shiny bottom. But such is life, she mused as she took up her meade and sipped, thoughtfully looking out the window. The flavour immediately carried her to a different time seemingly so long ago, but in truth, only a matter of days.
So vivid was the taste, she almost smelled the woodland around her, remembering when she had last drank such a drought. Breathing deep, Caityri lived in the moment, which was rapidly fading away. Sighing, and focusing her gaze again outside the window, Caityri allowed a slight smile to creep across her face. As wispy silver submerged her senses, Caityri meditated on her longing. No, she did not want to go back to her lands, what was it then?
"Another time," she murmured, looking down and sipping her meade.
Servant of the Fire, I call to you now.
Turning her head, which felt extremely light, back to the window, Caityri looked up and out.
My queen, what do you wish of me?
Queen, a fitting title, though I prefer Lady. Your task is before you, in this very room.
Looking about dazily, Caityri wondered what it was. Where?
You silly child! Wake up! Come to...now.
The lightness disappered, and Caityri was instantly awake.
What do you wish of me, my Lady?
Your queset, silly maiden. There are High Elves, here in this very room. They have travelled far, and have still much longer to travel. Searching they are for a certain power that would aid them in their coming quest, Caityri. You must side with them, and take up their quest. It is a matter of great importance in which I give you only one choice, to go.
My lady, I give you thanks for finally telling me what my quest is, only to find that it is someone elses. Thank you.
A light laughter sounded over the distance, and Caityri felt again her Lady's prescence withdraw from her senses, leaving nothing but the commanding Fires.
Turning back to the disgusting room, Caityri scruntinized the crowd. Subtlely, a soft silver glow outlined several shapes sitting across the room. Putting her hood up, and praying to the stars for guidance, Caityri glided across the room, unseen but for a shaft of starfire.
Hovering near the closest Elf, Caityri waited for them to notice her. A few moments later, they stopped talking, and the one closer to her slowly turned around. They all had hoods pulled up close around their faces, obviously desiring to be unacknowledged. But her Lady insisted...
Coughing lightly, Caityri lowered her hood. The Elf before her flinched slightly, and got up, bowing.
"Kin...sit with us, share a drink. It is always a pleasure to meet kinsfolk on the road." He sat back down, and lowered his own hood. Too, did the rest. Elves they all were, 3 men and a single, grayed woman. All smiled encouragingly, and the eldered woman removed a vacant chair to their table.
"Do you have a name, child?" The woman spoke, with a voice like a river on a sunny day as Caityri sat down.
"I am of the Named, High Elf." Caityri said, using the appropriate response that would show her status, and that she was a dedicant. The greyed Elf smiled warmly, nodding at the response. "Morwen Caityri En'Ithil."
Her brows raised slightly. "Oh? That is a name we have not heard spoken for ages, `twas forgotten..." Caityri's Fire accented the glint in her eyes that told more than the woman was letting onto. Surprise, and curiosity. Caityri could almost hear the older's thoughts- Odd, very odd this maiden. I cannot as of yet tell if she is fazing me.
Smiling inwardly, Caityri looked quietly around the table. The noise of the tavern seemed to fade, then disappear entirely as she became company to this respected group.
"I am Arwen Lithlad Raa'Quessir, of the High Elven Clan Raa." She smiled, a perfect depiction of nobility. Caityri smiled back, quietly taking in all that wasn't said.
The Elf on her right shifted, and Caityri turnedto him. He smiled back, a quiet smile she thought. When he spoke, his voice was like glimmering water, rippling and changing fluidly.
"My name is Brethil Nim'Ohtar, of the noble order serving Lord of Silver Waters." He smiled warmly at Caityri, who nodded. He served a Lord, a lord of the sunlight. Turning to the next Elf, Caityri waited expectantly. Lithlad leaned across the table and looked into the Elve's blank eyes. He looked back, utterly stoic. Finally, he turned to Caityri. Deep blue eyes of dark looked back at her, like starless night skies. Caityri locked eyes with him. He was curious...his fair hair was silver-blonde, and shoulder length. When he spoke, his tone was careful, and dark. Like his eyes...
"I am Aikanaro Moricuar, Morion en Akh'Faern." he paused, noting her reaction. Except that she wasn't surprised. Too, her Lady was absent here. With the calm eyes of her lady, Caityri looked back. She blinked and turned to the last Elf, who was staring at her. He sat up straight when her gaze fell upon him. Much younger than the rest he was, though older than herself. Smiling with a boyish charm, he winked.
"And my fair name is Simpetar Varalindel, a singer of songs...amongst other things..."wink "Your beauty is so pure and young, I am glad I will be the first to make a ballad under your most beautious name...Caityri En'Ithil." the smile persisted, and Caityri blushed, though her eyes remained stern and silently appraising. Brethil shifted, and glared at Simpetar.
"Simpetar is very modest of his skill, as I am sure you can tell." Lithlad said, also glaring at Simpetar. Caityri smiled, good naturedly, at Simpetar who was still smiling at herself. Shifting in her chair, she sat back.
"I can tell naught a touch of modesty in his voice, Arwen Lithlad." Caityri finished, grinning. Simpetar sighed, and fell back in his chair.
"Lithlad doesn't realize that upon seeing one such as yourself, my talent simply must show itself."
Caityri blushed again, and Aikanaro gave a dark laugh. Brethil's eyebrows raised, and he turned to Caityri.
"You are a dedicant to the praised Elena?" He asked, voice holding nothing but polite curiosity.
"Aye, I serve my Lady with my soul, and her forgotten sister, Nim'Ohtar." Caityri said, instinctively glancing to the window. She longed already to be with her Lady of light.
"I am a holy cleric of the Earth," Lithlad stated, gazing at Caityri and waiting for further reaction. Caityri nodded briskly, wanting only to ally herself with this company, and be off to her chambers where she could praise her Lady.
"That is well and good, Arwen. You travel far, paladin and cleric, from the academies at Tsorin. What brings you so far, and with such a differing company? Not often do I meet a paladin travelling with an Elf of the Underdark, or..."she glanced at Simpetar and smiled "a minstrel."
Lithlad shifted uncomfortably. "Our business is our own, Elleth." She said, after a pause. Caityri sat back, again. Smiling darkly, the disciple of Starfire looked about the table.
Aikanaro straightened, and smiled at Caityri. His was of nothing...an odd void in the middle of a busy landscape. Lithlad looked warningly at him, and he paid her no heed.
"We are actully preparing for a quest, a quest in which I believe we can start, now." Smiling darkly at her, his eyes stayed locked on hers.
"Yes!! Would you like to join us, Caityri En'Ithil??" Simpetar asked with the eagerness of a lad. Caityri tore her eyes away from the dark eyed stare of Aikanaro to the bright green eyes of Simpetar. She grinned, still conscious of the dark elf's eyes on her. Brethil coughed, and glanced at Lithlad. She motioned with a flick of her hand, depicting a so-be-it gesture. Brethil turned to Caityri
"We are in need of one with powers such as yours, and searching for years has been worth it, if only you would agree to join us. We cannot tell you more, until the morrow if bless us with your consent."
"And bless you I shall with the powers of my dark Lady. She has, too, given me this quest though I know naught what it is as of now. It , then, would only be right if I were to take up arms beside you." smiling wearily, she sighed. About time...and now, she was looking to retiring for the night. Weariness was creeping like a silent killer, only waiting for a hole in her defense to open up and slip through.
"Where do you hail from, mellonamin?" Lithlad said, leaning forward. Caityri's smile lessened, and she turned to the window.
"I am of the starfire, and from it do I hail. The land of my birth, though, was the fairest forests of Solias."
Lithlad flinched. "Do you know of a High Elf by the name of Aayrset G'Ladnon?" She asked, an odd twinge of hope in her voice. Caityri nodded.
"He conducted the ceremony of womanhood, naught but a fortnight ago."
Lithlad sighed, and sank back into her chair, murmuring to herself. Odd, thought Caityri.
"What is your extent of skill, companion?" Brethil continued. Caityri glanced sidelong at the contemplating Lithlad, and turned to Brethil.
"I am well schooled in sword and bow, and of the powers my Elena has given me, I know not their limitless glories."
Brethil smiled wearily, satisfied.
Caityri got up, only wanting to retire to the dark recesses of her chamber.
"It is late, my friends. I only wish to give praise to my Lady, and thus must retire. I am throughly gladdened that you have accepted me into your company, and will meet you again at dawn's rays." frowning slightly at the mention of sun from her lips, Caityri bowed, and turned to the stair. Picking up her bags, she approached a lass who showed her up to a vacant room. There, she bathed, and dressed in her night attire.
Sighing, Caityri lay down upon her bed. Tomorrow, she would have to travel in the sunlight, which would tax her strength. Praying to her Lady for the power to endure the next day, sleep did overcome the young elf maiden. Dreaming dreams of dark elves, paladins, minstrels and clerics, Caityri faded into the darkness.
Caityri slowed her mount to a trot when she saw the forests, which held the Sea of Aerylian. Named after the honoured knight Sir Aerylian, to drink the waters was supposed to instill within the questing soul bravery and courage. "Such unwordly ignorance," caityri murmured, smiling inwardly. Humans had to believe in something, and myths like these always appeared at hand, ready to clasp the weak minded soul.
Cantering into the forests, and through the trees, Caityri pondered the concept of belief. A soft shimmering awakened her from her brown studies. The waters of the sea could be seen through the trees, glistening and lovely. Oh to be alive! Caityri galloped her horse through the trees and errupted onto the shores of the giant lake, whose ends could not be seen. She got of her horse, unsaddled it, and urged it to the water. There was still much to do this night, travel-wise. Looking out over the immense body of water, Caityri was startled to find the star and moon's reflection upon the shadowy surface. Suddenly disoriented, the elf maiden had to look upward to find the real skies. Or was it down...
Her eyes grew wide, and she gave a manical laugh.
"My stars, my moon, you decieve me so!" Laughing, she lay down on the grainy sand, and gave a sigh of wonder.
Too soon her mare trotted over and nudged her face with a wet muzzle. Rising from a light sleep, Caityri stood up and saddled up her mount again. Stoking it's soft, sleek coat with her fingertips, the elf looked up at the round moon again, and sighed longingly. So beautiful...I shall forever remember that night so long ago...was it five days ago? so long ago.
On Caityri and the horse, whom she affectionately christened Nightfire went. There was still a few hours to the night on Caityri's count, and these she must ride hard. Nightfire's toned muscles rippled beneath her as she leaned forward and urged the mare on. Trees, stretches of grass, the unseen road she was upon...all entered and fled her vision in a blur. Nightfire was so magical...it seemed the horse was powered from the sky itself, and used all it's energy to the fullest extent. Caityri was barely conscious of the moon's slow journey across the heavens. As if reminding her every now and then that dawn would be approaching, it blinked into Caityri's vision, then just as soon, blinked out. That, and the breeze on her face made the ride seem dream-like. Caityri throughly enjoyed it, while it lasted.
Something made her turn her eyes east ward, and she saw the tell tale signs of dawn, the rays of sun invading her cradle of enchantment. Caityri mused about her thoughts concerning the sun as she rode into the forest at the side of the road. Glancing up, Caityri saw the town of Ennt in the distance. The far off distance...across the plains. This marked the end of forest land, and she really did not feel like riding her beloved through the scorching rays. That evil sun...not evil, no not evil. What is it then?? Not admirable, yes, but certainly not evil, thinking as she demounted. Caityri shot one last glimpse at the rising sun, and shivered. Just...not preferred. She could stand in broad daylight, she knew she could. But her entire insides screamed out in the wrongness of the situation, the sense of not belonging. Turning abruptly away from the sight, Caityri hastily disappeared into the protective coolness of the damp forest. It had rained recently.
Waiting out the sun and it's abhorred onslaught, Caityri gathered plants that were good as food. The berries here grew abundantly, and commonly. Caityri tasted one that was plump and green. It grew on a vine that curled around the base of a thin tree. Finding the new taste to her liking, Caityri gathered a fair quantity and put them into her saddle bags for later. Licking her lips and moving on, Caityri looked for a nice place to sleep. By her mare was a large tree that was partially hollowed out. A crack ran vertical, and was wide enough for her to poke her head in. Nothing but dry leaves was found. Securing her scimitar about her waist, caityri slipped into the tree. It was warm, and damp. Not overly so, though. Poking her head back out and realizing she forgot to unsaddle her horse, she went, and did so. That finished, Caityri slipped back in, and curled up for a much needed nap.
A sense of time, and other forces, awakened the elf maiden from a peaceful, starry dream. Glimpsing through the crack, Caityri noted the hazy air. The sun was setting. Uncurling and stepping outside, Caityri stretched, and saddled up her horse again. She led Nightfire to the edge of the forest, and nodded satisfactorily at the disappearing rays. Turning her head toward the zenith of the sky, caityri noticed the first and brightest awakenings of stars. It was time to ride, and be at the city with much time to spare.
Mounting, and spurring her horse off at a fierce gallop, Caityri's soul was arising. The night's sighs reached her senses. This was her domain, her realm. Her time, and here she was comfortable. No one could take this right of rule away from her, for her sisters reigned supreme in the darkness, and thus, she.
A soft, far off sound drew her eyes forward again. Rays of light unseen to all but her outlined dark shapes riding ahead of her, and towards her. Drawing her hood up, Caityri made sure her scimitar was at ready and kept forth at breakneck speed. The company came closer and closer, and she realized they were mounted. Silver highlighted outlines of sword scabbards, gleaming armor, shields...This was a war company, she realized.
"Hail, rider of the night! We are the noble Prince Fieran's Company." A male voice called as she looked to ride past them.
Slowing her pace reluctantly due to the status of the band infront of her, Caityri halted Nightfire before the speaker.
"Aaye, noble company." she said in a quietly, which reached the human's ears as naught but a whisper on the breeze. They shifted uncomfortably, and the man edged backward.
"All's well, I hope." He said, with finality.She gave the barest of nods, and bowed slightly in her saddle, intending to be off. Caityri noticed with amusment the prince's eyebrows raise slightly at this so obvious dismissal of communication.
"Well and good. Let's away, men." The commander called out, and Caityri circled her horse about and rode off at full speed. The Prince of Tsorin, riding away from a town this early in the eve...an oddity to be pondered at a later time.
Caught up once again in the rush of celestial powers, yet sober this night unlike the last, Caityri made towards Ennt. What would she do there, the elf mused, drawing ever nearer to Ennt.
Shadows played over the grassy meadows and wheat-filled fields. Shadows made by unseen casters, Caityri realized. Startled, she slowed and looked intently out over the land. Yes, they were definitely shadows, but of what? and cast from what? Shaking her head, Caityri continued on.
Some time later, Caityri approached a gate guarded lackly by sleepy guards. They nodded, barely awake she knew, and let her pass.
Caityri was oddly curious about the inns and taverns that were in abundance to either side of the cobbled street. Already, several drunken men were drifting about, calling out outlandish and obscenely amusing ballads. Caityri had to smile at the merry air. Everything was so carefree, it was truly different.
Halting at a likely looking inn to spendthe eve at, Caityri trotted her horse around to the back. A stableboy immediately leapt to attention, and stood, admiring her mount. Caityri grinned, and flipped back her hood. He was further awwed by her un humaness.
"An elf! There are several here this night!" He said, eyes wide like a little lad's.
"Oh? Are there any such as I?" She smiled, winking. He shook his head, then stared longingly at Nightfire.
"Her name is Nightfire." Caityri said, noting his expression.
"Can i...un saddle her?" He said wistfully. Caityri laughed aloud.
"Oh dear! I have just enough money for a goblet of wine and lodgings as it is! I'm sorry!" She got off, and was about to lead Nightfire to the stables. The boy tugged her sleeve hesitantly.
"Please, no pay do I ask. It would be an honour to tend such a magnificient animal. Please?" He looked up through long, boyish lashes. Caityri grinned broadly, and handed him the reins.
"Be gentil, she's well bred, but road weary."
A smile that warmed Caityri's heart lit upon the boy's face, and Caityri strode towards the inn. Ah, it was a joy to meet people who sincerely enjoyed what they did. If only everyone could be like that little lad...the young elf maiden mused as she entered the inn. A wild change of atmosphere met her then.
The noise hurt her ears, so loud since the quiet of her solitary road. The noise, and the busy happenings. But I must get a little bite to eat, Caityri thought mournfully. This would not be a peaceful evening.
Finding a dark, uninhabited corner by a window, Caityri plunked herself down at a table. Distorted rays of the moon's light fell on Caityri's upturned face then, casting an gleam to any person who happened to glance her way. A lass not older than 13 years bustled over, and halted just before Caityri. Caityri turned toward the girl.
Eyes and deep as the night sky stared from the shadows at the barmaid, and the young lass almost backed away.
"Could I get you anything this fine eve, fair elf?" She asked with a high girlish voice. Caityri smiled to herself, so young...humans are indeed so different.
"Aye, lass. I could do with your tavern's soup, and do you have meade?"
"Yes, what tavern in pleasant Ennt wouldn't? So close to the elven forests we are. We recieved a shipment of good Solian wine just this morn. Care any for that?"
Caityri almost fell from her chair. She'd die for a good dose of her clan's wine, it truly was renowed. Recovering her poise, Caityri grinned.
"I'd really appreciate that, my thanks lass."
The maid noted the furtive sparkle in the elf's eyes, which were becoming even more unsettling at that point, nodded, and hurried off. Strange folk this eve, she reflected, and shuddered.
Sometime later, Caityri recieved her food. It was a welcome distraction, the utterly disgusting going-ons in the tavern were beginning to truly disgust her. Human men, did they have no honour? No sense of personal space...? Caityri hungrily spooned the thick, hot soup into her mouth. There wasn't much in the bowl, Caityri thought when she was finished, looking mournfully at the shiny bottom. But such is life, she mused as she took up her meade and sipped, thoughtfully looking out the window. The flavour immediately carried her to a different time seemingly so long ago, but in truth, only a matter of days.
So vivid was the taste, she almost smelled the woodland around her, remembering when she had last drank such a drought. Breathing deep, Caityri lived in the moment, which was rapidly fading away. Sighing, and focusing her gaze again outside the window, Caityri allowed a slight smile to creep across her face. As wispy silver submerged her senses, Caityri meditated on her longing. No, she did not want to go back to her lands, what was it then?
"Another time," she murmured, looking down and sipping her meade.
Servant of the Fire, I call to you now.
Turning her head, which felt extremely light, back to the window, Caityri looked up and out.
My queen, what do you wish of me?
Queen, a fitting title, though I prefer Lady. Your task is before you, in this very room.
Looking about dazily, Caityri wondered what it was. Where?
You silly child! Wake up! Come to...now.
The lightness disappered, and Caityri was instantly awake.
What do you wish of me, my Lady?
Your queset, silly maiden. There are High Elves, here in this very room. They have travelled far, and have still much longer to travel. Searching they are for a certain power that would aid them in their coming quest, Caityri. You must side with them, and take up their quest. It is a matter of great importance in which I give you only one choice, to go.
My lady, I give you thanks for finally telling me what my quest is, only to find that it is someone elses. Thank you.
A light laughter sounded over the distance, and Caityri felt again her Lady's prescence withdraw from her senses, leaving nothing but the commanding Fires.
Turning back to the disgusting room, Caityri scruntinized the crowd. Subtlely, a soft silver glow outlined several shapes sitting across the room. Putting her hood up, and praying to the stars for guidance, Caityri glided across the room, unseen but for a shaft of starfire.
Hovering near the closest Elf, Caityri waited for them to notice her. A few moments later, they stopped talking, and the one closer to her slowly turned around. They all had hoods pulled up close around their faces, obviously desiring to be unacknowledged. But her Lady insisted...
Coughing lightly, Caityri lowered her hood. The Elf before her flinched slightly, and got up, bowing.
"Kin...sit with us, share a drink. It is always a pleasure to meet kinsfolk on the road." He sat back down, and lowered his own hood. Too, did the rest. Elves they all were, 3 men and a single, grayed woman. All smiled encouragingly, and the eldered woman removed a vacant chair to their table.
"Do you have a name, child?" The woman spoke, with a voice like a river on a sunny day as Caityri sat down.
"I am of the Named, High Elf." Caityri said, using the appropriate response that would show her status, and that she was a dedicant. The greyed Elf smiled warmly, nodding at the response. "Morwen Caityri En'Ithil."
Her brows raised slightly. "Oh? That is a name we have not heard spoken for ages, `twas forgotten..." Caityri's Fire accented the glint in her eyes that told more than the woman was letting onto. Surprise, and curiosity. Caityri could almost hear the older's thoughts- Odd, very odd this maiden. I cannot as of yet tell if she is fazing me.
Smiling inwardly, Caityri looked quietly around the table. The noise of the tavern seemed to fade, then disappear entirely as she became company to this respected group.
"I am Arwen Lithlad Raa'Quessir, of the High Elven Clan Raa." She smiled, a perfect depiction of nobility. Caityri smiled back, quietly taking in all that wasn't said.
The Elf on her right shifted, and Caityri turnedto him. He smiled back, a quiet smile she thought. When he spoke, his voice was like glimmering water, rippling and changing fluidly.
"My name is Brethil Nim'Ohtar, of the noble order serving Lord of Silver Waters." He smiled warmly at Caityri, who nodded. He served a Lord, a lord of the sunlight. Turning to the next Elf, Caityri waited expectantly. Lithlad leaned across the table and looked into the Elve's blank eyes. He looked back, utterly stoic. Finally, he turned to Caityri. Deep blue eyes of dark looked back at her, like starless night skies. Caityri locked eyes with him. He was curious...his fair hair was silver-blonde, and shoulder length. When he spoke, his tone was careful, and dark. Like his eyes...
"I am Aikanaro Moricuar, Morion en Akh'Faern." he paused, noting her reaction. Except that she wasn't surprised. Too, her Lady was absent here. With the calm eyes of her lady, Caityri looked back. She blinked and turned to the last Elf, who was staring at her. He sat up straight when her gaze fell upon him. Much younger than the rest he was, though older than herself. Smiling with a boyish charm, he winked.
"And my fair name is Simpetar Varalindel, a singer of songs...amongst other things..."wink "Your beauty is so pure and young, I am glad I will be the first to make a ballad under your most beautious name...Caityri En'Ithil." the smile persisted, and Caityri blushed, though her eyes remained stern and silently appraising. Brethil shifted, and glared at Simpetar.
"Simpetar is very modest of his skill, as I am sure you can tell." Lithlad said, also glaring at Simpetar. Caityri smiled, good naturedly, at Simpetar who was still smiling at herself. Shifting in her chair, she sat back.
"I can tell naught a touch of modesty in his voice, Arwen Lithlad." Caityri finished, grinning. Simpetar sighed, and fell back in his chair.
"Lithlad doesn't realize that upon seeing one such as yourself, my talent simply must show itself."
Caityri blushed again, and Aikanaro gave a dark laugh. Brethil's eyebrows raised, and he turned to Caityri.
"You are a dedicant to the praised Elena?" He asked, voice holding nothing but polite curiosity.
"Aye, I serve my Lady with my soul, and her forgotten sister, Nim'Ohtar." Caityri said, instinctively glancing to the window. She longed already to be with her Lady of light.
"I am a holy cleric of the Earth," Lithlad stated, gazing at Caityri and waiting for further reaction. Caityri nodded briskly, wanting only to ally herself with this company, and be off to her chambers where she could praise her Lady.
"That is well and good, Arwen. You travel far, paladin and cleric, from the academies at Tsorin. What brings you so far, and with such a differing company? Not often do I meet a paladin travelling with an Elf of the Underdark, or..."she glanced at Simpetar and smiled "a minstrel."
Lithlad shifted uncomfortably. "Our business is our own, Elleth." She said, after a pause. Caityri sat back, again. Smiling darkly, the disciple of Starfire looked about the table.
Aikanaro straightened, and smiled at Caityri. His was of nothing...an odd void in the middle of a busy landscape. Lithlad looked warningly at him, and he paid her no heed.
"We are actully preparing for a quest, a quest in which I believe we can start, now." Smiling darkly at her, his eyes stayed locked on hers.
"Yes!! Would you like to join us, Caityri En'Ithil??" Simpetar asked with the eagerness of a lad. Caityri tore her eyes away from the dark eyed stare of Aikanaro to the bright green eyes of Simpetar. She grinned, still conscious of the dark elf's eyes on her. Brethil coughed, and glanced at Lithlad. She motioned with a flick of her hand, depicting a so-be-it gesture. Brethil turned to Caityri
"We are in need of one with powers such as yours, and searching for years has been worth it, if only you would agree to join us. We cannot tell you more, until the morrow if bless us with your consent."
"And bless you I shall with the powers of my dark Lady. She has, too, given me this quest though I know naught what it is as of now. It , then, would only be right if I were to take up arms beside you." smiling wearily, she sighed. About time...and now, she was looking to retiring for the night. Weariness was creeping like a silent killer, only waiting for a hole in her defense to open up and slip through.
"Where do you hail from, mellonamin?" Lithlad said, leaning forward. Caityri's smile lessened, and she turned to the window.
"I am of the starfire, and from it do I hail. The land of my birth, though, was the fairest forests of Solias."
Lithlad flinched. "Do you know of a High Elf by the name of Aayrset G'Ladnon?" She asked, an odd twinge of hope in her voice. Caityri nodded.
"He conducted the ceremony of womanhood, naught but a fortnight ago."
Lithlad sighed, and sank back into her chair, murmuring to herself. Odd, thought Caityri.
"What is your extent of skill, companion?" Brethil continued. Caityri glanced sidelong at the contemplating Lithlad, and turned to Brethil.
"I am well schooled in sword and bow, and of the powers my Elena has given me, I know not their limitless glories."
Brethil smiled wearily, satisfied.
Caityri got up, only wanting to retire to the dark recesses of her chamber.
"It is late, my friends. I only wish to give praise to my Lady, and thus must retire. I am throughly gladdened that you have accepted me into your company, and will meet you again at dawn's rays." frowning slightly at the mention of sun from her lips, Caityri bowed, and turned to the stair. Picking up her bags, she approached a lass who showed her up to a vacant room. There, she bathed, and dressed in her night attire.
Sighing, Caityri lay down upon her bed. Tomorrow, she would have to travel in the sunlight, which would tax her strength. Praying to her Lady for the power to endure the next day, sleep did overcome the young elf maiden. Dreaming dreams of dark elves, paladins, minstrels and clerics, Caityri faded into the darkness.