"Just wait. Just wait and see." Valamora said under her breath.
Mirk eyed her, "What wasss that?"
"I didn't say anything." She rolled over.
Mirk turned back to the tunnel and sat silently. Three halflings ran past the two without noticing them into Rivervale. Valamora propped herself up against the wall and begun to work the rope off her hands. Mirk did not stir or hear Valamora; he was focused in the tunnel, both directions, keeping an eye out for danger.
*****
"These buildings are so tiny!" Lielay laughed as she and Albain stood in front of the Rivervale bank.
"They were made for tiny people." A big barbarian chuckled as he past them and opened the small bank door. He forced his body through the small gap and was inside.
"Well, if that guy could fit in, so can we." Albain stepped up the stairs.
Lielay followed slowly behind him and ducked through the door. The Barbarian was seated on the ground by a counter, his legs were stretched out before him and people had to step over them to pass. Three half-elves, one high elf, two gnomes, and five halflings crowded the low ceiled room. The halfling bankers that stood behind counter ran back and forth getting things and putting some in vaults. The high elf began crawling around on hands and knees; his air element pet bumped into people behind him. Lielay covered her mouth and giggled. She turned her head s that the high elf couldn't see her laugh; she didn't want to be rude.
"Crowded in here, how are you supposed to get around?" Albain asked aloud.
"Crawling." The high elf said.
"Crouching." One half-elf pointed out.
"Or just moving on your stomach." The barbarian patted the floor while laughing.
"Next." A banker said from the left counter.
Lielay took the opportunity and hurried as fast as she could to him. The high elf saw her coming and tried to move out of the way, his pet was bumping and hitting people in the process of following. Lielay took no note to the elf or his pet. Albain saw what was going to happen and yelled at Lielay. She stopped, spun around, and tripped over the high elf. His air element was smashed to the floor as Lielay flew into it. A sickening bang of flesh on marble was heard. Lielay lifted her head and blood filled her eyes, her shaken hand rose and covered her face. Albain sprang over the people in the way and tried to pull Lielay's hands away from her face. She refused to let him and began to shriek loudly from the pain.
"My dear fellow elves I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to trip her like that. Is there anything I could do?" the high elf crouched next to Lielay. The whole room was whispering and looking at Lielay. Her shrieks continued.
"It wasn't your fault. She was just being careless and didn't pay any attention on where she was going." Albain said.
Albain took Lielay's upper arm and pulled her through the crowded room and out the door. Outside, Lielay's cries echoed in the small town. Albain covered her mouth to soften the tremendous noise she was making. He steered her past small shops and buildings to the end of a small dock. The water shimmered clear and little fish poked their heads out of the cool pond to study the elves. Albain cupped his hands and filled them with the cold water.
"Lielay you're going to have to lower your hands so I can clean your wound."
Slowly, Lielay took her hands off her face. Blood pools had formed in her hands and bloodstains covered her tunic and pants. Little skin showed under all the blood that fell down from her head wound. Albain splashed the water on her face and cupped his hands again. He cleaned her face, neck, hands, and arms from all the blood that covered her and pulled some bandages from one of his packs and began to wrap it around Lielay's head. The water had blood splats in it and the fish swam around the blood and jumped away. Lielay sniffled and put her hands back up to cover her face.
"You don't have to hide, Lielay." Albain smiled.
"Yes I do! I look horrible and I feel horrible!" she whined, "Leave me alone and finish your shopping. I need to rest and I want to rest here."
"Knock it off Lielay, you're coming with me."
"No! I told you I'm staying here." She crossed her arms and stomped her foot.
"Fine act like a child. Stubborn female." Albain heaved his packs up and walked off.
"Pig head." Lielay snorted while taking off the new bandages that were wrapped around her head.
She glared after Albain until he walked around a tall building and was gone. Unlacing her soft leather boots, Lielay dipped her tired feet into the refreshing water. Little fish came up and nibbled her toes. Lielay giggled and swung her feet around; the fish scattered and watched her toes from a distance. A shadow casted a dark spot over the water, blocking all light to the fish below, Lielay shielded her eyes from the sun and turned around. The high elf from the bank, the one that ripped her, stood smiling down on her. His pet bobbed in the air like a child's kite and watched its master closely.
"That gash looks painful. I'm very sorry M'lady." He bowed.
"Oh, it was all my fault." Lielay touched the wound and winched.
"I am called Kanoldar, and you are, M'lady?"
"Lielay."
"Well met Lielay." He bent down and kissed her hand.
"As to you too." Lielay bowed her head.
The air element zoomed into Kanoldar for some unexpected reason and bumped him hard. Kanoldar stumbled forward, knocking Lielay off the dock. Lielay was in the water and was stunned; at first she didn't know where she was. The fish swam in front of her face and stared. Lielay felt dizzy and looked up, she kicked her feet and propelled herself above the water. Kanoldar reached out and pulled Lielay back up to the dock. She stood dripping water, shivering, and glaring at the element on the tip of the dock.
"I'm very sorry again Lielay. It's this pet that's always doing something wrong." He reached into his bag, pulled out a bear pelt, and put it around Lielay.
"You should get rid of that thing." Lielay shivered.
"I know, but I can't, it helps me out a lot." He shrugged.
"Reminds me of Albain." Her brows furrowed.
"Who's that?" Kanoldar asked.
"That other wood elf that was here." She waved her hand aimlessly.
"Oh... Where is he anyway? If I were your companion, I would not leave you alone." He blushed.
"Shopping for his druid supplies. I mean he could have gotten them at Kelethin when we were there." Lielay laughed.
"Is Kelethin as wonderful as people say?" he blurted out.
"Depends on who's saying it, but yes it, is the most wonderful place ever.." the thought of Caleb swarmed her head again. She turned away and tears fell.
Kanoldar didn't notice for he was looking at the sky smiling, "Kelethin. I would like to go there some time."
"It's so close to Felwithe, not a long walk." Lielay said.
"Yes I know, but. I'm exiled from Felwithe."
"How?"
"I do not wish to speak about it." He face turned grim.
*****
The shadows of night crept over Rivervale and Mirk and Valamora in the tunnel. Valamora has been working off her ropes for the past hour or so and was close to freedom. Mirk still crouched by the wall with his tail twitching. A rush of elves, halflings, and others who didn't want to be caught in Kithicor at night rushed into the tunnel. Mirk pressed himself close to Valamora and hid them in the dark shadows. The rope on Valamora wrist twisted off and her hands were free. She smiled evilly and waited for the right moment.
"I don't think anymore people will be coming." He hissed.
"Me either." Valamora smirked.
"You've been quiet sssince Albain and Lielay left. What have you been doing?" he pulled his wooden staff closer to his clawed feet.
"Nothing. Why do you accuse me for everything I do?"
"Becaussse you are alwaysss getting into trouble." He snickered.
"You're very rude. Now watch the tunnel." She nodded her head.
"You jussst keep quiet."
Valamora smiled and scooted away. The ropes were left in a pile and she stood. She walked behind Mirk and tapped him on the shoulder. He spun around and gaped at her. She raised her fist and threw it into his face. Mirk was out cold and Valamora dragged him over into a corner. She picked up the rope and tied his feet and wrists together. The evil smile was back, she patted Mirk's head. Her hand ran across one of his horns and enclosed. With a very hard jerk the horn popped off and blood splattered the wall, the floor, and Valamora.
"I told you I would rip off your horns, but I'll only take one for now." She pocketed the horn and vanished in the dark with ease.
*****
Lielay sat next to the fire with Kanoldar and pulled the blanket around her shoulders more closely. She was now dressed in clean and dry clothes since she had blood and water drenching her last pair. Albain hadn't come back yet, so Lielay went with Kanoldar to the tavern. Kanoldar had placed his pet away from the fire and Lielay for he didn't want any more trouble. He sat smoking his pipe and staring into the flames. The tavern door opened and a rush of elves came in chattering. Lielay looked for Albain, but he wasn't there.
*****
Mirk woke up with a heavy throbbing on his head; the pain was intense. He began to reach his hand up, but the ropes stopped him. His eyes widened and he looked for Valamora, she was nowhere and he was now the victim. He squinted his eyes and peered around, he was still in the tunnel. Something on the wall caught his attention and he looked closer. It was blood, his blood. It was then that he felt the dried blood on his head and down his face. He moaned and the pounding wound burned more.
"Ssshe did it, ssshe really ripped off my horn. Ssshe'll pay for thisss!" Mirk moaned again.
Albain rushed into Mirk's view and stopped, searching for something. Yelling Albain's name, Mirk rolled over a few feet to get the elf to notice him. Albain crouched next to the iksar and stared at the newly torn flesh on top of Mirk's head where one of hid horns used to be. Pulling out his dagger, Albain cut the ropes that bound Mirk and helped him up.
"Valamora hasss vanissshed ssshe hasss one of my hornsss too. The pain isss unbelievable!" Mirk leaned against the stone wall of the tunnel.
"She took it? How?" he looked at Mirk's head, "Nevermind. Have you seen Lielay? Has she come out here?"
"No sssign of her here, unless ssshe came when I was unconsssciousss."
"She is missing." Albain said.
"Are you sssure? Have you sssearched everywhere? The whole village?" Mirk took some cloth out of his robe and wrapped his head.
"No, but she said that she was going to wait and rest where I left her. She told me so and now she's gone!" Albain almost screamed.
"Go back in and look for her." Mirk pushed Albain towards Rivervale.
"Will you be OK? Want me to heal you?"
"No. It'sss fine. Jussst go."
Albain paused only for a second before he ran back in to Rivervale. Mirk tended to his head and eyed out the tunnel for Valamora. She would be back, but this time she would bring her "friends" with her. Mirk waited for her, he was going to be ready and prepared this time. This time, he thought, I won't be pushed around; I'll take some action and fight back. His eyes grew dark and turned into little evil slits instead of his wide eyes, very odd for an iksar anyway.
*****
Still blowing smoke rings and mumbling towards the fire, Kanoldar sat relaxed in a cushioned chair. Growing more bored by the second, Lielay squirmed around the room looking for something to do. Outside, it got darker and thunder broke the silence. Clouds covered the moon and all that produced light were the candles and small fireplaces here and there. Heavy rain pounded the windows and the roof, the noise increased as hail began to fall. Lielay was propped against the window looking out into the black abyss. Nothing could be seen, even if it was a foot in front of the window. But somewhere out there in the dark stumbled Albain.
"Quite a storm we're having. Well, I'm off to get some rest. Remember to pick up your keys for your rooms when you plan to go to bed too. They are on the counter." The tavern owner said kindly and walked up the small steps.
"If this weather keeps up this town will be underwater." Kanoldar finally said.
"The little lake they have will probably overflow." Lielay laughed.
"So, when will your elf friend join us?" Kanoldar put his pipe out.
"Albain? He's out there like a blind orc lost in Greater Faydark."
"Is he your husband or something?"
"No, not my husband. He's more like a very close friend, most of the time. The rest of the time he's just an ass." Lielay sighed.
"I had a love like that once, but we went our different ways. Actually she left me."
"I'm sorry about that. I was married once, but disaster stuck and my once beloved husband passed away. As did my little son." She began to cry, "I never should have brought him to Freeport! I should have left Caleb in Kelethin with Joshua and Birria!"
"Calm down Lielay. Who and what are you talking about?" he crossed the room and put his arm around Lielay.
The tavern door was thrusted open and rain poured in. Albain bolted in and quickly shut the door behind him. Lielay screamed at the sudden burst of noise and surprise. Albain turned and saw the high elf fondling Lielay. He glowered at Kanoldar and rushed over. He threw Kanoldar's arm off of Lielay and pulled him up by his robes. The air element had been blown behind the counter when Albain rushed in, but it showed no sign of wanting to help its master.
"What are you doing with her?" Albain shook the bigger elf.
"What I was doing was comforting her since you don't have the common decency of doing that, now would you!?" Kanoldar grabbed Albain's hands and threw them off.
The door swung open and Lielay was gone. Albain ran to the door and shouted for her, nothing was heard or seen. The rain grew worse and lightning struck a nearby building, the roof caught fire and the inhabitants of the building came out screaming. Everywhere lanterns were lit and halflings ran out to help. Albain looked around for Lielay but she was nowhere. A scream rang out and a group of halflings surrounded something. Albain left the doorway and ran over, he peered above all the heads to see what was in the middle. A female halfling was struggling and trying to run to the burning house. She was raving.
"My baby is still in there! Let me go! I must save him!" she shouted.
A halfling dressed in a coat of chain mail sped towards the door and bravely entered. The female was still going crazy as the group tried to control her. The halfling inside didn't show, and time was growing short. Albain hesitated before he too ran to the burning door. He ducked into the small gap and looked around. The flames jumped into his face and the fumes surrounded him. He heard the baby cry from somewhere ahead. Albain stumbled through the room and into the next. In a small crib lay the frightened babe. The rescue halfling was lying on the ground next to it. Albain coughed and picked up the small child. He then picked up the other halfling in his other arm and started to the door. Part of the roof fell and blocked the door. More smoke filled the room; Albain covered the baby with his tunic. Franticly Albain searched the room for another door. There was no windows or any other door. He ran to the wall and began to kick with all his strength that he could muster. The wall started to crumble and he continued. Finally, the wall fell and Albain jumped out into the rain. Flames enveloped the opening once Albain flew out, the rest of the roof caved in.
"My baby! He saved my baby!" the female kicked the shin of the halfling that held her and ran to Albain.
Albain fell to his knees and he dropped the halfling wearing the heavy armor. The mother halfling took her baby out of Albain's arms and cradled it in her own. Some more halflings tended to the unconscious halfling and others went straight to Albain. Albain coughed and coughed as if something was stuck in his throat. His face and body was covered in ash and one of his pant legs was burning.
*****
Lielay ran into the tunnel as she heard the scream. She still didn't stop, she still ran. Right into Mirk's arms she did. "Whoa ssslow down Lielay. What'sss wrong? Where'sss Albain and what wasss that ssscream?" he held her arm.
"I don't know and I don't care! Let me go! Now!" she wrenched her arm away from his grip.
"Wait, don't go out there! Valamora has escape and ssshe'll be back with her gang."
"She wont be back for a while, so goodbye!" she shouted.
"Yesss ssshe will! Ssshe movesss fassst and..."
"Well, I move faster, now if you don't mind I'm going!" with that she ran into the darkness.
"And Kithicor isss very dangeroussss at night." He sighed.
*****
Valamora ran through the Commonlands as fast as the wind, her legs never grew tired. Her slender body dodged and avoided trees. She ran the back trail that only the dark races used otherwise the guards would kill them. Into the Nektulos forest she ran as the darkness grew, she had been running for hours. Over the bridge, Valamora flew past all the patrolling guards. All the guards in the forest knew her very well, for things that will not be mentioned, except that she got to friendly with each one. Finally, she was at the tunnel to the city of Neriak. To the Third Gate part of the city she went, to the Maiden's Fancy where she knew her male friends would be. Through the bar's door she went and fell into a chair next to one of her elven friends.
"What is it this time Valamora? You need money?" one said. The group consisted of five male elves, Valamora, and some heavily perfumed whores.
"Get.. rid of your.. little friends first." She panted. The entertainers left and all the elves moved in their chairs.
"What?" the elf on her right asked.
"I need your help. Mirk has turned soft and he had me captive. I have one of his horns but I'm still not satisfied. You see, he is now buddies with these two loser wood elves and I want to get them too because one rooted my legs and shocked me with lightning."
"Why? What did you do?"
"What do you think I was doing?! Your so dull headed Durk." Durk, the elf on her right glared.
"So, what do you have in mind?" the elf across her asked.
"I have a special plan for each of you." Her evil smile spread across her face once more.
Mirk eyed her, "What wasss that?"
"I didn't say anything." She rolled over.
Mirk turned back to the tunnel and sat silently. Three halflings ran past the two without noticing them into Rivervale. Valamora propped herself up against the wall and begun to work the rope off her hands. Mirk did not stir or hear Valamora; he was focused in the tunnel, both directions, keeping an eye out for danger.
*****
"These buildings are so tiny!" Lielay laughed as she and Albain stood in front of the Rivervale bank.
"They were made for tiny people." A big barbarian chuckled as he past them and opened the small bank door. He forced his body through the small gap and was inside.
"Well, if that guy could fit in, so can we." Albain stepped up the stairs.
Lielay followed slowly behind him and ducked through the door. The Barbarian was seated on the ground by a counter, his legs were stretched out before him and people had to step over them to pass. Three half-elves, one high elf, two gnomes, and five halflings crowded the low ceiled room. The halfling bankers that stood behind counter ran back and forth getting things and putting some in vaults. The high elf began crawling around on hands and knees; his air element pet bumped into people behind him. Lielay covered her mouth and giggled. She turned her head s that the high elf couldn't see her laugh; she didn't want to be rude.
"Crowded in here, how are you supposed to get around?" Albain asked aloud.
"Crawling." The high elf said.
"Crouching." One half-elf pointed out.
"Or just moving on your stomach." The barbarian patted the floor while laughing.
"Next." A banker said from the left counter.
Lielay took the opportunity and hurried as fast as she could to him. The high elf saw her coming and tried to move out of the way, his pet was bumping and hitting people in the process of following. Lielay took no note to the elf or his pet. Albain saw what was going to happen and yelled at Lielay. She stopped, spun around, and tripped over the high elf. His air element was smashed to the floor as Lielay flew into it. A sickening bang of flesh on marble was heard. Lielay lifted her head and blood filled her eyes, her shaken hand rose and covered her face. Albain sprang over the people in the way and tried to pull Lielay's hands away from her face. She refused to let him and began to shriek loudly from the pain.
"My dear fellow elves I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to trip her like that. Is there anything I could do?" the high elf crouched next to Lielay. The whole room was whispering and looking at Lielay. Her shrieks continued.
"It wasn't your fault. She was just being careless and didn't pay any attention on where she was going." Albain said.
Albain took Lielay's upper arm and pulled her through the crowded room and out the door. Outside, Lielay's cries echoed in the small town. Albain covered her mouth to soften the tremendous noise she was making. He steered her past small shops and buildings to the end of a small dock. The water shimmered clear and little fish poked their heads out of the cool pond to study the elves. Albain cupped his hands and filled them with the cold water.
"Lielay you're going to have to lower your hands so I can clean your wound."
Slowly, Lielay took her hands off her face. Blood pools had formed in her hands and bloodstains covered her tunic and pants. Little skin showed under all the blood that fell down from her head wound. Albain splashed the water on her face and cupped his hands again. He cleaned her face, neck, hands, and arms from all the blood that covered her and pulled some bandages from one of his packs and began to wrap it around Lielay's head. The water had blood splats in it and the fish swam around the blood and jumped away. Lielay sniffled and put her hands back up to cover her face.
"You don't have to hide, Lielay." Albain smiled.
"Yes I do! I look horrible and I feel horrible!" she whined, "Leave me alone and finish your shopping. I need to rest and I want to rest here."
"Knock it off Lielay, you're coming with me."
"No! I told you I'm staying here." She crossed her arms and stomped her foot.
"Fine act like a child. Stubborn female." Albain heaved his packs up and walked off.
"Pig head." Lielay snorted while taking off the new bandages that were wrapped around her head.
She glared after Albain until he walked around a tall building and was gone. Unlacing her soft leather boots, Lielay dipped her tired feet into the refreshing water. Little fish came up and nibbled her toes. Lielay giggled and swung her feet around; the fish scattered and watched her toes from a distance. A shadow casted a dark spot over the water, blocking all light to the fish below, Lielay shielded her eyes from the sun and turned around. The high elf from the bank, the one that ripped her, stood smiling down on her. His pet bobbed in the air like a child's kite and watched its master closely.
"That gash looks painful. I'm very sorry M'lady." He bowed.
"Oh, it was all my fault." Lielay touched the wound and winched.
"I am called Kanoldar, and you are, M'lady?"
"Lielay."
"Well met Lielay." He bent down and kissed her hand.
"As to you too." Lielay bowed her head.
The air element zoomed into Kanoldar for some unexpected reason and bumped him hard. Kanoldar stumbled forward, knocking Lielay off the dock. Lielay was in the water and was stunned; at first she didn't know where she was. The fish swam in front of her face and stared. Lielay felt dizzy and looked up, she kicked her feet and propelled herself above the water. Kanoldar reached out and pulled Lielay back up to the dock. She stood dripping water, shivering, and glaring at the element on the tip of the dock.
"I'm very sorry again Lielay. It's this pet that's always doing something wrong." He reached into his bag, pulled out a bear pelt, and put it around Lielay.
"You should get rid of that thing." Lielay shivered.
"I know, but I can't, it helps me out a lot." He shrugged.
"Reminds me of Albain." Her brows furrowed.
"Who's that?" Kanoldar asked.
"That other wood elf that was here." She waved her hand aimlessly.
"Oh... Where is he anyway? If I were your companion, I would not leave you alone." He blushed.
"Shopping for his druid supplies. I mean he could have gotten them at Kelethin when we were there." Lielay laughed.
"Is Kelethin as wonderful as people say?" he blurted out.
"Depends on who's saying it, but yes it, is the most wonderful place ever.." the thought of Caleb swarmed her head again. She turned away and tears fell.
Kanoldar didn't notice for he was looking at the sky smiling, "Kelethin. I would like to go there some time."
"It's so close to Felwithe, not a long walk." Lielay said.
"Yes I know, but. I'm exiled from Felwithe."
"How?"
"I do not wish to speak about it." He face turned grim.
*****
The shadows of night crept over Rivervale and Mirk and Valamora in the tunnel. Valamora has been working off her ropes for the past hour or so and was close to freedom. Mirk still crouched by the wall with his tail twitching. A rush of elves, halflings, and others who didn't want to be caught in Kithicor at night rushed into the tunnel. Mirk pressed himself close to Valamora and hid them in the dark shadows. The rope on Valamora wrist twisted off and her hands were free. She smiled evilly and waited for the right moment.
"I don't think anymore people will be coming." He hissed.
"Me either." Valamora smirked.
"You've been quiet sssince Albain and Lielay left. What have you been doing?" he pulled his wooden staff closer to his clawed feet.
"Nothing. Why do you accuse me for everything I do?"
"Becaussse you are alwaysss getting into trouble." He snickered.
"You're very rude. Now watch the tunnel." She nodded her head.
"You jussst keep quiet."
Valamora smiled and scooted away. The ropes were left in a pile and she stood. She walked behind Mirk and tapped him on the shoulder. He spun around and gaped at her. She raised her fist and threw it into his face. Mirk was out cold and Valamora dragged him over into a corner. She picked up the rope and tied his feet and wrists together. The evil smile was back, she patted Mirk's head. Her hand ran across one of his horns and enclosed. With a very hard jerk the horn popped off and blood splattered the wall, the floor, and Valamora.
"I told you I would rip off your horns, but I'll only take one for now." She pocketed the horn and vanished in the dark with ease.
*****
Lielay sat next to the fire with Kanoldar and pulled the blanket around her shoulders more closely. She was now dressed in clean and dry clothes since she had blood and water drenching her last pair. Albain hadn't come back yet, so Lielay went with Kanoldar to the tavern. Kanoldar had placed his pet away from the fire and Lielay for he didn't want any more trouble. He sat smoking his pipe and staring into the flames. The tavern door opened and a rush of elves came in chattering. Lielay looked for Albain, but he wasn't there.
*****
Mirk woke up with a heavy throbbing on his head; the pain was intense. He began to reach his hand up, but the ropes stopped him. His eyes widened and he looked for Valamora, she was nowhere and he was now the victim. He squinted his eyes and peered around, he was still in the tunnel. Something on the wall caught his attention and he looked closer. It was blood, his blood. It was then that he felt the dried blood on his head and down his face. He moaned and the pounding wound burned more.
"Ssshe did it, ssshe really ripped off my horn. Ssshe'll pay for thisss!" Mirk moaned again.
Albain rushed into Mirk's view and stopped, searching for something. Yelling Albain's name, Mirk rolled over a few feet to get the elf to notice him. Albain crouched next to the iksar and stared at the newly torn flesh on top of Mirk's head where one of hid horns used to be. Pulling out his dagger, Albain cut the ropes that bound Mirk and helped him up.
"Valamora hasss vanissshed ssshe hasss one of my hornsss too. The pain isss unbelievable!" Mirk leaned against the stone wall of the tunnel.
"She took it? How?" he looked at Mirk's head, "Nevermind. Have you seen Lielay? Has she come out here?"
"No sssign of her here, unless ssshe came when I was unconsssciousss."
"She is missing." Albain said.
"Are you sssure? Have you sssearched everywhere? The whole village?" Mirk took some cloth out of his robe and wrapped his head.
"No, but she said that she was going to wait and rest where I left her. She told me so and now she's gone!" Albain almost screamed.
"Go back in and look for her." Mirk pushed Albain towards Rivervale.
"Will you be OK? Want me to heal you?"
"No. It'sss fine. Jussst go."
Albain paused only for a second before he ran back in to Rivervale. Mirk tended to his head and eyed out the tunnel for Valamora. She would be back, but this time she would bring her "friends" with her. Mirk waited for her, he was going to be ready and prepared this time. This time, he thought, I won't be pushed around; I'll take some action and fight back. His eyes grew dark and turned into little evil slits instead of his wide eyes, very odd for an iksar anyway.
*****
Still blowing smoke rings and mumbling towards the fire, Kanoldar sat relaxed in a cushioned chair. Growing more bored by the second, Lielay squirmed around the room looking for something to do. Outside, it got darker and thunder broke the silence. Clouds covered the moon and all that produced light were the candles and small fireplaces here and there. Heavy rain pounded the windows and the roof, the noise increased as hail began to fall. Lielay was propped against the window looking out into the black abyss. Nothing could be seen, even if it was a foot in front of the window. But somewhere out there in the dark stumbled Albain.
"Quite a storm we're having. Well, I'm off to get some rest. Remember to pick up your keys for your rooms when you plan to go to bed too. They are on the counter." The tavern owner said kindly and walked up the small steps.
"If this weather keeps up this town will be underwater." Kanoldar finally said.
"The little lake they have will probably overflow." Lielay laughed.
"So, when will your elf friend join us?" Kanoldar put his pipe out.
"Albain? He's out there like a blind orc lost in Greater Faydark."
"Is he your husband or something?"
"No, not my husband. He's more like a very close friend, most of the time. The rest of the time he's just an ass." Lielay sighed.
"I had a love like that once, but we went our different ways. Actually she left me."
"I'm sorry about that. I was married once, but disaster stuck and my once beloved husband passed away. As did my little son." She began to cry, "I never should have brought him to Freeport! I should have left Caleb in Kelethin with Joshua and Birria!"
"Calm down Lielay. Who and what are you talking about?" he crossed the room and put his arm around Lielay.
The tavern door was thrusted open and rain poured in. Albain bolted in and quickly shut the door behind him. Lielay screamed at the sudden burst of noise and surprise. Albain turned and saw the high elf fondling Lielay. He glowered at Kanoldar and rushed over. He threw Kanoldar's arm off of Lielay and pulled him up by his robes. The air element had been blown behind the counter when Albain rushed in, but it showed no sign of wanting to help its master.
"What are you doing with her?" Albain shook the bigger elf.
"What I was doing was comforting her since you don't have the common decency of doing that, now would you!?" Kanoldar grabbed Albain's hands and threw them off.
The door swung open and Lielay was gone. Albain ran to the door and shouted for her, nothing was heard or seen. The rain grew worse and lightning struck a nearby building, the roof caught fire and the inhabitants of the building came out screaming. Everywhere lanterns were lit and halflings ran out to help. Albain looked around for Lielay but she was nowhere. A scream rang out and a group of halflings surrounded something. Albain left the doorway and ran over, he peered above all the heads to see what was in the middle. A female halfling was struggling and trying to run to the burning house. She was raving.
"My baby is still in there! Let me go! I must save him!" she shouted.
A halfling dressed in a coat of chain mail sped towards the door and bravely entered. The female was still going crazy as the group tried to control her. The halfling inside didn't show, and time was growing short. Albain hesitated before he too ran to the burning door. He ducked into the small gap and looked around. The flames jumped into his face and the fumes surrounded him. He heard the baby cry from somewhere ahead. Albain stumbled through the room and into the next. In a small crib lay the frightened babe. The rescue halfling was lying on the ground next to it. Albain coughed and picked up the small child. He then picked up the other halfling in his other arm and started to the door. Part of the roof fell and blocked the door. More smoke filled the room; Albain covered the baby with his tunic. Franticly Albain searched the room for another door. There was no windows or any other door. He ran to the wall and began to kick with all his strength that he could muster. The wall started to crumble and he continued. Finally, the wall fell and Albain jumped out into the rain. Flames enveloped the opening once Albain flew out, the rest of the roof caved in.
"My baby! He saved my baby!" the female kicked the shin of the halfling that held her and ran to Albain.
Albain fell to his knees and he dropped the halfling wearing the heavy armor. The mother halfling took her baby out of Albain's arms and cradled it in her own. Some more halflings tended to the unconscious halfling and others went straight to Albain. Albain coughed and coughed as if something was stuck in his throat. His face and body was covered in ash and one of his pant legs was burning.
*****
Lielay ran into the tunnel as she heard the scream. She still didn't stop, she still ran. Right into Mirk's arms she did. "Whoa ssslow down Lielay. What'sss wrong? Where'sss Albain and what wasss that ssscream?" he held her arm.
"I don't know and I don't care! Let me go! Now!" she wrenched her arm away from his grip.
"Wait, don't go out there! Valamora has escape and ssshe'll be back with her gang."
"She wont be back for a while, so goodbye!" she shouted.
"Yesss ssshe will! Ssshe movesss fassst and..."
"Well, I move faster, now if you don't mind I'm going!" with that she ran into the darkness.
"And Kithicor isss very dangeroussss at night." He sighed.
*****
Valamora ran through the Commonlands as fast as the wind, her legs never grew tired. Her slender body dodged and avoided trees. She ran the back trail that only the dark races used otherwise the guards would kill them. Into the Nektulos forest she ran as the darkness grew, she had been running for hours. Over the bridge, Valamora flew past all the patrolling guards. All the guards in the forest knew her very well, for things that will not be mentioned, except that she got to friendly with each one. Finally, she was at the tunnel to the city of Neriak. To the Third Gate part of the city she went, to the Maiden's Fancy where she knew her male friends would be. Through the bar's door she went and fell into a chair next to one of her elven friends.
"What is it this time Valamora? You need money?" one said. The group consisted of five male elves, Valamora, and some heavily perfumed whores.
"Get.. rid of your.. little friends first." She panted. The entertainers left and all the elves moved in their chairs.
"What?" the elf on her right asked.
"I need your help. Mirk has turned soft and he had me captive. I have one of his horns but I'm still not satisfied. You see, he is now buddies with these two loser wood elves and I want to get them too because one rooted my legs and shocked me with lightning."
"Why? What did you do?"
"What do you think I was doing?! Your so dull headed Durk." Durk, the elf on her right glared.
"So, what do you have in mind?" the elf across her asked.
"I have a special plan for each of you." Her evil smile spread across her face once more.
