Chapter Two
Travex sat alone in the clearing, cross-legged. A simple robe was all she wore, light enough to not be restrictive.
Her eyes snapped open and she came to her feet in a single fluid movement. As if from nowhere, her fist shot out, tracing a perfect punch in empty air. She advanced, as light and as nimble as only an elven ranger could, striking out in a left-right-left-spin kick-reverse direction-kick, and stopped there. The reverse kick, the most difficult move in the ranger martial dance was wobbly.
She'd performed this with perfect precision many times before, in fact, every morning. But she hadn't slept a wink for three days running. Every single time she dropped into slumber, the dreams would plague her. She'd be flat on her back, the breath knocked out of her as three ghouls leapt at her, seeing but flesh to sate their monstrous hunger. Then the agonies would rush through her body along with wet, tearing sounds as the undead ripped her open. And then, she would relive her horrific disemboweling all over again. Only then, would she wake, tossing, back safely but totally exhausted. In fact, sleep was more of a drain than the waking world for her.
I am going insane. Some spell has been set on me. That evil must not have me. There is only one last thing I can try.
At the foot of the great Tree of Life, there was a spring. Originally, in eons past, the spring had been but a natural feature. However, as the roots of the Tree penetrated the underground water chamber, the raw pulsing energies permeating the woody roots caused a radical transformation. The crystal clear waters now sparkled with vitality and the liquid was now a potent restorative and a powerful magical component. Somehow wounds and afflictions healed faster and spells had their effects enhanced in some way when water from the spring was used.
The elves called the place "The Fountain of Restoration" and set guards on it to prevent overuse and theft of this valuable resource. All who drew the water must be a full priestess of Elune or bear a token from one such, signifying approval.
The trio of guards spotted someone making his way up the gently sloping path that led to the fountain. He, no, she was lightly robed, though not in the usual garb of a temple acolyte. In any case, none of the guards mistook her for anyone else once the elven female turned up the final incline. This couldn't be anyone else but Travex, for she had trained most of the guards of this place.
Aranil approached his onetime weapons-mistress, hand on hilt as proper for a guard on challenge, though she could probably beat him senseless with but a stick against his sword.
"Lady Ranger, your token?" he inclined his head politely, never once taking his eyes off her.
"Here, Aranil, from Priestess Aenirva. I'm not drawing any water. I'm taking a swim so I'll need somewhere to disrobe." Travex, replied, handing over the sculpted stone token. Aranil raised an eyebrow, for a swim in the restorative spring was a treatment of last resort for the insane or unbalanced. And they usually had to be lobbed in. For what conceivable purpose could Travex require such a treatment? Nevertheless, he released his grip on the hilt of his weapon and indicated a particularly lush bush just beside the water.
Once behind the bush, Travex quickly shrugged off the robe. She wore nothing underneath. Turning, she vaulted directly into the pool, making hardly a splash. As sleek as a fish, she swam to the far end of the pool, but shot a glance back before turning... and met the gaze of the two guards squarely for a moment before they hastily turned away, flushing in embarrassment at having been caught.
Lazily, she glided back towards the bush, knowing that those two erring guards would dare to stare at her again, for fear of the consequences of being caught a second time. The cool water seemed to invigorate her, washing the fatigue from her mind. Climbing out of the water, Travex darted another glace at the two, who had their backs turned.
At least they had the sense not to try that again!
Putting on her robes, she walked out from behind the bush, away from the spring. The pair of elves on guard suddenly found Travex in front of them, eyebrows arched sardonically. By the goddess, she could move fast! The elf on the right coughed and looked sheepish, while the other stammered out an apology.
And who was the last human who didn't believe elves could stammer? To them, we seem like ethereal, lofty folk, but we're exactly the same as everyone else. Well, nearly.
"Uh, Uh, we're sorry, Lady."
"Try to be watchful for things that concern you, yes?" she replied mildly, quirking the corner of her mouth. She turned to leave, but before she had taken more than five steps, the other elf blurted out, "You're very beautiful, my Lady."
And I wish that human had heard this cheeky reply.
Travex chuckled at his cheek, which apparently seemed to make the pair slightly less nervous. She made her way out of the little grove and back to her private little clearing. Although her mind felt a lot clearer now, the weight of three sleepless nights bore down on her like the mightest spell in an archmage's arsenal. She lay down on the soft grass, and within moments, was fast asleep.
No dreams haunted her slumber.
