"Wintrel Elves are very different from normal human beings. The first distinction is their physical appearance. They are generally slim. There is no sight in history of one weighing over 130 lbs. Their ears are pointy and long, giving them the ability to hear small and far sounds. And their eyes show a lot more emotion than humans' eyes. Their inert intelligence makes them a very clever and exalted race. They learn what is all there is to know, and know what is all there is to learn. Their life span is incredible. While a human is an average 80 years old, elves can live to be 1500. Some have lived to the age of 3000. But their natural magic is what sets them apart from humans entirely. They have created so many mystic items and spells that they are virtually capable of taking over the entire world without even trying.
"But they are not that type of people. Wintrel elves are peaceful and caring. They would not harm any living creature without reason, but if threatened, they can become fierce competitors. However, no one can threaten them as they live in remote areas all around the world where they shut themselves off from the rest of the world. They do not wish to have any relationships with any outsiders. Why? Some say that the history between Wintrel elves and humans is not a pleasant one. But whatever it is, it is one of the many secrets that their race withhold from the world."
Vex finishes his description of the Wintrel elves with Sora, Donald, and Goofy wowing over the race's outstanding features.
But Sora becomes less euthusiatic. "If they do not welcome outsiders, then how are we going to ask for their help?"
Vex replies:"Well, the Wintrel elves in Wintrel Forest are different. Different because their leader is more understanding. Years ago, their leader actually met with the mayor of Raseia City to negotiate some trade pact. So I figured that maybe they'll be friendlier than most of their race."
"Sounds reasonable."
Donald interrupts:"Let's just get there already. We'll see what happens once we're there."
Sora frowns at his duck partner. The red and black gummi ship flies through the blue skies toward Wintrel Forest, which was beginning to come into view as they neared it. But what they did not expect was the size of this place as they came over a hill. The treetops created a collage of green tints and shades that showed the depths present throughout the forest. What was not present was any sign of civilization.
"They live within the deepness of the forest," Vex says. "They are very concerned about nature. They do not want to do anything to harm the natural world, which is why their living methods are somewhat primitive to ours."
They soon reach the entrance of the forest, although there was no physical entrance, and descend onto the ground. They exit the ship and face the forest for which where the elves dwelled. They stared at it for a while.
Goofy finally speaks:"Well, I suppose we should get going into that there forest."
"Yeeaah," Sora answers. "Let's go."
Vex scratches his head and says:"You first."
Donald squenches his eyes at the boy. "So, why did you come again?"
They soon summon up the courage to go in together. What they thought would be a dark interior is actually a beautiful workmanship of trees, flowery, and sunlight, although it is wrong to say it is man-made. Their doubts about the elves began to fade away as they walked deeper into the forest. How could anyone break up such a lovely scene? They soon come upon a statue of a Wintrel elf wielding a bow and arrow. His hair was long and his wear was of a warrior, with body armor and a cape. And the arrow had the wings that resembled an angel's wings. On the nameplate below it says:" Orion."
"Orion," Sora repeats. "Who is he, Vex?"
Vex responds:" I don't know. He looks important, though."
"Uh huh," Goofy replies.
Wssh!
An arrow flies past Sora's face and imbeds itself in a tree behind him. They turn around quickly to look at the projectile before looking back forward.
"Where did that come from," Sora says quickly.
His keyblade was already in his hand, ready to be used. Goofy and Donald spawn their weapons, too. Vex follows after, spawning his Moon Key into the grip of his hand, an experience that was still new, yet intriguing. But this time, his keyblade did not glow like it did back in Elward Town. Figures appear in front of them from the shadows of the forest walking slowly toward them from different directions. They were wielding a bow with an arrow ready to be fired. They wore white capes with green tunics. Although they wore different hairstyles, they shared the same hair color of white and gold. The group look behind them to find more of the attackers inching their way closer. They were surrounding them.
"Are they…" Sora starts.
"That's right," Vex answers. "Wintrel elves."
The elves stop once they create a complete circle around the four. Their arrows begin to make Goofy nervous, and Donald's knees can be seen shaking. Sora and Vex express no fear, as they are ready to strike when it is time. One of the elves finally speak.
"Who are you? State your business in our forest!"
The elf's tone made Goofy even more nervous. He soon yelps and bows into a surrender position to them.
"We give. Please, don't hurt us, Mr. Elf. We're only here to ask for your help."
Donald slaps his hand across his face in embarrassment.
"Our help," the elf repeats.
The group relaxes. Sora answers:"Yes, that's correct."
"Who are you?"
Vex responds:" We're from Raseia City. We have come for your help. There's a force threatening the world and we need to know its source."
The elves begin to talk amongst themselves before the lead elf replies:" If there was a dark force threatening our land, Madame Everstien would have already known."
"Huh? Who's Madame Everstien?"
"She is our faithful leader. She has led us into a life of prosperity inside and outside our wonderous forest. We owe our lives to her."
"Is it okay for us to see her," Sora asks.
The elves look at each other as they come to consider this.
"You may come. You four do not seem like a threat to us."
"Hey," Donald quacks being insulted by that remark.
They follow the elves through the forest. They come to a white gate anchored by two trees at the side that glowed with a mystic light. The lead elf directs his hand out forward and chants a phrase, having the entranceway open up. They walk in. The four are greeted by little buildings of marble that had elegant designs with some type of ornament at the entrance of each. One is a statue. Another is a set of pillars with rose vines swirling up them. The elves stop with one of them pointing his finger toward the largest building. It had two statues with the image of the "Orion" figure once again.
"Madame Everstien awaits your presence inside."
"Huh? How's that," Goofy asks bewildered.
"She knows you are here. She knew you were here once you stepped into this forest."
"Creepy," Vex replies.
"Please, do not do anything foolish in her presence."
"We won't," Sora responds. "Let's go, guys."
They walk up to the main building and open the double doors. Standing inside are two elves in white cloaks standing beside another set of double doors. When the four approach them, the elves open the doors into another room much larger than the previous. When they walk inside, the doors are closed behind them. But what is more important laid in front of them. A few feet away sat their leader Madame Everstien with an elf at her left. She wore a light blue cloak over a white garnet dressed down with gold lining. Her white crown sat atop her long black hair with bangs of gold going down the side of her face. She held in her right hand a staff with the head of a gold griffin and wore a ring layered by three green jewels on her left.
The four did not know what to say or do.
"Welcome," Madame Everstien says. "Welcome to our forest home."
Sora says:" Umm…thank you, Ms….Madame Everstien."
"So, I hear that you have come for my help, yes?"
"That's right," Vex answers. "It is very important."
"Then speak, my guests."
Sora steps forward. "Madame, there are creatures of darkness that have appeared called the Heartless."
"The Heartless?"
"That's right. These things are appearing in unlimited numbers and are very powerful."
"They already destroyed my home, Elward," Vex says after.
"We've been fighting them for a long time trying our best to stop them, yet they keep on appearing. We thought we ended it when we defeated the Heartless leader, but they still exist."
"So we need your help to find out the source of them in the land," Vex says.
Everstien slightly grips her chin with her left hand.
She replies:" This is an unusual event to us. These Heartless…are you sure they cannot be stopped?"
Sora responds:"We can stop them from spawning by finding the gateway they are using. It may be a keyhole, gateways they've used before, but we're not sure. Do you think you can help us?"
Madame Everstien stands to her feet and walks over to a window to her right. She places her hand upon the glass and stares out into the forest.
She finally says:" I have been sensing a strange energy coming from the deep parts of the forest known as Wintrel Wailings. It is a dark part of the forest where sounds of wailing can be heard swarming throughout the air. Usually, the sound does reach as far as our home…but lately, that has changed. We can now hear these wailings and believe me…they are not pleasant. I have sent four of some of my best men out to investigate this disturbance. However…they have not returned for three days. Whatever is within the shadows of that place is most likely not of this world. It is most likely these Heartless you speak of."
Sora nods his head. "We will go see about this, right, guys?"
The three look around replying hesitately:"Yeeaah. We will."
Everstien puts a smile upon her face.
"That would be most appreciated. I sense a good deal of courage within you four."
"Yeah, courage," Donald says worriedly.
"Will you like some of my men to accompany you?"
"That won't be neccesary," Sora replies. "I'm sure we can do this on our own."
Vex leans over to Sora. "Sora, I think you should reconsider."
Sora whispers back:"We do not need to bring anyone else into this. It will endanger their lives even more."
"I beg to differ," Madame Everstien replies.
"Oh yeah, the ears," Sora responds. "Do not worry, Ms. Everstien. We'll take care of this."
"Then, you have my best wishes. Sonmar!"
The elf that led the attack group earlier walks in, his long braid easily moving to the slightest change in direction.
"Yes, Madame," he answers.
"Escort these four to the entrance of Wintrel Wailings."
Sonmar bows and gestures for them to follow him. After some walking through the rest of their village, they pass through another white gate and return to the natural part of the forest. As they proceed further, the sun's rays begin to dim as the treetops begin to become thicker and thicker. The vegetation was becoming less pleasant and more creepy with dark colored flowery and dark barked trees. Even the barks upon the trees started to look wickier. Sonmar stops them at two pillars that had the emblems of two cat-like animals.
"This is it. After you pass through here, you will be in Wintrel Wailings."
Suddenly, the wind picks up as a long, hair-raising howl blows through the air. The wailing had the four quickly bundle together in fear. Sonmar was unaffected.
"This is bad. The wailing has become louder…and stronger. It holds a dark presence that I cannot make out. My senses tell me to run…but I cannot because I am too afraid to move. Are you sure you guys still want to go in?"
Sora arches up one eyebrow. "Wait a minute. Are you trying to scare us?"
"Yes…and no. Just wanted to see if you will reconsider. Be careful."
Sonmar turns around and walks past them back toward the village leaving them alone. They stare at the two pillars with wonder of what lied ahead. Goofy's teeth chatter start to freak Donald out, who jumps up with a yelp onto Sora's face. The keyblade master manages to pull his duck friend off and steps forward.
He responds:"We can't let a little wind scare us, right?"
Vex replies:"I think it already has done that."
"Yeah," Goofy says.
"Come on, guys," Sora responds. "We've been through worse things. We can't let this defeat us."
Sora starts in before Donald runs to his side, followed by Goofy. Vex stood behind hesitating.
"Come on, Vex. You've come too far to turn around. Let's do this."
Vex nods and runs forward as they enter through the brush into Wintrel Wailings. The wailing dies down but soon picks back up, having the group on total alert. Soon, a light is seen ahead, having them jog to it quickly. They enter out into an opening where some light was peering through the treetops. This was a good relief for them in such a dim-lighted place.
"Let's rest here," Goofy says, as he lay out on the ground.
Donald kicks him, quacking:"Get up you lazy bum!"
Vex looks around. Sora walks over to him saying:"Are you okay?"
"No. Are you?"
Sora chuckles. "I know how you feel. I remember feeling this way when all this first started."
"How did it start," Vex says facing him."
Sora lowers his head. "There was light. But then that light vanished. My home vanished. That is when it happened. And that is when I got my keyblade."
Vex replies:"Just like me. My home has been taken away from me, but I got a keyblade. See, we're not different."
"Yeah. But after we defeated the man behind our world's destruction, my world returned. But I didn't. I was brought here, instead."
Vex places his hand on Sora's shoulder. "Is that a bad thing? You met me. And you know your friends are here. So, it is meant for you to be here, right?"
"I guess," Sora answers. He couldn't stop thinking about his friend back home. Kairi.
"Sora," Donald exclaims.
Donald points behind them. They turn to see four shadowy figures moving around. They soon become visible. Their eyes glowed with that evil orange glare, but they were different from the ones they encountered in Elward. Matter of fact, they were different from what they ever met before. They were larger versions of the small Heartless. Their legs were slim, yet showed athletism along with their arms. But on their forearms were extensions that were shaped like blades. And their antennas arched and extened all the way to the ground. These Heartless meant buisness. Five more begin to spawn behind them from a portal of darkness. More and more appear to their side and soon from behind. They were beginning to surround the four with great aggression. The four spawn their weapons and get into a back-to-back formation.
"I've never seen these Heartless before," Vex says.
"Me neither," Sora responds.
"So you know nothing about them? We're doomed."
"We can take them. As long as we work together."
The Heartless suddenly screech and jump one by one at them.
"Brace yourself," Sora yells.