Overlords of the Elven Dominion

by Azure Seriu

After twelve years the popular DMMORPG Yggdrasil is shutting down it's servers. In its last minutes members of the Elf only guild Tears Of Elvhenan say good bye to the game they love. (Still Working on story rewrites and reworks. New chapter is a rework and new direction. Ains and co still coming...)

6. The New Lord Of The Mountain

Evunial Vas Elvhenan:

Has short silver and blue hair, With heterochromic eyes. His left is gold like his brother's and the other like Shining Sapphire. He is wearing a shimmering white and gold armor. His chest piece is not covered by his white hooded fur overcoat.

Izunia

This dark elf has short dark gray hair and red eyes. She is clad in her form fitting hooded blue and white rogue armor set with gold accents complete with gauntlets, grieves and a gold embroidered white cape with fur of a white lion on its collar and shoulder.

Pirotess

A Stunning dark she-elf. This woman has long white hair that reaches down to her lower back, piercing honey colored eyes and wears a revealing white battle dress with an opening down the middle starting just above her chest and ending at her navel. She also has white gloves and boots with a rapier straped to her belt. And wears an assortment of jewellery including a gold tiara and arm band.

Naris ShadowBlade

This Dark Elf has a deadly and foreboding air about him. He wears closefitting jagged black armor with a hooded dark purple cloak and matching sash on the front of his belt. The lower part of his face id covered by a menacing skull mask reveling only his cold gray eyes

Eltharion

This High elf has a strong and noble air about him. He has pale skin, long silvery hair and dark blue eyes. His ruby incrested silver and gold armor gleams like star light

Ariel

This beautiful elven mage has long light orange hair, light green eyes and sun kissed skin which id covered in beautiful and intricate tattoos. Her clothes seem to be made from leaves and branches and shows off her shapely figure.

Deep in The Snowy Eastern Mountains

The morning sun shined through the clouds over the snowy eastern mountains as the sounds of construction echoed through the valley below the fortress. Elves, Trolls, and men toiled tirelessly rebuilding walls and towers as they worked to turn the once-ruined fort into a beacon of power in the mountains.

In the training yard, the sound of toil was drowned out by the sound of battle as elves taught trolls and men their ways of war.

Training dummies, archery targets, and weapon racks, all lightly covered in snow lined the walls.

In the center was a circular ring for sparring, The sounds of combat ringing out from it as Izunia and Evunial spared.

Izunia flew back and hit the ground rolling back and catching herself at the edge of the ring. Clad in her form-fitting rogue armor and holding two dull short swords, she took heavy frosted breaths as she wiped the sweat and melted snow from her brow and looked up, back at her opponent.

"Damn It!"

She said with a heavy breath

Evunial stood holding a wooden sword, clad only in his pants and boots, The intricate elvish markings covering his chest, shoulders, and back seemed to shine silver with the snow.

Unaffected by the cold or the fight Evunial simply smiled and spoke.

"It's like I told you Izunia if you can't get one hit in there is no point in you being one of my personal guards. I'm sure we can find another to meet your people's life for a life non-sense..."

Izunia stood up defiantly and rushed Evunial barehanded.

Evunial stood his ground as he threw his wooden sword to the side before raising his hands and getting in stance.

Izunia jumped up and threw a kick to Evunials face which he blocked with ease.

Izunia landed and threw a flurry of punches which Evunial blocked and parried with equal ease as he spoke.

"Your not bad Izunia, but your rushing... When fighting a superior enemy, patients and strategy are key. You must create an opening and take advantage of all weapons in your arsenal. including those fancy arts of yours..."

Izunia then jumped back and spoke.

"You mean Martial Arts?..."

Evunial then replied.

"Yes! Those... Try Hitting me with everything you got.."

Izunia then stood up as she regained her composure.

"Well if you say so..."

She then ran and slid for her dagger and rushed Evunial yet again.

"(《MARTIAL ART: ABILITY BOOST), (RAIN OF STINGS》)

Izunia then quickly closed the distance and swung a barrage of blows with her left blade at Evunial's head which he dodged and parried bare-handed with ease.

"Good, now dodge."

Evunial then raised his right hand and swung down open-handed.

Izunia then spoke again.

《MARTIAL ART:EVASION》

She then jumped back barely avoiding the hand before jumping right and rushing Evunial.

"Too predictable.."

Evunial said as he raised his hand to Izunia without looking at her.

But just before reaching him she then jumped into the air attacking from above.

《MARTIAL ART: TWIN BLADE STRIKE》

"Hmm, better."

Evunial said as Izunia swung both blades downwards in an X.

Evunial then vanished just before Izunia's attack hit.

As Izunia landed in a crouched position she quickly turned to find Evunial behind her.

《MARTIAL ART: FORTRESS》

Izunia yelled as she raised her practice daggers up in defense.

Evunial then smiled and gently karate-chopped the top of Izunia's head.

"Well done Izunia, That's enough for today..."

Evunial then walked to a nearby table and grabbed a wet rag from a bowel of hot water and threw it at Izunia as she protested.

"But I haven't got a hit in yet."

The young elf said as she caught the rag.

Evunial dabbed his shoulders with a wet rag as he replied.

"Safe to say it won't happen today. A good warrior knows when to rest their body... You will get stronger... but it takes time."

Izunia sighed in defeat as she walked over and dipped the rag in the warm water.

"Good, now..."

Before Evunial could finish an Aeanor came up in a hurry and spoke.

"My Lord, please excuse the interruption. But the unit captains are ready for you in the throne room."

Aeanor was in black and red leather armor, The fur of a black lion adorning his left shoulder.

Evunial sighed before speaking.

"Thank you Aeanor, Best to get this over with."

Aeanor then rubbed the back of his head sheepishly

Izunia looked at Evunial confused at his reaction.

"What's wrong?"

Evunial then replied.

"Oh, nothing, I've just never liked this part of the job. Being bowed to just feels weird. My brother has always been better at tradition then me."

Izunia then inquired.

"Your brother. He is the King of your lands right?"

Evunial then replied.

"Yup, High King Azanar..."

Izunia then questioned again as her mood saddened.

"Is he a good king? I've only heard stories of the Elven king here but they tell of a monster in elven skin..."

Evunial then answered as he placed a hand on Izunia's shoulder.

"No one is perfect. But Azanar is nothing like that monster. And I promise we will make him pay for what he's done here."

Izunia looked up at Evunial and spoke.

"If you say it, I believe you. But your the one who saved my life, I serve only you..."

Evunial then blushed slightly at the intensity of Izunia's stare.

"Well I'm honored. But like I said before. You owe me nothing..."

Izunia then quickly rebutted.

"And like I told you. A life saved is a life owed..."

Evunial then sighed in defeat.

"(Man,There's just no getting thru to this girl...)"

He thought as he turned toward the main keep.

"Come on, I've kept them waiting long enough."

He said as he grabbed a white lion pelt cloak of a rack, threw it over his shoulders and started walking walking, Izunia close behind.

Inside the Fortress throne room.

Massive braziers hang from one side of each of the six stone columns lighting up most of the throne hall and bathing it in a dancing glow of orange.

The old stone of the arched ceiling dance in the flickering light while cracked and broken sculptures and stone effigies look down upon the old and worn mahogany floor of this once lavish hall. Years of troll and ogre rule haveing taken its toll.

A torn cobalt rug runs in a circle around the room, with two paths at the throne and the main entrance while barley recognizable rectangular banners with once embellished sides swing gently from the walls.

Between each banner stands several portraits of various sizes, they've all been lit and in turn illuminate the faded depictions of previous denizens.

Huge windows are concealed by old curtains colored the same faded cobalt as the banners. The curtains showing evidence of haveing once been adorned with impressive needlework and fancy tassels.

And at its head an old yet still regal throne of stone sits amidst two large broken statues, whatever creatures they once depicted lost to time.

Off to the side of the throne Izunia stood next to Aeanor in awe of the host of noble elves that filled the room and at the forefront of them all three Beautiful elven Lords standing before Evunial.

Evunial leaned forward in his stone throne trying to hide his boredom as the First of his generals stepped forward and spoke in elven tongue. Her voice poised and clear.

"Hir Evunial Vas Elvanhan, Proct-o Lokelonde, thilivern raw -o i mithril hills, Syer -o i gaya lúg, hir ar gon, nin cóon."

("Lord Evunial Vas Elvanhan, Bulwork of Lokelonde, White lion of the Silver hills, Slayer of the Dread Dragon, Lord High Commander, My Prince...")

A Stunning dark she-elf. The woman had long white hair that reached down to her lower back and piercing honey-colored eyes. She wore a open white fur cloak over revealing a white battle dress with an opening down the middle starting just above her chest and ending at her navel.

She also had white gloves and boots with a sword strapped to her belt. She had an assortment of jewelry, including a gold tiara and armband. The dark elf then kneeled with grace before continuing.

"Im, Pirotess Telunún, gwest- uireb fealtui a loyaltui na Lokelonde, ar aran plual erain or erein Azanar a mín peless ar gon."

("I, Pirotess Telunún, swear eternal fealty and loyalty to Lokelonde, High King Azanar and Our peerless High Commander.")

Izunia leaned over toward Aeanor and whispered.

"What is she saying?"

Aeanor then leaned slightly and replied in a whisper.

"She is simply calling our lord by a few of his many titles and swearing her eternal loyalty and so on and so forth..."

Izunia then leaned back as she nodded in understanding.

She then sheepishly leaned back in and whispered.

"Who is she?.."

Aeanor raised an eye brow as he replied.

"She is Pirotess Lúmëdae, Mistress of the Dusklands, Leader of the Duskborn Knights, Master strategist and wife to the Legendary Xehanort, Grand advisor to the High King."

Izunia watched as elven beauty kneeled waiting for Evunial's reply.

Evunial then raised his hand and spoke.

"Orth- elove a ped- in i omon lammen so i mín neth nin heni-."

("Raise beloved and speak in the common tongue so that the young my understand.")

Pirotess stood up and spoke.

"Of course my prince. I pledge all the warriors of House Telunún to you and the glory of Loklonde."

Pirotess then bowed and took a step back.

The second elf then stepped forward.

He had pale skin, silvery hair, and dark blue eyes. His ruby incrested silver and gold armor gleamed as it peaked through from under a white lion fur cloak.

Before Izunia could ask Aeanor leaned in and spoke.

"The Noble and Fierce Eltharion, Captain of the Lions, guard. The most skilled warriors of Lokelonde and Lord Evunial's personal guard."

Eltharion placed a hand on his chest and knelt before speaking with conviction.

"I Eltharion and The Lion's Pride stand with you now and forever, My Lord. May the Light of Lokelonde never dim, Its roar never quiet."

The noble elf then stood up and stepped back.

The third elf then stepped forward.

This beautiful She-Elf had long light orange hair, bright green eyes, and sun-kissed skin, which was covered in beautiful and intricate tattoos. A large cloak of leaves and branches that barely covered her shapely figure which seemed to only be obscured by more leaves and branches.

Aeanor then spoke again.

"Ah, the bewitching Lady Ariel Oialen, Leader of our Archmagus and the Emerald Knights. The foremost expert of the magical arts, She is one of Lokelonde's most powerful mages and..."

The Beautiful elf then spoke her voice soft and sultry like velvet.

"I, Ariel Lady of the Emerald Dales, Pledge my self, mind, body, and soul to you, my lord, to do with however you see fit, as well as all those under my command."

Ariel then looked up at Evunial as she continued.

"May my mind be your weapon, my soul carry your purpose, and may my body..."

Arial's heavy breathing got louder and louder as she stared into Evunial's eyes before pouncing forward toward Evunial only to be grabbed by Pirotess and dragged back in line.

"Enough of that Ariel... have some tact."

Aeanor then spoke finishing Ariel's introduction.

"She is madly in love with Lord Evunial..."

Izunia then replied slightly surprised by the elven maiden's outburst.

"I see..."

Aeanor then spoke his voice cold and stern.

"And for the fourth and final captain."

Izunia then looked around confused.

"Fourth? But there are only three elves before Evunial..."

Aeanor then leaned over and spoke.

"Hmm, Are you sure?..."

Izunia then looked back and was shocked to see a pair of deep red eyes staring at her from mere inches away as if he had appeared out of thin air.

Izunia felt a wholly different aura from this man. Dark and menacing. This Elf had a deadly and foreboding air about him.

He was wearing closefitting jagged black armor with a hooded heavy gray dire wolf cloak over it and a dark purple sash on the front of his belt.

The lower part of his face was covered by a menacing skull mask revealing only his pale skin and cold red eyes which carefully looked over Izunia.

Izunia shivered as his cold stare locked every muscle in her body.

Aeanor then placed a hand on Izunia and spoke.

"Naris Shadowblade, captain of the elimination corps and our resident pessimist. Be at ease Izunia he is of no threat to you..."

Naris then slowly and carefully reached out and moved some stray hair from Izunia's face as he looked into her eyes.

His voice was low, cold, and yet inviting.

"You have stunning eyes... eyes that have seen much death..."

Evunial then spoke taking Naris's attention.

"Leave her be Naris..."

Naris then turned his eyes on Evunial and spoke with a bow.

"My apologies, my lord,... I simply shared my presence with our guests. Wouldn't want her thinking you spoke to shadows..."

Evunial then replied.

"And yet you are shadows Naris..."

The dark elf then chuckled as his form seemed to drift into shadow and reform again in front of Evunial. The sound of his laugh was gravelly and almost unnatural from behind his mask.

"True... And I pledge my shadows, daggers, teeth, and claw to the glory of Lokelonde and the death of all her enemies..."

Naris then stepped back and stood amongst his peers.

Evunial then stood up from his throne and stepped forward.

("Ok, speech time. Gotta try and make this good...")

Evunial thought to himself before speaking.

"I thank you all for your loyalty and trust in me."

Evunial began.

"I know not how or why we find ourselves in this new land, But no fear of the unknown holds me for you all stand by my side. And my brother, our King, and the great city of Lokelonde reside somewhere in these lands as well."

Evunial seemed to light up as he spoke of his brother.

"So until we find a way to locate them we will build this mountain fortress into a beacon bright enough to be seen and spoken of the world over. We shall call this Fortress Barad Eithel. High King Azanar knows this name well for it was the first fortress he and I ever took. Once he hears the name he will come to us.

Evunial then looked out to all the elves in attendance.

"Work on the fortress is already underway but I humbly ask for all of your help in this endeavor. And I pledge to be worthy of your loyalty.

All the elves then yelled out.

"ALL HAIL HIGH COMMANDER EVUNIAL!! ALL HAIL LOKELONDE! ALL HAIL BARAD EITHEL!!!!"

Evunial smiled at the elves' reaction before looking at the four elves in front of him.

"And I have one more request for the four of you..."

Pirotess then spoke up.

"Anything my lord..."

Evunial then spoke.

"I lack my brother's wisdom so I ask that you let me lean on you four as my Counsel."

The four elves looked at each other confused before Eltharion spoke up.

"I believe I speak for all when I say it would be an honor beyond words, my lord."

Evunial sighed in relief.

"Thank you all."

The room then yelled out once more.

"ALL HAIL HIGH COMMANDER EVUNIAL!!"

Sometime later in Evunial's newly renovated quarters.

Evunial walked into his room and fell exhausted, into his bed.

("I got through that somehow...")

He thought to himself as felt himself sink into the bed.

Evunial's eyes then shot open and he sat up at the end of his bed. He then brought his right hand up to his face and pinched his cheek hard.

His cheek throbbed for a moment and then settled down.

Evunial then sighed.

("So still not a dream huh?")

Evunial then stood up, walked toward his window, and stared out into the mountains.

("Things have been moving so fast I haven't had a chance to really think about what's going on...")

("Is this some kind of dream where I can't wake myself up? Did I get stuck in some kind of Yggdrasil sequel?")

Evunial's mood darkened as he thought.

("The most likely scenario is that my brain got fried by the full neuro link in some freak glitch when the servers shutdown... which, if the case...")

He then raised his hand up and looked at it.

("As far as afterlives go... It could be worse...")

Evunial then shook the thought from his head.

("What am I thinking?! I am alive! Because if I'm not that would mean that Alexander is...")

("No! He is alive, I know it. And when we find each other we will figure out how to get home...")

Evunial looked out into the mountains once more.

("I know it...")

A few days later

Izunia moved through the halls at a brisk pace. Her short dark gray hair bounced while she walked with a ledger held close to her chest. She was clad in a form-fitting hooded black and white rogue armor set with gold accents complete with gauntlets, grieves, and a gold-embroidered white cape with black fur on its collar.

As she took a corner, her destination came into view. A door with two Elven guards in silver and blue Armor standing on each side. The fur of white lions adorns the left shoulder of both men.

The two guards nodded in acknowledgment as she entered the room. Inside she found Evunial sitting at his desk. His short silver and blue hair glistened in the morning sun's light through the window as the light bounced off the bit of his shimmering white and gold chest piece not covered by his hodded heavy white lion fur overcoat.

He was speaking with the stunning dark she-elf.

Pirotess. Her long white hair glistened in the morning sun. The woman spoke to Evunial with an air of confidence and grace.

"The soldiers you sent out have secured the eastern valley and the northern mountain range with very little resistance. The mages with them report many untouched resources in the latter region."

Evunial then leaned back in his chair before replying.

"That's excellent news, Pirotess. Have them bring back whatever samples they can to Ariel. She will decide on what's best to harvest after that."

Pirotess then spoke.

"I will have your orders relayed...Also, the cave system found under the fortress goes far deeper than our mages anticipated. Still, they believe they are getting close to the source of the magical interference preventing us from long-distance communication."

Evunial then smiled as he spoke.

"That is good to hear. Do they have any idea what it might be?"

Pirotess then answered.

"Only conjecture, according to local lore, this fort was known as the Grand Fortress. And once belonged to a powerful Dwarven King, which would explain the exceptional quality of the building and tunnels. So our best guess is perhaps it's is a powerful Dwarven artifact."

Evunial then thought as he rubbed his chin.

("Hmm, or it could be whatever forced the Dwarves out..."). "Have the men notify me immediately if they make contact with any sentient life. And exercise caution. Their safety comes first."

Pirotess then replied.

"Of course High Commander."

Evunial then spoke again.

"And be sure to tell the mages how much I appreciate their hard work... as I do yours. Your help and advice have been invaluable to the building of our new home. Barad Eithel."

Pirotess then blushed slightly as she spoke.

"Oh... please, my lord...I am but a humble servant of Lokelonde. I may not have the advisory skills of my husband Xehanort, but I will continue to do my best."

Azanar then replied. "And that's more than enough."

Pirotess then bowed and took her to leave, greeting the other dark elf with a smile as she did.

"Morning, Izunia."

Izunia watched, speechless, as the elven beauty left the room. She then spoke under her breath.

"Even the way she leaves a room is cool!"

Azanar chuckled and thought to himself, having heard the young dark elf.

"(Pirotess lúmëdae...First General of Lokelonde's armies and Leader of my elite guard...Damn right, she's cool!)."

He then addressed Izunia as he stood up and came around and leaned backward on his desk.

"Everything alright, Izunia?"

Izunia then shook herself out of her admiration, induced a daze, and spoke.

"Um..oh yes."

She then placed the ledger on the desk and spoke.

"We are about halfway finished taking inventory of the troll's treasure hoard. It is vast...I never thought I would ever see so much gold in one place...and that's not all. There's also fabrics, ores, weapons, and armor."

Evunial then opened the book and started flipping through the pages as he thought.

"(Look at all this...its a fortune!!)"

He then regained his composure before speaking.

"Hmm...makes sense. I'm sure many caravans tried to use these mountains as a shortcut between kingdoms before word got out about the Troll King...Excellent work Izunia with this, we will be able to fund more of our trade routes through the mountains. You have been a great help."

Izunia then blushed a bit before shaking it off and speaking.

"Well, you saved my life. I have to make it of some use to you..."

Evunial then closed the ledger and thought as he looked at Izunia before speaking.

"( Here we go again...) We've been over this, Izunia ...you don't owe me anything."

Izunia then sighed before she replied.

"And like I already told you, the clan law is clear. A life saved..."

Evunial then spoke up.

"Is a life owed...I know."

Izunia then spoke. "Well, good since that's settled. There is something else I wanted to bring to your attention regarding our caravans."

Evunial then walked to a window overlooking the courtyard before replying.

"Go ahead."

Izunia then spoke.

"The villagers who volunteered to take trade supplies to the surrounding villages and settlements have brought back mostly good news, but..."

Evunial then questioned.

"But?"

Izunia then continued.

"But a few of them have reported slave caravans taking elves to and from the village Bellarine which is the trade hub of the mountains. Until now, their trade routes from Baharuth have had to go around the mountains. But now..."

Evunial then spoke.

"Now they can go straight through..."

Izunia nodded.

"Yes... and if they get a foothold here, it will only be a matter of time before they go after the dark elf clans... I have already sent out word, but I still worry for them..."

Izunia then looked down, uneasy.

"I know the clans haven't answered your offer of sanctuary yet, stubborn as they are, but... If slavers secure trade routes, that puts the clans in danger.

Evunial then thought as he watched Aeanor training trolls in the courtyard.

"(Hmmm, With the forces, I was able to summon from Lokelonde and the forces I have in reserve, it shouldn't be too difficult to defend the fortress and deal with this slaver trash...plus it will give me something to do while I wait for communication with Lokelonde to be secured.)"

Evunial then spoke.

"Hmm, It seems it can't be helped...I will go with you myself."

Izunia then spoke,"

"Really? Oh, thank you, my lord! But what about the Fortress?"

Evunial then replied

"Oh, I will just leave it in the capable hands of the Council. I'm sure they won't mind running things while I'm gone.."

In the meeting room.

"I don't like it..."

Pirotess spoke plainly as she and three other elves stood before Evunial in the meeting room as Izunia waited just outside the door.

Pirotess then continued.

"I simply do not think it wise to allow our high commander to go off unprotected even if it is to deal with slaver trash. I say we build up our forces and deal with them after.

Evunial then spoke.

"But these slavers only came to these mountains because I took the fortress from the trolls...I have to take responsibility somehow. Give them something else to fear."

Just then, another voice chimed in cold and smooth...

"Then allow me. My lord. I'll have them jumping at their shadows.."

The Dark Elf Naris spoke with a playful but deadly air about him.

Evunial then thought as he looked at the intimidating elf.

"(Naris Shadowblade, Like the rest of my counsel, his creator xXAenarionXx based him on a character from the Warhammer series.)."

Then Eltharion spoke out, his voice strong and poised.

"And how would we get any information from them once you've turned them into your toys, Shadowblade?"

Eltharion had a strong and noble air about him. His ruby incrested silver and gold armor almost glowed in the light.

("Eltharion captain of the Lion guard. He is one of my favorite NPCs. xXAenarionXx really went all out on him. He just radiates awesome!")

"Oh?.."

Naris began as he pretended to think.

"Just ask them real nice..."

Eltharion scoffed as turned to Evunial.

"You see? We have only just arrived in this land, and he would have us go village to village spreading terror? Send me. I will deal with these slavers without harming the innocent..."

"Innocent!? Hahaha"

Shadowblade laughed.

"Dear Eltharion. As far as I am concerned none of them are innocent."

Eltharion then replied.

"And what of those who have already joined our growing city? Are we to assume their ill intent as well?"

Shadowblade shrugged as he answered.

"Pure convenience... they will show their true colors soon enough. But don't worry, I will put them down so you don't have to sully your pretty sword..."

Eltharion sighed as he retorted.

"And if all we search for is enemies among the humans that is all we will find..."

Shadowblade then replied coldly.

"I doubt our enslaved kin find it very difficult to find their enemy."

Pirotess then looked to the fourth member of the Council and spoke.

"Lady Ariel, surely you agree with not letting our beloved High Commander go without adequate protection."

The beautiful elven mage in question made her way over to Evunial, gracefully as if walking on air, and gently placed a hand on his cheek.

"(Crap! xXAenarionXx thought it would be "cute" if some of our NPCs had love stories. I liked what he did for Xehanort and Pirotess, so I told him to knock himself out. Tho he might have gone overboard with this one...)"

Ariel then spoke.

"Hmm, These slavers cannot be allowed to roam our mountain but we must also build trust and respect through the glory of deeds,"

She then addressed her fellow council members without looking away from Evunial.

"Shadowblade, you speak with such malice for the humans but forget they too sit in chains with our people."

"Tsk" Shadowblade scoffed as Ariel continued.

"Eltharion, I too care for the humans but we cannot let their good blind us to their capacity for deceit and evil."

"Now, As much as I wish our precious High Commander would never leave my sight, He has both the understanding of human nature and the steady hand needed. So I say we let my love go..."

Ariel then stared into Evunial eyes longingly as he tried to pull away before Pirotess spoke up.

"Ahem! Then it's decided. The High Commander will investigate the increase in bandit and slaver activity to build trust with the local villages."

Evunial gently freed himself from Ariel's grasp and spoke, "Don't worry, I will be back before you know it."

Eltharion then spoke up.

"Are you sure you don't want any of our men with you?"

Evunial then replied.

"No. I want the fortress as maned as possible... we still don't know much about this land, so stay ready. I will see the state of the mountain firsthand and decide how to deal with the humans after. If I need of you I will call on you.

The whole room then replied.

"Yes, High Commander!"

As Evunial left the room, Izunia greeted him before she inquired.

"How'd it go?"

Evunial then replied with a smile. "Are you ready to go?"

Izunia then smiled before answering.

"Yes! I just gotta grab a few things."

Evunial then replied.

"Ok, meet me at the stables when you are ready..."

Izunia then nodded her head and ran off.

Evunial smiled as he watched the girl run off.

He then noticed Aenor and Calagon greet Izunia as walked up the hallway toward him.

The duo stepped in front of Evunial and bowed before Aenor spoke.

"I take it from Izunia's stride that you convinced the council..."

Evunial then replied

"Of course... As you know, I can be very convincing..."

Aenor then spoke with a straight face.

"Lady Ariel convinced them didn't she?..."

Evunial then sighed in defeat.

"Yeah... But I did make a very compelling argument."

Calagon then spoke matter ofactly.

"Of course, you did my lord."

Evunial looked at Calagon who had a sincere smile before speaking.

"Yes, well anyway. I have a mission for you two..."

Calagon and Aenor then leaned in to hear their lord's request.

Outside Near the stables.

Izunia, now carrying a pack of supplies, approached the stables as Evunial existed them while holding the reigns of a beautiful saddled elk. The Stagg was snow-white, almost silver with massive antlers and blue markings painted all over its fur.

Izunia gasped before speaking.

"Oh, Evunial! He's beautiful..."

Evunial then smiled before speaking.

"Thanks. His name is Arion. He is a War Halla Lord."

Izunia then ran up and began petting Arion before she spoke.

"Hello, Arion, it's nice to meet you."

The Stagg pressed against her touch happily. Evunial then spoke, His smile still present.

"I figured we would need mobility, so I had one prepared for you as well."

Izunia's eyes lit up as Evunial stepped back into the stables and was handed the reigns of another beautiful Stagg.

This one was a bit smaller than Arion with medium-sized antlers and had light golden brown fur. Evunial then spoke as he handed the reigns over to Izunia.

"This one is named Dvalinn." Izunia then talked as she petted the noble hart.

"Dvalinn...what a pretty name."

Evunial then spoke as he mounted his Stagg.

"We will stop by that merchant town first and ask about any slave merchants. Let's go."

Izunia then nodded before mounting up and following Evunial out the front gates. Up in the fortress, Pirotess and Ariel watched as the High Commander left. Ariel spoke first.

"Na- -ye sillime -o me ana worrime?" (Is it silly of me to worry?)

Pirotess then replied.

"Es na- nver sillime ana worrime an tai emme mel...Lala Erma manen polda...Or saira theime er." (It is never silly to worry for those we love...no matter how strong... or wise they are..)

Ariel then replied in a sad tone.

"I just can't help it..."

Pirotess then sighed before speaking.

"I know..."

Evunial and Izunia had been riding for a while as the snow began to fall covering the trees and road when Evunial spoke.

"Tell me more about this village. You said they helped you..does that mean they don't look down on elves like most of the nearby villages?... Izunia?"

Izunia, who had been staring at Evunial in a daze, snapped out of it and replied.

"Oh umm... unfortunately not. It's the biggest trade village on the mountain because it was founded by nobles that escaped the Bloody Emperor's purge, so most of them look down on us. But the inn keep is different she convinced some of the merchants of the town to start trading with my people ten years ago...I hope she is ok..."

Evunial then spoke.

"I am sure she is."

Just then, Evunial spotted a carriage and armed men down the road and pulled the reigns on Arion, causing Dvalinn to stop with Izunia.

Izunia then inquired.

"What is it?"

Evunial then answered.

"Looks like someone's stopped ahead of us...about ten or so. Looks like a wheel broke."

The duo took a closer look as they continued forward. As they approached the caravan, they noticed soldiers all equipped in silver segmented plate armor standard in the Baharuth Empire.

The men stood around four carts. The rear two wagons were open air with young elves clothed in rags chained together shivering in the cold. The third which was second in line was a carriage with one of its wheels broken. And the leading cart had more soldiers.

Izunia then spoke. Her expression was filled with contempt and anger.

"Slavers.."

Evunial then thought to himself.

"(Hmm.. so they are already using the mountain roads... they wasted no time..."

As Evunial's keen eyes looked over the chained elves, a rage began to grow inside him.

Izunia then spoke.

"Looks like they are on their way to Belaren,"

Evunial Then nodded before replying.

"Yes, well Let's free our people shall we..."

As the two elves got closer, they could hear the group yelling.

"Higher dammit!" One of the men yelled as three elves in rags lifted the back of the carriage while two others replaced a broken wheel.

He was a man of medium stature and build. His armor looked pristine and well taken care of.

"Dammit, I told you this would happen if we took the back roads! we can barely see the trails in all this snow. Where the hell do all these snow storms come from anyway?"

One of the men said.

"Does it matter? The boss will have our heads if we screw this up."

Another man yelled.

The first man then replied.

"And what good is a frozen elf Hmm? We'd be lucky to sell them back home for half price in this state..."

The second man then shot back.

"It doesn't matter... our prize piece is safe and warm in the carriage. She's worth ten times the amount we'd get for the others. And her master promised a bonus if we got her to him quickly and safely."

The man then looked into the carriage and spoke.

"Isn't that right, run away?..."

Then a third man spoke, A worried look on his face.

"She said this would happen, I still think we should have listened. It is her power after all. "Buried in the snow" is what she said."

The second man then spoke again as he looked into the carriage.

"Buried in snow, Don't be a fool. She is playing you. I told you not to let her touch you."

The third man then spoke again.

"You are only saying that because she said you would be the only survivor..."

The burly man then replied.

"She has lied before about her visions to get what she wants this is no different. It is a shame we got to sell her off though... All that body and you can't touch it..."

The man then calmed himself before continuing.

"Now... We are getting paid a lot of gold for this job, so let's try not to screw it up."

He said as he hit the gilded cage earning a scared yelp from inside.

Then yet another man spoke up as he noticed two hooded figures approaching.

"Guys, we have company."

The first man then spoke.

"This should be good... You elves better hurry up and get this thing moving. Would hate for you to show up to the market as damaged goods..."

This earned a wince from the elves as they hurried to fix the cart.

"The rest of you with me. I don't think these two are gonna just pass us by."

The men watched as the two hooded riders stopped a few paces from them and looked the carts over. Then one of the soldiers; a big, burly-looking tan-skinned man with brown eyes and short blond hair spoke out.

"Hail travelers... We and our cargo were passing through the mountains when an unfortunate bit of road decided to ruin our day.

One of you wouldn't happen to have a bit of magic that could help, would you?"

Izunia could barely contain her rage within her red eyes at the remark as she retorted.

"Help?! Like we could ever help the likes of you with anything other than finding your way to hell!.."

The man then replied.

"Now, now, no need to bite my head off. But if you are not willing to help, you can go on your way then..."

Izunia then spoke.

"Not until you release my brothers and sisters..."

The slaver then spoke, now understanding the situation, while looking the two over.

"Ah! I see. Your elves... well, that makes sense. And judging from your attire your not from around here..."

The man rubbed his chin before continuing.

"While traveling, you've come across your kin in bondage and wish to save them. I completely understand..."

Izunia then interrupted angrily.

"You understand nothing!"

The slaver then continued his thought.

"Unfortunately, you are woefully outnumbered and do not even have the element of surprise on your side. I suggest you continue on your way and play hero another day...Knife-ear.

Izunia then began to retort but stopped as Evunial raised his right hand.

Evunial then leaned forward and set his eyes on the lead soldier before speaking.

"What is your name?"

The words seemed to rip through the man. He found himself struggling to stand as the hooded figure continued to stare him down.

"Mo...Mordin Beoul."

The slaver answered.

Evunial then spoke as he dismounted and put down his hood.

"Well, Mordin, My name is Evunial, and this is Izunia."

Evunial then walked towards then Slavers till he stood within arms reach of Mordin.

The other men all felt uneasy at Evunial's approach as they gripped their weapons tightly.

Mordin's imposing figure then began to shake slightly as Evunial's heterochromic gaze seemed to cut into his very soul.

The Elven commander then spoke again.

"And now that we are acquainted, if I hear the words Knife-Ear come out of any one of your men's mouth again...I will remove their miserable head from their wretched shoulders and kill every last one of your men..."

Evunial then walked passed the man and toward the elves. The other men looked as if they wanted to stop him but were too scared to even move.

Evunial stopped in front of the three elves working on the cart. Two were young elves and the third was considerably older.

Evunial looked the three elves over.

"(Hmm, purple fingertips and toes... Frostbite is setting in. They must have been working in the snow for hours..)"

Evunial then knelt in front of the elves and spoke.

"Here, let me help."

Evunial raised his right hand before the three elves causing the two younger ones to flinch.

"You have nothing to fear from me Da'len "(Young one)"

Evunial said with a kind smile as his ring began to glow.

A warm light enveloped the elves as their hands and feet healed completely.

The two younger elves looked at their healed hands in awe.

The older elf then spoke up.

"In all my years I did not expect to see the day an Elder blood would help the likes of us..."

The elves then all took notice of Evunial's eyes.

"Look at his eyes..."

One elf said.

"He is of the elder blood!"

Another spoke.

"But why is he here?"

Yet another questioned.

Evunial then replied to the elder elf.

"Well, I am new to this land. And I am ashamed our kin has allowed this to go on.

Evunial then handed the older elf a set of keys as he continued.

"Release the others. You are all now free..."

Mordin then quickly looked down at his belt to find his keys missing before speaking up.

"What do you think your..."

"Not another word!"

Evunial interrupted as he stood up and turned to face the slavers, all kindness gone from his features.

"You have my people in chains, half froze to death. Every fiber of my being is screaming "Kill them all where they stand!"

An aura of power erupted from Evunial blowing the snow around them away.

A wave of fear washed over the men like nothing they had felt before.

"Wh..what do you want?"

Evunial then answered.

"To give you a choice."

He continued, his eyes dark and menacing.

"Leave my people here with me, take a cart. Fill it with your men and go home to your wives and children... or die in the middle of a forest where they will never even find your bodies..."

Evunial then thought to himself.

"(Oh damn, that sounded cool.)"

Izunia then interrupted his thoughts, unable to silence her anger.

"What!? Why You would spare this filth? They need to suf..."

Evunial then spoke out.

"Izunia!.."

His voice then turned to a soft and caring tone.

"We are not savages.. we always offer a choice. even to those who would rob us of ours..."

Evunial then focused his attention back on the soldiers.

"Now. Make your choice."

Mordin stared at Evunial and spoke without looking back at his men.

"Men, we are leaving. Leave the elves..."

One of the men then spoke out in protest.

"What!? You can't be serious. There are only two of them! We can't just leave! After all the risks we took to get this far. I don't care how strong he is, he is just one Knife..."

Before the man could finish, Evunial moved forward like chained lightning as the wind blew around him.

The next moment Evunial was standing in the middle of the soldiers with a ball-sized object in his right hand.

The soldiers seemed confused until they saw their comrade's body slump to the ground headless.

The soldiers looked on in horror as Evunial held out the man's head and dropped it as blood started to pour out from his neck.

Evunial then looked at his hand as the bandits reeled in terror.

"He tore his head off with his bare hand!" One yelled out.

"What is he?!" Another said.

"How could anything move that fast?" another said in disbelief.

Evunial thought to himself as he stared at his hand.

"(So, my monk skills translate to my physical strength as well..")

Izunia and the other elves looked on in awe of Evunial's speed and power.

Evunial then looked up from his hand and focused on Mordin with eyes that promised death.

"I did warn you.."

Mordin then shuttered as he recalled Evunial's exact words.

"Wait we will..."

Mordin began in a shaking voice.

But before Mordin could finish, Evunial vanished as he uttered two words "Lightning step".

Blood splattered across Mordin's face as Evunial impaled the man to his left with his hand.

The screams of his soldiers echoed threw the forest as they fell one by one all around him. And in a matter of seconds, he stood alone.

Morden looked at the corpses around him and then up at Evunial who shook their blood from his hands and looked back.

Morden then spoke as he placed a shaking hand on his blade.

These men...my men had families...you murdered them."

Izunia then spoke up.

"Murdered?! This is war. Your people have just been winning so long, you've forgotten."

Evunial then spoke as he looked over at the elves freeing themselves.

"Izunia is right. What of their families? How many died in their capture? How many will die looking for them?"

Evunial then looked at Morden.

"Your men's lives were forfeited the moment they took this assignment."

Morden's eyes then widened in realization before looking at the main carriage.

He then looked back at Evunial.

"And what of me? Why am I not dead yet?"

Evunial looked at the man with a cold stare as he replied.

"You will be bringing a message, to all that will listen, The Empire is not welcome in these Mountains, All who trespass will meet the same fate as your men...

Mordin then balled his fist as he looked down at his fallen comrades.

Evunial then turned his back on Mordin and began to walk toward the freed elves.

Mordin then quickly drew his sword and lunged at Evunial's back.

"I don't take orders from elven trash!!"

The sound of clashing steel rang through the forests before Mordin's sword fell onto the floor a few feet away.

Izunia stood in front of Mordin. Her Dagger raised in defense of Evunial.

Mordin slumped to his knees as he spoke.

"No... Kill me. please...I can't face their families..."

Evunial then slightly turned his head and spoke.

"And yet, You will..."

Evunial then continued toward the elves as Izunia knelt beside Mordin and spoke into his ear, hatred dripping from her lips like poison.

"Do you feel that?"

She whispered.

"That feeling of helplessness, powerlessness.

Your comrades are strewn across the ground all around you...Forced to do the bidding of those responsible..."

Izunia then shifted her weight so she was looking right into Mordins eyes before she continued.

"That is what it is to be an elf in this world."

Mordin then slowly got up and walked over to his horse and without a word mounted it and quickly pulled on the reins.

Evunial watched as the soldier left down the road before turning to address the elves but found them all huddled together, looking at him nervously.

"What's wrong?"

Evunial asked.

"They are all gone now. You have nothing to fear."

The elves then looked at each other confused, before stepping forward and speaking in a shaky, nervous voice.

"We are thankful, my lord... But aren't you of the Elder blood?"

Evunial then answered, slightly confused by the question.

"That's what I've been told..."

The newly freed elf then spoke.

"Well, it's just that, those of the elder blood have never really come to the aid of us lesser born before. So I..."

Evunial then spoke up.

"First of all, you are not lesser born. No elf is. What you become when you grow is another matter. And secondly, I have no ill intentions for saving you. I will not tolerate my people in chains.

And thirdly, Those calling themselves of the Elder blood and doing nothing to help their people are worthless."

The elves looked at each other and then back at Evunial.

"So, you are truly here to free us?"

Evunial then nodded.

"Of course, I will not stand seeing my people in chains."

The elves all sighed in relief as they fell to their knees.

"Oh, thank you, my lord and lady."

They all yelled out.

"Words cannot express our gratitude!"

Evunial then quickly bent down and pulled the men up off the ground.

"We kneel before no one but our high king. I require no more than a bow."

The elves then stood up and bowed in respect.

Evunial then smiled.

"That's better."

The elves then finished freeing each other from their chains while Evunial addressed Izunia.

"Thank you, Izunia, and I am sorry, I did not mean to dismiss your feelings. I only wish to show those heathens how far above them we are..."

Izunia then turned to face Evunial and replied while flustered.

" N..no, I understand, Commander. I am the one who should apologize for questioning you. I only worry now that they know your face and name. They may seek you out."

Evunial then gave out a hearty laugh.

"Haha, I am counting on it. I want them to fear the very sound of my name."

Izunia sighed in relief and smiled as the other elves freed themselves.

After a while, all the elves from the open-air carts were freed and only the carriage stood unopen.

Evunial then approached the cart before speaking.

"Why was this one kept apart?.."

One of the freed elves then spoke up.

"My lord, be careful; you must not let her touch you. It is a demon that can see your death and will hold salvation over your head. It holds favor with the humans by trading comfort for a means to escape their deaths."

Another Elf then chimed in.

"Better to leave it here in its cage."

"Oh, a demon, am I? Do you fools believe everything the humans tell you?"

A young, feminine voice rang out from the cart.

Evunial looked up at the cart and saw a beautiful She-elf standing on the other side of the bars.

The elf had long golden hair, a slender body draped in white robes, and a matching white cloth covering her eyes. A red and black collar covered in runes laid upon her neck.

"And what demonic crime am I supposed to have committed, Hm?"

The caged beauty questioned.

"Survival perhaps, or daring to believe there is more to life than being some human's plaything?" She continued her rant.

"Oh, I know; my crime was not hiding my abilities and rotting with the rest of you in squalor!"

One of the elves then addressed Evunial

"You see, my lord, you cannot trust her. She conspired with the humans for a better position. The only hard work she has ever done has been on her back."

"Oh, Layden. Your words would almost hurt If I hadn't heard the soldiers talk about all the favors you did for them in the city... in alleyways..."

The woman said, a smirk creeping onto her face.

"Araina, you wicked whore, how da..."

Layden began before Evunial interrupted as he continued his approach to the cart.

"Enough! I hold no judgments over anything any of you did in captivity, But you are free now, and I will never leave an elf in chains."

Evunial then reached for the lock, poised to tear it from the door. But as he took a grip of it, Araina grabbed his arm through the bars as she spoke.

"What a kind fool you are... Let's see what fool's death awaits you."

The next moment the golden-haired elf stood in a field of unimaginable beauty, filled with otherworldly flowers and trees with a sky of honeyed rays of gold.

She looked around, confused.

"What is this?... My sight never worked like this before..."

As she took in her surroundings she spoke.

"This place... Even though I've never seen it before it feels familiar. It feels like home..."

In the distance, she spotted a great city of gold

gleaming on the horizon.

Just then, a pillar of radiant light hit the city in front of her causing a wave of wind and debris to blow forth from its epicenter with incredible force. She desperately covered her face in defense against the torrent, but just as she braced herself, the winds stopped.

As Araina put her hands down, she found herself now in a field of darkness. She then looked up and gasped in Horror as two massive red glowing eyes stared back at her.

Evunial then crushed the lock in his hand and took his hand away, causing Araina to wake from her vision and recoil in terror.

Araina fell back and huddled in the corner of the cart as Evunial opened the door.

"That bad, huh?.."

Evunial joked as Izunia elbowed him in the gut.

"You mustn't joke like that, my lord."

Evunial then chuckled.

"Ok, ok.."

Araina then interrupted.

"I did not see your death... I. I saw a city..and eyes...and... I don't know..."

Evunial then thought to himself.

("Hmm, My magic resistance ring must have blocked her. Thank god, the last thing I need is my death hanging over me..."

Evunial then bent down as he spoke.

"I understand your mistrust, but you have nothing to fear from me...Here let's start over. What's your name?"

The elf girl then replied.

"My..name is Araina."

Evunial then spoke.

"Well Araina, I am Evunial High Commander of the Elven Kingdom of Lokelonde. I recently took over the fortress of this mountain. You as well as everyone here are welcome to come and stay..."

Evunial then held out his hand.

Araina looked at Evunial's hand and then away, refusing to take it.

"That sounds lovely and all but It doesn't matter where I go... my master always finds me...thanks to this"

Evunial's eyes then fell upon the collar around Ariana's neck once more.

Araina noticed Evunial's interest and placed a hand on her collar as she spoke.

"Odd bit of jewelry, isn't it?"

She took a short breath before continuing.

"My reward for killing the son of a noble who took a liking to me despite my protest... Though I had hoped his father would just have me killed as punishment.

Instead, my master used this to take away my ability to defend myself and let the father have his way with me anyway... It's why no matter how many times I escape, his men find me.

Evunial then spoke plainly.

"Then let me remove that thing from your neck?"

Araina then shook her head as she replied.

"It's cursed. Anyone who tries to remove it dies..."

Evunial's Golden eye then began to glow.

《True Sight》

The spell and attributes of the collar were laid bare to Evunial as his golden eye looked them over.

"(It's cursed...The Lethal thorns spell. If someone under level twenty-five tries to remove it without releasing the spell first. It will kill them...but it's no threat to me.."

Evunial then raised his hand and reached out for the collar.

Araina then began to protest.

"Wait. I just told you what would happen! Don't..."

Evunial's hand then reached to the collar as he then placed his index finger on the collar and thought.

《DESTRUCTION TECHNIQUE: BREAKING POINT》

The collar then shattered leaving the girl's neck bare but bruised. Araina then touched her neck, as an expression of utter disbelief laid upon her features.

Dark energy seeped out of the collar's remains and was then absorbed by Evunial's ring. Valainya glowed for a moment before Evunial smiled softly.

"There...that should feel better..."

He then looked up and saw Araina fighting back tears as she struggled to speak.

"Th..thank you..."

Evunial then smiled as he began to stand up but stopped when Araina grabbed his arm, the cloth covering her eyes dampening as she fought back tears.

"Is this real?...this isn't some cruel dream?... I can't wake up in chains... not again..."

Evunial thought to himself as he looked at the poor girl.

("Poor girl has been thru so much she doesn't even want to believe it's over...")

Evunial then answered as he placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"This is real."

Evunial then stood Araina up and reached for her blindfold.

"Now for this..."

Araina then gently grabbed Evunial's hand and shook her head.

Evunial then spoke.

"If something is wrong with your eyes perhaps I can fix it."

Araina then replied.

"There is no need... please."

Evunial then spoke.

"If you say so, come on let's get out of here."

Izunia waited outside as Araina and Evunial emerged from the cage. Evunial reached into his coat and pulled out a stack of cloaks which he handed to Izunia, who then handed it out to the other elves. Evunial then draped one over Araina.

Evunial then thought.

"(Hmm Good. She seems to have calmed down. Now what to do next?.. )"

Evunial then mounted his white stag and thought.

"(I should send them to the fortress there is no need to put them through anymore...")

Evunial then spoke to the group.

"Izunia and I are headed to the village of Bellaren to deal with these slavers. But you are all free now. And if you want you can..."

Araina then spoke up.

"Free to do what exactly? Freeze to death in this frozen forest. We do not know these lands?"

Evunial then sighed, slightly frustrated at being interrupted as he pinched the bridge of his nose before speaking.

"Ariel! I have need of you."

A voice then rang out from a nearby tree as Ariel stepped out of it.

The frozen tree sprang to life as new growth engulfed it. And as the beautiful elf approached Evunial, her every step melted the snow and left grass and flowers in her wake, stopping just in front of Evunial and looking up at him expectingly.

"Yes, my love?.. How may I be of use?"

She said as she stepped in front of Evunial.

All the elves looked on in awe and disbelief as Evunial replied.

"We came across these young elves as they were on their way to being sold."

"Oh, that's awful!"

Ariel gasped.

"Do you wish me to punish the one responsible? I can have them eaten slowly by my carnivorous plants..."

Evunial shook his head.

"No, I will be dealing with them. But I would like you to escort our people back to the fortress where they can bathe, eat, and figure out what they want to do next."

Ariel replied as she looked the sad lot over.

"Of course my lord they can use the same portal I just used."

Ariel then turned and walked to the tree and then gestured to the elves to follow.

"Come now, Da'len."

The elves looked at her with scared eyes, unsure of what to do.

Ariel then walked over to the elves and placed a hand on Layden's face.

"You poor things, You have all been through so much. I understand your worry, and it must be hard to trust. But believe me.

Lord Evunial would never lie to you. He only wants what's best for our people. Our fortress is safe, and you will never want for anything there. Please come with me."

As they looked into Ariel's emerald eyes, all doubt melted away, and they followed her through the portal. All but one.

Araina stared at the portal for a moment before turning to face Evunial.

"What will you do when you catch up to the slavers?.."

Evunial then replied with a shrug.

"I will give them a choice, but I doubt they will make the right one..."

Araina thought for a moment before speaking.

"Then I will go with you."

Evunial then raised an eyebrow.

"Are you sure? You just left there, you really want to go back?.."

Araina looked away as she replied.

"If it's my former master waiting there for me... I.. for so long, I have lived in fear of him. If it's him and he dies, I want to.. need to see it with my own eyes..."

Evunial nodded in understanding.

"Ok, but if you're coming, you need to tell me about this man and that power of yours..."

Araina took a deep breath.

"...His name is Varland Belsen Sel Gran, Nobility of the Baharuth empire and a powerful mage. I wasn't allowed outside of my chambers, so I didn't learn much about his business dealing besides those he brought for me to read."

"And as for my Talent, It's called Stories End. It allows me to see the potential deaths of anyone my bare skin touches. With this ability, I saw all of my previous masters' deaths and helped them elude it if they could and accept it if they could not.

But ten years ago, I saw that my last master and his whole family would be put to death at the hands of the Baharuth Emperor and helped him and his son escape their fate. We were going to the Draconic kingdom to seek asylum when we were ambushed by bandits and separated.

I managed to get away and have fended for myself ever since, but I got careless and tried to make some coin with my talent thinking no one alive would recognize it. Unfortunately... I was wrong.."

Izunia then replied. "Hmm, and that's when we came across you."

Ariana nodded.

Evunial then placed a gentle hand on Araina's shoulder and spoke.

"Listen, you need never fear him again. I will make sure of it. Are you sure you want to risk facing him?"

Araina looked at Evunial with determined eyes.

"Yes."

Evunial then spoke.

"Then, let's see what we can find out in Bellaren. Izunia, can she ride with you?"

Izunia then replied.

"Of course.."

She then mounted her reddish-brown stag and pulled Araina up and behind her before the trio of elves rode down the path to Bellaren.

THE VILLAGE OF BELLAREN

As the elves approached the village, they noticed cloaked men and women watching the entrance.

Izunia then spoke.

"They look like Workers..."

Evunial then inquired.

"Workers?"

Izunia then elaborated.

"Unsanctioned adventurers not under the supervision of the Adventurers Guild. The village hired them for protection against the bandits since so many merchants come and go.

Evunial then replied.

"Hmm, looks like it's more than that though... like they're waiting for something.."

The Workers whispered among themselves as the group continued down the road.

Within the village proper, the sounds of commerce rang out. Hunters are showing off furs and cuts of meat, and fishermen are yelling out prices. All manner of merchant is challenging at work selling their wares.

But as the elves went down the main road toward the Inn, both patrons and merchants noticed.

"Elves? What are they doing here?"

One woman asked, confused.

"What kind of Elk is that? I have never seen anything like it?"

A merchant said in awe.

The elves continued down the road as the people watched them until they were outside the inn.

Evunial, Izunia, and Araina then dismounted and hitched their mounts.

But as they prepared to enter, A group of men stepped out in front of them.

A big, burly man with brown eyes and short brown hair then spoke out. He towered over the elves and swayed side to side slightly, trying to maintain balance.

"Well, well, well, what do we have here? "Hic"

Evunial took a step back as the smell of alcohol hit him.

"Look at you, all dressed up in that fancy armor and fur..."

The man said as he slurred his words.

("Damn, this guy reeks! I guess there are downsides to enhanced senses...")

Evunial thought before speaking.

"Excuse us, but we have business inside."

Evunial then began walking around the man, but the man stepped in front of him again, barring his path as he leaned over placing a hand on Evunial's shoulder...

"Hic" "Now, now fancy pants, not so fast. Where are your manners? Your "kind" are supposed to bow to your betters. I should teach you a lesson in manners..."

The man's glazed and reddened eyes then looked over at Izunia and Araina.

"But, you let me have a few rounds with the girls. And I might look the other way, just this once..."

Izunia stared the man down unaffected, but Araina's body was shaking slightly as she tried to maintain her composure.

Evunial noticed this and spoke.

"I've had enough of this..."

The man then looked back at Evunial with a smirk but as he looked Evunial in the eyes a cold washed over him, and his smirk disappeared.

The man's eyes rolled back in his head as he fell to his knees and foamed at the mouth.

The other men all looked on shocked

"Anyone else?"

Evunial asked bluntly.

The men clutched at their chests as if their hearts could stop at any second.

They all then stepped aside letting the elves walk past before checking on the passed-out man.

One of the men then spoke.

"I've never seen that before..."

One of the men then replied.

"Me neither..."

The first man then replied.

"We need to tell the others..."

Inside the inn, the three elves were greeted by the scent of fresh bread and ale.

The inn seemed homey and inviting. The first floor seemed to be a tavern with the second floor supported by wooden beams, being the Inn part.

The tavern itself was scarce of patrons. And the few people seated looked at the elves with confusion.

Just then a busty woman with a bright smile greeted the trio from behind the bar.

"Oh, Hello, travelers! Please sit down and make yourselves at home."

The woman seemed to be in her early thirties with brown braided hair that went down to her lower back, dark green eyes, and light skin. As she looked at the group, she recognized Izunia and addressed her happily.

"Izunia! It's so good to see you!!"

Izunia then smiled and replied as the woman came around to hug her.

"Tanya, it's good to see you too."

Tanya then spoke as she hugged Izunia.

"It's been a while. I was so worried."

Izunia then replied.

"I am sorry I worried you."

After the hug, Tanya looked at Izunia up and down and replied.

"Oh, it's okay... Look at you. Still hasn't changed, huh? So pretty...It's not fair!

Izunia then looked down at Tanya's chest before replying.

"It's really not all that great...and you are the pretty one..."

The Inn Keep then smiled as she replied.

"You are so sweet Izunia...but what are you doing here?."

Izunia then looked at Evunial and Araina and then back at Tanya as she spoke.

"Oh Tanya, this is Evunial he is the new Lord of the mountain fortress."

Tanya then spoke surprised.

"The new Lord of the Fortress?"

Izunia then gestured to the other elf and spoke.

"And this is Araina we met her on the way here."

Tanya looked at the elves and spoke.

"It's very nice to meet you both but as happy as I am to see you safe and sound Izunia, it's not safe here,"

Tanya then leaned in close before continuing.

"A man came in from the Baharuth Empire a few days ago offering work in the slave trade. Mercenaries and cutthroats have been coming from all over..and now he is in talks with the village leader to set up trade routes through the mountains..."

Izunia then spoke.

"So those workers we saw at the entrance..."

Tanya then continued.

"Work for him...yes.. a few of them got drunk last night and started talking about some kind of "special delivery" coming today.

Evunial then thought to himself.

"(Hmm... So this guy is my ticket to the boss..)"

Evunial then spoke.

"Hmm well, then we will have to be quick. How much would it be to have her bathed and given a change of clothes?"

Tanya then replied.

"Don't worry about payment right now.."

She then called out.

"Bailey!"

Just then a young blonde Bar maid came from the back and spoke.

"Yes mother"

Izunia then spoke.

"Bailey!! Look at you... you are becoming so beautiful!!"

Bailey then smiled brightly and replied.

"Oh Miss Izunia! It's good to see you too."

Tanya then spoke.

"We will have time to catch up later sweetheart. Please take Izunia's friend upstairs and show her to the bath and get her a change of clothes dear."

The young woman nodded before gently guiding the golden-haired elf up the stairs and to the bath. The two elves then sat at the bar and spoke with the woman while they waited for Araina.

The trio had talked for a while when Tanya then spoke with remorse in her voice.

"I am sorry about what happened to your friend Izunia... I hope those damn trolls got what they deserved."

Izunia then replied.

"They did... I was able to kill one of them myself thanks to my clan's dagger but the other one got me pretty good...that's when Evunial and his men showed up and took care of the rest..."

Tanya then spoke.

"Hmmm...So you're the reason for the sudden stop in troll attacks...you must be quite the warrior to have taken that place."

She then poured the two elves a drink before he replied.

"I was actually just passing through when I came upon the troll's fortress. I had no plans to take it but when I saw Izunia and the others fighting for their lives, I decided to help. taking the Fortress sorta just... happened."

Tanya then replied while glancing at Izunia.

"Well must be nice... having a beautiful man come to your rescue...Have you thanked him...properly yet..."

Izunia and Evunial blushed profusely before Izunia stammered.

"N..no...well...I.."

Evunial was also flustered but before he could say anything Tanya started laughing before speaking up.

"Haha I was joking...you two are so cute."

Just then Araina and Bailey came down the stairs with Araina in her new change of clothes.

A blue dress with brown accents and a brown corset on her waist and her silk white gloves still visible on her hands.

Evunial then addressed the blond elf with a smile.

"You look much more comfortable in that. How do you feel?"

Araina then replied as she stopped in front of the bar.

"Much better thank you all so much."

Evunial then replied.

"Oh no need to thank me...now let's get you something to eat before we get on our..."

Evunial then stopped as he heard footsteps approach.

Izunia then spoke having recognized the look on Evunial's face.

"How many?"

Evunial then answered.

"About thirty or so... I am surprised they are here so soon..."

Bailey then spoke out confused.

"Wait...thirty what...men!?

Just then a voice rang out from outside.

"Tanya!! Come on out I have been asked to facilitate the return of stolen goods."

Izunia then questioned.

"Who's that?"

Tanya then answered.

"It's the village leader...but why would he?..."

Bailey then chimed in.

"Wait! What is going on? What stolen goods?"

Evunial then spoke. "Well... it..."

Araina then spoke up.

"It's me...they want me.."

Tanya and Bailey looked shocked as Evunial then spoke.

"We found her being held captive on the way here so we freed her."

Bailey then replied.

"Stole her, you mean."

Evunial then retorted.

"A person is not an object therefore cannot be stolen."

Bailey then replied.

"Well someone should explain that to the slavers outside..."

Evunial then spoke calmly and mater-o-factly

"I intend to..."

Tanya then spoke.

"Now let's not do anything rash... I will go out and talk to them while you all slip out the back."

Bailey then objected.

"No way, mom, It's too dangerous."

Another voice then came from outside.

"You should listen to your elder. Before someone gets hurt!.."

Araina went pale before falling to her knees.

Evunial quickly kneeled to check on her.

"Araina? What's wrong?"

Araina spoke in a shaky voice.

"I know that voice...Nazim..."

Evunial then asked

"Nazim?"

Araina then replied.

"He worked for my master... If an elf wouldn't listen, Nazim would break them..."

Evunial then spoke.

"You have nothing to fear. I will deal with this."

As Evunial walked towards the door, Araina grabbed his cloak and spoke while holding back tears.

"Wait...I know what I said, but...Please... just let me go... you've been so kind. I don't want you to get hurt because of me..."

Evunial then placed a hand on The golden elf's shoulder before speaking.

"Don't worry about me... no slaver could harm me... and I will never leave one of my own..ok?..."

Araina then nodded before letting go as Evunial grabbed the door handle, and spoke with a smile.

"Be back in a minute."

As Evunial left the inn, he was greeted by a group of armed men led by an exotically dressed man with the worker he had spared earlier next to him.

Evunial thought to himself as he looked at the front man. An exotically dressed man with tan skin and brown eyes

"( Huh..So this must be the leader, he's dressed like he's straight out of Arabian Nights...)"

He then noticed an older man with a sword at his throat.

"(Hmm and that must be the village leader. )"

The man in question then pleaded.

"Please sir give him what he wants before he hurts someone.."

The exotically dressed man then raised his hand, prompting the man to stop.

"Is this the elf you were talking about, Eten?.."

Eten then looked up and layed his hazel eyes upon Evunial and then looked back at Nazim before speaking.

"Yup...that's him..."

The Leader then spoke as Evunial made his approach.

"Now it all makes sense..."

Evunial looked puzzled by the man's comment as he continued.

"Ah...Excuse my rudeness. I am Nazim. I had wondered who could be so bold as to rob a slave caravan with the penalty for such a crime being death. But now that I see your eyes for myself... I understand his fear of you.

I have heard stories of the power of the Elven King's "Chosen Children," and with how exquisite your armor is, you must be one of his favorites."

Evunial then thought to himself before replying.

"(Hmm.. of course, he thinks I am from that Elven Kingdom...)."

"You are mistaken. I am not from the Elven Kingdom you speak of."

Nazim then spoke, now curious.

"Oh? And what elven kingdom are you from?"

Evunial then answered.

"Now why would I tell a slaver a thing like that..."

Nazim then laughed before responding.

"Haha, I suppose you are right.. which leads me back to why I am here. My employer has offered a substantial amount of gold for the safe delivery of his property. Now since you have no relation to the girl since she hails from A different Elven Kingdom. Why not make a little profit? Let's call it a finders fee."

Evunial then spoke now visibly disgusted.

"The answer will always be no...I need no "relation" to save one of my people."

Nazim then replied.

"Or perhaps it is her Talent you wish to utilize."

Evunial then laughed as replied.

"Haha, I have no need of an ability that sees death. My people do not share your fear of it. Though with lives as short as yours, I suppose I can understand."

Nazim then scoffed at Evunial claim as his expression darkened.

"The hard way then..."

Nazim then gestured to his men, who then stepped forward and surrounded Evunial before he continued.

"You may be strong but you are outnumbered... Hand the girl over, or I will order my men to kill you and everyone in that tavern for harboring an escaped slave..."

The village leader then spoke out.

"Wait, Isn't that a bit extreme."

Nazim then replied.

"Hmm?... Are you defending thieves?"

The Village Leader then replied

"Of course not but surely there is another way..."

Evunial then spoke up.

"Don't worry, the inn and people inside are perfectly safe. It's Nazim here, that's in danger... But merciful as I am I will give till the count of five to surrender..."

Nazim then replied.

"You can't be serious! We outnumber you thirty to one."

"Five.."

Evunial began counting, ignoring Nazim.

"This is not a game I will kill you..."

Nazim said, his anger rising.

"Four.."

Evunial continued.

Nazim's anger then reached its boiling point.

"Enough! Royal blood or not. You are way too cocky for an elf. I will not suffer you any longer!"

Nazim then raised his hand in preparation for prompting his men to attack.

Just then, Evunial spoke as he slightly unsheathed his katana with his thumb and lowered his stance as a smirk kept on his face.

"Your choice..."

But before he could finish his thought, the doors to the inn burst open, and Izunia came out. Evunial then spoke while keeping his eyes on Nazim.

"I appreciate the concern Izunia but like I said before...I got this."

Izunia then replied in a severe tone.

"I know...but we have a problem."

Then Bailey came out of the inn holding Araina at knifepoint with Tanya close behind trying to talk her daughter down.

"Bailey, don't do this..."

The young woman then replied.

"You heard what he said. They will kill everyone... One elf is not worth that. I love you, mother, I won't let it happen. If they want her, then..."

Nazim then spoke with a smile as he slowly brought his hand down.

"Finally, someone with some sense."

Evunial then stood straight and thought to himself.

"( Damn...Hmm, can't be mad, though. With her friends and family in danger. It's a smart call.)"

Bailey and Araina now stood behind Evunial as Nazim addressed Araina.

"There's his Golden Lilly."

Araina winced at the nickname before the man continued.

"It's time to come home. I am sure your master will be overjoyed to see you again... Bring her here, girl!"

Bailey then replied.

"And then you will leave?"

Nazim then answered.

"Yes, girl! Now bring her here."

Araina then spoke as tears started to form in her eyes.

"So it was, all a dream..."

Bailey then replied. "

I am sorry, but I have to.."

Then as Bailey took a step, Evunial spoke, causing her to stop.

"I understand why you think this is the right thing to do. And I respect you trying to protect your home."

Bailey then spoke.

"If you understand, then you will let me."

Evunial then replied.

"Sorry... I made her a promise. So I can't do that. But what I CAN do is promise not to let anything happen to the people of this village. Just put the knife down."

Bailey then retorted.

"Why should I listen to you? You only care about other elves. You will just abandon us."

Evunial then turned and looked the girl in her eyes before replying.

"I will do no such thing! Though it is true that as High Commander, I must hold the well-being of my people above all else, that also extends to those my people call friends, and since your mother falls into that category, no harm will befall this village. You have my word."

Bailey seemed moved by Evunial's words and began to lower her knife as she spoke.

"I wish I could believe you...but we lost everything once... I can't risk losing what little I have here."

Just then, Araina elbowed Bailey in the stomach, grabbed her hand with the knife, and threw her to the ground hard, knocking the air out of her.

"Enough! I will not be your bargaining chip. I am free to make my own decisions."

Araina exclaimed

Evunial looked on impressed as Araina continued.

"So I choose to go with them."

Evunial then became confused.

"Araina. there is no need..."

"Yes, there is!"

Araina interrupted as she took her blindfold off, revealing heterochromic eyes. One green and one red.

"You see? Royal blood runs threw my veins, The blood of the monster who threw us to the wolves... I am not worth one life, let alone all these people."

Araina then walked into Nazim's grasp. Izunia looked on helplessly as the man then spoke with a satisfied sigh before he grabbed ahold of Araina.

"Smart girl. Now I can get out of this backwater swill."

Bailey then spoke as she picked herself up off the ground.

"Now, let go of the village leader."

Nazim then replied.

"Ah!! of course. Men. Let the fine Mister Grigen go."

The Village Leader then walked over to Bailey and Tanya.

Evunial thought to himself.

"(What should I do? Getting her back after they leave shouldn't be too difficult...but that smug look on this bastard is really pissing me off.)"

Nazim then noticed the look of defeat on Evunial's face and began to taunt him.

"Oh, don't look so down. She is in good hands now.

Evunial then looked directly at Araina and spoke as if only to her.

I couldn't care less whose blood runs through your vein Araina... What did I tell you when I took that collar from your neck?..."

Araina then thought before answering.

"That I was now a citizen of Lokelonde..."

Evunial then spoke.

"Yes... And that is all that will ever matter..."

Nazim then spoke up.

"Well as touching as this all is. She is mine now and this is over."

Araina then took her right glove off and touched Nazim's arm causing her eyes to glow. She looked up at the man with a foreboding smile. Nazim then realized what had happened.

"Wait... what did you see?... WHAT DID YOU SEE!?"

Evunial then began to speak.

"You know...I really tried, but my patience has run out...It's time you got off my MOUNTAIN!"

His voice rang out echoed with the undertones of a monster's roar, sending chills through all who heard. Nazim then looked down at Araina and then began to speak.

"I..."

But before he could finish, Araina pulled from him as she cried out in pain.

Evunial then got back into stance and spoke.

"Have it your way. (Greater Haste)."

He then unsheathed his blade and moved faster than the men could perceive and, in the next instant, was behind the group as a powerful gust of wind blew through the village, and half of Nazim's men fell and burned away in blue flame. Nazim and his surviving men looked on in horror and disbelief as their comrades burned away to nothing.

"What is this!?... What kind of magic is this?..."

Evunial then turned and faced the surviving soldiers before speaking.

"So much needless death... You should have taken my offer..."

Nazim then stammered as he replied.

"W..wait... My Lord has an army coming. Let me live and I am sure we can come to some kind of..."

But before he could finish Evunial unsheathed yet again. He ripped through the remainder of Nazim's men too fast to see and then layed his blade against the man's throat before speaking. His words were cold and remorseless.

"I will suffer you no longer."

Evunial's blade then cut the man's head clean off. Blue flame reducing it to ash before even hitting the ground. All in attendance stood in shock and awe as the High Commander wiped the blood from his blade before sheathing it.

The crowd looked on in shock.

The village leader was the first to speak.

"L..lord Evunial was it? I truly appreciate you saving me from that horrible man, but I don't think...killing him was the...the best course of action."

Evunial then turned to the man and inquired.

"And what makes you say that?" The Villager Leader then replied.

"Well, you heard him... an army marches on us as we speak."

Izunia then chimed in.

"Just the desperate lies of a coward..."

Evunial then spoke up.

"No, he was telling the truth about that..."

Izunia looked at Evunial confused as the Elven Commander continued...

"I could see it in his eyes... However..."

Evunial then looked at the Village leader.

"He's been lying to you since he arrived."

The Village leader then looked at Evunial.

"Wait, What do you mean?.."

Evunial then spoke.

"Ms. Tanya tells me you were in talks with that "Horrible man" to create trade routes through the mountains... but that was never going to happen...You only send an army to do one thing..."

Evunial then paused as the memory of artillery fire and screams rang through his mind.

"Take...Now they might have kept a few of you alive to make the transition easier but with Nazim dead..."

The Village Leader then spoke.

"They will slaughter us all..."

A panic came over the crowd of villagers that had formed during the earlier events.

"We have to flee before they arrive!"

One man yelled.

"But we don't have enough time to get everything."

Another man said.

"Maybe we can reason with them?" A woman replied.

"There is no reasoning with an army. They will kill us all."

A frantic older man said.

"But we didn't even do anything!"

"It was those damn elves!"

A woman and a young man pointed out."

Evunial then continued.

"And although you speak the truth, I imagine it will not matter. They will simply kill you and then come for me, but as you can see, I have nothing to fear from them...You, on the other hand..."

A cold silence fell over the crowd as they took in the Elven Commander's words.

Evunial then continued.

"However, swear fealty to the Kingdom of Lokelonde, and its King, and I promise you, No harm will come to you or this village.."

The crowd murmured as they took in the meaning of the elves' words.

"Swear Fealty to Elves?" One man said in disbelief.

"It couldn't be that bad, could it?"

A young woman said.

"And if just one of them is that strong, just imagine an army..."

A young man replied.

"But what if they make us slaves?" An older woman thought aloud.

"I don't wanna be a slave." A young boy spoke out.

Evunial then addressed the crowd.

"Hear me! I give you my word that all citizens of Lokelonde are treated fairly and justly. Regardless of race and we will never employ the use of slaves."

The village leader then spoke.

"And what if we decided not to swear fealty?"

Evunial then thought to himself.

"(Hmm, I want to be kind, but Izunia said these people still look down on elves. They will most likely view kindness as a weakness and try to take advantage. Hmm Renegade, it is.)"

Evunial then spoke.

"Then I would respect your decision. But know that you will receive no aid from me when these men descend upon you..."

The crowd then gasped as the elder stammered a reply.

"You...you would leave us to the wolves?"

Evunial then replied.

"Only if you refuse to take shelter under the Banner of Lokelonde..."

The village leader then spoke.

"Well... although I am this village's leader, this is not a decision I can make on my own.."

Tanya then walked in front of Evunial and Addressed the crowd.

"This man came here for one reason. To stop evil men from selling their people. He accomplished that and could have just left us to die. But instead holds out a hand and turns a blind eye to the evil we allowed into our homes and at our tables..."

Tanya then stood in front of Evunial and knelt before speaking.

"So I swear fealty to Evunial and Lokelonde"

Evunial was taken aback by Tanya's words but before he could reply The village leader knelt too.

"I too swear fealty to Lokelonde."

And then before long, the whole crowd bowed before Evunial. The village leader hesitated but then knelt as well and spoke in unison.

"I swear fealty to Lokelonde, and it's King."

Evunial then smiled as he spoke.

"Then rise citizens of Lokelonde."

The group stood up as Evunial continued.

"I will have my men come and set up a garrison within the day. Gather the woman and children and take them to the farthest end of the village. I will secure this end."

The crowd then quickly dispersed and prepared for the coming assault leaving the Elves with Azrin and the two innkeepers.

Evunial then addressed the two human girls.

"You two should get going as well. Don't worry about us."

Tanya then replied as she grabbed hold of Bailey's hand.

"Thank you. Let's go, Bailey.."

Tanya then looked back, surprised as she found that Bailey refused to move. Bailey then spoke, her eyes filled with guilt.

"How can you all act as if nothing happened?"

Araina then spoke.

"You only did what you thought you had to, to protect what you love...I would have done the same thing.

Bailey then began to reply.

"But I...you..."

Evunial then stepped in.

"You can think of a way to make it up to her later, after the threat to the village has passed. For now, get to the edge of the town."

After a moment, the two women nodded and headed in the direction the rest of the villagers had gone.

Evunial then spoke.

"Alright, with that out of the way, we can set up a surprise for our guests"

Izunia and Araina traded confused looks before Izunia spoke.

"Surprise, My Lord?"

The Dark Elf then felt two sets of eyes on him as he spoke out into the open air.

"You two can come on out now...

Araina and Izunia were taken aback by Evunial's sudden outburst.

Just then, two figures emerged from the Forest.

Calagon and Aenor then emerged from the shadows.

Araina and Izunia looked visibly startled by the duo's sudden appearance.

Izunia then spoke still surprised.

"Lord Aenor, Lord Calagon?"

Evunial then spoke up.

"I had them shadow us just in case. Though it would seem my worries were unwarranted... although.."

Evunial then sensed another presence in the shadows.

"You've brought an extra Aenor?"

Aenor then laughed nervously.

"Sorry my lord, she insisted..."

Just then branches, and leaves, came to life and assumed the shape of a curvy young woman with green eyes and hair of roses.

The womanly-shaped tree ran into Evunial's arms and spoke as it buried its face into his chest.

"Please forgive me, my love. I only wished to watch over you. I couldn't bear being so far apart. After seeing what those horrible men did to our people I couldn't help but worry..."

Evunial then began patting the tree girl on the head as Izunia recognized the tree girl's voice and spoke.

"Lady Ariel?"

Evunial then answered

"Yes...though she is using a Dryad as a proxy."

Ariel then spoke up.

"Well, of course! You asked me to see to the safety of the fortress and our guests, and I would never wish to displease you."

The woman's glee seeped through the Dryad. Evunial Then lightly laughed as he replied.

"Haha, so the Mother tree you planted in the courtyard helped you find a loophole?"

The Dryad still hugging the Elven commander looked up at Evunial and nodded with a bright smile before speaking.

"Yes, and soon you will have an army of Dryads, Spriggans, and Sylvans at your disposal, leaving me able to travel with you as much as you will allow."

The Lord of elves then smiled sheepishly before looking over at Calagon and Aenor who looked as if they were in trouble.

"Oh don't look so worried you two. I know how difficult she can be... how bad was it?"

Calagon then spoke in a calm and collected voice.

"My apologies High Commander. As you know, for all her power, she has little self-control and acts on impulse.

More than once did we stay her hand from raising the village the moment they questioned your offer of rule. I care not for the humans, but if it is your will that they live, then it is my duty to see that they do."

Evunial then looked down at the druid who now looked embarrassed and then back at the duo before speaking with a laugh.

Haha...well, I thank you."

Calagon head and replied.

"No thanks needed my Lord. I exist to serve the Evanuris."

Evunial smiled and then looked down at his dryad.

"And as for you, It's time to go home..."

The possessed Dryad then hugged Evunial tighter in protest. Evunial then smiled and patted the tree girl on the head as he spoke.

"Don't worry, Ariel, I will return soon."

She then let go before replying.

"But I can feel a group of enemies approaching. Please let me stay and protect you."

Evunial then replied.

"You are already doing so much for me with building the protective forest around our new home which requires your full attention. Please leave this to me."

The powerful mage then replied.

"As you wish, my Love. But please allow this Dryad to remain. I have supplied her with enough life magic to last the day without the Mother Tree, she is a skilled druid, and I believe she could be of some use."

Evunial then thought to himself before replying.

"(Hmm, since magic is not my strong suit. Having a Druid on hand could be useful..) Hmm, I don't see why not. Does she have a name?"

Ariel then replied.

"Yes, my lord. Since she is the first Dryad born of this new land, I have taken to calling her Erui Eredh (The First Seed)."

Evunial then replied with a smile. "Erui...I will be sure to keep her safe."

Ariel then replied.

"No, my love. It is her duty to protect you..."

The Dryad then closed her eyes as she glowed green for a moment she suddenly opened her eyes and looked at Evunial. She bowed as she spoke.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Lord Evunial. Mother has told me much about you. I hope my life can be of some service to you."

Evunial then replied. "

It's nice to meet you too, Erui."

Araina then whispered to Izunia.

"What's going on? I thought her name was Ariel."

Izunia then answered.

"I will explain later. It's complicated."

Aenor and Calagon then walked up to Evunial and Aenor spoke.

"And we are ready for your orders.."

Evunial then nodded and spoke.

"Now that that's out of the way. It's time to deal with the issue at hand."

Izunia then spoke up.

"My Lord? Are you sure we do not need reinforcements I do not doubt your ability to face an army... but what about securing the village.

Evunial, then sweatdropped as he thought. "(Damn...completely spaced on that one... Come on dammit your no just a solider anymore, your a commander now.. act like it!)"

Evunial then spoke.

"Oh, I have another means to secure the village in mind."

Izunia then replied.

"Oh, of course, Lord Commander."

Evunial then thought.

"(Damn...think. Cant use the men I have securing the area surrounding the fortress... Hmm... If I had the Golem control rod Azanar gave me l could have tried to summon some from Lokelonde...)"

Calagon then spoke up.

"My lord, may I make a suggestion?"

Evunial then replied.

"Of course Calagon..."

Calagon then spoke.

"What about the horn?"

Evunial then replied.

"Great Idea Calagon!"

Evunial then thought to himself

"( I was going to wait on using that horn till we found Lokelonde since I never got to summon them in Yggdrasil and have no clue how they will behave, but...)"

Evunial then pulled out a white and Mythril ornate horn with a dragon etched into it and thought. "(Here goes nothing.)"

He then blew into the horn releasing a mighty sound into the forest similar to the roar of a dragon.

The next moment thirty Elf-like beings appeared in front of Evunial.

Fifteen males and fifteen females. Their features were very similar to that of most elves except for more pronounced canines, scales at the tips of their ears, and dragon-like eyes.

Four males and four females wore white heavy plate armor equipped with swords and shields.

Five females and five males wore light-looking white dragon leather armor equipped with bows and arrows. While five men and five women were draped in white robes and held white staffs.

At the front of the contingent stood the last two. The male was dressed in more decorative white heavy dragon plate armor complete with a dragon-shaped helmet with royal blue robes draped over the armor and was equipped with a white and blue greatsword on his back.

The female had long, icy blue hair and light blue eyes. She wore similarly decorated white and light blue dragon plate armor and had a white sword and shield. Evunial then thought to himself, surprised he looked over new forces.

"(What?! When I unlocked the Horn Of The Chosen from that Damn Dragon's questline, I could have sworn It was only supposed to summon ten Lvl 50 Draconic Elves, but there are thirty here, and it looks like we have a Lvl 80 and 70 leading them.)"

Evunial thought surprised.

"(With this I will be able to Secure not only the village but the mountain much sooner than I thought. Might have something to do with my Elven Commander job perks I have, but regardless this will make things far easier...)"

The man in decorative Dragon plate armor then walked up to Evunial. He then removed his helmet, revealing shoulder-length jet-black hair and silver eyes with tanned skin similar to Evunial's. He then looked Evunial in the eyes and spoke.

"To be chosen by the most radiant Lord of Light do I, Abraxas pledge my sword and that of my men."

Evunial then thought.

"(Well that wasn't so bad..)"

Abraxas then continued as he reached for his greatsword.

"But only if he possesses the Blessing of Light." Evunial then thought as he went for his katana "(SHIT! I forgot about the skill check!)" "Calagon defend! Aenor! Grab Izunia and Araina, and get back! Erui protects them!!"

Izunia then spoke.

"But why.."

Erui then Cut her off as Abraxas raised his blade over his head.

《WALL OF THORNS》

Aenor grabbed Izunia and Araina and jumped back as thorned vines erupted from the ground creating a protective barrier just as Abraxas spoke, his Greatsword crashing down upon Evunial's Katana.

《DRAGON'S JUDGEMENT》

Evunial then countered.

《BLADE OF LIGHT》

The two blades collided, sending a powerful shock wave through the village.

Further, in the village.

The Villagers shivered as they felt the shock waves coming from where they left the Elves. The village leader then spoke as he sat amongst his fellow villagers. "The battle must have begun. To think it could shake the very mountains..." Tanya then talked to herself. "Please be safe, Izunia..."

Back at the edge of the village.

Izunia and Araina sat themselves up among the rubble, chunks of vines, and plants. Erui stood in front of them, her barrier all but destroyed.

It had held up just long enough to protect the trio but gave way under the power of the two elves' attack.

Izunia looked up in awe as Evunial pushed Abraxas back. She then noticed Evunial's hair shine silver as both his blue and gold eyes took on a more dragon-like appearance as a white light began to shine from his chest.

Evunial then slashed upward, sending Abraxas up into the air. The raven-haired Draconic elf then landed on his feet before addressing Evunial.

"You have been judged... and found worthy. We shall serve you in whatever capacity you wish."

Evunial then thought to himself as he reeled from what just happened.

"(Holy crap! I heard the devs gave the Draconic Elves strange mechanics but to just outright attack the player...geez. My amulet of the Draconic Lord Of Light stopped the fight from continuing, so it must have been implemented to deter trading Draconic Lord rewards, but couldn't they have just made them untradeable? Cheeky bastards.)"

Evunial then regained his composure and replied. "Excellent. There is a group of enemy soldiers en route to this location. I wish to talk them down and avoid any more bloodshed but if it comes to it, I want them dealt with and the village unharmed."

Abraxas then replied.

" Your will be done."

Evunial then thought to himself.

"(Hmmm..if it does turn into a fight I should keep a few alive since sooner or later we are going to need to learn all the effects Yggdrasil magic and abilities have on the people here...)"

Evunial then looked to Erui and spoke.

"Change of plans...Erui, I have an important task for you..."

A few minutes later, soldiers came into view as they walked up the road toward the village. The one in front then spoke as he looked at all the rubble outside the town.

"Looks like they started without us..."

Then a man behind him spoke.

"This must be where that explosion came from. But where is everyone? I don't hear any more fighting."

The leader then stopped in his tracks prompting his men to do the same. His eyes sharpened as he saw a villager run behind some houses.

He then spoke.

"They are hiding. Spread out and find anyone you can. Don't kill any of them till they tell us what happened here. And where the hell Nazim is."

The men then split up into smaller groups and began searching through the village. The leader and three men then went in the direction of the houses he saw the villager run behind.

As the men looked throughout the village, one of them heard singing.

"A young man walked through the forest

With his quiver and hunting bow

He heard a young girl singing

And followed the sound below

There he found the maiden

Who lives in the willow..."

The soldier followed the sound and came across a young woman dancing in an alleyway. The girl had pale skin, red hair, and green eyes. The man smiled fiendishly as he moved toward the unexpecting girl as she continued.

"He called to her as she listened

From a ring of toadstools red

'Come with me my maiden

Come from thy willow bed'

She looked at him serenely

And only shook her head..."

The man then addressed the girl.

"What do we have here? Aren't you the prettiest thing I have ever seen... And a voice to boot. I am sure they won't mind if I take my time before bringing you back. Now no screaming or I am gonna have to hurtcha."

The man then approached the girl, but even as she pressed her back against the alley wall, she continued.

"'See me now, a ray of light in the Moondance

See me now; I cannot leave this place

Hear me now, a strain of song in the forest

Don't ask me, to follow where you lead'"

The man towered over her, But as he looked down into her emerald eyes, he didn't see a hint of fear. Instead, he saw indifference.

His mood darkened as he spoke.

"Hey...I know I said don't scream, but this won't be as fun if you don't react... so what about whimper, huh..."

The green-haired girl then looked as if she just remembered something important and reached into her pocket and pulled out a small item and held it out in front of the man's face.

The man looked at the thing as he spoke.

"Hmm... the hell is this... a seed?"

The seed glowed an ominous green and was pulsating.

"The hell kinda seed is this?..."

The seed seemed to move as the girl spoke.

"It's a Sylvan Seed. Infused with the life energies of the forests. It is most precious, for it gives the greatest of gifts."

The man then grabbed the seed curiously as he inquired.

"And what gift is that?"

The young girl then replied.

"The gift of service to my master... Till the end of days..."

Before the man could react to the revelation, tendrils burst forth from the seed, gripping his face and pulling itself into his mouth. The man tried frantically to stop it from entering his mouth as the girl began to sing again.

"A young man walked through the forest

With an axe sharp as a knife

I'll take the green-eyed fairy

And she shall be my wife

With her, I'll raise my children

With her, I'll live my life."

The seed's grip proved far too strong for the man and it forced its way down his throat.

"The maiden wept when she heard him

When he said he'd set her free

He took his axe and used it

To bring down her ancient tree

'Now your willow's fallen

Now you belong to me"

A moment passed as the horror of what just happened settled in man's mind.

"What did you do to me!!!?"

He then looked up at the girl in rage. But was shocked to find that the girl that stood before him now was different.

Her pale skin now resembled shined wood. Her hair was a mass of rose petals and her eyes, were a vermilion abyss.

The man then felt a sharp pain in his stomach and fell to his knees. Erui then placed a hand on the man's cheek and finished her song.

"He forced her out the forest, and she collapsed upon the earth

Her feet had walked but a distance, from the green land of her birth, She faded into a flower, that would bloom for one bright eve

He could not take from the forest, which was never meant to leave."

Erui then spoke her hand still upon the man's cheek.

"My mother sang that song to me...It made me think humans were scary...but there is nothing scary about you...more, sad..."

She then stepped back as the man began to scream in agony. His screams distorted as plant life sprouted from his mouth, eyes, and ears at a fast rate. The growth twisted and contorted his body until there was nothing left resembling a man. Erui smiled as she heard other soldiers running toward them. Having heard the screams. She descended into the ground as they came around the corner. One of the men called out as he entered the darkened alley.

"Ralin, are you alright we heard screams..."

The man's face filled with horror as he looked upon the source of the screams.

A hulking grotesque tree-like being with a slightly humanoid skeletal form. Its ribcage terrifyingly protruded from the bark with branches covering it's back and head, and Its long boney fingers looked sharp as knives.

It slowly turned around to face the petrified man as more soldiers entered the alley, its dim green eyes slowly registering their presence. The first man then took a step back, stepping on a twig.

Just then, the tree monster roared and lashed out with incredible speed, tearing into the man's chest with its spike-like fingers killing him instantly. It then threw the corpse to the side, splatting it against a wall before making its way toward the other men who began screaming and running for their lives.

The men spilled out of the alley as the hideous monstrosity followed after grabbing one of the men that was trailing behind. The men looked on in terror as the beast emerged from the darkness of the alley holding the man in its huge skeletal right hand.

The man struggled to break free to no avail as the creature slowly reached to the back of its head and plucked a seed from one of its branches and placed it onto the man's chest. The man then screamed in agony as the seed came to life and began burrowing into his chest.

The soldiers watched helplessly as their comrade writhed in pain before finally going limp. After a moment, plant growth violently bursts from his body, causing a horrific transformation and leaving the man now a smaller version of the tree creature.

It surveyed its surroundings before letting out a deafening roar and began chasing the men along with its progenitor.

Evunial watched on from above as he floated in the air alongside Abraxas and Calagon.

"(Hmm Interesting...)"

The High Commander thought to himself as he rubbed his chin.

"(Back in Yggdrasil Sylvans were similar to undead because you could not use living NPCs to create one. But here the seeds can take root in a living body... and on top of that, the sylvan made using a seed from Yggdrasil starts at level forty and can produce lesser seeds.

His progeny, on the other hand, started at level twenty and looked to be barren...still, once Ariel's Mother Tree is fully matured, we won't be lacking in numbers anymore. Might even be able to compete with Azanar's Golems...I can't wait to explore this world with you, brother...)"

Evunial was shaken from his thoughts as Abraxas addressed him.

"My lord? I have a question."

Evunial then replied, still watching the carnage unfolding below them.

"Go ahead."

Abraxas then spoke.

"Why are we protecting this human village? Why not simply kill them, and these soldiers? I see no benefit in sustaining weaklings."

Evunial pondered for a moment.

"(Hmm, I guess it would be more efficient that way, but I know the old me would never do that and I can't lose myself to this place...)"

Evunial then answered.

"Because we are guests in this world, Abraxas. And more than that, we are Representatives of Lokelonde. I will not sully our home's name with innocent blood, and neither will you."

Abraxas then replied.

"As you command...And what of these soldiers?" Evunial then answered again.

"Thanks to them, we now know the reproductive capabilities of Sylvans created from the humans of this world and their subsequent offspring." Evunial then noticed newly created sylvans surround the enemy leader's group.

"But I think that's enough. I am heading down to speak with their leader. Have your men capture the other survivors and bring them here. And remember to keep Araina and Izunia out of harm's way."

Abraxas then replied with a bow. "By your command." Abraxas then vanished, leaving Evunial and Calgon alone among the clouds.

Evunial then addressed his high dragon.

"Keep watch up here Calagon. Though I doubt we have much to worry about. can never be too careful."

Calagon then replied.

"As you command."

Evunial then gripped an amulet hanging off his neck.

"Time to make an entrance...(Release)."

He then began falling out of the sky.