So sorry about the length of time between installments. I've had a ton on my plate.
Leanadas followed Kalvor at a wary distance, keeping herself hidden beneath the heavy folds of her cloak. Beneath the encompassing hood, her ears were sore and tender, their pinned position on the crown of her head sending waves of pain over her tender skin. The silence hung heavy between them as they slowly progressed beneath the ancient trees. Leanadas, her eyes flickering from left to right, more alert than she had ever been and Kalvor hopeful and buoyed by what could be a false hope. They picked their way through fallen trees, beneath the ever present wind that scoured at their skin. They had been lucky with the Sentinel. In the Night Elf's injured state and focused on the overtly dominant Kalvor, she had paid little attention to the small hooded figure beside him. It was a stroke of luck, yet Leanadas knew better than to depend on it happening twice.
"Are you alright?" His voice drifted through the wind tossed air as he turned his face to look at her.
"I'm fine," She uttered, stepping slowly over a log and reaching his side.
"You don't have to come any nearer," Kalvor jerked his head into the woodland and she stared over his shoulder at the distant coil of smoke in front of them. "I can't ask you to put yourself in that kind of danger."
"I know," She whispered, staring up at his pale eyes. "and I won't come fully into the camp, but I'll stay with you."
"Alright," He released her hand and led the way forward, towards the heavy canopy of trees. Leanadas followed, tracking movement through the trees and hoping that they would pass unmolested. For all her bravado, she feared discovery.
The trail led deep into the wood, the trees murmuring in the breeze as they passed. Beneath the ancient boughs, the feel of the wind lessened, it's force dampened by the banks of trees behind them. The scent of smoke and food grew stronger, until finally they walked into a small clearing. Leanadas took one look at the scene and relaxed slightly. The people before them, were far too shocked and battered to notice anything beyond themselves. Surrounding a central firepit, makeshift tents and shelters abounded, each filled with wounded and tear stained Elves. Several Sentinels walked the perimeter, yet their eyes were dull and stunned, nothing save an attack would rouse them.
As they moved closer, Kalvor left her side and walked into the throng. He stopped at each shelter, his voice a questioning plea as he asked about his sister and her family. Lea followed distantly, keeping him within sight yet staying clear of the camp. As she watched move from Elf to Elf, she felt her throat tighten as she prepared herself for the bad news that was sure to come. Kalvor reached the last tent and leant in, his voice almost broken as he asked once again for knowledge of his sister.
"Salinaya?" The woman inside answered slowly, her voice soft and emotionless. "Yes I know of her, she managed the shop next to mine."
"Do you know if she.." He could not finish, the desire to know warred with his hope that she had been spared. He wet his lips and continued. "Is she alive?"
"I'm sorry my dear," The woman whispered, her hand squeezing his. "She was too badly injured and we had no healer left." Kalvor staggered back and fell to his knees.
"Naya," Tears coursed down his cheeks and Lea gave up on all caution, crossing the campsite in several swift steps and wrapping her arms about him. Kalvor felt her presence and raised his head. "And Iliothar?"
"He died too," The woman noted, watching him cry with stony faced stoicism, her own tears already spent for the dead.
"And I take it, the twins died too?" He muttered, unwilling to hear of the death of his family, but knowing that he had to ask.
"No," The woman answered. "She died saving them." And with that she pointed to the small crowd of refugees huddled by the fire. "They're both there."