This chapter is still a work in progress But because of IRL situations might be a while before it's finishes so here is the first half.
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 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 the fur of a white lion on its collar and shoulder.
Araina:
A beautiful and busty elf with gold hair. She has heterochromic eyes. one green and the other red. A former slave saved by Evunial now resides in the mountain fortress.
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 strapped to her belt. And wears an assortment of jewelry including a gold tiara and armband.
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 is covered by a menacing skull mask revealing 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 starlight
Ariel
This beautiful elven mage has long light orange hair, light green eyes, and sun-kissed skin which is covered in beautiful and intricate tattoos. Her clothes seem to be made from leaves and branches and shows off her shapely figure.
Aenor
A black-haired Elf with silver and red eyes wearing a heavy black fur hooded cloak over black and red dragon leather armor. He has a white and gold Elder Yue bow equipped with a quiver filled with black arrows.
The sound of laughter and song rang out through the great hall of Duskwell village as Dark elves danced and feasted.
The hall itself was grand. Hardwood beams supported the upper floor and the lanterns attached to them. The walls were decorated with mounted animal heads, hides, and small animals. Honoring the beasts that fed the village. The smells of the feast further indicate the animals didn't go to waste.
Several long tables were occupied by dark elves, all enjoying the food, drinks, and company. Smaller tables scattered the hall, also occupied by elves indulging in great food and drinks, while yelling and singing. Some are barely able to speak a word on account of the ale.
And in the middle of the festivities sat Izunia with a sheepish smile as Araina tried to answer all of Ahvas's line of questions.
"And this Ariel can turn people into treants?"
Araina then answered.
"Yes, and she is incredible, she even changed the weather so it's always snowing on the mountain."
Ahvas spoke.
"Weather-changing magic?!"
Araina then nodded before Ahvas rubbed his chin and replied.
"Hmm... Well, your High Commander sure has a scary group under his command so his strength isn't in question but..."
Imara then spoke up.
"Enough questions, My love, surely you are satisfied..."
Ahvas then spoke.
"Almost, one more question. What kind of man is he?"
Araina looked to think about the question before answering.
"Well I don't have much experience with good men but I've known many bad men and Evunial is nothing like them... He is strong, kind, caring, and always has a smile on his face... It's mostly a feeling but... I feel like that is what a good man is supposed to be...Or maybe it's just because that's the kind of man I wish my father was..."
Araina then quickly looked at Ahvas.
"Oh, Sorry! You asked a simple question and I was rambling."
Ahvas then smiled as he replied.
"Nonsense that was a fine answer... I will still have to meet the man for myself but. I am far less worried now..."
Izunia then rolled her eyes.
"But I already told you there was nothing to worry about."
Ahvas then looked at Izunia.
"True, you did. But it doesn't take a seer to tell that you are smitten so I wanted a second opinion..."
Izunia's face turned beet red as she flailed her hands around.
"Whaaa?!... What are you talking about!?"
Ahvas laughed before finishing his drink.
"Hahahaha!"
Imara then chimed in with a smile.
"Don't worry dear. It's nothing to be embarrassed about..."
Izunia then turned to Imara
"Mom don't encourage him!"
Araina smiled at the family's antics before looking down sadly.
"What's wrong Araina?"
Izunia asked.
Araina then looked up to find the three dark elves all looking at her with concern.
Araina then quickly answered.
"Oh, nothing. I was just thinking how lucky it is to have family..."
Izunia then looked at Araina knowingly.
"Oh, Araina..."
Imara then spoke up.
"Did you really have no one when you were young?
Araina then spoke.
"I had two younger brothers I was close to..."
Imara then inquired.
"What happened to them?"
Araina's face looked like she was reliving a nightmare as began to answer.
"They...I...I..."
Araina then stood up.
"...I'm sorry..."
The blonde elf said before running out of the hall.
"Araina wait!"
Izunia said before going after Araina.
Imara then spoke.
"Girls! Wait!"
Ahvas then placed a hand on his wife's shoulder.
"It's ok lmara... Let Izunia handle it. "
Imara then sighed.
"I shouldn't have pried..."
Ahvas then shook his head.
"Someone was bound to ask eventually dear... No matter how painful, Araina will have to face her past or be crushed by it..."
Imara nodded in understanding but couldn't shake the worried look from her face.
Just then another dark elf in similar garb as Ahvas walked into the hall and approached the table.
"Master Ahvas, the elders are ready to see your daughter..."
Outside the great hall, Izunia ran till she made her way to the village entrance where she found Araina with her head pressed up against Dvalinn as she petted the noble Hart.
"Araina!"
Izunia yelled out as she ran up to the forest elf.
Araina then spoke softly, her face still in Dvalinn's fur...
"I'm so sorry...I abandoned you..."
Izunia slowly walked up and placed a hand on Araina's shoulder.
"No, it's ok, Araina... I can only imagine how hard it must be to think of your childhood... I should have stopped my parents from asking about it... You didn't abandon me..."
Araina then turned to look at Izunia her eyes red from tears.
"Not you... Izunia. My brothers...when I ran away I abandoned them. They needed me and I left them with... Him..."
Izunia then replied.
"You were a child... You couldn't...
Araina then spoke up.
"I was their big sister!... I should have been there for them... I..."
Izunia then grabbed Araina and hugged her tightly.
"It's not your fault, Araina... You were a child... What could you have done?"
Araina quietly sobbed into Izunia's shoulder.
"I...I don't know...something..."
Izunia then grabbed Araina by the shoulders, held her out in front of her, and looked the blonde elf in the eyes.
"Araina, There was nothing you could do. You can go over it a thousand times in your head... But it was out of your control..."
Araina then replied.
"But... You don't know what happened..."
Izunia then quickly retorted.
"I don't have to... I know you and that's enough."
Araina looked at Izunia surprised by her kindness.
"Izunia... I... Thank you."
Izunia then smiled sweetly.
"No need, we are both a part of Evunial's family now aren't we? We gotta look out for each other."
Ariana's eyes widened at Izunia's words before nodding in agreement.
"I still don't know if I deserve the happiness I've found... But I'm glad I met you and Evunial that day."
Dvalinn then snorted and softly brushed his head up against Araina.
"Haha, You too Dvalinn."
Araina said with a soft laugh as she petted the noble hart before addressing Izunia.
"Thank you Izunia... For everything. I think I'm ok now."
Izunia then smiled
"Good let's go back..."
Izunia then heard footsteps heading toward them and turned to see her father.
"You girls ok?"
Izunia then looked to Araina who answered as she wiped the last of her tears away
"Yes... Thank you..."
Ahvas then replied.
"That's good to hear..."
He then turned his attention to Izunia.
"The Elders have agreed to speak with you. They are waiting in the Elders Lodge."
Izunia then replied.
"Thank you, father..."
Izunia then looked at Araina.
"You ready?.."
Araina then nodded before following after Izunia back into the village.
Ahvas watched as the duo walked away before looking over at Dvalinn.
"Damn! You're big!"
Dvalinn simply snorted in response before Ahvas followed after the girls.
OUTSIDE THE VILLAGE CAVE ENTRANCE:
Kirth, Valdi, and Imerin stood guard above the cave entrance as snow gently fell around them.
Kirth looked out into the frost covered forest in a daze as his mind thought of the blonde guest they had in the village.
Valdi and Imerin noticed the look on Kirth's face and chuckled knowingly.
Valdi then threw a pebble hitting Kirth's lower back as he spoke lightly.
"Hey, No daydreaming on watch, hehe."
The love-struck elf then shook himself from his thoughts and whispered back.
"Hey! I'm not daydreaming..."
Imerin then replied.
"Sure..."
Kirth then whispered slightly louder.
"I'm not!..."
Just then the trio heard movement in the forest below and readied their Bows and arrows.
They then heard a voice from behind them.
"Well well..."
The three elves then quickly turned to face the trespasser, their weapons ready and found an Elf draped in a black and gold cloak.
The elf was crouching up on a rock above them, looking down with an eerie smile, his snow white hair in sharp contrast to his red and black heterochromic eyes, which seemed glued to Imerin.
Valdi then spoke up.
"Who are you? What are you doing here?
The white haired elf's eyes then slowly fell on Valdi before jumping down from his perch and landing a few feet away from the three dark elves.
"I am Prince Maeral Hougan!..."
The elf announced proudly before continuing in a calm tone.
"And as for why I'm here... well I am looking for my sister... Blonde hair, blue and green eyes, hard to miss. I was tracking her scent but... There is a strange smell in the air here... But anyway...You wouldn't happen to have seen anyone like that have you?.."
The three dark elves looked at each other before Valdi answered.
"No... We've seen no one like that... Now you need to leave. Outsiders are not welcome here..."
"Outsiders!?"
Maeral said before laughing.
"Hehehe hahaha hahaha!"
The sound was unsettling, like a madman's laugh.
Just then a wave of killing intent washed over the three dark elves, overwhelming them as they struggled to stay on their feet.
Maeral's right hand then ripped through Valdi's chest.
Kirth and Imerin looked on in horror as Maeral stared into Valdi's eyes watching the light leave them before pulling his arm free, letting Valdi's body slump to the ground.
"That's no way to speak to your betters..."
Maeral said to the corpse with an annoyed look.
"Valdi!!"
Kirth yelled before forcing his bow up and taking aim before quickly shooting three arrows in fast succession at the kin slayer.
Maeral then snatched the arrows out of the air with ease while still looking at Valdi's body.
Kirth then snatched a horn from his belt and brought it up to his lips. But before he could blow into it the elven prince then through the arrows back at Kirth with incredible force. The arrows struck Kirth in the chest impaling him before pinning him to a tree as the horn fell at Imerin's feet.
Maeral then slowly looked up at the remaining dark elf his eyes falling on Imerin once again.
"You know... I was only planning on taking one "thin blood" home with me..."
Maeral said as he tapped his chin with a blood-covered finger.
"But I do like freckles..."
The prince thought out loud before addressing Imerin directly.
"What do you think I should do, Kitten?..."
Imerin stammered for an answer, still in shock at the death of her friends.
"I.. You...killed them! You murderer!"
Maeral then clapped before speaking
"Alright! You've convinced me! You're coming with me..."
Maeral then began to walk over to Imerin who threw down her bow and pulled out a dagger.
Maeral turned his head slightly as he chuckled.
"Oh, this will be fun..."
Just then an irritated voice rang out.
"There you are Maeral..."
Maeral then sighed with disappointment before turning to face the source.
"Novem! I was just about to go get you..."
The golden elf looked at the scene around them before replying.
"Hmm, I'm sure..."
Maeral then pointed at Kirth's body.
I caught Araina's scent on these thin bloods... It was strongest on that one.
Novem looked at the elf pinned to a tree before sighing.
"And so you killed him?..."
Maeral then shrugged.
"He shot arrows at me..."
Novem then sighed once more before looking past his brother to the trembling dark elf behind him.
"You, girl... Where is Araina?"
Imerin's shaky grip on her dagger tightened as her eyes darted from her friends' bodies to Maeral.
Maeral then spoke up.
"She won't listen... hasn't been broken in yet..."
Novem then quickly turned to his brother and replied.
"Shut up Maeral!"
Just then the trumpet of a horn rang out through the forest. Novem then looked back at Imerin who was holding Kirth's horn to her mouth.
"Told you..."
Maeral said as he folded his arms.
Novem then gave out an annoyed sigh. Before looking at Imerin with disdain.
Imerin fell to her knees as Novem's presence overwhelmed her.
Imerin then brought her hands up to her chest and clasped them together as she spoke in a quivering whisper.
"Oh, Mother of my people... Guide my journey. I am spirit. My death is the end. My grave is eternal. Guide me through your webs to peace and safety."
Novem then raised his hand and spoke.
"So be it..."
Novem said before snapping his fingers.
A magic circle appeared around Imerin before a bolt of lightning struck her, killing her instantly.
Maeral then looked at the corpse disappointed.
"Tsk, such a waste..."
Novem then spoke.
"Don't sulk... We have incoming."
The two brothers then looked at the cave entrance as the sound of hundreds of legs quickly approached. Glowing red eyes shining through the darkness.
A FEW MOMENTS BEFORE, BACK IN THE VILLAGE.
"Evunial offers our people ancient knowledge of our people. Our long lost history and languages.
But more then that he offers peace and safety. Never again would we have to fear bandits or creatures of the forest. The threat of slavers would forever be a thing of the past."
Izunia stood before a council of Elder Dark Elves in a great hall as she tried to convince them to join Evunial and Barad Ethel. Her father and Araina stood a few feet behind her as they watched the proceedings.
Lustrous braziers attached to one side of each of the six oak columns light up the entire hall and shroud it in a dark orange radiance. Huge memorials of the village's history look down upon the wooden floor of this grand hall.
A grandiose bench of dark wood sits beneath an impressively decorated baldachin (canopy) and consists of three seats, each held by an elder.
The bench is covered in tangled emblems and symbols.
One of the elder dark elves then replied. He had long silver hair and an air of calm about him.
"Though this "Ancient knowledge" does peak my curiosity it does not warrant serving this new lord of yours..."
Izunia then replied.
"No, you misunderstand. Evunial does not want us to serve him. He would never ask for that. He only wishes us to join him. To return the elves to our former glory... With the things he could teach us we would never fear anything again..."
Another of the Elders then spoke. The woman had her hair in a long silver ponytail and looked like she was barely in her thirties but spoke with an air of wisdom.
"My dear Izunia, The peace, and safety you offer is something our people already enjoy... Under the protection of the mother and her children, we have been safe for generations... what need do we have to join this new lord of yours?"
Izunia then spoke up.
"It is true that The Mother has protected us. But only in and around our caves. Once outside we are vulnerable. Slavers know this, bandits know this, and the trolls knew this..."
Another of the elders then leaned forward. The man had short silver hair and also looked to be in his thirties. The man spoke with a scowl.
"And it is for those reasons that we teach our young to stay IN the the village. To not venture too far. To stay within the mothers web... Teachings that if followed would have spared my grandson from your foolishness! And he would still be with us today!"
The other elders then spoke up.
"Ezern..."
But the short-haired elf then disregarded their attempt to calm him.
"No! Arinie, Izen, This must be said!"
The elder then looked Izunia in the eyes.
"Just because you succeeded in killing the troll leader does not absolve you of the lives lost in the process... If you had simply listened, none of it would have taken place... And now you except us to join this "Elder Blood" and throw away years of safety and tradition because he saved you from your own stupidity? No... I will not..."
Izunia then looked down fighting to not shed tears as the faces of her friends ran threw her mind.
Araina then took a step forward to console her friend but was stopped by a strong hand on her shoulder.
She looked up to her side and saw it was Ahvas's hand as the master of the hunt slowly shook his head.
Izunia then looked up at the Elder with determined eyes.
"Intune, Maeri, Isara... I see their faces every time I close my eyes... I am not looking to absolve myself. I want their deaths to have meant... something. And if that something is freeing our people from this prison you call home... Then so be it... There is so much we could offer the world so much we could learn if we weren't hiding from it..."
The elders then looked at each other before Ezern spoke.
"Prison!? You would spit in the face of all our traditions and history in favor of this new lord! I will not have it!"
In the spoke. His voice was calm and controlled.
"Let's put it to a vote then. All in favor of staying in our ancestral home?"
Ezern quickly raised his hand followed by Arinie slowly raising hers.
In the continued.
"All in favor of joining Evunial and learning what he knows of our people?"
In then raised his hand before speaking.
"I am sorry Izunia, but we will not be joining Evunial..."
Ezern then spoke.
"No one else need follow your foolishness..."
Just then the sound of a horn blared through the cavern.
Ahvas then spoke.
"The alert horn? We are under attack!"
Ahvas, and Izunia then quickly ran outside followed by Araina and the Elders.
Ahvas looked up at the cavern ceiling.
"By the mother..."
Izunia and Araina then looked up and the sight made Araina's skin crawl.
Hundreds of giant spiders crawled along the ceiling rushing to the entrance and heading toward the threat.
Imara then came running toward the group with other dark elf warriors in tow.
"Imara, what's going on? Is it beasts from the deep caves?"
Ahvas asked as he looked down to face his wife.
"No, it's elves of the elder blood... Our warriors and The Mother's children are holding them off but they are incredibly powerful and are pushing through our defenses..."
Ezern then turned to Izunia anger in his eyes.
"It wasn't enough that you led my grandson to his death!? Now you lead your new lord to us?! What? Was the plan to force our hand if we refused your offer?! What was the price of your soul?!"
Ahvas then stepped in front of Ezern his eyes filled with a quiet rage.
"I know you are still grieving Elder... But speaking of my daughter in such a way again... And your age will not protect you from me..."
Ezern then met Ahvas's gaze, not backing down.
"You don't find it the least bit odd? The very same day your daughter returns to us demanding we leave our home and join her Elder blood lord. We have them breaking down our walls?!"
Izunia then moved to the side of her father to face Ezern.
"I would never betray my people! And lord Evunial would never force our people to join him!"
Ezern scoffed as his eyes fell on the girl.
"You betrayed us the moment you led our children to their deaths and didn't even have the guts to come home and tell us what you had done!..."
Ahzas then stepped in front of his daughter once more facing down Ezern before Izen spoke out.
"Enough!! This is not the time to argue! We are under attack... And whether Evunial or not an Elder's blood is a terrible enemy. We must be as one if we are to overcome an attack.
Ahvas and Ezern then calmed down and backed down.
In the spoke.
"Good... Now Imara, what of the passage guards?"
Imara then looked saddened.
"They have not made it back... They most likely died after sounding off the first horn."
Izunia gasped as she covered her mouth in shock.
"No... That can't be..."
All the dark elves looked gutted and worried by the news as Izen spoke out.
"There will be time to grieve but for now we must secure the villagers."
Ezern then spoke up.
"Izen is right... Imara, Ahvas... Ready your warriors and reinforce The Mother's children... Whoever these intruders are, we shall face them as we do with all threats..."
Ahvas then pulled his golden spear from its sheath on his back.
"Fearlessly..."
The dark elf elders then all nodded in agreement.
Arinie then spoke.
"The villagers are already headed toward the Mother's chamber just in case they get through. The way to this cavern is a maze so we should be..."
Just then the walls around the entrance to the cavern exploded with a spark of lighting as the bodies of elves and spiders fell along with the debris.
The dark elves watched as two figures emerged from the dust and carnage as more spiders then converged on the intruders from the holes in the ceiling.
《CHAIN DRAGON LIGHTNING》
Just then a lightning bolt in the shape of a huge dragon ripped through the spiders as it rode along the roof of the cavern. Spiders rained down from their perches killed by the spell.
The dark elves looked on in horror as their sacred protectors and the first line of defense fell around them.
Izen gasped.
"What incredible power..."
Ahvas then spoke.
"Run! Get the villagers to safety and ask the mother for help... her children are not strong enough. I will lead our hunters and hold them off for as long as we can...now..."
The elders then quickly followed the villagers through a back passage.
Ahvas then turned to Izunia.
"Take Araina and go with the elders."
Izunia shook her head.
"No... I want to help..."
Imara then stepped in front of Izunia and placed her hand on her daughter's shoulders.
"Then help our people and stay safe..."
Izunia shook her head again with tears in her eyes.
"No! I won't leave you... Not again!"
Ahvas then spoke without looking away from the enemy.
"They're coming!"
Just then the two figures landed in front of the group crushing the ground beneath their feet as a cloud of dust erupted around them.
The two elves dusted themselves off as Ahvas addressed them.
"Who are you!? And what do you want with our village?"
"Your village? Hahaha hahaha"
One of the elves laughed as he finished dusting off his black and gold cloak.
Izunia then noticed Araina shaking beside her as The other elder blood elf spoke clearly and concisely.
"I am Novem and this is my brother Maeral... And we have no business with this backwater cave of a village.
A look of realization covered Izunia's face as she looked at Novem.
"(He looks just like...)"
Ahvas then replied.
"Then why are you here? What do you want?"
Araina then spoke up as she stepped beside Ahvas.
"Me...they are here for me..."
Maeral then addressed the golden she-elf as he fained hurt in his voice.
"Hello, Araina. It's been so long. You never visit or write..."
Araina then replied.
"I'd heard stories... About you two... I didn't want to see what you'd become..."
Maeral then chuckled as he turned his head to the side and moved forward slowly.
"Haha, That's rich... You did leave us alone with father after all... How did you think we'd turn out?..."
Ahvas held his spear at the ready as his warriors watched the strange elves' every move.
"What is she talking about Izunia?"
Izunia looked at the fear in Araina's eyes.
"They're her brothers, Father... They want to take her back to King Hougan so he can have his way with her..."
Novem then spoke.
"Such a crude way of putting it... We are only ensuring the bloodline of Hougan remains pure...
Araina has run away long enough... It's time she did her duty as one of the chosen..."
Ahvas then raised an eyebrow.
"Regardless of her "duty" the princess is our guest... You can't expect us to simply hand her over..."
Novem then replied as his aura exploded
"That's exactly what I except you to do..."
All the dark elves fell to their knees except for Ahvas who gritted his teeth as he struggled to stay on his feet.
Novem raised an eyebrow impressed.
"Well, well, you're not the average thin blood are you?"
Ahvas stood up straight as the spider web tattoo across his chest and shoulders began to glow.
"I am simply a protector of my people. And I will not kneel to our enemies."
Novem then chuckled.
"Haha, Oh, we are not your enemies...yet... You see, My brother and I could reduce you and this village to ashes... average or not... If we so choose. But we have wasted enough time and I wish to return home. So hand over my sister and I will leave you in peace..."
Izunia then struggled to her feet and drew her daggers.
"Don't make me laugh! As if we would let you just take..."
Araina then stepped forward.
"I'll do it..."
Izunia then grabbed Araina by the shoulder.
"Not this again?! What are you doing!?"
Araina then took Izunia's hand.
"I am done running Izunia, I won't let you or your family get hurt because of me... I... Don't have a choice..."
Izunia then looked Araina in the eyes.
"There is always... a choice..."
Araina felt the words strike deep before replying.
"Then I choose this...
Araina then began to walk over before Ahvas held his spear out in front of her as Imara addressed her.
"Are you sure Araina?"
The elven warrior asked.
Araina gave a kind smile as she replied.
"Yes ... It's time I faced him..."
Ahvas then moved his spear and Araina finish walking to Novem.
Maeral then tilted his head as he looked Izunia over.
"Oh, don't look so sad Kitten, you will be coming too."
Ahvas then held out his spear out in front of his daughter.
"What did he say?..."
Novem then sighed annoyed..."
"Must you make everything more difficult then it has to be Maeral?.."
Maeral then replied.
"Sorry brother... But I've made up my mind. I must have her..."
Ahvas's voice began to fill with anger.
"What is this?"
Novem then spoke.
"Ah yes, my brother has taken a liking to that one. She will be coming too..."
Araina then spoke.
"But you said you would leave them in peace!"
Novem then replied.
"To be fair... I was speaking for myself...but..."
Novem then looked to Maeral.
"I have accomplished my mission. If you wish to capture the girl you will get no help from me..."
Maeral then laughed.
"Haha, as if a few thin bloods would cause me trouble..."
Just then the white haired elf moved his head to the right as the tip of a golden spear narrowly missed his left eye as Ahvas lunged at him.