Elidor: You know, Russa, I've noticed that Elin's name is alot like mine. Is that intentional.
Russa: (blinks innocently) I don't know what you're talking about.
Elidor: I still have to do the disclaimer, don't I?
Russa: (grins evilly)
Elidor: (sigh) Russa does not own DL. Even though all of the characters are hers cuz she made em up.
Russa: IF YOU'RE THINKIN ABOUT SUING, TALK TO THE ELF!
The Knights crashed through the woods, fully aware of how much noise they were making. A covert group of men was currently sneaking up in a pincer movement, flanking the area where the Kagonesti had been camped.
The pincer eventually formed into a single line of Knights in a huge half circle around the general area where the elves were hiding. They slowly closed in, driving any elves they found in front of them. The men nearest the cliff slowly curved in, forming a circle around the elves.
Riishu saw what was happening and called out in Elfin, "Into the trees! Get outside the circle and run! We'll meet up in our haven later!"
Several elfin war cries rang out, followed by gasps from the Knights. Leaves and branches rained down as Kagonesti swung through the branches above their heads.
Riishu yanked Elin up into a tree and, with another whispered apology, knocked him sharply over the head. The half-breed went limp in her arms. Riishu sang out, a rhythmic tune lacking words, and the branches nearby reached towards Elin's still form.
Riishu allowed the branches to take him, then headed off through the treetops faster than any squirrel.
russarussarussarussarussarussarussarussarussarussarussa
Once the Knights had dispersed, Riishu returned to the tree where she had left Elin. She heard thrashing up in the canopy, and called out, "Elin, stop struggling! I'm coming up to get you; stay calm!" The noises abruptly stopped.
Riishu quickly climbed up the tree trunk, singing her voiceless song once more. She reached the very top of the tree to find Elin sitting on one of the stronger branches, hugging the trunk for dear life. She grinned at him, "Afraid of heights?"
He shook his head, "No! I'm just a little nervous about sitting on an unstable tree branch two hundred feet from the ground!"
Riishu offered her hand, "Come on. Tree-climbing runs in our blood, so it runs in yours, too." Sure enough, as they made their way slowly down the tree, Elin found himself relaxing somewhat.
When they got to the ground, Riishu motioned for him to follow and took off into the trees. Elin trailed after, marveling at the fact that the shrubs and low branches seemed to move out of the way as they went.
Before long, Elin found Riishu waiting for him at the entrance to a steep ravine. "Watch your step." she advised. He nodded numbly and carefully followed the captain as she picked her way down the steep incline.
Suddenly, his world turned upside-down when a rock slipped out from under his foot. He fell, tumbling and rolling over sharp rocks, small bushes, etc. until he was finally stopped by a large rock at the bottom.
Riishu slid down at top speed, skier style, after him. She fell to her knees next to the still form and turned him over.
Elin slowly opened his eyes and smiled wryly at her, "I heard something crack. Several somethings, actually." Riishu had tears streaming down her cheeks, "I'm so sorry. I never should have asked you to come in here."
Elin opened his mouth as if to speak, but Riishu shushed him, "I know what you're going to say, and that's not important right now. Right now, I need to get you to our new camp so you can be healed."
She stood up, cradling his limp body, and took off at a dead run down the narrow ravine. After what seemed like forever, she reached the rest of the Kagonesti, who were huddled around a small fire. They immediately left it when they saw Elin.
The elfin rebels gathered around, wordlessly forming into a circle as Riishu carefully laid Elin's now-unconscious form on the ground.
The captain let out a horrible keening cry. It almost seemed to embody the very essence of grief. The other Kagonesti joined in, adding their voice to their leader's.
Riishu's voice slowly changed from the sorrowful keen to a softer noise, one of healing and acceptance. As the others followed her example, a green light surrounded Elin. His injuries healed quickly under the warmth provided by the light.
When the half-breed was fully healed, Riishu let her song trail off. The light disappeared as Riishu fell.
Mieran was there in an instant to catch her. The lieutenant gently lowered the captain's body to the ground. Carine fell to her knees.
She started when a hand was placed on her shoulder. She looked up to see Kuran smiling down at her, "It's alright; don't worry. Captain Riishu just overexerted herself. She'll be fine with a good night's sleep."
Carine smiled up at him. Mieran took charge in the absence of both senior officers, "Alright, set up camp! Get some camouflage up, set a watch! Come on, get going!" The elves dispersed, leaving Mieran, Kuran, and Carine to stand guard over the two fallen officers.
Elin groaned and stirred. He felt three pairs of hands lifting him to a sitting position. The half-breed opened his eyes to see Mieran, Kuran, and Carine smiling at him. He moved everything experimentally, and grinned when everything worked without pain.
All four elves turned at a moan from Riishu. Elin knelt next to her. The captain's eyes opened, and she smiled, "I'm glad to see you're alright." Elin grinned, "Yeah. Thanks to you."
Riishu relaxed back into the ground, and allowed herself to slip into sleep.