CHAPTER IX

An angry Elezen Wood Wailer stood before Maleko and Roslyn. Having heard the commotion while on his routine patrol, he had called his comrades and they had arrived just as Maleko struck the final blow.

The Wood Wailers slowly fanned out, harpoons leveled at Maleko as they cut off the exit to the grove.

"Look mates, I know it looks bad, but it ain't what ya think." Maleko told the angry Wood Wailers. Roslyn holstered her bow, and raised her hands above her head.

"It looks like you've slain an elder of the Twelveswood, foreigner." The lead Elezen retorted angrily.

Maleko looked from the Elezen to the fallen Treant, and back. "Ah… well then I serpose it's exactly what ya think. But he started it!"

The Elezen was not amused… "Drop your weapons! Brother E-Sumi will hear of this."

Maleko and Roslyn laid their weapons down, before being led away by two Miqo'te lancers. Maleko called over his shoulder "I'm goin' ta want that back mate. I'm quite fond o' it"

The Wood Wailers led them back to the forest city of Gridania. The woodfolk watched in interest as the, would be, hunters were led to the Still Glade Fen.

As the procession entered the Fen, a young looking Hyur with snow white hair, and odd horns jutting from his head turned towards them. "What is the meaning of this?" He demanded of the leading Elezen.

"Brother E-Sumi, this… Outsider was caught in the Twelveswood, inviting Green Wrath upon himself, slaying an elder Treant of the Shroud."

E-Sumi turned to Maleko and considered him quietly.

Not a fan of awkward silence, Maleko asked the Hyur, "What's goin' on with the horns mate...?"

"It is no surprise to me that one foreign to our nation, would know little of the Padjal… Please, worry not about it, and focus on the matter at hand. You have the drawl of a man of the sea, why are you here, and what could have possessed you to slay a guardian of the Shroud?"

Maleko detailed what had brought him to the Shroud and the details leading up to his fight with the Treant. He made sure to take extra care in leaving no doubts that Roslyn had not been involved in his actions, and had tried to stop him.

"I see…please, release Roslyn, I am sure her family must be worried sick." He told the Lancers, before turning to Maleko once more, "As for you… I am sorry, but there is more for us to discuss."

The Lancers released Roslyn, and she looked to Maleko, unsure what to do. He nodded to her, and smiled reassuringly. "It's fine lass, get yerself home. I'll come see you when it's over."

She smiled half-heartedly in response, and made her way out of the fen. Once she was gone, E-Sumi-Yan addressed the Elezen Wood Wailer.

"You have done well, as usual, Ilwix, however you and your Wailers may leave. I do not sense this man to be of ill intent."

The Elezen, Ilwix Geauroseois, frowning, bowed to the Seed Seer, before departing with his Wood Wailers. "As you wish, Brother E-Sumi."

Only once they had left, and E-Sumi-Yan stood alone with Maleko in the glen, did the Padjal begin to speak again.

"Your words may hold true Adventurer… the voices of the Elementals have become confusing of late. Something has angered them…What, I cannot yet tell. Everything may seem so peaceful, on first glance, but the people of our nation have grown on edge… Although I do not hold you in account for this misfortune, I must make a request of you…"

The Seed Seer looked at Maleko with sincerity, and regret, written plainly across his face. "Please, leave the city. It need not be permanent; however, if you were to stay, I fear the people would receive you negatively. I shall return your belongings, and provide you with passage anywhere you wish to go…"