Companions

The sun was shining hot and bright in the summer sky, sending its warm rays down upon a magical site. Two elves, both mounted on high spirited stallions, raced across a spring meadow while a wolf ran joyfully at the side of the younger stallion and its graceful rider.

Rain laughed as she and Nate raced side by side, controlling their mounts with their thoughts and simply hanging on as they enjoyed the ride. Rain laid flat against her stallion's black neck and clung on for dear life as Darkmoon raced ahead of Shadow and Nate, before slowing down to wait for her companions to catch up.

"Incredible!" Nate said as he dismounted from Shadow, "That stallion of yours sure is fast, even Silver was struggling to keep up". "Silver enjoys the chase," said Rain smiling.

It had been almost a full twelve moon cycle since her life had been changed by one simple realization, she was an elf! Now having just started her sixteenth year, she was finally at peace with herself. She had gotten to know Nate very well and had learned much about herself, her race, and her history. She now had almost complete control of her magic and her power. She had grown taller and fuller, as most women do but she knew her eyes still held a great wisdom and sadness, which betrayed a great sorrow and a difficult past.

Rain only seemed to come to life around her new friends. She looked around at the camp and at her companions and smiled in content, life was perfect, peaceful, and full of new adventures. After Rain and Nate finished grooming their horses, she settled down with her arm around Silver and waited for Nate to start her daily lesson.

Nate sat comfortably by the fire and began, "So Rain, you now know how to control your magic, you know and understand what you are, and you know how to survive and travel in the wild. In my opinion you have now learned all I have to teach you and have excelled in any task that you have been given." As Nate continued, Rain glowed under his praise.

"However," Nate continued, "I have failed to tell you who you are, and for that I am eternally sorry. I have been selfish wanting to keep you to myself." Rain was startled, Nate had shared everything with her and given her new hope.

Nate hesitated, "Rain you are more than an elf, as am I, we are the Chosen of our people. I have neglected my responsibilities and ignored the rising darkness that is threatening to overcome all of the Forgotten Realm." Nate continued to speak as Rain sat frozen by the sound of his voice and by the words he was saying, "We must return to my city, we must find the source of this evil and destroy it or it will destroy not only us but all that is good in this world. We must hurry as I fear that it already grows late and time is running out." Nate finished his speech and looked at Rain who was still staring at him in shocked silence.

"Oh my god!" she thought. "This is too much, I mean being an elf I can adjust to, but having to save a whole world and who are the Chosen?" Out loud she asked Nate, "Do I have a choice?"

Nate answered, "No neither of us really has a choice. Get some rest we leave at first light." Nate and Rain lay down but neither was able to sleep well as their thoughts churned through their heads at what tomorrow would bring.