Hello, if you're here it means I did the thing and made the second chapter. Huzzah! Enjoy and if you wanna leave a review then go for it. I'll do my best to read them all and give some feed back if wanted.

Chapter Two: A Warning and an Offer

Spitting out blood from his mouth Thalion glared up at Darius, who watched with pleasure as the sore ranger rose to his feet again. He had been brought to one of the watch towers, not the best place, and was shown that there was indeed something peculiar approaching the Quivering Forest. It was a thick mist, one unlike any he had come across before as it blotted out everything it swept over, including mountains and other woods not too far away. After being dumbfounded by this oddity, and that Darius had been fully honest, the two other guards yanked him from the window and restrained him while the angry elven guard questioned him, more with hits and kicks than with words, accusing him for being responsible for this and working with Jeny to take down the city. Twenty minutes passed in this violent interrogation, only ending when Thalion finally caused the man to snap, due to his silence, and was knocked out from a strong blow to the head.

Dazed and trying to keep the world from spinning he came around some time later as Darius was being scolded for his actions by a person who appeared to be a wizard, someone who understood that a ranger did not have the potential to cast a spell this powerful and neither did a hag. Pain pulsed in many places but didn't keep him from attempting to rise up onto his feet. A solid foot stomping down on his back did though, slamming his back down on the cold stones as he heard the annoyed guard claim that this 'simple elf' was more dangerous than he looked. Having none of it the wizard only said that Darius needed to stop and ordered that the trash be dumped outside of the city with all of his cursed belongings. Those that coveted the dead and undead had no place in Phlan, or anywhere in the world for that matter.

Everything following was a blur until the cold air hit Thalion, waking him up with a shock, and bringing him back fully. Bothered by the hands holding him, and the situation, he easily broke the surprised guards grasps and snatched his belongings from them before they could even utter a word. He told them he would escort himself out and if any of them touched him again he would hex them to high heavens and then some. Of course, he couldn't actually do that but, they bought into the belief that he was a cursed Hag Spawn and able to raise the dead. The grown men and women ran off, fearing for their lives as the livid ranger hissed at them through his teeth, keeping up the act until they were out of sight.

Content with the guard's pathetic retreat he limped out of the city, checking himself for any broken bones and making sure he had all of his things. Everything was accounted for, along with the total of damaged bones adding up to ten: five ribs, three fingers, his left wrist, and his right ankle. His back was most definitely in bad shape too, with all of the kicks and stomps it took being an obvious indicator of it. Making his way to the main sector he walked through the market, since he had to to get out, and ignored all of the people dropping what they were doing just to watch him go. Tiredly he walked, noticing that the townsfolk began to move things out of his way, so he would not be hampered or blocked, one bold woman stepping forward and offering a healing potion.

He stopped at this, confused at the random act, and looked at the fearful lady. Her brown eyes opened more as he studied her, seeing her hands shake and her breath quicken. She was young, human, and from the looks of it conflicted as to what she was doing. The world hung on and watched as Thalion gave the softest smile he could manage, and gently shook his head while pushing the potion back into her hands. Lost as to why she stared at him, taken back when he replied softly, "You might need it more than me. But thank you, truly, for your kindness."

Stepping back, she stood with the rest as they parted and let him leave the city of Phlan, passing the guards at the front gate and paying them no mind as they whispered Tamara knows what about him. Yet on that day, one that had started like so many others, he left an impact that he would be unaware of for a long time. One that many would call a blessing, and some would call a curse, like him. Something was known though, and that was that the residents of the city of Phlan had all been fearing the wrong dragon, one they now realized they might lose to their true enemy. Minutes after he had left the citizens were still in shock at the subdued nature and the almost serene way he spoke and treated the stranger. Lies had been proven wrong for all to see and something stirred in the emotions of everyone there, a feeling that none could quite place but had all felt some time before.

Off outside the city the lone and beaten ranger dragged himself back to where he always had, rain falling soon after him just to continue souring the day. It was bad enough that all of this had occurred but to make his journey home was close to a slap in the face, as walking was already hard. He pressed onward though, not looking back to his old home. No, he only wanted to hide himself in the dark shadows of the welcoming trees, disappearing like he always had and maybe never returning to the damned city. Thalion sped up some as he neared the entrance of the forest, grateful to be where he belonged, only to stop upon hearing a bush rustle nearby. Stealthily and silently he took hold of his bow, drawing an arrow from his quiver without a sound, and readied the shot.

Voice hoarse but strong the tired wood elf spoke, saying, "Whoever is there you best come out before I make you. I'm in no mood to be playing these dumb games and only wish to return home. Now, out!"

A figure tripped and rolled forward, landing on their face, shaggy hair almost as bad of a mess as Thalion's. Nervously they held their arms up, a gesture to show they meant no harm, while another figure joined them, hands raised as well. The first spoke, his voice teaming with terror as he said, "Oh great ranger of the dead and keeper of the forest, please do not harm us. We only wish to speak with you and ask for your aid in a matter of great importance."

"Ugh, common good man. Do you speak it? I don't have time for dramatic shit."

The second figure, a drow from the looks of it, replied, "We need your help Ranger Thalion, and this one is a little terrified of you. You have a lethal reputation and could be our best hope."

"Wait…I recognize you, both of you. You were Blackfists members." Thalion added, lowering his weapon and watching the pair in confusion. "You were one of the men that held me down when I was branded. Geoff, I believe? How's life treating you know I wonder."

Geoff answered, now exhausted as his previous activities were dragged forth from the dark, "Poorly, as I have earned for letting a city of scared numbskulls pin blame on a child and burn him and mark him as something, he most likely is not. That is not why either of us are here though. Please, let us step out of sight and have this conversation in a better location, one where we cannot be spotted. I beg you to please give us a chance."

"…Just this once. Get up and let's go sniffles. Good to see you're well Onyx."

"I would say the same for you except you look like hell. What happened?" the drow lady asked, red eyes narrowing at the sorry sight the other elf was.

"Darius. He and his men believe I'm responsible for this strange mist that's fast approaching the Quivering Forest. Obviously, they tried to get the witches child to confess and were upset when I gave them the truth." Thalion explained as he started forward again, sarcasm coating all of his words along with bitterness.

"Well that's rather foolish of them, but it is why we have come to you. The city has been changing lately, especially in how the people living there view things. The rogue group of Blackfists are growing weaker with each passing day and the beast at the center is losing strength. We're ready to take back the city but…"

"But what? Those mists scare you too?"

"For good reason. Two people you may know have been trying to help us with our plans only to be ordered to go investigate. One came back, and one did not. Libra was consumed by them and has not returned. Aya is distraught and preparing to go in after him."

"What? What do you mean consumed him? It's mist it can't eat someone and make them vanish. Unless-"

"It's magical. Those mists are magical boy and they are heavy with gloom and dread. Many of us are skilled in many fields but none of us are prepared to enter what could be a different plane." The weary half orc explained, jumping into the conversation.

"And I am? You must be mad!"

"But I'm right. You're skilled in surviving even the harshest of places, as you grew up in one, you have dedicated yourself to studying and hunting creatures of the dark and the dead. You somehow befriended a powerful green hag at a young age, living with her and being treated as her kin. The monsters that come forth from the mists are things you could beat in your sleep. I know you, as do many, and I know that no one else could go into that oddity and be alright."

Stopping in his tracks the ranger gazed at the pair in awe and confusion, wondering why now, after decades of hate and fear, he was suddenly so useful and important. It was a weird sensation that he wasn't used to, receiving praise from people and being told he was good at things. Even Jeny was sparse with her compliments. Here were these two, one he disliked greatly and one he had been friends with in what felt like another life, asking and begging him for help. So badly did he want to say no, to make them suffer as he had, to watch Phlan burn. A part of him that burned brighter than all of his dark emotions and wants for revenge shut down his cruel tendencies, as usual, and reluctantly he groaned and leaned against one of the trees. Shutting his eyes for a moment and letting the rain fall on him he took a deep breath and released it, hating his answer.

"Fine, I will help you guys. I have some requests though." He stated grumpily.

"Anything, name it and it's yours!" Onyx said, piping in as he spoke.

"When you get back the city, there needs to be a place of worship dedicated to Tamara, as her mercy to me is the only reason I'm helping you. There has to be a good orphanage where the children are properly taken care of. And lastly, NO MORE BRANDING PEOPLE BECAUSE THEY STUDY THE DEAD! Necromancy is not evil and to grow as a city we need to learn that. Got it?" He stated, anger flaring for a instant, making the others flinch back and stare at their feet.

Together the pair nodded and agreed to his conditions, Geoff speaking somberly, "Of course. No other child should go through what you did, and we'll make sure of it. Thank you Thalion. We are eternally grateful."

"I'm sure you are. I'll leave for the mists tomorrow, try to cut it off at the Crossing Inn. You're positive it was Libra and Aya?"

"Unfortunately, yes. They were part of our support inside of the city. We'll manage though and keep the place standing so they have a home to come back to." Onyx replied quietly.

He didn't say anything more and instead gave a curt nod and stepped deeper into the trees, questioning if he should have taken that potion earlier since he now had a lot more on his plate than he imagined. It wasn't too long before he reached the small abode tucked away into a large tree inside the swamp, sighing as he knew Jeny would not be happy about his new chore. Oddly enough, the hag was waiting for him in the doorway, an uncommon expression on her wrinkled face and the smallest hint of worry in her eyes. She stood and watched as he hefted himself up the stairs, putting a gentle hand on his back as he passed her wordlessly and entered the home.

Strangely calm Jeny helped Thalion sit in one of the two comfy chairs, taking off his boots and tsking at the sight of his swollen ankle. She gave him a look that assured he would be scolded later, something he was used to, and went about helping him change into dry clothes. Once he was settled and dozing on and off, the hag went over to a small cabinet, opening it and bringing out some ingredients to throw into the black kettle hanging over the fire. Never in a million years would she admit that somewhere in the depths of her shriveled heart she was worried for the young man, her only companion for over a century. Yet she couldn't help but feel anger at the sight, wishing to do nothing more than destroy the blasted city and level it. He would be devastated though, and she knew deep down that she had let herself grow weak. Her, the infamous and feared Jeny Greenteeth, had at last developed a weakness outside of her own physical ones. The idea sickened her, and she questioned how it had occurred, recalling memories from so long ago. A young elf child, one green eye and one gold, with bright orange/red hair entering the woods with his parents, people that had always respected her and her rules.

That day was when something strange began, as only a few years later she would find the same child abandoned by the entrance of the forest, shaking in pain and burned with the brand of a necromancer. Onlookers watched from a distance, muttering about how she was going to devour the kid, something she usually would have done, only to find the hag scoop up the small figure and scream in rage. She cursed those men, cursed the city, and told the world that today she would have her very own spawn to replace the one she lost decades ago. True, she damned the child to live life being known as a hag spawn, to be put through hell, but those people would have done it to him anyway. This way he had something protecting him, keeping the filthy citizens from trying to end him out of fear she would unleash her wrath on the city. To herself she admitted it wasn't bad to have the company, although raising a child was not pleasant, but he was tame, respectful, and grateful to her. Never did he complain about chores or her scolding him, and he was always ready to learn.

Popping bones back into place Jeny came down from her recollections, cooing and calming the distraught elf as his injuries were aggravated by her setting things back in place. She gave him a piece of willow bark to chew on and continued, thinking of ways she could get revenge on the city without demolishing it and killing everyone. It was as she finished and brought over something to help him heal faster that she found him awake and looking like he had something on his mind. Jeny set the smoking drink down and sat across from him.

"Well boy, how was the city?" She asked sweetly.

"Crap. But something bad has happened…something I need to fix." He answered, coughing after and taking the cup so he could down the beverage.

"Oh? What is it you need to fix? That guards face? He could certainly use it."

"No, although I don't think anything could remove the dirt from him. There's an odd thing approaching the forest from the other side. It's a mist, a magical one, and it's consuming whatever goes in. Nothing can leave from what I understand. Libra and Aya had been forced to investigate it and Libra didn't come back."

"Oh…that isn't good indeed. He's your friend who thought he was a drow for a while, correct?"

"Ha, yeah, he had issues. But when you're kidnapped at a young age and grow up there you tend to believe what people teach you. I don't know how long I'll be gone…or if I'll come back honestly."

"You know you owe these trash heaps nothing, yeah? They have been cruel to you and I and they don't deserve this help."

"That is true, but I wouldn't want this to take you or the rest of the land. I'm more worried about what will happen if it isn't halted and taken care of. Darius thought I conjured it with you, the fool, and who knows what he'll do if things grow worse."

"Why do you care? Let it all burn and die!" Jeny exclaimed, throwing her hands into the air.

Thalion laughed and answered, "You know I won't do that. I've tried and failed several times. Sadly, caring is part of my nature."

"Along with being a damned fool! Do you know how hard it was to resurrect you after you helped that dire wolf? Or maybe that other time you saved that lady from the river and she threw you in because she was scared? I don't have unlimited resurrections to waste on your bleeding-heart son."

"I understand but I'm going to do this and you can't stop me. And you won't. I'm 147, I can handle this." He stated, ending the debate.

Tired she nodded her head and replied, "I know I can't stop you; it would be a fool's errand. Just try to not die. I know you give away most of your money, so I'd have to use my own to bring you back."

"I know. Having a kid is expensive though. Should've thought that through a bit more before taking me and cursing the sky." He said with a smirk as he leaned back into his chair.

Rising to her feet she huffed and threw her arms high above her, muttering angrily and saying, "I could end you right now so don't you go sassing me! Ungrateful elf with your pointy ears and weak heart. You just have to go help people even the worst ones. Damned smart ass."

"Are you making some tea? Is it healing tea?"

"Yes, I'm making the healing tea so that you can have a clean slate physically and then gone shatter it as you try and save the world. Stay put child." She answered, knowing that she really needed to make sure he was fully fixed up before stepping back out. She didn't want to send him to his doom unprepared.

Night rolled around and Thalion stood on the porch of the house, healed and back in his adventuring gear. He had packed extra supplies, with Jeny's permission of course, and gazed out at the forest which seemed so peaceful and calm. It wasn't common for things to be this quiet though, a fact that made this rare silence uncomforting and chilling. There should have at least been some birds chirping or critters running about through the tree tops but no, it was a noiseless void minus the sound the rain made as it fell heavily to the ground. Shivering Thalion flicked his hood up and readied himself for the journey to the Crossing Inn, knowing that it was going to be a long evening.

Sending a final prayer up to Tamara he headed off, stalking through the immense ocean of trees and listening closely to see if anything was still showing it was alive here. The results were unnerving as not a creature made noise, leaving the forest to appear vacant of life and empty. Thalion had lived in here for a majority of his life and not once had something disturbed him so greatly. This place had always been a buzz with the sounds of a thriving and healthy forest, creatures going about their lives and nature flourishing. True certain areas were darker and perhaps gloomier than others, but the Quivering Forest had always been a wellspring of activity and life. Now, cloaked in the shadows of danger that approached from both sides, everything was dull, no longer giving energy or comfort to the ranger who had cared for and watched this land. A cloud of dread hung above and would not leave.

With all of that it in mind it was needless to say that Thalion's night did not pass quickly, but instead slowly, like a dying man trying to drag himself up a hill in the winter. He didn't rest, as elves don't truly need to, and pushed onward and hiked across the darkening land until the sun rose and then came close to setting again. It was later in the next day that he finally reached the other side, huffing from the exertion of continuously moving, and stared down at the small settlement below. The largest building was the Crossing Inn, and from the looks of things there was chaos and panic. Not too far away were the mists, lurking and waiting.

Sighing he climbed down and approached the establishment. Tired and sore, again, he opened the door and made his way through the crowded bundle of people. Slowly everyone quieted and watched anxiously, all of them puzzled at the new comer's silent arrival and entrance. Thalion walked up to the bar and politely asked for a glass of water, which he was given by the wide-eyed bar keep. Finishing it he set down the glass and turned to everyone, removing his hood, and cleared his throat.

"Uh, hi there everyone. My name is Thalion and I've come to help with the mists. From what I understand they are scary and have taken a person…someone by the name of Libra. I can't guarantee that I will succeed in beating back this anomaly, but I will do my best. Now what exactly is happening that has everyone here so distressed?" He stated, earning some odd glances and unsure gazes.

After a pause a man spoke up, saying, "Well this Gur family showed up and robbed some of us. The young Gur named Hricu drugged a female elf mage and stole her wand; we last saw him going over to the hills. Another Gur named Rilynin, an adult, stole some gems from a merchant, while older Gur named Kehkim stole a wagon-load of weapons stored here by local militiamen; The wagon was seen headed towards Thar where there is an ancient stronghold occupied by orcs. Lastly the oldest Gur called Papa cursed the assistant of the inn's cook. Since the night before, the assistant is alive, but is completely unresponsive. Papa was seen fleeing into the nearby Quivering Forest."

"Right, okay there's a string of robberies. Anything else? Anything at all?"

"Yeah! Aren't you that Hag spawn fro-" a patron of the inn started to say, cut off by the ranger's sharp glare.

"Any important questions that aren't going to piss me off? I wasn't sent here by Phlan and I came here to help because I'm a decent living being and was politely asked to. Do you truly wish to insult me and send me away?"

"Don't listen to the fool kind sir. We're simple people and unfortunately can be swayed easily by rumors and tall tales. Please help us. The mage who lost her wand just got back and should be over in the corner. Speak with her first." The bar keep said, pleading with him while cleaning a mug.

"Thank you, I will good man. Have a nice day." Thalion replied, weaving past dumbfounded tenants and finding a familiar auburn-haired elf in the corner. Joining the distraught mage, he sat down and waited until she raised her head from her papers. "Hi Aya. I didn't know you had made it back here so quickly."

Bothered green eyes looked up at him and, after realizing who it was, softened. She reached across the table and held on tightly to her friend's arms, shaking as she kept from crying more and screaming. "That was a surprisingly polite speech zombie boy. What are you doing here? Did you come to help find Libra?"

"Yeah, to an extent. I was asked to investigate the mists and handle them."

"No…No you can't do that. You pack your things and go back to your shack in the woods if you think I'm letting you near that monstrosity! I lost one person I care about and I won't willingly lose another!"

"Aya please keep your voice down. You're blowing things out of proportion. I'm not going to go waltzing into my doom."

"Oh, really because that's what you've done a couple of times. If it hadn't been for Jeny and Libra you'd be dead right now. Sorry that I don't believe you."

"Okay Aya you can either help or get out of my way. What's it going to be?" He asked, voice lowering to a dangerous tone that brought the elf back from her angry haze.

Pulling her hands back to herself she sniffled and then, as eloquently as she could muster, mutter, "The youngest Gur stole my wand and is hiding up in the mountains. While you go and get it I'll try and tap into the weave and see if I can figure out exactly what those mists are. Sorry for yelling. I just…I 'm so worried about him. He's smart but he's not strong and I can't find him."

"He'll be alright, just like the rest of us. Now, let's get to work okay? I'll be back soon." He said encouragingly, giving a warm smile to reassure her. His friend nodded, and the pair rose from the table, going their separate ways; One to a spare room to do their spells and the other back outside and to the woods.

Hey all, here's chapter two. It's long, again. My apologies. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed and will be putting up the next chapter soon. If you have any comments or questions, please leave them and I will get them as soon as possible. Thank you!