"In the creation of the world, the gods took up the elements of fire, darkness, earth, wind, water, and light and from them created two peoples. One was of shadow and the other of light. Through both they sang the song of the morning and of the evening. This is how the immortal elves were born."

"Other races were created, but after the gods finished with the world, they turned to find what pleased them to call their own. Thus it was that the gods were divided, betwixt evil and good. Only the High One refused to be so petty, warning the others that what they desired would one day bring their ruin if they destroyed the world."

"Unaware of the disputes of the gods, the nations of the elves grew and prospered. The elves lived in the hill forests, while the shades took to the mountain forests. Because of our affinity for fire, we rivaled the dwarves in the forges. It was a friendly rivalry, made bitter in the end because of the very gods that we ignored. Needless to say, the dwarves dwindled away afterwards, disappearing into the very earth. We were indisputably the greatest creators, our cities were vast, their stonework impressive. Our weapons were art, able to cut through all but our armor."

"And then Magor-Missabib came to us demanding to be our patron."

"The people laughed at him, scorned him. 'Why do we need a patron? We do just fine on our own.'"

"He was angry, and the terror of his presence quieted the masses that saw him. 'Then I shall bring against you my own shadows and terrorize you with my darkness. You will be hunted down to the last drop of blood, prey to your fear.' He vanished, leaving only his dark words hanging in the air."

"Many laughed at the threat, confident in our abilities. The leaders thought that contingency might be wise, so they called together the greatest mages to craft a spell to save a nation. This spell they called 'Sanctuary'."

"A hundred years passed quietly, all things going to our benefit. But an uneasy darkness began to grow on our minds, the dire words spoken by an angry god."

"And then they came."

"It was only a few at first. They raided the few secluded hamlets, a few villages. Everywhere they touched was left in bloody devastation. No one survived to tell of the inhuman creatures of darkness, but the people knew. The God of Terror had kept his word."

"Spies were sent, seeking news of dark killers. Some fell, never to be heard from. Others returned empty. It was a dragon rider of our light brethren that brought us the first news. Humans, jealous of our seemingly limitless life had sworn themselves to the god. He had turned them into heartless monstrosities, designed only to seek our destruction. Bereft of all human sensibility, left only with base instinct to run upon, they feasted themselves upon the blood of our people. They are the forgotten avatars of a forgotten god."

"When the royal city fell under assault suddenly, we looked at fear for the first time in the history of our nation. Perhaps we could be destroyed. All that we tried to accomplish in battling the monsters was of no use. Fire stopped them, but only if they were immolated. Nothing could be left."

"A single earthwalker fled the battle to rally help from our brethren. An army of elves marched at once to our aid and was ambushed in the dark forest by the vampeyrs, as the humans called them. With them were the Bolgs, swamp creatures. The slaughter was terrible but they fought their way clear, finding in the process the key to destroying our formidable foe."

"It was light. A vampeyr is composed completely of darkness. If a strong light is cast, it will fade into a ghost that is harmless to anything. They sent their dragon riders ahead to tell us of the news. Alas, it was already too late. With slaughter in the city, the royal family decided to cast the ultimate spell. It is said that Sanctuary could be felt by the elves as it tore their brethren of the shadows away from them forever. Immediately the cities vanished and everything connected to the shades. Nothing was left save the memory of our brethren."

"Enraged by their failure, the elven army took up pursuit and finally cornered the army that had brought about the destruction. A human mage composed a spell to seal away the evil forever. Its casting took the lives of seventy mages, including five young dragons who volunteered for the purpose. Vampeyrs vanished from the world, sealed away under the earth in constant light."

Duo paused in his telling as Hilde silently handed him a portion of the quail. In between bites he concluded his narration.

"The elven army died. Killing in rage is the death of an elf. This is because we are bound to life."

"It was several hundred years after this that we finally discovered the true fate that had befallen us. We were dying from our fear. Nothing was actually killing us, but as shades tired of life and chose to fade on, the population was declining. Few births occurred, for what was there to give to one's family? We had been separated from our brethren, and without their light, our shadow wavered."

"And that is why I'm here now. I seek a way to restore our people back to the world where they belong."

Hilde sat very still as the tale ended, a half eaten wing poised in her grasp. Her eyes were wide as a thought occurred to her. "If we bring our people back, will the monsters return as well?"

The shade across the fire shook his head solemnly. "No one knows."


As she hastened through the halls to her quarters, the ambassador mused over the strange request from the lord of the land. He had been most explicit at requiring the presence of the elven court's highest figurehead at a banquet that he was preparing in a week's time. "The princess must be here as a voice of reason to offset the bickering of us humans. Her very presence will assure calm and reasonable debate between the lords, instead of the brawling associated with the common soldiery."

The whole manner of the man reeked of something evil, just what she could not pin down. Perhaps it would be best never to forward this to her rulers, but protocol demanded that she do so immediately. Let them handle the problems as they arose, just send on through the information.

Sali ran a hand through her dark blonde locks as she activated the crystal that linked her to the elven court. In the privacy of her chambers, she could see the princess sitting quiet and composed at the head of the table. Altisen Woodcloak stood nearby, handling the crystal at the other end no doubt. Taking a deep breath, she calmed her nerves and spoke succinctly to her monarch.

"Greetings highness, members of the court."

After a pause for them to acknowledge, Sali continued her speech. "His Excellency, the Lord Khush'Ranada has requested the presence of her Highness, the Princess Relena at a banquet that he prepares within a week. He prays that she consider this in an effort to keep the current conflict betwixt Ganwyng and Abiara from spilling across the border into the elven lands. It is his desire that she mediate at said banquet between the lords of the two countries, that no blood be shed by haste and hot tempers."

Her request was met by silence as the members of the court debated the pro's and con's of the offer laid before them. The ambassador was patient, she had after all just finished all that she was required to do in the game of land law.

Her attention was drawn back to the crystal a moment later by the voice of her sovereign. "I will go."

The princess stood and focused her gaze on the crystal that would transfer her face to the ambassador. "Sali please let the Lord Khush'Ranada know that I accept the offer that he has so graciously made. Within the week I shall arrive with my advisors to his citadel. Perhaps he is sincere and peace can yet be attained." Her voice softened as she finished, and the crystal went dark. Replacing it in her bag, the elven ambassador made her way back to the royal palace.

"May the light find you a way princess."


True to her word, Relena found herself ensconced in Treize's palace by the middle of the week. Few of her advisors had agreed with her taking this trip, but she was determined to face her brother at least once alone if it could be managed. If this truly was a parley he would be here.

Her party was small, as befitted her role as mediator. Altisen Woodcloak had insisted on accompanying her, along with two of his more capable assassins. Pagan was present on standing protocol as her advisor, as well as the elven ambassadors to both countries. Relena's personal shadow was on duty as well, though she never appeared in the official tallies of the party.

Usually the elves secluded themselves in the ambassador's quarters, speaking in low tones to avoid being overheard by the palace staff. Now however, the princess had decided to mingle with the crowds of humans who came everyday to the marketplaces. News could be found in better places than the palace courtyards.

As she moved through the throng of bustling life, the princess held to the security of the solid forms of Elna and Sali beside her. Pagan held pace just behind her, his fatherly presence reassuring. Cloaked as they all were in dull colored robes, the party did not stand out as much as might have been prudent. Standing out was the last thing on their minds, they wanted to hear what the word among the commoners was.

The inn that they chose to visit was located in what Altisen had designated as one of the 'safer' zones within the marketplace. Elna lead the way into the common room of the Mourning Dove catching the eyes of one of the maids for just a moment as she did so. What signal passed between them was unclear, but the bodyguard appeared satisfied as she wended her way through the crowd to a corner table. When they were seated, the same maid came and took their order.

As they ate, Relena paid close attention to the conversations around her. Most were of city business only, talk of the local merchants as to what was the best selling item to the general public. Some however were the hushed gossip of the maids as they passed by their customers, rumors that flew varied and deep as to the state of the country at large. "His Excellency confides in dark mages...", "The dukes are only bluffing about war...", "The city forces have drawn up a tight net around the city walls. There is to be a grand to do at the palace with the dukes of Abiara in attendance.", "The war is only a game on a grand scale..."

Her senses so focused on her task, Relena found herself startled when Sali touched her arm. "My lady, it is time."

Bowing her head in reply, the princess rose with the others of her party. Elna had already produced the coin to pay for the service and pressed it into the maid's hand as she passed them. They made their way unobtrusively out of the inn and prepared to return to the palace. Elna stiffened as they entered the street.

"We are being followed."

Taking a twisting, turning route, the elves soon found themselves in a secluded alleyway. The bodyguard was highly alert now, scanning the area for whomever it was that seemed to be herding them. Cloaked figures stepped out of various side streets and doorways.

"Left, on top of the building. Sniper?" Elna faced the greater number of assailants, her sword in hand now. Sali turned her focus to the area indicated, looking straight into the eyes of the young man standing in the shadows. After a moment she shook her head. "No, he is not with them."

The bodyguard nodded tersely, still intent upon the assailants ahead of her. "Something isn't right here, my lady!"

Relena nodded, aware that her guide wouldn't see it, and cast about to see what the odd feeling reminded her of. Pagan leaned in toward her, his old eyes sparkling. "T'is the work of a mage. He's using a spell to scry us."

The wizard paused for effect before adding quietly, "He's trying to be subtle about it, but is having problems controlling his power."

Sali moved past the mage to stand as the rear guard. There were fewer men following from the way that they'd come. Dropping her cloak, the ambassador took up her sword as calmly as she ever did diplomatic documents or magic. Her tunic and leggings allowed her more freedom of movement than the robes she usually wore when she traveled the streets, something that she'd had cause to be grateful for more than once since arriving in the capital.

Now it seemed that she'd get the chance again, only on a larger scale.


AN: Shades are what the Shadow Elves call themselves. The italics in the beginning is Duo's Naration. When he gets to speaking normally, italics disappear. Well, sort of. Italics afterwards usually denote someone whispering or hushed conversations.

My appologies to all my reviewers; I've really tried hard to make it so that the storyline isn't confusing. I just can't seem to get it right though. Again, my appologies.

Karina, Lockea Stone, and koriaena - thanks for reviewing.