Part 4 – The Dales pt. 1
The next day, Mai came into Sasuke's command-center, "Marquise Mai," Sasuke said as he looked up from his map to see her, "What do I owe the pleasure of your company in my little headquarters?"
"I forgot to mention," Mai said, "You know my lady-in-waiting."
Sasuke looked up at her, "Sakura?" He asked.
"Yes," Mai said, "She's my lady-in-waiting."
"I knew she would go far," Sasuke said, "She still got the same long pink hair?"
"No she cut it," Mai said, "And what else I can tell you is she returned to her elven camp."
"That makes things even more difficult," Sasuke said as he walked over to the window, and looked out at the Deauvin Flats, "If I know her father we both know what he wants."
Sakura Haruno was possibly the most gorgeous elven rogue you'd ever meet, her father Kizashi Haruno always held Sasuke in high regards as the best man for his daughter.
Sakura specialized in medical practicing, she was possibly the single greatest healer you could find, but also a bit hotheaded.
Before setting off, Sasuke went to Might Guy's shop where he and Tenten were hard at work.
As soon as he entered, Might Guy walked up to him, and bowed, "Would you please stop doing that," he asked, "I'm not a god, and I am not a king. I came to check on the status of my order."
Guy took Sasuke into the back to show him the racks, "These swords were all tested by Tenten in the back," Guy smacked the side of the blade against the wall, not a single dent or scratch on the blade or the edge.
Sasuke took the blade from Guy's hand, he had a particular style, the pommel and the guard were semi-circles, the blade tapered both on the edges and the top and bottom of the blade so it didn't sacrifice stopping power for speed, "Well done," Sasuke said as he handed the sword back to Guy, "What about mine?"
"I was hoping you'd ask for that," Guy said as he walked over to his anvil which was covered by a large dark blue cloth with Sasuke's family's seal on it, "This has to be my proudest work," Guy removed the cloth to reveal the shining star-metal blade, "Beautiful isn't it?"
"Very," Sasuke said, "Tell me about it."
"This blade speaks for itself," Guy said as he picked it up, "Using that star-metal made for a very light, fast, and strong blade," Guy swung at the handle of the anvil, the blade bounced right off the handle, and there wasn't so much as a chip on the edge of the blade, "It's also agile," he then held out the ten inch grip to Sasuke, holding it by the end of the grip, "Give it a go."
Sasuke grabbed the grip, and as he held it in his hand, he felt powerful, like a true hero, he swung it around a few times, it was so perfect he could see the air being cut as he swung it.
As he stopped he flipped the blade edge-side down, and placed the blade between his arm and his side, "What about a scabbard?"
Guy handed out a curved scabbard with a flat end, Sasuke took the scabbard, attached it to his belt, and sheathed the blade before turning back to Guy, "Well done," Sasuke said, "I return in a week at most, will my armor be ready by then?"
"I already have pieces of the armor ready," Guy said as he went into the back, and retrieved a pair of greaves, gauntlets and pauldrons that were all white metal and had gold outlines and inlays.
Sasuke took the armor, and walked toward the castle, as Tenten saw Sasuke leave, she turned to Guy and spoke, "You still need me?" She asked.
"That'll be all for today Tenten," Guy said, "You can go now."
Tenten followed Sasuke back to his castle where upon entering, Naruto, Shino, and Hinata were already in armor, ready to go.
As Sasuke walked up to them, one of his family's servants came up to him with his new horse, Equus which was already fitted with a black leather saddle with golden studs and stitching.
"Hey buddy," Sasuke said as he stroked his horse across the crest of his head, "Let's see what you can do."
Tenten walked in front of Sasuke, and held her arms out to take the armor, as Sasuke gave her the armor.
Tenten then set the armor down, took the pauldrons, and fixed them onto Sasuke's shoulders, she then took the gauntlets, and fastened them onto Sasuke's hands, then took the boots, and fastened them on.
Sasuke swung himself into the saddle, and as he did, everyone in the courtyard stopped to look up at him, as Sasuke looked at them he could have sworn they were looking at a god, Sasuke looked down at Tenten, "Tenten," Sasuke said, "You're in charge while I'm gone."
"Yes Emissary," Tenten said, "We will eagerly await your return."
Sasuke clapped his heels into Equus's sides, and the team started forward, Sasuke on Equus, Shino had a horse himself, a large muscular brown stallion with a thick, groomed mane and tail, and was rarely seen without the head-guard Shino made with his own two hands.
Hinata rode with Naruto on his large blonde stallion that had a gorgeous brown mane and tail that matched the streak of brown down the crest of his head between his eyes down to his nose.
As the four departed the castle and walked into Val Firmin, the villagers walked out of their homes to see Sasuke and his team riding down the street, Sasuke could see the same look in their eyes he saw back in his castle.
As the team arrived on the Deauvin Flats, the team relaxed, Naruto noticed Sasuke ridding a little awkward, and rode up to the side of his horse, "Hey," Naruto said as he slapped Sasuke on the back, "You ok?"
"Three years," Sasuke said, "It's been three years."
"Sakura?" Naruto asked.
"Yea," Sasuke said, "I don't know how she'll react."
"Look Sasuke," Hinata said as she leaned over to him, "I was on vacation and saw her right before the war started. She hasn't stopped loving you."
"Thanks Hinata," Sasuke said, "But I'm not worried about her so much as I am worried about her father."
"Oh yea," Naruto said, "Kizashi though isn't that mad, I spoke to him personally."
Two days later…
Sasuke and his companions arrived at the edge of the Dales, Sasuke held onto Equus's reins tightly, it was obvious his horse was nervous, "Easy boy," Sasuke said, "Easy."
"This is it," Naruto said, "We should run into the clan within a few hours."
Sasuke reached into his satchel, and pulled out a small item, an elfish Ocarina, "What's that?" Shino whispered.
"An Ocarina," Hinata said, "An elven instrument, before entering elfish territory it's always a good idea to play a few tunes to identify yourself as a friend."
Sasuke raised the Ocarina to his lips, and played a few tunes, a high, two lows, a medium, another long high, and one final low.
Sasuke could tell the elves, with their high-powered elfish ears heard him because there was a reply.
"That's a sign," Sasuke said, "Let's go."
The group entered the Dales, as they did, Sasuke could hear something, he looked off to his right, and saw various humanoid forms moving through the woods.
Sasuke waved his hand, and the group slowed their horses to a trot.
Three elves cloaked in green wearing Elvish leather armor came out of the woods holding bows, "Speak your business Shemlen." One said.
"Shiral atisha friends," Sasuke said, "We don't want any trouble."
"Who are you Shem?" The leader asked.
"My name is Sasuke Uchiha," Sasuke said, he then pointed at his group, "The blonde on the golden stallion is my second-in-command, Naruto Uzumaki. The elf sitting behind him is my friend Hinata Hyuuga. And the giant on the large brown horse with the head-guard is my third-in-command Shino Aburame. We seek audience with your leader."
"On whose authority?" The elf asked.
"On my authority," Sasuke said as he raised his hand revealing the sign.
"The sign," the elf said as his eyes went wide as baseballs, "I'm sorry sir. Follow us."
The elves removed the hoods on their cloaks, and walked down the road.
"Why are you here though," the same elf asked a while into their walk, "I would think the Gods' Messenger would be off saving the world?"
"That's what I'm trying to do," Sasuke said, "A great force has invaded Orlais. A race of mutated Qunari that are threatening the very safety of this land."
"You need us to help you stop this Hellathen?" He asked.
"Yes," Sasuke said as they came to a small village, obviously elvish, "Hanin Revasan."
"Serannas." The elf said.
As they rode through the village, the elvish people working in the village noticed Sasuke, and walked outside.
They arrived at a large house carved out of a giant tree, standing out front of the tree was Kizashi Haruno wearing his Keeper's robes.
"Sasuke Uchiha," Kizashi said as he looked up at Sasuke who dismounted his horse.
"Kizashi Haruno," Sasuke said before taking to one knee in front of him, "Emma Abelas. I ask your forgiveness if have done you wrong."
"There is nothing to forgive," Kizashi said as he placed a hand on Sasuke's shoulders, allowing him to rise, "You look good for a soldier."
"Was going to say the same thing about you old man." Sasuke said.
"What are you doing here?" Kizashi asked.
"Let's talk inside." Sasuke said.
"Ok." Kizashi said.
Sasuke then turned to his friends, "Naruto," Sasuke said, "Take the horses, find a place for them, and for us. We might be staying here a while."
Sasuke and Kizashi walked into the large tree, and saw everything was meant to look like his old house in Halamshiral before he was forced to leave because of the takeover by Orlais.
"Nice place," Sasuke said as he entered.
"Serannas," Kizashi said as they took a seat at his table where a small thing of tea was ready, "Now what bring you all the way here only a week after your return?"
"The mutants," Sasuke said as Kizashi poured two glasses, "The same reason your daughter returned," Sasuke revealed his palm, "I need to raise an army."
Kizashi exhaled slowly, "You know there's nothing more that I would want to do than help you. But we are in no position to help anyone."
"What's wrong?" Sasuke asked as he took a sip of the tea.
The tea was elvish in origin, it wasn't really tea, it was a small elixir comprised of crushed peppermint candies, lemon, barley sugar, and various roots the elves dug up.
"We've had some mysterious occupancies happening to the south," Kizashi said, "I sent some men to investigate, but they disappeared. I would send more but no one is willing to go."
"What about me?" Sasuke asked.
"You want to help?" Kizashi asked.
"Yes," Sasuke said, "You're one of my father's friends, you're my friend, and your daughter's mir vhenan."
"I know," Kizashi said, "She should be back from her hunting trip any time soon. In the meantime it would be a good time to draft our formal treaty."
"Treaty?" Sasuke asked.
"The elves of Orlais have been treated like dirt ever since the Empire took Halamshiral from our people," Kizashi said, "What I want is to know that people like me, like my daughter are protected."
"I'm not the Emperor," Sasuke said, "But I am related to the royal family, and I am the Emissary. We shall start the negotiations at once."
Two hours later, Sasuke and Kizashi had been sitting in the elvish tavern talking for half an hour and their drinks had just been delivered, "Of course if you do retake Orlais, with our help I'm sure resumed control over Halamshiral shouldn't be too much to ask." Kizashi said.
"I'm not sure Celene will agree to that," Sasuke said as he raised the pitcher to his lips, and let the ale slid down his throat, then coughed, "Boy that's smooth."
"Lightweight." Kizashi said.
"Yea," Hinata said as she joined them at the table with Naruto and Shino.
"Hey boss," Naruto said as he sat down, a wooden cup of Fereldan Brandy in his hand, "What're we talking about?"
"We're trying to reach an agreement on a formal peace treaty," Sasuke said, "Create a lasting peace between humans and elves."
"I'll drink to that." Naruto said.
The door opened, and Sasuke noticed a very familiar pink color of hair out of the corner of his eye, he turned toward the hair, and standing in the doorway, looking at him.
Sasuke stood up as she walked over to him, and then slapped him across the face, "That was to make sure you were here," Sakura said, she then slapped him with her left hand, "That's for leaving!"
"I know," Sasuke said as he rubbed his jaw, "I know. I'm a dick."
"You're damned right you are," Sakura said, "You damned Shemlen! I honestly thought you were the one decent man left, and now I…"
Before Sakura could say another word, Sasuke cupped her face in his hands, and kissed her.
Sakura's eyes widened, but then she closed them, and wrapped her arms around Sasuke's shoulders.
When they pulled apart Kizashi stood up, and raised his glass, "I think that just sealed the peace treaty between the Gods' Messenger and the Elves of Orlais." He said.
"Messenger?" Sakura asked.
Sasuke raised his hand to reveal the sign on his palm, when Sakura saw it she took knee in front of Sasuke, "Ir abelas m'lord."
Sasuke held his hand out to Sakura, and helped her stand, "Don't bow," Sasuke said as he placed his hand on the elf girl's shoulder, "I'm not a god, I'm simply a messenger."
"Good to have you back my daughter," Kizashi said as he walked up to Sakura, "Me and the Messenger have been working on a peace treaty. I think you were the last piece of the puzzle we needed."
"First father, I think we found something," Sakura said as she guided Sasuke and Kizashi outside where a small elvish hunting party was waiting with a single elvish man draped over the back of one of their horses.
It was obvious he had been in a serious battle, his leather armor was cut and tattered, he was severely cut up and bleeding, and it was obvious by his breathing he was barely clinging onto life.
"We found him in the woods," Sakura said, "His spirit is leaving him."
"Then we must hurry," Sasuke said as he walked up to the horse.
Sasuke and Sakura removed the man from the horse, and carried him into Kizashi's house where they laid him on the table.
Removing his chest plate revealed the cuts were long and deep, as if some kind of animal had attacked him, but as Sakura was cleaning the wounds, Sasuke noticed she was pulling slivers of metal out of the wounds.
The wounds sealed up easily, a small health potion helped the wounds heal faster.
Two hours later…
"How is he?" Kizashi asked.
"Stable," Sakura said, wiping the sweat off her forehead, and then the blood off her hands, "These wounds are unlike anything I've ever seen."
"I've seen em," Sasuke said as he walked up to Kizashi and Sakura holding the bowl full of bloody metal slivers.
"When?" Kizashi asked.
"During my time in the army," Sasuke said, "They're made by a metal-sling which is a mage's weapon," he then picked up one of the slivers, "These little pieces of metal are charmed to inflict different types of damage to the targets they enter. The spike goes into the skin and it can do anything from exploding to melting in the wound. Get enough of these in you, it can be fatal. It's an ugly way to die."
"I'm sorry," Sakura said, "It must have been terrifying."
"It was," Sasuke said, "Really it's not too hard to stop these, a simple wooden shield is all it takes."
"What kind of mages would use these?" Kizashi asked.
"The worst kind," Sasuke said as he dropped the sliver back into the bowl, "Blood mages."
[Dramatic Music] Guess what comes up next…
Translation:
Shiral atisha. – Journey peacefully
Hellathen. – Nobel Struggle
Hanin – Glorious
Revasan – 'Place where freedom dwells.'
Serannas. – Grateful.
Emma – I am
Abelas – Sorrow (also used as an apology)
Mir vhenan. – My heart
Ir abelas – I'm sorry