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QOS 23 Rescue done, off to Alustriel!

Jacky Cheung Love is eternal, in Cantonese the best!

The friends tracked for the missing people with Lesil in the lead. He still bore a grudge against Ilkar, in his view magic was useless. Felicia wished she could hit him and wake him up. They were still tired from the previous days' exertions. Water had run low. Drizzt had always been mild and patient but his temper flared at Lesil's blatant ignorance of others besides himself.

Lesil impatiently turned back and shouted, "Hurry up! I see a new track!"

Drizzt glared at him. "First we need to have a resupply. It would be foolish to force ourselves beyond limit like how wretched you are."

Ilkar translated this in a more polite tone. Lesil grumbled that it was not their families at stake. Ilkar said, "Look, I know you're worried but without horses this is the fastest pace we have set. Feel free to run ahead if you don't want to wait." The mage needed to lean some weight on his friends, his energy spent.

Fel asked, "How do you know they're even alive? Huh?"

Lesil smiled faintly, happy she was paying attention to him. "Don't tell him what I said. If you guys are tired, he can go ahead on his own. Ilkar you all right?"

"Umhm. Just lost some mana… Don't you like him?" Ilks asked, innocently,eager to lift the tension. Fel vehemently said no as Lesil's expression turned fawn-like when he gazed at her.

After a break, he showed them the tracks that seemed to end at a cave entrance blocked by a boulder. He closed his eyes and felt over it for an opening.

Ilkar frowned. "Could be a trap. We should be careful." Lesil scowled and moved aside to let Fel and him examine it. They did a joint casting of unveiling and with a groan, the boulder yielded for an opening. All but Lesil exchanged smiles, a combined effort was not draining!

The darkness was not a problem to Drizzt. He raised his hand and without speaking, gestured and snapped on some violet lights. Lesil demanded, "What kind of sorcerer are you?"

Ilkar didn't bother to speak. Felicia whispered at him to shut the hell up. That did not require any interpretations. There were multiple tunnels. The drow made some complex hand signals: walk behind me, quietly. I'll take the lead.

All the villagers had evidently got lost inside this network of deep tunnels. They were weakened and malnourished but would survive. Lesil and Ilkar asked them if any demons or monsters had pursued them, the answer was yes but soon after they had got lost those things had not continued to hound them. Attempting to escape had made it worse, and so Lesil had rushed back for help. His sister bade him to thank the trio but he was embarrassed to speak. Grudgingly he whispered to Ilkar something.

Felicia

After that rescue mission, we decided not to rush off on another adventure. That idiotic fellow had almost got us killed. I will never forgive him if my friends' lives are endangered. The village home was a welcome sight after the long journey. Then I noticed Ilkar wanted to go to his own room! "In fact we should sleep separately. We're male. Felicia, shouldn't be lonely now, you're grown."

Fine, I would much rather sleep outside. "Ohh, ok. I can come find you when I'm scared of the dark? I am still." They smiled. Drizzt said I shouldn't be, he'd be at one of the outer rooms. This medium cottage had belonged to Rebbie's and Ilkar's father, after Ilks had left for years, he said it was better we all lived at ground level than climb up the higher floors. Rebraal usually went to other temples to rest. This ground-floor bedtime arrangement proved to be daunting when many people passed by. Nobody would rob another fellow elf here, since the enemies had been driven away. "I want to look inside your room, please." He sighed as I went in ahead of him. Just a table and a similar low bed. The mage began to bring in his pillow and mosquito net.

Poor Ilkar slept very lightly. "No, I'd be angry. My body aches from sleeping on floors." Wincing, he pressed his sore shoulders. I bade him to sit down to massage him.

"Sorry, had no idea. Old people aches huh? You don't look aged though."

"Um. A compliment? Thanks, now I'll be lying down." Ilkar closed his eyes. I waited a while until his breathing evened out, how blissful he seemed at ease.

Ilkar was keen to make a trip to Julatsa. He was a little concerned that the people there might not be receiving to us. I didn't mind, as long as I could follow him and Drizzt anywhere.

"How about visiting my friend Alustriel? She is a high level sorceress, and can aid you to raise your magic levels," the drow remarked as Ilkar was giving us the briefing of his favourite College. The two elves sat on mats, facing each other while I lounged on my stomach. Serif played with my hair curving around us with his furry body.

The fair elf paused. "Hm, I'm intrigued by moon elves, never seen them before. Let me consider it… but this Alustriel wouldn't mind if you show up unannounced?"

"No she wouldn't. She is a diviner, able to sense who are coming and going. The first time, she appeared in a dream to warn me of imminent danger. I was a really young elf then, my friends said she had her means. I am just suggesting, Ilkar it's fine to go to your place."

He smiled. "Not at all. This time I'll listen to you for a change. Sorry that I agreed to help him without discussing. Honestly meant to make it snappy." He meant Lesil and that encounter! I rolled my eyes.

So we packed our belongings. "I like how nice your hair is growing. Handsome!"

"Er, but it flops in my eyes. Want to crop it again, hot here," Ilkar replied, blowing back some of his fringe.

"Just make a ponytail. Here's a spare ribbon." We watched as he attempted to tie back his black hair. Irritated, Ilkar finally dashed away the fringe grouchily and left his hair loose. Handsome! We ate our last meal here and rested for a while. Drizzt advised not to be too bloated or we might throw up, but he refused to tell how we'd reach that destination.

Drizzt searched in his pack for a summoning tool. To go to Silverymoon, the mode of transport would be nothing short of majestic! Bells jingled and out of thin air galloped around eight fine pale horses, stars flying from their hooves and they were pulling along what they call a chariot (later I could spell this word nicely). Everything seemed to glow. Drizzt motioned us to get in. Serif scampered on. Villagers pointed curiously and whispered. A few girls who had helped us and Rebraal came forward. Ilkar had been about to sit, then he clasped hands with each of these elves. They conversed quickly. "What is it?"

I nodded to Rebraal who looked worried.

"They said be careful. I told them I'll return." The mage leaned back beside me, waving to some people. Then we were up in the air, the breeze in our faces, the inky sky with many stars around us! Every now and then, the ranger tugged the reins.

I grabbed hold of the side, heart thumping at being so high up. Ilkar's hazel eyes seemed golden with wonder, and he did not look ill unlike the ships' experience. His shout confirmed my guess, "Flew before with my wings, but this is fantastic!"

"Huh? You have wings?"

"Fel, yes! There is a spell but I can't do it without help now… a mage is able to sustain flight for some hours. Someday when I meet up with other mages, they can show you the technique. Are you alright?"

"Of course. How do they know the way?" Though the horses pranced as if in random direction, Drizzt seemed to have no trouble guiding them. Eventually the pace slowed and I fell asleep. The drow shook us awake.

He spoke a command word and they all left in a puff of smoke. Ilkar smiled. "Hey you didn't tell me your prowess of sorcery! They returned to their home?"

"Yes to their own plane like Guenhwyvar. Careful, you seem unwell." I could stand up. Drizzt supported the fair mage who wobbled on his feet. Could this be due to time passing but we had not seen the effects? The sky was golden here, several people who were much taller went about their businesses, chatting. Many strapped bows and weapons to their backs but they were not hostile. Some even greeted Drizzt with respect. It was my instinct to spot which were money pouches to be pilfered. Then a firm hand grasped mine. Ilkar warned me not to be rash. "Hey, don't forget I'm here. What's the plan, where is the place?"

Drizzt patted his shoulder. "It is still a distance away… the closest they could bring us. Can you walk? Maybe not, you look weary." Only the drow was not affected, but Ilkar had lost his energy and had to lean against a wall. He pressed a hand to his head. I asked where, and Drizzt pointed but I could not see exactly where. "I will go ahead and send for you later. People are kind, tell them you're guests of the Lady Alustriel and they will offer lodgings. Felicia, your duty is to make sure Ilkar lies down all right?" His purple irises glittered as he turned to me.

"Ok." He gave the elf something on a chain and whispered to him. I walked slowly, holding Ilks by the arm. "What's wrong? I didn't know it'd be this bad. Don't faint please." We managed to reach an inn and he held the doorframe for support.

"A little weak. My body has to adjust again to this country.. or realm." He bit his lip as I waited for him to recover. His breathing was fast. A man came forward and turned out he invited us to stay. "Don't go any further, my boy. Come in, got the perfect room for both of you. Elder cousin?"the man asked me.

I smiled. "Yes. Thank you." My friend briefly told him about the lady and showed him the token. We got a great nice room and he lay down with relief. "I wish someone can heal your weakness completely. But you looked fine on the chariot. Why?" I asked softly.

Ilkar stirred. He spoke with his eyes closed. "That was not just a flight journey but a change in time. Don't worry, rest will make it better. Not tired?"

"Nope. I'm hungry." He smiled, that sounded amusing to him. I ate when the meal was served and the person had left a washing cloth with water. I sponged his forehead. I coaxed him to eat and reluctantly Ilkar sat up to take some stew.

Since Drizzt had not come yet, he wanted to lie in more. Serif offered his comfort, making a circle on his stomach. My friend stroked him. I went to take a bath, and when I came back he pronounced his recovery. "So envious, you're not tired." Ilkar sat up on his own.

"Rest easy. I can't forgive myself if you get sick again. Need some of my energy?" I asked, fluffing up his pillow.

"I'm fine. Do you wonder how you will react when you find your family again? Especially your real parents." The elf asked softly, looking out the window. It was a quiet night.

"Eh not really. I hope they'll accept and like elves definitely. But that's not urgent." I had been numb to this prospect for years, as a wildchild on the streets I had given up hope. "Don't worry."

He searched my expression with a half frown. "Hm. I suppose friends can fill in that emptiness of being lonely. Did you like the village?"

I smiled and nodded vigorously. He chuckled and I leaned on his shoulder. Somehow I dozed off, because I felt woozy when someone tapped me hard on the cheek. "Hey I'm here with a carriage. Sorry for the long wait, I had to go through officials. Finally they said the Lady is out and they were finding suitable transport for us." Dark elf… ah! Drizzt helped me up. Then he got in with us, and spoke to the driver.

The palace was huge, it had several divisions but was not as menacing as the first castle I had seen. Serif had stood on his hind legs, pressing his fur against Drizzt. He steadied Serif with one hand protectively. The pillars were adorned with many images of equines and weaving patterns. Maids welcomed us, they all had pale skin that gleamed.

"They're whiter than you," I whispered to Ilkar.

"Of course, moon elves. Don't be rude okay?" They inclined their heads to the maids as we walked into the palace. A woman in more elaborate finery, wearing a circlet, spoke to Drizzt and ushered us up the winding staircase. To the left and right were other staircases too. The interiors were so vast I wanted to explore some more next!

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