Chapter one: Journey

Alnifena ducked her uncle Cullens blade, and struck his ass with her staff. The soldiers jeering at the insult. She grinned at the former templar her stance mocking. Cullen prepared to strike again, but Ferns head shake stopped straightened and sheathed his sword.

Alnifena placed her staff on her back and looked curiously to her mother who motioned for her to follow. She left the training yard. Alnifena followed her mother to her office.

"Da'len I have a mission for you, and you will be alone." Fern said sternly yet her eyes were soft.

Alnifena nodded and listened closely to what her mother was about to tell her. She knew everyone expected her father to return when she was born, but he never did in all her sixteen years she had never seen her father. Fern drew in a breath and slowly let it out. This was the hardest thing she had ever done in all her life.

"I am sending you to what remains of the temple of Sacred Ashes," she began "the veil is weak there so entering the fade will be easier there."

Fern had told Alnifena the story of Fen'harel as she had been told by her keeper. However, she knew his name would not make her daughter nervous when she said she was to seek him out. Fern explained how to find the temple of Sacred Ashes. Then she took a deep breath, and looked at her daughter.

"To find your father you must find Fen'harel." she said firmly her voice kind.

Alnifena nodded slowly yet curiously. She knew from her lessons with Dirthamen's sentinels and Vunin and Valor that the elvhen creators were just powerful mages that were raised to godhood. Fern told her to take the day to prepare for her journey the next morning. Alnifena left her mother's room to return to her own room. She had shown an interest in art and music from a young age. She had learned to play every instrument she had been given, but the piano that Josephine insisted she learn was taking more time than the other instruments had.

The walls of her bedroom had been used as a canvas before she was born. She packed her travel pack, and took some art supplies from her shelves to pack. She looked her instruments over, and selected her flute it was her favorite. She used the rest of the day to get rations ready for her journey in the morning.

When the day drew to a close Neria retreated to her room without eating dinner. She settled into bed and allowed her mind to enter the fade. She began to seek out her friend the spirit of Valor. He was at his usual spot in the fade where two rivers connect. He inclined his head watching her approach.

"It is good to see you again young one." Valor said.

"And you as well old friend. I need your help to find someone who knows how to find my father." she said.

Valor tsked and nodded at her telling her he would help her. The remaining time was spent explaining who she needed to find. Half way through her explanation Vunin appeared in the area as if summoned and drew closer to the pair. His eyebrow rose as soon as he heard Fen'harels name.

"Your going to seek the dread wolf? Is that a good idea da'len?" He questioned.

"Mother said if I find him he can help me find my father. And while I do not think it's a good idea Hahren I will do as my mother says." Alnifena returned grimly.

Vunin nodded and narrowed his eyes in contemplation.

"Is anyone going with you?" He asked suddenly.

"No I'll be alone on this journey." She responded her voice curious.

Nodding his head, Vunin fell silent for a few moments until Alnifena's discussion with Valor drew to a close. Before she could wake herself up Vunin drew her away from Valor so that he could speak with her privately.

"After you find your father da'len there is a place I would like you to meet me in the waking world. I believe it is time we met in person." He informed her.

Alnifena's eyes grew large and round curiosity shining in their icy depths.

"I would be honored to finally meet you Hahren." She said earnestly yet excitedly.

Vunin's lips quirked in amusement and he nodded. "The honor is mine da'len. Now it's time for you to wake up." Vunin's words cast her mind from the fade back into the waking world and her body.

She woke with a start and grumbled about stupid men and their ability to throw a somniari from their own dream.