"My lord, must you realm run alone? So many of the worlds are in turmoil right now. Even for a god such as you it might be too dangerous"
The elf god Corellon Larethian openly rolled his blue eyes as he tied his golden hair into a loose ponytail. Yes it was rude, but his patience with this conversation had long since waned. This was the eighth time Sehanine had asked him more or less the same question in the last few hours. Even elf gods had their limits.
"For the last time, Sehanine, my mind has been made up. You know I need and enjoy my alone time every now and then. I understand the risks, but I'm fully confident I can take care of myself. Please put your fears to rest."
Sehanine still wasn't convinced. "I understand what you're saying my lord but–"
"You say you understand and yet you keep asking and pestering me. Perhaps the word does not mean what you think it means."
Corellon instantly regretted his words as Sehanine flinched and lowered her eyes.
"Forgive me my lord," she said quietly.
Corellon sighed and shook his head. "No. Forgive me for my shortness Sehanine. The day has been…a trial to say the least. Still that is no reason to take it out on you. I know you're just thinking of me. Again, my apologies."
Sehanine bowed her head. "No apologies necessary my lord. I truly do understand."
The two smiled at each and then side by side walked out of the room and down the hall.
As the two gods walked through the ever changing halls of Corellon's palace the elf lord asked, "Is there something I should be aware of, Sehanine? Never before has a simple realm run made you this anxious. Tell me what's on your mind, please."
Sehanine Moonbow stroked her chin. "It's hard to explain, my lord. I just feel something involving you is about to happen. Something important."
Corellon chuckled and shrugged. "Well if it involves me then of course it's important. As it should be."
Sehanine laughed. "That is true. I suppose what bothers me most is that I can't tell if this important thing is good or bad. I just can't place it and that makes me very anxious."
"That is unusual," Corellon agreed with concern. "It's not like you to be uncertain. Are you completely sure it involves me?"
"That is the only part I am certain about, my lord."
"Well then all we can do is move forward and see what the future brings."
Sehanine nodded.
The two walked out onto a balcony and the second that the cold, fresh air blew through the elf god's golden hair, Corellon felt a sense of elation rush through him. He jumped onto the railing, keeping perfect balance. As he surveyed the breathtaking sight of his realm of Arvandor he took special note of how beautiful the moon looked in the night sky.
"Beautiful work on the night Sehanine. As usual."
Sehanine blushed. "I cannot take full credit, my lord. All children of the night pitch in to make it glamorous for all."
Corellon smiled at her over his shoulder. "Well, knowing you as I do I'm sure you put in a little something extra each time."
He winked and Sehanine's heart thumped hard.
Another inviting gust of wind blew over Corellon and he spread his arms out wide. Arvandor was calling out to him and he was eager to answer it. His realm run was about to begin.
"I'll return in five days, seven at the latest. In time for the next council meeting." After a moment of thought he added, "I promise to be careful."
"Very good, my lord. I will keep an eye on things here and make sure all is well for your return. Enjoy your run."
There was still anxiety in her voice, but Corellon didn't know what else to say to ease her mind. He could just not go, he supposed, but that would do nothing but cause negative feelings for both he and her. No,the best thing to do right now was keep moving forward.
With one more farewell Corellon gathered the power within himself and transformed into a giant golden eagle. With one strong flap he was in the air and flying fast away from his palace. He flew high into the sky and then let his body fall into a dive. He crashed through clouds and scattered large flocks of birds. He pulled out of his dive just before hitting the ground and shot back into the air like a cannonball, causing a shock wave across the ground.
When he was back in the sky he heard laughter. He looked to the right and saw the smiling young and beautiful face of Aerdrie Faenya, elf goddess of the air and sky.
"Well met my lord. Going for another run are you?"
"Well met Aerdrie. Yes, I felt a great need to stretch my wings for a bit."
Aerdire flapped her own great wings and flew upside down above Corellon. "Having fun?"
"Yes. I've only just left and already it's been exhilarating."
"Of course it has. Nothing compares to the freedom of flight my lord. Nothing." She emphasized her words with heavy flaps of her wings and twirled around.
"Agreed" Corellon saidjoyfully
The two gods continued to converse and dance in the sky for a while until they went their separate ways, Aedrire going high while Corellon went low. The elf lord called upon the power within him and opened a portal to another realm.
Time flows differently for the world of gods than for that of mortals. One hundred years in the mortal realm was usually little more than a few hours in the home of the gods. In the one Arvandor week of his run Corellon had partaken in countless adventures, with countless companions and in many different forms. All of those adventures had become legends and myths that many generations of the different realms still talked about.
The crazy adventures, destined meetings, and humbling experiences were the main reasons he loved to realm run. It gave him memories to hold in his heart forever and a chance to assist his elven children and all others who called out for protection and guidance.
So it was on the last day of his run that Corellon decided to take it easy and rest. He picked an old and mostly untouched forest on some mortal realm he forgot the name of. Here he took the form of a large she-wolf. It suited him, he thought, and it was a creature that most left alone as long as he did the same.
The first thing Corellon did was pay his respects to the oldest and wisest denizens of the forest. He was guided by friendly and eager-to-help wind spirits. Few of the wise ones knew who he truly was, but all recognized him as a god at the very least. He explained his intentions and his willingness to help if anyone needed his aid. All thanked him and wished him peace during his stay in their home.
From then on Corellon found ways to entertain himself. Fall was taking over the forest and the air was wonderfully crisp. The elf lord's favorite activity was to run with the wind and catch falling leaves. The wind spirits and other friendly creatures loved to play along with him and his days were filled with laughter and simple fun.
As the autumn equinox for this world approached, Corellon felt the growing presence of his elven children in the woods. It wasn't surprising,for the changing of seasons was considered holy to many so celebratory gathering was common. He figured this forest was part of some holy sight for the elves, and the growing presence meant something was about to start.
He briefly thought of seeking out the forest elves and learning more about their holiday, but the thought of enjoying his time in peace was much more appealing to him, so he let the idea fade away. Instead he spent the day enjoying the weather and walking through the forest to find himself a nice place to rest or even sleep. Elves didn't need to sleep, let alone elf gods, but it was a nice distraction from time to time and offered a more quiet alternative to reverie.
He asked the spirits and they led him to a small muddy pool surrounded by trees. He found an empty den under a partially uprooted tree that was close enough to the pool that he could still hear the soft flowing of water. He thanked the spirits, yawned, turned three times, and finally plopped down in the soft dirt. He heard the wind spirits laugh as they blew away and he smiled as he fell asleep to the sounds of the forest. He was very much looking forward to a peaceful rest in this place.