Hello all! Here is a new chapter, WITH A TWIST! Hmm, I wonder if you all will notice it
Ah, who am I kidding, it's pretty obvious. But, I'd love to see how it will be received.
As always, leave reviews, because they help me with the creative process of writing this series!
As Elrid left the majestic grounds of the House of Ballads behind him, the sun began its descent towards the horizon, casting a warm golden glow across the enchanting forest. The dense foliage and towering trees whispered in the gentle breeze, creating a serene symphony of nature's song.
The Seeker embarked on the journey to Arden's Hut, retracing his steps through the mystical forest he had traversed just a day earlier. The path meandered through the ancient woods, where every tree seemed to tell a tale of forgotten legends. Sunlight filtered through the canopy, painting dappled patterns on the forest floor, while the air carried the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the earthy fragrance of moss-covered ground.
With each step, Elrid felt a sense of tranquility wash over him, his thoughts swirling with the encounters he had experienced and the mysteries that still remained. The melodies of unseen birds filled the air, their ethereal tunes accompanying his journey. Time seemed to slip away, swallowed by the timeless embrace of the Fae realm.
As the day wore on, Elrid's weariness began to set in. The weight of his travels, the battles fought, although brief, and the emotions stirred took their toll on his body and mind. Yet, determination fueled his every stride. He had to get to where he was going and find out what he was, and if possible, about his past. Arden's Hut beckoned him, a haven amidst the magical wilderness.
Finally, as dusk painted the sky in hues of lavender and rose, Elrid arrived at a very small clearing where Arden's Hut stood. The humble abode, nestled beneath the protective branches of ancient trees, exuded an air of warmth and comfort. Smoke lazily rose from the chimney, promising respite from the long journey.
With a mix of relief and gratitude, Elrid approached the door and gently pushed it open.
What he didn't expect to find inside, however, was the bleeding body of a stranger that lay in front of the fireplace, and a crouched woman next to it.
She was wearing a cloak with her hood drawn that hid most of her features, but he did note that she had pale, almost gray skin and elongated ears just like a Fae. She turned to look at him, a face mask adorning her face and hiding it, but for a pair of silver eyes.
Elrid took most of a second to deduce that the dead man was Arden and that this woman was his killer. Well, he wasn't going to let her get away.
He was at a disadvantage however - he wouldn't be able to swing his sword freely in here, so he opted not using it. Instead he dropped his backpack to the ground and jumped the woman who was now staring at him barehanded.
In a split second, Elrid lunged towards the cloaked woman, his muscles tensed and adrenaline coursing through his veins. His bare fists flew towards her with lightning speed, aiming to catch her off guard. Despite her advantage in weaponry, Elrid was determined to make his blows count.
The woman, agile and well-trained, swiftly evaded his initial attack, sidestepping his outstretched hands with calculated grace. As he stumbled slightly, she retaliated with a swift kick, aiming for his midsection. Elrid managed to twist his body just in time, absorbing the blow with a grunt of pain.
Undeterred, Elrid pressed on, launching a flurry of punches towards the woman's defenses. His strikes were swift and precise, aiming for vulnerable spots. Despite his lack of weapons, his sheer size and reflexes allowed him to hold his ground against his nimble adversary.
The woman, her movements fluid and calculated, parried and dodged most of Elrid's strikes with ease. However, his relentless assault managed to connect a couple of hits, landing solid blows on her arms and torso. The impact caused her to momentarily falter, giving Elrid a small window of opportunity.
Seizing the moment, Elrid attempted to grapple with the woman, aiming to bring her to the ground and gain the upper hand. However, she swiftly countered his attempt, using her agility to twist out of his grasp and deliver a powerful strike to his jaw. Pain exploded through his face, momentarily blurring his vision.
As Elrid staggered back, the woman took advantage of his momentary disorientation. Swiftly closing the distance between them, she struck him with a series of precise blows, exploiting his vulnerabilities and pinning him to a wall. Her twin daggers glinted in the dim light of the hut as they pressed lightly on Elrid's throat.
Realizing that he was outmatched, Elrid knew that continuing the fight would only lead to his defeat, possibly his second death. He grudgingly lowered his guard, surrendering to the woman's superior skill. Breathing heavily, yet careful not to cut himself, he spoke through gritted teeth, "Who are you? Why did you kill Arden?"
The woman's eyes bore into him, but her voice amused. "Interesting... You are not at all what I expected to find here," she replied cryptically.
Elrid, a mixture of frustration and curiosity swirling within him, managed to steady himself despite the pain throbbing in his jaw. "Tell me what I need to know. Why did Arden have to die? Who are you?"
A shadow of a smile tugged at the corner of the woman's lips beneath her face mask. "Oh, is that the name of this Fateweaver?" she asked, clearly entertained by their interaction, but deciding it was better to answer, she continued. "No, the Tuatha I was following killed him. I was hoping his corpse would give me an idea of why they were here. Now I know..." She took a step back, put her daggers away and took off her cloak hood and face mask to reveal a beautiful and round face with soft red lips that smirked at him. "...they were hoping to find you."
The Seeker drew his eyes suspiciously. She has an idea of who I am, or what I am. Maybe not the full thing, but she definitely knows something. I have to be on alert.
"Why assume I am involved?" he asked her, his voice edged with caution.
She just kept her mysterious coy smirk. "Knowing you, you are definitely involved. But something tells me I know you better than you knew yourself."
Elrid tensed up, after having his suspicion confirmed. "How do you know me?"
The woman was rather nonchalant about the tense atmosphere around them, as she grabbed one of the chairs strewn across the living room, turned it upright, and sat.
"Don't you remember me? I'm hurt," she mocked as she put a hand on her heart.
Elrid's eyes narrowed as he studied her face intently. There is some familiarity about her...but it's too vague. I could be mistaking her face for someone that I've seen earlier...
"Stop playing games! Why keep me in the dark? Why not just tell me who you are?"
"Hmm... you are right, this is not the time for games, neither introductions. The Tuatha are still on the move," she replied cryptically. "I'm certain that we'll see one another again... very soon."
And with one final smile, she dropped a tiny ball, which exploded into a smokescreen. Elrid wasn't prepared for it, and it stunned him, but by the time he recovered from the sudden shock, she was already gone from the hut.
"Damn it!" he exclaimed, frustration and curiosity raging within him. At the same time, the entrance to the hut opened and closed. He turned around and saw Agarth standing at the door, his eyes widening in disbelief.
"What the hell happened here?!" Agarth's exclamation filled the room, his voice laced with concern as he surveyed the disarrayed scene and noticed Elrid nursing his jaw. His eyes widened as he saw Arden's lifeless body, and he hurried over to kneel beside his deceased friend.
Elrid, having regained his composure, stood by Agarth's side. "There was a woman, Agarth. She had the appearance of a Fae, but her skin was gray, unlike the typical green or purple hues of the Fae. She was mostly cloaked and wielded a pair of daggers. I couldn't see much more about her. We engaged in a fight, but she was far superior to me."
He rubbed his bruised arm, a reminder of the unequal battle. Elrid recounted the woman's story of pursuing the Tuatha to the hut, where they supposedly killed Arden. "She seemed to know about me, Agarth, but she was elusive and vague. If you have any information, please, tell me!" his voice rose in frustration, momentarily slipping from his usual calm demeanor.
Agarth rose with an explosive sigh, turning to face the Almain male. "You said she resembled a Fae but had gray skin. That means she isn't a Fae at all; she's a Dokkalfar. They possess their own unique characteristics while remaining mortal. But that's a story for another time. Arden is gone, and we can do nothing to change that... I had hoped to avoid this, but it seems I must take you to Dellach." The Fateweaver's expression was filled with dejection at the prospect of the upcoming journey.
"What is Dellach?" Elrid inquired, seeking clarification from Agarth.
"It's a sacred place for us Fateweavers, somewhere I had hoped to spare you from visiting." Agarth showed him the location of Dellach on the map - according to him it was some kind of a sacred temple long ago, now a ruin in the depths of the swampy region of Ettinmere and it can only be reached by a single path from Webwood.
"Arden was the one I trusted to guide you. But now the responsibility falls on me; there's no reason to put anyone else in danger." Agarth turned back to Arden's lifeless form, gently touching his friend's forehead and whispering a quiet farewell.
"Now go. I'll meet you there... after I give Arden a proper funeral." Without facing the Seeker, he let out another deep sigh. "This is the second time I've laid to rest the bodies left in your wake..."
Leaving Arden's hut behind, Elrid ventured along the path that extended from the humble abode. It guided him through a dense forest until he reached a small bridge, adorned with a weathered sign indicating the presence of a village named Canneroc beyond it. Another sign pointed towards Ettinmere. He followed the path, and with each step, the woods grew darker and more crowded. Sunlight struggled to penetrate the thick foliage, transforming the once bright day into a somber, more fitting backdrop for his troubled thoughts.
That man, Arden, met his demise because of me... Agarth's words echoed in Elrid's mind, reminding him of the trail of corpses he had inadvertently left in his wake during the brief span of his existence. And that woman... What does she know about me?
As he delved deeper into Ettinmere, the surroundings transformed into a murky swamp. A vast lake, shrouded in a haunting ambiance, sprawled before him, dotted with numerous islands. The atmosphere weighed heavily upon him, and he found himself constantly ambushed by giant spiders, their malevolent presence draining his strength. Yet, he dared not lower his guard, ever watchful of lurking dangers. Every snap of a twig or rustle of a bush sent shivers down his spine, plunging him into a state of heightened paranoia. Adding to his unease, the passage of time had gone unnoticed, and now darkness enveloped the land. With the dense canopy obscuring the night sky, only pitch-blackness greeted his weary eyes, allowing him to see no farther than a stone's throw ahead.
His relentless journey persisted until he stumbled upon a small island. A humble cottage stood amidst the solitude, beckoning as a potential refuge for the night. Elrid cautiously traversed the wooden bridge, which forked into two paths. To the right, a narrow path led to a small shack, likely intended for storage and supplies, while the left path meandered towards the heart of the island.
The scene before him appeared modest yet inviting. On the far side of the cottage, crops sprouted, offering a glimpse of sustenance in this desolate place. A small campfire crackled nearby, accompanied by a tantalizing aroma wafting from a cooking pot. Curiously, several vacant tents were scattered around the area, their purpose unclear.
Running on fumes, Elrid managed to make his way to one of the unoccupied bed rolls placed in front of a tent. Collapsing upon it, exhaustion claimed him within seconds, whisking him away into a deep slumber.
As Elrid's weary body sank into the embrace of the bedroll, his mind drifted into the realms of dreams, where reality melded with the ethereal. He found himself standing at the entrance of a grand cavern adorned with an array of enchanting crystals. The iridescent hues of sapphire, amethyst, and emerald bathed the space in a surreal glow, casting dancing shadows upon the walls.
A single path, seemingly fashioned from pure magic, stretched out before him, suspended in the air like a bridge connecting two ethereal realms. Intrigued by its allure, Elrid took his first step upon the path, his heart filled with anticipation and curiosity.
As he ventured deeper into the mesmerizing cave, a resonant voice echoed within his mind, reverberating through the vast chamber. "Yes, Little One," the voice whispered, carrying a mix of encouragement and enigma. "Keep fighting, keep struggling, keep growing. And come to me, for it is your fate!"
The words resonated deep within Elrid's being, stirring a mixture of determination and apprehension. He pressed forward, guided by the voice's haunting invitation, a yearning to uncover the truth of his existence.
But just as he began to feel a surge of purpose, the very path beneath his feet crumbled, disintegrating into a void of darkness. With a jolt, Elrid plummeted into the abyss, the sensation of falling engulfing him as his dream transformed into a chilling nightmare. The fleeting glimpse of his destiny shattered, leaving behind an unsettling emptiness that lingered as he awoke from the depths of his dream, drenched in sweat and gasping for breath.
Elrid quickly surveyed his surroundings, recalling the place where he had fallen asleep. The only notable difference now was the presence of a solitary figure tending to the crackling fire. The man turned his gaze towards Elrid, revealing gray hair and a weathered beard, adorned with vibrant red markings painted across his face. Clad in furs and leather, he bore the attire of a seasoned hunter.
"'Ere, finally woken up, 'ave ya, mate? Took ya blimin' ages, I reckon!" the man greeted Elrid with a hearty chuckle. "Come on, get yer arse up. I've gone and prepared a proper feast 'ere. Since ya've made yerself right cozy in me humble abode, ya might as well join me for a bite. 'Aven't 'ad a guest in yonks, so I don't mind one bit. Name's Enconeg. Enconeg Holn," he rambled on, gesturing for Elrid to follow him into the quaint cottage.
The Seeker rose to his feet, collecting his backpack and weapons before proceeding inside. As he stepped through the doorway, a distinct aroma of fish filled the air. Fishnets adorned the walls, along with a couple of fishing rods and hooks by the entrance. Towards the far end of what seemed to be the living room, a small contraption suspended several freshly caught fish.
Paintings adorned the walls alongside the fishnets, lending a touch of artistic flair to the cozy space. In the center of the room, a sizable dining table stood, surrounded by numerous chairs. Neatly arranged bedrolls rested against one wall, and various potted plants added a touch of greenery.
Though simple, the dwelling exuded warmth and character. Enconeg placed two bowls at opposite ends of the table, motioning for Elrid to take a seat. "Now, don't go thinkin' you can sneak outta 'ere without payin' me, mate. Ya sure gave me a right shock findin' ya snoozin' in me yard. But since I'm a kind soul who don't mind lettin' strangers in, 'specially in this bleedin' swamp, ya can consider yerself lucky!" the old man declared, a twinkle of amusement in his eyes.
Elrid plonked down on his chair and introduced himself.
"So Enconeg, what are you doing here, living in this swamp on your own? Why don't you go to one of the villages nearby?"
The man put his bowl down and started his story "I've been a fisherman since I was a nipper, I 'ave. Even them Ettin leave me be. Used to be, this 'ere lake belonged to the Holn family. But I lost me missus, Imelda, to a bleedin' fever, and me nephew buggered off to Didenhill. Now I'm an old bloke content to kick the bucket in the 'ouse me family built yonks ago..."
He looked down in gloom. Then all of a sudden he exploded in laughter, hitting the table with his hand.
"I've never 'ad more freedom than this! Me missus used to nag me about every bloody chore or 'avin' fish for every bleedin' meal! Then I'd go out and 'unt some bleedin' rabbits, and she'd start naggin' me about 'ow they're all fragile and not to be 'armed. I mean, give it a rest, woman!" He exclaimed, as he explained his reasons to Elrid.
"Then me nephew buggered off to Didenhill as soon as me missus passed, sayin' 'e never liked me or this place and that 'e wanted to go gallivantin' 'round the world. I just said, 'Off ya go then,' and let 'im see wot it's like out there. A bunch of backstabbers and liars tryna cheat or nick off ya one way or anuvver" the man explained with disdain, as he put his legs up on the table. "I swear, this swamp is far calmer and safer than any o' them bloody villages out there!"
He pulled a pipe and some tobacco from the insides of his jacket, filled it up and lit it.
He exhaled and a puff of smoke with a sweet scent filled the air around the room.
"So..." the man mimicked Elrid from earlier "...wot's yer story, mate? Wot're ya doin' 'ere, in this bleedin' swamp all on yer Jack Jones? Besides trackin' down yer Fateweaver mate, Arden, and saying that you come from Gorhart." Enconeg jumped from his stool and walked around the room, stopping in front of one of the few pictures.
"Me guess is, ya're 'eadin' to Dellach, innit? I mean, it's pretty easy to guess - lost Fateweaver mate, yer 'ere in Ettinmere where no bugger comes 'cause o' them Ettin, those giant brutes that'd skin ya alive." he puffed another cloud of smoke and turned around to face Elrid with a cheeky smile and his hands wide open. "Am I right or am I right, me ol' china? Cuz if I am, I wanna get stuck in! That's the only bleedin' way to pay me back!"
Elrid looked the old hunter with a deadpanned look.
Oh boy...what have I gotten myself into...
I'm guessing everybody has noticed what I've done here, eh, EH?
Well, if not, that's even better. It means that we all get to have this awesome new adventure and experience!
Until next time, y'all!