Trixxi & Brund Help the Elves - Part II

“The only source of knowledge is experience.” – Albert Einstein

We found Loras Tivan close to the Overwatch Keep later that afternoon, jus’ after speakin’ with Brougan Grote in Argent Glade. It wasn’t a long trip ta the Keep but by the time we arrived the sun was already settin’ behind the horizon and the forest was growin’ darker by the minute. I was grateful for the night’s arrival. It hadn’t been particularly hard that day, but the riding really got ta me and I was ready ta relax a bit and recharge my energies.

Loras’ camp wasn’t much but it were nice. We sat ‘round the fire and shared a small meal of roasted rabbit and bread. Luckily fer us, Brund had a nice bit o’ ale with him. We didn’t talk much, which I thought was a bit strange since Brund and I were such outsider’s to the forest and especially the elves. But the men didn’t seem ta mind and as they sat drinkin’ their ales, I laid back on the grassy carpet with my pack under me head and stared through the canopy of leaves to the nighttime stars.

It had been a long time since I had really looked at the world around me and appreciated it. I guess I always took it fer granted when I was younger, in me before-life. Then, I was a callow little thing who really didn’t know any better. Tonight, as I looked at the night sky, I felt a bit sentimental and found my thoughts drifting to life itself. It’s so fragile and yet here we are, as ascended, to protect it. We’ve rushed around so much we never got to really appreciate the gift we was given with this second-life. I thought about Mum and Dodda and me friends back at school. I wondered if they were out there somewhere, reborn like I was fightin’ ta save the world like we are. My heart sank a bit as I thought back ta me school days and when the world changed, when I died. I let a tear trickle down the side of me cheek and onto me ear. Luckily the darkness veiled it from tha men, thass the lass thing I want. I don’ wanna feel sad anymore, but sometimes I canna’ help it. A part of me is ready to let go and move on, but another part would love to go back ta the way things were. Sniffing, I rolled to my side away from the fire and let myself fall asleep, thinkin’ of Mum’s kisses and Dodda’s strong embrace.

********

Dawn came early the next day by a rude awakenin’ of arrows showerin’ onto us from the Keep above. We musta been spotted by the archers Prince Hylas had posted about the Keep. Quickly, we gathered our weapons and set a counterstrike ready to take on the assaulting Aelfwar.

I ran out of view from their eagle eyes and summoned the energies to flow into me like a magnet attracting metal. I felt it run inside of me veins, heating me from within. Brund deflected much of the archer’s attention, leaving me to power my charges. It didn’t take long, luckily and as another arrow took flight ta me mate I siphoned the energy stored inside me and pressed it into a ball in my palms. I chanted quietly, ‘Aun vel alf marn kurn!’ and let the water and air energy smack the Aelfwar in his side, knocking him back and lettin’ Brund get another good slice in with his blade. I giggled as I watched them flounder from my spells as I volleyed one after another at them.

“Tel tanthus! Marnarn rosh! Telhren!” I shouted and flung lightening, crystalline missiles and made it rain fire upon them as Brund hacked and slashed, cutting them down as they ran into us. For fun, I summoned me pet wind and set him upon the Aelfwar. Little by little, bit by bit, we made our way into the Keep, leaving a trail of dead and severely injured behind us.

We eventually made our way to the tower entrance to Prince Hylas and greeted the sentry at the door.

“What is this? Why have you come to our Keep and destroyed our soldiers so?” demanded the sentry. As an elf, he was much more frail than his bretheren in the glade. Loras looked to him and spoke before either Brund or I had an opportunity, “We seek council with your lord Prince Hylas on official business from the Guardians of Sanctum. Prithee, may we have an audience with your Lord?”

The sentry looked Loras in the eye, his unfriendly visage speaking volumes as he stared him down and then moved to Brund and I. “An Honor Guard will take you to Prince Hylas. Stray from him and die as a spy.” He commanded us as another guard came running from the tower.

The elven guard took us through the Keep quickly and I could feel the glares from the other Aelfwar hittin’ me from everywhere. They were suspicious of us, and rightfully so. We were here on a last-ditch effort to attempt to persuade Prince Hylas to find reason and see that his efforts, however well intentioned, were not only futile but detrimental to all people of the forest. I was optimistic and figured surely a good leader would want the best fer his people and once this Prince Hylas heard the logic we had he would give up this plan to align with the fae lord and join us in reclaiming Telara for all. Loras and Brund had laughed at me, but I figured anythin’ were possible.

We reached the tower and climbed limitless steps until we finally reached the top where Prince Hylas stood overlooking the forest. Hylas was a large elf, much taller and broader in the shoulders, and his long, fair hair flowed over his shoulders. He was young, though his face was weathered and weary lookin’, given him the appearance of an elder. His eyes were tired yet penetratin’, like he could see through yer soul into depths beyond. I looked up to him and curtseyed, showin’ my best manners in front of royalty. No matter what me politics may be, diplomacy did require a bit of pomp and circumstance. I don’ think it mattered much, though, the Prince barely paid much attention ta me or Brund and focused on Loras.

“Lord Hylas, it as an honor to be in your presence,” Loras bowed. His voice seemed genuine despite his frustration over the situation. “We come on business for the Guardians of Sanctum.”

“I know why you are here!” the Prince bellowed. “This forest, Silverwood, is all the Aelfwar have left to call home. Each day, we fight not only the Gedlo and the monsters from the rifts but the traitorous Defiant as well. When the high elves left us to align with the Guardians, they had forsaken their home – our home! – to fight battles elves have no concern in. My people have needs that cannot be met while this dissension continues. We must be able to forge ahead into a safe future, both for the Aelfwar and for the forest, our lives depend upon it!” He was emphatic as he spoke, his voice becoming louder and angrier. His gaze flickered to Loras who stood before him, also looking more agitated. I knew he felt this discussion was futile, but he pressed on.

“Prince Hylas I bring to you two of the Guardian’s Ascended who have battled countless adversaries in the same plight you and your people are.” Brund and I stepped to the Prince, looking up at him. He sneered as he peered down to us.

“Dwarves! Shyla wishes diplomacy yet sends me dwarves?!” I was livid now and felt my fists ballin’ up, ready for a fight. Brund and I had worked so hard to preserve this forest, many of the battles against his Aelfwar or were agitated by them. Brund held his arm in front of me, keeping me back as he spoke to the prince.

“Your majesty, if I may explain the circumstances a bit – “

“No, you may not! I am quite busy and have no interest in discussing anything with you or the Guardians. Know this, ascended dwarves, the high elves abandoned us to serve the Vigil's Ward, but the Aelfwar remain true to our obligations, guarding the forest against the goblins. With Greenscale's magic, we can protect the forest and extend its roots across Telara. Return back to your Guardians and to Sanctum and be sure to let Shyla know there shall be no peace from the Aelfwar!” He boomed at us, his voice echoing over all of the Keep. The three of us stood in angry amazement at him.

Catching my breath, I took me staff in me hands and began the descent down the tower stairs, not wantin’ to be where I’m not welcome any longer. My heart was racin’ as we made our way from the Keep, my mind a flurry of thoughts and visions of countless battles with the Aelfwar in this blasted forest. How many stupid faeries and satyrs did we have to slay through? How many times must we be hit in the back by the arrows of those small-minded Aelfwar? It were too much fer me right then and there.

I trudged outside with Brund and Loras behind me and was almost blinded in my anger from the elves standing watch that I almost didn’t see them chargin’ us, ready to attack. I was ready for a fight though, I wanted it. Envisionin’ the mage before me engulfed in flames I volleyed a massive fire ball at her that consumed her whole. Another sent arrows at me from my right and barely thinking I sent a cone of flame towards him, burning the mage even more and burning the other. I wasn’t finished with them, but by this time Loras and Brund had realized there was a fight happenin’. My insides burned with the energies coursin’ through me that I didn’t pay them much attention and instead focused on the chargin’ Aelfwar. No tryin’ to mask what I were up to, I looked to the group of elves and sent a freezing gust of wind at them, knockin’ em back while I summoned a violent storm to attack. The release was needed, it felt good to let out the pent up frustration and energy, but I didn’t realize what I had done till Brund pulled at me arm to run back to camp.

When we got there, I noticed Brund and Loras had done their fair share of fightin’, too. Their clothes were torn from the blades cuttin’ inta them, wounds were open along their arms and torso. I looked meself over and didn’t notice anythin’ out of the norm, aside from the cold sweat drippin’ down me back.

“Trixx, I love ya but ye got ta learn ta watch yerself! Ye almost got killed back there. Ye got ta learn ye can’t jus’ walk out in tha open in all places, ya got ta know when ta exercise a little control, lass, ye canna’ always let yer temper get the best of ye – “

“Oh! An’ what were I s’posed ta do, then Brund? Let ye get out in fron’ an’ protect me, like ye always did? I ain’t no wee small lass anymore, and ye need ta learn that! Judgin’ from tha looks of you two, I think I did right fine takin’ care o’ meself!”

“Aye, but it ain’t always jus’ you ya got ta be lookin’ affer. If we ‘and’ta interrupted ya in the middle, ya wouldda scorched Loras ta pieces! An’ thanks ta yer recklessness, I gotta a new scar from tha’ lightenin’ rod ya sent flingin’!” His face was scrunched and he were breathin’ hard, hard enough fer me ta know when he been pushed a bit too far. Brund didn’t raise his voice ta me often, but when he did I knew it were bad. I were still fumin’ and upset o’er the whole situation, but I didn’t wanna fight no more, so instead of lashin’ back at ‘him, I turned an’ walked away from the camp.

It weren’t long till I found a small cliff next ta camp that looked over the forest. I sat in the grass and looked across the tree tops, wringin’ me robes in me hands and watched the clouds float into the horizon. I hate bein’ talked down to. Bein’ such a small dwarf I kinda got used ta it a bit from jus’ about everyone, but it always bothered me more when Brund did it. He knew me best and while I knew he means well, I sometimes think he means ta do it jus’ ta set me off. Control were his favorite topic to lecture me on lately. I don’ always see what he means, though, control fer me were never a problem. I had grasped elemental magic easily and forming the energy ta my needs came naturally. He always says I need ta control me emotions, but I don’ think that’s the problem. Ugh! Why mus’ he be so frustratin’?

I grabbed me pack and rummaged through it again, lookin’ fer me Dodda’s flask fer a drink of wine. I was so thirsty, somthin’ that seemed ta come with my stronger energies. Before, castin’ spells didn’t do anythin’ ta me physically but now I noticed I get a lot more thirsty when I summon the elements. I was lost in me thoughts again when Brund walked up behind me, placin’ a hand on me shoulder and startlin’ me. He looked down at me and then at me hands and that’s when I noticed I had been playin’ with the acorn-shaped artifact the whole time I been sittin’ there.

“Ye know that thing’s no good fer ya,” he spoke softly to me, kneeling at me side.

“Yeah, I know it ain’t, but there’s somethin’ different about it, it don’t frighten me like it used ta.” I explained, looking optimistically at him. He sighed and looked away from me and over the forest.

“C’mon lass, we muss’ git back ta Loras, we ain’t finished ‘ere yet,” he said as he lifted me to my feet, wrapping a strong arm around me shoulders. His wounds had already started ta heal and I wondered what kind of elven magic were used to mend the gashes.

We found Loras back at camp, sitting with a meditative stare on his face. He looked up at us right away. “I knew it was too much to hope for Hylas to listen to reason. We now have few remaining options and we're running out of time. It does seem, however, that rational approaches will not end this crisis. We must beat Hylas at his own game.” His eyes darted from Brund ta me and back as he fidgeted with his hands. He reached inside his tunic and pulled a small neck purse from under the fabric and shook out a small metal broche-looking object.

“Here,” he handed it to me. “You will need this, my ascended friends.” At the first touch the object was like any other piece of metal work, but as I held it a cooling sensation came across me, comforting and calm. I studied the intricate design marked over it and while it looked familiar, I didn’t recognize it.

“Prince Hylas will unleash the wilderness to destroy civilization. Yet, the way of the forest is harmony – life and death in balance. Hylas will bring only death. Trixxi,” he looked to me, squarin’ me dead in the eye, “Brund,” his eyes bolted to him, “The Vigil’s strength is yours. Awaken Kongeegon with the Vigil’s Aegis,” he kneeled close to me and whispered softly, resting a comforting hand on me back.

“Inside the Keep you shall find the Seed of Destruction, a powerful planar source of energy that keeps the monster alive. Cover it with the Vigil’s Aegis and when Kongeegon awakes, kill him and collect the Seed of Destruction. Kongeegon’s death should cripple Hylas’ efforts and help to restore peace in the Silverwood.” His voice were a bit fearful and hopeful at the same time as he spoke ta me. The Aegis in my hand was radiatin’ cool energy though me. I looked ta Brund standin’ tall, ready fer a fight. Lookin’ back ta Loras, I felt ready too. “I shall meet you in Argent Glade when the deed is done, my friends.” We nodded in agreement to the elf and trekked back inta the Keep.

We had the advantage of a dusk-lit sky. Our earlier visit to the Keep gave us a few ideas to breech it’s defenses and slip in mildly unnoticed, but a carefully planned spell and a knife in their back kept us safe from any guarding Aelfwar. Silently we crept into the courtyard, a wide open area flanked by massive trees and tall towers. Surprisingly, we found few guards. As we took out one guard after another, we got a good look at our surroundings and surmised where the Seed might be hidin’.

Almost directly in the center there was a pile o’ brush – leaves, twigs and small branches and dirt – piled almost as tall as me. When we approached the pile, the Aegis warmed in me hand and we knew we musta been close. Kickin’ and brushin’ the litter away we found it: another smallish acorn-like wooden seed with various carvin’s o’er it. I took the Aegis in me opposite hand and covered the Seed with it, claspin’ me hands together and holdin’ ‘em tight. Almost instantly, a force blew me hands open and sent the See and Aegis flyin’ together inta the night. There was a rumblin’ in the air as dark clouds circled o’er us, pickin’ the wind up. I watched in horror as the ground opened in front of us and a giant tree sprung from the earth, ripping the ground and tearing it apart. The monster must ‘ave been a hundred feet tall and it rumbled the dirt under our feet as it shook it’s branches and sent leaves raining upon us. I looked on in amazement at the creature when suddenly I was forced ta the ground by a fast movin’ branch. When I looked back, I caught Brund chargin’ at the best with his mighty battle-axe held high above his head.

With each swing Brund landed a sharp and deep blow into tha side of the monsters trunk. In response, the beast groaned and swung his branches at ‘im like a horse swattin’ flies with its tail. I felt me blood boil,  me ‘ands pulse with electricity and me eyes clouded as I summoned the storm energy inta me. I sucked it in depply, breathin’ it inta me lungs through me nose and mouth. It were intense and I were ready ta use it. I glared at the gnarly demon and summoned a massive bolt of electric energy to snap into it, singin’ it’s bark and sparkin’ the leaves and wood into a sizable blaze. The monster kept its focus on Brund, hackin’ inta it further, carve a deep wedge inta the side of its trunk. I took another deep breath and sent a firey ball at it, followed with a shower of cold icicles, pummelin’ all the elemental energy I could inta it.

I think I got it’s attention away from Brund when I set it ablaze again with a cone of fire. I aimed it right at the very middle of the beast, glarin’ at it and barely grimacin’ from the massive heat swellin’ inside me. Me clothes were drenched in me own sweat, but I were determined ta make tha beast suffer the fires of hell itself. It whopped a massive branch at Brund and knocked him across the courtyard like a child playing ball. I looked to me friend and he lay there on the ground, blood dribblin’ out the side of his face, his head were swollen and bruised. I didn’t have long before the beast began ta charge at me, as fast as a giant demon tree may be able ta charge, that is. I sucked in a deep breath o’ air and summoned all the energy from the air around me, fillin’ up me insides and expandin’ me lungs. It burned and prickled but I were ready for the beast and launched a series of lightening and electrical shocks at it, a bolt of lightenin’ escapin’ me right hand as static charged from me left. Me eyes were clouded and I could barely see, but it was alright, I knew where it was and me magic was attuned to its presence. One after another, I sent spells in rapid-fire to the beast until he fell smolderin’ to tha ground. Exhausted, I looked on at the dead beast and noticed the still of the air around us. Loras came behind me and clapped a hand on me back and then everythin’ went black.

********

I woke up back at the inn in Argent Glade, Brund sittin’ at me side, holdin’ me hand in his. I looked at him, bruised and battered as he stared at the floor. He looked like he hadn’t had much time to rest, probably been sittin’ vigil at me side since we got back. That was him, though, always so worried about me that he never considers himself, even in tha best o’ times.

“Hey Brundy,” I whispered to him. I didn’t have the strength to raise it any louder.

“Trix!” he jumped and his face brightened. “Oh Trix, I was so worried about ya! I’m so sorry I wasn’t there, if I had just had a better position I coulda – “

“Brundy it’s alright, I’m fine and we won, thass all tha’ matters, love.” I cut him off before he began. “But where’s tha Seed?”

He shined a bright smile at me and squeezed me hand. “Loras has it now and it’s with the Guardians in Sanctum.

“Love I dunno what ye used back there but it musta been some kind of magic! I came to and found Loras bent o’er ya. Ye had me scared ta death, ye knowwit? But ya did jus’ fine, somehow ye managed ta grab that blasted Seed before passin’ out, we had a heck of a time tryin’ to pry it from yer grip!” He chuckled and squeezed me hand again. I giggled along with him and squeezed him back as best I could.

Outside the room music was filling the air and the people of the Glade were singin’ and dancin’ and celebratin’ in every which way. Now that I were wakin’ up a bit more I could hear it more clearly. It’s been so long since the sounds of celebration were allowed to fill the air. I wanted ta see it fer meself so I forced meself upright in the bed. Me head spun and I grabbed fer Brund.

“Whoah, lass! Best ye not git up fer a bit, tha doctor’s say ye need ta build yer strength back up.”

“Yeah and when were tha last time I paid much attention to tha doctors, eh? I want ta go out and see this party! Besides,” me knees buckled a bit under me weight makin’ me flounder fer support, “When were the las’ time you ever said no to an ale in yer honor?”

I glanced at him sittin’ at the bedside and strokin’ his beard thoughtfully. “Well, ye got a point there, lass. Ye think ye’ll be alright to make merry tonight?”

Pullin’ me robe over me head I was startin’ ta feel loads better. The thought of dancin’ with the elves and men, drinkin’ with Brund and not havin’ a care of the world for jus’ one night made me feel infinitely better, despite me still unsteady legs.

“Aye, I think I can manage,” I winked back at him.

Trixxi & Brund help the Elves - Part I

"In all matters of opinion, our adversaries are insane." - Oscar Wilde

It was dawn and the mornin’ was shinin’ brightly on our faces through the tattered curtain hangin’ off our window. I rubbed the sleep outta me eyes and looked over ta me fiancée, Brund, still fast asleep on ‘is back, a leg danglin’ off the bed and a hand on the hilt of ‘is sword.

“Hey, Brundy, ‘tis time ta wake up now, love, we gotta a lot to do,” I nudged him gently. He just laid there, oblivious to me voice and me nudges.

“Hey, wake up you sod! We hafta ride ta the Glade today and if we don’ leave soon we could be ridin’ all night, so c’mon ya lug.” I tried to shove ‘im off the bed, with no luck at all as he jus’ stayed there and kept snorin’. I’ve never been much of a mornin’ person meself and I was getting’ right frustrated with ‘im. But I decided I’d give it one more try. I leaned in to him and nuzzled up against his cheek, his scruffy beard scratchin’ at me nose and ticklin’ a bit. I ran a finger under his chin, playin’ with the cleft a bit as I whispered into his ear, “Hey Brundy, darlin’, if ye git up it might jus’ be worth yer while,” and planted a few small light kisses on ‘is face.

Nothin’. I tried me best, at least I thought so, and this las’ time jus’ left me feelin’ more frustrated than ever. How a man can sleep so heavily I’ll never understand, but if I canna be sleepin’ right now then neither should he! I closed me eyes lightly and began ta feel the energy in the air, focusin’ on the tinglin’ sensation swirlin’ about me hands and pullin’ it inside. Me hands tickled and warmed as a small reserve of energy pooled in me. I opened me eyes and walked to the bed where he was sleepin’ and reached out for him, lettin’ a small bit o’ lightenin’ escape me finger tip and zapped him on the tip of his nose. He jumped right up, exactly what I wanted!

“Argh, wuzz goin’ on? Where’s the fight at?!”

I couldn’t help but laugh at him as he swatted ‘round his face in the air at nothin’. A bit of his hair was standin’ up frizzed. I might have used a bit too much power judgin’ from the slightly singed bit of mustache, and hoped he didn’t notice it much. Unfortunately fer me, he did.

“Woss tha’ smell? Smell’s like somethin’s burnin’. Trixx, you smell that? Are the Gedlo attackin’ again?”

“Umm, no, no goblin’s jus’ yet, Brund. ‘Ere, wash the sleep outta yer eyes and wake yerself up jus’ a bit more,” I says, handin’ him a warm wet cloth from the wash basin.

“Well what woss it lass?  Mussa been sumpin’ ta bring me outta such a dream..”

“Well, I don’t right know, but I’m glad ta see yer awake now, dear,” I lied. I didn’t have the ‘eart to tell ‘em it were me, it was too early to start ‘im off lecturin’ me about ‘control’ and ‘discipline,’ ‘is two favorite subjects. “Are ya hungry, love? We kin’ head to the pub an’ grab a bite ta nosh on before we ride out ta tha Glade.”

“Aye, a good ‘earty breaffast sounds right good ‘bout now. Hey Trixx, does my mustache look singed to ya? Did I do that lass night?”

I grabbed my pack after strappin’ me boots on quickly and looked to him, tryin’ hard to hold back a giggle. “No it looks fine, dear, you muss still be a bit sleepy. C’mon, less go get somma to eat.”

I tossed him his pack and headed down the stairs to the tavern. It was a different looking place this mornin’ than it were last night. What was then a bustlin’ and busy pub with a rowdy bunch of locals was now a quiet little inn with plenty of open tables. I found us a spot jus’ off tha side along the wall and plopped into one o’ the big wooden chairs and ordered us a round of black coffee with some toasted rolls, sausages and eggs. When we lived back home, Mum used ta cook a big spread every week for us, full o’ sausages and livers, eggs in three ways, with breads and honey and all the wonderful fruit we could get from the forest on our mountain. Today we ‘ad ta settle fer what we could git from the taverns and pubs we came across as we journeyed.

The tavern keeper came out with the coffee right away and I was thankful fer it. Brund was still upstairs and I hoped he hadn’t gone back ta sleep. I sat there waitin’ fer him, stairin’ into me mug and watchin’ the water as I stirred it. We’d been ridin’ a couple o’ days and it were nice ta finally sleep in a bed, but it did little fer me sore muscles. I hated ridin’, I really did. But we was on a mission, as Ascended Guardians, an’ we had ta git ta the Glade. When we were ascended, there was fightin’ goin’ on all ‘round us. Regulos was pushin’ ‘is way inta the world an’ thos’ dirty Defiant’s was fightin’ against us. Brund and I managed to defeat Regulos, sorta, but I dunno if dyin’ can count as a win or not. But, here we are, livin’ again in tha same world, jus’ different.

We ‘ave no home anymore. Our dwarven lands in tha mountains bein’ destroyed in that Great War along with many of our own kin and friends. Me family is all gone. Brund an’ I are all we have left from our before-life, and I’m grateful to ‘ave ‘im by me side. Brund was one o’ the finest warriors our army ever ‘ad and he fought hard servin’ us well. He’s a great protector fer me, too, bu’ sometimes I think he worries too much. Since we’ve been ascended I’ve noticed we’re a bit stronger than we was before. Jus’ like tha land, we’re the same but different. I think he know’s it, too, but it still don’ stop ‘im from over-protectin’ me.

I don’t know that it matters much and it’s too early in the mornin’ fer me ta be overthinkin’ things. We need ta ride to the Glades and speak ta the Steward of Argent Glade, a man named Brougan Grote. While we was out defendin’ the forest against the mischievous fae we found an artifiact with an odd sort of engravin’ on it. I’m not sure what it means, if it means anythin’ anymore, but the people we’ve run across all told us ta take it ta the Glade and let the Steward sort it out. When I think back ta all the torment and misery these people have gone through, it pains me ‘eart ta think tha’ there can be more at work in this ancient woods than the battle between the Defiants and the Guardians and the threat of Regulos.

It’s such a small little thing, about the size of a large acorn, it fits almost me entire palm. It’s smooth ta the touch and it looks quite worn. I don’ recognize tha engravin’s on it at all, but then again I was never tha’ good in me Elvish language studies. But that’s not the odd part about this little piece of wood; when I roll it between me fingers and play with it in me hands, I can feel an energy to it. It’s elemental, sort of, but I canna make it out. The energy pulses in me ‘ands and gets stronger the more I hold it. I donna think I like the way it makes me feel, it’s so different than the energy I feel from the air and the storms.

“Mornin’ love!” Brund tells me as he pulls up a chair opposite me, snappin’ me from my concentration on tha stone.

“G’mornin’ yerself, sleepy!” I says back ta him, tuckin’ the little wooden stone back in me pack.

“Ye ain’t lookin’ at tha’ lil’ wooden thing again, are ye? I told ye it were no good elven magic and ye shouldn’t be goin’ stickin’ yer nose in places it don’ belong!” He looked a bit agitated at me, but then he always was a bit grumpy when he firs’ get’s up in the morn’.  Fortunately, the tavern keeper had returned with breakfast and a second cup and poured the hot black liquid for Brund.

Ignoring his question, I picked at me eggs a bit as they valiantly tried ta overcome the greasy puddle they swam in. “I hope ya don’ mind I took tha liberty ta gettin’ us sausages an’ eggs fer breakfast. It’s not like home, bu’ it’ll hafta do, eh?” It was very much nothin’ like home at all. The tin plate were covered in grease from the fatty sausages and the eggs looked a bit burned. Thankfully, there were always a piece of toast to sop it up. Brund didn’t seem ta mind at all, taking big bites from the food in fron’ of him.

“So I was thinkin’ ‘bout what the old man said yesterday on the road. He said we can find the Steward in Argent Glade and show ’im the stone. I took a look at me map and I think if we can leave soon, we can make it there before dusk, maybe. What do ye think?”

He looked up a’ me with a mouth full o’ sausage and toast, wipin’ his mouth with the back o’ his hand before replyin’ back ta me. “Sounds good ta me, s’long as we know the way. I feel funny runnin’ through this woods with all this faerie stuff about.” He crinkled his nose up at that and took another gulp of his coffee, emptyin’ it and gesturin’ for the tavern keeper ta bring us more.

“Aye, there’s certainly a different feel ta these woods than the mountains. But ye got ta remember, Brund, this fores’ ‘as been ‘round almost as long as our mountains, maybe longer. “ I stopped a moment at that thought, feelin’ a bit sick ta me stomach. It migh’ have been the indigestion settlin’ in from breakfast or the sinkin’ feelin’ I get when I think abou’ home. I took a deep breath and pushed me plate away from me.

“Ye feelin’ alrigh’, lass?”

“Yeah, jus’ a bit nauseous, me appetite jus’ ain’t with me today is all.”

“Suit yerself then,” he said as he picked off the sausages left on me plate. “Ye dunno when yer next hot meal migh’ be, love, s’always best ta eat up when ye can. Ol’ lesson I learned in tha army. Tha’ and eat fas’, taste later, even tho the cookin’s usually so bad yer glad ye can’t taste it when ye eat it. “

I groaned inside. Watchin’ him eat was a disgustin’ display sometimes and I wanted ta be done with breakfast and be on our way to tha Glades.

“I think ye’ve had plenty, Brundy. C’mon, let’s start ridin’ while it’ still early out.” I grabbed me pack and tossed a few coins on the table for the tavern keeper, glancin’ a thankful look his way as I walked out tha door.

As much as I hated ta ride, I had to admit I did like me horse, Butters. We got the horses when we firs’ came to in the ol’ church. I don’ clearly remember the exchange, Brund had taken care of it as I was wakin’ from the fog o’ death. Bu’ he’s a good steed with a good disposition and he seems to ride well, despite my lack of a basis of comparison. Brund ‘ad told me once tha’ horses can sense yer nervousness and ye can’t let ‘em know ye don’t feel secure in the saddle. The firs’ time I got on Butters I was so scared, but he kept a calm ‘bout him and seemed ta know I wasn’t real keen on the idea of ridin’ a beast ten times my size.

I found our four-legged friends outside, tied to a tree close by and eatin’ a pile o’ hay left fer them by the tavern keeper, as we requested. I let Butters keep eatin’ as I put on his tack and equipment, saddlin’ him up fer a long day’s ride. He nuzzled me face as I worked, his long face warm on my cheek. When we were ready to mount up, I sighed and tried ta lead Butters to a close rock. Mounting was never easy fer me, and I think ‘tis the biggest reason I ‘ate ridin’ as much as I do. When yer as short as me, it’s little things like this that cause more problems than ye think. I look ta Brund, pleadingly, as Butters shifted his weight from leg ta leg.

“Brundy, I need yer help again!” He walked over, chucklin’ at me and gave me a lift.

“There ye go, my little lass!”

‘I might be short, but I’m not so little anymore,’ I thought ta meself, wishin’ I had said something clever.

Brund led the way through the forest leavin’ Butters and I to follow him down the paths, winding around giant ancient oaks and coursin’ o’er deep ravines cut by the small streams. The forest was covered almost entirely by a canopy o’ leaves, blockin’ the invadin’ sunlight from reachin’ the very bottom of the forest floor.  A pungent musk filled the air from tha different plants and various critters makin’ their home here. We rode and rode, deeper inta the forest, a chilly breeze washin’ past us from time to time. The trip was rather uneventful; it felt strange not to encounter another person or creature on our way. It also took us much less time than I thought it would ta get to the Glade. We must’ve arrived around midday as the hustle and bustle of the little village dominated the quiet stillness of the forest.

We hopped off our horses and walked them into town, my derrierre grateful for the break from the saddle. I don’ think Butters minded me much, but seemed content to walk along me side, ‘is heavy hooves clappin’ on the cobblestoned streets. We seemed a bit out of place, Brund and I, in the Glade. Since Silverwood was originally home to the elves and Mathosians, dwarves were certainly not common ‘round here. Everythin’ seemed so big ta me – the steps, the signs, the people! I let Brund lead the way into town as I gawked with wide eyes at everythin’. There was a little market we passed sellin’ some kind of fruit or veg, I couldn’t tell, but the woman buyin’ was puttin’ on such a fit o’er the price. They stopped in mid-conversation as we passed and watched us go. Stopping in his tracks, Brund turned to tha merchant and addressed him brusquely, “We be lookin’ fer the Steward of Argent Glade, can ye help a couple o’ foreigners by pointin’ tha way?”

The merchant looked him up and down, and in a snarky voice replied, “I don’t know where you’re from nor do I care! I have a business to run and don’t have time to make idle chit-chat with some dwarf riff-raff.”

“The cuss you are callin’ us riff-raff! Do you ‘ave any idea who we are and what we’re ‘ere ta do?!” Brund grabbed me arm just before I was ready to prove to this man we were not some low-life riff-raff and beckoned me to be quiet, pressin’ a finger to his lips.

“’S’cuse the lass, she’s still got some manners ta learn. My name is Brund, an’ this ‘ere’s Trixxi. We come a long ways ta find the Glade an’ we mus’ find tha Steward quickly. We got uhh… summin’ ta show ‘em.” He trailed off and got quieter as he said the latter. I reached me hand into me bag and rolled the little wooden stone about in me fingers, feelin’ the warm energy fill me palm.

The merchant sighed in annoyance as his customer looked on to another booth, leavin’ his stand. “If you will please leave me be than I shall tell you! Brougan Grote is patrolling the road north of Argent Glade this day. Now please, get away from my vegetables!” He shooed us with his hands and I looked up at him, thinkin’ if Brund weren’t at me side an’ if there was less people ‘round I’d show ‘im what kind of dwarf he was dealin’ wit’! Instead of retaliatin’, Brund nodded thanks to the man and led the way north.

“Trixx,” Brund looked to me, “Ye can’t go off half-cocked like tha’, people will never help ya if yer always lookin’ ta fight ‘em e’erytime ya don’ git yer way.”

I scowled at him, not really believin’ fer me own ears what he was tellin’ me. “ Didya not hear what he was callin’ us? Talkin’ down to us like we was some poor beggar, or children, or both!” I was fumin’ mad at the situation, both at the merchant and from Brund’s reprimands.

Luckily, we found Brougan Grote shortly and conceded the fight, fer now. Brougan was a tall elf with an older , tired lookin’ face. He was patrollin’ the road when he spotted us as Brund waved him over.

“Are ye the Steward of Argent Glade?” he asked.

“Aye, I am Brougan Grote. The Guardian leaders in Sanctum appointed me Steward of Argent Glade years ago. It is a duty I’ve come to enjoy,” Brougan replied, a smile forming on his lips, lighting his face.

“Good, then yer jus’ tha man we need ta see. Trixx, show ‘em what we found in his fores’.” I ruffled through me bags till I found the stone, it’s power still emanatin’ like a beatin’ heart in me hand. I held it between two finger tips up to the tall elf, lookin’ up at him, watchin’ his face change shape as I rotated it ‘round, lettin’ him get a good look at the carvin’ etched into it.

“Oh my,” he said quickly, “Where did you find this?” He took the wooden stone from me hand and spun it ‘round more, inspectin’ it every which way. Horror and curiosity seemed ta wash o’er him as I looked on.

“Sir,” I started nervously, “We found that wooden stone deep in the forest, in the Palisades. We ‘ad it looked at by Thellium Bedstraw jus’ yesterday and he told us it might be from tha Plane o’ Life, somethin’ ta do with a creature named ‘Kongee-Gong’, or sommin’.”

His face flushed and his eyes widened as I said the name. “What’s going on? Kongeegon, did you say? I can barely believe what you’re telling me, yet I know it to be true. Prince Hylas must be mad to involve himself with such powerful planar magic, yet it would explain much of the Aelfwar’s recent activity.” He paced and looked off to the distance, holding the stone in hands still. I looked to Brund and shrugged, not really sure what it meant or what we could do ta help out.

“S’cuse me, sir, but what is a Kongee-Gong anyway?” I asked, my curiosity getting’ tha best of me, but snapped Brougan out of his gaze.

“Kongeegon is a treant demon from the Plane of LIfe. Our oldest tomes name him as one of Greenscale’s dreaded harbingers of the wild. By the Vigil, we must act quickly!”

“But what does it mean? It’s jus’ a wee wooden stone, surely no one alive can master the magic needed ta summon such a beast?” I prodded, wanting to know more. He looked down at me with worry upon his face before kneeling to tha ground, matching me eye-to-eye. He held me hands in his, completely cupping them with his long fingers.

“The high elf council moved to Sanctum when we joined the Guardians, but a powerful prince named Hylas Aelfwar dissented. He argued that joining the Guardians would only make the high elves weak in the fight against the Wanton hordes. Prince Hylas refused our pleas for unity and remained at the Keep, gradually building an army of adherents that he calls House Aelfwar. The Aelfwar situation now is a fragile peace, but I fear a storm is coming. If Prince Hylas’s power is allowed to row, I shudder to imagine what horrors he would unleash in a misguided attempt to protect Silverwood from Wanton flames.” I looked deep inta his blue eyes and felt sadness and fear as he explained this to me. My heart felt heavy for the people of the woods, even the rude ones like that merchant. So much fightin’ in tha lands, is it not enough to be fightin’ this civil war ‘tween Guardians and Defiants that there mus’ be war with the elves?

“Well, if Brund and I have anythin’ ta say about it, this Prince Hylas of yours won’t be given that chance, right Brundy?”

“Aye, lass, tha’ ye can bet yer ale on! Brougan, what can we do ta help?”

Brougan glanced between us both, his faint smile returning to his lips once more. “You’re Ascended, aren’t you? We will need only the best for this mission.”

We nodded to him, feeling anxious for ‘nother mission. Brund ‘ad his hand on ‘is sword hilt, gripping it as a reminder of his might. I was runnin’ spells o’er in me head, tryin’ ta think of the best, most clever ways to persuade this headstrong prince inta thinkin’ reasonably.

“We are at a crossroads,” he replied to us, “for our next steps will decide our success or failure. Hylas plans to use Kongeegon, the treeant demon given to him by Twyl, to destroy all civilization in Silverwood.”

“Are ye sure that’s ‘is plan, then? I mean, ‘ow do we know for certain that Hylas is plannin’ on usin’ the monster? We ‘ave the artifact, don’ we? “

Brougan shook his head in disagreement, heaving a heavy sigh. “The simple fact that we have the artifact does little to protect the forest. It takes a great magic to summon Kongeegon and we know from previous reports Hylas is in league with the Fae Lord Twyl. Unfortunately, Hylas does not require this artifact to summon his monster. It is time to stop this madness. Please, go to the Overwatch Keep and speak to Loras Tivan and help him any way you can.”

I looked to Brund and catchin’ ‘is eye I could tell he was readyin’ fer battle. I felt a sinkin’ in me stomach again as I thought about approachin’ a mad elf prince in his keep high in the mountains. I was anxious ta use me magic again, but the idea of tryin’ ta talk sense into an elf was not what I was hopin’ fer. Diplomacy is not exactly my strong suit; good thing I ‘ave Brund with me fer this venture.

Prologue

For many ascended, recallin’ life before ascension can be a hard and daunting task. Memories may flood in at one time, or be choppy at best. Sometimes memories are recalled from the scent of a flower carried in the breeze of the forest, or the touch of cold steel in their ‘hands while others relive their past lives in a flurry of vivid dreams, replayin’ over and over again like a bad case of déjà vu. For me, I’m surprised at exactly how much I do remember of my life cos it’s so clear to me, it’s like I never died but kept living. 

I grew up the only daughter of a very wealthy and established dwarven family in a small city deep inside the mountains. Me father was head miner of our little city and was an extremely proud man. His family had lived within the mountains for centuries and was one of the first settlers of the city, helping to establish it into the wonder it was when I was born. Me mum came from a similar family with just as long a history within the mines and mountain. Her family, as the stories were told,  found the first cache of precious metals and gems and helped to establish the mining camp into a city capable of more than simply supportin’  life, but providin’ a comfortable and safe haven for us dwarves. 

Both mum and Dodda came from large families with many sisters and brothers, so it was natural for them to expect the same for themselves. And they desired to have a house full of children to pass on old, sacred dwarven customs and the art of mining the riches of the land and forging and crafting it into something truly magnificent. Unfortunately, mum was cursed while courting Dodda. 

Before agreeing to marry, mum was finishing her studies at the Magician’s College. She was head of her class, a brilliant mage who could perfect the most difficult of spells easily and effortlessly. Her displays were well-known and talked about, which was to be expected of her given her family and status within the city. Being dwarves, our first honor was to Tavril and the Earth for providing us, but as women it was almost a forbidden offense to go into the mines to bring back the ore or gems. A dwarven woman had few options in life: she could marry a good man and support him in the homestead, caring for the hearth and home and bearing him many children, as many dwarven women chose to do. If she did not wish to pursue that future, she was permitted by our customs to enter into a magical arts academy to benefit the people by offering safety, protection and defense. Yet very few women were allowed to do this because they must be able and willing to show they have the Gift. 

The Gift is a blessing of Tavril, the sacred god of the dwarves and the Earth. It is said that Tavril made the dwarves of the Earth, molded into their image from the Earth of the mountains. As Tavril worked, she blessed only a few of her creations by placing a special emerald inside their hearts. The emerald was Tavril’s gift to them that would allow them to speak to her and allow them to attune to her through the rock and Earth. When the first dwarves were created, Tavril made them a special promise to never leave them. When the dwarves felt lost or alone, she instructed them to speak with the Blessed, the dwarves she made with the emerald, and they could provide reassurance and guidance. The Blessed were obviously very important to the dwarven people and they were held in high regard. Some became priests within their clans, leading the people in worship to Tavril, while others found the bond with the Earth a tremendous force and used this insight to help the people create a better life through the magical bond as mages. Over time, the Blessed joined clans of dwarves around the lands and passed their gift from Tavril onto their heirs. In our small clan, my mum was a descendent of a Blessed. Though her family claims the ancestor was one of the first made by Tavril, there was no denying mum’s gift and the entire clan knew she was destined for greatness among our people.  

While pursuing her studies, she was courted by many young dwarven men. She was as beautiful as she was smart and it wasn’t any wonder why so many dwarven men fell to their knees before her. My mum was a kind soul, and she loved them all, but there were only two who truly captured her heart, Dodda and another, Lovictan. Lovictan was with her in school and was another heir of a Blessed, his family being almost as old as mums. Lovictan was madly, deeply in love with mum, and his passionate advances were powerful. Mum said she loved him, but he was bitterly jealous of any man who would dare to speak with her. He put her onto such a pedestal, she’d explain, that in his eyes there were few who were worthy enough of her attention. Lovictan was an unpopular dwarf by many, mostly due to his belief that Tavril did not seek to interbreed the Blessed with plain dwarves. He was obsessed with the possibility of creating children that were touched doubly by Tavril’s special gift. Mum was scared by his obsession. She also told me once that he smelled and looked funny and wouldn’t have been a good dad, which I thought was a bit funny since Dodda always kind of smelled, too. Anyway, she refused Lovictan over and over again. 

When mum wasn’t fending off Lovictan’s advances or busy with her studies, she would spend her downtime at her favorite tavern with her mates from the College. The tavern was a big and busy place in our small city and many dwarves would congregate after a hard day’s work, either in the mines, at the forges or from the school. Many nights were loud, bustling and boisterous. Mum said she caught Dodda off-guard one night as he was bellying up to the bar to buy another round for his mates and she to buy an extra flagon of wine. Dodda was a few year’s older than she, but she said she saw the twinkling sparkle in his gray eyes and she knew then there was something special about him. 

I don’t think Dodda really changed much in the time he courted mum to my first memory of him. For a dwarf, Dodda was tall, standing at almost a full 5 feet tall. He always seemed larger than life to me, with the strength of an ox and the heart of a lion. Dodda was like an unofficial politician, but he never aspired to be anything more than a miner who could swing an axe. Whenever the city needed warriors to fight, Dodda was there leading the troops. He was a fine man who had earned a lot of respect from all who knew or knew of him. It’s little wonder, then, that Lovictan was so jealous when he heard Dodda was officially courtin’ mum.

One night, the sneaky-cuss crept through the city and found mum and Dodda alone under the willow tree. Mum said it was a special night, even if it were the night she was cursed. She used to tell me how the stars shined just for her and Dodda, the cool air smelled sweet of fresh honeysuckle and there was a general calm. Just as they were settlin’ in for a nice night together, Lovictan appeared and cursed mum in a jealous rage. Dodda defended her as best he could, but he was no match for Lovictan’s magic. He was a twisted and cruel man, not the same as they both had known, and he blasphemed something terrible onto them. 

For years, mum and Dodda tried for a family with no luck. Neither was sure what had happened, whether it were mum who could hold no child, or Dodda who couldn’t give her none. Mum used to always cry when she told me this story and I remember the giant tears would swell in her eyes. Dodda would always look at me and smile warmly. I’m not sure just how many years, but after visitin’ with the priests they were able to have me, but that was all. 

Dodda always wanted a boy, but ‘e got me instead. He wanted a miner, someone who could follow innis footsteps and take his ax and pick and mine a name out for ‘isself. But since I was a girl, he couldn’t have none of that. ‘Girls,’ ‘e would say, ‘Are not meant to be in the deep mines haulin’ rocks and dirt!’ But that never stopped me from sneakin’ off into the mines behind ‘im, tryin’ to find what was so special about the earth. I remember me first time I ventured off into one of Dodda’s mines and how frightenin’ it was, yet it intrigued me. But that’s another story for another time, over maybe another pint. 

I remember so much of them both, and I miss them so much, too. I could really use them right about now and I wish the Vigil had picked them instead of me. I don’t think I will ever understand what they were meanin’ behind bringin’ me back. I was and maybe still a right prissy little brat! In school, I remember I used to always play pranks on the boys because they was always slower tha’ me and it was a tonna fun ta make ‘em nervous when they’d look down an’ see a giant pair o’ earthen hands clamped ‘round their ankles. Or when we studied lightening, that was my favorite unit, though the teachers probably didn’t think so!

All of that, those memories of that before life, that’s all they is now, memories. I died brutally, and some say a bit too young, tryin’ to defend our lands. Ye kin see jus’ how well I did doin’ that job, eh? It just’ boggles me mind tryin’ ta think of what the Vigil was thinking. Did Tavril ‘ave somethin’ to do with it, since I’m descended from a Blessed? Was it cos I was so young? I don’t know if I will ever find out and I donno if I really want to. I miss me mum and Dodda, more than anything else, but fer whatever reason I’m ‘ere now.

When I think about what the Vigil has prophecied I get chills down spine. I was always the best in class, jos’ like mum, and since the rifts entered the world, the energy is changed and different, sometimes a lot more powerful than before. When I feel it surge in me, it fills me completely, it takes the sad memories away and I think of only the power inside me, ready to bend to me will. I’ve become stronger since I was Ascended, and I think I like it.