The Game is Afoot

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She walked beside Der as they spoke with in their minds, she could hear the worry in his words. She reached out a hand and touched his shoulder softly.

*I know I often do things that worry you, but you know I would never do anything that would cause us a parting….*

Jewel glanced back at Ash and Jex.

“She looks very worried Der…and he looks confused and worried. Are the four of us enough to figure this problem out and handle it alone?”

She finally let her other hand drop from the amulet, even though it still glowed softly it was no longer giving off as much warmth. She then spoke her thoughts aloud, because for her, speaking kept the dark thoughts from pressing to far in.

“Before a few days ago if someone had asked me of elves, dark or light I would have told them they where fairytales…If nothing else, these few days have added truth to fables for me…And the pleasure of meeting both of you AshWing and Jex… Let us just hope this ends well for all!”
 
"I hope so as well," Jex responded. He still didn't know what to think, but at least he was in the company of friends. Though he didn't know Der and Jewel long, he trusted them with his life. How could he not? Had they not just fought a hellish battle together? And this Ash, if Der trusted her, then Jex would too. He felt something almost familiar about her, but he could not place his finger on it. Eventually, it would come to him. He hoped.
 
Der did not feel what ash sensed, but he was not so foolish to discount her reactions easily.-My initial thought would be to say that a wizard is no tremendous threat. But if that druid is worried, then I don't know.-

"The fairy tales will get even stranger as we enter into Darkraven. I will seek an audience with the king. Jex's presence may make it somewhat difficult to obtain. They do not like dark elves there. But the king's family has trusted me for a very long time. He will see me."

Der lead the small group through the trees and over streams until the density of the forest began to break up. Eventually, a massive clearing could be seen, with the slightest hint of mountains in the distance. Der stopped for a moment to look back to the direction they'd come from. "Take care of my forest, Doriaon."

A whisper of a voice came back that would be impossible for the other three to make out, but Der nodded his giant head and turned back, again. "Well then. Let us proceed." The last few steps through the woods were the hardest for him, as he could feel his hold on the curse being released. It was a familiar feeling he'd grown accustomed to. Plus, since the curse came origionally from his homeland, it was almost as if he was welcomed back home every time he went in. That and the knowledge of what could potentially happen if he stayed away too long made it hard every time he had to leave those woods.

The group would now be able to look out over the expanse of land before them. "Welcome, friends, to Angelsprite Valley."
 
Jewel paused a moment to readjust her gear then gazed out at the scene before her. It was something to behold! The amulet still flickered with light and warmth, but jewel thought perhaps it was just feeding of the energy of the elves; it had an illusion spell in it that could change anyone into what ever power source it had encountered. She remembered how it glowed hot and bright for the first few days she spent in Der’s company long ago.

*I miss the forest already*

Leaning tiredly against Der’s side she spoke aloud, but in a hushed voice, for she to felt odd having the forest at her back instead of surrounding her.

“Why is it called Angelsprite Valley?”
 
Der turned to look at Jewel as she proposed her question, then looked to the other two. As it seemed they, too, were interested to hear the reason behind the name for the place, he yielded.

"As I said, Jewel, the fairy tales will definately get stranger. Angelsprite Valley is so named because the ancestors to the DarkRaven family were exactly that, half angel and half sprite. Back in the days of the great dragon war, an attack fell upon this valley and the city of Darkraven was nearly destroyed. The king died, and his son was left to rebuild a shattered kingdom. That young prince found the love of an elf woman who had run away from her home, and they married. The grandchildren of that bond are now the ruling family. The magic of the angel and sprite blood stretches the already massive elven lifespan to near unimaginable lengths. The great dragon war was over six-hundred-thousand years ago. Any normal elven family would have gone through ten generations. The Darkravens have gone through three."
 
Ashwing surveyed the valley below. It looked like such a pleasant place. She imagined all of the people there, so innocent, like children, going about their routines unaware of the evil that lurked like a predatory beast just beyond the light. Even now Ash thought she could feel its breath on the back of her neck. The hairs raised there and she shivered.
Trying to shake off the feeling she stepped closer to the group. If she couldnt be close to her wood then close to her companions would have to be the next best thing.
"So, the real fairies of fairy tales then. With longevity like that, they may have written the tales themselves. I bet the heirs to the throne either get very bored, or in quite a bit of trouble."
 
Jex knew elves had a long lifespan, but to hear that the Darkravens had lived so long was shocking. Jex had already lived quite a long life, but not even half of his life yet. He didn't know if he would be able to handle as long of a span as the Darkravens. He chuckled to himself at Ash's comment. He had to agree, however. He had once met an elf that had lived well past his normal span, and the poor creature was almost insane with knowledge and life experiences. Hopefully the elves they were heading to meet were not on the edge of sanity.
 
Der nodded and continued to pad toward the castle. "In my experience, the longer one lives, the less they become like those around them. It may be difficult to illustrate, but I will try."

The mystic wolf nodded his giant head to one of the border wardens as he moved onward. "A tree, for example, is hardly different from any other tree when it is a sapling. It is nearly impossible to distinguish the difference between newly sprouted trees. However, as time passes, and the saplings grow..." He paused to acknowledge another patrolman before going on, again. "As the saplings grow, they take on many differences. Some are damaged by wind or fire and sprout dual trunks. Others are affected by plants around them and are forced to bend to accomodate the pattern of the forest around them. Some become homes for insects, small mammals, reptiles or birds, or even fish in some cases where the roots of the tree stretch into bodies of water. Any countless number of factors go into how a tree grows, and it is the oldest of the forest giants that have the most distinguishable forms, yet they are almost always the strongest and most reliable of all the trees."

Der nodded to a full patrol this time. "Such is the case with the Darkraven family. Though they may be far older than any other race of elven blood in the region, they are far more reliable in their strength and fortitude."

He stopped at the crest of another hill, and the outline of the city walls could be seen. "We should be there by midday. It is likely we will have to stop a few times until we actually get to the gates of the city itself. Those within the city and those closest to the forest know me well. The ones in between are often the exception to that."
 
Jewel was in awe of the beauty of the valley and listened carefully to Der’s words as she walked beside him. The farther they walked into the valley the steadier the glow of the amulet became, she hoped that it would not be glowing like a spot light by the time they reached the cities gates.

*How much energy do you think this little thing can take in before it lights me up like a star Der ? And Der? Can I speak to Ashwing the same way I speak to you? Or would it offend her ?*
 
As Ash walked on with the group she felt the eyes of the patrol heavy on her. It may have only been her imagination but it made her feel as though she were eight feet tall and had four arms. She had always preferred bird form but chose to stay with the group on two legs for noq. The elf had decided that the group would likely feel more at ease with her at their side rather than flitting around on a wing.
Ash listened to Der's words thoughtfully. She had known many long lived creatures in her elven span and Der was right, each had been unique. She only hoped that what Der had said about the trees' strength was also true for the family. Perhaps they could help the group with their quest or would at least have some knowledge that the they could use.
She felt Jewel's amulet growing warmer with energy by the minute. Ash had seen and made many amulets that collected energy for a variety of reasons and wondered the reason behind this particular piece. She hoped it wouldn't draw too much attention as they passed into the city. But then, how much more could it attract than a mystic wolf and two elves?
 
Jex listened to Der's words with fascination. He, too, hoped the Darkravens would be able to help with their quest. He saw that Jewel's amulet was glowing brighter and brighter as they traveled, and he hoped it was not going to becomeaproblem once they got into the gates.
 
-I cannot say, either way about the amulet, but I will inquire for you with the druid.-
Der immediately opened up his mind to Ash, so as to communicate with her the same way he had been doing with Jewel. -It has been some time since we spoke in this manner, Aesuithiel, but I must ask if it would be acceptable for Jewel to communicate with you mentally.-

As Der spoke mentally to his companions, he weighed his options as to how to deal with the amulet. He had no idea as to why it was charging such amounts of energy, or how they would be able to conceal it if necessary. Fang would know. Even Doriaon may know, but he had no clue. He hoped they would be able to gain access to the city with such a strange amulet that could not be given up.
 
Ash was stirred from her thoughts by the foreign yet familiar voice of Der. She blinked and shook her head. It had been a while since anyone had communicated with her in such a way besides the scaled, feathered, and fur covered inhabitants of her wood. Why certainly, she may. I will lower some of my defenses. You did always know how to get around those. Do you think it rude not to include the other? I do guess correctly that he has no such ability/
Rather than wait for Jewel to find her way through Ash's complex guards she spoke directly to her. Well my dear, Der tells me you would prefer to communicate in this manner. I actually prefer it as well so chat away. First though, I hope you will humor me with a question. What, prey tell is that glowing sun around your neck used for?
 
Jewel had thought Ash’s speaking voice was beautiful, but her inner voice floated through her thoughts like musical notes. As she asked about the amulet Jewels fingers strayed to it.

*It was given to me by my Grandma of the Veil, it has been something passed down from daughter to daughter for so long as my family has excited. My Grandma said that it holds spells of the immortals, gathers energy of beings around it so that it can transform someone into that kind of being with the proper spell work, but she also says it holds new powers and mystery for each new wearer.
Der and I have been slowly figuring it out over the years. We know it glows with warmth when gaining energy, it also glows blue when I travel the veil and a deep black when life threatening events may about to unfold…

~Jewels cheeks redden slightly as she cast a quick glance at Der~

…it also glows a shade of red when a loved one is hurt or ill and will attempt to heal that loved one…
I think, if asked truly what it is…That it is a living entity with a jeweled world and so long as either I live or until have a girl child of my own that comes of age, it can not be removed from me with out causing the death of the being touching it…
In all your years have you ever seen or heard of another like it AshWing?*
 
A deep furrow appeared on Ash's smooth face. She stared at the amulet between Jewel's fingers. She seemed to be looking past the stone, through it or into it. She was silent long moments as though she chose her words very carefully.
I have seen many powerful things in my travels. There are many amulets for love, for protection, some for gathering energy, some for dispensing it and some for containing it. However this one, it feels almost as though it does indeed have a ...
Ashwing stopped, almost as if her thoughts had scattered like leaves before a brisk fall wind. Her face became smooth and blank once again while she stared straight ahead. A shiver passed over her like a cloud over the sun on a hot summer day. Her eyes clear and she began again.
This one does seem to have a certain....intelligence. She paused glancing up into Jewel's eyes before shifting to look at the sky overhead and two birds soaring there.
You know, there are legends. Legends of things that were left behind from the creation of the worlds. These things are said to contain the knowledge and the power of that time. The elf became quiet again looking intently ahead. Well, at any rate, since you cannot remove it, we should think of a way to divert the energy or magically hide it from prying eyes before we have more questions than we have answers.

Der, what do you think of me trying to channel some of the energy that Jewel's amulet is drawing to either you or I, or even dispersing it through the earth? Do you know enough of it to know if it would allow such a thing? If not I may be able to magically shield it from sight
 
-I think we will not have time to be concerned with it.-

Der stopped at the crest of another hill. On the very next hill, riding directly toward them, was a group of ten riders. Every one of the riders was adorned in full plate armor and carrying no less than three weapons each.

Der looked at Jewel, then Jex and finally Ash to gauge their reactions to the patrol. The foremost rider Der recognized. He was a captain who perpetually gave Der trouble each time he came anywhere close to the palace. This was the first time, though, that he'd approached the mystic wolf with a full squad of guardsmen. The man and his squad continued to ride until they were only a few feet away, at which point they all dismounted and approached Der and his friends, drawing weapons as they moved.

"It is bad enough that your mangy hide is back here already, dog. But now you bring a band of vagabonds with you?" The captain was quite content to glare at Der with great despise

Der, having dealt with this guard on more than one occasion, was quite calm. "Hello, Alexander. I thought I would bring a few friends to discuss some matters of reasonable importance with the king's council."

The captain waved over one of his crossbowmen and the two of them walked in front of the band of travelers slowly. They passed Ash, then Der slowly, staring at each. They stopped at Jewel, inspecting the amulet from a distance, but a glance back at Der, who held no expression on his face at all, and the two of them moved on. It was Jex that interested them the most. As soon as the two armored men stopped in front of the dark elf, Alexander drew his sword and pointed it at Jex's face. The bowman did the same with his crossbow bolt. Alexander challenged Der, while staring at Jex. "You had better have an excellent reason for bringing this creature along with you, beast."

Der padded over to Alexander slowly. He forced his way between Jex and the points of the weapons. Both guards backed up nervously when they saw the glaring challenge in the mystic wolf's eyes. "Do not play games with me, Alexander. You have no ability to comprehend our reasons for visiting the king and you and I both know that you have no authority to stop me, regardless of whom I choose to bring with me into the kingdom. Now take your squad and go before I find a reason to justify to the king my actions against you."

Alexander stared hard at Der. His men shifted about nervously. When he finally started walking away, each of them gave an audible sigh of relief. They all mounted up once again and began heading back, but not befor Alexander turned in his saddle to offer one more challenge. "Keep that monster on a leash, dog."

As they left, Der turned to Jex. "Some of the older guardsmen do not particularly care for dark elves. Are you okay?"
 
Jex was used to the looks of disdain of most faces he passed. Never before, though, had someone been as threatening as the Darkraven officer was now.
"I'll live," Jex said to Der.
"Do you think my wizard has anything to do with this Alexander character?"
 
While Der was busy with the boarder patrol and its rude leader, jewel stood silent while her mind worked at a solution to the amulets glow. She can up with a temporary fix! She simply turned the leather thong around tell the amulet hung against her back, covered by a mass of dark curls.

*This will work for a while tell we find a better solution, wont it AshWing?*

Once done with this task she returned her attentions to what had just happened. With a look of disgust at the patrols backs, she laid a hand on Jex’s shoulder and murmured.

“Your made of better stuff then they ever will be.”
 
Ashwing stood with head up, chin jutted forward as the patrol passed in front of her. She could feel the energy of fear and disdain coursing around the leader. And this was part of why she chose to remain amongst the trees. The petty judgement of man. The weakness of fear bred hate for many things in their hearts.
She listened to the crude remarks made and simply watched. It did no good to respond. The stronger approach was to bear their judgement with pride and silence. Stooping to their level generally only provoked them.
She heard Jewel's question ring bright and clear in her mind as her heightened senses, raised when the patrol approached, made it sound as though Jewel were nearly shouting.
*Yes, for now...I would wish to find a better solution but for now it looks as though attention is diverted elsewhere.*
She looked to Jex to see his reaction and was glad when Der put his imposing figure between the guards and the dark elf.
*Quite the welcoming party* Ash said to Der.
 
Der was silent for quite some time as the patrol continued to make their lengthy departure. He heard the questions and remarks that had been presented to him, but he stayed silent until the patrol was fully out of view having crested a few different hills. Once they were gone, he simply shook his head. "Before I was known to those within this kingdom, Alexander's grandfather was a guardsman just as Alexander and his father. I came here with the thought that I would attempt to let the Darkraven family know about my presence and purpose for it. This was a time when gladiator style tournaments were still popular. Alexander's grandfather did not trust me, and challenged me to a fight to the death to prove my intentions. I warned against it several times, but he could not be convinced. I won the fight, but refused to take the final blow. Long story short, his grandfather forced my paw, and his life was ended. His family has despised me ever since."

Der sighed as he looked back at the others. "He is bitter, but he loves his kingdom and all that the Darkraven family stands for. I seriously doubt he has anything to do with the wizard. But, he is not the only one who shares a prejudice for dark elves in this area. As we draw nearer, we may find a use for some of the energy that amulet of yours is pulling in, Jewel. For now, though, we should keep moving. Now that Alexander has seen us, we will be expected shortly."

Der began to move, again. The fresh memory of the battle with Alexander's grandfather hurt him. He had been connected to a great warrior for a very long time, but he did not enjoy taking life. Ironic for a guardian of his nature, true, but perhaps that was what made him such an effective guardian...he couldn't say for sure, but he did know that eventually something was going to have to be done about the tension between Alexander's family and himself. Perhaps, if the time was right, he woudl have the opportunity when they reached Darkraven.
 
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