Morning came, heavy pale gray clouds obscuring the sky. Sunlight peeked through, silvery streaks lighting the day. Unseasonally cold winds blew- the kind of chaotic weather, that delivered promise of tumult. Soon after everyone rose, all nine of us shared a hot breakfast- provided by Illyana and myself. It struck the others as odd- someone so cold, so uncaring, going out of her way to help make breakfast? Maybe it was a Hin thing, I heard them say. In part, it was. But nobody complained- it was quite good. [They should try my mother’s cooking, they think this is good…] Soon enough, we bade farewell to Illyana and her sons, promises to eventually return…
-
Everyone gathered their things, once the dishes had been cleared away. Asriel thanked Illyana for her charity- which got her giggling. Violet kissed Joshua and Elias’ cheeks before leaving- both their faces flushed pink. Unspoken, the six decided to follow the beaten path they were already set upon- and not bother doubling back to Albridge. After a couple of hours, pleasant grassy land turned into sparse trees,before giving way to a forest. Older growth dominated here- clearly, it was well cared for. Everyone stopped just inside its edge- there weren't any defined paths. As people moved to discuss plans, Sera began investigating the area. It took some time, but eventually they waved a hand for attention.
"Managed to find some tracks. I'll lead us through."
Relieved, everyone nodded- and off they went. Sera led, Asriel and Violet right behind them. Behind the pair, Jordan- then Silver and Thorin. Travels inside were pleasant enough- though there were spots where Sera had to stop, reexamine, then resume leading, such was the density of the foilage. As the trek inside continued, the growth deepened- briar and wildflowers mixed in, sounds of the forest dominating, sunlight weakened.
"This is really nice. Aethereal, almost... I wonder what the centre looks like…" Violet was lost in the beauty of the forest- as were most others. Thorin and Jordan, however, noticed something she didn't: the red-headed Hin silently walking beside her. They grinned at one another, in amusement.
"You'll have to see it to find out." Violet's shriek made everyone double over in laughter. They all laughed harder when she flushed dark, glaring at them, then the stranger. Sera even ruffled her hair a little- adding insult to injury to her pride.
"Who the hell are you? And where did you come from?"
"Name's Loreli. Been with ye for a while- should pay more attention, you know." Just as the others had calmed, Loreli’s words got them laughing again- Violet merely glared at the ground, folding her arms over her chest. Loreli smiled. "Come now, it's all in jest; besides, we've been watching since you arrived. Reithann sent me to accompany you, though your friend there is good."
"Sounds good. Anything we need to know going in?"
"Yes, actually. Do not touch the boulder in the clearing. For any reason."
"Alright, Miss. We won't- and that goes especially you, little Miss Ice Queen."
"…And why would I would do something like that?."
"Penchant for mischief and making trouble; all of you have an undeniable love of it, really. Didn't think I'd have to explain that to someone like you."
She caught the look on Violet's face. "Right, there's one other thing. Don't offend the hin- we care for all our own. And when provoked, can be quite the force to be reckoned with." Thorin wisely shut up after that- he caught the warning, and the glint in Loreli's eyes. The gesture was silently appreciated by the purple-haired hin.
"...This place seems much more vibrant and lively- I want to say it connects to the Earth elemental plane." Jordan- ever inquisitive yet clueless- interjected.
"I believe so; Reithann will know more than I about such things, however."
The rest of the trek went in relative silence, with mostly- lifted spirits. Along the way, the group spotted pixies, fey- and even perhaps a dryad's presence or two. Loreli explained the God of Nature found this place to be sacred- hence its name. Quite the fascinating lesson, actually. Just as Loreli wrapped up her explanation, the clearing came into view. Brilliant emerald grasses swept the land, offering a soft and inviting floor. Beautiful trees, ancient and majestic, encircled the clearing. The biggest trees were carefully hollowed out, cozy little homes set within. Others lived in the tops of the trees- creating intricate and lovely tree house villages. In the very centre stood a gigantic boulder; a pristine white not normally found in nature. Arcanic energy shimmered off of it- glittering white in the strengthening sun.
Loreli strode over to one of the houses- just as the door opened. Out came an elderly woman, one who seemed to have lived a very long, yet happy life. Silver hair hung freely in gentle waves, all the way down to her knees. Despite the leathery and wrinkled skin hinting at her age, emerald eyes glittered with a youthful attitude. Gathering her skirt in hand, the woman- with Loreli's help- made her way down the stairs, to where the six stood.
"I was wondering if you would make it here, but it seems I had no reason to worry. You're quite capable of guiding in non-native territory, Sera."
Sera blinked in confusion. "...You know who I am?"
"Of course. I know a great many things, dearie. 'Tis still a shame, what they've done to you. At least Jordan keeps you company. Speaking of... Come here, Jordan- let me get a better look."
Jordan did as he was asked, crouching down to her level; Reithann took his face in her hands, studying it every which way. "Such a handsome young man you are! You and Sera make such a lovely couple- enjoy it, while it lasts."
"Oh, uh... Sera and I are long-standing friends. Nothing more."
"As you like." Reithann smiled, with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes- leaving them to exchange a stare. She turned from them, looking up at the goatman next. "You must be Asriel, the Keeper Of the Song I've heard much about. Word of your talents for telling tales has reached far and wide. I hope to hear some of them one day, young man!"
Asriel nodded, surprised she recognized him. "Of course... I'll have more, when... I return." She patted one of his hands, and turned next to Silver.
"It's been too long, Magnus. You’ve certainly managed to recover from your fall."
"Magnus?!" The entire group looked at him, perplexed. Silver looked a touch uncomfortable, shifting a bit on his feet. Rubbing the back of his head, he nodded a little bit.
"...Yeah, it's the name I was initially given. I prefer Silver these days."
"My apologies, dear. Had I known that was secret, I'd have kept my silence." Here, she turned to Violet- who watched the woman with interest and suspicion. Perhaps a flicker of fear in their glance? "And of course, you're Lorelai's new friend. I trust they're all treating you well, dearie? They must be, to come such a long way for you."
Everyone looked at her, raising an eyebrow. Did Reithann not know her, somehow? Violet merely shrugged, silent. Reithann smiled gently, then moved away. Her glance landed upon Thorin.
"About time you got out of there, Thorin. Life in a tavern never did suit you." At his sheepish grin, she nodded in satisfaction- then spoke on. "I know why all of you came- sadly, I've not the help you seek. Head over to Tor's Hold- they've been having trouble. Help them, and they'll assist you. Two, perhaps three score of able-bodied fighters will be lent to our cause. You'll know where to go, yes Thorin?"
"Aye, that I do. Meh parents wanted to settle here at one point. Didn't work out well for them, of course- ah well. What's a dwarf to do, eh?"
"Indeed, young'un. We're going to be doing our part in this coming war- but your talents better serve elsewhere. After that, talking to Dar over in Albridge would be a good idea- he'll be of more assistance to you than we." Thorin nodded once more, facing everyone else. Silently giving thanks, it was time for them to move on- toward their next destination.
As the group began to move to leave, led by Loreli, Reithann gently gripped Violet's arm- causing the Hin to look back in surprise. There was a look of steely-edged concern on the druid woman's face- which startled the young Hin. "You've not told them yet, have you?"
"...Secrets keep people safe; what they don’t know, will not get them hurt... or worse. And I have plans, if things go awry."
"Sealing yourself off from those you entrust is foolish, little one. They followed you all this way, purely on your word. A letter they haven't even seen. They care enough to let you lead them to a heart of darkness… Ki'ae'la." Violet's eyes went wide at the name- she felt tears mildly stinging her eyes. Reithann drew her in closer, a motherly embrace. "You've not heard that name in a long time, have you, little one? Not since the day marked with a black stone... Even your family calls you 'Violet' now. Truly, I hope you find the strength to cast off the disguise, one day."
"...I... I can't- Never again. I… That- It’s not who I am anymore…" She trailed off, Reithann brushing the first tears Violet experienced in years away. No words were spoken, but the sentiment was well-understood. With a glance, Reithann looked to the others awaiting the hin. Violet turned, running to catch up to the others who were waiting for her at the edge of the clearing. As Loreli led the group back out of sight, Reithann could only smile. There'd be hope for her yet.
Chapter 5- Tor's Hold