The day star rose over Talà mh li Caodhiu, the 'Weald of Sorrow" bringing light and warmth to a place of sad brooding and dark melancholy. Deep within the northernmost parts of the Weald, nearly to the unseen border with the central Weald, a Ráidhiel patrol picked its way along a game trail so narrow and obscure that it appeared nearly invisible in the carpet of fallen leaves and underbrush.
They moved in near silence, their commander had ordered no singing, no talking, and no noise. There was a good possibility that they were encounter one of the caravans from the south, and his stern ans strict orders would not allow any of his people to give away their position to the enemy on frivolous behavior. In the patrol commander's mind, they were at war, and he treated every sun and every moon as precious life, and not to be taken advantage of ever again.
They had been walking since before dawn, and finally the patrol commander called a halt for a rest break. He signaled for his people to drink and rest, and as they began to find places to sit and rest, he found a rock and sat down as he carefully watched the trail ahead.
As he sat, he remembered walking this trail a century ago, in another time, another age. He learned the trails well back then, so well that he could recall them now in precise detail and better than anyone else of his kind. He had been at the foot of one of the great Adhiel teachers at the time, his father, and he had learned a great deal from one of the great masters.
His eyes searched the forest ahead as his mind wandered backwards in memories of his father. His strong hands and stoic ways. The patrol commander recalled the little bone flute that his father used to play. It sounded like birds laughing and it called to them when his father would coax gentle notes from it. Now that little flute forever lost in the fires and destruction of Taloh.
Wondrous and beautiful Taloh.
Lost forever, destroyed forever. Just like his father was with it. The patrol commander sat and pondered if graceful Taloh had been lost in the fires, and if his great father was lost with that marvelous and shining place, was still his father's son? Was he still Theorn? Or was he some stranger now?
Ráidhiel Patrol - South Weald - Jygust 30th MT
Eldan crept along the trail, which even his eyes could barely make out, more following the patrol commander than the trail. Theorn knew these trails better than anyone, and would not lead them astray. Silence had been ordered, and Eldan followed orders, stalking along as silently as he could manage. His skill not as great as the others, he occasionaly brushed some undergrowth, causing slight rustling sounds. Embaressed at his ineptitude, he slowed his pace ever so slightly, taking great care to pass along the trail without a sound.
Eldan looked to the south, imagining what lay beyond the trees that now blocked his vision. The great Southern Weald, once his playground, and Taloh Tel'Amrun, once him home. Gone. Destroyed by Daemons and humans, in his mind equally vile. Sure, the humans said they came to help, but to burn the Weald simply so they could pass through to Taloh? Unforgivable. Eldan shook the thoughts of home from his head. He needed to focus on the task at hand, or his performance would be less than acceptable. They had been marching since before light and Theorn now called a rest halt. Eldan wasted no time nestling up against a tree trunk. He popped a few bumbleberries in his mouth and chewed as quietly as possible, one hand on the hilt of his knife, the other gripping his shortbow.
His mind quickly returned to thoughts of home, and hateful thoughts against the humans. Still very young by Adhiel standards, he could only imagine what others felt, those like great Theorn who had lived more than a hundred years. A hundred years to revel in the majesty of Taloh, and he had fewer than twenty such years of memories. Damn the humans, damn them to the Nether. Not inherently violent or hateful, Eldan's blood boiled at the thought of the One-ists and the power hungry Wester Kingdom. With their short lives, hardly living past one hundred, and decrepid by then, they could not see past their own greed. Eldan would make their lives shorter still if any were found encroaching on the forest.
They will all pay, in blood, for what they did to beloved Taloh...
Eldan looked to the south, imagining what lay beyond the trees that now blocked his vision. The great Southern Weald, once his playground, and Taloh Tel'Amrun, once him home. Gone. Destroyed by Daemons and humans, in his mind equally vile. Sure, the humans said they came to help, but to burn the Weald simply so they could pass through to Taloh? Unforgivable. Eldan shook the thoughts of home from his head. He needed to focus on the task at hand, or his performance would be less than acceptable. They had been marching since before light and Theorn now called a rest halt. Eldan wasted no time nestling up against a tree trunk. He popped a few bumbleberries in his mouth and chewed as quietly as possible, one hand on the hilt of his knife, the other gripping his shortbow.
His mind quickly returned to thoughts of home, and hateful thoughts against the humans. Still very young by Adhiel standards, he could only imagine what others felt, those like great Theorn who had lived more than a hundred years. A hundred years to revel in the majesty of Taloh, and he had fewer than twenty such years of memories. Damn the humans, damn them to the Nether. Not inherently violent or hateful, Eldan's blood boiled at the thought of the One-ists and the power hungry Wester Kingdom. With their short lives, hardly living past one hundred, and decrepid by then, they could not see past their own greed. Eldan would make their lives shorter still if any were found encroaching on the forest.
They will all pay, in blood, for what they did to beloved Taloh...
Nearly a mark passed. There were many humans that could have never endured such a thing, to sit in silence and listen to the wind in the trees, and the forest birds chirp, all without a word and barely with a look from another. But this patrol did exactly that. The Adhiel were a graceful and patient people, and their serenity was near limitless at times.
Theorn stood and without a word, began walking once more. The others followed suit, and as if the whole break had been mere flickers. The patrol leaped forward into motion once again, and their leader adjusted his course to follow a track parallel to the great river Awyl, near enough to catch glimpses and hear the water at times, but never within direct, open sight. They turned south to follow the river, and walked that way for a few more marks until Theorn apparently found what he was looking for.
He motioned for another stop near a small, well concealed clearing. Inside the cleared space was a shallow pool, and a trickle of a stream that fed it. On the water's edge was a statue, shaped from stone and sculpted in the form of a young Adhiel girl holding a bowl. This was a place of great beauty, and of great power, and Theorn knew it well. But when he drew his knife, the patrol drew their weapons, and the gentle creak of bowstrings and the whisper of nearly silent feet seemed loud.
In between two trees, who's branched dipped low into the water were two figures, apparently sleeping. The graying hair of one of them could be seen poking out from under the blanket he had draped over him, the other, was largely obscured, although a second set of legs and boots could clearly be made out.
Theorn's penetrating gaze went out to his people, and he motioned for others to check the surrounding area for others and they split off into the woods to follow his orders. He pointed at others to keep their arrows at the ready, and pointed at Eldan and another young woman called Ami to approach the pair.
Theorn stood and without a word, began walking once more. The others followed suit, and as if the whole break had been mere flickers. The patrol leaped forward into motion once again, and their leader adjusted his course to follow a track parallel to the great river Awyl, near enough to catch glimpses and hear the water at times, but never within direct, open sight. They turned south to follow the river, and walked that way for a few more marks until Theorn apparently found what he was looking for.
He motioned for another stop near a small, well concealed clearing. Inside the cleared space was a shallow pool, and a trickle of a stream that fed it. On the water's edge was a statue, shaped from stone and sculpted in the form of a young Adhiel girl holding a bowl. This was a place of great beauty, and of great power, and Theorn knew it well. But when he drew his knife, the patrol drew their weapons, and the gentle creak of bowstrings and the whisper of nearly silent feet seemed loud.
In between two trees, who's branched dipped low into the water were two figures, apparently sleeping. The graying hair of one of them could be seen poking out from under the blanket he had draped over him, the other, was largely obscured, although a second set of legs and boots could clearly be made out.
Theorn's penetrating gaze went out to his people, and he motioned for others to check the surrounding area for others and they split off into the woods to follow his orders. He pointed at others to keep their arrows at the ready, and pointed at Eldan and another young woman called Ami to approach the pair.
The patrol had rested for nearly a mark, and Eldan spent almost the entire mark fuming over the human incursion. Normally he would have enjoyed the peace and serenity of the moment, but lately he had become so engrossed in vengeance against the humans. Perhaps, he thought, I should give a rest for a while.
No sooner had Eldan decided to enjoy the rest, Theorn called it to an end, and the patrol was up and moving again. Following the commander, their course turned to the south, towards the human lands, and the followed parallel the rivver Awyl for some time. Eldan kept a sharp eye out for any humans, who knew what treacherous acts they could be readying as the patrol grew closer to the Western Kingdom.
After reaching a clearing Theorn quicky drew his knife, and the patrol followed suit, drawing their own weapons. Eldan drew his own shortbow and knocked an arrow, trying to see what Theorn had spotted. After a few moments he saw two figures nearby, resting in the shade of a tree.
After Theorn motioned for Eldan and Ami to approache the pair, Eldan began to move forward as silently as possible, putting up his shortbow in favor of his dagger, just incase things got scrappy up close. He wondered briefly if the pair were human...
No sooner had Eldan decided to enjoy the rest, Theorn called it to an end, and the patrol was up and moving again. Following the commander, their course turned to the south, towards the human lands, and the followed parallel the rivver Awyl for some time. Eldan kept a sharp eye out for any humans, who knew what treacherous acts they could be readying as the patrol grew closer to the Western Kingdom.
After reaching a clearing Theorn quicky drew his knife, and the patrol followed suit, drawing their own weapons. Eldan drew his own shortbow and knocked an arrow, trying to see what Theorn had spotted. After a few moments he saw two figures nearby, resting in the shade of a tree.
After Theorn motioned for Eldan and Ami to approache the pair, Eldan began to move forward as silently as possible, putting up his shortbow in favor of his dagger, just incase things got scrappy up close. He wondered briefly if the pair were human...
Ami gestured to Eldan that she would pull back the blanket and expose the pair, leaving the other young Adhiel to react. She crept up close with a long dirk drawn and at the ready, and with a cautious glance to Theorn, then a ready nod from the patrol leader, she grabbed a corner of the rough spun blanket and jerked it sharply off and away.
When the blanket was pulled away, the pair exposed were something that might have seemed strange and unusual. The first to be seen was a young human boy, perhaps six or seven yahren who popped up in utter shock and surprise at being discovered. It was immediately evident that he was frozen in fear once he sat up, his terror filled eyes were wide and white. The other was an elderly human man, who did not even so much as move when the blanket came off of him. The only thing that moved was his wisps of graying hair.
A single tear began to roll down the boy's cheek.
Theorn sheathed his knife, there was no threat from these two.
When the blanket was pulled away, the pair exposed were something that might have seemed strange and unusual. The first to be seen was a young human boy, perhaps six or seven yahren who popped up in utter shock and surprise at being discovered. It was immediately evident that he was frozen in fear once he sat up, his terror filled eyes were wide and white. The other was an elderly human man, who did not even so much as move when the blanket came off of him. The only thing that moved was his wisps of graying hair.
A single tear began to roll down the boy's cheek.
Theorn sheathed his knife, there was no threat from these two.
Eldan was so shocked he nearly dropped his knife. He would, of course, never kill a child in such cold blood, perhaps not even under any circumstances, let alone the ones he found himself in. It seemed his mental picture of maurading humans, armed to the teeth and ready to conquer T'aquar was ill founded. Humans still had young and innocent just like the Adhiel.
Eldan relaxed his stance and motioned for Ami to take care of the child. He had heard once that humans find females more comforting, though he could not understand why. Both genders were equally capable of soothing words and kind gestures.
At a glance to Theorn Eldan also sheathed his knife, and knelt down to check on the elderly human. How old, he wondered, is this human? 60? 70? And nearing the end of his life. So sad, to not be able to enjoy lives for hundreds of years. He, having lived only two decades, still had several centuries of life to look forward too lest something cut it short. Eldan reached over onto the man to check for a pulse and breathing, and asked the boy in broken human, "Where come you from? This old men your," he paused searching for the word. "Your greatfather?"
Eldan relaxed his stance and motioned for Ami to take care of the child. He had heard once that humans find females more comforting, though he could not understand why. Both genders were equally capable of soothing words and kind gestures.
At a glance to Theorn Eldan also sheathed his knife, and knelt down to check on the elderly human. How old, he wondered, is this human? 60? 70? And nearing the end of his life. So sad, to not be able to enjoy lives for hundreds of years. He, having lived only two decades, still had several centuries of life to look forward too lest something cut it short. Eldan reached over onto the man to check for a pulse and breathing, and asked the boy in broken human, "Where come you from? This old men your," he paused searching for the word. "Your greatfather?"
Ami gave Eldan a look of distaste and dismay as she thought of caring for the young human boy. Clearly whatever inclination towards motherhood she had, or whatever maternal instinct Eldan assumed she carried, was not present in the young woman. She moved away quickly, leaving Eldan and the humans face to face.
The old man was dead. It was clear the spark of his life had fled him. His flesh was cold and pallid.
As Eldan checked the old man for signs of life, the little boy suddenly reached over and snatched a chain from the elder's neck and held it close, the ends of the leather thong stuck out from both sides of his tiny fists.
Without answering Eldan's questions, he then held it out before him, like a lantern against the darkness. It was a complete circle on the leather strap, the much hated and abhorred symbol of the God the humans called Dominicus. The very symbol of Adhiel persecution and occupation.
"Back you demons!" The little boy shouted. "You can't have his soul!"
"BACK!"
The old man was dead. It was clear the spark of his life had fled him. His flesh was cold and pallid.
As Eldan checked the old man for signs of life, the little boy suddenly reached over and snatched a chain from the elder's neck and held it close, the ends of the leather thong stuck out from both sides of his tiny fists.
Without answering Eldan's questions, he then held it out before him, like a lantern against the darkness. It was a complete circle on the leather strap, the much hated and abhorred symbol of the God the humans called Dominicus. The very symbol of Adhiel persecution and occupation.
"Back you demons!" The little boy shouted. "You can't have his soul!"
"BACK!"
Eldan crouched in shock near the old man's corpse for a split second. The indoctrination of human children began at a very young age apparently. Already this one was behaving like his kin who had invaded the Adhiel lands. Removing his hand from the body, the woodsman stood up and turned away from the boy, walking back to join the patrol. He sought out Ami to apologize.
Trying to make eye contact, he spoke in hushed tones. "Sorry. For a few moments there I actually though this human was an innocent, similiar to our own race's younglings. Obviously I was mistaken and should not have gestured for you to comfort such a wicked little thing. As if humans would give our progeny such consideration."
He looked to Theorn, "What should we do commander? A child of our enemy in our lands. Invading just as his fathers invaded. Surely we must punish the humans for every last atrocity they have commited. By the mother, they burned the Southern Weald and destroyed Taloh."
Trying to make eye contact, he spoke in hushed tones. "Sorry. For a few moments there I actually though this human was an innocent, similiar to our own race's younglings. Obviously I was mistaken and should not have gestured for you to comfort such a wicked little thing. As if humans would give our progeny such consideration."
He looked to Theorn, "What should we do commander? A child of our enemy in our lands. Invading just as his fathers invaded. Surely we must punish the humans for every last atrocity they have commited. By the mother, they burned the Southern Weald and destroyed Taloh."
Ami considered Eldan's words carefully, regarding him a with a careful expression before replying to him.
"It is not the child that concerns me, he is a product of his environment, and only repeats what he sees. I am more concerned that your attitude was that I should be the one to nurture him based solely on the fact that I am a female. Such thinking is ancient an unworthy of you."
She said nothing else, and took the time to gather up her things before moving to the other side of the clearing, putting herself as far from Eldan as she could.
Theorn's eyes watched the pair and the resolution to their conversation with the practiced gaze of an experienced leader. There were times to step in and dictate the resolution, and there were times to let people work things out themselves. This was apparently just such a time.
At Eldan's question, Theorn slowly lowered himself to sit on a mossy rock, his eyes never leaving Eldan. It seemed he was leaving the child's fate in Eldan's hands.
Eldan had been treated this way before on several occasions. His parents, community leaders, and now Theorn liked to test the younger generation from time to time. Here and now, those other tests were much milder, and the choices far easier. Now he needed to make a truly difficult decision.
"It is not the child that concerns me, he is a product of his environment, and only repeats what he sees. I am more concerned that your attitude was that I should be the one to nurture him based solely on the fact that I am a female. Such thinking is ancient an unworthy of you."
She said nothing else, and took the time to gather up her things before moving to the other side of the clearing, putting herself as far from Eldan as she could.
Theorn's eyes watched the pair and the resolution to their conversation with the practiced gaze of an experienced leader. There were times to step in and dictate the resolution, and there were times to let people work things out themselves. This was apparently just such a time.
At Eldan's question, Theorn slowly lowered himself to sit on a mossy rock, his eyes never leaving Eldan. It seemed he was leaving the child's fate in Eldan's hands.
Eldan had been treated this way before on several occasions. His parents, community leaders, and now Theorn liked to test the younger generation from time to time. Here and now, those other tests were much milder, and the choices far easier. Now he needed to make a truly difficult decision.
Eldan's cheeks burned at Ami's comment. He had not ment such offense, had only thought that a female would bring more success in such an endeavor due to the child's upbringing. But he said nothing back to Ami. He would, perhaps, find her at a later time and try explaining himself, but now was not a time for more appologies, it was a time for decisions.
After asking Theorn his questions, and watching him simply sit down, eyes locked on the woodsman, he contemplated what course of action would be most appropriate.
He began to think outloud, reasoning to a conclusion.
"The humans have commited unspeakable atrocities against our people. The must be punished swiftly to prevent more of such. I would have every human soldier put to the knife, and most of the others as well. Lately I have found my thoughts mirroring those a human would have. Hateful, resentful, despising everything human. I will not become like them, so I will not put this child to the knife. Human or not, despicable or not, it is still a child, and I'll not have its blood on my hands. My mind has become a maelstrom of thoughts that should not be my own, and I'll not succumb or lower myself to the ninadhiel."
"But neither will I suffer it to come with us, not return it to its own kin. We should take our leave of it, letting the forest decide its fate. Whether the trees claim it, return it to the humans, or set it in front of other Adhiel, so be it. I'll not put a child to the knife."
After asking Theorn his questions, and watching him simply sit down, eyes locked on the woodsman, he contemplated what course of action would be most appropriate.
He began to think outloud, reasoning to a conclusion.
"The humans have commited unspeakable atrocities against our people. The must be punished swiftly to prevent more of such. I would have every human soldier put to the knife, and most of the others as well. Lately I have found my thoughts mirroring those a human would have. Hateful, resentful, despising everything human. I will not become like them, so I will not put this child to the knife. Human or not, despicable or not, it is still a child, and I'll not have its blood on my hands. My mind has become a maelstrom of thoughts that should not be my own, and I'll not succumb or lower myself to the ninadhiel."
"But neither will I suffer it to come with us, not return it to its own kin. We should take our leave of it, letting the forest decide its fate. Whether the trees claim it, return it to the humans, or set it in front of other Adhiel, so be it. I'll not put a child to the knife."
The shadows and sunlight played over Theorn's face, obscuring it for a few flickers, and then revealing a stern look as he rose to his feet.
The young boy watched the proceedings, still holding the circle before him. tears streaming silently down his cheeks. His eyes were wide and white with terror.
"I find your thoughts strange young Eldan." Theorn said quietly.
"You speak of suffering atrocity, and of punishment, yet rather than seek out that vengeance that you hold so closely, you would abandon this child to death because of callous indifference. Your thirst for death burns bright, but only against arbitrary targets."
The patrol leader sniffed, and shifted his stance.
"You are not yet ready. You must commit to one side of the river or the other. Walking down the middle will only lead to swimming in unknown pools."
Theorn pointed south with his angular chin.
"If the child is to live, then we give it life. Since you have chosen life, we will take the child south and return him to his people. Since you have chosen life, you will be responsible for his life until we reach Talà mh li Caodhiu."
Theorn spoke to the boy in a slow, measured tone, in the boys native language.
"Brother Eldan will watch over you until we find your people. You may cry or scream to your heart's content, but these trees are ours, and you may not live among them. The penalty for such is death. Do you understand me?"
The boy nodded fearfully.
Theorn switched back to the musical language of the Adhiel.
"Take him young Eldan. Until we reach Talà mh li Caodhiu, he is yours."
Theorn motioned for the troop to head out and then he silently took his place at the head, leading them toward the humans.
The young boy watched the proceedings, still holding the circle before him. tears streaming silently down his cheeks. His eyes were wide and white with terror.
"I find your thoughts strange young Eldan." Theorn said quietly.
"You speak of suffering atrocity, and of punishment, yet rather than seek out that vengeance that you hold so closely, you would abandon this child to death because of callous indifference. Your thirst for death burns bright, but only against arbitrary targets."
The patrol leader sniffed, and shifted his stance.
"You are not yet ready. You must commit to one side of the river or the other. Walking down the middle will only lead to swimming in unknown pools."
Theorn pointed south with his angular chin.
"If the child is to live, then we give it life. Since you have chosen life, we will take the child south and return him to his people. Since you have chosen life, you will be responsible for his life until we reach Talà mh li Caodhiu."
Theorn spoke to the boy in a slow, measured tone, in the boys native language.
"Brother Eldan will watch over you until we find your people. You may cry or scream to your heart's content, but these trees are ours, and you may not live among them. The penalty for such is death. Do you understand me?"
The boy nodded fearfully.
Theorn switched back to the musical language of the Adhiel.
"Take him young Eldan. Until we reach Talà mh li Caodhiu, he is yours."
Theorn motioned for the troop to head out and then he silently took his place at the head, leading them toward the humans.
Eldan took Theorn's criticism in stride. Perhap he was right. Perhaps not. Time would tell. But that was neither here nor there at the moment. Theorn was his commander, and so Eldan would obey his judgement. Though he disagreed with the elder Adhiel, he still respected him.
Perhaps by heading south, towards the human infested areas, they would find some that Theorn thought necessary to fight. If so, Eldan would fight ferociously. But then, perhaps Theorn would have them fight, even though they trespassed on Adhiel soil and defiled it. Again, time would tell.
Eldan turned to follow Theorn south, grabbing the boy's should and turning him neither roughly nor gently, slighty pushing to get the child moving. He bent and whispered into the child's ear in the boy's own tongue.
"I hope that you can soon..." he racked his mind for the word, "appreciate what he has done for you. By his will you live."
Eldan stood back up and continued walking, stalking along as silently as possible.
Perhaps by heading south, towards the human infested areas, they would find some that Theorn thought necessary to fight. If so, Eldan would fight ferociously. But then, perhaps Theorn would have them fight, even though they trespassed on Adhiel soil and defiled it. Again, time would tell.
Eldan turned to follow Theorn south, grabbing the boy's should and turning him neither roughly nor gently, slighty pushing to get the child moving. He bent and whispered into the child's ear in the boy's own tongue.
"I hope that you can soon..." he racked his mind for the word, "appreciate what he has done for you. By his will you live."
Eldan stood back up and continued walking, stalking along as silently as possible.
The boy trembled and quaked under the treatment from Eldan and his sinister words, but other than the tears that fell and an occaisional sniffle, he said nothing, nor offered any resistance. He glanced back at the dead man several times, clearly upset at not only the man's death, but at leaving them behind.
As they walked, the boy fell several times, both from the rough terrain and from Theorn's steady and relatively fast pace. Once when he fell, he could not rise to his feet he was so overcome with grief and fear. Theorn frowned and patiently waited for the child to compose himself on more than one occasion as they traveled south.
While they traveled, Theorn kept a vigilant eye on Eldan and his treatment of their young charge. If Theorn thought he was being too rough or too lenient, he gave no indication, but he continually kept looking back to check on their progress.
After a few more marks of walking the child collapsed in a heap, too tired or too overcome to continue. Theorn, somewhat frustrated, called for a halt. In the dappled light of the trees, the light was beginning to fade.
"We will rest here for the night. Eat and drink. Ami, please patrol the perimeter and take first watch. T'ion, you will have second watch. Eldan, you will feed the boy and make sure he is well."
The patrol broke, and fell into the familiar routines of making camp for the night. Ami trailed off into the forest to the east and south, and Theorn simply sat down quite literally where he was standing. He retrieved a long, slender pipe from one of his pouches and began to fill it with a dark, dried weed that he carried as well.
As they walked, the boy fell several times, both from the rough terrain and from Theorn's steady and relatively fast pace. Once when he fell, he could not rise to his feet he was so overcome with grief and fear. Theorn frowned and patiently waited for the child to compose himself on more than one occasion as they traveled south.
While they traveled, Theorn kept a vigilant eye on Eldan and his treatment of their young charge. If Theorn thought he was being too rough or too lenient, he gave no indication, but he continually kept looking back to check on their progress.
After a few more marks of walking the child collapsed in a heap, too tired or too overcome to continue. Theorn, somewhat frustrated, called for a halt. In the dappled light of the trees, the light was beginning to fade.
"We will rest here for the night. Eat and drink. Ami, please patrol the perimeter and take first watch. T'ion, you will have second watch. Eldan, you will feed the boy and make sure he is well."
The patrol broke, and fell into the familiar routines of making camp for the night. Ami trailed off into the forest to the east and south, and Theorn simply sat down quite literally where he was standing. He retrieved a long, slender pipe from one of his pouches and began to fill it with a dark, dried weed that he carried as well.
Eldan kept an eye on the boy as the patrol continued their march, not sure what the child would do. He helped the boy up every time he fell, simply for expedience though. The entire time Eldan said not a word, nor changed the passive look on his face.
When the child collapsed for the final time, Theorn called a halt. Eldan picked the boy up and carried him to a nearby tree. Setting the human down he slumped down besides him, settling in for the night. He took out his water skin and gave it to the boy, allowing him a liberal serving, then took a few small sips himself. After that, he took out a few roots and bumbleberries and shared them with the child, munching his own quietly.
After the short and quick meal Eldan prepared the child for sleep. He took off his cloak and wrapped the child in it, both the shield him from the cold, and to keep him from moving. He also tied a few strings from the boys ankle to his own.
A few burns passed before he spoke, the first time in hours. "What is your name?" he asked the boy, the look of indifference still solid across his features.
When the child collapsed for the final time, Theorn called a halt. Eldan picked the boy up and carried him to a nearby tree. Setting the human down he slumped down besides him, settling in for the night. He took out his water skin and gave it to the boy, allowing him a liberal serving, then took a few small sips himself. After that, he took out a few roots and bumbleberries and shared them with the child, munching his own quietly.
After the short and quick meal Eldan prepared the child for sleep. He took off his cloak and wrapped the child in it, both the shield him from the cold, and to keep him from moving. He also tied a few strings from the boys ankle to his own.
A few burns passed before he spoke, the first time in hours. "What is your name?" he asked the boy, the look of indifference still solid across his features.
The smoke from Theorn's pipe filled the surrounding air of the glade with a sweet, rich smell. It was an odor of familiarity for the Adhiel, something rare in a world where little of what was familiar now reigned.
The boy ate sparingly, drank little, and wiped at his eyes frequently. When ultimately wrapped in the blanket, at first he squirmed and thrashed about violently, but before long he settled in and accepted it.
"Evyn." The boy replied in a terrified whisper, so soft that it was likely only an Adhiel would have heard it. His eyes drooped from exhaustion, and once things grew still and quiet around him, he nearly immediately fell asleep, overcome and overwhelmed, he simply was too tired to fight it.
Darkness fell upon the weald like an indigo blanket. As Eldan began to settle in himself, one of Theorn's lieutenants, a warder named Iolar stalked forward and crouched at Theorn's side. Their voices were hushed, barely a whisper, but the words could be heard if one listened carefully.
"Speak." Theorn instructed.
"They carried little. A few small books and only a handful of coin. There were no weapons, little food, and nothing of value. As is their custom, I buried the old man and left no trace. As far as I can tell, they were likely on the run from something or someone, and thought to hide."
"Hide from what?"
"I'm sorry sir. I have no way to know."
"Than leaving him in the south to be found could be more cruel than taking him with us. I'll not abandon him to such torments. We'll strike out in the morning, and head for the River Gate. It was not my intention to go to the gathering. But it looks as if we have little choice now."
"As you command sir."
Iolar moved a good distance away, and laid a blanket down, then himself on top of it. Theorn sat alone, the smoke from his pipe trailing around his head like a halo in the moonlight.
The boy ate sparingly, drank little, and wiped at his eyes frequently. When ultimately wrapped in the blanket, at first he squirmed and thrashed about violently, but before long he settled in and accepted it.
"Evyn." The boy replied in a terrified whisper, so soft that it was likely only an Adhiel would have heard it. His eyes drooped from exhaustion, and once things grew still and quiet around him, he nearly immediately fell asleep, overcome and overwhelmed, he simply was too tired to fight it.
Darkness fell upon the weald like an indigo blanket. As Eldan began to settle in himself, one of Theorn's lieutenants, a warder named Iolar stalked forward and crouched at Theorn's side. Their voices were hushed, barely a whisper, but the words could be heard if one listened carefully.
"Speak." Theorn instructed.
"They carried little. A few small books and only a handful of coin. There were no weapons, little food, and nothing of value. As is their custom, I buried the old man and left no trace. As far as I can tell, they were likely on the run from something or someone, and thought to hide."
"Hide from what?"
"I'm sorry sir. I have no way to know."
"Than leaving him in the south to be found could be more cruel than taking him with us. I'll not abandon him to such torments. We'll strike out in the morning, and head for the River Gate. It was not my intention to go to the gathering. But it looks as if we have little choice now."
"As you command sir."
Iolar moved a good distance away, and laid a blanket down, then himself on top of it. Theorn sat alone, the smoke from his pipe trailing around his head like a halo in the moonlight.
Eldan listened to the soft conversation between Theorn and Iolar. Nothing said peaked his interest untill Theorn spoke of a gathering. Instantly Eldan began thinking to himself, wondering what kind of gathering it would be.
Perhaps the Adhiel are gathering to start a more organized resistance against the invaders. Wouldn't that be great. He went on for several more minutes, thinking of various reasons for a gathering.
Slowly he drifted to sleep, one hand on the hilt of his dagger, the other placed on the boy Evyn's shoulder...And he dreamed.
*****
The forest was burning. Everything was burning. Nearby Adhiel were being put to the sword by an unknown enemy. Eldan tried to make out who his opponents were, but their faces were masked in shadow. Surely they were humans.
He drew his bow and began shooting at the enemy, but his arrows broke on steel armor and shields, useless. He drew his bone dagger and tried that, but it shattered on the pauldron of the first he tried it on. That figure, eyes glinting through the shadow that shaded his face, drew a wicked looking sword, and grabbed Eldan by the collar. Slowly, the figure raised sword overheard. A burst of light revealed the figure's face. It resembled the boy Evyn's, though 20 years older.
The sword flashed down...
*****
Eldan awoke with a start, and in a cold sweat.
Perhaps the Adhiel are gathering to start a more organized resistance against the invaders. Wouldn't that be great. He went on for several more minutes, thinking of various reasons for a gathering.
Slowly he drifted to sleep, one hand on the hilt of his dagger, the other placed on the boy Evyn's shoulder...And he dreamed.
*****
The forest was burning. Everything was burning. Nearby Adhiel were being put to the sword by an unknown enemy. Eldan tried to make out who his opponents were, but their faces were masked in shadow. Surely they were humans.
He drew his bow and began shooting at the enemy, but his arrows broke on steel armor and shields, useless. He drew his bone dagger and tried that, but it shattered on the pauldron of the first he tried it on. That figure, eyes glinting through the shadow that shaded his face, drew a wicked looking sword, and grabbed Eldan by the collar. Slowly, the figure raised sword overheard. A burst of light revealed the figure's face. It resembled the boy Evyn's, though 20 years older.
The sword flashed down...
*****
Eldan awoke with a start, and in a cold sweat.
Eldan awoke, not just with a start, but also with a hand over his mouth and Iolar's face close to his own, his forefinger held over his own lips in a gesture for Eldan to remain silent.
"Where is the boy?" Iolar whispered.
A glance to where the boy lay would reveal an empty blanket. A look to his own legs would reveal the strings he used to attach himself to the boy had been cut with something sharp.
Ami, silent and brooding stood nearby.
"Did he take your knife?" She hissed.
A probe would reveal that Eldan's knife was safe and secure in its sheath. Evyn had left it and not touched Eldan's.
Theorn came forward. His experienced eyes surveyed the scene, taking in the details like a thirsty man drinks a cup of offered water.
"He must have had his own knife. Did you not search him?
The eyes of the entire Raidhiel patrol flashed to Eldan for an explanation.
"Where is the boy?" Iolar whispered.
A glance to where the boy lay would reveal an empty blanket. A look to his own legs would reveal the strings he used to attach himself to the boy had been cut with something sharp.
Ami, silent and brooding stood nearby.
"Did he take your knife?" She hissed.
A probe would reveal that Eldan's knife was safe and secure in its sheath. Evyn had left it and not touched Eldan's.
Theorn came forward. His experienced eyes surveyed the scene, taking in the details like a thirsty man drinks a cup of offered water.
"He must have had his own knife. Did you not search him?
The eyes of the entire Raidhiel patrol flashed to Eldan for an explanation.
Eldan sat speechless for a few moments. He knew it had been unwise to bring the child along! Now look what had happened. Better they had left the child where they found him.
Eldan sat up and got into a crouch before speaking.
"He was a child. I am not so experienced with humans to expect a child to have a weapon. Perhaps had we been treating him like an enemy instead of a lost boy..."
He trailed off, not wanting to take the path that argument might lead to.
He glanced at Ami before matching eyes with Theorn.
"If the child is that important, I will find him. If the perimiter guard has not already done so. Continue on, this task should be mine alone. He is only a child, and a human to boot. I should find him shortly."
Eldan sat up and got into a crouch before speaking.
"He was a child. I am not so experienced with humans to expect a child to have a weapon. Perhaps had we been treating him like an enemy instead of a lost boy..."
He trailed off, not wanting to take the path that argument might lead to.
He glanced at Ami before matching eyes with Theorn.
"If the child is that important, I will find him. If the perimiter guard has not already done so. Continue on, this task should be mine alone. He is only a child, and a human to boot. I should find him shortly."
The patrol leader clucked his tongue in thought and gave Eldan a cautious and disapproving look.
"You worry me boy." He said somewhat cryptically. His eyes scanned the forest around them for a flicker or two, then apparently he came to some sort of conclusion.
"Very well. Find him. Bring him to llèrionn bir uilisruth. We must head there for the meeting. If you are not there by tomorrow's setting of the sun. We will come to look for you, and you will be carried back to Siorigaichiu and dismissed from our ranks."
Theorn looked deep into the young Adhiel's eyes.
"Do you understand me?"
"You worry me boy." He said somewhat cryptically. His eyes scanned the forest around them for a flicker or two, then apparently he came to some sort of conclusion.
"Very well. Find him. Bring him to llèrionn bir uilisruth. We must head there for the meeting. If you are not there by tomorrow's setting of the sun. We will come to look for you, and you will be carried back to Siorigaichiu and dismissed from our ranks."
Theorn looked deep into the young Adhiel's eyes.
"Do you understand me?"
Eldan could almost feel the disappointment coming from his commander. Though they did not agree on everything, the young Adhiel greatly respected Theorn, and the disapproval cut deep.
He wanted to talk it out. He knew he was still young, his emotions still ran hot and often controlled him. Unfortunately, the time for words was past. Actions ruled now, and Eldan would redeem himself, though he hoped to discuss his different views with the older warrior at a later time.
He met Theorn's eyes with a soft but steady gaze and softly uttered, "I do," and no more.
Eldan immediately began looking around himself, searching for clues of the boys departure. Though hardly skilled compared to the likes of Theorn, surely a human child could not outmatch him in forestry. He would seek any hints of the child's flight, and follow them to his mark.
He wanted to talk it out. He knew he was still young, his emotions still ran hot and often controlled him. Unfortunately, the time for words was past. Actions ruled now, and Eldan would redeem himself, though he hoped to discuss his different views with the older warrior at a later time.
He met Theorn's eyes with a soft but steady gaze and softly uttered, "I do," and no more.
Eldan immediately began looking around himself, searching for clues of the boys departure. Though hardly skilled compared to the likes of Theorn, surely a human child could not outmatch him in forestry. He would seek any hints of the child's flight, and follow them to his mark.
Theorn motioned for the rest of the patrol to continue on to the south as Eldan began to look around for signs of the boys passage. The others gave him mixed reactions. Some seemed sympathetic, others like Ami seemed disappointed, almost disgusted.
It was clear enough in the beginning that boy had set off in a clear easternly direction. The boys footprints and signs of his movement through the forest were easy and clear at first. It was obvious that he was in hurry when he started out, and there were signs of it everywhere.
A mark passed.
The boy's trail curved southwards and became harder to follow. He was moving at a good pace, and was moving across rocky, hilly areas that made his movements more difficult to track.
Another mark passed.
Eldan found signs that the boy had stopped to drink from a small stream, and had likely slipped and fell into it. Muddy prints went off and curved again more westward. Clearly the child had no idea where he was headed.
A third mark passed.
Eldan could see the prints in the muddy ground getting more fresh and more recent.
A fourth mark passed.
There he was. The boy had curled up in the roots of a large tree and covered himself up with leaves in a vain attempt to stay warm. His clothes were ripped and filthy, and he slept fitfully in his hiding place.
It was clear enough in the beginning that boy had set off in a clear easternly direction. The boys footprints and signs of his movement through the forest were easy and clear at first. It was obvious that he was in hurry when he started out, and there were signs of it everywhere.
A mark passed.
The boy's trail curved southwards and became harder to follow. He was moving at a good pace, and was moving across rocky, hilly areas that made his movements more difficult to track.
Another mark passed.
Eldan found signs that the boy had stopped to drink from a small stream, and had likely slipped and fell into it. Muddy prints went off and curved again more westward. Clearly the child had no idea where he was headed.
A third mark passed.
Eldan could see the prints in the muddy ground getting more fresh and more recent.
A fourth mark passed.
There he was. The boy had curled up in the roots of a large tree and covered himself up with leaves in a vain attempt to stay warm. His clothes were ripped and filthy, and he slept fitfully in his hiding place.
Last edited by Vanadius on Mon Sep 08, 2008 3:59 pm, edited 1 time in total.
It took Eldan a short four marks to find the boy. Likely the boy had fled through the night for a mark or two, as lost as a fish in the desert.
At a few spots the human became harder to track, due to the nature of the terrain he was crossing. But the boys flight left just enough clues for Eldan to follow his passing.
The adhiel crept up as silently as possible on Evyn. He paused for a moment, gazing at the slumbering child. Such trouble for so little a one. But orders were orders. He would take the human to the River Gate if he had to drag him by one leg kicking and screaming.
Crouching over the boy, he quickly seized one wrist, put his knee on the other, and covered the boy's mouth with his free hand, whispering, "Shhhhh."
At a few spots the human became harder to track, due to the nature of the terrain he was crossing. But the boys flight left just enough clues for Eldan to follow his passing.
The adhiel crept up as silently as possible on Evyn. He paused for a moment, gazing at the slumbering child. Such trouble for so little a one. But orders were orders. He would take the human to the River Gate if he had to drag him by one leg kicking and screaming.
Crouching over the boy, he quickly seized one wrist, put his knee on the other, and covered the boy's mouth with his free hand, whispering, "Shhhhh."
The boy's eyes shot open wide with fear, and Eldan felt a sharp stab of pain in his fingers as the boy bit his hand as hard as he could. He thrashed about violently, but even his desperate strength was no match for Eldan's.
He struggled for a time, until his body began to tire and his spirit faded into futility. Eventually he just collapsed with a whimper, and lay there sobbing.
He struggled for a time, until his body began to tire and his spirit faded into futility. Eventually he just collapsed with a whimper, and lay there sobbing.
Eldan grimaced as the boy bit his hand, resisting the urge to strike the boy to still him. Locking eyes with the child he firmly said, "You should not..." he paused, searching for the word, "oppose. I will take you to safety. But for mine, I must search you. Be still, and quiet."
With that, Eldan removed his hand from the boy's mouth, and searched him for whatever implement he had used to cut himself free. Once he found it he would take the boy, carrying him if he had to, with all due haste to the River Gate. Perhaps then he could be rid of the nuisance and get on with the real business of fighting off the oppressive human occupiers.
With that, Eldan removed his hand from the boy's mouth, and searched him for whatever implement he had used to cut himself free. Once he found it he would take the boy, carrying him if he had to, with all due haste to the River Gate. Perhaps then he could be rid of the nuisance and get on with the real business of fighting off the oppressive human occupiers.
The frightened, exhausted boy offered no resistance to Eldan's search. In one of his pockets was a small, thin knife. It wasn't much of a weapon, but it was very sharp and a useful tool. The only other things he had on him was a corner crust of bread wrapped in a handkerchief and a shiny black stone the size of a thumbnail. He wore a tarnished amulet of the One on a leather thong around his neck, and had lost a shoe in his flight.
He lay there sobbing and snuffling, and said nothing. He offered no further resistance, and walked along broken and defeated as Eldan returned him all the way back to Llèrionn bir Uilisruth.
~~~
When Eldan reached the meeting place, later that day, the dappled light of the waning day trickled through the trees as the day began to fall, and the night began to rise. He found Theorn and the other members of his patrol quickly, and learned that something had postponed the gathering until tomorrow. The boy was taken away, given food and water, and shuffled inside a tent where he slept almost instantly.
Theorn said nothing of his retrieval of the child. His silence was his indication that he had expected the job to be done, and now that it was, it was time to move forward. He did however speak of another matter.
"The Achlaroiliu will be needing protection tonight. We are partnering with another patrol led by brother Kormus to form an honor guard of sorts. Be ready at dark to attend to the Achlaroiliu's wishes. Be prepared for anything. Rest for a bit, then join us in a mark."
~~~
They paddled a few shallow boats down the river for some time. Eldan had been instructed to sit in the fore of the boat, with his bow at the ready. He had not been told where they were going, but the Adhiel rulers sat in the boat behind him, speaking quietly about someone named Thrandil Mael-Muire, and in Theorn and Kormus' boat, a figure lay unconscious and tied up.
A hushed command was given to halt, and the half dozen boats pulled into a shallow inlet and everyone disembarked. E'uinn, the male half of the Achlaroiliu took stock of the situation, and led a patrol of the surrounding area himself as they settled into some random spot in the middle of nowhere. Elevie, the female half of the Achlaroiliu complained of being cold, and a small fire was built for her, she huddled near it as E'uinn and Niall Grittain, the guardian and champion of the Achlaroiliu decided upon trying to find someone named Jallin Quor. E'uinn seemed determined to speak to this Quor personally, and a contingent of the Raidhiel went off into the forest to find him or her. The prisoner Thrandil was untied and left to awaken in one of the boats, and the others lifted the remaining boats out of the water and hid them nearby in the surrounding forest. The dozen or so remaining fanned out and took defensive, protective positions around Elevie, where they simply waited.
OOC: Please continue here.
He lay there sobbing and snuffling, and said nothing. He offered no further resistance, and walked along broken and defeated as Eldan returned him all the way back to Llèrionn bir Uilisruth.
~~~
When Eldan reached the meeting place, later that day, the dappled light of the waning day trickled through the trees as the day began to fall, and the night began to rise. He found Theorn and the other members of his patrol quickly, and learned that something had postponed the gathering until tomorrow. The boy was taken away, given food and water, and shuffled inside a tent where he slept almost instantly.
Theorn said nothing of his retrieval of the child. His silence was his indication that he had expected the job to be done, and now that it was, it was time to move forward. He did however speak of another matter.
"The Achlaroiliu will be needing protection tonight. We are partnering with another patrol led by brother Kormus to form an honor guard of sorts. Be ready at dark to attend to the Achlaroiliu's wishes. Be prepared for anything. Rest for a bit, then join us in a mark."
~~~
They paddled a few shallow boats down the river for some time. Eldan had been instructed to sit in the fore of the boat, with his bow at the ready. He had not been told where they were going, but the Adhiel rulers sat in the boat behind him, speaking quietly about someone named Thrandil Mael-Muire, and in Theorn and Kormus' boat, a figure lay unconscious and tied up.
A hushed command was given to halt, and the half dozen boats pulled into a shallow inlet and everyone disembarked. E'uinn, the male half of the Achlaroiliu took stock of the situation, and led a patrol of the surrounding area himself as they settled into some random spot in the middle of nowhere. Elevie, the female half of the Achlaroiliu complained of being cold, and a small fire was built for her, she huddled near it as E'uinn and Niall Grittain, the guardian and champion of the Achlaroiliu decided upon trying to find someone named Jallin Quor. E'uinn seemed determined to speak to this Quor personally, and a contingent of the Raidhiel went off into the forest to find him or her. The prisoner Thrandil was untied and left to awaken in one of the boats, and the others lifted the remaining boats out of the water and hid them nearby in the surrounding forest. The dozen or so remaining fanned out and took defensive, protective positions around Elevie, where they simply waited.
OOC: Please continue here.