ã€ŠUntitled Fantasy Storyã€‹


 A Girl in the Snow

    Cyrean ran up a snowy hill, the broken chains around her ankles clanging against the tree roots as she moves. She¡¯d normally be freezing in the rags she was wearing but every thwak of a tree branch against her tall head made her blood boil enough to keep her warm. An arrow whizzes out from between the trees, striking her in the back and causing her to stumble. She can¡¯t give up, she would rather them kill her than be caught again. Another arrow rings past her ear, thudding onto the ground in front of her. She picks the arrow out of the ground and blindly throws it back in anger, not hitting anything. She comes to a clearing and looks around, seeing an archer walking alongside a horse ahead. Cyrean ran up to the woman in a panic, trying to wrestle the reigns from her hands. Normally Cyrean would be able to easily overpower the more frail looking archer, but her injuries were wearing too heavily on her and the woman easily knocked her to the ground.

    ¡°Stay down.¡± her monotone yet gentle voice said softly.

    ¡°Ah don¡¯ need yer help..¡± Cyrean grumbled into the cold floor

    The archer, Diana ignored Cyrean and turned to the direction the strange chained woman emerged to see a group of three men approach. One had a bow and the others had shortswords. Diana noticed a crest on their leather chest of a winged owlbear that was the symbol of the Mainka Organization, a well known group of slavers.

    ¡°Thanks for catchin¡¯ our pet miss. If ya don¡¯t mind we¡¯ll be takin¡¯ her back now.¡± The one in the middle spoke up.

    Diana stood between them and Cyrean, shooing her horse to walk further away as she pulled her bow out from inside her magic quiver.

    The man laughed, ¡°What you think havin¡¯ a magic item makes you able to take us? Do you know who we are?¡±

    Diana kneeled down and picked at some blades of grass poking out through the snow, letting it flow out of her hand to determine the direction of the wind.

    ¡°She thinks she¡¯s too good to listen to us, we can teach her right boys?¡±

    Diana finally spoke up, ¡°You¡¯ll never make it over here in time.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡±

    Diana responded, her voice still monotone but turning from soft to cold, ¡°You¡¯re too far away. I could take you all down before you got close enough.¡±

    Cyrean looked around from where she was on the floor. From the center of the field they had about sixty feet worth of distance on the slavers. Even at that range at least one could probably get to Diana. The men seemed to come to the same conclusion and decided to charge. Diana launched an arrow into their archer before he could even reach his quiver. The others kept charging her, one getting shot down about halfway. The leader managed to get close as Diana notched another arrow, forcing her to fire it recklessly and miss him. The slaver¡¯s sword went straight for Diana¡¯s side, though she managed to deflect it with her bow. They locked eyes for a second and he went for a kick, hitting the ranger in the leg and causing her to falter. In that moment the slaver went to bring his sword down onto Diana but she managed to barely catch it with her bow again, causing the blade to cut the bow in half but not have enough force to hit skin beyond it. In an instant Diana dropped the shattered pieces and stood up, using the force of her standing to hit the slaver¡¯s chin with an open palmed hit. He stumbled back and regained his composure, taking an aggressive stance while the ranger reached into her quiver and drew a pair of shortswords, taking a more defensive stance. They stood there for a moment before the pair glanced at Cyrean, still on the floor. The man lunged for her and Diana jumped in front of his swing, using one of her daggers to block his swing as she used the other to pierce into his thigh, where there was no armor. Both fighters cried out in pain as the slaver fell to the floor. Diana looked over, realizing his blade had hit her arm. She stood up, the man unable to, as she switched which hand was on her dagger and aimed it at the man¡¯s neck. The pair stood there in silence, the only sounds being the wind, their breathing, and Diana¡¯s horse, a little bit away eating grass.

    ¡°So. You gonna kill me or what?¡± the slaver spoke up.

    Diana relaxed her posture, kicking Cyrean gently in the side to gesture her to stand. As Cyrean stood, brushing the snow off of herself, Diana handed Cyrean the dagger. Cyrean looked back at the woman, who was already picking up the pieces of her bow, silently, and limping over to her horse. She stood in front of the man with Diana¡¯s dagger, and without hesitation, she plunged it into his chest in pure rage. As the man collapsed, she pulled the daggers out of him, wiping them off with her rags and bringing them over to Diana.

    ¡°I think these belong to you.¡± she said as she handed them over.

    Diana looked up, and gently took the daggers, and put them back into her quiver. She reached into one of the saddlebags, and pulled out a red potion bottle, and drank from it before handing another to Cyrean.

    ¡°What¡¯s this now?¡±

    Diana looked over in confusion, ¡°Healing potion. It¡¯ll make you feel better.¡± She glanced at Cyrean, ¡°But first you might wanna..¡± she gestured to her back.

    Cyrean pulled the arrow out of her back, crying out as the flash of pain shot through her body. Diana gestured and she drank the potion. Immediately upon drinking it, she felt a cool sensation spreading throughout her body as the arrow hole sealed itself like it¡¯d never happened.

    ¡°What in tha? What sorta magic is this?¡±

    Diana looked over the woman as if studying her, ¡°You slaves don¡¯t get out much huh?¡±

    Cyrean suddenly got defensive, ¡°A.. Ah don¡¯t gotta answer that.¡±

    Diana shrugged, ¡°Well doesn¡¯t really matter I suppose.¡± She put the empty bottles back in the saddle bag and turned, ¡°Well I¡¯ll see you around miss.¡±

    ¡°Wait ah don¡¯t know where in the fuck ah am!¡± Cyrean said

    Diana paused, ¡°Right.. Sorry. I can take you to the town I¡¯m headed to but fair warning they don¡¯t get a lot of visitors.¡±

    ¡°Gotta be better than where ah came from.¡±

    Diana nodded and gestured to the dead slaver leader, ¡°Take his sword. The mountain¡¯s dangerous.¡±

    Cyrean nodded, picking up the shortsword and following the archer, ¡°Name¡¯s Cyrean by tha way.¡±

    ¡°Diana, it¡¯s nice to meet you miss Cyrean.¡±

    ~

    Shiraina was sitting atop an outcropping that overlooked her mountain hometown of Rithnar. She looked out into the air off the sheer ledge, the cold air biting at her nose from around her fur lined hood. For most such air would be freezing but with the tiny blades of grass poking through bits of snow it was actually rather warm for Shiri. She let out a sigh, closing her eyes as she focused. With the mental image of the last page of her spellbook still fresh in her mind she extended her hands in front of her, pressing her thumbs together and outstretching her hands. She uttered a simple phrase in her native tongue, ¡°Kegel der Flamme¡± and with that a surge of heat shot through her body, sparking between her hands and creating a cone of flame shooting from her outstretched fingers.

    ¡°YES!¡± She cried out, jumping happily after casting the spell.

    She dropped down and started frantically writing into her spellbook. As she was writing, she had to fight through the headache that surged as she struggled to focus on the pages. She felt her vision flicker as suddenly she had to slam the book closed. She raised her hand up to the side of her head, closing her eyes as she struggled to focus again. She heard a voice calling out, each syllable sounding like thunder as it bounced around her head. As the ringing got more intense she felt herself suddenly snapped out of it by a gentle hand on her shoulder.

    ¡°Shiraina?¡± the soft, stern voice of her guardian said.

    The woman, Shogil looked down at Shiri as the girl¡¯s eyes opened, revealing a glowing orange hue. She gently ran her hand along Shiri¡¯s cheek, wiping away a tear. The moment, though short, felt like an eternity to Shiraina as she tried to focus, eventually giving up and just dealing with seeing multiple of her guardian standing above her.

    ¡°Ello miss Shogil.¡± she said, struggling to stand up, ¡°Is something the matter?¡±

    The guardian sighed, ¡°No deary, just thought I¡¯d remind you the merchant comes in today.¡±

    Shiri looked around at the lighter snow, ¡°Oh yeah. The first of spring.¡±

    ¡°Do you need help getting back down to town?¡±

    With a gentle head shake no Shiri took a few steps, stumbling a bit before finding her footing again. The pair began taking the path back to town, the soft, wet crunch of the snow under each footstep was a familiar sound to both women. As they got to the last crest of a hill before getting into town Shiri positioned herself and slid down through the mud and snow like she¡¯d done countless times before. Shogil shook her head and laughed as she walked down casually.

    ¡°You¡¯re never not going to do that are you?¡±

    ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I? It¡¯s fun!¡± Shiri smiled back

    The village eldar, Gharzol walked past the pair, ¡°Good morning Shiri, up to trouble again today?¡±

    ¡°Come on Eldar there¡¯s no trouble to get up to here.¡± she jokingly whined

    Shiri¡¯s guardian chimed in, ¡°She successfully cast Burning Hands up on the hill today.¡±

    Gharzol smiled at Shiri, ¡°Well isn¡¯t that something? Your magical talents have come a long way.¡± he nodded at Shiraina¡¯s guardian, ¡°And good morning to you as well Ms Shogil. You must be proud¡±

    Shogil smiled at the eldar, ¡°Yes, though I am concerned about her eyes.¡±

    Shiri started zoning out as they talked. Instead she got distracted by the Eldar¡¯s outfits. He always wore eccentric clothing, covered head to toe in furs. He had several metallic rings through his thick, matted hair, and another ring around one of his orc tusks. He had rather large tusks, though one was broken. Shiri never quite liked the way they looked on his face, almost being too fierce for how gentle the rest of him looked. They seemed like they¡¯d suit her guardian far more with how fierce she looked. She was a blacksmith by trade and definitely looked the part, having her dark, soot covered hair constantly pulled up so it was out of her face. She always had a thick apron for metalworking and a hammer on her person.

    She thought that her guardian looked even more grumpy than normal at the sight of the merchant and immediately Shiri could tell why. Normally the merchant woman, Diana, would come in by herself as Rithnar, like most orc settlements, was supposed to be a well kept secret. Today however, there was another woman standing with her. The other woman had an appearance unlike anything Shiri had seen. She had dark red hair that was down to her waist, piercing green eyes, and a scowl that seemed to just be her default expression. She had several tattoos covering her body, fish scales on her right bicep, a bear head stretching from her chest to shoulder on her left side, and a thorny vine wrapped around her right thigh. The strangest thing she was wearing was a set of incredibly intricate ear cuffs, which looked incredibly out of place given that she was also wearing rags, bandages, and broken chained manacles that Diana was working on unlocking. Diana looked the same as always, a plain forest green cloak that was clearly hiding something underneath, a tan tunic she¡¯d cut the sleeves off of, dark pants, and heeled boots up to her thighs. Diana¡¯s face was incredibly strange as she always appeared to be expressionless. She had blank green eyes under a scruffy bob of a dark orange color.

    Gharzol approached the pair as Diana got the second cuff off of Cyrean¡¯s ankles

    ¡°Hello Miss Diana, who¡¯s your friend?¡±

    Cyrean responded defensively, ¡°Who wants ta know?¡±

    Diana responded calmly, ¡°Cyrean. She was a slave to the Mainka organization.¡±

    ¡°Oh my, well it¡¯s nice to meet your acquaintance Miss Cyrean. I¡¯m Gharzol, the eldar of this village.¡±

    Gharzol extended a hand to shake Cyrean¡¯s causing her to shift back. Her hand clenched the hilt of her sword tighter.

    Diana raised a hand gently between the two, ¡°Sorry. I think this is the first time she¡¯s been around people.¡±The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    Cyrean was eyeing Gharzol like she was studying him for any hint of hostility, ¡°Ah didn¡¯t know goblins got this lanky.¡±

    Gharzol burst out into laughter at Cyrean¡¯s comment, ¡°You¡¯ve never met an orc huh?¡±

    ¡°Te fuck¡¯s an orc?¡± As Cyrean spoke she was eyeing the small crowd that had gathered.

    Noting that nobody had weapons with exception to the woman who walked up with Gharzol who was holding a battleaxe. That woman in particular was the only person who rivaled Cyrean in height or build though with an axe she could easily beat Cyrean whether or not she held onto the shortsword.

    As Cyrean put the sword into a rope belt she¡¯d roughly fashioned into a sheath, Diana began unloading the horse she¡¯d brought.

    ¡°So Eldar Gharzoal, I hate to bother but we may need another horse if you can spare one.¡±

    Gharzoal thought for a moment, ¡°Honestly we only have the pair of plow horses.¡±

    ¡°A wagon mayhaps?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll see what I can do. Till then will you be joining us for dinner again this season?¡±

    ¡°Of course, I look forward to it.¡±

    Despite Diana seeming somewhat excited her tone and expression never really changed much, though Gharzoal was used to her general quirks. He smiled and nodded before turning to Shogil and Shiri.

    ¡°Will you be joining us as normal?¡±

    Shogil looked over Gharzoals shoulder while she spoke, ¡°Will the au?enseiterin be joining us?¡±

    Gharzoal turned to Cyrean, ¡°What about it, outsider? Joining us?¡±

    Cyrean shrugged, ¡°Ah got nothin¡¯ else ta do in yer town now do ah?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s plenty to do while I finish preparing it. Mayhaps young Shiraina could give you both a tour?¡±

    Before Shiri could even respond Shogil spoke up and began arguing with Gharzoal in orcish.

    Cyrean leaned over to Diana and whispered, ¡°What in te fuck are they on about?¡±

    Diana calmly responded, ¡°She doesn¡¯t trust an outsider, such as you, around her daughter.¡±

    ¡°What does she t¡¯ink A¡¯m gonna do? Run back down te fuckin mountain?¡±

    Diana shrugged to Cyrean before interrupting Shogil, ¡°Miss I¡¯ll be there the whole time, if anything bad happens I¡¯ll be there.¡±

    Shogil tried to protest again but seemed lost for words, ¡°Fine. But if one hair on her head is hurt I¡¯ll-¡±

    Shiri interrupted, ¡°Ma''am I think they get it.¡±

    Cyrean shrugged and the trio began walking off, ¡°So uhhh What¡¯s yer name by th'' way?¡±

    ¡°Oh I¡¯m Shiraina, though my friends call me Shiri. Your name¡¯s Cyrean right?¡±

    She nodded and with a bashful look spoke again, ¡°So how do yer tusks work? Don¡¯t it make it hard to talk?¡±

    Shiri thought for a minute, ¡°I can¡¯t think of anything difficult about having them honestly. Though for me it¡¯d be odd not having them I suppose.¡±

    As they walked Cyrean noticed Shiri struggling to walk in a straight line, though she decided not to say anything. If she¡¯s strong she¡¯ll survive, Cyrean thought to herself. Looking at her however, Shiri was anything but strong, at least physically. She was easily the shortest person of the three walking, only coming up to Cyrean¡¯s chest. She wore heavier clothing than Diana, sporting a fur-lined hood and what appeared to be a heavy shin-length skirt of some form. She was also covered in little accessories that several of the orcs wore, though they appeared to be purely decorative such as bits of bone as armor on her long gloves and boots, and a random bit of netting on one arm and some form of studded band on the other. She had a messenger bag hanging from her shoulder, that she kept adjusting as they walked, moving it closer to her hand as if she was afraid to part with it.

    ¡°Shiri..¡± Diana spoke up, ¡°How are your arcane studies going?¡±

    ¡°Very well. Speaking of which, do you remember what you promised me last year?¡±

    Diana paused and before she could properly responded Shiri blurted out again, ¡°You said that if I could consistently cast first level spells that you¡¯d take me on an adventure!¡±

    ¡°Oh yes I remember that now. Though I was not aware you could cast first level yet. Last time I was in Rithnar you could hardly cast Light.¡±

    ¡°I can prove it!¡±

    Diana stopped and turned to face the others, ¡°Well then let me see your spellbook.¡±

    Shiri handed over her spellbook, watching as the archer flipped through page after page.

    ¡°Identify huh?¡± she muttered, holding the book in one hand as she gently lobbed an arrow to Shiri. ¡°What can this arrow do, without looking at your book for the spell.¡±

    Shiri caught the arrow, holding it in her hands, ¡°This spell takes some time..¡±

    Diana nodded, ¡°Roughly a minute right? I¡¯m sure Cyrean can keep me entertained for that long.¡±

    ¡°Ah ain¡¯t yer darn court fool.¡± Cyrean snorted

    ¡°I did not mean to offend you.¡±

    Cyrean had kept studying Diana¡¯s face but no matter what the scenario she seemed impossible to read. With a sigh, she gave up on that endeavour for now. She seemed to almost want to say something, stopping herself just before.

    ¡°You can speak your mind, not that we could stop you if we wanted.¡±

    Cyrean¡¯s composure broke, though she it before speaking, ¡°Why¡¯re ya bein so nice ta me? Ah ain¡¯t exactly been receptive.¡±

    ¡°Is it not obvious?¡±

    Cyrean shook her head, ¡°I ¡®aven¡¯t the foggiest idea.¡±

    ¡°I do not like slavers. I have heard some awful stories about what they do to people and I thought that perhaps you could use some kindness.¡±

    ¡°An¡¯ what exactly wer¡¯ ya expectin in return?¡± She asked, shifting slightly to cover herself more.

    Diana seemed confused, ¡°What do you think I am going to ask for?¡±

    ¡°Normally any form o¡¯ kindness is jus¡¯ some rich bastard tryin¡¯ ta get me ta shag.¡±

    Diana¡¯s composure finally broke as her face flared as red as the former slave¡¯s hair. She tried to respond but could only manage to get out stuttering. Whatever was hidden under her cloak also seemed to get disturbed as it moved around. Cyrean and Shiri were both stunned by the sudden lack of social ability. Cyrean in particular had never gotten a response quite like what was happening from anyone.

    ¡°Uhm Shiri yer some kinda mage right? Can ya fix this¡¯un, ah think ah broke ¡¯er¡±

    Diana hid behind her hands, still struggling to regain her composure but finally able to utter some words, ¡°Th-that wasn¡¯t my plan..¡±

    Cyrean laughed nervously, ¡°It¡¯s alright geez. Would ye calm down?¡±

    Shiri chimed in, hoping to change the subject so Diana could recompose herself, ¡°The spell finished. This arrow can cast the Entangle spell, causing a swarm of vines to grab onto anyone in the range of wherever it lands.¡±

    Diana refocused on Shiri, finally managing to calm down despite her face still being a bit pink, ¡°That is correct. Well if that is all settled I feel I should ask, is your guardian aware of your intentions to travel with me?¡±

    Shiri looked away, avoiding Diana¡¯s gaze, ¡°Well you see I was sorta hoping that maybe¡­ you could talk to her for me.¡±

    Diana sighed, ¡°If it is something you desire Shiri you should not be afraid to do so.¡±

    Shiri whined, ¡°But it¡¯s hard to just come out and say something like that.¡±

    ¡°Well how about you bring it up tonight at dinner?¡±

    Shiri grumbled, ¡°I suppose if I have to.¡±

    Cyrean chimed in, ¡°Speakin of which, think it¡¯s bout ready? Ah haven¡¯t eaten since¡­ well it¡¯s been a few days.¡±

    ¡°Oh goodness you must be starving.¡± Shiri said, ¡°We¡¯ve walked around most of town anyway so I¡¯ll take you both to the Eldar¡¯s house now, follow me!¡±

    As the trio walked back to Eldar Gharzoal¡¯s house Shiri and Diana walked a little ahead and Shiri leaned over, talking quietly.

    ¡°Hey Diana, what sort of elf is Cyrean?¡±

    Diana glanced back at Cyrean before responding, ¡°Do wood-elves not venture out here?¡±

    Shiri shook her head.

    ¡°Well she appears at least half wood-elf, unless she dyes her hair which I find unlikely.¡±

    ¡°Do all half wood-elves look like her?¡±

    Diana shook her head, ¡°No most wear more natural clothing.¡±

    ¡°Well besides that.¡±

    ¡°Oh. Well yes and no, it¡¯s sort of complicated. Think of it like how some orcs are green and some are grey, though wood-elves are less varied.¡±

    ¡°I see..¡± Shiri trailed off as she kept staring.

    Diana realized that Shiri was talking specifically about Cyrean¡¯s physique rather than her appearance. Before she could comment on that they arrived at the Eldar¡¯s home. She decided to answer Shiri again later and instead, she knocked on the door. Gharzoal opened and led the group to the table. The table, like most of his home, was elegant in an orcish way. All of the architecture and furniture had sharp, jagged angles that while at first appeared violent and random, to any orc or outsider with a well trained eye, the designs were incredibly intricate in their own way. Each sharp angle or diagonal line created a form of flow to their designs that had been a part of orc culture for generations. Shogil glared at Cyrean as the group sat down, still clearly not trusting her. Cyrean thought about glaring back but at that moment she was too hungry to genuinely care what a random orc thought of her. Gharzoal brought in a cooked boar and some tankards of mead for everyone.

    "I hope you like meat Ms Cyrean."

    Cyrean nodded, "What sorta weirdo don''t like meat?"

    Gharzoal put out a bowl of fruits in front of Diana and Cyrean raised an eyebrow.

    "If ye don''t eat meat why''re ye dressed like a hunter?"

    "It''s quite simple really," Diana responded, "I hunt for others or research purposes only. I prefer the taste of fruits and berries."

    Shogil spoke up, "What sort of animal research do you do anyway?"

    Diana seemed to get excited to respond, despite her tone not changing much, "Well I like to learn about their physiologies. For example, did you know that Gelatinous Slimes can grow to fill any amount of space, despite this they actually prefer being small?"

    "You found a slime and didn''t immediately kill it?"

    "Well at first I tried but it went through a trap I placed and as it shrunk it actually got friendlier."

    "Fascinating. What''d you do with it afterwards?"

    "A mage I was aquainted with wanted it. They said the creature was cute."

    Gharzoal spoke up, "That reminds me of a strange druid I once knew who kept a collection of creatures of some form as pets. Last we spoke they''d found a staff that summons birds."

    Gharzoal glanced at Cyrean, "What about you? Ever have any interactions with strange creatures?"

    Cyrean looked up, talking through a piece of meat, "Well ah once got into a scrap wit¡¯ a minotaur."

    Shiri perked up, "A minotaur? What were they like?"

    "We ¡®idn''t really chat much. Though ah did find that if you grab one by t¡¯e horns you can easily break th--"

    Diana nudged Cyrean and gestured to Shogil who was glaring daggers across the table. An awkward silence fell over the table.

    Shiri was the first to speak, "So ma''am I was wondering, since I can cast first level spells now could I maybe go exploring with Diana?"

    Shogil choked on her food, coughing a bit afterwards, "What?!"

    "Last year Diana said if I got good enough at spellcasting I could tag along for a simple adventure."

    Shogil turned to Diana, "When were you planning on telling me about this plan?!"

    Diana slowly sipped her mead before responding calmly, "I thought it would have been something she brought up with you herself."

    Shogil turned to Shiri who was staring into her meal awkwardly.

    "So Shiraina, why am I just not hearing about this?"

    "Well ma''am you see I erm.."

    As she began trailing off Shogil spoke again, "You know how I feel about outsiders. Do you know what they do to orcs out there?!"

    "But ma¡¯am, Diana says hostility towards orcs isn''t nearly as bad as when you were a fighter. Besides with her there it''ll be safe!" Shiri whined.

    "Shiraina I am not having this conversation with you again." Shogil scowled.

    "Well why not?!"

    "What do they have out there that you don''t have here?"

    "I don''t know, that''s why I need to go."

    "How does that make any sense?"

    Gharzoal chimed in, "Shogil if I recall correctly you originally became a mercenary for a similar reason."

    She glared at Gharzoal, "I went out because we needed the money to keep this town afloat."

    Diana and Gharzoal both gave her a judging look before Gharzoal spoke calmly, "Shogil. We both heard the wanderlust of youth. You wanted to leave before you knew about that."

    Shogil went silent for a moment, "Well it''s still dangerous. She can''t even wield a sword."

    Cyrean spoke up through a mouth of boar, "I could teach her that."

    "You will do no such thing outsider."

    Cyrean shrugged and kept eating.

    Shiri nervously spoke, "Look ma''am. I''ve heard the stories of you all travelling around since I was young and it''s all I''ve ever wanted to do. Please can I go with Diana?"

    Shogil paused, angrily downing her mead.

    "Diana.." she said hesitantly, "Can you promise me she''ll be safe out there? What if an elf tries to kill her?"

    Diana just stared blankly at Shogil, ¡°I am an elf.¡±

    Shogil sighed and nodded, "Fine. Shiri in the morning you can go with Diana."

    Shiri jumped up happily, "Oh thank you so much ma''am!"

    She sat back down, quickly regaining her composure, "I mean, thank you all for this opportunity."

    Gharzoal chuckled to himself, "You have every right to be excited Shiraina, but do try to contain yourself out there."

    She gave the Eldar a big smile and finished up her meal. As the rest of the table finished and the evening got later, they decided it was time to sleep. Shiraina and Shogil went back to their small home to rest as Diana and Cyrean got comfortable in the guest bedroom of Eldar Gharzoal¡¯s abode. The room was small but not short, like most of the orc architecture. As Cyrean entered seeing only one bed she started trying to get comfortable on the floor.

    Diana stared down at her, ¡°Why are you lying down there?¡±

    Cyrean looked up, ¡°Ah don¡¯t like sharin¡¯ a bed. Besides, floor¡¯s plenty fine.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t know much about full elves do you?¡±

    Cyrean sat up, ¡°Only elves ah known besides you weren¡¯t exactly friendly with te likes o¡¯ me.¡±

    ¡°I see..¡± Diana trailed off as she sat down on the floor next to Cyrean, eyeing her scars.

    ¡°Y¡¯know yer rather odd fer an elf ah might add.¡± Cyrean scoffed.

    ¡°Am I?¡± Diana said calmly, ¡°I get told that often but honestly I do not understand what makes me so.. Odd.¡±

    ¡°Well yer friendly ta slaves for one. Ain¡¯t high elves s¡¯posed to be snooty bastards?¡±

    Diana looked confused, ¡°I am not a high elf.¡±

    Cyrean cocked an eyebrow at her statement, ¡°Pale skin, knife ears, sounds like a high elf ta me.¡±

    A look of realization came over Diana as she stood up, beginning to unfasten her cloak.

    Cyrean spoke again, ¡°¡®At weren¡¯t an invitation ta get naked.¡±

    Diana¡¯s face began turning red again, the thing under her back moving once again. ¡°I wasn¡¯t getting naked! I was trying to show you m-¡±

    ¡°Look if it¡¯s yer goods ah ain¡¯t complainin¡¯ but yer comin¡¯ on a little strong.¡±

    Diana¡¯s face turned completely red and she began trying to hide behind her hands. Raising them to her face caused her cloak to drop revealing a long pair of feathered lilac wings that were ruffling from Diana¡¯s embarrassment. The wings were clearly too big to even fit in the small room if Diana outstretched them.

    ¡°Are ye some sort of celestial?!¡±

    Diana shook her head, face still buried in her hands, ¡°I¡¯m j-just an elf.¡± She stuttered.

    Cyrean thought for a moment about what to say but decided to just let Diana calm down so she could actually respond. When she finally managed to, Cyrean spoke again.

    ¡°So ye weren¡¯t gonna show me yer..¡±

    Seeing Diana flinch she decided to change the subject instead.

    ¡°So why hide te wings?

    ¡°I do not like them.¡± she retreated back into herself, ¡°Please, take the bed. I do not rest well in them.¡±

    ¡°Ye sure?¡±

    Diana nodded gently, ¡°Elves to not truly need sleep. I just meditate for a few hours.¡±

    Cyrean shrugged and got into the bed as Diana moved into a cross-legged sitting position. The pair sat in silence as Cyrean struggled to fall asleep, still confused by the strange elf who¡¯d been so friendly to her. While she sat thinking she realized after being rescued her day had mostly been happening around her. When she set out she hadn¡¯t meant to stumble into whatever this strange town is with these weird green and grey-skinned tusked people. Weird dream. She thought as her eyes closed. Maybe all this will be normal in the morning.

 A New Place

    <h2>Chapter 2: A New Place</h2>

    Cyrean woke up peacefully for the first time she could truly remember. She might¡¯ve slept in longer if not for the sound of birds chirping. She looked up to see she was moving through the treeline as if being transported from one place to another. Suddenly she shot straight up in a panic, jumping out of the wagon and landing on the ground from her still half asleep body. Before she had time to get up, Shiraina ran over.

    ¡°Oh goodness are you alright?¡± she said, squatting down next to Cyrean to try and help her up.

    As her hand touched Cyrean¡¯s shoulder Shiri felt her body get yanked towards the half-elf and put into a headlock as they screamed in a blind and panicked rage. Shiri felt something poking into her from Cyrean but not a dagger. What she felt seemed more like a series of thorns from the wood-elves¡¯ skin itself. She could see what appeared to be a thorn tattoo that was spreading across Cyrean¡¯s body like an infection of vines.

    Diana jumped off of her horse and moved her hand in a specific motion at Cyrean, ¡°Signe apaisant.¡±

    Diana¡¯s hands began glowing with a bright green as the same color covered the warrior¡¯s eyes. The thorny armor began quickly shrinking back along with the animalistic roars coming from Cyrean as she let go of Shiri, both of them collapsing on the floor. Shiri coughed and gasped for air while Cyrean shook her head, finally calm enough to realize what was happening. Diana ran over, checking on Shiraina.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine Diana.¡± she coughed out.

    Diana turned to the now awake Cyrean, who had picked herself up off the floor. She noticed when looking closer that she was shaking almost as much as Shiri for some reason. Diana helped the half-orc into the back of the cart before walking over to Cyrean.

    ¡°Hey would you mind walking with me up front for a bit?¡±

    Cyrean glanced over at Shiri who was clearly too light headed to walk before nodding. The group began down the road again, Diana leading the horse and wagon while they talked.

    ¡°Are you okay Cyrean?¡±

    The warrior stopped for a second, taken aback by the question before responding, ¡°Yer askin¡¯ me ¡®n¡¯ not her?¡±

    Diana nodded

    ¡°Why?¡±

    She turned to Cyrean with the same calm expression as always, ¡°Call it curiosity but when I saw you both back there for some reason she did not appear to be the one in terror. So tell me, why is that?¡±

    ¡°Well how¡¯d you feel if ya woke up bein¡¯ carried through wilderness?¡± Cyrean replied defensively.

    ¡°Fair point.¡±

    ¡°Besides why¡¯s it matter?¡±

    ¡°I suppose it does not matter what your reason is.¡± Diana¡¯s eyes shifted back to the road, ¡°Though you should maybe think about apologizing.¡±

    ¡°Why?! Yer te one that used magics on me!¡±

    ¡°I was talking about to Shiri.¡±

    ¡°Oh.. right.¡± Cyrean mumbled as she glanced back at the girl, clearly stalling.

    ¡°We will be at the nearest settlement soon. Please at least check on her.¡± Diana said, hiding her wings back under her forest-green cloak.

    Cyrean grumbled as she walked back, hopping onto the back of the cart with Shiri. There was already a bruise forming on her neck and upon seeing it Cyrean struggled even more for words to say. To her relief it was Shiri who spoke first.

    ¡°You erm¡­ you don¡¯t get out much do you?¡± she joked, putting on a slightly pained smile.

    Cyrean couldn¡¯t help but chuckled, ¡°Yer not pissed at me?¡±

    She shook her head and smiled at the wilderness around them, ¡°I was a little scared at first but then I figured something out.¡±

    ¡°Oh yeah? What would ¡®at be?¡±

    ¡°That you were just as scared as me.¡±

    ¡°How does everyone figure that out so easily?¡± Cyrean huffed.

    ¡°There¡¯s a secret to it.¡± Shiri responded, gesturing for her to lean in.

    Out of curiosity Cyrean leaned closer as Shiraina whispered in her ear, ¡°You and Diana talk really loud.¡± She snorted into Cyrean¡¯s ear and began laughing.

    ¡°Yer just as odd as the elf ain¡¯t ye?¡±

    Shiri shrugged, ¡°I¡¯m just trying to have a fun adventure honestly. I thought a few jokes might cheer you up ¡®cause like who doesn¡¯t like to laugh?¡±

    Cyrean couldn¡¯t help but smile seeing how much fun Shiri was having despite everything, ¡°Honestly ah don¡¯t know any jokes.¡±

    Shiri audibly gasped, ¡°Oh by the wisdom of Tempstra there¡¯s so many awful puns I can tell you!¡±

    Cyrean cocked and eyebrow, ¡°What¡¯s a pun?¡±

    ¡°Here I¡¯ll show you. Why was the druid never invited to parties?¡± Shiri asked through her own giggles.

    Cyrean shrugged, ¡°¡®Cause shapeshifters are annoying?¡±

    Shiri shook her head, still barely able to talk through her own snorts, ¡°No, cause all his jokes are unbearable.¡± she burst out into a laughing and snorting fit.

    Cyrean took a second before getting it, ¡°Oh cause ¡®e can turn into a bear?¡±

    Shiri nodded through the laughs, her neck clearly making them painful as her eyes watered from both the pain and the bad joke.

    ¡°So a pun is jus¡¯ sayin¡¯ words ¡®at can mean different stuff as a joke?¡±

    Shiri nodded as she started calming down, ¡°Wanna try one?¡±

    Cyrean shrugged, ¡°Sure why not. Uhm do dwarves always get mad so easily?¡±

    ¡°I dunno tell me.¡± Shiri said giggling.

    ¡°They have short fuses.¡±

    Cyrean chuckled as Shiri burst out laughing again. As they laughed Diana walked around the cart as they¡¯d parked in Coalthen.

    ¡°I see you are both getting along. May I ask what has Miss Shiraina so excited.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re telling bad jokes!¡± Shiri said through her snorts, ¡°Come on Diana try one.¡±

    ¡°Bad jokes? I do not know many but I will try.¡± She thought for a moment before speaking again, ¡°What did the human say after a fight with a dragon?¡±

    Cyrean shrugged as Shiri spoke, ¡°I dunno what?¡±

    ¡°Nothing. He was the dragon¡¯s dinner.¡±

    Shiri only giggled a bit while Cyrean suddenly burst out into laughter.

    Diana cracked a slight smile, ¡°I am hilarious.¡±

    Shiri got up out of the cart, followed by Cyrean. The group was in a small town no bigger than Rithnar, but the small town had a completely different feel. Unlike the jagged edges of orc architecture the town had more box-like structures along the edges of the road. The snow was far less abundant, only showing up in incredibly light patches rather than the soft layer that covered the ground atop the mountain. The town was also built directly on a curve in the road, bending with it. In the center of both the curve and the town was a single tree with a small circle of green under it. The people even looked notably different, especially to Shiri. There were a pair of humans, looking almost like tan tuskless half-orcs, and a gnome, who looked like a short human with pointy features. He was carrying a large bag that clanked and rattled as he walked by.

    ¡°The people here are so fascinating!¡± Shiri said as she stared in wonder.

    Diana looked around, ¡°Oh I suppose there are. Shiraina please don¡¯t stare though, it is considered rude.¡±

    ¡°Sorry Ms Diana!¡±

    ¡°Besides you will see plenty of even weirder things along this journey.¡±

    ¡°Will I see a dragon?!¡±

    ¡°You may see one flying around but do not get your hopes up.¡± Diana responded calmly

    Shiri kicked a rock, ¡°Dang.¡±

    Seeing her get upset Diana turned, ¡°Maybe we¡¯ll find a pseudodragon in a store somewhere.¡±

    Shiri perked back up from hearing that, ¡°Woohoo! Dragons!¡±

    Diana looked around at all the signs, ¡°Shiri take Cyrean to the tailor, I¡¯m sure she¡¯d like to get out of those old rags. I am going to get us a spot in the stable for Nectar and maybe a room for the night.¡±

    Diana handed the half-orc a small bag of coins as she led her horse to the stables. Shiri led Cyrean over to the tailor shop, the half-elf having to duck to get through the doorway. An older looking human woman was in the shop, helping a younger human male adjust a set of leather armor. Cyrean looked around the store, seeing it mostly consisted of regular garments and leather armor. There were still several bits of animal fur scattered about from the wintertime. As the human male paid the older woman she stood and turned to the new duo that had entered her store.

    ¡°Ello there, how can I help ya?¡±

    Shiri walked up and gave a slight bow, ¡°Hello, my friend here needs some new clothes.¡±

    The woman eyed Cyrean who was covered in rags, mud and blood, ¡°Yes I see.. Mayhaps a bath too¡­¡±

    Cyrean went to say something back but as she thought about it she hadn¡¯t had a chance to properly bathe in what felt like weeks.

    Shiri responded, ¡°Yeah but she¡¯ll freeze before she gets back here if we do that first.¡±

    The woman nodded and turned to Cyrean, ¡°So uhhh.. Miss? What sorta outfit are you looking for?¡±

    Cyrean eyed both women for a second before walking off, rummaging through the shelves. After a few minutes she came back with a small pile of fur and leather, with the few bits of metal lying around. She¡¯d almost entirely grabbed scrabs rather than full pieces of clothing despite such objects being plentiful.

    ¡°What can ye do wit¡¯ all this?¡± she asked

    The woman looked at the pile of assorted objects, ¡°I¡¯ll try something though making an outfit from scratch will take some time.¡±Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

    Shiri handed over a handful of the coins Diana gave her, ¡°Will this cover it?¡±

    The woman nodded and got to work, ¡°Come back by nightfall and it will be ready.

    As the pair left the store Shiri was counting the coins left in the bag, ¡°We have what amounts to roughly ten gold left.¡±

    ¡°Is ¡®at a lot?¡±

    Shiri shrugged, ¡°It depends on where you go. Here it¡¯s probably about average pay.¡±

    ¡°So at¡¯s bad?¡±

    Shiri turned and looked at the signs around town, ¡°Not necessarily¡­¡± she trailed off as a sign in particular caught her eye, ¡°Hey Cyrean follow me I might have an idea.¡±

    Shiri led Cyrean to a blacksmith shop, noting that the warrior was immediately more interested in weapons here. The blacksmith was another human who didn¡¯t seem to notice them enter, or at least he was so absorbed in making a chestplate that he didn¡¯t care. Shiri handed the pouch of gold to Cyrean, closing the larger woman¡¯s hand around it.

    ¡°Yer givin¡¯ me money?¡±

    ¡°Of course! Not like I need a weapon, I have spells.¡±

    Cyrean seemed genuinely flustered by the smaller woman¡¯s gesture, clearly unsure what to say.

    ¡°Besides, that short sword looks kinda small for you anyway.¡± Shiri smiled, ¡°I¡¯ll be outside when you¡¯re done!¡±

    Cyrean watched the half-orc walk out in a stunned silence. Nobody had ever just handed her money before, and Shiri could¡¯ve easily spent that money on something magical. She walked up to the blacksmith who¡¯d finally noticed her presence as she pointed to a bastard sword on the wall, placing the pouch on the counter of the store. The sword in particular she¡¯d gestured to was a rather plain weapon compared to some of the better looking longswords in the building.

    ¡°Straight to business huh?¡± he said, counting the coin, ¡°Can¡¯t say I sell to many bastard swords ¡®round these parts.¡±

    ¡°Why¡¯s ¡®at?¡±

    The man shrugged, reaching up to grab the blade from the wall, ¡°Most people can¡¯t wield them. Though I¡¯d wager you might have better luck.¡± he gestured to her scars and muscles as he handed the blade over.

    Cyrean smirked, taking the blade in her hand. As she held it she did a few test swings, gauging the balance of the blade to make sure wielding it wouldn¡¯t hurt her wrist. She noticed the hilt felt a little light compared to the blade itself.

    ¡°Ye got any wraps?¡± she asked.

    The man nodded and dug around under the counter, producing a studded leather wrapping. She placed the sword back on the counter as he began setting the wrap onto the hilt. When he finished she picked the sword up again, noting the weight felt more balanced now. Satisfied she nodded, taking the now empty pouch back and heading out the door. Shiri was sat under the central tree in the patch of dry grass. As Cyrean walked up she noticed that Shiri was clearly struggling to focus, her eyes shifting between a new normal brown eye color and her regular orange glow overtaking them completely. Cyrean knocked on the tree as she walked up, causing Shiri to turn, the orange overtaking her eyes again.

    ¡°Oh hi Cyrean! Got a new sword I see.¡±

    Cyrean nodded, taking the old shortsword out of its makeshift rope sheath and replacing it with the bastard sword.

    ¡°What¡¯re you gonna do with the old one?¡±

    Cyrean flipped it in her hand, grabbing the blade lightly in her hands so it didn¡¯t cut her as she handed it hilt-first to Shiri, ¡°Yer mum said ye should learn ¡®ow to use one right?¡±

    The half-orc gave Cyrean a confused look, ¡°Mum? What¡¯s that?¡±

    ¡°Uhhh¡­ Shogil?¡±

    Shiri still looked confused and Diana spoke up, ¡°Cyrean, orcs do not have standard familial units, it¡¯s community based. Shogil is her assigned guardian.¡±

    Cyrean had a confused look now, ¡°Uhhmm a¡¯ight. Well Shiri yer guardian wanted ye te learn ¡®ow to wield a blade ye?¡±

    Shiri stood up and nodded, taking the shortsword in her hands. Being smaller than the half-elf Shiri could wield it properly, if she knew how. She gave it a test swing, accidentally flinging it into the ground a few feet away.

    ¡°Oops. she said as she walked over to pull it out.

    Cyrean laughed a bit, ¡°Try t¡¯not take any arms off will ya¡¯?¡±

    Shiri nodded, holding the blade more carefully as she gave it another swing, ¡°How was that?¡±

    Diana spoke up as she walked over, ¡°Your stance is sloppy. But you look like you are enjoying yourself.¡±

    Shiri turned excitedly to Diana, "Could you both show me how to wield one properly?!"

    "We can certainly try. Would you like to help Cyrean?"

    Cyrean shrugged, "I do need a chance to try out my new sword."

    Diana led the trio to the outskirts of the town. The area was mostly an empty field, the nearest treeline being at the base of the mountain Rithnar was on. Cyrean was posed to be Shiraina''s opponent so Diana could give proper instruction since she actually knew how to properly wield weapons. Diana showed Shiri how to properly take stances and swing a shortsword. As they practiced Cyrean occasionally chimed in with some more underhanded techniques such as throwing kicks in though Shiri struggled more with adding them on top of swings. As the sun set Diana seemed satisfied with the progress made, even though it wasn''t much.

    "Shiri." Diana said, "Why don''t you try a duel with Cyrean?"

    "What?! But she''ll easily destroy me in a sword fight!"

    "Ah gotta agree with ''er there Diana. Ain''t exactly a fair fight."

    Diana gave Shiri a thumbs up, "Trust me you can do more than you realize. Just try to hit Cyrean before she knocks you down."

    "Uhm. I can try.." Shiri responded, clearly scared.

    Diana leaned in and whispered to Shiri, "Instead of kicks, try a spell."

    Shiri nodded and took up a basic stance as Diana walked off to the side of the fight. Cyrean had a less rigid stance. As the pair prepared Shiri''s eyes turned back to brown as she tried to focus on the fight. Something ain''t right Cyrean thought to herself as she saw the eyes. Diana gave a signal and Cyrean charged at Shiri, easily knocking her blade away. Given how stiff Shiri''s stance was, it was almost too easy for Cyrean to push her off of her feet. Before she hit the ground Cyrean grabbed her wrist, pulling her back up as she noticed that the orange glow overtook her eyes again.

    Diana sighed, "It''s alright Shiri we can try again tomorrow."

    As she began getting ready to head back into town Cyrean called out, "Hey Diana lemme try somethin''"

    She handed Shiri her sword back as they got back into position. Intrigued, Diana turned back, raising her hand again to give another signal. Again Cyrean saw Shiri clearly fighting off the magical glow in her eyes.

    "Don''t fight it Shiri."

    Shiri looked over in surprise, "Fight what?"

    Diana paused as they talked.

    "That magical glow. Stop fightin'' it. Ye can''t focus when yer fighting it."

    "But I can''t-"

    "Just give it a try will ye?"

    Shiri shifted a bit, "I''ll try."

    Diana dropped her hand for a signal and Cyrean charged again. This time Shiri let the magic take over. When the orange glow covered her eyes she could see several different Cyreans charging for her alongside the real one. Each one seemed to be taking a different possible movement she could make. Shiri focused on the magical copies instead. As Diana watched the fight she saw a sudden flicker from Shiri as if she casted a spell. Cyrean didn''t seem to notice as the orange flickered across her body. As she swung at Shiri the half-orc managed to dodge the attack as if she saw it coming. She deflected Cyreans blade away and extended a glowing hand to the warrior. Before she could cast her spell her eyes began to flicker again.

    "I¡­ I can¡¯t" Shiri cried out as she collapsed under the half-elf.

    Cyrean sighed and lowered her blade, ¡°Guess it weren¡¯t ¡®at magic.¡±

    Shiri looked away and nodded, ¡°Sorry miss¡­¡±

    The warrior looked down in confusion, ¡°Miss? Ahm barely even older t¡¯an ye. Jus¡¯ call me Cyrean.¡±

    She reached down and helped pull Shiri back to her feet with a short stumble.

    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Diana asked.

    Shiri nodded, ¡°I¡¯ll be okay. Though I¡¯m a bit hungry, we¡¯ve been here awhile.¡±

    Diana nodded, ¡°Cyrean your clothing should also be ready soon.¡±

    ¡°Oh yeah Ay¡¯d sorta forgot ah did ¡®at.¡±

    As they got back to town the group sat down in the local tavern. Shiri slumped over, lying her head down on the table as she tried to work through a lightheadedness that the visions were causing. Since they had to wait for a bit for her to be able to move again Cyrean decided to take the tailor¡¯s advice and actually bathe. Upon coming back from the bathhouse Cyrean sat back down with the others, looking around and noticing that despite it being what felt like dinnertime. As they began eating she turned to the others.

    ¡°It seem quiet ¡®round ¡®ere ta anyone else?¡±

    The others looked around for a moment, Shiri speaking first, ¡°Thinking about it, there¡¯s hardly been anyone around at all.¡±

    Diana got up and walked over to the tavern keeper, a gnome man, ¡°Excuse me sir, we were curious as to where everyone is.¡±

    The tavernkeep looked up from a book he was reading, ¡°You all been away for a bit?¡±

    Diana nodded, ¡°I do not tend to enter towns much, and my friends are new to travel.¡±

    He looked at the strange group and noted Diana¡¯s clearly being a ranger, ¡°Ah I see. Well for your own safety you should know, there¡¯s been a pretty nasty virus going around.¡±

    Diana looked around again, ¡°What sort of virus is so bad that we are the only people here?¡±

    The man leaned closer, speaking in a much more serious tone, ¡°They say that it¡¯s some sorta magical virus. Unable to be cured by any form o¡¯ our modern magicks.¡±

    Shiri and Cyrean had scooted their chairs over to the bar by this point, Shiri speaking up first, ¡°What happens to people affected?¡±

    The man shrugged, ¡°I¡¯ve heard all sorts o¡¯ things from physical weakness to vomiting black ichor. Alls I really know is that people are bedridden from it.¡±

    ¡°Are there any known treatments?¡± Diana asked

    ¡°Cold. That¡¯s all the doctor¡¯s have got.¡± The group all glanced at each other in silence before the man spoke again, ¡°Honestly mercenaries and adventurers are pretty rare ¡®round these parts. If you¡¯re lookin¡¯ for work I don¡¯t got any but I hear the people over at Dewell are in need of some help.¡±

    Diana pulled out her map, ¡°That¡¯s not far from here. Any idea what¡¯s been happening?¡±

    The man shrugged, ¡°Not sure, but from what I understand the Baron is too overrun with the plague to help them.¡±

    Cyrean looked up from her mead, ¡°Why¡¯re ye so interested in this town anyway?¡±

    ¡°In truth? I¡¯m betrothed to a woman over there. I ¡®aven¡¯t heard from ¡®em in awhile and I¡¯m getting nervous.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s terrible¡± Shiri said, ¡°We can head out there and find him. Right Diana?¡±

    Diana held a hand up to Shiri, ¡°Unfortunately we can¡¯t do this work for free. We need to be able to afford food.¡± she turned to the barkeep, ¡°We would require some form of payment.¡±

    The gnome sighed, ¡°I don¡¯t have much since there hasn¡¯t been much business but I could provide you all with food and drink for the journey.¡±

    Diana looked through her bag, noting how low her coin purse was getting. She looked

    over to Shiri who was still staring at her with a pleading look. With a sigh, she looked back to the gnome.

    ¡°What does this fiance of yours look like mr.. what was your name again?¡±

    ¡°Oh I¡¯m Theetllick Whistlewrench, She¡¯s a halfling woman, short curly hair,bright smile, bright blue eyes.¡±

    ¡°Anything more specific? A lot of halflings fit that description.¡±

    ¡°Her name is Caramella Lightstream, she likes music.¡±

    ¡°All half-heights got as strange¡¯a names as ye both?¡± Cyrean asked.

    Diana spoke before the clearly offended gnome could, ¡°Please ignore her, she does not get out much. We can help.¡±

    ¡°Thank you so much miss.¡±

    ¡°Please do not thank me. Miss Shiri is the only reason I am doing this.¡± She stood up, having finished her meal ¡°We can head out in the morning. For now I am going to get some rest.¡±

    Theetllick turned to Shiri, ¡°Well thank you miss uhm.. Shiri was it?¡±

    With a bow she spoke, ¡°Miss Shiraina of Rithnar. Though my friends call me Shiri.¡±

    ¡°Well it¡¯s a pleasure to meet you Miss Shiraina.¡±

    Shiri and Cyrean finished their meals, heading out to get Cyrean¡¯s clothes. The tailor was noticeably tired when they entered, but still trying to keep up a cheery face. She led the pair over to a mannequin with Cyrean''s new outfit, a strange hodgepodge on its own, though knowing the seemingly random way Cyrean picked out the parts it made more sense. The outfit had knee length boots with matching elbow length gloves, one shoulder of tamed fur and another of rough unkept fur over what amounted to a leather bra and a fur loincloth. The metal had been turned into bits of armor scattered about on the arms, legs, and the cloth.

    "Sorry it''s so.. skimpy." The shopkeep said, "It''s the best I could do with what you gave me."

    Cyrean shook her head, "Can''t believe Ay''m sayin'' this but ya did perfect."

    "Really?" The shopkeep had a look of shock on her face.

    Her stunned look was still veiled in a shroud of tired that was only broken at the sight of Cyrean boldly stripping down and starting to put her new outfit on. The shopkeep looked to Shiri to see her reaction only to find she was even more surprised and flustered, her face turning a deeper shade of green than normal. As Cyrean finally donned the eclectic outfit she nodded in approval, turning to head out of the store as she''d paid earlier. Before she left she noted the faces of the other two women inside.

    "What?" Cyrean said, "Not like either ye ain''t seen any o'' that before."

    ~

    In the morning the trio set out for Dewell, the journey would only take a few days but to Shiri it couldn''t come fast enough. The entire trip she was, often times literally, bouncing for joy at the prospect of her first real mercenary job. Diana however, seemed more monotone than normal. She seemed almost bored with the mission they''d taken on. Periodically through their three day journey the group would take breaks to practice teaching Shiri how to wield shortswords.

    Upon finally arrived in Dewell they immediately noticed the black scorchmarks in the grass where a house should''ve been. The rain was washing away some of the scorches, but the blackened husk of what was the building still remained a grim omen. As their cart made its way to the center of town they saw several people hiding in their homes. When getting to the center of town Diana saw a group of people behind a church. She led the cart to the entrance to the graveyard, tying the horse up to the fence outside as the trio entered.

    "What happened to them?" Diana asked calmly.

    The strangest of the group walked over to respond, she was a strange halfling wearing a white and purple jester outfit, "They were killed for trying to stop the Mainka."

    Cyrean clearly started getting riled up at the mere mention of the slaver group.

    Diana continued, "Where are they now?"

    The jester shook her head, "I''m not sure, they show up every now and then from the forest, taking people with them."

    "Are they taking anyone specific?"

    "Anyone who''s physically able."

    Shiri looked at the graves, "Who were these people?"

    The jester turned, listing off the names of the dead, "All of them were good people."

    Shiri pulled her fur-lined hood down, ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    The jester sniffled, ¡°Thank you miss.¡±

    Shiri gently placed a hand on the short girl¡¯s shoulder. The group stood in silence for awhile with the rest of the mourners. The only noises being the occasional sniffles or cries, and the jester¡¯s costume jingling. Diana seemed disinterested in the entire display, as if she¡¯d seen it a hundred times. Cyrean was silently scowling into the forest, her hand gripping the pommel of her sword. As Shiri looked up at Cyrean¡¯s tense expression she began to hear a low rumbling noise. Diana''s elf ear twitched as she''d been listening. She recognized the sound of horses and the tangible feel of the fear from the villagers in the air. As the noise got closer the group stopped out front of the church. Clad in dark blue garments with symbols of a winged owlbear, they dismounted their horses, walking back towards the crowd with weapons drawn. The moment Cyrean saw them she pulled her blade from her sheathe, glaring directly at the members of the Mainka Organization.

 Wounds

    <h2>Chapter 3: Wounds</h2>

    The main woman of the Mainka group walked up to the crowd. She walked with a cocky, confident gaite, as if daring anyone to attack her. She glanced at Cyrean, who still had a bastard sword pointed at the woman. With a smirk she simply ignored the warrior, approaching the civilians. She easily stood over the mostly halfling crowd, being an elf.

    The woman leaned down as if to exaggerate the height difference as she spoke. "So Mr Mayor have you considered our generous offer?"

    The man stood up from the grave he was kneeling at to face the Mainka, "You can best us down you ruffians but we''ll never give in to you."

    Her coy smile turned into a scowl, "You still think someone will save you?"

    The man stood tall, "Baron Jericho will help us."

    The entire Mainka group started laughing as the woman spoke again, "The baron won''t be able to save you before we burn your village to the ground."

    The halflings stance was unwavering and the woman snapped her fingers, prompting two of the other ten Mainka to grab the mayor by his arms, dragging him out into the street. As the crowd began rushing after them Shiri noticed that Cyrean hadn''t actually moved since drawing her blade. The half-elf was stood there, aiming her blade at the Mainka while she was trembling.

    Before Shiri could speak, the Mainka woman turned, "What''s with you? Some sort of hero?"

    Cyrean grimaced, unable to speak as the woman walked forward towards the blade.

    She reached out, grabbing the warriors face and inspecting it, "Seems we have a lovely specimen here." She smirked, "You wouldn''t happen to be looking for a job would you?"

    Cyrean gritted her teeth, her hands gripping the hilt of her blade tighter.

    Shiri jumped in, "She''s not interested."

    The woman looked over, as if seeing the half-orc for the first time, "I wasn''t asking you greenskin." She turned back to Cyrean, "Tell you what, I''ll give you a day to think about it."

    With that she walked off to where the crowd was gathered in the street. Shiri gently moved her hand over Cyreans still trembling grip on the sword, giving a reassuring squeeze. She gave the warrior a slight smile before following the crowd. As the half-orc turned she didn''t notice as a year began to roll down her companions cheek before she reluctantly followed. The Mainka tossed the mayor into the middle of the street. Their leader walked up as the gang and the crowd formed a circle around the pair. She waited for the halfling to stand before walking over and kicking him in the stomach, knocking him back to the floor. As the man began to stand again the Mainka woman had already began to pull out a long, curved dagger.

    Shiri walked up behind Diana, "We have to do something."

    The elf turned solemnly, "If we attack now they might attack the villagers. It is hard but we should wait."

    "You''d sit here and do nothing?"

    Diana nodded, "Unfortunately I do not see any way I could help."

    Shiri glared, grabbing her bag and shoving it into Diana''s arms.

    "Miss Shiraina what are you planning?"

    Shiri shoved the elf off, charging into the middle of the circle.

    The woman paused before striking the halfling again, "You again? What do you want greenskin?"

    Shiri stood between the Mainka and the mayor, "I''m not going to let you hurt him anymore."

    The woman chuckled, "You think you can stop us all by yourself? I knew greenskins where supposed to be stupid but that''s just niave."

    Shiri gritted her teeth from the remark, "I can''t stand by and watch this."

    "Ah a hero huh?" She smirked, "Well then let''s show everyone what happens to heroes."

    Shiri pulled the mayor up, the man thanking her as he ran off behind the crowd. As Cyrean saw what was happening she wanted to run in and help the half-orc, but she felt her body still unable to move from fear. She felt tears running down her face. I''m sorry.. she thought to herself as the Mainka woman slowly walked towards Shiri. The other slavers grabbed the half-orc, kicking the back of her legs so she fell to her knees. The woman leaned over with a smirk, running the dagger across Shiri¡¯s face in an almost mocking fashion. Despite everything Shiri was still putting on as tough of a look as she could.

    The woman chuckled, ¡°What¡¯s your name orc?¡±

    ¡°Shiraina.¡± She glared.

    ¡°You may be able to fool yourself with that tough act but you¡¯re trembling.¡±

    Despite her shaking, Shiri kept with her confident tone, ¡°Who¡¯re you?¡±

    ¡°My name¡¯s N¡¯ysan¨¦.¡±

    As the woman spoke she gripped the hilt of her dagger, sliding it slowly into Shiri¡¯s arm. As she cried out in pain Cyrean felt a wave of memories washing over her of the same thing happening to her and the other slaves with her. As the memories flooded over her she felt her blood boiling as her body started moving. She burst into the middle of the circle that had gathered, swinging at the slavers and burying her blade into one of the people holding the half-orc down. With a glare she drove the blade further, causing his blood to flood onto the floor. N¡¯ysan¨¦ and the other slaver that could still move jumped back, watching the gruesome scene as Cyrean ripped her blade back, letting the man fall to the ground as she  stood between Shiri and the slaver. N¡¯ysan¨¦ had a look of realization dawn over her as she saw the raging half-elf. She gestured and one the other slavers grabbed the nearest civilian, the jester. The other villagers began to flee as Diana sighed and drew her bow.You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

    N¡¯ysan¨¦ spoke, ¡°Stand down or the fool dies.¡±

    Cyrean let out a primal roar, though she did hesitate from charging again.

    The slaver gave a sinister smile, ¡°I see, you¡¯re a berserker.¡±

    Shiri looked up, holding her arm as she noticed Cyrean¡¯s thorny vine tattoo had spread across her entire body, creating a spiked armor. Despite the screaming and rage, Shiri noticed that the half-elf seemed to be in pain. As the villagers finally made it back to their homes the area fell quiet, the only noises coming from the berserker, and the bells of the jester¡¯s outfit.

    The leader spoke to the group in front of her, "We''ll be back tomorrow, and you will willingly join us."

    She turned around and paused for a moment, ¡°And to make sure you don¡¯t get cold feet..¡±

    She snapped her fingers and the Mainka took the jester with them, remounting their horses and riding off to the woods where they''d come from. The berserker¡¯s thorns retreated as she calmed down and crouched down over the whimpering, bleeding Shiri, who was curled up on the floor. As Cyrean reached out she noticed the mage wince from the pain. Diana stood over the pair and the warrior noticed her holding Shiri''s bag. Cyrean stood up, grabbing the elf by her cloak and lifted her off of her feet.

    ¡°Why¡¯d ye let ¡®er do that?! Ain¡¯t you s¡¯posed to be protectin¡¯ ¡®er?¡±

    Diana kicked at Cyrean as she tried to get free from her grasp, ¡°I advised heavily against it.¡±

    ¡°Do ye know what they do ta people like ¡®er and ¡®at fuckin¡¯ jester?¡±

    Diana unclasped her cloak, unfurling her wings and using them to jump back away from Cyrean, ¡°I am aware of the Mainka Organization and what they do. Miss Shiraina made her own decision.¡±

    Cyrean started pacing angrily, ¡°They could kill ¡®at fuckin¡¯ fool an¡¯ they were gonna maim te girl yer s¡¯posed to be guarding.¡±

    Diana dusted herself off, ¡°Your concern is valid, though I am rather curious as to why exactly you care.¡±

    Cyrean paused. She went to say something but stopped instead, ¡°Y¡¯know what, ah ain¡¯t gotta answer ta te ye. Kill yerself and te girl for all ah care.¡±

    The half-elf stormed off as Diana walked over to Shiri, putting her cloak back on as she kneeled down to Shiri, ¡°I am sorry.¡± she muttered, ¡°I used the last of my healing potion already.¡±

    Shiri looked up, wincing as the elf began cleaning the wound, ¡°It¡¯s alright Diana.¡±

    ¡°How are you feeling?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine. How¡¯re the villagers?¡±

    Diana looked up as they started leaving their houses again, ¡°They are fine, thanks to you intervening.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± Shiri sighed contently, ¡°How¡¯s Cyrean?¡±

    Diana shrugged, ¡°She is probably off breaking something.¡±

    She finished bandaging the wound, helping Shiri stand up. The girl took back her bag and looked around at the shambles of the town they were standing in.

    ¡°We need to talk to her.¡±

    Diana sighed, ¡°May I ask what you have in mind?¡±

    ¡°Look around Diana. This town¡­ we can¡¯t just stand by and do nothing.¡±

    ¡°Shiri¡­¡± she paused, ¡°What you see happening here is¡­ commonplace. Plenty of towns are suffering for one reason or another and we cannot save them all.¡±

    ¡°So you¡¯d rather just let every town you go through stay that way instead of even trying?¡±

    Diana simply nodded, ¡°What am I supposed to do Shiri? Take out groups of thugs and cure plagues everywhere I go? I am only one person.¡±

    Shiri stomped her foot and glared, ¡°Well now there¡¯s two of us, three if Cyrean wants to help too.¡±

    ¡°You can barely cast first tier spells and we do not know anything about that woman. Do you know what a berserker is Shiri?! They are uncontrollable warriors who gain strength through rage like magic.¡±

    ¡°Why does it matter?! She¡¯s tough and we need help.¡±

    ¡°What if she turns and attacks us in her rage?¡±

    ¡°Then we deal with it. Why are you so scared of her all the sudden Diana?¡±

    ¡°Your guardian wanted me to take you on a casual, safe adventure and a week out of Rithnar and you¡¯ve been stabbed!¡±

    ¡°That was my choice and I stand by it!¡±

    The pair stood in angry silence for a bit before Shiri spoke again, ¡°I¡¯m going to try to help, with or without you or Cyrean.¡±

    Shiri walked off after Cyrean, leaving Diana standing there as the rain finally stopped. Diana rubbed her temples in frustration before heading to where the mayor was.

    The mayor spoke first, ¡°Hello miss, thank you so much for helping us.¡±

    ¡°Please, there is no need to thank me it was all miss Shiraina.¡±

    ¡°Well please send her my regards. Anyway can I help you?¡±

    ¡°Yes. I was sent here to find someone by the name of Caramella Lightstream.¡±

    The mayor gave her a confused look, ¡°I don¡¯t know anyone by that name, though many travelers don¡¯t give their real names. Do you know anything else about her?¡±

    Diana nodded, ¡°Curly brunette hair, blue eyes, likes music. She might be a bard.¡±

    As Diana spoke she realized something and mumbled, ¡°The jester.. What was that jester¡¯s name?¡±

    ¡°Only gave us her stage name, Joy Jingles.¡±

    ¡°I believe we have found our Caramella. Thank you sir.¡±

    He nodded, ¡°No problem really.¡±

    ~

    Shiri was looking around the houses for Cyrean, finding her sitting down on some crates behind a building.

    ¡°Cyrean?¡±

    The woman sniffled and looked away, wiping her eyes.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡±

    ¡°Ahm fine Shiri.¡±

    Shiri sat down on a crate next to Cyrean, ¡°Then why¡¯re you back here?¡±

    ¡°Jus¡¯... breakin¡¯ some shit.¡±

    ¡°Nothing back here¡¯s broken Cyrean.¡±

    The berserker was avoiding Shiri¡¯s gaze, rubbing her thigh where the thorny vine tattoo was.

    ¡°Cyrean.. What happened to you?¡±

    ¡°Jus¡¯ got angry is all. Nothin¡¯ serious.¡±

    ¡°I think you know that¡¯s not what I meant.¡±

    Cyrean stayed silent and Shiri spoke again, ¡°Ever since those slavers showed up you¡¯ve looked so hurt and scared. What did they do to you?¡±

    Cyrean sighed and started unwrapping the bandages from around her body, revealing scars along every foot of skin. She pulled her glove off, revealing a brand on her left palm of a winged owlbear, the symbol of the Mainka Organization. A tear rolled down her rough skin as Cyrean quietly spoke.

    ¡°Ah was jus¡¯ a girl then..¡±

 Sylvar and Steel

    <h2>Chapter 4: Sylvar and Steel</h2>

    Cyrean grew up in the great forest city of Sylvarwood, like most wood-elves. The city was made up of buildings and homes that were engraved like carvings along the giant trees. The wood-elves used the magic of the forest, as well as their own strength to climb the trees into these outcropping homes. She remembered waking up every morning to the sounds of pixies playing pranks on people, which tended to be their favorite pastime. She remembered the warmth of her mother¡¯s arms, like a sun on a hot day. She did however, remember her best friend, a strange person named Til. Til was rather odd, even for a fae. They changed their hair color as frequently as most change their clothes, and Til in particular changed their clothes several times a day. For the past several weeks however, it was Til who woke her up.

    ¡°Come on ye lazy arse get te hell up!¡±

    Cyrean grumbled, ¡°Ah don¡¯ wanna.¡±

    ¡°Ye can¡¯t sit ¡®er sleepin¡¯ all day.¡±

    ¡°Tha sun¡¯s barely even up Til, lemme ¡®ave five more minutes.¡±

    ¡°Fine but yer gonna miss tha surprise ah got for ye.¡±

    Cyrean sat up in bed, ¡°What surprise?¡±

    Til tossed something shiny in their hand, catching it and tucking it into their hip bag, ¡°If ye wanna know yer gonna ¡®ave ta catch me.¡±

    ¡°Fine fine, ahm gettin up.¡±

    Til waited for a few seconds to allow the half-elf to pick herself up before they bolted out of the house, grabbing a vine and sliding down it. Cyrean went to follow the fey, grabbing a separate vine and sliding down it after them. As they landed they ran past several of the adult wood-elves and a few faeries. Being a mostly fae town most of the adults tended to wear little clothing, if they wore any at all. Cyrean was taller than most, even at such a young age, as such she tended to have to duck to avoid some of the lower objects the Til could just run under, though she was used to that. Til always had a way of weaving around and getting into places that seemed impossible to get into. Despite that Cyrean could keep up, finding ways around the narrow passages. During their chase Til led their wood-elf friend to a nearby creek that they frequently played in. As Cyrean arrived she saw Til, already standing on one rock in the middle of the water.

    Cyrean walked over to the base of the walk and looked up at Til, struggling to breath as she spoke, ¡°So what¡¯s ¡®is surprise ye got?¡±

    ¡°Ah but lass if ye want a treasure ye best be beatin¡¯ me in a duel.¡± Til grabbed a stick, flourishing it dramatically.

    Cyrean rolled her eyes, grabbing another stick from the shoreline like she¡¯d done often over the decade or so she¡¯d known Til, ¡°Well then cap¡¯n it¡¯s time for a mutiny.¡±

    Cyrean splashed through the shallow water towards Til, their sticks clacking in front of them. Til wield their stick in a far more extravagant and flourish-heavy manner than Cyrean, who moved the stick in incredibly simple ways. Til already knew Cyrean moved like this, allowing them to be more aggressive than the half-elf. The fae knocked Cyrean off of her balance, going for a twack on her side. To Til¡¯s surprise, Cyrean blocked Til¡¯s stick and went for a swing against the fae. They smirked, simply stepping backwards off of the rock and letting the off balance Cyrean fall onto her back in the creek.

    She sat up with a squeal, ¡°Til! The water¡¯s cold ye arse!¡±

    Til fell over the rock, laughing at the soaked girl, ¡°Ah can¡¯t believe ye actually tried ¡®at!¡±

    Cyrean glared, getting up and going to shove Til into the water. They easily dodged it and grabbed her belt, yanking the grumpy half-elf back to their feet. Til, still chuckling, reached into their bag and pulled out a pair of rather intricate earcuffs, handing them to the bewildered Cyrean.

    ¡°What¡¯re these?¡±

    ¡°Ye put em in yer ears, like earrings.¡±

    ¡°Where in the Fae Forest did ye get te money ta be able ta afford tis?

    Til looked away as they responded, ¡°Oh y¡¯know, just around.¡±

    ¡°Y¡¯know if yer mum finds out ye stole somethin¡¯ again she¡¯s gonna be right pissed.¡±

    ¡°Look ah paid for em alright. Just mighta been wit¡¯ some other bloke¡¯s coin.¡±

    Cyrean couldn¡¯t help but smile, ¡°Well guess ah can keep a secret.. Again.¡±

    Til giggled and put the cuffs on Cyrean¡¯s ears, ¡°They were made for half-elf ears.¡±

    Cyrean looked up at the longer, pointier ears of the fae, which Til had adorned in earrings and small chains that they¡¯d stolen.

    Cyrean awkwardly took a pose, ¡°How do they look?¡±

    Til gave a thumbs up and Cyrean sat up on the rock next to them. The pair sat there for a bit, Cyrean playing with a stick in the water.

    "¡¯ey Til?"

    "Mhmm?"

    "Where d¡¯ya think tis creek goes?"

    Til looked down at the water, their eyes following it''s flow, "A nymph once told me ¡®at all water flows back to te ocean."

    Cyrean''s gaze followed Til''s, "Te ocean? It sounds nice."

    Til stood up, grabbing Cyrean''s stick and swinging it around like a sword, "Ahm gonna go there one day an¡¯ go on an adventure"

    Cyrean laughed, "Like a pirate? Don'' they steal from te dead?"

    Cyrean dropped in the water, ¡°Well t¡¯en let¡¯s go on an adventure.¡±

    Til seemed surprised but stood up to meet the half-elf¡¯s gaze, grabbing her hand and giving a nod. They led Cyrean back towards the town, both of them bursting into a song they¡¯d sung many times before. It was a ballad told by bards about the legends of the sea. As they arrived in town however, they stopped their shanties, noticing a crowd was gathered around the central tree known as the Elder Root. It was the center of the village but also of the forest that protected the entrance to the Fae Forests. There was a large patch of grass in front of the tree where the communal council that made decisions for Sylvarwood met. Cyrean and Til got to the edge of the crowd and a few of the faeries turned to them.

    Cyrean nudged Til and whispered, ¡°What did ye do tis time?¡±

    Til shrugged, ¡°Ah honestly got no idea.¡±

    One of the faeries floated down to the pair, ¡°Ye might wanna come to te middle.¡±

    The pair gave each other concerned glances but obliged, following the faerie through the crowd. When they got to the center the roughly twenty people all turned to look at the pair. Til was hiding behind the bigger Cyrean as one of the council, a wood-elf named Rohein walked forward. They kneeled down, looking directly at the half-elf much to her surprise.

    With a solemn tone they spoke, ¡°Cyrean it¡¯s been two months since yer mother went out an¡¯¡­ we think it might be a good idea if you go live with your father.¡±

    Cyrean shook her head defiantly, ¡°She¡¯s comin¡¯ back!¡±

    Rohein gently held the girl¡¯s shoulder, ¡°This is hard for us to tell you but.. Most mercenaries who don¡¯t return end up..¡±

    Cyrean felt her eyes start to well up with tears, ¡°NO! She¡¯s comin¡¯ back!¡±

    The man had a pained expression as he sighed, ¡°Ahm sorry little one..¡±

    Cyrean collapsed to her knees as tears began streaming down her face. She¡¯s comin¡¯ back for me¡­ She thought to herself as Til and Rohein hugged her. No matter how much comfort those around her could give their embrace never came anywhere close to the warm sun-like feel of the embrace she remembered.

    ~

    Cyrean sat in the back of a wagon going across the countryside. Rohein kept trying to get her to admire the view, though to her each tree or blade of grass that they passed was just another reminder of how far she was from home. The sun was high above her when the cart stopped. She heard the gentle thuds of Roheins boots as he walked to the back of the cart.

    "If you''d care to join me I''m going to have some lunch."

    She glared in response but her stomach had begun growling at the thought of food. Rohein smiled and sat next to her in the wagon. He pulled out some large yellow fruits from the fey forests, handing one to the small girl. She begrudgingly joined him, biting into the fruit angrily.

    Rohein sighed, "Listen, I know you aren''t happy with this but we can''t have you running around and stealing from others to survive."

    "Ye let Til live like ¡®at." She grumbled.

    "Til don¡¯t ¡®ave anyone ta turn to Cyrean."

    "And wha¡¯a wrong wit¡¯ ¡¯at?!"

    "Ye ¡®ave an opportunity fer somethin¡¯ better than bein¡¯ a street rat and ahm not goin¡¯ te let ye throw ¡®at away."

    She turned away from Rohein.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

    "Children¡¯re so stubborn¡­" he sighed.

    He stood, stretching his back underneath the bright sun when he froze in place. Cyrean glanced over, noticing his elven ears twitching. Before she could ask what was wrong he''d run over, grabbing a spear from the cart.

    "Cyrean hide.¡± he said in a low tone.

    ¡°Wha¡¯s wrong?¡± She asked, standing up.

    ¡°Hide!¡± he said again, prompting her to run further into the cart, hiding behind some crates.

    As she peered out from behind the crates she saw several people walking towards Rohein. They were clad in brown doublets with orange accents and lining and symbols of a skull turning to ash in a fire. There were maybe seven people in the group, several of them standing out in their own strange way. A pair stood a little ahead of the rest. They were the leaders, though compared to many of the group they didn¡¯t stand out much, being humans. One stood rather tall at around six feet in height, though the shorter of the pair seemed to be far more intimidating. They had a sly smirk, as if Rohein was more of an amusement than a threat. In their hands was a strange wood and metal tube. It was far more strange and mechanical than anything Cyrean had seen before, though she could tell from the way the strange individual held it that the object was some form of weapon. On the back of their hip was another contraption that looked similar, though it was much shorter and wider with larger openings on the end. Once they stood roughly thirty feet away from the wood-elf they spoke.

    ¡°Well hey there stranger!¡± they said to Rohein, ¡°You look a lil lost, maybe we can help out.¡±

    Rohein gripped his spear tighter in his hands, ¡°Ahm jus¡¯ fine thank you.¡±

    The group had begun circling closer, ¡°Why¡¯re you so tense? Maybe you should take a load off, leave the spears to us.¡± they spoke in a joking manner, once again treating Rohein as a joke rather than a threat.

    Rohein didn¡¯t respond, focusing on the individuals surrounding him.

    ¡°How ¡®bout you just hand over your cart and we¡¯ll only hurt you a lil bit.¡±

    He stood firm between the intruders and the cart, his gaze and stance unwavering.

    The leader gave a curious look at the cart, ¡°What could be in there that¡¯s so damn important huh?¡± they stepped forward, ¡°Something valuable? Or maybe¡­ someone?¡±

    The moment the woman spoke Rohein lunged forward with his spear, aiming to take out the strange person taunting him. Before he even made it five feet the thief aimed their weapon at him and, with a loud bang Rohein collapsed on the floor. Smoke leaked out of the weapon like the blood leaked from the elve¡¯s body, staining the world around it. Cyrean felt the world slow at that moment. Her heart began to race as his body hit the floor with a wet thud, her ears still ringing from the shot. She gripped the crate in front of her in a mix of fear and anger. She felt a flurry of thoughts fly through her mind of what to do. She wanted to run, to scream, to flee, to fight, to make them pay. As her mind slipped from fear to anger she felt her body charge forward, as if on it¡¯s own. She let out a primal scream as she went for the person who¡¯d attacked Rohein, running out of the cart as fast as her body could move her. They¡¯d moved closer now and as they noticed Cyrean they moved their weapon, instead kicking her in the stomach and knocking the breath out of her lungs. The angry half-elf fell to her knees, coughing for air as she kneeled next to Rohein. She looked at his body and felt her heart hurt as if the attacker had kicked it directly, rather than her stomach. To her surprise she heard Rohein speak.

    ¡°Little one¡­ ahm sorry.¡± he coughed up a spurt of blood as well as dust from the dirt, ¡°Seems ¡®is was futile an¡¯ ah jus¡¯ put ye in danger.¡±

    ¡°Why¡¯re ye talkin¡¯ te me like ¡®at¡± she coughed, ¡°Yer in danger too ye dumbarse.¡±

    He chuckled, coughing up more as he did, ¡°Yer so damn stubborn Cyrean, ye get that from yer father. Humans¡¯re all stubborn arses.¡±

    ¡°Would ye shut up an¡¯ help us get outta ¡®ere?¡±

    The man shook his head, ¡°I¡¯s too late fer me.. But ye can live little one.¡±

    He grabbed her leg and a flash of blinding green light surrounded them. As Rohein died on the ground he put all of his energy into casting one last spell in an attempt to save Cyrean. She screamed out in pain as she felt a pain shoot through her leg as a thorny vine embedded itself into her like a tattoo. It began spreading across her body, as she felt a rage come over her, numbing the pain and fully replacing it with a pure, primal, and unbridled rage. Rohein died there, his body fading away in a cloud of a magical sparkle that resembled the sparkles that fell from pixie and faeries when they flew. The crew seemed terrified of the magical display of what was happening, only the two closest seemed in awe, rather than scared. Before Cyrean could truly comprehend what was happening she felt the wooden end of the leader¡¯s weapon against the back of her head.

    ~

    Cyrean had no idea how much time passed before she saw the sun again, the first instance of this being when she was sold to the Mainka. After they took her the first thing they did was hang her by chains to the wall, leaving her there for what felt like days before someone finally came in. They gave her a shortsword and pushed her into an underground arena with walls that towered over the girl. She never could remember her first fight besides the feeling of the blinding berserker anger washing over her, with nobody to stop it this time. She remembered the feeling after the fight, the feeling of the first time she¡¯d killed anyone. The heat coming from her own adrenaline-filled blood, mixing with the heat of the blood covering her like rain. Part of her felt horrified, tuning out all of the noise of the cheering crowd as she stared at her reflection in the crimson puddle. She expected to feel sad, or scared, or any form of regret, but when Cyrean stared at her reflection, only anger stared back.

    After the past however long it¡¯d been, she was actually fine with the anger she felt. Ah just wanted to stay home. Rohein¡¯s dead. T¡¯e arses who put me ¡®ere are probably gone, an¡¯ t¡¯e gods themselves seem t¡¯e be anjoyin¡¯ ma sufferin¡¯. Someone needs ta pay an¡¯ it might as well be one¡¯o these bastards. After her fight they took her to an area with other fighters. She stared off into space with a scowl as the cleaned her and brought her to a human dressed in elegant dark blue robes with a symbol of a winged owlbear. He was her new owner, a man named Talas. His room was a high room, almost like a study that was placed above the arena. He was sitting at a desk, counting some coins as she entered. There was nowhere for the woman to sit as she looked around at the mostly empty room. The only objects of note in the room where the desk, a box of alcohol, and a fireplace with what appeared to be a poker sticking out.

    ¡°That was quite the display little one.¡±

    She scowled at the man, ¡°Who in t¡¯e hell¡¯re you s¡¯posed ta be?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m Talas, and you¡¯ve got quite a tongue on you.¡± he laughed, ¡°Wood-elf right?¡±

    ¡°Half.¡±

    He walked around Cyrean, inspecting her, ¡°I see.. Well half-breed, you put on quite a grizzly show tonight. I¡¯m glad to see my investment was not wasted.¡±

    ¡°Yer what?¡±

    ¡°You my dear. My investment in making a new champion.¡± he sat down at a fancy chair, grabbing a glass of alcohol.

    ¡°What if ah just kill ye right now. Yer fancy human talk is pissin me off.¡±

    ¡°Because without me you¡¯ll never get out of here.¡±

    She raised an eyebrow, still glaring as she spoke, ¡°Ahm listenin¡¯¡±

    The man stood, ¡°You see this place, this arena is a great opportunity for me to make back all the coin I spend on pathetic creatures like you and more.¡±

    ¡°Who in t¡¯e fuck are ye callin¡¯ pathetic?¡±

    ¡°Freeze.¡± the man waved his hand, casting a light over Cyrean.

    As the spell hit her she found herself unable to move, ¡°What is ¡®is?¡±

    ¡°You seem to be under some impression that you have any form of power in this room. This room is, in fact, where I purge such thoughts.. And where we let everyone know where everyone stands.¡±

    He grabbed the poker from the fireplace, revealing a brand of the same symbol that adorned the man¡¯s robes. With a sinister smile he gently moved the scorching object in front of her, close enough for Cyrean to feel the heat of the object.

    ¡°Now the question, young Grizzly, is where should I place this mark?¡±

    Her body would¡¯ve been shaking if she could move, ¡°Ahm sorry..¡±

    He smirked, ¡°Look at that, the bear can be tamed. Come now pick a spot.¡±

    She felt the heat near her face, her mind racing.

    ¡°We could try here if you don¡¯t answer fast enough.¡±

    She let out a panicked plea, ¡°A-anywhere else in mind?¡±

    ¡°Oh I¡¯m not sure, I¡¯m leaning towards the cheek. It does have to be somewhere visible.¡±

    As he brought the brand closer she struggled to form any thought besides panic. She tried to think of anywhere that would hurt less. She glanced at the brand right before it touched her and with a last-second thought she stuttered out, ¡°Wh-what about ma hand?!¡±

    Talas stopped, a look of surprise coming over his face, ¡°Your hand?¡±

    ¡°Mhmm. Is ¡®at visible enough?¡±

    ¡°Visible¡­ and unique.¡± his grin widened with sadistic glee as he grabbed Cyrean¡¯s arm, slamming the brand down into the back of her right hand.

    ~

    Even after many years the pain of the brand never quite went away. She¡¯d been given several more scars from Talas¡¯ daggers but none of them hurt anywhere near as bad as that day. He called it conditioning for whenever she would talk back or try to run. She¡¯d just finished another fight and sat down in the waiting area under the arena, pulling bits of fur and brains out of her long hair. She sat down next to a strange human woman named Veronica. They were rather eccentric, always giving themselves or others tattoos based on victories or simply stories that they liked. Veronica¡¯s tattoos weaved a tale of the stories of others, including Cyrean. Despite how often she gave others tattoos, Veronica was blind and had been for many years. The slavers didn¡¯t let her fight anymore, but she was still owned by Talas and was kept around mostly to take care of the other warriors. Cyrean liked hearing Veronica tell her stories. She had a strange alluring accent and, always retold each tale in a different way every time, making even old tales stay captivating.

    Veronica didn¡¯t even turn her head from the man she was tattooing as Cyrean sat down, ¡°Why ¡®ello there miss. ¡®Nother good day today?¡±

    ¡°¡®Bout as good as any.¡±

    Brent, the man she was tattooing held up his fist, ¡°Hey there Grizzly.¡±

    She pressed her worn knuckles against his, ¡°¡®ey Wolf. More Everfrostian ink?¡±

    He nodded, ¡°Veronica¡¯s one o¡¯ the only ones who can do it.¡±

    Cyrean stared at the incredibly intricate knots of the Everfrostian art as Veronica worked, ¡°Seriously V, how do ya do ¡®at?¡±

    She smiled at the berserker, ¡°I see not with the eyes of my flesh is all.¡±

    Brent and Cyrean gave each other confused looks.

    She shook her head, ¡°There is far more to seeing than sight alone.¡±

    Cyrean flung a piece of fur out of her hair and shrugged, ¡°If ye say so.¡±

    Veronica finished tattooing a wolf on the left side of Brent¡¯s chest, ¡°There ya go deary.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re the best V.¡±

    ¡°Wolf, flattery is the way to many a woman¡¯s heart, but here is not the place.¡±

    The man gave a bashful smile, ¡°I mean it.¡±

    Veronica chuckled, ¡°I am messing with you. Besides we both know you like your women with a little more..¡± as she paused she gestured to Cyrean, ¡°Muscle.¡±

    Brent snorted, ¡°¡®At may be true V but I think she might not be interested.¡±

    ¡°Ah¡¯d sooner remove both yer heads from yer arses than bone anyone in ¡®is shithole.¡±

    Veronica sighed, ¡°You both got no sense o¡¯ humor.¡±

    ¡°Y¡¯know V speakin o¡¯ bonin¡¯ ah gotcha somethin¡¯¡±

    The woman perked up, ¡°Oh? Ye got another of ¡®em for me huh?¡±

    Cyrean nodded, handing her a skull from inside of her hair, ¡°¡®Ey really think undead¡¯re a challenge.¡±

    Veronica¡¯s face lit up as she grasped the skull, whispering to it happily.

    Brent sat down next to her, leaning in close with Cyrean, ¡°Ya see anything?¡±

    Veronica¡¯s eyes began to glow with a green hue. She leaned close, inhaling a matching green mist from the mouth of the skull. She dropped it at the group¡¯s feet, her head rolling back as she let the glow bask over her.

    ¡°I see¡­ some woman. Nothing of interest.¡±

    Brent leaned back against the wall, ¡°Damn. Was hoping for a future glimpse.¡±

    Cyrean sighed sadly, ¡°Sorry it weren¡¯t more interestin¡¯ V.¡±

    She shrugged, her eyes returning to their normal milky hue, ¡°It¡¯s alright. I appreciate you bringing it down for me little Grizzly.¡±

    ¡°Eh it¡¯s nothin¡¯ really. Makes life more interestin¡¯.¡±

    ¡°Speaking of interesting..¡± Brent gestured to some Mainka members walking over.

    ¡°The fuck do ¡®ey want now?¡±

    The men walked up to the trio, grabbing Cyrean by her arms.

    ¡°What in ¡®e fuck do ye want now?¡±

    ¡°Shut up.¡± one coldly replied as they dragged her off.

    The group threw her into Talas¡¯ office, the fireplace lit like normal. Talas himself was sitting behind his desk, writing on some papers that Cyrean couldn¡¯t read. He ignored her for a short while as he finished writing, forcing her to simply stand awkwardly. He shuffled the papers so they were sitting together in a neat stack on the corner of his desk. She shifted uncomfortably as Talas stood up, walking over to his crate of alcohol, pulling himself out a glass and pouring it.

    It wasn¡¯t until he sat back down and began drinking that he spoke, ¡°Hello Grizzly.¡±

    She nodded a greeting to the slaver.

    ¡°You may speak.¡±

    She hesitated, not speaking until it was clear that he was waiting for her, ¡°Why¡¯ve ye called me up ¡®ere?¡±

    ¡°Straight to the point as always. I¡¯ve called you here because you¡¯ve been doing very well in the arena and I believe you are owed a congratulations.¡±

    She was genuinely taken aback by the praise, ¡°Ah uhm¡­ why t¡¯e kindness?¡±

    He laughed, ¡°This is not a trick. You¡¯ve made me an awful lot of coin.¡±

    She looked down at the floor, hiding her anger.

    ¡°You¡¯ve been doing so well that we¡¯re going to move you.¡±

    ¡°Ta where?¡±

    He sipped his alcohol before he spoke, ¡°A friend of mine has set up a location similar to this and needs workers desperately. They offered quite a bit for you Ms Grizzly.¡±

    The thought of dealing with Talas, let alone another slaver, pissed Cyrean off even more.

    ¡°Simply put you are going to keep up your cordial behavior to them and do as you¡¯re told.¡±

    She was gritting her teeth as he spoke.

    ¡°Grizzly.¡± he said, walking closer as he pulled out one of his daggers, ¡°Do you understand.¡±

    She gave an angry nod.

    ¡°Good. Now get her the fuck out of my sight.¡±

    The other mainka members dragged her away, throwing her into a cage. They didn¡¯t permit her to say goodbye to Brent or Veronica before dragging her cage into the back of a cart and taking her out of the arena. She saw the outside for the first time in a decade, though she only saw it for a few minutes before they threw a cloth of some form over the cage so she couldn¡¯t tell where they were going. Fortunately, she never made it to her new owner, her cart getting ambushed somewhere near Rithnar.