In The Land of Twilight
Things seem to have a way of happening so quickly in my life. One moment all is calm and restful, and the next I find myself preparing for battle, or often in actual combat. Why does trouble seem to follow me wherever I go? Am I such an important figure that my existence is denied any semblance long term peace?
Well, I suppose I would get bored if it did anyway.
I'm sitting outside of camp, but I suppose I should start back at the beginning. Five days ago Kelorai contacted me telepathically to inquire if I sensed a fire. I did, of course. I am too connected to Eden not to anymore. He got there first to investigate, yet when he got there there was no fire, despite his senses going crazy. I trust Kelorai's senses implicitly, and even if I didn't I also felt that sensation. He suspected a trap, as did I, and he made it rain across Eden to protect the rest of the land from further possible fires.
That's when he disappeared.
I tried to track his position, but it was as if he had vanished from the face of this Earth. So I went to his last known location in that strange grove, my senses equally on fire. I looked around for several minutes before finally realizing that the place was in temporal flux. A simple twist of the timelines revealed a strange gate, all that lay beyond it dead and lifeless. Naturally I had to follow the drag trails that I found.
The whole world here seems to be dead. That anything can survive here is beyond me. Of course I have learned in my time that Life finds a way regardless of the circumstances. Still, the ash gray land and dead sky makes for a disconcerting visit. I feel this realm bet dubbed Twilight, being given no other name to call it by as yet
I was able to contact Kelorai briefly as I followed his trail, only to be intercepted by a wolf-like creature. He tackled me to the ground, his lively presence startling in the land of so much death. He snarled and snapped initially before asking who I was. I think that I must be hearing his mind, unless of course others like myself have come to this realm before. I cannot be sure, and it is not wise to ask too many questions in a strange land of a stranger.
I introduced myself, seeing no harm in giving him my Elven name and he introduced himself as Kulo Maer, a warrior for the kingdom of Mukolos. He made comment on how we Elves were replicated, which led me to believe he had seen Kelorai, or taken him himself. He wanted to know how I had gotten to their "sacred realm" and I told him. It turned out that the so-called King of this realm had taken Kelorai captive for reasons unknown and that he was part of a group of Freedom Fighters.
Why is it I always end up on the rebellious side, anyway?
I offered to shift into a wolf myself to make travel with him easier, seeing as it seemed he had information I needed. He was surprised by my ability. Apparently magic is something they do not know how to use, whereas the King has forces that can. Kulo expressed a certain hopelessness regarding their ability to stand up to the might of this King men and magic. I offered to teach him, if he wished, and he seemed to accept it with a certain amount of thought. I have a growing respect for his intelligence. Surely he is more than a foot soldier, to speak so wisely?
As we traveled he told me how that his tribe leader did not trust outsiders. Understanding under the situation. I would have to undergo a series of tests and be cleansed by their Shaman. What the Shaman is cleansing me of I cannot be sure of, but if it gets me closer to finding Kelorai then I will undergo it willingly. Kulo seemed uncertain regarding my ability to fight as well, for it seems that all members of his tribe must also undergo the test of the Warrior. I was not required to win, but I had to display ability to protect the tribe and the young. I expressed my confidence in being able to perform adequately, of course. I've been fighting all my life.
As we continued to run he asked if the male Elf was my mate. It was an awkward question that I answered as truthfully as I could, for we are indeed very close friends. The forest turned into plains as we talked, and we ran faster in the open space. It seemed a long while later that the fields were abruptly truncated by a wall of wood. It was only about two feet high, but it served as a boundary. There were others like Kulo guarding the gate wielding polearms, and I was subjected to search and inspection by them after a few moments of conference between Kulo and the guards I was beckoned forward.
They deemed me safe as I talked with Kulo, asking him what he had told them. It seemed he had merely relayed the information I had told him. Safe enough I suppose. We entered the city so I could be examined by the Shaman. The Shaman had few words for me, but in the end deemed me safe, if strange.
Since then I feel as though I have been in limbo, waiting for further information regarding Kelorai or the state of this strange kingdom. While I am a patient person and I know Kelorai is strong I still worry and feel slightly trapped by this lack of information. I should go seek Kulo out and find out what he knows. If they do not act soon I may be forced to take measures on my own. I grow frustrated, having heard nothing since that first day from Kelorai.
Yes, I shall seek Kulo out. We shall see what decision that encounter brings...
Well, I suppose I would get bored if it did anyway.
I'm sitting outside of camp, but I suppose I should start back at the beginning. Five days ago Kelorai contacted me telepathically to inquire if I sensed a fire. I did, of course. I am too connected to Eden not to anymore. He got there first to investigate, yet when he got there there was no fire, despite his senses going crazy. I trust Kelorai's senses implicitly, and even if I didn't I also felt that sensation. He suspected a trap, as did I, and he made it rain across Eden to protect the rest of the land from further possible fires.
That's when he disappeared.
I tried to track his position, but it was as if he had vanished from the face of this Earth. So I went to his last known location in that strange grove, my senses equally on fire. I looked around for several minutes before finally realizing that the place was in temporal flux. A simple twist of the timelines revealed a strange gate, all that lay beyond it dead and lifeless. Naturally I had to follow the drag trails that I found.
The whole world here seems to be dead. That anything can survive here is beyond me. Of course I have learned in my time that Life finds a way regardless of the circumstances. Still, the ash gray land and dead sky makes for a disconcerting visit. I feel this realm bet dubbed Twilight, being given no other name to call it by as yet
I was able to contact Kelorai briefly as I followed his trail, only to be intercepted by a wolf-like creature. He tackled me to the ground, his lively presence startling in the land of so much death. He snarled and snapped initially before asking who I was. I think that I must be hearing his mind, unless of course others like myself have come to this realm before. I cannot be sure, and it is not wise to ask too many questions in a strange land of a stranger.
I introduced myself, seeing no harm in giving him my Elven name and he introduced himself as Kulo Maer, a warrior for the kingdom of Mukolos. He made comment on how we Elves were replicated, which led me to believe he had seen Kelorai, or taken him himself. He wanted to know how I had gotten to their "sacred realm" and I told him. It turned out that the so-called King of this realm had taken Kelorai captive for reasons unknown and that he was part of a group of Freedom Fighters.
Why is it I always end up on the rebellious side, anyway?
I offered to shift into a wolf myself to make travel with him easier, seeing as it seemed he had information I needed. He was surprised by my ability. Apparently magic is something they do not know how to use, whereas the King has forces that can. Kulo expressed a certain hopelessness regarding their ability to stand up to the might of this King men and magic. I offered to teach him, if he wished, and he seemed to accept it with a certain amount of thought. I have a growing respect for his intelligence. Surely he is more than a foot soldier, to speak so wisely?
As we traveled he told me how that his tribe leader did not trust outsiders. Understanding under the situation. I would have to undergo a series of tests and be cleansed by their Shaman. What the Shaman is cleansing me of I cannot be sure of, but if it gets me closer to finding Kelorai then I will undergo it willingly. Kulo seemed uncertain regarding my ability to fight as well, for it seems that all members of his tribe must also undergo the test of the Warrior. I was not required to win, but I had to display ability to protect the tribe and the young. I expressed my confidence in being able to perform adequately, of course. I've been fighting all my life.
As we continued to run he asked if the male Elf was my mate. It was an awkward question that I answered as truthfully as I could, for we are indeed very close friends. The forest turned into plains as we talked, and we ran faster in the open space. It seemed a long while later that the fields were abruptly truncated by a wall of wood. It was only about two feet high, but it served as a boundary. There were others like Kulo guarding the gate wielding polearms, and I was subjected to search and inspection by them after a few moments of conference between Kulo and the guards I was beckoned forward.
They deemed me safe as I talked with Kulo, asking him what he had told them. It seemed he had merely relayed the information I had told him. Safe enough I suppose. We entered the city so I could be examined by the Shaman. The Shaman had few words for me, but in the end deemed me safe, if strange.
Since then I feel as though I have been in limbo, waiting for further information regarding Kelorai or the state of this strange kingdom. While I am a patient person and I know Kelorai is strong I still worry and feel slightly trapped by this lack of information. I should go seek Kulo out and find out what he knows. If they do not act soon I may be forced to take measures on my own. I grow frustrated, having heard nothing since that first day from Kelorai.
Yes, I shall seek Kulo out. We shall see what decision that encounter brings...