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What happens when a priest loses faith when I fighter loses her spirit, when an elf loses her home or a mage her magic. Not sure really but we may soon find out.
What happens when the outcasts of people join together?

The grand arcane city of Pylon is known throughout the land for the majesty of the city that hangs above the land. Pylon is known for its scholars but most notable are its priests light bearers indifferent beings above all in the land second only to the gods themselves. Priests of Pylon are scholars in their own rights and bearers of the gift of light, able to cure or heal some of the most grievous of wounds. Some legends even say that those closest to the light can even impart the gift of life to the fallen. There are also those who would wish to attain the title of high elf priest, a title granted to only the most devote and resolute priest displaying knowledge and immaculate breeding.
Down these halls moves a tall priest with the knowledge of ages in his head and the calm of experience on his face, his feature young but with marks of age not unusual for those with dedication and purpose but Findecano Tulcakelume 102 years old the youngest of the high elf priesthood, or was until a certain incident cost him his title and lineage. It had been an unexpected encounter, a high elf and a human.
Tulcakelume having attained the title of priest was to do a final test, nothing difficult but a test of moral is never easy. Tulcakelume had made it this far at an early age by elf standard which is cause for suspicion in any order. His past that should be filled with light for on who walks in the light. For Tulcakelume his path was riddle with shadows in conclusive was he really a priest a bearer of light or a dark aura. This test which could be achieved by various means would answer or at least give the elders proof to dismiss him.

Humans such filthy insignificant creatures playing at being civilized in the eyes of the high elves. Loraaga Tarmikos was the perfect example of this a woman born without feminity. Raised by the streets she was poacher and fighter, how she made her living. Since long ago she learned that stealing can only get so far and as she lacked the finesse for theft she learned her fists could gather wallets faster in the arena as well as whatever she could catch for the fights. The meeting of these two opposites would change their lives forever. Loraaga not the largest of humans stood at 5.9 and with not a touch of excess skin. She wore her armor with easy though light armor by design it was still metal, an assortment of guard arm legs back and breast plates and gauntlets.
In the forest of Shinta lost and angry Loraaga cursed herself and the gods and all the stars in the sky that allowed her to wonder into the forest of the high elves. The elves were not evil but they did hold themselves above all other races of the land especially that of the foolish short lived humans. Loraaga would rather stay lost in the forest than ask for help well until she gets hungry. Loraaga had wondered into the forest tracking a very rare and very expensive stag that lived in the forest but this particular one had wondered out of the forest. Following the stag she had entered the forest.

Above in the trees amongst the shadow of leaves moved a dark skinned green hooded figure small and nimble the dark elven halfing moved watching as a particularly loud human curse everything that was and is. The elven halfing with long white hair perched on a tree her heavy robe making her look larger than she really was but blending with the leaves of the tree. Dark elves unlike the arcane High Elves were more earth bound geomancers having lived more in the forest than cities of the arcane created and ruled by the high elves, dark elves live in the forest under the watch of trees thousands of years old. They live in peace with nature venturing no further than the trees of their enchanted forests. This grove that spanned miles in with direction was known as Shinta.

On the outskirts of Shinta there is the Ferradas academy for magic all races are welcome though the main students are human and one or two elves. In this school there is a promising mage, wise in the doctrines of the arcane. Moving swiftly through the library of the Ferradas a woman moves from shelf to shelf returning taking books. Her short green hair moving between the aisles, in garb of a sage she searches for books on magic enhancement. She is Cyable Ceres and she has a problem she has lost her magic in what she hopes is an experiment gone wrong. A week ago after an explosion from a spell misread Cyable has lost her magic the only thing keeping her in the academy, without magic she would be forced to leave the academy if anyone finds out. What she searches for is the location of a certain herb that grows in the forest of Shinta.

In the hall of the high elf priesthood Tulcakelume stands before the leaders of the order.
High Priest of the East “ Tulcakelume you have been stripped of your title and have yet to offer any form of explanation as to how this incident happened. “
Many things happen High Priest said Tulcakelume
That does not answer the question, I grow tired of these games you seem to enjoy you have lost your title and will carry out a task of the councils choosing to decide if you are worthy of having it returned.” said the Priest.
High Priest of the North “You have seen that these humans have made great strides in their quest for power , they cannot be trusted anymore we have guided them for centuries as is expected of those of higher standing”
‘Indeed you have guided them to that which is need to topple us’ whispered Tulcakelume
‘What was that’ asked the High Priest of the South. “We maybe old but these ears are a blessing of the goddess”
“My apologies” said Tulcakelume “but I do not see why we must cater to the watching over of these humans we have no need for them even if it is because of the concern with the dark elves, they have their forest and we our cities, the humans have their kingdoms which constantly fight consuming one another and breaking apart over the centuries.”
“Indeed” said the high priest of the East “As light bearer you must be able to aid those lower than you Tulcakelume, you have treated these as foreign something that”
“Foreign? I was there when we quelled the human wars I was there when we fought the Dark Elves back to their forests”
“You also burned a large portion of the forest” said the High Priest of the West.
“That was an accident I was young” retorted Tulcakelume
“But you did not try to stop the flames either” said the high Priest of the North
“We were fighting them” Tulcakelume said
“They were beaten and retreating” thought the high priest of the West. “Enough of this it is in the past you were of great help if not debatable methods. North tell the young elfling his task”
“Who are you calling elfling” shot Tulcakelume
“This is exactly it that temper and rebellious nature, you lack control and such your task shall be this we shall send you out into the world anywhere and we mean anywhere.” Said the High priest of the North
“What is that supposed to teach me?”
As Tulcakelume said those words the room was filled with light, stunned Tulcakelume shielded his eyes a wind from where he knew not came. His white robes blowing against him could not help him tell the direction of the wind. Just as suddenly as it started it ended.
“Always playing around those old hats” thought Tulcakelume. “Where am I?”
“What the hell was that!?”
Turning towards where the shout came from Tulcakelume there sat and angry Loraaga, less sat more bowled over.
“I hunt that thing for three day and when I finally get the chance to catch it you show up with your light and wind and now it’s gone!” shouted Loraaga
“What seems to be the problem human” said Tulcakelume icily “I have no time for your short lived troubles, where am I”
“You uppity elf you live long so you will remember this for the rest of your life” shouted Loraaga as she lunged at the priest.
Stepping back Tulcakelume evade the attack effortlessly
“Do not touch me you filthy little brute”
“Filthy I admit I have been in this forest for a few days but, wait why am I explaining to you I gonna pound you.”
In the trees above watching intently slowly moving closer bow at ready, Sivir watched the exchange of human and high elf. Destroyer of the forest and the simple humans both were a problem to deal with. Humans were simple creatures with their tinkering and struggle to live. Still they are not to be underestimated they can use magics and are adept fighters of many weapons. High elves are always at odds with the dark elves, high elves with powerful arcane magics have always been a threat to the balance of nature that the dark elves thrive in.
Wait and see was always the dark elf nature, so Sivir moved through the trees closer, keeping her bow at a constant ready slowly through the trees.
Further out in the forest after a few moments upon entering the forest now hopelessly lost Cyable wondered around tired after using magic for carry things in her robes for so long she now realized how heavy all the vials she carried really were, the thick robes themselves did not make anything any better, she was hot and frustrated at being lost. Worse she had told no one where she was going and would not be noticed missing for a day or two long enough for things to get much worse. Deep in her thoughts she had not noticed the shadow following her. From the darkness it lunged a beast a bear maybe it was large enough 8ft the sound of the beast startled Cyable she looked in time to see the beast lung towards her, she lunged out of the way and reached under her robes for a vile.
Tulcakelume moved left and right as if dancing dodging the punches of Loraaga.
“Do you not grow tired of this pointless aggression” asked Tulcakelume
“Then stop moving and let me hit you” retorted Loraaga
“Would it not be better for you to draw your weapon” asked Tulcakelume
“Attack an unarmed opponent I might not be a knight but I have some pride, sides I don’t need no weapon to stop you”
Sigh “she is an interesting being if she were not human she would be an honorable addition to the guard’ thought Tulcakelume
The explosion that echoed through the trees knocked Loraaga flying into the arms of Tulcakelume, Sivir above also lost her footing and came falling to the ground caught by a vine her head inches from the ground.
Cyable would have thought this was a strange sight to see human in the arms of a high elf and a dark elf hanging upside down in front of them, had she not been running from the strange beast that had survived the explosion from the vile she had thrown at it. Before anyone could form the words to say the shadow of the beast landed in front of Cyable, a loud growl and a lunge as the beast was about to make contact with Cyable it was stopped short by the fist of the fighter. As those fist would have worked on a human or an elf but this beast was not so easily toppled moved but for the most part uninjured. With a sweep of its large limbs Loraaga was sent rolling back stopping at the feet of Tulcakelume. Tulcakelume glowing was prepared to dispatch the beast.
Suddenly the trees limbs entangled the beast vines restraining its limbs roots wrapping around its legs and torso. Cyable collapsed to her knees and breathed a sigh of relief
…thank the goddess” she whispered.
“What the hell is a Hellvan war bear doing in the forest” asked Loraaga as she got to her feet
The question is what were you thinking attacking it with bare hands, how is it that you humans are not extinct I will never know” said Tulcakelume “well dark one aren’t you going to come down we already know you are there the natural magic was your doing was it not. I find it hard to believe that your kind would help another race.”
“I did not do it to save you I did It to save the bear from you, destroyer” whispered Sivir from the shadow of leaves near the base of the tree she had fallen from.
“Cloak of nature magic is it not very good but impressive she can use it.” Thought Tulcakelume
Tulcakelume steadied Loraaga who was still slightly shaken from the blow from the beast.
“T thank you” she mumbled embarrassed at receiving help from her opponent.
“Thank you all for!” stumbling over still not quite composed after having run in her already tired state as she tumbled she righted herself.
“Thank you for saving me” she said
“Thank the human and the darkling over there for saving you!” said holding Loraaga and motioning to the dark elf hiding in the leaves.
Sivir was never good with other even her own kind she felt most peaceful with the trees of ancient and the creatures of the forest, being thanked by someone was unusual for her much less a human. She felt unease which was only intensified when the human dropped her robes revealing an ample chest and smooth curved figure in a dress that hugged to the body tightly accentuating her curves that could not be seen under the thick robes of a sage.
“I can breathe again” said as she stepped out of the pile of heavy robes at her feet.
“Why do you wear those robes if you have no magic?” asked Tulcakelume
“How did you know I did not have magic!?” asked a clearly shocked Cyable
“If you had magic those robes would be as comfortable as you desire and as light” said Tulcakelume
“Yes…I have lost my magic, I was in the forest searching for a special herb to help me get back my magic” said Cyable almost in a whisper.
“Before we go any further I think we should do something about this bear” said Tulcakelume a glow to his hand as he stepped from Loraaga towards the bear.
Sivir had been captivated by the human since she had removed her robes, her kind were not so …well-endowed the human she saw before her was beautiful she skin light and smooth her short green hair, the sweat glistening off her skin making her seem so angelic. Sivir had to force the goddess from her mind
“Stop Destroyer!!” shouted Sivir coming from behind her cover of leaves bow drawn and trained on the high elf.
“I will not allow a high elf to spill more blood in the forest!” said Sivir as she looked up at the high elf, she could not shake the thought that they were only called high elves because they were so tall.
The glowing of Tulcakelume’s hand grew brighter “a darkling points a weapon at me well that cannot be allowed.”
Loraaga behind Tulcakelume could only see there was a glowing in front of the high elf, knowing nothing of magic she moved closer to see, a slight limp in her step.
Cyable ran in between the two elves
“Wait wait!! There is no reason for violence between one another over a bear that is of no threat to us”
“This is not about the bear anymore this is about a darkling threatening a high elf priest” said Tulcakelume
Cyable moved closer to Sivir “what would the council of high elves say about a high elf threatening a human.”
Loraaga bumped into Tulcakelume who placed a glowing hand on her
“Who is threatening “
There was a flash Loraaga closed her eyes, Cyable jumped onto Sivir shielding her from the light. As suddenly as the light appeared it vanished.
What the hell was that!” Loraaga shouted
“How is your leg?”
“My wha hey it feels great” said Loraaga
“Good well now that we are all happy I am Findecano Tulcakelume of the High Elf Priesthood who are all of you”
“Loraaga, Loraaga Tarmikos”
“I am Cyable Ceres of the Ferradas magical academy”
“And what of you darkling you could pry yourself from the human to tell us your name” asked Tulcakelume.
To Cyable’s embarrassment she had the small dark elf buried in her ample chest, she released the elf
“I am so sorry are you alright” asked Cyable
“I I am fine” stuttered the elf
Dark as her skin was she could not hide her blushing face, drawing her green hood over her face
“I am Sivir of the Forest”
“Of the forest?” wondered Loraaga
“Yes of the forest hum...Loraaga, darklings take their names from the forests that they live in” said Tulcakelume
“Now that we are all acquainted what shall be done about the bear” asked Loraaga
“Indeed it is a powerful beast to survive that blast and keep going” said Cyable
That was you but I thought Tul said you couldn’t use magic” said Loraaga rubbing her leg still surprised it felt so normal
Cyable walked over to her robes and picked them up she pulled out one of the vials similar to the one she had earlier.
These are magic crystalized I would not venture into the forest completely unarmed”
“So you carry around bombs with you?” asked Loraaga
“They are perfectly safe these vials are very strong see” Cyable holds up a clearly cracked vial
Loraaga backed away “I see”
Clearing his throat “the bear” Tulcakelume muttered
“Leave the bear it means no harm it was only just escaped from a warband and was cautious it means us no harm” said Sivir
“It just tried to eat Cyable” countered Loraaga
“It only intended to scare her it had not expected her to try to blow it up so it though she was from the warband and might have been sent to capture it.”
“Will it try to eat me again if we free it” asked Cyable
“You intend to free this beast again?” asked Tulcakelume with a look of something less than frustration maybe curiosity
These humans really are a strange race to release that which only moments ago tried to kill them, this is nothing like the descriptions of humans behavior or the ones I met thirty years ago have they changed so much in that blink of an eye. Thought Tulcakelume
“It will not attack us” said Sivir
Cyable took a step towards the bear
“I think we should let it go it only attacked because I tried to kill it”
“It attacked you” said Loraaga
“I shall have the forest release it” said Sivir
At her words the roots and vines binding the war bear receded back to the forest floor and trees, as the magic was dispelled Tulcakelume watched carefully, Loraaga also took a defensive stance.
Upon being released the bear pounced on Cyable wrapping the unsuspecting mage into a bear hug Loraaga charged straight out from behind Tulcakelume but was stopped by one of the elf’s hands
“What are you doing it’s gonna kill er!!”
“It’s alright look” said Tulcakelum
Looking ahead she saw the mage still in the bears grasp but laughing as the large beast licked her and rubbed its head against her face.
“Calm down” giggled Cyable as the fur tickled her thighs arms and midriff.
“It will stay wishes to help you and...” Sivir blushed “will you be his mate”
“I am happy to accept its help but we barely know each other to be intimate”
“This one is might be some kinda freak” thought Tulcakelume and Loraaga
Sivir was blushing even brighter.
“Well now that that’s over I will be on my way.” Said Tulcakelume
“Wait a minute you we still have a score to settle” said Loraaga
“Really? I thought it was already settle since this incident saved you “said Tulcakelume still walking away
Loraaga raced towards Tulcakelume as soon as she was able to touch him he turned around and placed a glowing hand on her head. Loraaga collapsed to her knees
“What are you doing to her” yelled Cyable
The bear and Sivir taking defensive positions in front of the scantily clad mage.
“Nothing just settling a score from what I understand when you defeat a human you enslave them as servants in exchange for not killing them” said Tulcakelume almost absentmindedly
“I have no idea where you learned that but that is wrong even warriors choose death over slavery” said Loraaga standing up
“Sit” said Tulcakelume
Loraaga sat
“Still works”
“Stop that” Loraaga yelled “I am not your slave you never beat me”
“Me having my hand on your head is enough to warrant a defeat, now be silent”
“This is why high elves cannot be trusted “said Sivir readying an arrow
“Wait Sivir you too bear”
“He says his name is Uther”
“Oh Uther, Sivir stop I don’t want any fighting” said Cyable
Uther moved back closer to Cyable and Sivir lowered her bow slowly
“There is no reason to enslave anyone her Tulcakelume.”
“I don’t think you have the right to say that I do not know what magic you used to control the darkling and the beast, but you are no different from me. Said Tulcakelume
“What are you talking about?” said Cyable a confused look on her face
“The bear is intelligent or so it would appears, and if what the darkling said is true it wishes to serve you for saving it, but the darkling follows your command as well and for a while now has looked to be having some illness” said Tulcakelume
Cyable looked at Sivir who was looking confused, but as soon as she met eyes with Cyable her dark skin turned red once more and quickly looked away
Cyable went over to Sivir and placed a hand on the elf’s forehead
“You are sick you have a fever we must get back to the academy “
“I I I am fine” whispered Sivir
“Nonsense we will go to the academy all of us”
Shrugging Tulcakelume agreed
“Now how do we get out of this forest?” asked Cyable

“…….”

Back at Ferradas academy in one of the rooms made large through a spell of space provided by the academy the 5 now sat, Cyable had brought tea and biscuits she had baked earlier. Aside from magic Cyable enjoyed the magic of baking. Now gathered the group was to explain what led them all to this point.
“thank you again Sivir for guiding us back even though it was to take care of you I had you lead us back.”
“It was no trouble dame Cyable” said Sivir looking down to avoid the young mages eyes
“Since we are all here I have something for you Uther I made it a while back when I was trying to learn the languages of the east” Cyable came out with a small capsule. Uther tilted his large head
“This is a language capsule swallow it and give me a kiss”
Sivir choked on one of the cookies she had been eating, she drained her tea in one gulp to clear her throat forgetting that it was hot and choking once more.
Cyable brought Sivir some water and patted the elf gently on the back when she had calmed down she continued
“The capsule is made that an oral exchange allows the taker of the pill to learn the language of the subject.”
“So that is why a kiss” said Tulcakelume nodding his head
“Loraaga seems to have understood this she was not surprised at all.” Said Cyable to Loraaga who had been silent the from the forest
“Oh that is my fault, you may speak” said Tulcaklume

“Finally you pompous pointy eared excuse for bi”
“Be silence” said Tulcakelume cutting of Loraaga who was once again rendered speechless
“You still have her under that spell” said Cyable
“Yes its actually quite permanent as long as she and I are alive she will be under my control”
Loraaga made a wordless shout, a mix of fear anger and confusion on her face.
“Why so surprised it’s not like you live that long to regret fifty to eighty years and its over”
“That is quite cruel of you we have such short lives in your eyes and you would rob her freedom in that brief time” said Cyable
“Fine I shall undo the commands I have given and as long as she behaves I will not use any commands on her, though I must say I am interested to see how strong my control on her is” a glimmer in his eye
Loraaga felt a chill run down her spine, what is the elf going to do to me she wondered
“Do as you wish” said Tulcakelume
“Ah...I can speak now” said Loraaga a slight hesitation in her voice
“Yes for now, back to the topic at hand this medicine does it work” asked Tulcakelume
“Betri en buist, not only did I learn the language but it is permanent as well”
“I see impressive” said Loraaga “but why a kiss?”
“Moving on” said Tulcakelume “I want to see if this will actually work “
“As am I, I have never tried it on a none human before”
Cyable went to Uther who was sitting on his haunches and was still taller than the mage. She tipped and paused she realized she was not sure how to do this
“Uther stick out your tongue”
Uther complied
“Now swallow”
Uther swallowed the pill on his tongue
“Now give me a kiss”
Sivir stood up straight and watched intently blushing bright red.
Uther in one motion licked the mage from her chin to the top of her head at one point lifting the mage of the ground.
“Well that was interesting” said Uther
This time it was Loraaga’s turn to choke
“The bear it it talks” said Loraaga between breaths
“Yes and quite well I must admit” said Uther
Sivir was beside Cyable helping to clean of her face with a cloth.
“I am glad it works I need to make a note of this as well” said Cyable as she let herself be cleaned
“What was a war bear like you doing in that forest?” asked Loraaga “a war bear is not seen only until an attack is to be made so why were you in this area?”
“Yes you are correct and a nasty bit of business that is as well, I was part of a warband not a large group but reasonable about hundred strong, I was one of the thirty warbears that they had. The band was a group of deserters and rebels from one of the armies of the north, they had been looting and pillaging villages. One village they attacked was visited by a high elf. When we attacked the elf hit us warbears with some spell that increased our intellect.
“So we turn on out masters and saved the village but most of us were killed the few of us survived went our separate ways I came to the forest here where I got lost and then I ran into you all.”
“You have had a hard time until now Uther” said Cyable
“Not really until the spell I was perfectly fine and even after the forest provided food shelter and peace in a way, and now I have met you and I have a new master and a kind one as well.” Said Uther
“You are a smooth talker for a bear” muttered Sivir
“Fear not lady Sivir I have no intention of coming between you and”
“Wh wh what are you saying!” shouted Sivir surprising all in the room. Sivir looked around and tried to hide herself in her hood once again and moved back in to a corner of the room.
“Well I know Sivir lives in the forest and you know I was looking for a herb to restore my magic, so may I inquire what Loraaga and priest Tulcakelume were doing in the forest.
“I was …hunting a bit” said Loraaga
“I was sent here for enlightenment”
“What does that mean?” asked Loraaga
“You will see soon enough since you are coming with me”
“Oh….wait What?!” exclaimed Loraaga
“Well you are my servant as of recently so it’s no surprise you will follow me where I go”
“But you said I was free!”
“I said I would not give you any commands but I never said you were free, after all the spell is permanent unless we someone strong enough is willing to help dispel it.”
“You” said Loraaga
“That is lord Tulcakelume to you”
“Ok that’s enough stop toying with her” said Cyable
“Fine I see you seem to have come to some understanding of me sage”
“Indeed you are not an evil person but you do have some dark shadows about you”
“He is the destroyer, he is evil he just hides it behind all the light of priesthood” said Sivir
“Why do you call him that” asked Uther
“Yeah you said that in the forest too” said Loraaga
“Indeed I was concerned when I was bound that one of you was called destroyer” said Uther
“It is a rather ominous title” said Cyable
“It should be I burned down one of these darklings forest seventy years ago during the last part of the war. I believe it was Sherent.
“You burnt down Sherent!!” exclaimed Cyable “that was one of the largest of the dark elves forest”
“Yes I was young and eager to test my power and make a name for myself amongst the elders so I went and burned it to the ground. It was to be one of my greatest achievements but I was too eager and well as you can see the forest is no more and has yet to begin to return. I spent the last 50 years trying to find a way to revive it.”
“What of the elves of the forest” Loraaga asked
“Many were killed but most escaped, it was not a spell to kill them just to get them into the open to kill them, their natural magic is too powerful in the forest, and it would have taken us years to fight them.”
“You sound like you would have won from the beginning” said Loraaga
“We would they were stubborn and refused to”
“Refused to submit to your rule to let you do as you wish with us and our homes or lives!” hissed Sivir
“Had you surrendered you would be free now and still have your precious forest” said Tulcakelume calmly
“You monster!” said Sivir as she readied her bow
“Defend”
Loraaga jumped in front of Tulcakelume
“Whoops I am not to do that anymore, stand down Loraaga” said Tulcakelume “let me say this darkling before you go trying to kill me that this human here is linked to me if I die she dies
“WHAT!” Loraaga exclaimed
“Yes forgot to mention that well what do you say”
“She is one human” Sivir said as she pulled her bow back as far as she could
“Sivir!” Cyable cried in surprise
“Well darkling you are worse than me at least I did it during a war even tried to fix it, but you driven by anger and hate would kill an innocent even a human what would you do if it were Cyable shoot her first maybe” Tulcakelume asked
“Enough!” Uther roared “I am the only beast here and you are all acting like animals, Tulcakelume I know you have no intention of letting anyone be harmed here but stop attacking lady Sivir because of some grudge from the past”
Tulcakelume raised his hands in mock defeat “to think taught civility by a beast” he said with a smile

“Lady Sivir do not take his taunts seriously he is not an evil man…mostly” said Uther
Sivir lowered her bow “I am sorry Loraaga, I “
“No worries I am still in one piece and not filled with holes so all good” said Loraaga relieved the bow was no longer pointed at Tulcakelume and in extension her.
“I had heard priests were the kindest and gentlest beings of this land second only to the fairies” said Cyable.
“Yes we all have exceptions, but indeed I have been rather cruel and I am sorry Ms. Sivir”
For a moment the room was silent all were shocked by this apology.
Clearing her throat Cyable asked now that we have all calmed down maybe I can ask she thought
“I would like to ask for your help in searching for a herb to make a potion to restore my magic”
“Fine we will go with you” said Tulcakelume
“Whose we?” asked Loraaga
“Why we is you and I after all what servant would leave her master alone and unarmed in a forest”
“I am going to get you for this one day” she muttered
“Uther you can rest here you had a terrible day and”
“I am fine dame Cyable I am a war bear after all I would be honored to go as well as Miss Sivir”
“Is that true Sivir?” Cyable asked
Sivir nodded in response.
“Thank you all! When we get back I shall make you dinner a feast?” said Cyable cheerfully

Back in the forest the party moves Loraaga clearing a path in front of Tulcakelume, Cyable followed by Uther keeping a watchful eye on the mage and listening to the surroundings. Sivir was in the trees moving from tree to tree in the canopy leading the party from above.
“Let us rest for a while” said Tulcakelume
“Tired already master Tulca” asked Loraaga mockingly
“No but you and lady Cyable are”
“I am fine Tulcakelume” said Cyable
“I agree with Tulcakelume” added Uther “Your steps have been uneasy for the last league and you are carrying that heavy weapon and those robes, it would worry Ms. Sivir greatly if you were to collapse.”
“Fine, thank you I shall take up your offer.” Cyable said while resting against Uther.
“Sivir come down Sivir”
From the trees came a soft pat the sound of Sivir gently landing nearby. As she approached, Tulcakelume asked
“Are there any animals nearby?”
“No they have all scattered”
“Good”
With a move of his hand they began to glow and with the lowering the trees plants leaves and debris in a perfect circle blew away leaving a clearing where the party stood.
“Now we rest” he said
“You can do that and you had me cutting branches and vines for you the whole time.” Said Loraaga
“Yes I did but if you are mad be mad at the darkling who can command the vines themselves” said Tulcakelume enjoying himself
Loraaga looked at Sivir who quickly looked away
“Sivir, you could do that the whole time?” asked Loraaga a angry vein on her forehead throbbing
“Yes but natural magics are not to be used trivially, as my mother taught me” said Sivir still not meeting Loraaga’s eyes
“Tell that to all these scratches and cut and I am pretty sure I have a few branches wedged in me all over” said a defeated Loraaga
“I always wonder how you humans moved everywhere with that armor and soft skin but I see you are rather resilient creatures” said Uther shaking of leaves from his body
“Though I am glad to have my fur”
“Come here” said Tulcakelume
Loraaga shuffled tiredly over to Tulcakelume
“What master” asked Loraaga
He placed a hand on Loraaga she felt a tingle and realized that all the scrapes and bruises on her had healed and she was feeling less exhausted
“Thank you master…Stop making me call you master!!”
Tulcakelume laughed “I have not had this much fun in years since ahh I can’t remember”
Still rubbing the spots that no longer itched or ached Loraaga looked at Tulcakelume
“Didn’t you say you would stop controlling me” she pressed
“And I have for the most part, I have not given you any orders except to clear a path for us”
Loraaga looked stunned
“Indeed Tulcakelume has not given you any orders since we left the house” said Cyable
“Exactly lady Cyable, he did not stop the earlier command to have her call him master” said Sivir
“Remove the command master!” said Loraaga
“Indeed Tulcakelume, remove the command it must be terrible being controlled” said Cyable
“Call Cyable great sage” said Tulcakelume with a smile
“Great Sage Cyable stop him” Loraaga said
Cyable had a look of pure bliss on her face
“….Great Sage Cyable?”
“Maybe it’s not so bad to leave things as they are for a little longer” said Cyable still glowing
Sivir and Uther looked at each other slightly confused and looked back at the sage who was glowing.
Loraaga sat down and gave up
“I think you should get some sleep Loraaga” said Tulcakelume
With a sigh Loraaga lay down to sleep
After a few minutes if silence
“I think I will turn in for the night as well” said Cyable
“If you do not mind fur I can offer you a warm place to sleep as well” said Uther as he lay on his stomach
“Thank you Uther, Sivir would you like to join us”
Unable to speak the dark elf pulled her hood over her face and nodded
“If you do not mind would you let Loraaga sleep with you as well” asked Tulcakelume
“I am big enough for all”
Nodding Tulcakelume gently and swiftly scooped up the sleeping fighter and placed her on the side of Uther beside Cyable who carefully laid Loraaga’s head against Uther.
“Is it alright for us to be taking this break after all I am taking up your time?”
Cyable was cut off by Tulcakelume who raised a hand
“Haste in this forest will only lead to misfortune” said Sivir
Cyable smiled and nodded gratitude then rested her head against Uther who was already asleep. The gentle rise and fall of his massive being breathing gently lulled Cyable to sleep. Sivir watched the sleeping sage for a while before also drifting off to sleep.
When all had fallen asleep Tulcakelume moved over to the fire and began to think about the past few days.
In less than a month he had met two humans, a warbear and a dark elf he had learned much that was not noted in the libraries of the high elves. He had learned of the results of spell on war beast and the still simmering grudge of the dark elves, he had also found that binding a human to his will was far easier than he had expected and that not all humans were greedy untrustworthy beings bent on conquest. Still in the time he has been with his new found companions he was not able to comprehend why the elders had sent him to this forest. Did they predict this meeting, was it a test to see if he could survive in the forest. Well for the moment he could find no threat in his companions even the dark elf though she was still suspicious and cautious of him she seemed more concerned with the young mage. Once more he understood why Uther was or should be attached to Cyable but the darkling, yes she was helped but this devotion is unusual and for an elf to be this devote to a human is unheard of.
Tulcakelume looked behind him to see Loraaga stirring in her sleep, he had seen this before when the fighter slept she would soon start to thrash about and sweat profusely signs of a nightmare a trauma that runs deep, though it would be a short while before Tulcakelume would learn the cause, he had found that holding her hand calmed her completely by accident.
Two nights ago as the others slept Tulcakelume had been awoken by the sounds of struggle he moved to see what it was the source of the sound was Loraaga thrashing wildly on a bed of leaves mumbling Sivir was watching as well but was not sure what to do. Tulcakelume had gone close to hear what she was saying when he attempted to place a hand on the fighter’s head she held it and clung to Tulcakelume and her thrashing stopped and her breathing became rhythmic and relaxed. Tulcakelume knew the symptoms of this from victims of war and horrible crimes. He would stay with her for the rest of the night.
“Is she possessed?” Sivir asked Tulcakelume
“In a sense yes, she is haunted by something from her past. I do not know what but it must have been terrible for her.”
“Is there a way to help her?”
“Do you still remember why you distrust me?”
“You burned down my home and killed my people”
“Are you able to forget?”
“I will never forget”
“That is the same for this one here”
Sivir and Tulcakelume were silent for a time, the silence was broken by Tulcakelume
“When she rises I will ask her what”
“I do not think you should interfere you have already enslaved her I don’t think she wants you in her past as well” said Sivir
“The sooner I know the sooner I can make her forget”
“You high elves think you have the right to tamper with the minds of others, is nothing sacred to you” snapped Sivir
“Would you rather see her tear herself apart every night instead darkling”
“I never, no but this is her trial not our”
“I believe it would be better to wait till she brings it up herself” said Uther
“Did we wake you Uther my apologies” said Tulcakelume
“I have been awake from Loraaga started to moan, I covered dame Cyable’s ears when Sivir moved” said Uther
“So you think we should leave her be as well Uther” asked Tulcakelume
“For the moment you seem to have her calmed, I agree with Sivir but I also agree with you. I believe we should wait and if this continues then we ask” said Uther
Sivir nodded
“Very well, Sivir might I ask you to take over watch I seem to be restrained” said Tulcakelume
Sivir nodded once more
With a chant a tree root raised to support Tulcakelume’s back as he was held by Loraaga
“…Thank you”
“I did it for the human” said Sivir

Now again he finds Loraaga in the throes of a nightmare once more Tulcakelume embraces her and holds her firmly. The thrashing calmed.
When morning came Loraaga found herself once more in the arms of her master, two nights ago she had jumped from his arms shouting what had he done. This time after she instead relaxed in stayed where she was for a few more minutes.
“How do you feel this morning” Tulcakelume asked
“Y y you knew I was awake” she stammered
“Yes I can tell the difference in your breathing, I am glad you have controlled yourself this morning.”
Loraaga quickly got to her feet
“I’m gonna get some eats…y you want any” she asked timidly
What is wrong with me, he knows I have nightmares and every morning for the last 3 days I wake up in his arms… and I don’t mind it, I don’t mind it at all. Loraaga cursed herself as she waited for Tulcakelume’s answer
Tulcakelume had also noticed changes in her behavior, in the mornings when she wakes she is timid almost defenseless. Was this a reaction to the nightmares, was her mind weakening? He wondered.

Cyable was sitting on her robe spread over a blanket of leaves, Sivir was sleeping peacefully her head on Cyable’s lap, the mage gently stroking her hear, she looked up to see Loraaga and Tulcakelume .
“Good morning. I hope you slept well Sivir has just gone to sleep and Uther went to catch something for breakfast. Can I ask you to start a fire for me, when Uther gets back I will cook breakfast.” She said
As she was talking Sivir rolled over half asleep she hugged Cyable
“Sivir dear are you alright”
Sivir mumbles something before resting her head on Cyable’s chest and falling back to sleep
“I think it would be better if we made breakfast” said Tulcakelume
“What are you going to make” she asked
“I have no idea I have never cooked before” said Tulcakelume
Loraaga and Cyable looked at each other
“Loraaga could you”
“Yeah I’ll do it”
“I am a genius” said Tulcakelume
“And cooking is an art” said Cyable

The morning continued as normal Uther came back with 3 small birds and an unusually large boar. Loraaga prepared the meal leaving most of the boar for Uther. Sivir ate little she preferred to have certain herbs and shrooms that grew in the forest. Cyable ate part of one of the birds and some of Sivir’s shrooms which she said she had heard was a delicacy in a place to the east. Loraaga ate one whole bird with as much grace as Uther and his boar. Tulcakelume ate part of one of the birds with a knife and fork on a plate all summoned with magic.
The search for the herb continued this unusual group found that they got along very well for a group made under these unusual circumstances.

Cyable noted in her notes it has been a month and two days since I have met my companions the agile and ever vigilant night elf Sivir the kind and civil bear Uther. I also have spent time with the high elf Tulcakelume he is a strange person not evil but with a dark sense of humor. The fighter Loraaga, she is an unusual one I know little about her except that she has had a past full of adventure and uncertainty. Teachers have always said I am too trusting but I feel that these people are safe.