::The Forests of Damili::

Chapter 1

The dawn sun rose above the treetops sending light flooding through a quiet village nested in the dense woods. Caws of wild birds echoed across the morning skies and leaves rustled as they flew from their nests. The village below molded throughout the forest and only in one area did the dwellers disturb the tree’s for their purposes. A large clearing stood in the middle of the village; The trunk of what was once a tall, thin tree was now carved into a totem in the center of this clearing. Carving traveled up the skin of the totem, from children’s drawings to recording of the proud families that filled this village. At the far top, a dark maroon figured was curled up, sleeping peacefully. It was not much larger than a household cat but had the figure of a small dragon. Leathery wings folded against it’s spined back and a spaded tail wrapped tightly around it’s body. It’s thin snout was nestled under it’s clawed front feet, leaving its ebony horns to stick up towards the cloudless skies. A spot wind blew through the trees and snaked through the earth build houses. Each home was build from the strongest clays and twigs found from the woods and the nearby lake. Insignias of the families names were carved into their wooden doors. This gave a common link to why some cottages were larger than others. Fences extended from the backs of many houses and curled around small garden’s that sprouted multiple types of vegetables and fruits.
A rather large home sat on the sidelines of the village’s cleared out square and as the sky was filled with light, it poured through the open windows. Warmth snaked through the sheets of the home’s largest bed where it’s masters slept silently. A slim hand reached from under the earth toned sheets and groggily pulled down a oak blind to cover the window.
“Ivallios..” A tired feminine voice whispered. “Ivallios...wake up..it’s morning..” He small hand moved from the window and moved the blanket from over her own head. Long ebony hair floated over her beautiful tanned shoulders and around her thin, graceful face. Elongated ears peaked from the sea of thick hair while rows of thin rings pierced down the length of their cartilage. Elegant eyelashes curled against her cheeks as she resisted waking up. Beside her laid her husband whose features were as beautiful and sculpted as her own. His crimson hair was perfectly out of place, hiding the tribal tattoo that ran over the bridge of his nose and cheek. To make up for the hidden one, many other tattoos covered the man’s muscular body. Tribal symbols wrapped around his neck, shoulders as well as his arms. A sword tattoo ran from his breast to his navel as well as multiple scars. A heavy sigh exited his lips as the golden skinned man covered his eyes with a fore arm.
“You get up first Galdril..” The woman laid her smooth arm over her husband’s chest, letting out a soft chuckle.
“Unlike you, I am sleeping for two..I require this more than you..” A smile curled from the man’s lips and his emerald eyes opened, eyeing his wife.
“Oh yes...while I spend all day hard at work, making sure I can bring home an income and meal to my family doesn’t require a good nights rest...but staying home, heavy with child does..I see your point.” There was a rough huff from Galdril as she pushed the man away. She sat up and pulled her hair back with a leather ribbon. Her belly was large and rounded from underneath her silk gown. With a purposely rough shake of the bed, she rose and stormed towards the door. Ivallios propped himself up and with a surprised blink watched his pregnant wife slam the bedroom door. “..I was...kidding...oh dear.” His hair rested against his brow as a long chunk ran from his temples past his ears.  He adjusted his soft leather trousers as he rose from the mattress, preparing to try and apologize to his hormonal wife. The wood creaked as the bedroom door opened into the kitchen area. “Gal, about what I-“ As he started his sentence, he was interrupted by a rather large bear butting it’s snout against Ivallios’s bare chest. Shoving him back, the bear opened its jaws and roared at the startled elf. Ivallios rolled his eyes and laid a hand on the beast’s nose. “Go back to your mother, cub.” The bear snorted and shoot it’s head, rippling it’s thick brown fur from its neck. Galdril eyed her husband from the clay chimanaya which she was adding some firewood into. As soon as the man smiled, she turned away with a huff. His bright eyes rolled as he rested his arms on his hips.
“Mornin’ papa ” Evan walked into the room and smiled at his father. The boy seemed to not be much other than 10 years even though he had lived longer than most elderly humans. Red hair curled from where it hung by his ears while his face was the splitting image of his mother. His father smiled and laid a hand on his small shoulder.
“Been helping your mother?” The young elf gave a quick nod, with a bright smile.
“Of course ” He rubbed his nose before walking back outside to the garden. Ivallios glanced over at his wife who was eyeing both of them as she carved some meat for their breakfast. He stood up and walked over to his wife, resting his hands on her stomach. Galdril laid her hand over her husbands and leaned back against him.
“I feel he’ll be coming soon..” Warmth swirled from her stomach as the two stood in their embrace. “Let’s name him Solvin...”






The room was dark and damp as pained groaned echoed the walls. A savage cry strained from a woman’s throat as she was splayed on the ground. Her olive skin was drenched as she painfully made her way into later hours of her labor. Between her legs kneeled a man who by elven standards was heavily aged. His fierce green eyes concentrated on the woman before him and he slowly chanted a soft claiming chant. His white hair was pulled back from his face and shoulders, hanging down his back in fabric wrapped dread locks. His attire was elegant leathers with arrays of jewels, beads and metals wrapped around his neck, wrists, and pierced through his ears. Tribal tattoos covered his body, from the front of his face to the elaborate phoenix on his chest.  Perfumed smoke filled the area, attempting to calm the savage looking woman before him. Her thick brown hair curled around her head as she twisted in her bedding. A raw snarl escaped her lips as she clawed the floor. Foul curses belted from her mouth, towards the man who patiently awaited her child’s arrival. For a moment, his green eyes glanced to the woman’s face as she cried out in agony. He sighed and looked back in the shadows of the dark room. Looming over the scene was a heavily muscled elf. His black hair was pulled tightly into a flowing ponytail, exaggerating the fierceness of his angled face. Tribal tattoos curled demonic designs into his bare chest and jagged, thick lined designs over took his arms and even sliced through one of his eyes. Leather clad arms were folded over his chest as he eyed the two beneath him. The elder man eyed him for a moment than turned back to the woman.
“This child seems to know his fate..no wonder he is so reluctant to be born.” The towering brute let out a irritated huff but held his tongue. Savage growls and curses changed into whimpers as the woman began to tire. She opened her dull eyes weakly and looked towards her husband who glowered. Anger rose inside the woman and renewed her strength. Her face twisted in anger and she pushed up onto her elbows. A gasp escaped the elder man as he frowned at her. “Sareen ” Violent screams escaped the woman’s lips in a foreign tongue as the elder tried to hold her down. The screaming was cut short of words as she feel back against the bedding. Words turned to noise as her head rolled back. The child decided to put an end to this fight. With that, the hours of pain and agony were now replaced with the infant’s crying. The towering man grinned and stepped forward, taking the child from the elder’s arms. He held the child as if it were an animal he’d caught for a meal. Eyeing it carefully, he humphed and handed it back to the elder.
“He seems weak.” The elder let out an exhausted sigh and carefully cleaned the child.
“Tyhr..the boy is barely a moment old..give him time.”  A tired hand rose from the woman and touched the small head of her child.
“C-chief...may I..may I see him...” She smiled weakly and held her arms out. A warm smiled emanated from the chief as he laid the child in the mother’s arms.
“He will be like you, Sareen.” The woman weakly smiled as she fingered the string black hair of her child.
“I’m afraid so...” Her eyes lifted from the infant and up at her husband who apathetically watched her. The chief rose and bowed his head.
“I will allow you some time alone.” He gave Tyhr a warning glance before smiling at Sareen. “I will be back in a moment.”



The light blinded the white haired elf for a moment as he exited his own home. He glanced back at his large stone and clay home. His chest heaved with a strained chest.
“Chief Dy’ln ” A young voice called from across the village clearing. Evan darted across the yard and stopped in front of the taller elf. With a quick bow, the adolescent stood up proudly. “We still on for my tattoo ceremony today? ” Dy’ln let out a tired chuckle and wrapped an arm around Evan’s shoulders.
“Of course. You’re excited I see?” Evan nodded energetically than wrinkled his nose. Perfumed smoke lifted heavily from the folds of the Chief’s clothing. “Forgive me..I just assisted a birthing.” A curious glint reflected from Evan’s bright green eyes as he grinned. “It was a male...child of Tyhr and Sareen.” Evan’s smile faded and he chewed his lip.
“Oh..wow..I didn’t know..they were expecting. That poor, poor kid.” Shaking himself from that subject, the shine returned to the excited boy. “Too bad my little bro is still to young to watch me become a man yet ” Evan straightened his back and stood proudly, turning his nose to the skies. “I’ll have the coolest tattoos ever ” Dy’ln rolled his eyes than took a small pull of Evan’s skin between his fingers. Fellow elves in the clearing paused as they turned eyes to Evan after he emitted a loud yelp. “Ow  What was that for ” A grin curled up from Dy’ln’s lips as he chuckled.
“Think that hurt..wait til the tattoos.” With that, the chief walked back into his home to check in on the newborn and his parents. The air in the room was damp and heavy as Dy’ln returned to the birthing area. Sareen sat against the wall, cradling her young son.
“We’ve named him..” Her tired face looked towards her Chief and smiled slightly. “Gylth..I will name him Gylth.”









The sky was still a soft violet as the sun began to think about raising from the horizon. Summer leaves blew from the trees and scattered across the forest floors. In the village below, garden’s were ripe with seasonal fruit while oak boxes sat outside the doors of each house. There, seasoned meats from the spring hunts were being dried for jerky. Inside the walls of the Surion home, the young Solvin laid in his bed that was once his older brothers. The next day was his tattoo ceremony and his brother, Evan, had reached the age where he could leave the village for training. This left the elf with no one to ease his worries. The approaching dawn taunted him as early birds chirped outside his window. He ran his fingers through his spiked crimson hair and sighed heavily. In a few hours, he would be marked as a man for his whole society. Stress for him to be the grown son of the man whose power rested a step beneath the chief of the whole tribe. Evan had turned to the power of the druids, like his mother, and now Solvin was to follow in the steps of his father: to be what they called a shadow ranger. The archery prowess of a ranger combined with the stealth and dexterity of an assassin. Practicing with a sword bow since the age of 40, Solvin was now a prodigy at the age of 75.
“Solvin?” A whisper came from the door as his mother creaked it open. With a jump, Solvin got to his feet and smiled nervously.
“Ooh..um..good morning mother.” She pulled her long bed tunic tightly closed as she walked over to her son.
“Solvin? Why are you awake?” She held his cheeks than felt his forehead. “Are you ill?” He shook his head gently as she brushed his bangs from his eyes. “Nervous?” A laugh escaped her as she sat on his cot. With a pat, she indicated for him to sit next to him. Silently, he obeyed his mother and looked up at her curiously. “You should have seen how your brother reacted...before he was tough...bragging ‘oh yeah, this will be no problem ’ than the second that needle touched his skin...screamed like a baby  I don’t even think I made noises like that when I gave birth to him ” She laughed loudly and wrapped her arms around her son. Galdril kissed his forehead softly and looked at him. A look of surprise covered his face.
“He really acted like that? He told me it was no big deal..” He ran his hands up through the darker hairs at the back of his neck. Nervously he turned his eyes back to his smiling mother.
“That’s Evan for you..but see...he was confidence..and he shamed himself...you’re nervous..so you will be fine.” She kissed him again than stood up. “You’ll make us proud, son...now get some sleep before your father gets up.” Solvin beamed and nodded.
“Yes ma’am ” Galdril chuckled as she stepped out of the room and closed the door.
“Gal?” She jolted at the sound of her husbands voice. She pressed her back to the door and beamed at Ivallios. The male elf raised an eyebrow as he buckled his leather armor. “..Everything okay?” She responded with a nod. “Good..let’s wake him up.” There was a pause as his wife glanced around than eyed her husband.
“Vall...I think I want to have another baby..we need a daughter.” She smiled silkily and raised her eyebrows. Ivallios watched her for a moment and undid his last buckle.
“Don’t see why we can’t let him sleep a tad longer...”


“Solvin ” A pair of leather clad arms wrapped around the younger boy as he was pulled into a tight hug. Evan giggled as he squeezed his brother. “You got so big  Awwe..you’re so handsome  Look just like daddy ” He pinched his brothers cheeks than ruffled his hair. Solvin fixed his hair and smiled.
“Welcome home Evan..how’s druid life?” The brothers walked through the woods, towards their home.
“It’s fun  I’ve learned a lot  Can’t wait to show mom ” He patted a tree as they cut across the busy clearing and into their home. Evan slammed the door open.
“Moooooom ” Galdril glanced back to her eldest son and her face lit up.
“Evan ” They embraced tightly for a moment than Galdril took her son’s face in her hands. “Oh..my baby’s all grown up  How long has it been? About 30 years?” Her smile didn’t fade as she embraced him again. “You’ve gotten strong  I can feel it  Your father will be so proud ” Solvin watched them with a small smile. He always knew his mother preferred Evan and oddly it never bothered him. Behind him, the front door opened. His father entered, clad in black leather with a cloth mask hanging around his neck. Blood stained his thigh as he walked in heavily. The atmosphere of the room shifted almost instantly as Galdril’s attention was shifted. “Val  Are you hurt ?” Solvin stared wide-eyed at his father who limped into the kitchen.
“Don’t worry..it’s nothing.” Galdril pulled her husband into a chair and laid her hand on his thigh.
“If you’re bleeding, that’s not nothing.” Her hand emitted a soft green glow as the wound closed itself. Ivallios leaned back in the chair and chuckled.
“It was just a bit of a slip up..don’t worry..I’m going back later to fix my mistakes.” A stern gaze rose from his wife. “Not now...after the ceremony..” He winked at his youngest son as he rest back against the chair. “Perhaps..he can even come with me.” Pain shot through his leg causing Ivallios to jolt. His eyes meet the furious glare of his wife as she clawed his wound.
“Excuse me?” Solvin’s face lit up and he grasped his father’s leathered arm.
“Are you serious, father?  I can come with you ’ His mothers hand grabbed his arm and pulled him back harshly.
“No he not serious..” Solvin’s face fell than eyed his father who angled face wrinkled with a frown.
“Galdril..you took Evan hunting all the time at this age...what’s the difference?” He got back to his feet, taking off his leather gloves. Galdril’s tanned cheeks flushed with anger as she watched her husband remove his leather breastplate.
“There is a vast difference between taking a young man hunting and taking your son to watch you assassinate someone ” Evan whistled softly than stepped back from his parents.
“Hey  Solvin, wanna come see my tiger?” His brother looked over to the druid who nodded his head towards the door. His spiked head shook softly as the two siblings left their parents to bicker.



“Don’t worry Sol, dad’ll take you.” Evan comforted his brother as they walked through the dimly light forest. Even though the sun was high in the sky, the dense treetops denied the light from reaching it’s floors. The younger elf stopped walking and looked down at his well-worn leather boots. The forest was quiet as the two stood amongst the thick trees. Evan watched his brother silently as the wind pulled at his flipped hair that hung behind his heavily pierced ears. “Mom’s just scared cause your growing up. I’ve moved out..and about half a decade, so will you...you have to understand how she feels.” A bright smile curved up his cheeks as Evan extended his hand. Roses grew from his palm as if it were rich soil. Solvin frowned and pushed his brothers hand away.
“I’m not a girl, I’m not giving her those ” Evan pouted and rested a hand on his hip, smelling the roses.
“These are her favorite..they’ll make her day. Girls like these things Solvin, you’ll have to learn this. Dad might have to be a cold blooded killer at work but when he comes home, he knows to keep mom happy.” His smile faded as Solvin gave him a blank look. “Fine, I’ll give them to her..” He ruffled his brothers hair than grinned. “Have you even talked to a girl other than mom?” The skin over Solvin’s nose turned as red as his hair giving his older brother a good laugh.
“Shut up, Evan  While you put all your energy into goofing off..I’ve been training. Father says if I keep training as much as I am..he can teach me to shoot multiple arrows and how to connect with nature to further my strengths.” His brother giggled and rubbed one of his facial tattoos.
“Oh Solvin..you are going to grow up to be such an awkward boy ” The younger elf continued to be flustered as he tried to hide his red face. His brothers laughter was caught short as a pained cry echoed the forest suddenly. The two jolted and turned to see a large buck running through the woods, his rump bleeding from what was definitely a sword inflicted wound. Evan shoved his brother behind him quickly and firmly took hold of the buck’s antlers as it neared. The deer neighed and twisted in Evan’s firm grip, kicking it’s rear legs in it’s panic. The druid spoke softly in a foreign tongue and the animal calmed itself slowly. Evan released it’s antlers and pet the buck’s snout. He glanced back at the rough wound on the rump of the animal.
“Is it okay? ” A tired voice called as a figure ran through the trees from where the deer appeared. The boy was looked about the age of Solvin and his dark tanned skin was void of tattoos. His hair was chopped short in the back but his shaggy bangs hung over his dark green eyes. Bruises and scrapes covered his face and exposed arms. A dirty print on his tunic was obviously from a kick from the buck. “I..I didn’t mean to hurt it...I’m sorry.” Evan eyed the boy and smiled warmly, stroking the dears neck.
“It’s okay..you’re Gylth, right? Oronar’s son?” The boy nodded slowly as he caught his breath. “Haven’t learned to control that rage in your blood yet?” Gylth pushed his boot through the dirt and avoided Evan’s eyes.
“No sir...I can only control it at home I’m afraid..but I’m trying to..” He wiped his nose with the back of his wrist.
“Don’t worry about this buck, I can heal his wounds. He can forgive you...did he hurt you?” Evan laid his hands on the deer’s wounds and began to heal them. The black haired boy lifted up his tunic, exposing a dark hoof shaped bruise on his torso.
“It’s okay. It’s only a bruise.” Solvin crooked an eyebrow as he watched the other boy.
“What about your face..?” He pointed to the dark shadow that curled around his cheek bone. “Did it do that?” Evan glanced over at the boys as he stuck the roses into his belt pack.
“Solvin, don’t be rude.” He smacked the back of his brothers head before patting the deers rump. With a agile leap, the buck darted off into the shadows of the forest. “Be more careful next time Gyl, it might be a deer..but he could really hurt you.” Gylth nodded quickly than smoothed his tunic neatly.
“Thank you for helping it..I..I gotta go now..” Without a formal goodbye, the boy disappeared into the woods as fast as the deer had.
“Poor kid.” Evan sighed heavily as he wiped his bloodied hands on his leather vest. “He’s got it tough..he’s only 60 and they make him do the hunting.” Solvin glanced back at his brother.
“Is that how it works in the lower families?”  The forest was still for a moment as the older elf started off into the woods.
“No..only with the Oronar. What a horrible family for such a nice boy to be born into..”






Adrenaline pounded through his veins forcing his legs to keep running. Even though the Surion’s had been so nice to him, the only thing that ran through his body was fear. Of all people, the two sons of the man his father hated the most. Gylth’s mind raced as he darted around trees until his legs finally gave out. He collapsed into a patch of grass that was warm from the sun that peaked through the trees. He closed his eyes tightly and gripped the grass around him. The buck got away. He lost the meal his father demanded; if he returned home, he’d only get more bruises he’d have to explain. His chest heaved as his breath tried to force his heart to relax.
“Gylth..?” The boy jolted and scrambled up to his knees before falling over on his bottom. He looked up at the leather clad woman who eyed him with dark eyes. Her fiercely carved face softened with a smile from her painted lips. “Are you hurt?” His mother kneeled beside him as her waves of chestnut hair cascaded over her thin shoulders.
“I-I’m sorry mother..I didn’t mean to..it got away..” He winced as her hand touched his chin.
“Calm down Gylth..” She turned his face towards her, caressing her hand over his bruised cheekbone. “I’ll kill that bastard if he touches you again..don’t worry..stay with me today...there’s a tattoo ceremony..we’ll stay in the crowd..your father won’t make a scene publically.” She stood up and smiled. “Now get up, you’ll be a man soon. Time for you to act like it.” Gylth nodded as he stood up and smiled at his mother.



The village square will filled with their residents both young and old. Build around the totem was a stage where Solvin now stood, bare of all his clothing like every man in this village before him had once done. His father stood beside him, standing tall and holding the stone palate that was filled with ink. Dy’ln stepped onto the stage from the crowd, holding a oak box filled with many needles created to inject the ink into the skin of the elves. Solvin took a deep breath as he eyed the sharp needles than turned his eyes to the horizon. He was going to make his father proud and handle this pain like a man should. Like the tradition went, Ivallios took the first needle and filled its hallow stem with the black pigment. Fathers would be the ones to tattoo their son’s faces than the chief would tattoo the boys body as the father instructed him to. Galdril stood at the foot of the stage, holding a long cotton towel. This procedure caused a good amount of blood loss and the mother awaited with the proper material to make sure the blood did not interfere with the tattoo.
“You ready for this?” Ivallios handed the palette to Dy’ln and carefully took Solvin’s chin in his hand. Solvin nodded stiffly.
“Yes father.” With that, the needle made its first injection into Solvin’s skin.  


The sun shifted halfway across the sky by the time the tattoos had been fully laid across Solvin’s young body. After they were completed, he was taken to be taken to be cleaned up and have his strength returned. His fellow villagers awaited outside where music played, wine was poured and food prepared to celebrate his manhood. Sareen walked through the crowd, her son close to her side. Her eyes scanned the crowd, searching for her husband and feeling relief when she did not find him. A smile curled over his lips as she zeroed in on Ivallios who stood talking to another elf dressed in priest garb.
“Come Gyl.” She whispered as she slipped through the crowd. “Ivallios ” She took the rangers arm and turned herself into his line of view, pushing the priest away. “We haven’t talked in ages..you must be so proud of Solvin.” The elf eyed her than smiled politely, folding his arms over his chest.
“I am.” His gaze turned to Gylth and he smiled. “Only 15 years until your own tattoo ceremony. Excited?” The young elf nodded slightly and gave a formal bow.
“Yes sir. I’m hoping to make my family proud.” Ivallios laid a hand on his shoulder.
“You’re a strong boy, you will do well.” Gylth’s face lit up and he nodded heavily.
“Yes sir ” He smiled up at his mother but it faded quickly as her eyes had not moved off Ivallios. A dangerous spark was in her eyes but it was vastly different from the hate that he often saw in his fathers eyes when it dealt with Ivallios. The ranger lifted his hand from the boys shoulder than turned his eyes to Sareen.
“How have you been Sareen?” Her eyes went dark as she scowled.
“How do you think?” Bitterness from her voice stilled the atmosphere between them. Ivallios closed his eyes and gave a soft chuckled.
“Don’t be so sour, it doesn’t fit you. What happened between us was before Galdril, Sareen. I do not plan to ever leave her and return to you..so stop this charade and return to your husband.” His eyes glanced to Gylth once more than back to his mother. “Why expose your son to this? Do you both live to poison him?” Sareen’s face turned fierce and she snarled at him.
“Is there a problem here?” Galdril slipped her hand through Ivallios’s folded arms and eyed Sareen. Her sons stood behind her, slightly confused. Solvin rolled his tunic sleeves up and looked over at Gylth who looked away from him.
“What’s going on..?” Sareen huffed and glanced over to the freshly tattooed boy.
“Nothing to worry your little head about..” She turned on her heel and stormed off into the crowd. Gylth watched her leave than turned to the Surion family before him.
“I’m sorry  I-“ Ivallios waved a hand and wrapped it around Gylth’s shoulders.
“Don’t apologize on behalf of your family son, or you’ll never have breath left to speak.” He patted his back roughly and pushed him away towards his mother. “Train hard Gylth and break free of your fate. You deserve it.” Solvin frowned slightly and touched at his sore cheek.
“Isn’t it my day for some fatherly words of wisdom?” Ivallios blinked and looked at his son apologetically.
“Don’t take it like Solvin.” He extended his arms and embraced his son who winced in his arms. “Time for you to step up and be a man. That’s way you’re coming with me tonight to finish my job.” He reached over to a table and lifted a full glass of wine. Solvin smiled brightly and took the glass.
“I can go ” He looked at his mother who nodded heavily with a frown. “Thank you father  I won’t slow you down ” He took a large sip of the wine but had it taken from his father who laughed.
“Than slow down with that wine  Don’t want you shooting drunk now do we?”








Dusk covered the land like a blanket of darkness and filled the sky with a bright moon and its array of stars. Ivallios in the sitting room, his twin swords unsheathed and laid carefully against his thighs. He gripped the hilt of one sword and carefully examined the blade. Steel shone as if it had never been used. The air was filled with a strong bitter scent as Ivallios poured liquid from a bottle into a cloth. He winkled his nose than carefully coated the blades of each sword.
“Do you have to do that inside?” Galdril walked into the room, her small hand covering her mouth and nose. “It stinks so bad ” They both chuckled as Galdril stood behind her husband. “Val..I’m coming with you tonight.” Silence filled the room as she ran her hands through his short hair. His green eyes flickered than turned to look up at his wife.
”..Gal..I-“ Words were blocked as she covered his lips with her own.
“Solvin is my last child Ivallios...and he’s growing up. Now he can start adventuring with you but who is going to be home with me?” She kissed his forehead and moved his sword, taking their place in his lap. “I just want to make sure he stays safe.” Ivallios leaned back against the chair and brushed Galdril’s hair from her beautiful face.
“Alright...fine you can come.” They kissed softly than Ivallios smirked impishly. “But when we get home..we’re gunna work on getting you a daughter so you won’t be lonely ” A small hand pushed his face away as he tried to get another kiss.
“Oh honestly ” She removed herself from his lap and walked towards the door. “What am I gunna do with you, Ivallios?” The elf smiled to himself, watching his wife’s reciting form.
“Dad ” Images snapped from Ivallios mind as he turned to his son, standing beside him. He was dressed in black leather armor and a dark cloak tied around his neck. A quiver of arrows rested between his hands with a smile across his face. “Can I get poison on my weapons too?” His father let out a laugh as he rose to his feet.
“Afraid not..too early. When your older.” In one smooth motion, he sheathed both his swords on his hips. Pulling his cloak from the chair, he tied it around his neck and handed a long black scarf to Solvin. “Put your mask on..it will muffle your breathing.” Solvin tied it over his nose and mouth as instructed while he eyed his fathers cloak.
“That’s a really ratty cloak..why don’t you get a new one?” Ivallios’s eyes widened than he laughed.
“Get a new one? Just wait until you see what this baby does.” Solvin grinned as he strapped his quiver to his back.
“Will I get to kill someone tonight?”
“Let’s leave that to me..” He glanced off to the other room, where Galdril was. He motioned for his son to go to the door than silently the two slipped out of the house.



After a long trek through the almost pitch black woods, the silence that surrounded the two was replaced with the quiet murmurs of humans. Ivallios crouched low and placed a hand on his son. With a quick gesture, Ivallios motioned for Solvin to get into a nearby tree. The young man nodded and pulled his hood up before leaping into the tree and nestling where he was unseen. His eyes focused on his father who with a lift of his hood disappeared into the shadows.
“That’s so cool..” He whispered than pulled out his bow and readied an arrow. Through the trees he could see where some smugglers were meeting in the dark clearing. There was no sign of his father anywhere.
“HEY ” Solvin jolted and looked down at a human who started up at the tree, a finger pointed right at him. “BOSS  WE GOT A PROBLEM ” Solvin panicked and fired an arrow into the mans shoulder. The quiet clearing turned to noise as the men began to move towards Solvin. In a fluid movement, Ivallios rose from the shadows and sliced his swords through the necks of two of the men. The men looked back at Ivallios and drew their swords to fight back. One of the men in the back, turned and ran from the bloodbath that grew from Ivallios’s battle.
“Solvin  Stay where you are ” Galdril morphed our of a tree and fired two arrows into the fleeing man who turned to face her. Ivallios shoved one of the men from him and looked towards Galdril, cursing under his breath. The man facing Galdril sliced wildly at her with his sword than looked over towards Ivallios who had slain all the others. Panicking, the man snatched Galdril and held his sword against her neck.
“Back off man or I’ll slit her ” Galdril struggled and released her bow. Ivallios stopped walking towards the man, sheathing his swords. He raised his gloved hands and stepped back, not saying a word. The man breathed heavily, staring at Ivallios. “Let me go man..just let me go..” The shadowed elf nodded slowly and gestured for the man to go. Quickly he glanced up to Solvin, hoping his son was still fine. His action panicked the human once more.
“What are you looking it ?” The human paled once he noticed the shape in the tree. “You said you’d let me go  Gettin’ some rat in a tree to shoot me out  HUH ?” In a swift slice, the man slid his sword threw Galdril and tossed her at Ivallios feet. “Think I was kidding ? Huh  Don’t mess with my business, you elf scum  Who hired you ?” He aimed his sword at Ivallios who stared at his wife’s form on the floor.  He pulled his mask off his face and turned his dark eyes to the human. The human stepped back from the furious glare. The sword dropped from his hand and the human took off running. There was a moment than the man feel to the ground, a short handled axe embedded into his shoulder blades. Ivallios kneeled down next to his wife and curled her into his arms.
“Gal?” No movement came from her statuesque face. Her eyes were closed as if she was in a deep sleep but no steady breath came from her lips. Solvin slowly dropped from the tree.
“..Father...?” Ivallios didn’t respond to his son but stayed, cradling his wife. He curled his head against her still breast and let a heavy sigh leave his lungs. There was no movement for a few moments until Solvin stepped forward, laying his hand on his father’s back. “Father...we should go home...” He glanced around the area that echoed violence. “Take her home...she wouldn’t want to stay in a place like this..” Ivallios turned his eyes to Solvin, eyeing him sadly.
“..of course...” He rose up and curled his wife’s limp body, against his own. “Solvin...each man here..should have a signet ring...get them for me...” With that, her began to walk into the shadows, not looking back to even see if his son was behind him.