::Forests of Damili::

Chapter 4


Years passed easily as the Damili tribe sat snugly in the middle of the vast forest. The sun filtered through the lush trees and cast it’s warm light onto the homes beneath their leaves. The village stirred noisily today as woman gathered together personal sized bundles for their sons who were preparing to leave. A handful of young men stood together, fully dressed in gear suited for them to go into the world on their own. Solvin stood amongst them, black leather armor coating every part of his body. Even the metal studding on the armor was stained black and whatever wasn’t black on him, was a dull green or brown. A long cloak was draped around him while his quiver of arrows rested against his back. The pantheon of Surion family members came to him, with gifts and bundles of food to last him at least a month. Solvin bowed as his last aunt left with him with a satchel filled with vials of healing potions. He smiled as his cousins waved at him from their spot at their mother’s skirts. Solvin remembered this for when Evan had left when he turned a century old.
“Solvin ” The elf turned and smiled as Keziah came running towards him. She wrapped her arms around him and kissed him. “I can’t believe your leaving already..” She smiled softly and ran her hands down Solvin’s leather breastplate. “You look handsome.” Her eyes turned away from Solvin as she smoothed the cloak on his shoulders and arms. “You’d better take care of yourself and so help me if you don’t come back. I’ll come find you myself ” She leaned up and kissed him once more. “Here.” She pulled a dark length of cloth from her belt and tied it around Solvin’s neck, pulling it over his nose and mouth. Solvin eyed her and pulled the cloth down from over his smile.
“I’ll miss you Kez.” He kissed her again but she whacked him away.
“No more. So you won’t have anything to think back on. I want you to miss me so bad the next couple decades will fly by and you’ll come home.” Solvin laughed and brushed his hand through her hair.
“Of course.” He looked up as his father came walking up. Keziah stepped aside, looking from Solvin to Ivallios. Solvin straightened up and lost his smile as his father eyed him. Ivallios smiled and extended a bundle to his son. Folded up neatly was a dull looking gray cloak with a pair of throwing axes on top.
“They don’t look like much, but when I was your age, I swore by these.” Solvin took them and bowed his head.
“Thank you, father.” He belted the axes and opened the large cloak. “Is this one of those magic cloaks you use?” Solvin’s eyes went wide as he smiled. Ivallios laughed and shrugged.
“I don’t know, use it and find out.” Quickly pulling off his old cloak, Solvin wrapped the new one around him. He bowed to his father again than turned to Keziah, pulling his old cloak around her thin shoulders. Keziah smiled and pulled it closed around her. Ivallios looked to them both than smiled softly. “It’s time to go Solvin.” He put his arm on Solvin’s shoulder, dividing him away from Keziah. “Your life will be here if you chose to come back to it.” Solvin nodded and looked to Keziah once again.
“Yes sir. Good bye.” He bowed his head to his father than turned to Keziah. He ran his gloved hand up her cheek, than turned as he walked away. Keziah laid her hand over Solvin’s hand wanting to grab it as he walked away. There was a caw as his falcon swooped from the trees and landed on his shoulder. Solvin pulled up his hood as he walked into the forest. Instantly, he dissolved into the trees. The other men left their families as well and made their way into the forests. Keziah let out a heavy sigh, running the cloth of the cloak through her fingers. Ivallios smiled softly and laid a hand against her back.
“Don’t worry, he’ll be fine.” She smiled at looked up at Ivallios.
“I know..but I’ll miss him.” She looked back to the forest, hoping she’d see a glimpse of him but there was nothing.


The morning passed slowly as Keziah trudged around the village, trying to keep herself busy. Solvin’s cloak hung heavily on her shoulders as she paced through the small field, swinging her sword. She gasped as a strong hand grasped her wrist.
“Hey, you needa be more careful.” Keziah glanced back at Gylth who smiled weakly, her sword only inches from slicing open his abdomen. She bit her lip and gave a small smile.
“Sorry..” She dropped her sword into the grass as Gylth released her wrist. “Guess I’m a little blank today...” Gylth smiled as he wrapped an arm around her.
“I figured you would have been.” Keziah turned, burying her face into Gylth’s chest as she hugged him. The elf wrapped his arms around her as he smiled inwardly. Keziah let out a heavy sigh as she tightened her embrace around the man.
“Thanks Gyl..I’m so glad you’ll be here..” Gylth laughed as he pulled Keziah away from him.
“I’m glad I can be here for you..now..come on..are you really gunna sulk around like this?” Keziah rubbed her arm and sighed, looking to the side.
“It’s just hard...got so used to him being ar-“ Before she could finish, Gylth grabbed the hood of the cloak around her. In a swift pull, he yanked it off her and tossed it up into the trees above them. “Hey ” Keziah stared up at the cloak that was tangled in the trees. “What was that for? ” Gylth laughed and folded his bare arms across his chest.
“Stop thinking about him. That’s only gunna remind you.” They both looked up at the trapped cloak that was far from their reach. “When you can look up there and think of that cloak as only a cloak, than I’ll get it down for you.” Keziah pouted and lightly slapped Gylth’s shoulder.
“You’re a jerk.. Just want me to forget about Solvin huh?” Gylth laughed and looked to Keziah with a nod.
“Yup, only til he comes home of course.” He picked up Keziah’s sword and handed it to her. “So, shall we train for a bit since we’re out here?”






Years passed as the two elves grew close; Keziah spent her days with Gylth: training, sitting around and talking as well as helping him hunt. The two grew powerful and together easily got through any change they found in the forest. A groaning roar echoed the forest as Gylth slice his sword through a owlbear. The creature let out a dying screech as it fell to the ground, it’s clawed wings wide open. Keziah flicked blood from her sword as she sheathed it.
“Awesome ” She leapt over a fallen tree and helped Gylth lift the beast. “That was a nice finish ” Gylth laughed as he looked to Keziah, smiling.
“Thanks.” His heart felt light around her; the lack of Solvin had increased Gylth’s self control over his frenzy that poisoned his blood. “Let’s get this to the village.” They dragged the beast through the dried leaves that covered the ground. Keziah blinked and stopped, glancing up the almost bare trees.
“Hey  Gyl ” She pointed up at the clumped cloak that was wrapped up in the trees. “My cloak ” She grinned to Gylth whose face fell at the thought of Solvin.
“O-oh..yeah.” Keziah dropped the beast and stared up at the tree.
“Think I can get it back now?” She looked back at Gylth who gave a heavy sigh, eyeing the cloak.
“Sure, you’ve earned it.” He clenched his fist and drove his knuckles into the trunk of the tree. The power rippled through the tree and shook it’s limps. The cloak was released and fell into the arms of Keziah who smiled brightly.
“Ugh ” She wrinkled her nose and held it away from her. “Five years of being stuff in a tree can make things stink ” Gylth laughed loudly and shook his head.
“Goob, now come on  Let’s get back to the village.”





Once again, the years passed almost like days as the village grew amongst the forest. Almost twenty years had passed since Solvin’s departure and no word had been heard from any of the boys who left the village that day. Gylth was bound to leave on his own years ago but stayed for the sake of Keziah. Even though she had kept herself busy, her thoughts still drifted to Solvin and how she ached to see him again. The drastic change in Ivallios gave Keziah more room to miss Solvin. Where the older elf was once able to be playful and fun, something had turned inside of Ivallios. Even though his chin was held high as always, his attitude became stoic and almost unchanging. His eyes had gone cold and his lips rarely smiled as they once did. No explanation was ever give for the darkening of his heart but Keziah knew it was not her place to question him. As for Gylth, his home was still the same: full of anger and violence. He knew nothing would change that but for the time’s Keziah asked, he said things were fine. He did not want Keziah’s pity, just her company.
Gylth strolled through the woods by himself; this was a rare time he was without Keziah. He was partially happy for this for he had spent the morning trapped in his own thoughts. It had been twenty years without Solvin and Keziah hadn’t even mentioned him. Gylth’s brain had been churning over the chance that maybe Keziah had a change of heart. Gylth stopped and sheathed his broadsword against his back.
“Maybe I should just tell her..” His thoughts escaped through his lips for the first time that day. “I mean, what’s the worse that could happen.” He turned his eyes to the sky and rubbed his chin. “It’s going to be bright tonight..maybe I could tell her then. Girls like moonlight stuff I’ve heard..” He let out a heavy sigh than smiled to himself. “I have a good feeling about this actually.”
“Good feeling about what?” Gylth jolted and turned around quickly, staring at Keziah who blinked at him. Gylth felt his ears redden as he smiled awkwardly.
“Ugh, nothing.” He laughed and rubbed the back of his head. “So..um..what’s up?” She shrugged and rubbed her nose.
“Nothing, just bored..” She clapped her hands behind her back as she walked through the forest. “What are you doin’ out here?” Gylth shrugged, rubbing the back of his neck.
“Just needed some fresh air.” He let out a sigh as he watched Keziah walk around the trees. “Let’s go to the clearing. It’s almost evening and the woods can get really dark.” He took Keziah’s hand and quickly led her through the trees and to the large clearing where they often trained. Keziah laughed and glanced up to the sky, which was now turning shades of orange.
“Wow ” She laughed than looked to Gylth who still hadn’t released her arm. A shiver ran up her spine as she sensed what was coming. “Umm..Gyl..maybe we should head back...it’s getting kind of late..” Gylth raised an eyebrow as he turned towards her.
“We just got here...” Keziah smiled weakly as she pulled her hand away from him.
“Yeah, I know...but I dunno..” Gylth let out a sigh than looked to Keziah once more.
“Alright, but listen to me real fast okay, I just want to tell you something..” Keziah shook her head and tried to step back but the elf grabbed her arms.
“Gyl..let’s just go back..I don’t feel well..” Gyl sighed in annoyance as Keziah avoided looking at him.
“Kezi, I just want to-“ She put her hands against his chest and turned to him.
“I know what your going to say Gylth and please don’t say it...” Silence grew between them for a moment as Gylth loosened his grip on her. His eyes glanced downward as his heart sank.
“I need to say it Keziah..” She pulled away from him and shook her head again.
“Don’t...please, I don’t want that between us. You’re my best friend..and I have Solvin–“ Gylth’s emerald eyes pierced Keziah as he frowned.
“I don’t care about Solvin.” He grabbed Keziah’s arm and pulled him towards him. He kissed her fiercely. Keziah’s eyes widened as she tried to pry away from him. She closed her eyes and swung her hand blindly. Gylth broke the kiss as Keziah’s palm snapped across his tattooed cheek. Keziah covered her mouth as she stared at Gylth in awe. She turned and darted off into the forest. Gylth stared at the grass beneath his feet as his cheek stung. He closed his eyes and growled. “I’m so stupid..” He let out a barbaric scream and punched a nearby tree. “HOW COULD I BE SO STUPID ?” The tree cracked from beneath his fist and crashed down into the field. “I ruined everything...” He sighed as he sat down in the long grass. The sun finally set but the woods remained fairly bright. Gylth glanced up at the full moon that was stamped into the middle of the violet sky. “I guess I should get dinner and go home..” He pulled himself to his feet than froze as his elven ears prickled. He turned and looked at a large gray wolf that stood at the edge of the forest. Although it’s had long thick fur, it was obvious that under that fur there were barely any meat on this beasts bones. Gylth smiled softly and chuckled. “You look like you need dinner more than me...I’ll spare hunting my own meal so you may have yours.” He bowed his head at the wolf. Once he raised his head, he looked to the wolf. It was walking towards him, a rumbling growl inside it’s throat. Gylth rested a hand on the hilt of his sword as he eyed the beast. “I’m warning you wolf..I will strike you..down..” He trailed off as the wolf got closer. Now that it was closer, it was noticeable that it was almost double the size of a normal wolf. It’s savage eyes were blood red as it snarled towards Gylth. It’s fur was clumped messily with dirt and what was now seen as blood. Gylth paled and pulled out his broadsword. The monster wolf let out a howling snarl as it leapt towards him. It’s massive jaws clamped down on Gylth’s right arm, dragging him down to the floor. Gylth let out an agenizing scream as his blood burned inside him. His mind went black as his frenzy flowed swiftly through him.

Gylth gasped as he came to after a moment. He stood over the wolf, it’s blood dripping from his sword and coating the grass around them. Pain shoot through the elves body and brought him to his knees. Even though his side and thigh had been torn open as well, the pain from his arm was the focus of his attention. It felt as if a fire had been lit inside his muscle. He let out a cry as he clenched his biceps. His eyes turned to the wolf which laid on the grass; it’s side had been sliced open as well as it’s neck. Gylth hated himself for a moment before his attention was turned straight to his wound.
“W-what...” He grimaced and fell backwards into the grass. The wound ripped and stretched within itself, burning with a fierce pain the entire time. Gylth’s eyes went wide as the pain spread up his arm and down his spine. His stared up at the sky that loomed down at him. His eyes were drawn to the sphere of moonlight that now seemed to beckon to him. A tear rolled down his cheek as he soon realized his fate. “...no..” He moaned weakly as he felt his bone’s twisting inside his body. His eyes were forced shut as the pain rippled through his bones as his body molded and twisted against his will. Fur pulled itself through his pores while he writhed in the grass, his hands curling into clawed paws. As the final pieces snapped and popped painfully into place, the black wolf shivered close to the ground. It rose, snapping it’s jaw. A powerful howl echoed the forest as the wolf arched it’s snout towards the moon.



Soon the sun rose, sending light through Keziah’s bedroom. She sighed as she sat pressed against the wall. Her thoughts had kept her wide awake the whole night. Soon she got to her feet and swiftly left the house, avoiding running into Ivallios.
“I should go apologize...” Kezi made her way through the village, towards the Oronar home. The kitchen window was open so she stuck her head in, glancing around. “Gyl  Hey  Gylth  I need to talk to you ” No response came as Kezi leaned further into the home, trying to see outside the kitchen. “Gyl–“ The boys name turned into a piercing scream as a strong hand grabbed her hair, pulling her through the window. She was thrown to the ground, sending pain down from her scalp to her side.
“What do you think your doing?” A voice boomed, jolting Kezi onto her rear. Tyhr stood over her, a scowl wrinkled into his brow as he gripped a black bladed long sword. His fierce green eyes straight down at her, looking her over quickly. “You’re that girl from the Surion’s...aren’t you?” A cruel smile curled up one side of his face as he chuckled softly. “Why are you here?” A shiver ran up Keziah’s spine as she choked on her words.
“Umm..uh..I....” Tyhr breathed heavily, staring down at Keziah. “I...was..looking for Gylth..” A thin eyebrow arched as Tyhr sheathed his sword on his hip.
“Gylth, hmm?” He grabbed the shoulder of Keziah’s shirt and yanked her to her feet. “Well, he’s not home..he hasn’t returned.” Keziah stepped away from Tyhr hastily once she was freed.
“He..he hasn’t?” The man let out an annoyed growl.
“That’s what I just said.” He barked than snarled to Keziah who jumped backwards. “Stupid woman, what do you want with that brat anyway? I doubt the Surion boy will want to find out his little girl is fooling around with a filthy barbarian.” A blush spread across the girl’s face as she shook her head violently.
“It’s not like that  Really ” Another cruel smile ran across Tyhr’s cheeks as he glowered down at her.
“Really..? Your voice is quivering. Innocent people have nothing to fear..but it seems you do.” He folded his arms across his muscular chest. “The little copper headed brat leaves..and you attach yourself to my son...not very loyal are you? Grow tired of that straight-laced, pompous brat? Decided to go for some adventure in your life?” Keziah growled in anger as she clenched her fists.
“How dare you come to such assumptions  You know nothing about me  I would never cheat on Solvin, especially not with my best friend ” Tyhr let out a cackle and rested his hands on his waist.
“Oh, yes..gods forbid you soil your good name by fornicating with a filthy Oronar.”
“Gylth isn’t filthy  It’s you that gives the Oronar a bad name, you foul, abusive-“ In an instant, Keziah caught her tongue as a violent flash flew through Tyhr’s eyes, his smirk fading into a scowl.
“What was that..” He thinned his eyes as the girl squirmed before him, gasping at her words. “How dare you speak of what you don’t understand  ” He snarled and struck Keziah with the back of his hand, sending her back onto the ground. Keziah scrambled to her feet and pulled a small dagger from her boot.
“Don’t you dare hit me again ” Tyhr looked at the blade and let out a bellowing laugh.
“I used those daggers to tattoo myself, I’d like to see you try and harm me with them   ” He whacked the daggers from the girl’s fist and pulled out his own sword.
“You wouldn’t dare ” Keziah backed herself against the counter. Tyhr raised his eyebrows and grinned.
“Whose going to stop me ” As the blade swiped towards the young woman, the front door flew open. In an instant, Tyhr let out a groan and fell to the floor, a thin dagger sticking from his rips. Keziah gasped and looked over at Ivallios who let out a sigh.
“I will, I always do.” He yanked the dagger out as Tyhr growled like a wounded beast. “It’s only a paralyzing poison Tyhr, don’t fear. Plus I come baring good news for you.” He dropped a sack he was holding towards the ground. “Your son’s dead.” Keziah gasped and covered her mouth, staring down at the bag that was soaked with blood. “We found a dead wolf in the woods and it’s not a pretty scene. We covered his sword and some clothing. Nothing else has been found other than a large pool of elven blood, obviously his.” Ivallios glanced over at Keziah who kneeled down, burying her face into her knees as she sobbed heavily. Tyhr’s eyes fixated on the wrap on the sack as Ivallios bowed his head.
“Keziah, come home..and good day Tyhr.” The thin elf left the room quietly as Keziah’s sobbed heavily. Tyhr carefully sat up after a moment, letting out a groan.
“Stop crying woman. No Oronar falls to a beast.” He kicked the sack open and shrugged. “You may keep what you wish.”


The sun was beginning to set as Keziah sat in the clearing, Gylth’s long sword sitting beside her. Her forehead throbbed from her sobs that were beginning to fade away. She shivered as the evening air blew through the trees around her.
“Awwe...why so gloomy?” A jolt ran up Keziah’s spine at the voice that came from behind her. She turned and looked over at a tall, thin woman. Her elegant black gown blew in the window and was drastic against her red tinted skin. A pair of short horns twisted up from her long back bangs. The back of her hair was shorter and flickered in the wind. A long cloak flowed around her as her painted lips slid into a sneer. “Hello Keziah, it’s been such a long time..” The woman looked around the small clearing. “What a darling little life you have been reborn into ” Keziah slowly laid her hand on the sword as she stared at the woman in shock.
“Mother..w-why are you here?” The woman laughed softly, laying a hand over her bosom.
“Oh Keziah..you know why I’m here..” She brushed her hair over her shoulder as she strolled towards her daughter. “You’re a shame to the Ne’ashel family and it’s only fair if your own mother, Merinia Ne’ashel, was to come correct this error.” Her cloak blew open and formed into cloth bat wings. She lifted off the ground and her hands spread open, buzzing and crackling with arcane power. Keziah dropped the sword and stood up, stepping back.
“Mother  Wait  Listen–“ Merinia shook her head and smiled sharply.
“You’ve had plenty of time, Keziah. There are no excuses...” Bolts of lighting jolted between her fingers as she hovered, glowering down at her daughter. She cackled at she thrust her palms forward, the bolts jumping from her hands and through Keziah’s thin body. The young woman cried out and fell to her knees, curling over. Merinia held the spell, allowing the flow of the lighting into Keziah below her. Cries of agony echoed the small clearing as Keziah writhed in pain. After a moment, the magic faded and Merinia floated back to the ground. “How about we make a deal? All I have to our family name is your sister...you and your brother are such a disappointment really...I’ll give you a chance to get back on track...return to your mission and you’ll be allowed back home. If you don’t...I’ll destroy this little village and everyone in it. I’ll make them all beg for death and make sure they know the cause of their suffering: this poor little girl they just had to rescue...this poor little demon blood.” Keziah shivered and looked up to her mother, who smirked. “Well? Do we have a deal? Leave this place and complete your mission or join it in it’s destruction. Your choice..” Keziah wrapped her arms around herself than glanced towards the peaceful village. Gylth’s glinting sword laid in the grass as Keziah’s eyes trailed over it.
“I’ll..do it..I’ll leave...” She sighed heavily as she looked towards her mother. “I’ll finish my mission..”








Elsewhere, as the morning sun rose over a strange forest a good distance away from the Damili village. The dawn had removed the curse from the young Gylth, leaving him weak and bloodied up. A jolt ran up the boy’s spine as his eyes snapped over. He rose with a grimace; not only was he nude and in pain but his surroundings were completely foreign to him. Blood ran down the front off his body and his palette had the faint taste of raw meat. Almost immediately, the contents of his stomach were forced out of his throat. He coughed as he grew dizzy. His wound on his forearm burned with the werewolves curse. Gylth let out a sob as his bones ached throughout his body.
“Why me...” He slowly rose to his feet and surveyed the woods around him. These woods were far denser than the Damili trees. Their bark was dark red and they were thick. Their tree tops went for miles and there was no sign of civilization, only these monestrous trees. “Hello  ” Gylth called out as he staggered through the dense forest. Stumbling over roots and his own feet, the man eventually found himself fallen to the ground. The dew chilled his already shivering skin. “Someone...please..” He closed his eyes as exhaustion took over his tired body. As the man was unconscious, strange hands lifted him up and carried his limp form into the trees.

Gylth gasped as he jumped awake once more. His environment had changed; around him was now a large circular room. The walls were the same red as the trees and were decorated with what seemed to be shaman medical items. Bones of animals, jars of strange organs or liquids, furs and plants. The air was sweet with incense that wafted from the small table next to where he laid. He laid not on a bed, but a vast amount of blankets and furs. He had been dressed in a pair of crude leather trousers and his wounds wrapped with herbs. Something cold pressed against his shoulder, erupting a yelp from the boy. Staring at him through it’s large beady eyes was a weasel, but not a normal weasel. This beast was the size of a large crocodile. An odd purring noise rumbled from it’s throat as it eyed Gylth. “Um...hello?” He reached out a hand, to which the weasel rubbed it’s snout with a chirp. “Oh, good..your friendly..I don’t think I would want another animal disease today..” He looked to the wound on his forearm; there were no herbs, only a beige wrapping. “...of all things...” He rubbed the bandage and laid back down. “I can’t believe this...”
“Neither could I.” A familiar voice rung in Gylth’s ears while his eyes turned to the doorway. There stood Evan Surion, wrapped in a dark green cloak with a black mask resting atop his head like a hat. A smile spread across the man’s tan face as he walked into the large room. “Still gettin’ yourself in trouble, hmm?” Gylth relaxed at the friendly face, laughing a little.
“Looks like it..” Evan’s smile turned sad for a moment as he chewed his lip.
“We..can’t cure it..but..our healer can do all she can for you to help with your pain at the moment and for when it happens again.” Silence filled the room as Gylth stared down at his bandaged arm.
“Thank you..” The dire weasel laid it’s enormous head on Gylth’s legs, blinking up at him. “Where am I? Is this your home?” Evan grinned and looked around the half sphere room.
“Well not this house per say, but yes this colony is my home. We’re a small band of druids that protects this forest. We’ve actually been in a feud with humans right outside our territory line...you’re very lucky I was with the scouting troop that found you or you would have been killed on the spot.” Gylth’s eyes went wide as he laughed.
“You’d changed alot...never imagined you being a kill on sight guy.” With a shrug, Evan laughed.
“Yeah, sounds more like Solvin, huh? Well times change, not everything can be handled diplomatically...you should know all about this, Gylth.” Their eyes met but Gylth looked away.
“Unfortunately.” Evan watched him for a moment than smiled.
“Once you feel better, I’ll escort you back to the village. You’re a long way from hom.”
“I don’t want to return...” Gylth stared down at his lap than snapped his head up, looking to Evan. “Let me stay  If you’re all druids, none of you have pure physical strength  I could be an asset ” The druid sighed and looked to the side.
“Gyl, no offense, but your dangerous. This curse is only going to worsen you.”
“Sounds perfect to me.” The two men jolted and turned back to a thin she-elf who stood at the doorway. She was rather short but her whole body was lean muscle. Long copper hair ran down her tinted tan which was covered by the scraps of clothing that seemed for like undergarments. A belt wrapped around her thigh with a pouch on the side along with a pair of ninja sandals on her feet. “The human’s use crude weapons to harm our home and forest, perhaps what we need is a crude weapon of our own.” A smile curled up her beautiful face as her multicolored eyes met Gylth’s own emeralds. “Gylth was it?” Evan bowed to the woman as she walked over and kneeled before Gylth. She ran a thin hand over Gylth’s wound, looking over him quickly. “A lycan berserker. How lucky for us. My name is Anastrianna, I am the leader of this troop.” She rose and pulled the mask off the top of Evan’s head. The wood was carved into a vicious looking skull with horns coming off the top. The eye sockets glowed with a powerful arcane spell. “We are the faces of death for all those who enter this forest and seek to deface it’s beauty. While we are the grim reapers, you will be our hell hound.” She extended the mask to him. “Join us and you may live in our tree-top colony. We do all we can to help you with your curse and only ask that in return you help destroy our foes.” Gylth glanced from Evan to the mask before taking it.
“You have my allegiance.” Gylth lifted himself to his knees and bowed his head to her. Anastrianna kneeled, cupping Gylth’s face.
“Thank you, Gylth.” She kissed him on the mouth before rising and looking to Evan. “Teach him of our ways than give him a tour, won’t you?” She strolled out of the room as Gylth rubbed his lips.
“Don’t feel to special, she does that to everyone.” Gylth chuckled as he tapped his chin.
“Really? So all druids are loose, not just you?” A pout pursed on Evan’s lips as he folded his arms.
“Well I never ” A sheepish grin replaced his pout as Evan kneeled down next to Gylth. “So I left an impression on the village, huh?”
“You could say that..” Gylth spoke, “but it was more since I had to take over the women’s duties after my mother left, I got an earful about you from almost all the village girls.” Evan snickered cutely as he rested his chin on his palms.
“Mmm, the good ol’ days. I can’t help that it is the druid way to embrace your natural instincts.”  He twirled his finger into his side swept bangs. It was obvious was he was so popular amongst the girls. His face was almost a mirror image of his beautiful mother but he had the sharp features of his father as well. This feminine beauty also gave rise to many other rumors about Evan. The rumors which Gylth himself had believed until hearing the girls stories of Evan, the playboy.  “Alright  Get up ya bum  We’re gunna get you cleaned up so you’ll stop smellin’ like wet dog than I can show you around ”



“Alright  First off, since we gotta get a hut ready for you..you will be staying here with Trylli.” Evan laid some clothes over the folding screen that separated him from the bathing Gylth. “You’ve already met her pal, Ch’k.” The dire weasel lifted it’s head as it rolled on the blankets where Gylth once laid. “He seems to like you.” The weasel curled up on the furs and blinked its large eyes. “Which is weird..cause you probably smell like a wolf to him..and wolves eat weasels...”
“I don’t think wolves eat dire weasels, Evan..and thanks for that whole smell like a wolf thing. It is so helping my wonderful day get better.” Gylth called sarcastically through the screen. “Where is this Trylli?”
“She was here when we first brought you here. She healed you but than left to go get more herbs or something. I dunno, cleric stuff.” Ch’k made an odd clicking noise as it rolled onto it’s back. “She’s an awesome little lady though.” Evan crouched and rubbed the weasel’s belly.
“Well, I’ll meet her when I meet her..what about this place? What’s your guys beef with the humans?” Gylth rose from the waters, pulling the towel from the screen. Evan watched his silhouette as he pet Ch’k.
“Well first, I should probably tell you that we’re about four miles off the ground–“ As the words left his mouth, the silhouette of Gylth stumbled and knocked the folding screen side.
“WHAT ” The druid backwards, laughing. He waved his hands as he sat back up.
“Calm down  We’re completely safe  Didn’t know you hated heights, Gyl.” He pulled himself to his feet as he talked. “We might frown upon non-earthly substances like metals and such but that doesn’t mean we cast aside magic. Haha, CAST aside. Get it. Anyway  Arcane magic is just as part of the earth’s energy as divine magic is.” He waved Gylth over to a window, pulling aside the tarp curtain. “Let’s say you were to jump out this window right now. You would reach the ground in as good of shape as you are in now.” He pointed out the window where instead of ground beneath them there was only foliage from the tree limbs. Below that was a four mile drop to the forest floor. “On all the trees at support and surround us we have carved arcane runes into. These keep us invisible to the naked eye and also keep us from splattering on the forest floor. For each mile or so, there are runes for the feather fall spell. So by the time you reach the bottom, it’s like you’ve jumped off a short step. So that’s our home  Now about the humans..” He pointed outward this time, over and through the trees before them. In the distance, a thick line of black smoke rose from the what was obvious the top of a city. “There is the city of Alderhad. A very powerful city for many races, not just humans. On one side of their city is mountain and on the other side is us. Now which is easier to cut? Mountain or trees? Of course, they’re a growing city so they have to move somewhere. They have already torn down a portion of our forest, burned our land and given us no compensation. These human’s have no respect for our world...and it’s timed they paid but...when we went against then, they cut down half our troop. At our size, we are no match against their iron-clad warriors but those who dare get deep in our forest our killed. Once we build up our strength, we will attack again. This is why we needed you.” The lycan listened patiently to Evan and once he finished, nodded.
“What about the Damili tribes? Will they not help us?” To this, Evan frowned heavily.
“No...unfortunately, the last time I visited was the last time my father will speak with me. His anger with me has kept me from talking to my brother and Chief Dy’ln wishes to avoid conflicts.” Gylth frowned and folded his arms over his chest.
“Some family...well don’t worry. I will help your cause.” Evan smiled and patted Gylth’s back.


“Now you know our story  So now just to meet what’s left of us  The Doom Druids ” He grinned as Gylth gave him a dull stare.
“Doom Druids...really?” Evan pouted as he gripped the curtain that was the door to the outside.
“Why does no one like that name  I think it fits  We need a nickname  The humans just call us death bringers. That’s so lame ” Gylth rolled his eyes, knowing it was not worth arguing about. “But anyway, welcome to our home ” Evan opened the curtain and beckoned Gylth onto the porch.
“Wow ” Gylth smile widely as he stared in awe at the colony. Each home was growing out of the trees, like a natural growth. Limbs of the tree were woven through the sides of the huts and into the railings that curled around the patios before each front door. Thick branched flattened into walkways that snaked through the trees, towards each home and eventually all met together and wove into a courtyard. A railing curled around the edge of the main courtyard but not the singular walkways. Beyond the multiple huts that circled the courtyard were a handful of much larger huts. This was obviously where Anastrianna dwelled. The lush tree tops where a below them and a handful grew taller to shade the huts with their thick branches and foliage. There was no canopy over the courtyard so strong sunlight bleed onto this circular area. “This is gorgeous...” Gylth finally spoke. Evan walked across a narrow walkway, onto the courtyard. Animal companions and wild creatures came and went as they pleased, never bothered by the druids. Evan’s tiger companion, Rahkr, laid in the middle of the courtyard amongst a band of small monkeys that chittered and leap around the tiger and onto the railings. Birds flittered from their spots of railings and snakes slithered up in the canopy. Surrounding the courtyard were barrels of what was definitely food by the smell of it. A messy pile of scouting equipment laid beside the barrels as well. “Kezi would love this place.” Distracted by the beauty around him, Gylth made it over the walkway without a second though. Rahkr twitched his ears as the elves approached but made no other movement. A red monkey chirped and climbed up onto Gylth’s shoulder.
“Does Kezi know you’re a lycan now?” Evan rubbed the side of his lazy tiger as Gylth stilled behind him. His eyes trailed to the floor as the monkey ran it’s paws into his shaggy black hair.
“No..most likely they think I’m dead..it’s for the best. I made a fool of myself..” The monkey wrapped it’s tail around the boy’s neck as it picked at Gylth’s earrings. For a moment, only the animals could be heard as Evan watched Gylth silently. He could pick out what happened without the words from the boy.
“I’m sorry Gylth..” The lycan shrugged and pulled the monkey off his shoulder before he could pluck out a hoop.
“It was bound to happen...what’s this?” Gylth indicated a rope that looped around a stump in the middle of the courtyard while the end hung off the side.
“Someone’s on the surface. We use ropes to get back up here for those that lack any other way to get up here.” Gylth felt his heart leap to his throat as he glanced over the edge. He couldn’t see the end of the rope. There was a twang as the rope tightened. “Oh, someone’s startin’ their climb  It’s probably Trylli.” Gylth looked at the rope and firmly took a hold of it with both hands.
“That must take forever.” He began to easily reel it in. After a few minutes, a bundle of twigs and leaves were tossed over the edge. Gylth gave the rope a final pull and a small woman came up on the other end. She was barely over three feet tall but her silver hair and wrinkled features told her true age.
“Oh my ” She blinked her heavy eyes up at Gylth as she picked up her herbs. “It’s good to see the young man has had his strength returned to him...such a kind boy, helping an old gnome with her climb.” Gylth bowed and smiled at the woman.
“I assume you are Trylli, ma’am.” The cleric nodded as a smile curled her thin lips.
“That I am..what a nice boy. So polite. What is your name, lycan?” She patted Gylth’s thigh as she eyed him.
“Gylth, ma’am. Gylth Oronar.” She nodded as she dusted her gown of dirt.
“Gylth...Gylth..” She began to hobble towards her home. “Wonderful name..so full of pain but at the core has a heart purer than most. What a kind boy.” She began to sort through her herbs as she walked onto her patio. “Welcome to the war, young warrior.” Gylth watched her enter her home as Evan snickered.
“She’s a little kooky but she’s a brilliant cleric.” He clapped and counted on his fingers. “So there’s Trylli, our cleric. You’ve met Ms Leader and now there’s just the bard, the ninja, the sorcerous and the pain in the ass.”  He grinned at Gylth. “They’re all pretty self explanatory..” He gasped and turned, digging through the equipment. “Idea  ” Gylth stood awkwardly as he glanced around the scenery. A bellowing horn caused both Gylth and Rahkr to jump. The tiger gave a disgruntled growl as both him and Gylth turned to Evan who had both a large bone and shell horn. In a hurry, doors of the huts flapped open and cloaked forms almost flew towards the courtyard. They all wore the horned masks with glowing eye sockets. The glowing orbs all focused on Evan who waved his hands. “False alarm, everyone  Masks off ” They all muttered in a foreign tongue until a slender form stepped foreward.
“What isss ze meanin’ of zissss ?” A feminine voice hissed from behind the mask.
“Hey now  I might have totally abused my horn powers but you’re all still under my command, remember?” The orbs still stared at him blankly. “I just want you guys to met our new guy ” He smiled broadly and indicated Gylth with a wide gesture. The boy smiled awkwardly and waved.
“Umm...hi?” The slender woman who had stepped forward pulled her mask off. At first glance, she looked like a narrow faced elf but upon a closer look, her face was frighteningly beautiful. Her slanted yellow eyes did not blink as she glanced over Gylth. Her nose was practically flat against her face and patches of scales ran up her cheekbones, around her brow and sprinkled down her neck. A forked tongue flickered out of her thin lips as she spoke in a harsh whisper.
“What issss ziss? Ve are not babysssitterssss ” Her black thin hair was cut at chin level and hid the fact she lacked external ears. “Who isss zisss boy?” Evan waved his hands again, wrapping an arm around Gylth’s shoulder.
“This is Gylth. Trylli, myself and Aramil saved him this morning in the forest. He is an old friend from my village and a power asset to our cause. Anastrianna has already met him and approves.” Another form, took off their mask; a young man with shaggy blonde hair smiled. He looked almost human but had short pointed ears and elven eyes.
“Hey  You were like almost dead this morning ” Evan extended an arm out towards the young man.
“Gylth, that’s Aramil. He’s a ninja. He’s cool. I call him halfsies. This lovely reptile before us is Ssssssssel’na.” The snake woman hissed at Evan’s mockery. “She’s our fabulous sorcerous ” The last person pulled their mask off, but the horns remained. A satyr stepped forward, giving Gylth a jolt. A smile spread across his bearded face as his horns curled from his shagged hair.
“Hey there  Ain’t you a little short to be some beef cake?” He blinked down at Gylth who stared in awe at the half beast.
“This is Tur’nul  He’s hairy..and a bard.” Tur’nul tapped his hooves against the wood beneath him.
“Hey now  Just cause you freaky elves dun grow body hair means you gots to make fun of my abundance ” He rubbed his hairy chest and laughed loudly as Evan wrinkled his nose.
“You’re so gross ” Gylth rubbed his arm as he looked at them all. Sel’na flicked out her tongue and gripped Gylth’s bandaged arm.
“Vhat isss ziss?  Vhat’s vrong wif hissss arm  ” Aramil laughed and patted her shoulder.
“Oh, he got bit by a werewolf, it’s all good ” Evan snapped and frowned at Aramil.
“Hey  We weren’t supposed to tell yet  Anastrianna was going to tell everyone so no one would panic–“
”Verevolf? ” Ser’na’s slitted nostrils flayed as she pulled at dagger from her belt. “He’s dangeroussss  Vhy isss he here? ” Before anyone could react, Gylth pulled his arm from her grip, thrust his pal into her chest and grabbed her wrist that held the knife tightly. She yelped for breath and dropped the knife instantly. He grabbed her shoulder and turned her, folding her arm behind her back. Tur’nul laughed loudly.
“THAT’s why he’s here ” Aramil joined Tur’nul’s laughter.
“That was so awesome ” He patted Gylth’s back who smiled before letting go of the woman. Ser’na huffed and stormed off.
“She ain’t any fun..” Tur’nul nodded as he leaned down towards Gylth. “But she ain’t as much as a wet blanket as Torrik...” Aramil nodded in agreement and wrapped his arm around Gylth.
“But don’t worry about ol’ Torrik. Me, Fullsies and Tur’nul here will take care of you.” Gylth glanced between them all and chuckled.
“Alright, thanks.”





-Elsewhere-


“So what are the details?” A cloaked figure stared at the satchel of gold pieces that laid on the table before him. The bearded human across from him laughed and leaned back into his chair.
“Oh please, you’re an assassin. Is it really important for you to get all the information? I just need you to kill the adventurers that went into that old citadel” The figure didn’t move, staring silently at the man who shifted uncomfortably.
“Alright, alright...they were hired by a competitors of mine. He hired someone once before but they didn’t make it back so he’s paid more for these adventurers. They’ve been hired to go into that old Dwarvn hideout and collect these rumored treasured of Durgeddin the Black. You can keep whatever you find on your victims but Durgeddin’s treasure is mine.” A smile became visible from under the fan’s hood.
“We have a deal then.” He stood and picked up the sack. “Now, how many are there?”
“Only 3, two women and a man. Should be simple for you.” The cloaked man nodded as he bowed his head to the man.
“I’ll return with your treasure.”   The gray cloth floated as the man turned, leaving the room. Outside, the town of Blasingdell was noisy as people traveled back and forth, pulling carts of produce or other goods. The hooded figured let out a sigh as he removed his hood, exposing the spiked back copper hair. Solvin’s bright green eyes surveyed those around him quickly before he stepped back into a dark alley way. His black leather armor let him fade away into the darkness easily. “Another easy job.” He shrugged his shoulders as he stepped back against a wall. Taking off in a sprint, he took two steps up the side of the wall than leapt up in the air. His gloved hands gripped a window ledge and quickly pulled himself up until he gripped a roof ledge. His cloak flapped in the wind as he jumped to his feet, looking around the city below him. “Take the east road towards the mountains. There I will find the Dwarvn stronghold, Khundrukar.” He sighed and folded his arms. “Doesn’t sound to difficult.” A caw echoed the skies above him as his hawk circled about him. He extended his arm and the bird landed on his padded arm. “Go ahead without me. Let me know if they are any others there.” The hawk clicked and took off towards the mountains



Carefully, Solvin made his way into the bowels of the citadel. He had found traces of these adventurers: enemy corpses, arcane residue, footprints and evidence of their presence. By the tracks he had found there was a gnome and two standard sized people, one in armored boots and the other in soft soled shoes. There were also wolf prints; one of the adventures was a druid, apparently the gnome by the placements.
“Hmmm..” As he entered a foul smelling cave that, by the cages, was obviously where they kept prisoners. The adventurers had freed a captive and allowed it to join their group. “Well, looks like I’ll be getting a bonus.” His hears prickled as he heard the muffled sounds of a conflict. He felt a prick in the back of his skull as he sense his hawk alert him. He pulled up his black mask and pulled up his hood. He melted into the scenery as he slipped silently through the hallways. Taking a different route, Solvin hid behind a rock that faced a small creek that snaked through the ground. Here he readied his bow, his eyes focused on the water. Eventually they would need to get water; his ears picked up on faint voices but he remained still.
“That was so gross!” A voice shouted as a slim woman walked into Solvin’s view. Her sliver armor was coated with blood and filth from her last enemy. Her hair was locks of pale blonde hair, pulled up into a bun that exposed her long elf ears. In the middle of her breastplate was the religious symbol of the god, Palor. Her beautiful face wrinkled with disgust as she pulled her armor off. “Groooss~” She whined as she began to clean her armor. Solvin felt his cheeks grow hot as he stared at this half nude stranger. He rolled his eyes as he stretched back his arrow. The woman began to remove her bottoms, and with that the arrow soared from Solvin’s bow. A scream was forced from her lungs as she fell to the floor, the arrow in her chest. Solvin cursed as she still moved; she had been able to surpass the power of his assassin’s strike. Her companions came running to the scene as Solvin laid back against the rock he hit against.
“What the hell are you doing?” The voice clenched Solvin’s heart; His eyes widened as he instantly recognized the voice of his beloved. Even his hawk that sat on his quiver knew this voice. It cawed and flew off Solvin’s back. The elven boy gritted his teeth and looked over, fearing this beast would ruin his spot.
“Look! That bird!” A new voice joined the scene and he felt her move towards his spot. Before she could move another step, Solvin shot an arrow that flew into the gnome who had stepped close to his spot.
“Elly!” Keziah’s voice called again, distracting Solvin who felt his chest warm with joy. His girlfriend whom he had not seen in twenty years was only a few feet away from him but he had sworn to kill this group. As his mind drifted, he became tense. His eyes widened as he felt his foot slip from the rock. In a mass of black leather, the elf tumbled down onto his back with a grunt. Keziah walked towards him, both swords drawn as he fumbled to knock an arrow. The cleric had healed herself and joined Keziah, wielding her spiked mace. Solvin aimed the bow towards the cleric and released another arrow into her abdomen. The elf yelped and grabbed her side. “That’s enough!” Keziah swung her sword, slicing the bow from Solvin’s hands. She stomped her boot onto Solvin’s ribs, knocking the wind from his lungs. He laid his head back, not wanting to fight against a woman he was so glad to see.
“Who are you? Why are you shooting us?!” The cleric yelled once she had removed the arrow from her side. A chime came from the gnome as well.
“Why’d you shoot me!” Solvin stared up at Keziah, who stared down at him apathetically, her sword resting against the leather at his throat. Perhaps if she killed him before he’d answer, he wouldn’t have to contemplate the creed of an assassin against the creed of a lover. Keziah’s expression softened for a moment as she scowled.
“For someone who shoot two strangers for no purpose..you’re giving up rather easily.” A giggle came from the elven cleric who hefted her mace against’ her shoulder to rest.
“Maybe he is atoning for his crimes of shooting such beautiful women!” Keziah rolled her eyes at the cleric as she sheathed her swords.
“Well than he doesn’t have much to atone for, does he Arisa?” The laughing elf trailed off and frowned at the joke.
“Hey!” Kezi kneeled, putting her knee down on Solvin’s chest so he wouldn’t be able to move.
“Just who are you..” She pulled the fabric off from around Solvin’s mouth, pushing back his hood. Her eyes widened as she stared down at the face of Solvin who smiled warmly up at her. Arisa giggled and covered her mouth.
“Oooh, he’s cute!” Keziah felt to her knees, next to Solvin who rose to a sitting position.
“Hey Kez, it’s been a while,  hasn’t it? ” Keziah covered her mouth as her eyes shone. Arisa blinked and looked to the gnome next to her.
“Umm...wait, what’s goin’ on?”