A Taste of Death

Chapter Three

The simultaneously dark and light color warped around Nova, swirling and twirling like an amethyst tornado with a hint of warmth. She closed her eyes, feeling a pull at her sternum, feeling her breath leave her body for a second. Then as soon as it started, it ended, the raven haired female falling face first into the ground with a grunt. She slowly stood, coughing lightly, dusting herself off and looking around, eyes widening. This was the same forest from the photograph. Was she in the picture?

She rubbed her arms, a chill that had nothing to do with the forest running down her spine. She began walking on the trail she dropped on, scanning the area. She was on edge and the shadows didn't help either. She gasped quietly when she saw once dash at the edge of her vision, wide eyes looking around. Then another woosh, this time on her other side. Her heartbeat spiked, breath quickening. Then another, this time behind her. She let out a small squeak of surprise, before spotting something appearing to be a shadowed wolf, with glowing white eyes, snarling at her with malicious intent.

That was all the reason Nova needed to start running, her feet complaining at the lack of proper footwear as she only had socks on. It didn't matter. Adrenaline filled her veins, liquid energy giving her panicked strength as she ran full on, occasionally glancing back to see the shadowed wolf chasing her- and gaining. She didn't have much time, nor energy left. Her breath left her in harsh wheezes, her lungs gasping for air, her body pleading for mercy, a break from the relentless chase.

With a yelp, she ran into something, no, someone, and looked up. Eyes of a beautiful emerald color graced the male's face as he stepped in front of Nova, grabbing something from a pouch, blowing a breath onto it, his brilliant green eyes glowing as he cast what appeared to be rocks on the ground in front of him, runic symbols glowing the same as his eyes. Nova looked on in wonder as the rune carved stones sent a wave of shimmering green towards the wolf, causing the shadow to screech and retreat, the stones reappearing in Nova's protector's hand as he put them away.

"Are you okay?" He asked as he turned towards her, a worried and kind expression on his face as he gently grasped her shoulders with his embroidered white gloved hands. There was no denying he was handsome, maybe in his mid twenties with a smooth pale face, sharp jawline, delicately pointed ears and shoulder length sun kissed hair, streaked with green. His attire consisted of a golden chestplate, a dark green and black coat adorned in green accents over it, dropping down to the tops of his gold plated boots.

After Nova nodded wordlessly, stunned at the display of the man before her continuing to examine him as he led her through the woods, noting the elegant long bow, the dark pouch containing the mysterious runes and the short sword he kept belted to his side.

Soon they came upon a cottage and her rescuer knocked before entering. "Elowen?" He called out. A brunette walked into view, her brown village style dress swishing at her knees as she dried her hands off and ushered the two inside, tucking a strand of her hair back behind pointed ears before examining Nova. "She's human...where did you find her?" Elowen's eyes flicked to the blonde stranger, who was taking off his cloak, elegant headpiece and armor, setting it neatly in a small nook, and then crossing his arms over his white blouse.

"The Shadowed Woods, being chased by a Neisha." He responded. Elowen stopped examining Nova and looked at the other sharply. "A Neisha, this far from the capital?" She looked concerned. "He must've sensed the portal opening, despite our efforts." The male responded. Elowen sighed. "Of course." She commented quietly. Nova looked confused. "I'm sorry, what's a Neisha and who's he?" Her eyes went between the two. Elowen stared for a moment then blinked. "Ah, I forgot you are from above." She nodded and pulled out a chair from Nova. "You may want to sit down. Would you like some tea?" The brunette offered and Nova nodded, confused still but curious. The blonde tall male sat down.

"I apologize for not introducing myself. I am called Amarelis, a Rune Caster of the Sarein Elven Tribe." He gave her a warm smile, gently mixing some milk into his tea. Nova turned her attention to the brunette who slid over a cup of tea for the newcomer. "Elowen, High Seer of the Sarein Tribe." She hummed a little as she said it, the tune connoting a slight sad tone. Nova took the tea, examining the pinkish red contents and the unique aroma. "I'm Nova Scott- I'm just a teenager from, uhm, California. It's a place in America." She clarified, realizing the two elves in front of her probably had no clue what California or America was.

They were quiet for a moment as Nova tried the tea. It was an interesting blend, tasting not too bitter, but not too sweet, carrying a fruity taste almost like peaches, yet carrying a hint of vanilla and chamomile. "The Neisha are a group of higher up shadow beings that take the form of a wolf. They hunt down people, animals, everything that lives in light." Elowen began explaining. "They usually don't go far from the capital, nor stray far from their master's side." She looked deep in thought, slowly swirling her tea. "Who's he?" Nova repeated her second earlier question, one of the many she had.

"No one really knows. He never shows his face, merely appearing as a shadow. However, based on what we know of various shadow demons, he's most likely one of the Void Order." Amarelis commented. Elowen sipped her tea. "Though, the Order was peaceful. If he is part of the Order, what made them turn against the realm?" She mused out loud. Realm. That word caught Nova's attention. "Realm-?" She inquired. Elowen nodded. "Welcome to Vashnaheil."