Return to Jorgaldur Volume V: Reunion (2)

Preparations (II)

Elendnas sighed. He wanted to go with his wife, but Melingor's arguments were convincing. They needed as many volunteers as possible, and he could help with that.

"Okay, I'll command the elves who want to fight alongside me," he finally accepted.

"Thank you, Elend, I'll spread the news. Everyone wants to see you in action again. They'll come in their hundreds," Melingor assured, while remembering when the two were a team.

"They better," he threatened.

"Don't worry, I'll be fine. This's how you can best help us. We need you to distract them," his wife hugged him.

In reality, the elf also wanted her husband to be with her. However, apart from the fact that they needed to be a small team, Melingor was right. Elendnas was an idol to the elves. His presence would encourage many to go, without the need to explain why, so not giving clues to their enemies. It was enough for the elf to declare that he had returned, and that he wanted to fight against the corruption.

They expected many elves to join, which they could use to encourage other factions. No doubt their enemies would be suspicious, but they could hardly imagine what their real objective was.

The generals would have no choice but to send their forces to confront the army if they didn't want to be cornered. Furthermore, the temptation to fight them within the miasma was too strong. The opportunity to corrupt them was too attractive to the fallen spirits.

Maldoa opened her eyes, stood up and stretched her legs. She took a deep breath, which drew the pure air into her lungs.

Around her, an immense meadow stretched out. It covered what had been the Valley of the Dead. Even some small trees stood among the low vegetation, which should be impossible in such a short time. The power of the dryads had worked the miracle.

Of the remaining undead, there was no trace left. The plants, stimulated by the power that had circulated through the drelf, had purified them. Their souls had been released, and their physical remains had been converted into nutrients.

No one would have thought that a few months ago that had been a desolate place with a frightening aura of death. Now, the vegetation exuded life, and some birds and winged insects had been the first to colonize the place.

Small rodents and some herbivores were also beginning to be seen on the outskirts, and over time, they would end up expanding. This would attract their natural predators, and they wouldn't be the only ones to claim a piece of land.

The trees would take time to grow, but they would grow steadily under the care of the dryads. Normally, they didn't meddle so much on a natural environment, but this had been a place of death that needed to be repaired.

The drelf smiled at what her eyes showed her. In a way, she knew each of those plants intimately. She had meticulously propagated the power that was transmitted to her, thus feeling one with the land and her sisters as she had never been.

That had changed her in more ways than one. Her union with the dryads was fuller, she no longer felt different. Well, actually she did, but it didn't matter anymore. She had completely accepted herself, completely understood that her difference wasn't a curse, but quite the opposite.

She may not be able to do everything that the dryads could, but she could do what they couldn't. Her half-elf status would allow her to fulfill a mission that was impossible for a dryad, she would act as their representative.

"Now, I have the power to help her," she said to herself, while clenching her fists.

She could feel it clearly. Her body had been bathed for months with the power of the dryads. It had circulated through her to reach the entire valley. While doing so, it had strengthened her, promoted her development, intensified her connection with nature.

She opened her hand and gathered mana to cast one of her spells. However, she frowned, and let it dissipate.

"Too much power. I need some practice to control it," she told herself.

At least, the skills corresponding to her dryad half didn't have that problem. Her connection to nature was deeper, and her manipulation of it more exquisite.

"Wait for me, I'll arrive soon," she asked the wind.

"Don't worry, you still have time," a voice assured her.

"Congratulations. You've done more than great," another congratulated her too.

"Be careful when you go," a third worried.

"I know, mom. I'll be careful," Maldoa promised.

"I'm so proud of you... You've grown so much... Sob... I still remember when you were just a little girl stumbling over the roots, confused by their auras," the dryad sobbed.

"Mum! Don't start again!" the drelf protested, embarrassed.

"I remember it too. She was so cute... Look at her now, she complains about every little thing," Melia provoked her, amused.

"Aunt! Don't help her!" Maldoa complained.

"Ha, ha. Ok, ok. In exchange, take care of Eldi for me," she asked her.

"Don't worry. I'll send it to you when this is over," the drelf promised.

"What about me? I want one too!" another dryad claimed.

"Mine with yellow eyes and furry triangular ears," another asked.

"I am satisfied if he's a good cook."

"Gluttonous..."

"Of course, you aren't... When Goldmi sends us the desserts, we will take your share, since you don't want it."

"I've not said that!"

"Make sure you take care of Goldmi. We could have a party when they get back."

"That's it! Maldoa, you're in charge of bringing the coo... Goldmi."

"I think I have problems with my power. I can't hear you," Maldoa pretended.

"That's what she did when she was little, and I scolded her..." her mother recalled.

"Mum!"

"I thought you weren't hearing me..."

For a some time, the dryads continued talking, laughing, about and with Maldoa. They were happy for her, but also worried. The drelf had before her a dangerous mission, which only she could carry out.

Therefore, in their own way, they were trying to cheer her up. In fact, no matter how much she complained or protested, she knew it. Maldoa felt more than moved. She felt loved and appreciated. She could feel she was one of them. That they were all her dear sisters. Well, apart from an annoying mother, whom she loved with all her heart.

The drelf took a deep breath, reluctant to stop the conversation, to stop paying attention to those happy voices. However, she had to practice. It was necessary to become familiar with her power increase as soon as possible. Her friend would need her soon. Well, several friends. Perhaps, the entire world.

She couldn't do it alone, but she was a necessary piece. Maldoa knew the risks and their importance, and she had accepted the responsibility.