Book of Ellagar

Chapter 9: Reunion

One evening, as the siblings were winding down from their day of lessons, a soft rustle of leaves signaled a visitor. Ellagar tensed, her hand on her staff, ready for anything. What emerged from the shadows was not a creature of the swamp, but a dragonborn, her scales a dull bronze from weeks of travel. Ellagar's eyes filled with a mix of relief and exhaustion. It was Thelara.

The younglings squealed with delight, and Ellagar's heart swelled to see them run to their returning guardian, their arms wrapping around her thick neck. Thelara's own smile was weary but genuine as she nuzzled them gently, her eyes glowing with the warmth of their reunion. She had returned, and Ellagar felt a weight lift from her shoulders.

As nightfall approached and the swamp's symphony changed its chorus, the two of them tucked the younglings into their shelter, the boys' eyes heavy with sleep. Thelara whispered something about how strong Verak had become, like a warrior, and she could see his young mind ready to ask new questions as he drifted into sleep. Ardvek clung to Thelara, his thumb in his mouth, his eyes searching hers for reassurance. She kissed his forehead and promised to keep him safe, whispering a gentle lullaby until his eyes grew heavy and finally closed. Bodily, they had grown so much, now the size of 6 or 7-year-old humans. But in many ways, they were still less than 18 months old in mind and spirit.

Once the camp was still and quiet, Ellagar approached Thelara, her eyes filled with unspoken concern. The dragonborn's weary gaze met hers, and she could see the depth of what she had been through in the lines on her friend's face. They sat by the dying embers of the fire, the light playing off Thelara's bronze scales. The warmth between them was palpable, a bond that transcended words.

Ellagar spoke first, "Over a full month - I thought you had come to harm. That you might never come back. Are you well?" The note of emotion in her own voice surprised Ellagar.

Thelara took Ellagar's face in her powerful yet gentle hands and gently rubbed noses with her in the traditional dragonborn greeting of intimates. The gesture was warm and unexpected, a sign of the deep bond they had formed in such a short time. "I am sorry I could not send word," she whispered, her voice hoarse from the long journey. "The Concordance summoned me, and when the elders call, we must answer."

Thelara paused, looking around and mouthing the words, "We must be careful, else we are..."

Ellagar smiled, taking Thelara's hand. "Ah, it seems there is good news on that front! Grandmother cannot eavesdrop when we are beneath the Mother-Tree." Thelara's eyes opened wide, and then she relaxed.

"That is a relief. But I suspect Mother Tree listens?" Ellagar shrugged. Thelara leaned close, her eyes searching Ellagar's, looking for understanding. "The Concordance is aware of Grandmother's meddling and the prophecy. They seek to guide us, but even they fear the path Grandmother has created. The whispers of the swamp are not the only voices you must heed. There are greater powers at play, and the balance of the world is precarious."

Ellagar nodded solemnly, her thoughts drifting to the Empire and the elusive elves. Despite their peaceful coexistence, the Empire had always cast a shadow over the swamp's inhabitants, their hunger for power a constant concern. The elves, with their ancient wisdom, had remained aloof, watching the unfolding events with a detached curiosity that unsettled her. She felt so weary.

Thelara was slumped forward on her staff, staring at the fire. Ellagar saw she was also weary, yet even more so. Was it simply the long journey? The memory of Thelara's lifeless body swam in her thoughts. "Thelara, leave the news for now. You did not answer me. My friend, are you well?"

Thelara looked away uneasily and seemed about to dismiss the question. She rubbed her face and eyes, looking at Ellagar. "Something is not right. Inside me. I..." her voice trailed off. Ellagar rested a hand on her friend's arm and waited for her to continue. "Sageclaw took me to one of his clan. My powers, my connection to the land, it is muted. They had no answer but gave me this red stone to wear, thinking it might help." She pulled out a simple necklace, a dull red stone pendant dangling.