Pillars of Age

Speed Killer/Strength Betrayer

AUVEDA

Several carriages and their accompanying soldiers halted on the stone road near Sapphire Lake, a small but deep body of water marking the border of the Forest Elves' territory. Forest Soldier statues stood sentinel on both sides of the road, their stern gazes warning those who dared to intrude.

The landscape around the lake was a study in contrasts. To the east, within the Forest Elves' territory, tall trees rose majestically, their canopies forming a verdant tapestry. The western side was a sweeping grassy plain, where the stone road branched off towards the lands of the Forest Elves' neighbours.

A silver-haired Forest Elf, left the group of soldiers and approached the lake's edge. She knelt to wash her hands and face, savoring the cool, refreshing water. The moment was brief but cherished, a rare respite from the ongoing tensions. Afterward, she returned to the carriages.

"Tonight, Zorhav will be full again, and the sky looks clear. We must rest now and move quickly to reach Green Leaf as soon as possible," announced Vaethur, a half-elf who led the escorting troops.

"Understood. I trust our speed and safety to you, Vaethur, and your Forest Phantoms, until we arrive at Green Leaf," responded General Faenthir, a Forest Elf dressed in elegant attire of green and purple silk, marking him as someone of high rank.

Auveda, Vaethur, and the soldiers wore thick, easily removable cloaks in brown and green hues. Beneath these cloaks, they were clad in greenish elven glass armour that shimmered in the dimming light.

"Of course, Lord Faenthir," Vaethur replied with a respectful nod. The high rank Elf responded again with dignified nod. Although through his composed demeanour, a flicker of unease crossed his features. The war's progress weighed heavily on him.

"Vaethur," Auveda called after observing the brief exchange.

"What is it?" he asked, turning to her.

"I challenge your leadership," Auveda declared flatly, causing a ripple of shock among the soldiers. Only Faenthir seemed unperturbed, though curious.

Vaethur's surprise quickly turned into a knowing smile. "You waited until we entered our territory to challenge me?"

"Indeed. I want less trouble," Auveda replied with calm certainty.

The surrounding soldiers, the Forest Phantoms, looked agitated, some shaking their heads in disapproval.

"I don't understand, Vaethur. What is this challenge the lady has issued?" Faenthir inquired, his concern evident.

"A Leadership Challenge is a seldom-invoked tradition of ours. It allows a leader to be challenged if deemed unfit, and the challenger believes they can lead better," Vaethur exlained.

"And I believe I can lead better," Auveda stated, her tone unwavering and indifferent to the reactions around her.

"If we were outside our territory, this challenge would require the support of more than half the unit. Here, within our lands, one person's challenge suffices," Vaethur clarified.

"So, that's why you said she waited," Faenthir noted, understanding dawning on him.

"Shall we begin?" Auveda insisted.

"Lady, we are on an important mission in a time of war. Is this challenge truly appropriate now?" Faenthir questioned, his worry deepening.

"With respect, General Faenthir, this is the most appropriate time," Auveda replied, her tone still flat but resolute.

Faenthir did not take offense but remained puzzled by her unwavering stance.

"It's all right, sir. Auveda is correct. Once issued, the challenge must be answered. And I must admit, her skills and experience qualify her to lead," Vaethur conceded, showin his acceptance.