Bellator

Awaken

"Why must you leave? Is there not another way? Do stay! You can't leave us, they'll know." Tears stained her aesthetically flushed cheeks. The dear child clings to my dark garment hung on my waist.

"Grim, you understand why I am to go. I'll be back, that I assure you. As for leaving you, that I must, but unprotected you'll never be, know that." I load a hydra skin bag with what I believed will be significante to us later on. For this was a journey not heard of and not taken.

I try not to face the child for the uncertainty in me would not calm her fears, for I face unease myself. For once I, Bellator, am not in charge and unhold of the situation before me. Unaware, but stuck in this decision, I am strained to make.

At long last Inlusio emerges, untangling and sweeping the young elf from my ankles and into her arms. She nestles and comforts her like the mother the child never received.

I wearily gather my belongings moments after and take a break, breathing in the tense atmosphere.

Collecting myself, I struggle to pick up my legs and drag my gloomy carcass to the door where Inlusio stands. Reverence and concern, likewise, engulfs her, but we both knew this must be done.

I look directly into her fiery sea jewels and give a sly nod. Her eyes glistening but not more was shown or done.

I creep throughout the resting village, making my presence unknown as the dew cakes the ground. Then, just as I requested, one of my trusted faey general emerges from the fog.

"Just as we discussed. Not more, Dux. Nor less."

"Y-yes, Bellator, of course. Protect the grounds, attract n-no attention and, most importantly, not l-let anyone know of your whereabouts and d-disappearance." He fidgets under my glare as he try's to speak boldly. He was a grand general, strong at heart. His voice, not confident sounding at the moment, worried me, but stuttering was in his breeds nature.

I sigh, time is ticking.

As I turn away lean stressed fingers encircle my wrist.

"Careful, B-Bellator, we need you. The battle isn't of the least over."

"I always am general. I will be back, note that," I pause. "Just protect the family, I'd hate to see you die of guilt. I'm asking you, Dux, do not let me regret it."

His hands uncoil and I trot over to the beginning of our settlement. There I address the draco's to their duties. I am relying on them to guard our people. I trust them, much. They lived in Amissa long before my time and quickly became a part of us.

Dux ambled throughout the trees and nodded to me, signifying a go like signal. I take another gaze over the Will woods, the trees crowded with the many glowing eyes of our guardians. I need to trust all was to go well. Simply, I need too.

Alterum and Mutator greet me soon after, packed lightly, Alterum with his keen claymore and Mutator with his blood dame recurve.

On foot, it was a journey of five nights according to the dark warrior, without interference. Time began to be our greatest enemy. There was no time to organize this, twilight was in less than twenty-one nights and we weren't the only ones prowling for this weapon.

The prodigious amount of negatives come upon me. But, if we are to have any chance of survival, not victory, but survival, I have to go.

We share our goodbyes once more with Inlusio and the others, gathering our belongings. Slowly then, we proceed out into the heart of Amissa, trying to take the littlest of steps. I have traveled many times in and out of the forests but none of the times has it been so painful.