Verange

Chapter 35?

A/N:

I didn't check what chapter I was at before posting this, so I'm assuming it's chapter 35. Hence the question mark. 

Whooo! An update after nearly a year. So sorry about the extended break. I got really busy and didn't have time to write for a long while. But here I am. Ready to go again. I had to clear up some major plot points before continuing so this is me starting to do that. The next chapter should finish that and then we can start to wrap up this tale. This chapter is actually pretty short. I wrote it in about an hour, so I wouldn't expect too much from it. There is a lot of dialogue in this, so don't be scared. I didn't just ramble on for over 1000 words. If anyone is still reading this, I do really apologize for the waiting. It's been really rough for me over the past few months and although I've been trying to get back to writing for some time now, I never had the motivation. 

Some stuff happened recently and I've had a whole not of sleepless nights, so I began writing again to pass the time. I really want to finish this, so please, tell me what you think of it and give me some damn inspiration so I can finish.

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After several hours of riding, Elis came to the conclusion that she must have passed the other group, having taken a different route out of the city than normal. The horse beneath her was panting, sweat coating its sides.

She slowed to a walk, allowing her horse to regain its energy. Ever so slowly, she extended her mind out to reach the woman she knew was leading the other party. Lithiana? Where are you? I am several hours out from the forest and have yet to see you.

Elis! We have been trying to reach you for hours. They won't let us leave the city. Something about Andir wanting to speak with you. They took Hayden to the palace. I wasn't allowed to follow.

A deep sigh escaped her. I will be back as soon as I can. Tell them that nothing Hayden says can be trusted. He's only a silly human whose mind has been fumbled by our magic.

She got a brief assent. Her horse was still frothing at the mouth, clearly not ready for another long run back. She tied her pack and belongings to his back and faced the forest. Even miles away, she could make out the dark green line where it began.

Then she ran. All the way back. Darkness was falling by the time she made it and she was incredibly winded, but she made it. Walking up to the first main canopy of trees, she was greeted by several surprised gasps and a hug from Lithiana.

"He's at the palace. You'd better hurry."

Another sprint to the building made entirely of plants and she stopped to properly catch her breath. Once composed, she pushed the door open, striding in like it was her own home, caring not for any sort of judgment she may receive.

Tabaine was there, sitting in the chair next to Andir and Hayden was sitting on the floor before them. Keni was standing behind Tabaine.

"Elis, how lovely of you to join us. I understand you planned on leaving?" Andir spoke from where she sat, gray eyes peering into her with too many emotions.

"I understand it is not your business when I leave or when I go." The words sprung from her before she had time to think, not meaning to sound quite so cold. She wasn't happy, but she surely didn't want to show it like this.

"No... I suppose it isn't. However, I'm changing that right now. From now on, you will have to seek clearance from me before you leave or enter the forest. If anyone catches you leaving without my consent, you will be placed in confinement until an ample reason can be given as to why you were trying to leave."