Vidia

Nyx

The journey was slow. The army had to repeatedly take breaks because of the heat. Some Oberons had to be pulled. Our armor was so heavy it made it even more hard.

And the geography wasn't helping either. The green hills made it hard to climb and the trees made the path twist and turn.

Finally, it was dusk.

"Halt. We shall make camp here for tonight." Vidia said. Elian passed out water and food to everyone and Vidia made sure to bring plenty of supplies. Everyone's bows were still on their backs but some had laid theirs on the ground.

It soon became dark. Vidia walked to the center of the army and started a fire. The trees surrounding them made it impossible for intruders to find them.

"Most of the camp is asleep. Must I ask, why are you still awake, majesty?" Elian asked.

"Just caught up in my thoughts is all." Vidia looked at Elian next to her. He had shorter cut white hair that just barely began to cover his eyes.

"Elian, I'm risking my whole army just for Iris. I know that's what he would've done. But is it really worth the risk?"

"Majesty, Iris would've done the same. The army of Nyx shouldn't have attacked. And like you said before, they won't stop. Me must attack while they're weak."

"I suppose." Vidia agreed.

Late in the night, Vidia fell asleep next to the fire. While she lay asleep, Elian laid down next to her. He was too shy to tell Vidia, the queen of Elvena, that he liked her. He knew that Vidia never fully recovered over Iris' death. Vidia probably wouldn't handle the news very well.

----

Early before the sun came up, everyone checked their Oberons and packed their arrows. The fire had already died out before anyone woke up. Only Vidia stood out among everyone because she had beautiful engraved green armor on while everyone else had intricate black armor.

Vidia stood looking up at the morning sky.

"Majesty, what are you looking at?" Elian asked.

"The sky. It looks like we should enter the Nyx kingdom at noon today. But instead of storming in, let's CP2."

"Of course, majesty. Sounds like a great plan." Elian relied. CP2 stood for carry out plan 2. Plan 2 was usually only used for hunting elk. It's a plan that allows us to sneak up on predators and attack fast.

Vidia walked away from the camp so she was alone. She needed some time to think about the plan.

Suddenly, leaves and branches crunched in a pattern that sounded like footsteps.

Silently, Vidia pulled out an arrow from her back and held out her bow, ready to attack.

She heard the crunch again and got the feeling that someone was watching her.

She turned around and pointed her arrow directly at her target. A man stood there in silver and black armor, his hands in surrender. 

"Who are you?" Vidia asked in her slight accent.

"I was just heading home. I mean no harm."

Vidia could tell by his armor that this man was a Nyx.

"You're a Nyx! Tell me why I mustn't kill you."

"I have no excuse." The man began. "Our armies defeated the elves. Must I ask, why are you here? Near a Nyx kingdom?"

"I was traveling." Vidia didn't want to say more.

"I'll talk and give you anything you want. Please, put your bow down."

Slowly, Vidia put her bow down but refused to put it on her back.

"Let me pass. I mean no harm." The man repeated.

"How do I know you won't follow me?"

"I have a kid to return to. I have a picture." The Nyx began to go into his pocket when Vidia stopped him. He might pull out a gun.

"I don't need a picture." Vidia groaned. "You may go."

At first, the Nyx walked slowly past her. But soon, he began to jog until he was out of sight.

Vidia let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. She never caught the Nyx's name.

She refused to admit it to herself, but she found him king of cu-

"Majesty! I was looking for you. Our armies are ready." Elian bursted through the trees.

Startled, Vidia jumped and turned around.

"Oh! Yes, ok. I'm coming." She was lost for words.

"Majesty, why is your bow out?" Elian asked.

"Just practicing." Vidia followed Elian back to the camp.

Shea walked up to Vidia and pushed herself past Elian.

"Vidia, are we going to fight? I didn't sign up for a camp out and then wait to see you disappear!"

"Of course. We are moving now and initiating CP2."

"CP2? That's for hunting! We are killing Nyx!" Shea complained.

"It will slow us to sneak then attack."

"Shea, leave. You prepare your Oberon and check your arrow sharpness." Elian put himself in between Vidia and Shea. Shea stormed away where she came.

"Thank you, Elian."

"Of course, majesty."

"Please, call me Vidia." They both smiled at each other and Elian bowed, practically skipping away.

Little did Vidia know that the man was still around. For instead of leaving, he watched from a distance. For he, too, seemed to care for the elf. He knew he was a Nyx and their kinds hated each other, but Vidia was the first elf he'd seen. And instead of wanting to kill her, he wanted to help her.

So he followed her, hiding behind trees and bushes, waiting to see what she was really traveling for.

Hopefully, he won't stay to see she was going to attack his village. His home.