Champion

Chapter 10: Elrond

Lidelas Forest,” Valandil informed, pointing to the trees up ahead. Four days of brief stops, sleeping on horses and avoiding suspicion from the guards, they had finally made it to the forest. “Felicia, it’s important for you not to wander off this time. Last time I understood why you would, but this forest is easy to get lost in. I’m not entirely sure if I remember my way.”

“That’s promising,” Lessien muttered, shifting the rucksack on her shoulder. “Are we going to get lost?”

“We shouldn’t if you stay close,” Valandil replied. “There are signs that will tell you when an elven village is coming up.”

“Not actual signs,” teased Quoorin, looking at Torrim.

“Aye,” Torrim growled. “I figured as much last time.”

They had traveled for at least two hours through the thick forest. The trees swayed around them. Something sweet floated on the breeze. The smell caused Zanian to stop and look off into the trees. 

“Keep moving,” instructed Quoorin, poking him in the back. “I smell it too, but we can’t stop now. Selance is coming up soon. That’s just the smell of the incense they burn.”

Zanian nodded and treaded behind. Felicia was beginning to slow, before she stopped all together. He looked at her with a curious expression.

“I’m...I’m fine,” she assured, holding her head.

“You’re not use to this,” Zanian said, putting his arm under hers as to help her move. “Here, I’ll help you.”

“Thanks,” she muttered. “I’m sorry to be a burden like this.”

“Burden?” He chuckled, “Don’t say that about yourself.”

“What’s going on back here,” wondered Thereriss, landing upon his head. 

“Felicia was just tired,” informed Zanian. “I was just helping her.”

“Right,” whistled Thereriss, sitting on his head. “Valan! How far are we?”

“We’re almost there,” Valandil replied. 

“Halt!” A voice commanded.

They all came to a stop, and turned towards the tree the voice had come from. A boy, about his age, stood on a branch with an arrow aimed at them. He wore leather pants and a green vest that seemed to be woven from some thin vine. His long, blonde hair rested just above his slanted green eyes that focused upon them. He stood on the thin branch with an eerie elegance.

“Identify yourselves,” the boy commanded.

“I am Valandil Gelmir Rumnil Felagund,” Valandil answered in a firm tone. “Prince of the Lysoria elves. We have come seeking your help.”

“Valan!” The boy exclaimed, jumping form the high branch and landing softly on the ground below. He lowered his bow and smiled as he ran up. “It really is you. It’s been awhile.”

“I thought that was you, Elrond,” noted Valandil. “I see they put you on patrol.”

“I’m one of the best archers they have,” Elrond bragged. “Of course they did. Now, may I shall escort you to Selance.”

“We’d be very grateful if you did,” Valandil nodded. 

“Quoorin Shortcloak,” Elrond nodded. “It’s good to see you by his side still.”

“I would never leave it,” Quoorin nodded.

“Thererris Seaskipper,” Elrond greeted. “Septima Erana. Torrim Alagg. Lessien Melwal. It’s a pleasure to be in so many important people’s midsts. Though, I don’t believe I know your friends.”

“I’m Felicia,” Felicia greeted as she stood up straight from Zanian’s arm. 

“Zanian,” Zanian introduced. 

“Pleasant to make both of your acquaintances,” Elrond nodded. “Now, let us be off.”

The trees were warped into houses. The trunks had been expanded and hollowed out. The branches intertwined with each other to create rooms. The leaves were so thick together water would not be able to get inside. The paths were packed down tight, but there didn’t seem to be anyone in the town.

“Who do you bring, Elrond?” A voice chimed from the roof of a house. They looked up to see an elf with burgundy hair looking down at them.

“The prince of Lysoria!” Elrond called up, “They require our help.” 

“We shall be glad to give it if we can!” The woman called down. She hopped from the roof and landed without a sound in front of them. “What do you need?”

“Supplies that shall last us until the soothsayer’s home in Varliantle,” Valandil informed. 

“That would be about a fortnight’s worth if you use the right horses,” Elrond pondered. “Which we could provide you with.”

“We also require armor and weapons for our two companions here,” Septima added, waving to Zanian and Felicia.

“All of that can be arranged,” the woman smiled. “Let me gather some people to help me collect the supplies. Why don’t you go rest by the stream? You’ve clearly had a long journey. Elrond, would you be kind enough to do this?”

“Thank you,” Valandil bowed. “You’re people are always welcomed in Lysoria Woods. Please, do call on us when you require our assistance.”

The woman nodded and then ran off. 

“I’ll show you to the stream now,” Elrond offered. He smiled at Felicia when he did this. Zanian looked away, feeling slightly disgusted.

“Thank you, Elrond,” Quoorin said. 

“So, you didn’t make a deal?” Zanian repeated. Felicia had just explained the ring on her finger to him.

“No, not yet,” Felicia said. “I don’t think I will. I don’t think I like the idea of being in debt to a demon. Or imp. Or whatever she wants to be. Enough of this though. What do you think the others are talking about over there?”

Septima had asked them, politely, to sit away from them so they could converse. It was clearly something important, but he didn’t like the idea of them keeping things from them. He sure he wouldn’t understand anyway.

“Who knows,” Zanian sighed, tearing up grass. “What do you think of that Elrond person?”

“He seems nice,” Felicia mused. “Why?”

“No reason,” he quickly replied, looking away. “Just curious.”

“You don’t like him?”

“I don’t know him.”

“You’re a bit of an oddity, aren’t you?” Felicia laughed. Zanian stroked his wolf ears. 

“I am not,” he said in a firm, but joking, voice.

“We’ve gathered everything you requested!” A voice called from the village. “Please, come check if your armor and weapons shall suffice!”