The Fringes

The Deer Lady and Elf Dude Argue - Oriel

(Oriel pictured above. I did not draw this, all credits go to the artist. I could not find their name though)

When we got back to the fort I was in charge of the 'guests'.

Our footsteps echoed against the stone ground as we made our way to the sleeping quarters, each of us too tried to start a conversation. The dim light of the torch and the damp halls gave the place an eerie vibe, our silence making it worse.

The older Elvish man carried the redhead who'd been shot. Decade had given her some sedatives for the pain, as rune healing can hurt. She mumbled nonsense as we walked, her voice quiet and horse.

We entered a large room filled with cots, the Elvish man setting the redhead down on an empty bed. She looked around the room, still groggy from whatever Decade had given her.

"Where's my mom?" she asked, yawning "I had the weirdest dream-" she laughed, her voice quiet. She yawned again and closed her eyes, leaving her sentence unfinished.

The man sat down on an empty bed and put his face in his hands. He took a few tired breaths and looked up at the girl and I. "Today's been quite eventful hasn't it?" He asked, a weary smile on his lips. The Elfish girl gave a small nod in response. She sat down a cot and let her head hit the pillow. "Too tired" was all she managed to get out before she fell asleep.

The man across from me got up and motioned for me to come with him.

"I need to request a meeting with general Acacia," He said as we stepped out of the room.

"You know her? But your not even part of the-"

"I don't have time to explain," He said "I have ties with the general and I need an audience with her immediately. It pertains to the girl." He said.

"The girl?" I asked, not sure what she had to do with this.

"Yes, her name is Quinn. Her situation is... unique. I know your General and am hoping for some assistance. I cannot tell you the details as of right now, it would take too long. If you could get me an audience with her, it would be much appreciated"

"Of course, sir. She should be in a meeting right now, discussing the recent capture of the bandit fort. I can take you to her."

"Let's get going, I don't have time to waste"

We walked down a few more halls, and I led him to a large stone room. A table sat in the middle with a few men and women seated at its sides.

"What is the meaning of this interruption?" A wood nymph with antlers and silver hair stood as she spoke. "Ah, I see Cullen is here! Are you finally going to accept our offer? It's been two years, I feel that's plenty of time to decide." She smiled, the anger in her voice dialing down. She sat back down in her seat and motioned us forward towards the table.

"That is still undecided," Cullen says. "I'm here for a different reason. One of the girls I was traveling with is from another realm." Cullen started, some of the generals murmured.

"Oh, not this spit again," One of the commanders buried his head in his hands. "When are you going to let this go. Your wife is gone."

Cullens face hardened, jaw clenched. "She's not dead"

"Oh come on Cullen, it's been over a decade! How can you be so-"

"Enough," Acacia said, raising her hand. She stood up once more and looked at the faces around the room. "Cullen, Reven has a point. Once your wife died, you... well, you've become obsessed. How am I supposed to trust that what you're saying isn't just another one of you're fantasies? You were one of our best men years ago," Acacia paused, "come back. Your wife wouldn't want you wasting your life on something so hopeless" She said.

"No, you don't understand-"

"Cullen, I do understand. My father..." She paused again, her voice smaller. "My father was murdered in front of me. For years I tried to convince myself he wasn't dead, and you know as well as I that-"

"Acacia, hear me out." He interrupted, his voice on the verge of anger. "This isn't just about me. There is another, the girl I mentioned. She isn't from here. She-" Cullen looked at the people around the room, "I know more than half of you in this room think I'm full of bull spit, but I tell you the truth. This girl, Quinn, is from another world called Earth. She woke in the forest of Gahm, and she and another elf made their way to me."

"A world-jumper?" Acacia questions. "Where is the girl you speak of? I was made aware you were one of the captives from today's raid. I assume she was one of the people in your company."

"Yes, she is currently in the soldiers sleeping quarters."

"Cullen, you've either gone mad, or you're somehow telling the truth" Acacia sighs "What would you need our help for anyway. You know the most about the other realms."

"I would like help in finding Asmir so I can return Quinn to her home." He said, " And maybe find my wife."

"If I give you the manpower and resources to find him, What will you give me? We can't waste our time and men on something like this without any benefits on our side."

"I'll- I'll take up your offer. Two years ago you asked me to be a general. If you help me find Asmir, I'll join your cause."

Acacia smiles. "Deal. I'll have Oriel here be your company leader." She turns to the lieutenant beside her. "Could you get another chair added to the table and his chambers arranged?"

Hey guys! I hope you're enjoying the story so far!!! If you liked this chapter, leave a comment and like this chapter (it really helps us authors out). 

-Mari