The Elven Powers

Chapter Three: The Guardians (Galandria)

 A lone figure was making its way across the grass in the company of a huge polar bear. We couldn't believe our eyes. The polar bear was larger than any kind of bear I've ever seen with fur of the purest white. As for its owner, they were startlingly graceful. That is saying something considering how full of grace all elves are. They were tall and slender wearing a cloak of pure white that seemed to glow. A magnificent white staff was held at the figures side also glowing, the top twisted into the carved shape of spiralling branches. It was a magnificent sight as the figure seemed to relish in the landscape. I felt only calmed by the stranger, like I was beholding something familiar for me. Yet I was sure I had never seen anything like this in the years of my life.  

“Let’s follow her “I blurted out. What was I saying?

“What are you thinking?” he said reading my thoughts. He seemed calm like me, but still there was something not quite right about either of us feeling this way over a stranger that could well be dangerous. “And how do you know if he or she is a girl anyway?"

I assessed the figure, in order to try and prove that she must be female. “She’s too slender to be a man... I know you want to find out where she's going as much as I do.“I stated simply. It was true anyway. If our adventures together proved anything, it was that he was often just as curious as I was. Though a small doubt gripped my heart and I recalled my mother warning me that Curiosity killed the cat. I was afraid through that thought, what a stranger could do to us. Beauteous as she was, she may not have been aware of any sense of our crime free community and probably lived elsewhere than Killeurdrenn. 

"Come children do not be afraid " said a warm female voice. We looked down to see the pair of strangers beneath the tree. The woman threw off her hood so that we could gaze upon her face. She was nothing short of beautiful, with heavy eyelashes and full lips. She had long raven hair and green eyes that shone like strange emeralds. Exchanging a look we hesitated. Then we slowly but surely clambered down the tree to meet the woman and her companion. It would have been rude anyway to stay up in the tree when she had practically caught us eavesdropping on her. She also didn't seem to be dangerous, even though she practically leaked power and grace across the surrounding area. "I wish to take you somewhere where we can speak in private. I have been searching for you two." 

What did she want to speak to us about in private? So many questions flittered through my mind. Firstly, she had sought us out which was strange in itself. It's not every day that someone like her comes in search of two insignificant Elven children. Still, I felt I must allow her to prove to me she wasn't wasting her time. If there was a misunderstanding and she had the wrong children, it could be easily solved by my parents. “Give us your name first “I almost spat out mustering the courage to speak. I immediatly regretted it as she seemed surprised by my resistance, though I couldn't help myself. I also felt a little rude and hung my head a little in fear of her scorn.  

"My name is Faowin the white” she said calmly, without a hint of vehemence in her voice. It was like melted butter seeping through my doubt. “I am a sorceress and defender of the innocent. This is Polaris, my friend from the north. She has accompanied me on many important travels, across Ardeth. If you would kindly follow me Galandria, Morgel, this way. “Then she added before turning in the direction we were going- "And don't worry I do have the right children and we did not meet by accident. We have bussiness elsewhere to attend to and we mustn't be late. There is not much more I can explain at the moment but all will become clear." 

Faowin began leading us through the forest down grassy slopes far from Killeurdrenn and the tall pines. We wandered through the trees for what felt like hours. We weren't following a distinctly marked out path but Faowin seemed to see an invisible one on the way before her through the trees. It was then I wondered how old she could possibly be to know her way so well, but I thought better of asking her. Soon the trees began to grow darker and unfamiliar blocking out more and more sunlight. I began to worry, thinking of what mother might say of our being so far from home and what kind of bussiness had to be conducted in such a place. I looked over to Morgel who gave me a reassuring smile. I figured he must be even more scared than I was.