The Dark Days - El Lost
Chapter 1: Lively
Life bustled in Ruben village as its inhabitants dashed around hastily with bundles of supplies. Winter was near, creeping along the edges of the forest that surrounded Ruben. Preparations had to be made, and provisions for the approaching season needed to be stored. The eccentric village chief, Hagus, watched over the mass of people, making sure that there were no laggards in this year's group. He grunted with approval, seeing nobody who needed help in readying for the winter. Despite the fact that Ruben Village was quite close to facing the wrath of cold, miserable weather, the village glowed, washed in the faint blue glow of the El that was tucked away safely in an enormous tree, deep within the forests of Ruben. Without this El, life would have been impossible to sustain in Ruben. The El's presence affected the course of life in its range; without it, nothing could possibly survive, because the El carried out a simple, albeit vital, function. Acting as a conductor for air, sound, and light, the El supported all life. Lack of El meant lack of sunlight to aid the growth of plants. It meant lack of wind or breathable air. It meant imminent death. Therefore, the possession of an El shard was crucial to the survival of any civilization.
Hagus started taking a stroll around Ruben, confident that the villagers were well prepared for the winter. Each family owned a surplus of crops that would most definitely last for a couple months. He passed by Anne, an amiable young lady who had dwelled in the village for all her life, giving her a kind smile. Anne waved in return, and called from her hut, "G'day Hagus! Ruben is as busy as ever, isn't it?"
"Darn right it is," Hagus chuckled. "Better to prepare for the winter before it comes, or we'll be through." Anne nodded solemnly and changed the topic.
"Did you meet the new visitors, by any chance?"
"Huh? Ruben has visitors?!" Hagus inquired, appalled.
"Yes - two of them, apparently separate. The first girl said that her name was Aisha; she had a wand and purple hair. The other one had long, smooth green hair… and pointed ears. And it looked like she was holding a bow... I think she told me that her name was Rena; I couldn't really catch it." Anne's eyes clouded with mist for a moment, before she returned to reality. "A magician and an elf... Our village hasn't seen anyone like those two for decades. But I'm surprised that you seemed shocked by this, Hagus. Haven't you heard any word of them on your way here?"
"'Fraid not," Hagus replied. He frowned. The town hadn't had any visitors in years. What could have driven these two new arrivals to Ruben? Before Hagus could ponder the matter any further, though, a loud thud resonated through the village.
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The Dark Days - El Lost
FanfictionWhen Ruben Village is preparing for an upcoming winter, it is faced with almost certain death after a group of thieves steal its El. Can the villagers trust a young boy and two visitors to go after the thieves, or are they doomed to die, with no hel...
