One: Aura

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Aura

Beastkins were once associated with the elves.

The quill paused, unsure what to write next. After a moment’s thinking time, it resumed its path, the sound of it scratching the parchment filling the room.

Dark black hair fell across the page, hastily brushed away.

They were once as numerous as the elves, the quill continued, happily at work once again. According to the ancient legends, they were lifelong companions and protectors, loyal only to one elf.

Again, a pause. Thinking.

Most accounts describe beastkins as huge shaggy dog-like creatures. Shoulders reaching as high as a human child of seven or eight summers. Pointed canines were visible even when their mouths were closed, and their eyes shone golden. Most were a tawny colour, but some have been recorded as having a coat as dark as the dirt, or as pale as the clouds.

This time, the pause was longer, more uncertain. However, the words continued.

When babies, they were known as kittens, commonly the size of a medium-sized dog. A playful nature and oversized paws completed the picture. They seemed harmless at that age.

Now on a roll, the quill sped across the parchment, barely able to keep up with the flow of words.

The last one seen was a huge old male, known to the humans as Thunder. His elfin name is unknown. For all his size and strength, he was peaceful for the most part, only threatening when danger threatened his elf.

The elf in question is a mystery. He or she was rarely seen with the beastkin, and even if they did venture out, Thunder stayed behind. Because of this, the elf became known as Dubhghall – ‘the dark stranger’. Those who went to find them rarely returned, or returned mad. Gibbering and raving about a hidden land, where the elves thrived.

Of course, these madmen were nudged aside, ignored. Everyone knows that the last elf had been burned, nearly a decade ago. Elves haven’t been seen since, though rumours abound of a pair, man and girl, who travel. Supposedly they have the features of the elves of old, but no one knows for sure. They’re never around long enough to make sure. Even before that, elves were a lost race, hunted because of the Great Famine.

The High Priestess is the one most likely to know, now. After all, she was there at the burning. She was the one who declared the elves the lost race. Completely wiped out.

Along with the last of the beastkins. Thunder hasn’t been seen since the days of the Great Famine. The days when the elves were hunted to death.

A noise interrupted the quill’s movement momentarily, but it hurriedly finished the last sentence.

They say he will be seen again.

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