[Open to ALL] ~Elthas, my Son.~

[Elthas]

(Note: Featured Quest side mission my attempt to explain what happened to Elthas and his people during the events of the FQ)

~Prologue~

Day 1...

The darkness slowly passed and I became aware of the physical world once more.

It was snow...no ash...underneath me. Swirling from the clouds and the sky. There was mass confusion everywhere and when The Great Tree burned down hope faded with it. But all was not yet lost. In a mere matter of moments the super volcano that Lornius hid in it's deepest bowels exploded in titanic fury. I awoke on the ground, far from home having been flung from the initial points of impact of the first few chunks of ash. I was in tremendous amounts of pain as the ash fell.

But I was one of the lucky ones. Coughing, finding it hard to breathe, I stood up and looked around. My whole world was on fire from the ash cloud. I looked back towards The Great Tree seeing a huge pillar of smoke from where the devastation destroyed it. My heart sank. Tears began to swell down my soot covered face, but that was only a brief moment. I heard cries of pain and agony from the village surrounding The Great Tree...my home. Before I began my journey back to town there was a hot wind that came in from the west and something hit my leg. I looked down with a somewhat satisfied grin. My fedora had found it's way back to me. It always did. I placed it back on my head, the trees though scorched and burnt, provided ample cover from the ash. I stuck to those as I made my way back home.

There was panic and confusion everywhere, some folks were hurt and in a state of alarm.

Others were dead and or dying....bit that caused determination in me.

I thought of my Father...

Clenching his fists, Elthas' eyes darted from place to place and he gathered survivors trying to take them to the larger of the "houses" in the village. Forest Elves were simple folk that lived off the land, off what Nature provided. It was all a blur at that point, he kept shouting orders and trying to gather his people into the temple within The Great Tree. The forest elves built their homes inside giant oak trees. It was splendid architecture meant to last centuries...until that day...

After several hours passed, Elthas made certain to double check that folks were accounted for.

"Stay indoors!" He yelled as he went back outside...

He looked up the ash cloud was tremendous. By The Thayne... There was bright explosion in the distance...where Lornius used to be. He could just make that out. He shook his head. The Thayne have abandoned us...

Elthas made sure to give one more full search of his home-town before returning back to The Great Tree. He was coughing the whole time, it hurt to breath. The ash that fell hurt really bad but he endured...he had to. His people needed hope and leadership...another forest was abandoned long since prior to the madness of a Necromancer. That was ages ago though. This was something different...a sign of things to come. Elthas felt his boots crushing the fine carpet of ash and he sighed as he went around the town looking for more survivors. He was certain he'd found everyone...

^Enter here with Elthas frantically searching the forest village for survivors.

[Hayate_Amatsukami]

What in the name of the Thaynes happened! a voice cried out in the back of Hayate’s mind as he started to regain consciousness. Something terrible had just happened, knocking the lone soldier from his horse, and leaving him injured on the side of a wooded Concordian trail. It felt as if a great pressure moved across the land in a vicious torrent. The skies grew black almost instantly and as his vision focused Hayate could see a maelstrom of chaos erupting from the south. Flaming debris began falling from the darkness overhead catching the forest aflame.

I haven’t a clue, but nothing good I can assure you. Hayate answered his partner as he sprung to his feet, grasping his right arm as it hung limp at his side. He figured it was broken from what he could tell, he took a nasty fall from his good for nothing horse, which ran scared the moment the volcano erupted. Soot and ash rained down from the heavens like a blanket of death snuffing out all the color of the forest, obscuring even the slightest semblance of natural order. Even worse the smell of smoke filled his nostrils as his eyes darted left and right searching for the flames.

“Is anyone out there?” The young Akashima yelled, pushing through the pain radiating up his shoulder and down through his core. He grunted as the very action of yelling choked him, the ash was oppressive. With his good arm he tore a piece of his cloak and wrapped it around his face to act as a filter of sorts as he struggled to take even a single breath. “Please!” He tried again, calling out to anyone who could be near.

After a few moments of aimless wandering through the maelstrom Hayate came upon a village carved out of the very trees itself. This had to have been one of the many elven settlements that spotted the forest, and by the looks of things and the lack of screams it had already been abandoned. Hayate cured his luck as he hiked slowly through the now inches of soot layering the forest floor, taking shallow breaths through his mask to keep from choking. There had to be someone around, he couldn’t be the only guy here.

“Anyone please! I was traveling the roads when the storm hit, is there anyone out there!” he shouted at the top of his lungs praying for anyone one to answer him.

[Gavner_Nahs]

Gavner looked out from the trees upon the towering castle, in awe of its beauty. He felt a pang of nostalgia deep within his chest as he remembered the hayday of the Knights, and their former glory. The Ixian Castle, a fortress once teeming with life now towered gloomily in despair, with no faction to house and no cause to protect.

“You need to move on.”

The figure of a man was emerging from the ground at the foot of the stairs that led to the main hall. His long hair emerged from his scalp, as his face elongated and his figure grew from the ground.

“Fang,” Gavner said to the shapeshifter who was now walking towards the creature of the night. He began to step forth out of the forest and into a clearing; however, he was quickly restricted by the sun’s rays. “I thought you left the Ixians many years ago.”

“Everybody left, vampire!” Fang shouted back. “Don’t you get it? There are no Ixians any more! You’re stuck in an era that has long since passed. You keep returning, hoping that maybe Jensen will be here to give you another mission. Maybe if you just stick it out for another year, Sei will come waltzing back and give a call to all the Knights to rejoin the cause, but your hopes are in vain.”

“Sei always took care of us!” Gavner hissed back.

“Sei never cared about anybody but himself!”

“You are wrong,” Gavner said with bitter resentment on his tongue. This was his home. This was all he knew.

“Those times are over,” The shapeshifter scoffed. “I left before they disbanded because I saw the direction they were going in, and I knew it wasn’t going to last.”

“We were still doing well when you left,” Gavner replied. “It is because of the lack of faith, and people like you that we were donefor.”

Fang narrowed his eyes and looked on Gavner indignantly. “Yes, we did pull off some pretty crazy shit in the wetworks department, but several victories do not save a dying organization. I hate to break it to you kid, but they’re never coming back. You need to find another cause to serve, because this one is dead.”

Gavner bared his black ebony teeth and began to run towards fang with deadly speed and rage. “You will die for that you shapeshifting ba-”

The vampire was cut off an ear splitting explosion, as he was thrown off his feet and deep into the woods. Lifting his heavy head, the world came to his vision in a blur, as his sensitive ears were ringing angrily, and the world was muffled. Pushing himself off the ground, the vampire groaned as his back gave a sharp pain from where he was bashed into a tree by the explosion, and his head began to throb in a splitting migraine.

“What the hell was that?”

[Altair]

He makes it through the pass. He's not really sure how, only that it's been two days and he's somewhat surprised to come out on the other side alive. The Guard surely won't follow him this far, not for a street rat that only ended up consorting with the criminal leaders by accident.

Kirin clutches at the pendant at his throat and forces himself upright again. He hates the wide, flat valley he's exited the pass into. Kirin's more than willing to admit his preference for cities, for houses and streets and a thousand thousand hiding places and people. His people. But he hadn't minded the mountains, not in all of their harsh beauty and jagged edges. Easy to conceal his tracks, at least, even if he'd rather be with his makeshift little family.

If only he knew how to hunt.

At the end of the valley rise trees, a forest so tall and dark he could almost believe another small mountain looms before him. With any luck, he'll be able to find refuge there, or at least something to eat. He wants to make it to Jadet, but that will take weeks at foot, at the least, and without a horse or a guide or any supplies at all, he won't make it nearly that far.

He's not starving, not really--Kirin knows what that feels like, and he has about a day yet before the weakness starts to weigh upon him too heavily to continue, even at his current energy expenditure. With a resigned sigh, he picks his way forward, forcing himself to continue putting one foot in front of the other.

He's almost reached the boundary of the forest when the world explodes.

It's the light that hits him first, a bloom of brilliance that stretches to the sky and fills the horizon. The rumbling thunderclap of sound is next, a roar that passes through everything it touches and leaves Kirin deaf as well as blind. Finally, as Kirin swipes blindly at his eyes in the hopes of regaining a semblance of vision, the shockwave hits.

When he comes back to his senses, he finds himself curled on the ground in a shallow depression, the landscape around him looking nearly sandblasted. Trees bend away from the source--those that escaped being flattened completely--and even the grass and low scrub have been mostly destroyed. In front of him, a massive column of smoke is rising to the sky, lightning flickering around the edges and flaming red tinging the lower half.

Kirin sits for a moment, stunned.

This is history that’s just been made. Is being made?

He’s not sure, but he needs to get closer. There are people in that forest.

Kirin staggers upright, gritting his teeth, and forces himself to move forward. Quickly, he thinks, quickly.

[Elthas]

There...

Faint, distant. But most definitely a call for help. Elthas turned towards the injured form of Hayate, who was the immediately closest victim of the volcanic eruption. He ran through the ash storm, carefully making his way toward Hayate, beyond Hayate he saw another person arriving. That other person would be a big help to their cause. Elthas knelt down towards Hayate and nodded towards him. "Something terrible has happened. Lornius...I think it exploded." Elthas didn't really know too much first aid, but he could save Hayate. That's what counted.

In his heart of hearts, Elthas was a heroic person. He would help anybody he could that day. Elthas' sharp eyes caught the form of Kirin (Minor bunnying hope you are okay with this!!!) approaching slightly further off. The ash cloud was persistent and fell in a steady stream down to the physical world of Althanas. Elthas had a hard time breathing through the ash, but he was doing the best he could. They would be safer indoors and his capacity to scout and move quickly through the forest would be needed. Elthas felt his clothing rippling in the hot winds as he moved downwards towards Hayate. He extended a hand towards the injured adventurer. "You need help, you are injured. In my home town there are medics. I'm going to take you there now." Elthas explained. Before he started to get ready to pick up Hayate the best he could, Elthas waved for Kirin to come forward. Further off, a body was flung towards their position.

Elthas sighed. This...is going to be a Hell of a day. And he was not far off from the truth either.

Assisting Hayate the best he could, he helped the fellow stand. "Can you walk? I am not strong enough to carry you by myself. I will need a little help from you. If you can do that I'll guide you towards the medics." Elthas looked at the body of the fellow that just was tossed into their location from Thaynes' knows where. Elthas helped Hayate to stand. The medics would be in full operation by that point helping the injured and preparing for more injured folks to arrive. A tear swelled up in Elthas' eyes. He was crying for the loss of The Great Tree. His head hurt from the pain that the tree was suffering as he did what needed doing. He started to help Hayate back towards The Great Tree's position where help would be waiting for all who were gathered...

[Altair]

Kirin walks for hours. Ash begins to rain down in a choking cloud, and he ducks his head into his hood in an attempt to breathe unobstructed. The hot, heavy air stifles all sounds, except the occasional cracking of newly downed trees. An intense feeling of solitude persists. Time seems to have been suspended, like reality itself is holding its breath.

At least, until he makes his way into a clearing to find two survivors struggling to stand. Quickly, Kirin hurries forward and offers his arm to the injured human, dipping his head briefly to both others in greeting.

He addresses himself to the elf, very aware that this is his territory and that Kirin is an intruder. A welcome one, perhaps, if he could make himself useful, but an intruder nonetheless.

"My name is Kirin. I'd say it's a pleasure to meet you, but, well...

Must admit, I wasn't really expecting the apocalypse today. Are there other survivors around? Or a village not yet buried in ash? We're going to need supplies, I think, and I don't know about you but I'm not carrying any medical supplies. And, ah, I could use some food too, if that's possible."

He stops rambling and lets his thoughts race silently instead, helping the wounded human pick his way through the ashy ground after the elf, who clearly has a destination in mind.

The apocalypse. That's what it was, really. What could even cause this? Kirin has never thought much about the gods one way or another, but surely something like this had to be caused by something Other, right?

At least he doesn't have to ask why Their wrath is upon them. People are awful. He huffs a quiet, bitter laugh and keeps walking.

[Hayate_Amatsukami]

Through the thick ashen miasma Hayate caught a glimpse of someone hurrying around through the smoldering brush. It must have been one of the Concordian elves, he was tall and slender, and as the figure heard the young shinobi’s plea the elf made his way to him. Finally Hayate could relax as the elf approached him, though he was certain, he had to trust that this man was his friend and not a foe.

“Lorinus…” Hayate said as Elthas introduced himself and offered the young lord a hand. “Careful feels like I broke it.” The shinobi added as he used his good arm to lean on his new comrade. Elthas had instructed Hayate that they would be going to the Great Tree, the secret refugee for the entire Concordian Forest, where he would have is shoulder looked at and patched up.

Chaos erupted in all directions, yet as the calamity ragged on in the faint horizon the sounds of the forest were all but quelled. There wasn’t a sound, at least none that could be heard over the ash fall. Hayate though injured was a natural born survivor and studied his surroundings as hard as he could try with all his might to make out any unseen dangers. Though this proved to be a near impossible task he persevered until, as if dumb luck he spotted yet another figure approaching him and Elthas. The Shinobi gritted his teeth as he nudged Elthas with his elbow indicating the looming presence.

“I’m in no condition to do anything, but do you know this one?” Hayate whispered in his friend’s ear, as the figure broke through the ashen haze and came into view. He was an elf that much was clear, but he didn’t look to resemble Elthas’ highborn features. And without any warning the newcomer simple offered Hayate his hand as well as briefly introducing himself as Kirin.

“Thanks…” he hissed hating every second he had to rely on others instead of his own strength. “We’re heading to the Tree, you should come with us. This one says that most of his people have already evacuated the area and are going there. I’m sure if there is anywhere safe in the forsaken forest their sacred tree would be.” Elthas and Kirin both Helped Hayate limp ever closer to safety, soon he would have to repay the favor.

[Gavner_Nahs]

Gavner groaned as a wave of heat overcame him; it was as if a large cushion had been placed over his mouth to impede his inhaling- suffocating him with malice. If the heat wasn't enough, the descending ash could choke out anybody. His face began to drip with beads of sweat as the skin on his ears began to feel as if it were peeling. The forest floor slowly came into vision as the sky grew darker, as if the sun had set early; this would have been great for his vision if the heat wasn't blinding Gavner anyway.

"We're heading to the tree..." Gavner heard through the muffled, and ringing world as his senses started to come back.

"They are headed to what?" Gavner muttered to himself as he forced himself to his feet, and struggled to regain his balance for a moment. Through the fog of his stunned mind, and the oppressive heat, the odor of smoldering leaves began to descend upon his nostrils as the creature of the night began to stumble his way in the direction of the voice. He noticed glowing embers on the leaves of the trees above.

By this time a cloud of ash with an infinite expanse descended on the forest, impeding all vision farther than a few feet in front of those with even the keenest of eyesight such as Gavner's, leaving the nightwalker to make due with his hearing. As he began to tread lightly, small illuminations began to litter the forest floor where dead leaves had started to ignite from the dry heat and falling embers. A slight incline of panic teased Gavner as the thought of a forest fire popped into his mind.

"Just one foot in front of the other, one foot in front of the other," Gavner said as he continued on. Soon enough, the heat became less suffocating, and his mind began to clear. "I am adjusting to this. But why are we heading towards the direction of the disaster?" He wondered aloud. As he continued on, he began to hear the treading of several others through the dirt and dry leaves.

Other Survivors

He began to follow from afar until he noticed the convoy slowing, and signs of exhaustion could be heard. Now was his chance to introduce himself; first impressions are everything, you know. Running his slender fingers through his now ash-dusted orange hair, and brushing the white layer off of the shoulders on his black cape, Gavner strutted ahead to the convoy, noting a young halfling, and a mature elf helping along an injured human.

"Figures," Gavner muttered so that no one else could hear. "Humans always need helping out," he joked to himself.

"Afternoon," the child of the night said charismatically as he walked within sight of the others. Amid the scorching heat, and the chalky ash, it was everything he could do to not allow his composure to break, and burst out coughing. "Fancy meeting you all here on this fine Descending Summer day. Need some help?"

The nightwalker took hold of the struggling Hayate, lifting him off the ground and into his arms, thus removing the burden from Elthas.

"Now if I may ask, why, pray tell, are we heading towards this damned disaster and not away from it?"

[Elthas]

Elthas carefully assisted Hayate even as Gavner introduced himself and Kirin arrived.

Elthas recognized some of the markings on Gavner's clothing and apparel. He's Ixian...that merits some looking into... Elthas felt his head become a bit heavy for a moment as a wave passed through his mind but he ignored the mysterious sensation.

People needed help, and that was top priority.

Elthas looked at his gathered companions as he saw Gavner assist him with Hayate's form. "My people build our homes...inside the trees. It's part of our olde traditions." Elthas explained calmly. He hoped the fellow would understand everything when they arrived at The Great Tree.

They made their ways through ash fall into the broken husk of The Great Tree.

Prior to the volcanic eruption, it had been a tremendously powerful ancient old oak. One of Concordia's many guardian trees.

The old oaks were symbolic for Elthas' people.

The loss of that particular guardian, The Great Tree, would affect his people tremendously.

There would be a time for mourning another day.

Elthas, inexplicably started singing in the tongue of his people.

Once a Bard, he still retained much of the old knowledge and often sang when he was nervous or under great stress.

He sang an old song of loss and departure of loved ones. It was appropriate to sing for the passing of the dead of that day.

When they arrived at the broken husk, the front doors of the old oak were already open.

A town hall of sorts, the important meetings and gatherings, and sometimes other festivals would occur there.

Upon entry into The Great Tree, the powers of the runes of his people were apparent. The inside of the tree was mostly intact despite the severe damage to the external bark. The roots were strong, Elthas explained to his companions. A group of about sixty survivors were present within the town hall attempting to organize and treat the wounded. There were healers, magi and other folks using their trade. Several of the older Forest Elves were present and they represented a leadership body of sorts.

Though not directly connected to Radasanth, they still had representation in the government of Radasanth...

...That was a worry for another day.

Elthas, Gavner, Kirin, and Hayate entered the town hall and immediately, were noticed.

One of the medics that weren't -as busy- approached the ragtag group of survivors. "Elthas! By the Thayne you've found survivors!" The female medic said calmly.

"It's horrible outside." Elthas stopped singing and was able to focus. They guided Hayate to a comfortable seating area where there were several injured and recovering.

Elthas looked at his friends. Friends...no...family now. We have all shared a moment in the disaster...we have all lost something. Elthas thought to himself. "The fellow needs help, we all do. He's broken limbs if I'm not mistaken." Elthas explained in regards to Hayate's situation.

"We will attend to his wounds right away. What about the other two?" The medic asked of Kirin and Gavner.

Elthas and Gavner assisted Hayate and handed him over to the surprisingly strong medic.

It had not dawned on Elthas to ask Gavner and Kirin their status as well. "Either of you two also need help?" Elthas asked. Elthas was hurt as well...but his pain was a psychological trauma...that perhaps, would never heal.

[Altair]

Kirin raised his chin at the the elf's question.

"I am fine, thank you. Is there anything I can assist with? I have no medic training, but I can help clear debris and run errands."

He knew well enough the need for willing hands in times of chaos such as this, even if he wasn't sure yet what had caused something of this magnitude. Besides, perhaps they'd let him exchange labor for food at some point. He doubted they would have any to spare for freeloaders, soon.

Kirin scanned the great hall, examining the survivors and the state of the great tree they resided in. The tree itself was still standing, although the top had been clearly shredded by the explosion. The survivors, though--there were only a few of them. Far too few for a forest that had housed many hundreds or thousands of people, and he felt a pang of sorrow not his own for the loss of so much life and culture.

[Flamebird]

Home.

The forests of Corone were home. Felicity grew up under the shade of Corone's woodlands, the flowing refreshment of its rivers and streams. It seemed as if today was a quiet evening. Leaning against a thick barked tree, the young woman wrote in a notebook placed in her lap, several flowers laying beside her.

”Another plant that can be used for cuts and burns is the field scabious. It can also internally be used as a blood purifier.”

She took a break from writing for a moment, blankly gazing upon her hand with distant eyes.

The wind started to blow, rustling her red hair. As the fabrics of her white and green jacket fluttered in the wind, she forcefully shook her head. She hunkered over her book, hissing.

”Purple Coneflower can also be used for wounds, as well θ`}

Her pen scribbled down the page as a boom crashed in the distance. Eyes wide, the girl stopped dead. Motionless. Then… she looked up.

It seemed that fire rose from the sky. Above the green leaves of the forest, black smoke shot up from some distant place. Ash clouds already seemed to draw near. The sky erupted in a violent turn from bright weather to chaos.

”There are changes about to happen in this world,” A voice echoed in her mind, a memory. ”You must be ready for it. You must survive!”

“This…” The girl gazed into the sky as bright lava cracked in the heavens, “This is it…”

Her hands fell to her sides. The pen fell onto the grassy forest floor.


~~~

Usually, it rained or snowed, hailed or sleeted.

Now, ash fell from the sky.

The trees were coated in white and black, like winter gad suddenly wrapped Corone in a bitter chill. Temperatures were surprisingly tame, however. White specs fell onto her fedora as she traversed the forest. She stepped over a large root, the hat's brim covering her eyes in shadow. It seemed that the scent of burning and decay caused her to fall silent. Death seemed to fall out of a darkened sky.

Without sunlight, these useful herbs will die. No rain would be even worse! But not only herbs, crops. Will crops die?

She slowed to a stop, breaths suddenly sharp and quick. Her hands shook as the tragic crossed her mind.

Will people die?

“No!” She gritted her teeth, forcing herself onward again. Away from these thoughts, away from her anxieties. Yet, they still caught up with her.

Footsteps were left on the white ground as she trudged on. Where was she going? Weapons were strapped to her belt, a botanist's kit ready for use. She walked on, shivering in her shorts as she lifted her eyes to the sky again, tears falling from peridot gem eyes.

[Elthas]

Elthas felt a little light-headed at that point but he shrugged it off.

The other Elf, Kirin, walked up towards him. "We should check for more survivors...just in case." Elthas looked at the healer taking care of Hayate and Gavner. He nodded to himself gathering his strength as best as he could. He looked at Kirin. "Come with me we should try to see if there are anymore survivors out there on the way to town." Elthas said calmly.

He prepared himself, Elthas also had some minor injuries but his pain could wait.

There were people out there who needed help at that moment.

"Let's go." He said to Kirin, he had a gut feeling someone out there needed their help.

***

Thankfully, perhaps by some miracle...they stumbled upon a survivor. A young red-head who was wandering about by herself.

"Hey!" Elthas called out to Felicity.

***

At that point Elthas' sharp hears caught the sounds of screams from the general direction of The Great Tree. "Shit! You! Red-head, come with us there are people who can help you out in my home town if you need to be treated for injuries. Plus I think I just heard screams from that direction too so we better prepare for the worse." Elthas said he was worried about his people at that point, but he tried to focus the best he could.

[Reina]

Reina jolted awake. Forehead sweating, ears ringing. The sound was impossibly loud and her vision was clouded from a haze of ash.

She had camped just outside a small elven village after passing through the prior day. She gathered her pack together slowly but deliberately. Whatever that ghastly sound had been certainly meant trouble and she wasn’t in a particular hurry to find out what horrible scene awaited her in the tree village ahead. A pot left out the night before was laid at the base of her sack, she neatly wrapped her fishing line, and then double checked to ensure she wasn’t forgetting anything.

Eventually she approached the settlement slowly and a glimpse of what had transpired dawned upon the rose haired woman. It was pure pandemonium within the township.

Injured elves, screaming children, and trees ablaze. Like something out of a nightmare. Embers from a burning branch streamed by her face while she tried to process what had occurred. Was this the work of a demon? An attack by a rival tree-dwelling empire of elves?

An elderly female rapidly approached Reina, blood seeping down her face. She shouted in a panic, “it’s Lornius! A volcano! An eruption!”

That was convenient. Reina now knew the what but was unclear regarding the why.

Before she could process the eruption’s cause her thoughts were interrupted by a commotion coming from a rather large tree ahead. It was too far away to tell what was going on, though that did not dissuade her interest. The thin woman pulled her tan jacket close around her waist and adjusted her yellow scarf to try and reduce the amount of soot she was inhaling. With her katana tightly clipped along her right hip began to meander near the disturbing noises.

Immediately after she had begun her walk she noticed a group of individuals quickly approaching her towards her left side. Obviously they must’ve been heading towards whatever was causing a ruckus in the distance.

Steadying herself, Reina turned and approached the group. Hopefully they could provide some explanation for what was happening.

[Altair]

Kirin, too, had heard the screams. Without hesitation, he whipped around, pulling his knives from where they'd been minimally concealed by his belt. Ignoring his body's protests, he leaped forwards, racing back toward the Tree. The others could follow as they chose.

He paused at the edge of the clearing, silvered eyes darting around the scene. It seemed as if the cleared space was boiling, almost, the survivors Kirin had just met locked in bitter combat with a group that had to be raiders or bandits of some sort. Kirin can count at least ten of them, scattered around--men, mostly, but he can see an orc or two, and at least one race he doesn't recognize at all.

He snarls, throwing himself at the nearest raider, bodily knocking him away from his downed opponent. The Man just laughs at him, condescending and mocking, as Kirin raises his blades, angling them away from his body. He doesn't like the looks of the curved scimitar the man is carrying. Weapons in Radasanth street fighting tend to be whatever's easily at hand, or easily concealed. None of them are stupid enough to pick a fight with the Guards on the regular, and they're the only ones who routinely use swords.

The man twirls his sword, grinning, the epitome of confidence, and Kirin shrugs. He doesn't need to fight the man, not really. He can just--kill him. That in mind, he bares his teeth right back, a dazzling snarl, and closes the distance. The man keeps the sword pointed directly at him, just waiting for his move, and they circle each other, searching for openings. Eventually, Kirin's opponent loses patience and charges, thrusting forward to pierce Kirin's heart. It's a difficult move to anticipate, and an impossible one to block.

Luckily, Kirin doesn't need to block, not a knife-fighter like himself. He bats the flat of the blade away with one hand as he rolls sideways, coming forward and to his feet in a lunge that brings him inside the other's range. They grapple, briefly; the man brings the pommel of his sword heavily into Kirin's ribs and he gasps with pain, but Kirin has two knives and an eternity of rage. His opponent falls, a dozen deep cuts littering his chest and stomach, and does not rise again. With a wince, Kirin straightens from where he bent to cut the man's throat and looks around the clearing, trying to assess where his help could be used most.

[Elthas]

People joined the fray at that point.

There was another girl that joined near the red-headed one and that was all right with Elthas.

Elthas saw Kirn run back towards the village. The kid is very brave. He thought to himself as the fellow dashed off. He assumed that the red headed kid and the newcomers would follow. "Come with me if you folks want to live." Ethas explained to Reina and Felicity.

At that point Elthas also dashed towards the village towards his people, towards Kirin.

What he saw when he got back was a disaster.

A small group of bandits with a very loudly dressed fellow was attacking any who stood in their way. Bandits...but not ordinary ones. The symbols they have on their gear has a familiar aspect. Strange... Elthas pushed forward, drawing his majestic daggers. "Get away from my people!" Elthas yelled at the bandits. He knew that there were a lot of people who were racist towards Elf kind but he had a gut feeling the attack was motivated by some far more sinister goal.

The loudly dressed leader of the group noticed Elthas right away. "Ah. House Belthasar." He said with a slightly amused tone of voice. "How is Halm these days?" The fellow asked. "Was hoping to cross blades with him once more."

Clues...hints. Something far darker is happening. He knows Father...he knows things most folks don't know. Elthas only knew the bandits were harming his people, that's all that mattered. "You there, stand down. I aim to defend my people." Elthas yelled at the loudly dressed one.

"We're a step ahead of you son of House Belthasar." The loud one said carefully. He hand-signaled towards the remaining bandits that were standing. The ones that were not brutalized by Kirin. "Only the target matters, ignore the riff-raff. I'll take care of this would-be Hero myself." The leader said. "Your Father, when last we met gave me a gift. A reminder of our meeting. I was hoping to avenge myself of that meeting today. But oh well, you are one of his sons. You will do."

Elthas prepared himself. "People are hurt, injured. Why are you doing this?"

"Your people have something that does not belong to them. I'm taking it back. It's that simple, civilians don't matter only the target does." The leader said carefully. He readied his sword.

Elthas noticed the weapon that the man used was a elegant curved bladed from a distant land...a sort of blacksmithing that was not native to Corone proper. Fallien was likely the origin source of that craft. Elthas looked at the leader with a harsh stare. "You mean to take things, I mean to stop you. It's as simple as that." The markings that the bandits wore really bothered Elthas, but there would be time to examine their apparel later on after the battle was over.

Elthas started to dash towards the leader, daggers at the ready.

"You really don't get this." The leader said and raised his hand. "Anak-ANDHOR!" And he released a surge of energy from his free hand.

Elthas was knocked back several paces with a tremendous amount of force from the sorcery of the leader. "Sorcery is it...?" The man's mannerisms, markings and other red flags were triggering Elthas. But it was all happening too quickly for him to gather himself. Elthas turned his attention towards Kirin. "Get to the survivors, make sure people get out alive." Elthas turned his attention back to the leader. Elthas' own chest was scorched from whatever spell that the leader had released. "You know my Father. Then you know what type of fighters we are." Elthas couldn't shake the feeling that this exact thing had happened to him before.

A distinct feeling of dejavu struck him at that point.

What is this...why do I feel this way...? Elthas considered that it could have been a Boon from The Great Tree. Though The Great Tree was a burnt husk on the outside, the roots grew strong beneath them, and the magics they radiated were still powerful. Suddenly, Elthas saw in the way the old ones of his kind see. Reality shifted for a moment and he saw himself fighting the leader, in a moment the leader had bested Elthas and killed him...a would-be tragedy. The vision was quick, decisive. I must live...but I must defeat this man quickly The vision subsided quickly and the world returned to normal.

Elthas found himself staring at the leader. His mind was acting quickly, thinking. Apprehend him... As reality returned to normal Elthas looked up towards the leader. The man has a plan, if I act now it will be over too quickly for us...too many lives are on the line.

"You must surely know you cannot win." The leader said carefully.

"Perhaps...but there is something you do not know." Elthas started to move slowly around the leader. His eyes were sharp, calculating considering possibilities. He'd seen his own demise so he could buy himself some time. He could buy Kirin some time and the other survivors.

"I do not have time for games." The leader said carefully. "Send your Father my regards, IN HELL." It started at that point, where the leader raised his hand once more in an attempt to smite Elthas where he stood. "Anak...WHAT???" The leader suddenly yelled. He'd taken his eyes off Elthas for a moment, that was all that Elthas needed.

Their lives are more important than my own...I can be as reckless as needed... He held the leader in his arms at that point, at blade-point. The side of his dagger a few centimeters away from the leader's neck. "Call off your men and I might consider sparing you." Elthas threatened.

"How did you do that...?" The leader asked. "Not even your Father moved that fast."

[Reina]

The peculiar trio ran off and summoned Reina to follow. Grasping at her sheath she followed the small group and noticed one of the elves rush in alone towards a group of ne’er do wells. He brandished his knives in a fantastical manner as the other elf exchanged words and engaged with whom Reina guessed was their leader.

Bandits likely weren’t a common sight in peaceful elven tree towns. But it did make a lot of sense to conduct a raid amidst the chaos of an ash cloud and mass panic. It must’ve made their pillaging quite simple.

Normally at a sight like this the pink haired wanderer would simply turn and walk away. This seemed like it was being handled admirably by the two brave, or foolish, elves. However… there was likely some form of financial reward for strangers who saved a tree village from certain doom in the middle of volcanic devastation. Or at the very least a statue in her honor.

The cursed woman gripped the hilt of her katana tightly. Eyes took aim upon a bandit wielding a battle axe and her legs sprung her forward. In a swift motion she simultaneously unsheathed her saber and struck towards the rogue. Not quick enough he swung downwards with his axe, narrowly blocking her blade in a clang of metal.

Letting out a grunt the axeman lunged towards the would-be hero in a barbaric flurry. Reina sidestepped and bent low, as the vandal was wailing in her general direction she drew her katana low and in a graceful motion swung both arms towards his center of gravity. She felt the satisfaction of steel carving into flesh as her sword struck true, leaving a gaping wound in his torso. Organs descended, blood pooled, and the bandit crumpled forwards into the painful embrace of death.

Before the swordswoman could get her bearings she was struck on her right shoulder with a thick wooden club. The thud drew circles in her vision and sent the woman onto the ground. Hard. She quickly lifted herself up with her right hand, left still clutching her katana. Racing towards her was yet another adversary wielding a jagged saber. Behind her the clubbed brute was raising his weapon towards the sky, hoping to finish her off. This pit of vipers was descending into mayhem.

Reina rolled towards her left, accelerating the pain in her right shoulder down her spine but barely missing the impact of the mallet’s collision with the earth. Pivoting towards her back leg she spun in a circular fashion, slicing at the vandal with the wooden club. As he screamed in agony and fell frontwards Reina struggled to pry her blade from his knee cap as the sabered enemy drew nearer.

These elves better have cash, she thought as she rose to her feet and finally removed her blade from her latest victim and prepared for another onslaught.

[Flamebird]

The moment she saw the glorious elven home, she beamed.

The moment she saw the bandits, instinct kicked in.

She scowled, dropping the book in her hand as she stalked towards two bandits on the side lines. They were well suited for the standard outlaws. They had proper, albeit light, armor with hauberks on top. The dark garbs all had identical symbols on them. Not bandits, an organization.

They both scowled at her. She scowled deeper. Her fists tightened.

Ash fell from the sky as dark clouds loomed. Citizens fled and cried out. The attackers made it all worse. That familiar anger exploded in her chest, vomiting up her throat. Her cheeks were red despite the chill. Dead leaves dropped from the high trees, showering them, as she eyed the soldiers.

“Get out.”

One scoffed from beneath his helm, “Pfft! Give me one good reaso-“

She grabbed him by the scruff of his gamberson, yanking him close. She peered into his eyes, her muscle shaking in powerful spasms of uncontrollable strength.

The other soldier raced off to face another attacker, staying away from the Ragechild. Felicity threw the captured soldier against a tree. The trunk shook as he fell from the impact, leaves skydiving around him. He was dazed.

The redhead heard footsteps behind her, crunching the leaves. She turned around to see a soldier with a gleaming blade. She placed her hand on her own sword's hilt, “I’d rather not hurt anyone, but if you continue this attack…”

The blade was swung. Felicity dodged, feeling the wind of the swipe as she yanked her weapon free. Soon, their blades clashed in brutal combat.

Smoke rose to the coal colored sky. The fight for very survival was at its dawn.

[Altair]

Kirin tucked his elbow close against his ribs, stretching carefully to ensure he can move and breathe without piercing his own lungs, and decided that they were possibly bruised or cracked, but not displaced enough to cause him danger, unless he took another blow there. That in mind, he stalked through the chaos of the abruptly-made battlefield, pausing only when he saw another one of the bandits threatening a wounded survivor of the initial explosion.

He's not close enough, not fast enough, for all his speed and training. Luckily, he doesn't have to be.

The blade left his hand in a curved arc, end over end before slamming point-first into the bandit's back. The man screamed, dropping his own weapon and stumbling forward, and by then Kirin was close enough to strike. He buried his second weapon in the man's spine, below the first one, and ripped it out sideways in a horrible display. The man fell, and Kirin took his other dagger from where it was lodged and cut the man's throat, putting him out of his misery.

He headed for the center of the clearing, where he could see Elthas facing off against a garishly dressed man holding himself with a confidence and skill foreign to the rest of the invaders--the leader, no doubt. Kirin wanted to go help, but Elthas spared a second of his own fight to charge Kirin with the safety of the survivors, and that's not a responsibility he would take lightly. With a frustrated grimace, he turned away, back towards the last few scuffles--a warrior with pink hair had dispatched at least two of her opponents and was facing a third, and a furious-looking redhead faced off with a soldier. Everywhere else, men and elves and orcs lay dead or wounded. Leaving the others to their fight, Kirin began to comb the battlefield, killing the enemy injured and searching among the refugees for those who could be saved.

It was grim work. The residents and the refugees alike had been wounded and exhausted already, before this attack, and even the untrained bandits had wreaked mayhem among them. Kirin straightened, closing the eyes of a boy no older than twelve, and then helped an elderly man with a gash in his leg hobble back towards the Tree. He paused for breath once his burden was handed over to the capable healers, only to freeze as he realized that the bandit leader and Elthas were inches away from each other, a blade leveled at the leader's neck.

[Elthas]

(Note: I am adding in my conclusion to this thread in this post!)

The blade was held a the leader's neck.

"I won't as you again...call your men off." Elthas said calmly.

"We found it." One of the bandits yelled suddenly and all attention was turned towards that particular person.

Except for Elthas, Elthas kept focused on the leader. "What's it going to be?" Elthas growled.

The leader carefully responded to Elthas. "You've won this day but we got what we came for. You can let me go now."

The survivors were more important than the bandits...but something did not sit well with Elthas. He let the leader go though. "Get out of here. You've already gotten what you've wanted. I won't pursue you but you and your folks are not welcome back here." Elthas looked at the leader fiercely. "Next time I see you I will finish what my Father started."

"Noted." The leader said. "We are out of here." The bandits that survived the initial attack from the Heroes began to flee quickly.

Elthas looked towards his companions. "We have to check on the survivors." Elthas felt it at that point...The Great Tree was alive...but altered somehow. That's what explained the vision he'd seen earlier. Is that a new effect of the boon? Will it always happen that way? Elthas wondered. He looked at his friends. At that point, his fedora hat brushed against his leg with a gust of wind from the west. The ash fall still came down...always present. Elthas knelt down and grabbed his hat, dusting it off. He adjusted his hat and proceeded to once again enter The Great Tree. Damaged greatly on the outside, but thriving and alive in the inside thanks to the magic of his people.

***

Many thoughts passed his troubled mind as he assisted the survivors of the attack.

Ashfall kept coming down, it's what Hayate and his people had called the events following Lornius' destruction.

Elthas considered everything he had learned during the unfolding events. The Great Tree was not the only such tree on Althanas. There might be others of it's kind. Perhaps the Thayne initially planted them or perhaps... A thought crossed his mind that sent a chill down his spine. Elthas fancied himself a Hero of sorts, he did not want to consider going back down a dark path. He knew that other versions of himself had existed in the past and throughout the general flow of history.

The Elder's teachings were oft filled with great mystery.

His life was still unraveling before him...

"Are you well, Elthas?" One of the nurse maidens asked.

"Great destruction has fallen to our world. I have to know the extent of it but that is a task for other Heroes...right now my place is HERE." Elthas, the son of Halm Belthasar looked outside of The Great Tree...at ashfall. He shook his head. "There will be others...I have to grow stronger. I have to train more." Elthas said to the nurse maiden.
There will be other attackers as time passes looking to take advantage of this event."

"There are always those who take advantage of disasters." The nurse maiden said as she treated his injuries. "You fought bravely and upheld the honour of your clan."

"It does not matter, I could not prevent the theft." Elthas sighed. "Those are not worries for you though my friend, you have many injuries to treat." Elthas said.

At that point, one of the elders...Xu Bellaparte...walked over to Elthas. "As soon as you are done with getting cleaned up we have something to talk about. There has been a serious complication...Elthas I know what those thieves were after. We have a serious problem on our hands now."

The End.