Of Forest Elves and Humes. (Humans)

[Elthas]

He paused for a moment as she entered the ancestral home of his family.

The question lingered in the air between him. True, something ate at his mind...but it was a personal something. How should I respond...? Elthas rubbed his slender chin for a moment and looked at her square in the eyes. "You are not a bother. I was merely thinking of something that has recently happened. Something that has affected all of us a considerable amount." Mainly...Father's betrayal left a hole in Elthas' heart for sure. As he stood there he placed his jacket inside a nearby closet after a moment.

The inside of the home was very spacious and there was indeed a lot of furnishing. There was a mysterious connecting force that allowed those Elves to live in a perfect harmony with nature herself. Lady Y'edda of the wild. Elthas smiled after a moment and took off his hat, placing it on a small table. He looked at Lilly. "Food should be ready. My Mother's cooking rival's that of most accomplished chefs in Radasanth." Or so he had been told. He didn't know what Alerians ate. He only knew that Concordia Forest provided all that they needed to survive. Elthas adjusted his posture for a moment and guided Lilly towards the kitchen area where the strongest smells of cooking and food was located. Elthas seemed more relaxed as he entered their ancestral home.

He looked at his Mother, Elysia, and his brother, Drathis. Drathis was easily a head taller than Elthas and built much more muscular than Elthas proper. Elthas was built more for speed, Drathis was built for pure strength and power. There was a clear contrast between the brothers. Elthas looked at his Mother and several of the other house servants as they prepared various food-stuffs. "Mother, we have a guest." Elthas said plainly, introducing his friend.

"I know. The woman from earlier." His Mother said in a mysterious sort of way. She motioned for one of the other cooks to take over her spot, notably, the old stove was built INTO the tree itself. It was not a technologically advanced item...but rather, Elven relicry at work. Notably, all of the Elf kind in this area had long, angular and pointy ears. Elthas hugged his Mother and shook his Brother's hand for a moment. He nodded back with respect. The family was actually quite fond of one another.

Elysia walked over to Lilly. "My dear, you must be very hungry from your journey to this area of Concordia. Thankfully, we have prepared a bountiful harvest of a meal." Elysia moved to shake Lilly's hand in a warm greeting. Elysia was a fair skinned, almost alabaster skint-toned woman. She was quite graceful and seemed to have a glow about her. The old ones of Elthas' tribe called that glow a halo, or an aura of energy. She wore home attire that was adequate for cooking. She removed her simple apron and placed it on a nearby hanger. There were paintings of various members of Bellthasar Clan around the abode. There was also a spiraling staircase that headed upwards...and downwards. To layers of the house that were located beneath them. "Come sit with us, our table is always welcome for more friends of the family." She said calmly, in an almost sing-song type of voice. Her voice was accented and had a small singing style audible in it.

Elthas looked on as Elysia interacted with Lilly. "My dear, what is your name?" She asked of Lilly.

Elthas did not want to impose and introduce Lilly without her permission. So he merely waited for her to introduce herself first.

Elthas noticed several of the chairs at the table were empty. Particularly, the head of the table was absent...and would be for some time. For a moment he frowned thinking about his Father. But for now, they would enjoy a meal with friends and family. Elthas moved a chair for Lilly to take when she was ready, and he sat down on hi sown chair for a long moment.

Drathis looked at Elthas and nodded. "Saw you with the delivery fellow earlier." He said calmly. "Did you get the parcel?"

Elthqas nodded. "Yes. But we'll talk about it later. Right now let's just spend time with on another and eat good food." At that point when he looked at Lilly, Elthas began to sing. In another life, Elthas had been a Bard for a period of time and some of that skill set carried over in his current incarnation. He began to sing in the elder tongue of his people, the song was for Lilly primarily. But also, singing, helped him calm down and think of happier moments in his life...like that one. He smiled as he sang.

Drathis chuckled a little. "You should take up full time studies as a Bard again."

Elthas nodded. He kept on singing for Lilly as the servants of the house began to serve the well cooked meal. Elysia stood in front of Lilly as they spoke.

(Note: Lilly feel free to bunny ANY NPC's they are for your use as well. I am really enjoying working with you keep up the good work!)

[Lilthis]

Hm, something is odd, at least it isn’t me.

The inquisitive elf admired the stove which was carved into the oaken walls of the tree itself. She surmised that the oven must be lined with stone or steel. Possibly enchanted? It would be far more impressive if it were non-magical as the sheer ingenuity of coming up with the stove’s design had her brain’s full attention. The smoke would need to be dispersed through a chimney but if the chimney was under the branches it would stain the leaves or set them ablaze. It must’ve been an enchantment... or else she had just not noticed a chimney above the tree line. Was it possible that it could funneled the smoke underground? Lilly wiggled a bit awkwardly as she tried to peer over the various elves to get a better look at the stove.

Her examination of the cooking apparatus was ceased when Elthas spoke of the Alerian to his mother. Initially the mother elf worried Lilly with an ominous comment but she followed up with a gentle greeting. The mother elf asked for Lilly’s introduction and distracted by her thoughts the dark elf started, “Lilth-,” she shut her lips before exposing the slimmest bit of her tongue and continuing, “ahem, excuse me. I’m Lillian Svalesin, but you may call me Lilly. Nice to meet you.”

The dark elf’s rounded face housed her sparkling blue eyes as a strand of thin white hair grazed past her cheek, falling off her left ear. She transferred her right hand to grab ahold of her narrow left elbow, squirming her face a bit as she hoped her impression was not ruined by nearly speaking the wrong name.

Elysia seemed a bit confused but followed equally, “what great manners dear. I am Elysia, thank you for joining us.” The pale elf mother went back to put a few last minute details on the lunch she had prepared. One or two dishes missing salt or a dash of pepper.

Elthas gestured for her to sit and she fell into the moment as she fell into the chair. It was unusual for her, to be eating a meal at a table with a ‘family.’ For the past few years she spent most of her meals in the presence of Faellint in a hovel or among mages around a campfire. Sitting at a real table with a group of people was a refreshing change of scenery for the young dark elf.

When Elthas’ brother raised questions of a package, it piqued Lilly’s interest. This ‘parcel’ sounded important. As she was about to inquire about it the tree elf stared at her and began to sing.

Old elves really did annoy Lilly. Most of the elves within The Vestige were interesting enough. They practiced magic, they were experts at it. These elves were simple elves with simple dreams. Living in these woods, never questioning what else was out in the world. The caricature she was forming in her head of this family was a culmination of her upbringing and the injustice she faced trying to prove herself to the traditional old elves from The Vestige.

Regardless, she sat listening to the elf’s song. He did have a nice voice but she was fully perplexed as he received praise from his brother. Did he expect Lilly to join in? She couldn’t sing. She definitely was not going to sing inside of a tree. She had standards.

Lilly looked back at Elthas and during the climax of his song she loudly exclaimed, “I can’t sing.” Her outburst brought bewildered looks from the various members of clan Belthasar. As soon as she received the disapproving looks the inventor realized her error. He was not looking for a sing along, he was trying to show his talent. His gift.

Before she could apologize lunch arrived at their table. Steaming piles of sliced turnips, crusted venison, and baked fruits filled the oak home with scents of paprika and sweetness. As the members of the house began to help themselves to the bountiful meal Lilly waited until most had filled their plates. She then grabbed utensils and topped off her own plate with a modest serving of every dish, careful not to overeat. The Alerian was very appreciative of their generosity but she was not going to abuse it. That would be unbecoming of a proper sel darthirii.

As the group chewed and munched through the meal before them Lilly thought back on the postman referenced earlier. Her mouth was filled with the texture of savory venison but her thoughts were filled with the possibilities of what this parcel could’ve been. A normal person would have let the passing comment go. Not Lilthis. She was absolutely determined to unravel its importance.

She took one last bite and as soon as the seared fruit passed into her esophagus she formed the words she had contemplated for what felt like hours, “what parcel did you receive? If you don’t mind my asking.” The curious elf smiled and tilted her head, hoping that her charm may squeeze the truth out of the forested elf.

[Elthas]

Her outburst...stunned Elthas.

In all his days, never once had his singing solicited such a reaction. Have I offended her in some way? Elthas did not know then, but he hoped he would find out someday. He immediately stopped singing and was about to speak on the situation. However, lunch was ready and that came first. They ate in peace and quiet conversing over various adventures of late. Notably though, Elthas remained quiet the entire time he ate. His eyes were still stunned at her sudden outburst. For Elthas, it was the same as a slap across the face. He ate quietly and once he and Lilly were together, alone again, he looked at her. She asked about his parcel he'd received earlier.

Elthas nodded at her. "I hope I didn't offend you with my singing...I didn't even think to ask if you liked it or not." Elthas seemed sincerely hurt by her reaction. He really hoped he had not offended her in some way. As she asked about the parcel...he nodded again. "The package I requested from some friends in Radasanth. I was trying to get a specific set of information about...a certain someone." Elthas explained. How could he begin to tell her about the prophet, Nenkulor Shima? Further...he did not want her to bore her with the Thayne Codex. "The ally I refer to is one of them Prophet folks. A seer...damned good one too." Elthas rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I can show you the parcel if you'd like to see it?" Elthas sat down on one of the sofas in the living area. He awaited her response, he hoped he could smooth things over with Lilly.

Her reaction had hurt him...a lot. In the future he would be more careful about singing around her...

[Lilthis]

Elthas looked dejected. As if his confidence itself was ripped out from under him and trampled upon. Lilly had not intended to offend him but then why was she being so uptight. This had been the first time she was interacting with elves since her travels. She needed to put the past behind her. It was unfair to treat all elves how she treated those elves. These tree elves, though strange, had been nothing but kind to her. She felt the sting of regret for her hasty caricatures.

“You did not offend me,” she answered honestly. There was no good recovery from her at this point. Though she could try, “I misinterpreted your intent... I’m sorry, your voice was quite nice.”

Better not dwell on your social failings.

This parcel was far more interesting than the dark elf’s rude behavior anyway. She meekly asked the taller elf, “a certain someone?” It was obvious he did not wish to specify who this someone was, she would not push it any further. But she was curious and if he would share freely then why not try it?

Of course, then there was the mention of a seer. This set the gears within Lilly’s mind to work as she toyed with the gears on her gauntlet. Prophesy was certainly interesting but Lilly was uncertain of its validity. Could most of it be vague coincidental scams? It was also possible that it was a form of magic waiting for her to unravel. But if there was magic that allowed glimpses into the future it brought about questions of the nature of elves and men. Was a prophet viewing the singular and unavoidable future or was it one of many futures? Lilthis did not like the idea of ‘fate.’ Predetermination meant freewill was an illusion. She would never accept that.

To avoid further social disasters the slender elf quickly added, “it’s ok if you do not wish to talk about it! I would like to see this parcel if you’re willing to show me.” The Alerian woman sported a glowing smile, hoping to relax the nerves of her forest host.

[Elthas]

Elthas nodded at that point after he heard her suggestions. "Yes...I can show you it." Elthas removed the wrapped parcel from his packs. It was a decent sized bundle wrapped in simple brown wrapping paper. It was bound with a basic ribbon of sorts. The parcel's top portion had a seal...a family crest marked upon it that was not the Bellthasar symbols. It was from an entirely different clan or guild, but the Radasanth markings were also there. The word, in basic common-tongue, read "Requested". Elthas placed the parcel on a small table that was in front of them and began to unwrap it. He was careful and delicate not to break the particular seal that was stamped on the package's wrapping.

As he opened it, the contents were reveal. There were several documents present, including a fancy map of something specific. The calligraphy of each document was high Radasanth in nature. It seemed like some sort of official documentation, or legal papers. "Clan Shima is a house of Seers." Elthas explained. "Nenkulor is especially good at finding lost things. People included. The package contains detailed information about a particular individual I needed information on. MY FATHER." Elthas explained, and put a little more emphasis on that last part than perhaps, he meant to. Elthas explained he was tracking his Father's movements in a fort that was once used to house Radasanth soldiers...long ago.

Now it has devolved into a place where bandits a traitor group resided in.

Elthas still could not accept that his Father had betrayed them all. He explained that recently, he'd encountered his Father in that fort leading the rebel army. During that encounter, Elthas had cut Halm Belthasar's face quite badly and the action would have left a scar even if their best healers worked on it. What he'd requested in the parcel-form was a series of maps and documentation. Information that dealt with the exact specifications of the old fort. Further, he'd requested his Father's service records within Radasanth's army. Once, Halm had been a servant of the people and protector of the innocent. That life seemed very far away to Elthas now. As he showed her the documentation he nodded towards her. "They are planning something. Many will be harmed if their plans are allowed to occur. I cannot allow my Father to do what they are going to do." Elthas explained. He looked away from Lilly for a moment, and frowned. "If it comes down to it, I'd kill my won Father to prevent the worst."

He sighed at that point. Heavy footsteps came from nearby as Drathis, his Brother, walked over towards both of them and helped himself to a seat. "You mean to really do it then? Kill our Father?" Drathis asked with an unusually serious expression on his face.

"If he leaves me no other choice." Elthas considered that. I'll try to reason with him if that is possible...try to get him to listen to reason. Maybe I can still save him. But he did not speak that out loud. He merely thought about that situation. He took out the maps of the fort and showed that to Lilly. "These are the maps I was talking about earlier. It is heavily guarded." The last time he'd encountered Halm there, they'd barely been allowed to walk away with their lives intact...but things were different now.

[Lilthis]

Drathis loudly waltzed into the room at his brother’s contemplation of murdering his own father. Lilly’s eyes grew wide and her mouth curved downwards to manifest her disapproval. It sounded sincere and honorable, the wood elf wanted to keep others safe. But killing ones own father? What sort of quagmire had she walked into.

Elthas presented his dark elven guest with the maps of the fort. Removing them from the tube they came in and unrolling them flat on the wooden table. This table was interesting as it seemed to be part of the tree itself, clearly when the home was constructed they cut around this section to leave this table. She traced her left index finger around one of the maps while the chemicals in her brain went into overdrive. Before she devoted too much concentration towards the fort of bandits she wished to clear up one thing.

Placing her hand flat on the table she looked up to meet Elthas and while staring directly into his eyes she stated, “I don’t know about your history, and it’s none of my business, but killing your father sounds extreme...” The girl took a deep breath and moved her stare to the taller elf’s feet before saying, “I’m willing to help you but I don’t want to be involved if your aim is to kill your own dad.”

Lilly missed her father. He had spoiled her all her life and she knew it. The tinkerer never saw him cry until the day she left Alerar for her own safety. Lilly wanted nothing more than to see her own father again. She was not prepared to help someone kill their flesh and blood.

The young woman’s azure eyes focused on the map further. As her mind contemplated options a few plans formed. She rubbed the tip of her tongue against the roof of her mouth as the question was posed, “is this the only road into the fort?” She drew a finger across the line on the map and then added, “do you know how often your father leaves the fort? How many accompany him when he leaves?”

Lilthis was naive, sure. But she knew that sometimes killing had to occur. However, if she could aid this man in simply capturing his father then maybe she could prevent a needless loss of life. Make a small difference in the world and pay for the lunch.

[Elthas]

Elthas considered the weight of what was being said.

You mean to kill him...kill our Father...? The thought repeated itself in his mind. "I don't know." Elthas said calmly. He felt a weight on his shoulders, surrounded by friends and family he felt entirely alone in that matter. He knew ultimately...the choice would come down to him alone. Elthas looked at Lilly. "I appreciate you guys." He said calmly. "I don't think I could handle this situation alone. It would drive me nuts." He said casually. He relaxed against the back of the comfortable sofa style seat they were on. Drathis sat opposite Elthas on an elegant chair.

Elthas rubbed his chin gently. "Either way this matter will not get dealt with immediately. It will require a lot of planning and resources. Right now is not the time." Elthas looked at his friend, Lilly. "I am thankful that you'd accompany me to meet my Father." Elthas thought back to the vision The Great Tree shared with him briefly. He sighed. ...What should I do? I don't have any answers. He felt confused and lost but being near such great friends and family comforted Elthas. "Lilly, did you enjoy my Mother's cooking? I didn't get a chance to ask you that." Elthas turned towards Lilly, he wanted to include her in everything...it felt right.

Drathis smiled as he saw that and stretched in his chair. "Well if you two are going to remain down here for a while I got business to take care of. I got to work on my own sword-arm and continue my training. Elthas, when you've decided come meet me at the usual place." Drathis said casually, got up and left.

Elthas nodded towards his Brother as he left. He turned towards Lilly at that point and waited for her response to his question. For whatever reason, Lilly's presence comforted the fellow and he liked having her around. If she wanted to remain in the village, Elthas could see to it that she'd have a place in Bellthasar House.

[Lilthis]

Obviously he was struggling with what he believed to be inevitable. Lilly picked up on it, the tree elf did not want to discuss his father any further. She allowed that conversation to sink into the floor as he changed subjects.

“I enjoyed the food,” she replied in a satisfactory manner. Lilly’s heart rate slowed and her mind calmed as her thoughts traveled away from subduing the taller elf’s father. Her gaze adjusted back up towards Elthas as she spoke, “I liked the fruit the most. Thank you again for having me.” She placed both hands into her pockets and reclined into a cushioned chair near the oaken table. Her head tilted back and slate eyelids shut as she allowed her thinking to ease.

The dark elf took in a deep, purposed, breath. There are some who enjoy moments like this, alone with thoughts to relax and organize themselves. Lilly could not stand it. She needed to distract herself with a goal or cause. When she was alone she blueprinted designs for some new creation or traced the steps required for assembling watches or engines. Anything to snuff out wayward thoughts. They could be unpredictable, they could force her to think about matters best left alone.

Opening her icy pupils the young woman rose to attention. She stared intently at Elthas. “Your home is nice, I hope I’m not being a bother, your brother seemed eager to discuss something with you,” she was ready to engage in some form of productivity to settle her nerves. She had vomited out that last sentence, subtlety was not one of her strengths.

Lilly stretched her arms towards the ceiling and yawned. It had been a long journey to the elven village, taking a brief rest was nice. She was, however, anxious to see what this taller elf was planning with his brother.

[Elthas]

Elthas smiled when Lilly complimented his Mother's cooking. The cooking skills in his household rivaled that of most of Radasanth's chefs. Elthas stood up a moment or two after Lilly did and he also stretched. He took his feodora hat from a nearby position and placed it back on his head. He looked at Lilly at that point.

"Yes. Let's go see what Drathis has in mind." Elthas said calmly. He didn't like to interrupt his Brother's training. Those sword wielders were always a prideful lot about their sword arms. The usual spot...huh? Drathis was always a fairly dramatic man about that stuff anyway... He grabbed some personal belongings. His daggers were always by his side. Where Drathis used single swords for his combat proficiency, Elthas favoured knives.

Most importantly, Elthas viewed those knives as a family heirloom.

They'd been constructed for him by his Father. Halm Bellthasar. They were not heavy to Elthas...they were a memento. Elthasa adjusted his hat so it was at a slight angle and he smiled at Lilly. "I like good clothing. Always try to dress to impress." He smiled as he said that. His Father's teachings would always remain with Elthas to the day that he died. No matter what his Father had become.

"After you Lilly." He opened the door for Lilly and waited for her to leave the tree house before him. Elthas saw his Mother out of the corner of his eyes and he nodded with respect towards her. She nodded back and moved back to another portion of the house. The thought repeated itself in his mind. Do you really intend to kill our Father...? Elthas was confused. He didn't have any answers just then. Ultimately, he did not want to kill his Father.

But if it came down to it...

[Lilthis]

He smiled and Lilly felt a bit of joy. It was nice to be in the midst of a family again. Though this family was not her own it wouldn’t cause too much harm for her to revel in the moment. Pretend as if she belong here. She enjoyed acting like she belonged.

“Thank you,” the ingenious girl issued as she crossed through the boundary of his home. Out onto the lawn of grass, pine cones, and mulch. She was eager to unwrap the mystery of Drathis’ secrets; she did not wish to miss a second of this tale. Maybe she’d even steal a glance of his swordsmanship, study his talent.

The darkly colored maid waited there on the precipice of the rest of the township, among the multi-colored foliage. In the welcome mat of House Belthasar it seemed only polite to wait for the native elf to escort her to his brother’s ‘regular spot.’ That seemed more productive than walking around aimlessly.

Turning back towards the oak tree hut she questioned, “Elthas, do you mind if I ask you something?” Without pause the girl’s face split upwards into a huge smile and with full confidence she inquired, “do you tree elves always invite strange dark elves in for lunch?”

It was asked in jest. Hopefully he would understand the humor.