I stood back and watched the locals go to work. This valley had to have been prepared, either that or they knew the deer would come here, because this was where they were going to take them. I didn't see them at first, but when it all started dozens of people seemed to pop out of the landscape, spells and spears hurling towards the surprised animals.

They'd formed a loose circle around the herd, and it looked like they were keen on keeping each and every one of the animals from escaping. I wondered briefly what they wanted the antlers for, but soon decided that it probably didn't matter too much to me. Perhaps they needed them for weapons or some form of magical ink like those in the tattoos I'd learned to make. Regardless, that wasn't what I was here for.

One of the deer jumped, making it over their line and charging for the lip of the valley near where we were. It seemed that our new companion was supposed to be part of the attackers, but in coming up here to deal with us he'd left a small hole in the force. I heard him curse behind me, but since I wanted his help I figured I could do something about it.

The animal turned as it neared us, clearly trying to get away and that was the moment I sent a flurry of kinetic bolts at it in a fan. The thing was fast, and I didn't want to let it get away. I was at least careful to make sure the locals weren't in my line of fire and that I wouldn't hit the antlers even by mistake, no need to antagonize anyone.

The newcomer looked at me warily though as the creature went down spasming, of course I'd not even raised a hand to shoot that volley, and it was clearly something that only one of those who had real power could do.

“That kill is ours,” he complained, though I could tell he didn't want to fight me on his own.

“I already agreed to that. It was merely an act of goodwill since you seem to want them so badly.”

Chien was chuckling behind me, now that we could see the elves below us we were getting a measure of their abilities. Between the two of us we probably could have driven this group off had we wanted to, and that wasn't even including Isha. She wasn't as suited to combat as we were, but her scream attack wasn't something to underestimate, and against those without enough magic to defend against it it would cause havoc.

Soon the killing was done and the cleaning began. It was quick and dirty, mostly they just drained the blood from the kills and opened them to remove the organs. All of this was of course packed into skins and containers that each of the hunters had on them, and all of it was done with hurried moves.

As they did so I took my time to examine their clothes. Each seemed to be made from sewn together skins, but rather than leave the outsides as they were there was snow worked in. Each of them had a layer of the white fluffy stuff all over them, further adding to the illusion. It was also some of the best craftsmanship I'd seen from my fellow elves if I were being honest.

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“So is there a village nearby?” Chien asked while I looked over the progress they were making on the deer.

“Village? The Icehome is a few days away by foot. How do you not know this?”

“This is our first time here, did I not already explain this?” I interjected. “We are looking for your Ancient to deliver our message.”

“Hmm, very well but know that all who stay must contribute to keeping our home warm.”

I wasn't sure what he meant by that, so I shrugged. “We'll do what we can within reason.”

The hunters packed the animals on their backs, distributing the load. It wasn't lost at me that a few were eyeing our little sled, watching it move across the snow effortlessly. They too had some manner of not sinking, though that was huge furry shoes that kept them from sinking. None of them asked to use the sled though, or said anything at all really.

While our newly met traveling buddies did their best to ignore us we made good time. It was only a few nights more of travel until we reached our destination. They of course had their own manner of tent, which they could deploy with some effort. For our part though we kept using the igloo technique, something which drew some interest. Perhaps they could have used something similar, but oddly there were no magic users among them, only elves with basic abilities like all members of our race seemed to develop.

When we arrived I agreed with this much Icehome as a name fit this location. The place was a glacier, a massive wall of ice with a large arch carved into one side. From here it was impossible to tell just how big the place was, but looking at the sheet of ice they'd picked to build on it could be of conceivably massive proportions, rivaling Atal or the trees of the forest dwelling elves with ease.

We walked in without any opposition, though since we were with a known group that might have helped. As soon as we were inside the doors, really large slabs of stone, were moved into place. Another elf approached us, older I could easily tell by the shock of white hair on one side, he looked curious.

“Welcome outsider, I am Lorn, and I keep this area for Matriarch Neera.” I had to guess, but perhaps Icehome was divided up into regions or something? Regardless it didn't change what I needed to do.

“Greetings, I've come with a message for your eldest. Am I right that this would be the Matriarch?” I asked.

“Yes. You may stay while awaiting an audience, but know that all must contribute to keeping our home warm.”

I nodded, having already learned that much from one of the hunters. “So long as it is not odious I agree.”

“Oh it's nothing horrid I assure you,” he said with a smile.

Admittedly Icehome, despite the name, was quite warm inside. I wondered how they were managing that, but knew that patience would save me the trouble in time. The elder excused himself to go and deal with the incoming hunters and while he did Isha tugged lightly on my arm.

“Look at them, they're so pale,” she whispered, seeming to find it strange.

It was true, I hadn't noticed because I was sort of used to differing skin tones in my previous life, but as they stripped off their coats and protections it became clear that they were different from us. All of the elves I'd met had been slightly darker in tone, it didn't really match anything from Earth, but was closest perhaps to a southern European or perhaps someone from the tropics. However the elves of Icehome were paper white. Their features were much like ours, and like us their eyes came in a few differing colors, but they looked so different. They really must have been isolated for that to happen.

Lorn returned shortly thereafter, looking pleased. “I've sent your request for a meeting to the Matriarch, shall I show you where you may stay until she's ready to meet with you?”

“Please do. How long does it normally take for her to arrange such a meeting?” I asked.

“It will take as long as it takes,” he answered, and I got the feeling that she would be in no hurry at all.