Galier made his way to the far side of the great hall to collect his assignment. His heart dropped immediately, he was due to venture out into this world, alone.
As the rest of the new recruits found their assignments, they formed their groups immediately. Galier stood awkwardly to the side, head down, with the weight of the world resting gently on his shoulders. A gentle cough stirred him, looking up Galier saw the kind eyes of Sentara. She was also destined to follow the path of the hunter, her skill set a bit more traditional than his with a specialism in animal companionship. At level 30 she was significantly more powerful than Galier, but always found time to help him learn about his abilities and often took him out into the depths of their local forests, allowing him to better understand his oneness with nature.
“I was a little shocked to see you with no pair or group, Galier. Aleyth and Hito must see what I see. You have always been different… in a good way.” She said, kindly.
“I don’t feel special. If anything, I feel scared” Galier sighed, worry clear in his voice.
“It’s good to feel scared. It means you’ll be careful and won’t take unnecessary risks. At your level, that will be key. Their metals will cut through you until level 20 when our skin becomes hyper resistant to the materials of this world.”
“Ha… thank you for the boost in confidence Sentara, you always know what to say” Galier joked.
“Come. Our families will be waiting to say goodbye”.
Sentara and her family had been key to the scouting efforts during the Great War; her family was a blend of hunters, scouts and assassins. All of which had some form of stealth ability that they had trained from an early age.
The assignment notes were clear. Galier was to be transported to a nearby forest, north east of their position. Initial scouting reports had said that it was a little larger than the city of London and had been likely transported from their kingdoms northern hemisphere. Galier was to scout the forest, remain out of sight and identify any possible allies that had been transported here with them. As far as they knew, their elven city stood alone in this world.
Galier strode beside Sentara at an idle pace, taking in the warm glow of sunlight that broke through the cloud cover overhead. Slowly they made their way across the cobbled streets and towards their family homes.
“Where have you been assigned?” Aleyth asked
“I’ll be part of the Ireland contingent. Unsure on plans onwards from there, but my stealth abilities will see me safe. Do not worry for me.”
Sentara’s hand trailed across his back, her long finger tips sending shivers down his spine. The faint hairs across his arms bristled. “I’ll see you out there, Galier. Be safe”
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“Goodbye, Sentara. I’ll put your training to good use. I won’t let you down”
“You never have” she smiled, opening the door to her home. The warm cheers of her family burst through the crack in the door. The pride in their voices clear. She headed in without turning back.
A moment later, Galier reached his own home. A greeting, similar to that of Sentara’s broke through the threshold as his old creaky door was pulled ajar. The volume however was at least five times louder. His remaining brothers and sisters embraced him immediately; quickly covering him with their giant bodies. All of them were a full foot taller than Galier and of muscular build, their deep vocal cords being stretched as they sang songs of war and glory.
Galier’s father had been badly maimed in the Great War and watched on, heart break in his eyes. His little son, off to war, alone. At least last time, the family had each other to rely on and get each other through the hardest of times. He had trained Galier in combat and his technique was second to none, it had to be to make up for his lack of strength and close quarter combat abilities.
Taking his walking stick, Galier’s father, got to his feet. “Son. Come”
They embraced, silence fell across the rowdy family as they watched silent tears roll down their father's face.
“You have always been our unique beacon of light, Galier. Promise me you will be safe out there. Return home swiftly.”
“Of course, as soon as my duty is done.” Galier replied.
His eldest brother, Barlow broke the sentimental nature of their embrace with another Elven war song, his voice booming above all others. Slowly the rest of the house rejoiced in song and music.
Beer and wine flowed freely across their household that night, more family bonding taking place than the last five years combined. Elyana, his dearest sister was a hybrid warrior medic class and had specialised in potion brewing over the years.
Since their arrival and hearing of Galier being called up to act as a scout she had been locked in her cellar brewing up a small stockpile of rare potions and cures for her favourite sibling.
Amidst the chaos of the Thenix house, Elyana took Galier aside.
“My sweet brother. You have always been careful, always been caring and never quick to anger. Promise me that you will not hesitate should you encounter violence in your endeavour.”
“I promise Elyana” Galier whispered, not really believing himself.
“Well, just in case I’ve made you some of the best and most expensive items I’ve ever crafted to date. I hope they work as well as I think they should”
She unfolded a small box and unveiled a dark brown leather sling that could be worn across the shoulder. Across the front there were seven holders, each holding a small vial.
“You’ve got three Greater Healing potions. Two Greater Mana potions. An all purpose-curing salve which can be used to heal smaller wounds, remove poisons or calm rashes and finally… most impressively, if I say so myself. I believe I’ve managed to make one potion of All Sense”
“All Sense…you have to be kidding me, that must have broken the bank”
“Well, there’s a potential war about to erupt, they’re giving away the ingredients, I just hope I brewed it right, it’s a tough thing to achieve”
All Sense potions were extremely complex and difficult to craft. They would give whomever consumed the potion a coveted ability ‘All Sense’ which enabled the drinker to develop a sixth sense. This sense would forewarn of danger from creatures or beings with ill-intent towards you and most importantly allow the drinker to gauge others levels and classes from afar. The ability was so overwhelming it only lasted one hour, in exceptional cases one may be gifted the skill towards the higher levels of ninety onwards.
“Thank you Elyana. I will use them sparingly. Hopefully, not at all and return home safe”
“I will pray to the gods for you”
They were interrupted by their father who hobbled down the stairs.
“It’s time to get some rest boy. Early start tomorrow”