The Wood Elves, or the Musenvane in their own tongue, are known by many different names: the Warders of the Woods, the First Children, and the beloved of the gods, to name but a few. Theirs is an existence shrouded in mystery and what little is known of them is found only in the most-ancient and archaic of texts. Once upon a time in ages past, or so it is written, they were guardians of an ancient prophecy and the instruments of a divine will.
- The Fanciful Travels by Beron de Laney 376 AC.
Kidu's belch echoed loudly, turning heads from the surrounding groups. The unexpected display prompted our charge to release a few gentle peals of laughter. However, she hastily stifled the sound when met with his glare. Once the momentary disruption has passed, I thought it was a good time to find out more about the half-elf.
“So, Larynda,” I opened, taking great care not to call her child or any other diminutive, “I am a man of honor, and rest assured, no matter your answer, I ensure that you will safely reach your destination. Still, I believe Kidu and I have the right to understand exactly why Hamsa sent you off with us on a journey to the city of Al-Lazar, wouldn't you agree?"
She blinked a few times, stunned for a few moments at her current reality before she finally replied, “Old Ham said it was better I am not in a city where they catch children and foundlings to sell off as slaves. One of the free cities is a better place, ‘e said. Al-Lazar is famous around here for being the birth spot of Alchemy, they says. Said I could learn some fancy new stuff there. That, or he just wanted to get rid of me...”
“But what are you supposed to do once you get there?” I asked, a little perplexed and confused about her situation. Out of the corner of one eye, I saw a few lines of concern appear on Kidu’s otherwise impassive granite face.
“Ol’ Ham, he was right different ever since you plodded into the shop…” her voice began to break, but she gathered herself, and continued, “I should probably join the Alchemy guild down there, he said. Find me a new master to pester, and that sort o’ thing. But me, I’s thinking instead I’m gonna be an Adventurer! You get to do all sort of wonderful things! You get a nice badge too!” she piped.
I shared a look with the large man who, with a small shrug of his shoulders, was able to convey what a hundred words could not. Choosing a career based on an accessory was impulsive and foolish, but truth be told there was a little weight behind the badge. The impression I had gotten from Darcen Tsend, the Guild Master from Ansan, was that the Guild looked after its own. There was also the fact that there had been an elf in the Guild, which led some credence to the organization being able to provide a measure of protection. On the surface at least. According to the eccentric alchemist, she had other mysterious backers. Still, her joining the guild certainly would not be detrimental.
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In this world, wielders of magic were relatively rare, and having someone on hand to cast a few spells for me would be rather convenient. With this in my mind, I decided it would be best to support her dream.
“That is a wonderful aspiration. To that end, I think it best that you focus on your training with Kidu. Being an adventurer is filled with great danger, and the ability to protect oneself is paramount,” I pronounced, as solemnly as possible, trying to sound wise.
“Gilgamesh speaks truth, little one. But have no fear, for I see that you have a little of the Way about you. And, you learn quickly for one so young,” the large man added, giving credence to what I had just said.
I gave her some time to let my suggestion seep in, and looked over the child as she absorbed the words that helped validate her childish dream. Hamsa had the right of it, steering her away from the dangerous profession. It was, of course, doubly dangerous for one so young, but I would use what I could to wring any advantage I could. After a moment, I could see that the idea had wormed its way successfully into her easily-influenced mind.
“Yes, it's a great idea, isn’t it!? I’ll just have to be a lil’ bit stronger. Oh, and don’t you worry, I’ll show you what I can do with my magic, just wait you see!” she beamed, enthusiasm radiating from almost every pore. She stopped, lost in thought, then looked askance at me, “But I’ll probably need to find a group and no one will…” she left the last hanging like laundry waiting to be picked off the line.
“You could of course always join up with us,” I coughed, feeling for a microsecond that things were slotting into place a little too easily. Shrugging away this foreboding, I saw that, upon hearing my offer, her face broke out into a wide sunny smile.
Kidu simply snorted before adding, in his usual manner, “You would be a vast improvement over our last member.”
Larynda looked down at the remains of her food at this, as if lost in thought. My own thoughts had grown dark over the mention of Elwin, the suddenness of his departure still casting a long shadow over my mind.
Out of the corner of one eye, I saw a small shape work its way towards us. It was a small girl clad in the way of the caravan. She wore flowing clothes, cinched with a purple sash, and a white headscarf that framed an Asiatic face, complete with a button nose. She was of an age with Larynda and I could not help but compare the two of them. She was the picture of seriousness as she formally bowed to us before asking if she could gather our used dishes.
She was quiet and reserved, seemingly a direct reflection of her upbringing. In contrast, Larynda's silence felt different - it was born out of some form of reticence. I got the sense she was hiding something significant from us.
With the meal over, I decided to ask the half-elven child another question, “So tell us a little of your life back in Ansan.”
The girl child's face grew pensive and she looked lost in thought for a few breaths. With a sigh that had no place coming from a child, she told us her tale.