~Day 126~

The progress of the army is coming along speedily, it won't be long until we're ready to move. The day we predicted Ekri would be ready is fast approaching too however, so it's no surprise the Dark Elves are moving as fast as possible. The plan for those of us making up the main fighting force was the same as usual today. Train, get as strong as we possibly can in the few days we have. Well, except for Odwiff, who was once again helping make armours and weapons.

To be honest, I wish he was with us yesterday, I wanted to talk to him about what happened, I wanted his advice. Before anything else though, I needed to check in with Verros, even a warrior needs comfort sometimes.

I found him preparing in the room given to him, he looked up from strapping on his boots with a troubled face. Sighing he looked back down. "I'm fine." He muttered.

"Verros." I began walking to him raising my hand to place it on his shoulder.

"I'm fine!" He reiterated without looking up.

I lowered my arm and smiled gently. "Verros, there's nothing wrong with not being okay."

Verros turned his head his brow arched. "NOTHING WRONG? I'M A WARRIOR..." He calmed down breathing quickly. "Of the Mountain Clans, the last one." He slowly turned around his voice pained. "I can't be weak, Ellena." He tightened the straps on his boots.

I took a step forward. "Verros. You are strong. How long have you been fighting on your own? Since a child? How many do you think could be completely on their own as a child and survive? You are strong, you're so strong." I grabbed his shoulder making him turn to look up at me, his eyes looked on the verge of tears.

"But... Just from what those Elves said. I lost myself.. I.." He couldn't finish.

I brought his head to my chest. "F*ck em." I replied. "You're still only fourteen Verros, anger over your family is normal. It's incredible you've lasted this long. So don't worry about what that b*tch said, don't worry about any of that."

For a few moments Verros went silent as I stroked the back of his head. Beside us Alvir sat obedient and quiet. Then, after his rapid breathing had calmed down. I heard a muffled voice. "Ellena, I can't breathe."

"Oh." I yanked him out of chest. Verros shook his head lightly. I smiled. "Better?" I asked.

Verros nodded with an embarrased smile. "I'm fine."

I nodded in reply and started heading for the door, as I lent down to get out I turned my head. "Even if they won't help you, I will Verros. We'll find out what happened."

Verros picked up his spear. "Thank you, Ellena." He smiled.

We headed outside and straight for the dungeons with the others. Even when we were away from the others, we didn't speak of yesterday. The Light Elves told us not to tell anyone else, but could we even risk discussing it amongst us. A few times already today, I swear I've felt eyes upon me skyward.

Everyone else headed for the other dungeon, this morning they told me that they had actually found the fourth floor boss yesterday, in everything that happened yesterday they forgot to tell me. So, I'll be joining them soon, first off, I have to look for Venya.

Marching straight for her room, I arrived in almost no time at all, and, she was there napping silently on one of the arches. I would have thought such a thing would be taboo or something, I know they're not religious structures, but surely her people have some sort of law against sleeping on sacred objects? If that's what they are.

"Venya." The Frog snorted herself awake, drool dribbling down the side of the arch. She looked around disorientated before spotting me.

"Ahhh, Ellena. Thought you'd come by today." She grinned still waking up. "Oof!" A gasp escaped his lips as she fell from her sleeping place. I shook my head. So Venya, apparently is not much of a morning person, that's going to be useful. "I can guess why you're here." She said, recovering as if nothing happened.

I folded my arms. "Yeah, do you have an answer?"

She sat up. "Well. I thought about it for a while. Like solidly whilst I was doing other sh*t. And in the end, I thought. You know. F*ck it." She shrugged.

"So is that a yes..?" I asked.

She smirked. "It's a f*ck yes."

I breathed a sigh of relief. "You have no idea how much that will help."

She chuckled lightly. "I should get on with my neighbours right?" She grinned. "Anyway, there are a few things I need to do before I can leave, after all there's no confirmation that I'll be able to come back." Her smile became a little sadder.

I nodded. "Take your time, we won't be leaving for a few days yet."

Venya walked me to the exit, then after seeing Alvir and I off ran back inside the dungeon. With no desire to waste time, Alvir and I headed in to the other dungeon. I could see why it took them so long to advance. Indeed, the dungeon was primarily dominated by Mollits on every floor, increasing size and power as we lowered, but even after that there were so many other monster inside. Dozens of species in fact. This dungeon was jam packed, new species on every floor. The dungeon itself was pretty conventional though, walls like a castle cellar or something. If they do look like they do in the old picture books I read as a child, can't say I've ever been in a castles prisons.

It didn't take us long to find the right way to go, we just followed the corpses, despite their large numbers, there weren't really any particularly strong monsters so far, quantity over quality it would seem.

We arrived on the fourth floor still in the morning, Alvir picked up on a scent so I followed him, we arrived at a large well lit room and found Gial and Verros inside. Verros was pulling his spear out of a rather large Mollits skull, whilst Gial sat smoking a pipe on the corpse of another.

He noticed us as we walked through the door. "Ah! The young miss has arrived." He bowed his head. "I 'pologise ma'am, but we already finished the feast, and unfortunately there happen to be no left overs." I chuckled jogging up to join them. "So, how'd it go with the frog missy?" Gial asked.

"She'll come." I replied. "Something about 'making friends with the neighbours' I believe." Gial made an approving scoff.

After the two of them took a short rest we carried on down to the fifth floor. Once again it was just filled with an assortment of beasts of all sizes. We spent the entire day clearing out the entire floor, Gial kept up with me without much issue, however Verros did struggle by the end. The monsters still weren't too strong, individually that is. They're about the same level as the monsters on the third floor of Venya's dungeon, but there are practically hordes of them.

We also found one boss room, inside was just a single beast. It looks a bit like a Mollit, but more bird like. Two pairs of arms that were quite wing like, and a beak. Gial called it a Sparrit. It wasn't too tough, especially with all four of us working together.

By the time we had left Verros was sweating buckets, but he looked quite satisfied, if covered in blood. I also came out satisfied. My level had gone from [Level 18] to [Level 23]. Whilst Alvir, who looked to be in his element as we fought through the hordes had gone from [Level 58] to [Level 66]. It wasn't as much as it could have been, but his growth is slowing rapidly as he levels, even more so than when I did it would appear. He'll still clearly evolve again before I do.

Still, we had advanced nicely for one day all things considered, tomorrow we hope to break down to the sixth floor. Gial believes that the dungeon is probably at least ten levels deep. From the numbers of monsters it must have been here for a while. Which must mean it was made just after I died, after all there was no dungeon anywhere near my village when I was alive.

I don't believe we'll reach the bottom before we have to leave however, not that it matters too much, I doubt we'd kill a monster powerful enough to have a ten level dungeon, if Gial is right.

That's not really that important though, more importantly, Verros seemed to be in much higher spirits, I'm sure he'll fall asleep instantly out of exhaustion of course, but at least it'll be in a good mood.

~Day 127~

Today was a mostly uneventful day. Verros, Gial Alvir and I went down to the Mollits fifth floor and fought our way to the the sixth. We found three other bosses on the fifth floor however, so in that respect the day certainly wasn't a waste.

The first beast we fought was a large, black Cat. It must have stood about twelve foot tall whilst on all fours and it was quick. However it didn't really have any other unique features, it's tale's length was a little odd as it was about twice as long as the cats actual body.

Shortly after a few rooms further down we came across another boss monster, I don't know what else to call the creature other than a nest. Or I guess a queen is just as accurate? Either way it didn't fight much itself, just kept spawning wave after wave of giant insects at us out of a large egg pouch under it's stomach. On it's back was what looked like a nest and out of it came flying insects.

I can't say I'm too fond of insects, especially giant ones, so I really didn't waste any time destroying that one.

The last boss, which was guarding the door to the sixth floor, was a Megalit, which shouldn't be a surprise. A green furred Megalit, it had two very long arms which almost touched the floor. It's attacks mainly involved swinging it's arms around destroying the dungeon around us.

Verros had a tough time dodging the fallen debris, it wouldn't really bother Gial or I and Alvir could dodge it with ease, but Verros had to concentrate on it. So unfortunately he couldn't actually assist in the battle to much with left him a little grumpy.

What we found on the sixth floor, was pretty much more of the same, only even stronger now. In fact, their numbers combined with their strength even started to tire Gial and to less extent me. We didn't spend to long on the sixth floor today due to that very reason, it would be stupid to risk getting a serious injury now of all times.

Thanks to those three bosses though, I gained another six levels, putting me at [Level 29]. Alvir, gained another seven levels himself, putting him at [level 73], could he really evolve again? His levels do seem to be slowing down quite rapidly, but if he even gains one more evolution he'll have evolved as much as I have.

So whilst nothing stand out happened, it was a good day, although an exhausting one, in fact we all slept quite soundly that night. I wonder if anyone else could take the weight of Alvir sleeping on them?

~Day 128~

Thanks to him hastening the progress, Odwiff was allowed to come with us today, Torvinn also decided that we should bring Tiva and Leoth. So today, we had a full party going in to the sixth floor.

We were full enough that we split in to groups. Unfortunately since Gial and I are the strongest we had to split up to make each team effective. With me was Verros, Tiva and Alvir obviously. Odwiff and Leoth were with Gial.

Tiva is more than a competent fighter, but she isn't really on the level to be able to freely walk around the fourth level, let alone the sixth. So she stayed in the back providing support more than anything, being a Dark Elf she is at least proficient with the bow.

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By the end of the day we managed to work our way to one boss, it felt a little strained the whole way, Tiva didn't complain or lose her temper once. She's been getting less and less aggressive since I saved her that one time. Which I suppose is a good thing, but I hope it doesn't mean what I think it might.

Anyway, the one boss our group killed was some sort of giant fish, a fish with almost legs. I say almost as they were a cross between fins and legs. Tiva said it seemed to be a very large Waterdragon, not actual dragons but they have similar appearances. I remember them myself, although I remember them a lot smaller.

Thanks to the slow progress we made, Alvir and I didn't quite have as much success as yesterday. I grew from [Level 29] to [Level 32] and Alvir only went from [Level 73] to [Level 77]. The other group had a bit more luck, since Leoth is the strongest in this family he managed to hold his own to a certain degree.

When we were about to get on the boat, we were greeted by a certain dungeon boss. "Sup b*tch." Venya called out to me.

I turned around to greet her back. "Venya, are you ready?" She nodded her head leaping on to the deck of our boat. I saw Odwiff exchanging an interesting look with Gial before shrugging his shoulders.

Gial walked over to Venya and took off his hat bowing. "So you're Miss Venya then? The names Gial, ma'am." Gial gave his most charming smile.

Venya narrowed her eyes and looked across our group. "Uh yeah. Nice to meet y'all. I'll, uh be working with you from now on." She managed to mumble a few words of greeting out. I don't think she's talked to this many people at once in a long while.

When we arrived back at the camp I made proper introductions. As for where she's sleeping Venya just stayed with me, my little home was large enough for three people just about. I managed to find enough blankets and the like for her too.

I have to say the Dark Elves were surprisingly good about the whole thing, at least she got a lot better reception than we first did. At this point I think they'll take all the help they can get.

I kind of wish at least Hawkwood came with us, I'm sure he could beat Ekri, but well, he had a job to do. Unfortunately. No, what we have will have to do. Now that we have Venya with her great speed the plan has been updated slightly, but it's pretty much the same. Now, it's just a matter of time.

~Day 129~

The same plan and the same make up as yesterday, we did offer to let Venya join us, but she'd rather rest today. She said that altering the very core of your dungeon can apparently be quite exhausting, can't say that's exactly surprising.

My group found another boss today, and just outside it's room were some more stairs heading down. We decided as a group not to go any further, the sixth floor was already more than enough for Leoth and Tiva. Besides, it would be silly to start another floor, we're so close to being ready we just don't have that kind of time unfortunately.

Anyway, this boss room was... An interesting one. Five bosses inside, all equal in strength to the Waterdragon, all different kinds of Megalit. There was an agreement that we should tackle this one as a whole group, so we had to call the others over to us. It's not that I don't think I could take care of them, I just don't know if I can fight and help out Tiva at the same time.

With the others there as well the fight went as well as you'd expect. It was a complete victory. One Megalit was small and had horns, that one seemed to really want to pierce Tiva for whatever reason. Another had incredibly sharp claws that cut through rock, another one had a ridiculously hard hide. Mine and Odwiffs weapons were the most effective against that one. The last two were the same, both seemed to have sort of buffing magic and sat behind the others. I didn't even know a normal monster could use magic, they must be quite rare variants that we killed.

After that battle we were done for the day, Tiva looked ready to collapse, that must have be incredibly intense for her. Will she be okay against the Orcs then? I can't imagine such a large scale battle being any less extreme or intense...

I have to say though, after killing five bosses in one go I would have expected Alvir and I to get quite a boost, but there's no such luck. Alvir only gained five levels and I only gained 3 again. So I'm sitting at [Level 35] whilst he's [Level 82].

Unfortunately, there's no more time for dungeon diving, there's no more time for preparing. When we arrived back, Torvinn told us, we were ready. All that was left was to move all the equipment and personal to the ships we have docked. That's an operation for tomorrow, with some good organisation and help from Gial and I especially, the task should be completed by tomorrow evening.

That means there's no more training, no more preparing. This is it. Somehow, I think that just dawned on a lot of us, we'd be in a battle like none of us have seen in just a few days time. Fear, anxiety and for me especially excitement. Every day I've been feeling it more and more, I'm looking forward to this battle. I'm looking forward to facing her.

~Day 130~

The work started early morning, if we wanted to finish by the end of the day it had to. Even Venya helped, albeit begrudgingly. Our jobs were to haul the weapons and armour, we wrapped them in large clothes to drop of at the strongest ships, the ones that could take the most weight. Some of the Dark Elves were armed as well, but only those we needed. There was no need to arm everyone, it would just mean having to spend time equipping it all for no reason then removing when we camp at night.

The Ex-Slaves were preparing for us to leave, none of them would be coming with us, it was unfair to get those not involved to fight. Especially when they wouldn't be any use anyway. The rest of the Dark Elves made sure of our food supply and that the ships were ready to move tomorrow morning.

It was halfway through the day before something unexpected happened, and it only happened to me. I was beneath the deck of one of the ships hauling the equipment making sure it was all secure when there was a sudden flash of light next to me.

After pulling my arm down from my eyes, I saw what had happened, floating in front of me was Amenia, the golden haired Light Elf, she held a worried expression. "Lady Ellena." She called out to me. I changed to a defensive stance and began to reach for Skullcrusher before she shook her head. "I'm not here for any hostilities my Lady." She commented.

I stayed in the stance, I'm not sure I could even dent her, but it's best if I don't let my guard down. "Then what are you here for."

She looked around and lowered her voice. "I have to be quick, Calia has gone to give an update to the council, but she won't be gone long." She looked genuinely worried, her arrogance completely gone when it's just the two of us. "Before, you were asking us, how to defeat Ekri?" I nodded my head. "I'm not sure I can tell you that, as I do not know, but I can warn you." She placed her hands on my shoulders and stared in to my eyes, her beautiful eyes mesmerising so close to mine. "Ekri is not sane. No matter what you can not trust her my Lady."

I knotted my brow, not sane is it? We had guessed as much, but what does she meant 'trust her' why would I trust her. "I'm not sure what you mean?" I replied.

"Our records show, you had dealings with a powerful bandit before, instead of ending him you made a deal. You can not be so naive with Ekri. She is not 'honourable' like that bandit. She is unpredictable, she is dangerous." I looked down, indeed, I've thought maybe I was naive, but does she think I'm naive enough to trust an insane Orc?

"Why are you telling me this? I wasn't just going to walk up to her and ask her to be friends you know?" I looked back in her eyes, trying to stay on equal ground.

"Because, we can't lose you Lady Ellena. Calia may have threatened you, but even she knows that much. Not when it's this close." Amenia then began to fly off. "I can't waste anymore time, she'll be back any minute."

I tried to stop her. "Wait. When what's this close? Lavias? Is that what this is about?!"

She shook her head. "You can't know, it's too dangerous. You have to remember." Then as soon as she came the Light Elf disappeared in to a flash of light.

I blinked a few times then stamped my foot rocking the ship. "SH*T!" I exclaimed. This is so infuriating, why are there people who know more about me than I do? What exactly do I need to remember?

I was a farmer, that's all I ever was, just a normal farmer. Ellephwen never mentioned seeing anything else in my past, and I don't remember anything else. I've never been anything special before.

I took a few deep breaths, and let out a sigh. I needed to calm down, stomping about won't change anything. Still... Sh*t.

For the rest of the of the day I couldn't stop thinking about it, on top of that I had Ekri to worry about too. No matter what I've got kill her? Is that what Amenia was saying? What exactly caused her to be the way she is? She must have saved Wrok to have gained his loyalty, so surely she's not entirely evil right?

No, I shouldn't trust her, she's not stable, even I know Amenia wasn't lying about that, but can I trust the Light Elves, she certainly seemed to be doing that behind Calia's back.

Whatever the case may be, my mind was stuck on these subjects for the rest of the day, so much so that I didn't even notice when it had become dark, I didn't even notice how barebones the camp became. All those piles of food and weapons now sitting on the ships, just enough food and drink to get us through the night.

To stop everyone from being too tense, Torvinn allowed us to spend the night drinking, we didn't have to be up particularly early tomorrow, it would only take a few hours to reach our destination.

It was nice, took my mind off difficult things, we all needed to relax tonight. I did see something surprising though, well in to the party I saw Odwiff slip away. Odwiff of all people leaving the drinking party early. I left Verros and Gial to enjoy themselves, both already a little drunk.

After walking around for a little while, I eventually found Odwiff, he was sitting next to the statue... The one of me. He's pouring a mug of beer on to it. I see, is he saying goodbye? I feel a little bad, I'm right here. "Odwiff." I called out to him.

He turned to face me a look of feint surprise stating he wasn't expecting to be followed. "Ah.. Lass, you caught me saying goodbye." He chuckled.

"Hmph. Not expecting to come back?" I asked smirking.

He shook his head. "Ain't no Orc that can keep me from coming back. However, it's better to be safe than sorry." He smiled gently. He then turned back to the statue, sitting down on the nearby bench. I sat next to him. He smiled warmly up at the statue. "I miss her, you know? Even after two hundred years I miss the damn girl." He chuckled warmly again.

I looked down at the Dwarf with a troubled expression, should I keep this a secret? "What would you do, if she were alive?" I asked him.

Odwiff scratched his balding head then sighed heavily. "God's know. I'd probably ask her where's she been for one. Then I'd give her a long hug. Why d'you ask lass?" He tilted his head up at me.

I turned back to look at my statue. "Well, there is such a thing as reincarnation, you seem to really miss her, but maybe she's still around..." I smiled closing my eyes.

"Lass, do you know something?" He said genuine interest in his voice. I shrugged my shoulders then winked at him. "Ahh. You're just teasing me." He waved his hand and shook his head.

I'm not exactly lying to him, I just still can't tell him outright, maybe I've left it too long? I don't even understand why I'm so missed. "What did she do to deserve a statue anyway?" I asked him. I am genuinely curious about that.

Odwiff puffed his lips. "Well, I spose there's no harm in tellin' ya. Obviously, she saved the village." I nodded for him to continue. "Well, picture it. A group of around twenty bandits come out of nowhere on to her farm, there she is armed with just a pitchfork she tells her friends to run and get me and me son, the strongest in the village. Now, we were both out hunting, when her friend finally reached us about half an hour had passed. When we returned to the village, we expected it to be filled with the corpes of our friends. Instead, the bandits had yet to even reach it." He paused and took a deep breath. "Imagine that. One untrained farm girl holding off twenty vicious murderers. Thanks to her, no one else had to die. Aye, there was something special about that girl, if she had been born in to a richer family she would have become a famed warrior I'm certain. On top of that, she was completely selfless." He shook his head looking on the verge of tears. "Course' I knew that before she went and sacrificed herself. I really do miss the lass." Odwiff sighed again.

Was what I did really that impressive? I didn't really feel that powerful at the time. A famed warrior, hmm? I still can't imagine it. This is a good opportunity to ask something else I wanted to know. "You mentioned your son, where is he?" I asked hesitantly, I don't know if I want to hear the answer I'm expecting.

Odwiff turned to me and blinked a few time. Then laughed out loud. "Ah, don't have such an expression lass. As far as I know the lads fine, left about twenty years ago to learn smithing in one of the Dwarven cities." he waved me off still chuckling to himself.

So at least he should be alright, that's a lot off my mind right there. "What about his mother?" I asked.

This time Odwiffs smile faded, a look of melancholy replacing it. "She... Died when the island was torn apart." He looked down. I patted his shoulder. Grabbing my hand he chuckled. "I'm alright lass. It was a long time a go. I do miss her so though."

For a few minutes we just sat in silence, taking in the distant sounds of partying, and the quiet sounds of the waves hitting the dock. It was a pleasent night, the calm before the storm.

Then a long yawn broke the silence. Behind us sat Alvir, who was as usual loyally following me around. I patted his head. "You tired boy?" I asked him. He tilted his head and wagged his tale. I turned to Odwiff. "That's a yes."

He chuckled. "Aye lass. I think you two need a good sleep. I don't think I'm in a mood to stay up much later myself." Odwiff wished us goodnight and we left.

In bed, I took in the silence, the only sound I could hear now was Alvir's quiet breathing as he slept. The party was beginning to die down, everyone going to bed early. Everyone realising that this could be their last day on this isle. There will be deaths, that's unavoidable, but it's still scary to say goodbye.

[Name: Ellena]

[Age: 129 Days]

[Species: Arbor Ferrous, Dryad]

[Height: 7'-6"]

[Sex: Female]

[Title/s: Kin of Ellephwen, Wolfmother, Slayer.]

{Level: 35] +17

[Health: 39443/39443] + 6650

[Mana: 6780/6780] + 892

[Stamina: 30255/30351] + 4740

[Hunger: 30333/30351] + 4740

[Attack: 26998] + 4001

[Defence: 46960] + 7415

[Magic Attack: 7650 + 845

[Magic Defence: 15248] + 1612

[Skills:

[Pain Resistance lvl 10 (Max)]         [Poison Resistance lvl 8]          [Mind Resistance lvl 2]

[Venom Resistance lvl 8]                  [Night vision lvl 10 (max)]      [Amplified Vision lvl 9]

[{Mushroom Helmet lvl 69}]           [tough stomach lvl 8]               [Unarmed Combat Expert lvl 8]

[Polearm Expert lvl 3] Up!               [Demifoot lvl 9] Up!                [Warriors Heart lvl 45] Up!

[Warriors Will lvl 33]                       [Warriors Strength lvl 39] Up! [Greater Regeneration lvl 6]

[Guardian lvl 10 (Max)]                   [Dryads Charm lvl 13] Up!      [Skinning lvl 5]

[Tanning lvl 4]                                 [Leatherworking lvl 5]              [Carving lvl 3]

[Earth Magic lvl 8]                          [{Wolfmother lvl 11}]               [{Pillars Aura lvl 8}] Up!

[Ironbark Skin lvl 5] Up! ]