~Day 135~

What happened? Where am I? Is this... Ein again? No, it's a white room. Is it a room? It just appears to be white, just complete white. Is... Is that a person over there? A woman? I don't know, I can't see her face. Why can't I see her face she's right in front of me?

Hold on, it sounds like she's trying to say something? "..." I can't hear anything though. Her mouth is moving... Wait, her mouth? I can't see her face, how can I see her mouth? Oh wow, she has perfect lips. How can lips like that even exist? Then her teeth, completely white, pristine. How beautiful.

Wait, she looks like she's trying to say something again, she's panicked... What is it? "..lena." My name, did she say my name? "...ou can.... Le...as..." What? "Yo... ...n't." What is she saying? I really can't understand her... Oh... She's disappearing... Where is she going? It's... All gone black... Again... Damn it.

~Day 136~

I awoke to the presence of two beings. I could feel them near me. I say awoke, I couldn't even open my eyes, let alone move my body, no, I just became conscious. "So there she is, the young Lady Ellena in the flesh." Said an unknown voice, a woman, and what sounded like a regal one. With the little knowledge I have of royalty.

"My Lady you didn't have to come here yourself." Replied a voice I recognised. It was definitely that damned Light Elf Calia. She's calling the other one my Lady, which must mean... The Queen? Could it actually be?

The possible queen stroked her hand across my cheek. Her hand was soft. "My, of course I did, Lady Ellena did just as I wanted. Now the Dark Elves will be ready." I did just as she wanted? What does she mean. Did I kill Ekri? I don't really remember what happened yesterday...

In response Calia stayed quiet. I could tell she wasn't fond of the Dark Elves, maybe she wanted us to lose?

The Queen took her hand from my face, but stayed hanging over me. "Do you disagree with my decision?" She asked Calia.

Calia sighed. "No, my Queen. I just don't see why we need to protect the Dark Elves." She expressed.

The Queen brushed some hair away from my face. "They are still Elves, and to protect Elven kind is our mission given by the Goddess herself, whether we like them or not." The Queen replied, clearly wanting to agree with Calia.

Calias footsteps approached my bedside. "But Lady Ellena could have died in the process. Surely it's not worth the risk." She sounded worried. Why do these Elves find me so important?

"Lady Ellena would not have lost her life to a lowly Orc. Although it is true Ekri had more power than I anticipated. Perhaps we could speed the recovery of Lady Ellena just a little, as an apology." Saying that the Queen placed her hands over my head. I felt a warm relaxing sensation pulse through my body.

Calia placed her hand on the bed next to me. "My Lady, you said yourself we can not interfere with the other races directly." She warned the Queen.

The Queen kept her hand on me. "She has already achieved victory with her own strength. This is nothing, I'm sure the Goddess can forgive such a minor thing." She dismissed Calias worries.

Once again Calia said nothing in response. Did she fear speaking her mind too much? Did she not want to push it?

The Queen removed her hand from my head "There we go, the Lady will be well in no time. We should see to the other Pillar as well." The other Pillar? As in... Venya? She also had the 'Pillars Aura' skill right?

"But to think she would find her here. We had no idea." Calia sighed. Her, so it's got to be Venya right?

The Queen turned away from me. "Indeed, truly the Pillars are meant to find one another. What about the brothers, have you begun your search as I asked?" She asked Calia. Brothers? Are there other 'Pillars' too?

"Yes my Queen, there's a promising Beast-king on the Monster continent that seems a likely candidate." Calia responded.

"One from the Central Continent, one from the Dead Isles and most likely one from the Monster Continent. That just leaves..." The Queen said. So wait, there's one from each land mass? Is that it? There's four Pillars?

"The Demon Continent." Calia finished off the Queens sentence.

The Queen stroked my hair. "Yes, coincidentally our young Lady's next destination. I wonder, will she find her brother too?" She mused.

Wait my brother? So what? Are the Pillars siblings or something? No, I don't think so, this is the first time I met Venya, what's more she's a completely different species. Perhaps it's how warriors consider each other as 'brothers' or 'sisters', at least that's the only way I can think about it.

"It would make your humble servants lives a lot easier My Queen." Calia replied to her Queen. I guess it would be difficult even for the Light Elves to search for two specific people with specific skills. Especially as you can't see other peoples skills.

The Queen gave a graceful chuckle. "Well we can't have that can we? Oh, it seems the Lady is waking up. Indeed, We should leave, after all we have work to do Calia." As the Queen finished her sentence her presence disappeared, as did Calias. The room fell silent.

My condition hadn't changed since the start of their conversation, I wasn't 'waking up', I was awake the whole time. In a manner of speaking. Could the Queen tell my condition? If so she must have known I was listening the whole time, she must have known I heard their conversation.

Still, my body began to respond to me. Even with what I just heard, and as much as I wanted to know what the hell us 'Pillars' are, I only had one thing on my mind. My memories of last night had returned.

"Verros." I croaked as I forced my eyes open. I turned my stiff neck to look around the room I was in, it seemed to be a sort of medical tent. There was another bed to my left, in it a dark skinned boy lay, covered in bandages and blood. "Verros!" I croaked louder this time, my eyes grew wide as I tried to crawl towards him. My huge body fell out of the bed as I reached for his. I heard clamouring from outside.

A rough hand grabbed my arm. "Woah, woah lass! Ya' shouldn't be awake let alone movin'!" I turned my head to see a familiar old Dwarfs face. Odwiff stood next to me, with a few new scars across his beaten face, and only half a right ear.

I narrowed my eyes. "Odwiff, you're okay. Good." I sighed. "But Verros, he-"

"Is alive." A third voice said. One unknown to me. I turned to see an Orc. A rather small Orc, by Orc standards at least. She had an oddly feminie body shape mostly hidden by a heavy rough robe. A sort of crown rest on her forehead made of string and large sharp teeth. If it weren't for her tusks and green skin you couldn't tell she was an Orc.

I tried to turn to face her properly, but couldn't move my body. "Who are you?" I asked.

The Orc signalled Odwiff to help me up on to the bed, the small Dwarf lifted my large body with ease laying me down. "My name is Alka. You may recall that name young Dryad. I am- was Ekri's head shaman, and was also her best friend..." Akla noticed my eyes turn wide making her shake her head. "I bear no ill will to you or your people. I understand what Ekri had become, that's why I was the first to surrender." She placed her hand on my arm. "Just rest assured, my Shamans and the Elves healers are doing all they can to save your young friend."

I looked over at Verros, now I was in more rational mind I could see his chest slowly rise and fall, he was breathing. "What... Condition is he in?" I asked the Shaman in front of me.

She shook her head. "If he were a normal human he would have been dead ten times over. He'll live, I have no doubt of that. But if he'll even be able to fight alongside you, let alone walk?" She shook her head again. I can only apologise that Ekri did this to him.

A heavy weight hit my heart, not only did this woman apologise for her friends actions, the friend I killed, but my own friend might become crippled thanks to me? A tear rolled down my cheek. "I'm sorry, if- if I hadn't got involved it-"

"Would have only ended worse." I felt the warm touch of Odwiffs hand upon my own. "You listen to me lass, and you listen good. You're a hero today, to the Elves and to me. "

I looked at the Dwarfs kind wrinkled face, then up to Alka. She gave me a gentle smile. "Many of my people may bear ill will towards you now, but most only followed Ekri because she was their leader, nothing more." She told me. "Also, as Ekris' second in command I've been left in charge, I can promise you no more fights will breakout between the Orcs and Elves. I've had some discussions with the Elven leaders, and they want peace as much as I do."

I took a deep breath and held back my remaining tears. For now, I at least know Verros will live, and somehow we found some form of peace. With another deep breath, I turned my head to Odwiff. "The others?" I asked him.

Odwiff looked behind him at the entrance to the tent. "Well for starts, your Wolfs been guarding your tent since yesterday. He's been stopping any Orc that try and get close save Alki here." Odwiff smirked. I chuckled a little too, Alvir is clearly fine. "Then there's Gial, he barely got a scratch on him the lucky b*sterd. He's with the other Elven leaders now."

Gial's alright too. Good, he may be an odd one, but he's treated me the best out of all the Dark Elves. "What about Venya, and Torvinn and Tiva?" I asked.

Odwiffs smile flew from his face. "Venya's alive, or at least she was. She helped you back to the camp then said she had something she had to do and took off. As for Torvinn and Tiva..." Odwiff sighed. "I think you'd better see it for yourself."

That doesn't sound good. Odwiff helped me up, my body was getting easier to move with every passing second, but I still couldn't stand up, so Odwiff carried me on a cart. Alki walked besides us. As we rode through the camp, Orcs and Elves bowed to me, or nodded their head in respect. Quite a few also looked fearful, especially in the Orcs ranks. The two armies were clearly still weary around each other as well, which was understandable, you can't get over years of hostilities in a few hours.

After we came out the other side of the camp, we came to a quiet beach. On it, both Orc and Elf stood. They were pushing boats off in to the water with tears in their eyes. Ah, I see. They're saying goodbye to warriors, to friends.

Odwiff stopped me, in front of a particularly large boat, a whole group of Dark Elves were placing wreathes of flowers upon it. Next to it sat on the sand was another Dark Elf. Tiva.

My heart grew heavy, as did my gut. "Is that..?" I couldn't finish my question, I already knew who it was.

Odwiff nodded. "Aye, the lad died valiantly. Protected his sister from Rezk. A poisoned blade straight to the spine." Odwiff shook his head. "Didn't stand a chance."

I narrowed my eyes, Rezk, so he was an assassin, perhaps he was aiming for Torvinn the whole time? "What happened to Rezk?" I asked.

Alka placed her hand on my shoulder. "Rezk was a hired assassin, he held no loyalty to Ekri or her cause, with his job completed he disappeared." I gritted my teeth, he killed Torvinn, just for money? "I will warn you now Ellena the Dryad, do not pursue revenge against Rezk. His ability far surpasses even Ekri's or yours." Alka gave me a stern warning.

I arched my brow, then looked away back to the sea. The Dark Elves began pushing Torvinns boat out. Tiva sat back her body shaking, she held her right arm with her left hand. I let out a sad sigh, the anger disappearing. There were more important things to do right now. "Odwiff, help me would you?"

Odwiff turned to look at Torvinns boat too, he smiled gently. "Aye lass, I can do that." He lifted me up and walked me over to where Tiva sat. She turned around, a tear rolling down her cheek. I dropped down in front of her and placed my hand on her shoulder, then brought her closer to my chest wrapping my arm around her back.

Tears began to stream down her cheeks as she wrapped her arms around me and placed her head on my shoulder. "Ellena, he's gone." She forced out a few broken words. I patted the back of her head.

I could see Torvinns boat leave the shore just behind all the others, the Elves placed their hands on their chests in respect, whilst the Orcs roared. Everyone has their own way of grieving, their own way of respecting the dead. Behind us a flurry of flame magic lit up the sky as they flew to the boats. Tiva tried to stifle her tears as her brothers boat caught fire.

It was a true warriors funeral, for every warrior here. Everyone here lost someone, we were all equal in that respect. I guess I should consider myself lucky, for my friend wasn't truly lost.

Eventually, the cries and roars turned to silence, even after the boats had disappeared, we still looked to the ocean.

Finally, as darkness arrived, Tiva stood up. I could just about stand myself now, so I did the same. "Thank you, Ellena. I'm... Alright now." Tiva smiled at me. She hadn't let out a single tear for the past few hours, she was strong.

I patted her arm. "You'd best get some rest, I'm sure you're exhausted."

Tiva nodded her head slowly. "I can't say I really slept last night there was too much to do. With my brother... Gone, leadership of the family has gone to me." She sighed. "But, you probably need some rest too, you can't be fully recovered already. Not after yesterday." I scratched my head, but nodded. I couldn't tell her that I was already feeling well, probably thanks to those Light Elves. I didn't want to admit it myself.

Still, we parted ways and I walked back to my tent with Odwiff. Alka had gone of somewhere, she had a lot to do herself so left the funeral midway. Which reminded me of something. " I didn't see any other large boats, what happened to Ekri and Darcs bodies?" I asked him.

Odwiff scratched his long beard. "That was a difficult one, for both the Orcs and the Elves. Both of them have caused much pain, so it was difficult for the Elves to see them sent alongside their own people. They were Alkas friends, though, so she sent them on her way herself. Not that there was much of Ekri left." Odwiff sighed.

"Oh." I replied, my head down. It was difficult, I didn't like Ekri, but I couldn't help feel sorry for her, what the Light Elves did was inexcusable, but she responded by doing something equally cruel. Still, did that mean her friend didn't deserve to see her properly seen to? "Alka is taking it all... Very well."

Odwiff nodded solemnly. "Aye, she's a strong, wise woman. Even so, it's gotta be tough for her." I nodded in agreement. She told us she's keeping the Orcs in check, not just that she has the burden of losing friends of her own.

I then remembered one last person, or an Orc to be precise. "With all that I've seen today, I forgot about Wrok. What happened to him..?" I asked, hopeful.

Odwiff smiled. "Now there's some good news. Just as we hoped, with Ekri gone he had no reason to fight us. In fact his strength has been invaluable transporting the injured." Odwiff shrugged. "I'm sure he's grieving for Ekri too, but he never agreed with what she did to the Elves." I smiled, relieved that the kind Orc at least didn't have to die.

The next few minutes were spent in silence, however when we reached mine and Verros' tent Odwiff stopped me a troubled look on his face. He looked like he wanted to say something, but sighed instead. He then took a deep breath. "Lass, I understand there's a lot for you to think about already, but we only avoided the topic out of respect to the dead and injured." I understood what he was referring to instantly.

I looked down at the Dwarf and gave him a half-cocked smile. "You're talking about what happened yesterday right? When I... Lost it." I looked down.

Odwiff patted my arm. "So ye' remember?" He sighed. "No one's angry lass, but some of the Elves, and a lot of the Orcs are scared. We all just want to know... What is was." Odwiff smiled reassuringly.

I rubbed my brow. "I honestly don't know what it was. I just felt an overwhelming urge to... Survive." I replied sighing.

Odwiff shook his head holding my hand. "Don't force yerself lass, we'll figure it out together." He gently let go of my hand and began to turn around. "Now I'd best be off, I promised ta drink a wee bit with Gial tonig-" Then a mischievous smirk spread across his mouth. "By the way, lass. Some of ta Orcs have taken to calling you 'Orcsbane', like their leader was known as 'Elfsbane'." he snickered.

My eyes widened in surprise, I looked at my stats my name had changed... To Ellena Orcsbane... Oh God's, why. "Wait, but Odw-"

Odwiff raised his arms yawning louder than me. "Well i'd bes' be off. G'night lass." He scurried off chuckling to himself.

I sighed, slugging my heavy body back in to my tent. Verros still lay still, but breathing, and Alvir lay on my bed. He looked up at me as I sat down next to him and began stroking his head. His tail began to wag wildly.

"At least I know you won't judge me so harshly boy." I smiled sadly as the oversized Wolf licked my cheek. "Orcsbane... Can you believe it. I don't even have anything against Orcs." I muttered.

I let out a disbelieving chuckle. Did Odwiff tell me that to lighten my mood? I've got a lot on my mind, I guess being known as Ellena Orcsbane to some Orcs is the least of my worries?

I turned to look at Verros, I got up to look at his body. Every inch of it was beaten, bruised of cut. His handsome face barely recognisable. Like Alka said however, he was at least alive.

The problem was that I would have to leave him here. Even if he could recover to full strength, he's only human it would take weeks if not months or years. I don't have that time, I've spent too much time here already, I'll be moving on in a few days tops. Just... Minus Verros.

I chuckled. I wonder if that's selfish off me? To be sad he won't be joining me, rather than to be happy that he's alive?

I looked over at his body one last time, before I climbed in to my own bed.

~Day 137~

My head hurt, bad. Well that's what happens after your ship crashes. F*ck, how did I not see this? I sat up and looked across the crashsite for survivors, my soldiers were trained damn well, but they weren't invulnerable.

"Commander!" I turned to see Sergeant Hayme running over. "Thank the Council you're okay." He grabbed my arm to help me stand.

I brushed some dust off my coat. "I have no significant injuries Sergeant. Don't fret." I couldn't lose composure these people were relying on me. "What's the current situation?" I asked the soldier.

He took a deep breath. "Despite the crash, we have minimal casualties Commander." I nodded my head.

"A miracle. " I muttered.

Hayme looked at me puzzled. "A what, ma'am?" He asked.

I began walking past him towards where the other survivors were setting up. "Never mind Sergeant, just gather any survivor you can find, I have a plan." I dismissed the sergeant. I somehow forgot, that this world doesn't believe in Gods. Even though in my old life, they were something known to be real. I never even questioned it. I chuckled silently.

The sergeant saluted. "Yes Commander Anya, right away." He replied running off.

I stopped in my tracks... Anya? Who's Anya... I'm...

"Ellena." I opened my eyes. I looked around and spotted Odwiff through delirious eyes. That's right I'm Ellena. I shook my head, another dream. In Ein? But, Anya can't be Venya, can it?

"Were you dreaming young Dryad." I looked up, behind Odwiff stood Alka. I nodded my head, still groggy. "Dreams that seem real, but you can't make sense of?" I nodded again, confused. How did she know. "I thought so. You see when I was healing you, I noticed something."

I sat up in my bed. "Noticed something? What do you mean?" I asked her my head cocked.

Alka sat herself down on one of the makeshift chairs scattered around the tent. "Orc Shamans train in nature magic, and it's no secret that I am one of the more talented ones. Even so, being able to dive in to the memories of another is still something unheard of. Which is why it surprised me that not just could I see your memories, but they practically invited me in." She explained to me. Odwiff, who was nearby also sat himself down narrowing his eyes.

"Yav' been lookin' in her memories? Is that even possible?" He asked bewildered.

Alka nodded. "As I said, not ordinarily. However, Ellena's memories were open to one sufficiently trained. I believe that's thanks to your adoptive mother Ellena." She gave a feint smile.

I didn't really know how to reply. "So... You're saying what Ellephwen weakened my... brain?" I asked puzzled.

Alka shook her head. "Memories are not kept in the brain, but in the soul. Do not blame your mother for it, as she found a path to your memories, she inadvertently left a trail to those memories for others to follow. However, only those interested in the magic such as I could find such a trail." Alka placed her hand on my leg. "I do not believe your Mother would have even risked that had it not been for the state she found you in." She said comforting me.

Odwiff looked utterly confused. "Hold on, what does any o' this gotta do with her dreams?" e inquired. I was also curious about that.

Alka cleared her throat. "I believe that those dreams are forgotten memories. Ones that have started to become unveiled thanks to your mothers influence."

I shook my head. "I don't understand. I remember everything from my life, it hasn't been going on long enough to forget."

Alka sighed. "I don't mean this life." She answered.

My eyes widened. "So you could see that too..." I asked her. She nodded in response. Odwiff had a look of complete confusion on his face.

Alka, looked over to Odwiff and back to me. "I'll leave you two alone. You need to explain, before we can continue." She told me as she stood up and left the tent.

I know, I know I needed to tell him. I should have told him already, but I was scared. Now he knows something is up, he's staring at me confused. So I have to tell him. "Lass, what's she talkin' about?" He asked me.

I sat up on the side of my bed and took a deep breath. "This is my first life I'm a reincarnated person." I told him looking at the floor.

Odwiff made a stifled laugh. "Well that would explain ya' strength I reckon." He replied.

"However, in my last life I was human." I continued.

"Well, that is a wee bit odd. Never heard o' that happenin' before."

"I was just a farmer." My voice began to shake.

"Oh-okay." Odwiff still seemed confused.

"I- I was alive over two hundred years a go."

"two hundred-- wait-" Odwiff tried to interrupt me.

"The reason why I came to visit that island in particular was.. To visit home." I clenched my fists against the bed.

"No. No no, lass you'd better not." Odwiff's voice began to shake too. I couldn't see his face, but perhaps tears were forming in his eyes like in mine.

"I- I visited my home, a farmstead on the edge of the village. Then in to the village itself." I heard Odwiff stand up and walk towards me. I turned my head to look at him. Tears were in his eyse. "And then I found an old Dwarf, one that was like a father to me after I lost mine." I forced out the last few words, I could barely see through my blurry eyes.

Odwiff reached his hand up and stroked my face A tearful smile spread across his beaten face. "Rozaline. You're really Rozaline?" He asked.

I nodded my head. "Yes." I replied through tearful eyes.

Odwiff backed up, his breathing erratic. He narrowed his eyes. "Why didn't you say anything. Why did ya hide it Rose!?" I shrugged my shoulders. "He pointed to the floor. "Kneel down, lass."

I nodded my head, and did as he said. I wouldn't care if he slapped me right now, he had the right. I closed my eyes and knelt on the floor, but instead of feeling the dull pain I was expecting I felt small arms lock around me. "Wha- You're not angry?" I stammered opening my eyes to see the small Dwarf hugging me tightly.

Odwiff laughed. "Angry? Aye lass, I am angry, but that's nothin' compared to being able to see you again." He chuckled. "I'm happy Rose. I've got me a daughter again." He sniffled.

I hugged the Dwarf back. "I'm sorry, Odwiff. I was scared, about how'd you react. Whether you'd even remember me at first."

"Of course I would ya silly girl." He chuckled again.

For a while longer, we just stayed hugging. It was a relief to get it out of the way, to no longer have to worry about what he'd say or do, and to have a friend back.

Odwiff pulled away, and I stood back up. He wiped away his last tear, and beamed at me. "Aye, I thought I could see Rozaline in you lass. Just didn't realise it would be so literal." He chuckled.

I nodded. "I'm sorry for not telling you sooner." I smiled gently. "Also thank you for looking after my house."

"your house?" Odwiffs smile disappeared. "Oh God's your house." He held his head as his cheeks flushed red.

I laughed. "Are you embarrassed about it now?"

The old dwarf became flustered. "Aye I'm a wee bit embarrassed. I wasn't expectin' ya ta ever see it." He then stopped for a second his eyes widening further. "THE STATUE!" His face turned tomato red as he began rocking back and forth in his chair.

My laugh grew louder. "Now you know how I feel." I chuckled.

After a few more seconds of writhing Odwiff suddenly went still, a look of confusion on his face. "Hold on lass, the Shaman said it was locked memories from your past life right?" I nodded in response. "Even if you don't remember everything, I knew you since you were born. The only unusual thing that happened was ya parents death, which was a tragedy. Your birth was normal, your childhood the same. Nothing springs to mind." I placed my hand on my chin in thought, indeed there's nothing strange in my past life, I was a normal farmer until the bandits attack and I remember every second of that.

"That is because it was not that life I was talking about." We looked up to see Alka coming back in. "The crying stopped so I assumed I could come back." She commented, making me turn slightly red.

I furrowed my brow. "Then what else could it be." I asked her.

Alka sat back down. "The life inbetween." She claimed staring at me.

I sat back down on my bed. "In between? What do you mean?" I asked her.

Alka sighed. "There's two hundred years inbetween this life, and the previous life you had in this world. Did you not wonder where you were?" She asked.

I thought for a moment then shrugged my shoulders. "I just thought reincarnation happened like that."

Alka shook her head. "I saw it. A long with what your Mother did, something else happened to unlock your memories."

I clenched my fists and knitted my eyebrows. "So, these dreams I have of Ein. You're saying, they're... My memories?" Alka nodded.

The Shaman motioned towards my bed. "I think I can help you access them, or more specifically, the specific one you're subconsciously trying to remember." I nodded slowly and hesitantly lay back down on my bed.

Odwiff blinked a few times letting out a long breath. "I've never heard of someone reincarnating more than once."

Alka stood up and walked over to my bed. "Me neither, that's what makes me so curious. What are you Dryad?"

I shrugged my shoulders. "Your guess is as good as mine." I answered.

The Orc smiled, which I hadn't seen her do often. "Perhaps this will reveal some answers to all of us." She said placing her hand across my chest.

Odwiff also walked over to my bed. "So what do I do?" I asked her.

She put her hand across her lip, signalling silence. "Just close your eyes, soon enough, you'll be in your memories. I nodded my head, shutting my eyelids as she requested.

How long will this take I wonder? I've just been sleeping for an entire night so surely it won't be... That... Quick...

Where... Where am I?

...

Who am I?

...

That's right. I'm Commander Anya Aita Anit Arryn. I am under the command of Commodore Ulta of the 16th Pathfinders. One of the many battalions of the Pathfinder division sent out to explore new planets and solar systems outside of the known.

The atmosphere of this planet was of unknown composition, which led me to feel uneasy. It destroyed our engines and we ended up crash landing.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

Yes I remember it all, the strange creatures on the planet, coated in darkness. They ate through our numbers, my soldiers dying one after another.

I remember it well, as I was left all alone, somehow surviving. Doing anything to survive. I killed them, I ate them, anything to survive.

I started to enjoy it, I mean, once you're forced to do anything for so long, you have to enjoy it right? Or you'll lose your mind...

So I killed, I ate, I hunted, I survived. I had to survive, what if rescue came, what if someone else was still alive.

How long has it been now? Years, definitely years. I wonder if anyone's coming for me...

What are those lights, up there? It's night, there shouldn't be lights...

Ahh, wait, I know what those are... So I survived...

...

I bolted awake. I hadn't been sleeping, but my eyes were bleary anyway. After a few seconds Alka came in to focus. "I can't believe it." I claimed.

Alka nodded. "I saw it too. That... Explains a lot." She scratched her chin. "Do you remember anything else."

I shook my head. "No, just that mission. I can't even remember the name of the kingdom I was from... If it was a kingdom."

Odwiff scratched his head. "I don't quite get what happened there. Mind explainin' it ta me?" He asked.

"I- I saw a mission I was sent on. Every soldier under my command died, and I had to survive on my own in a place that everything wanted to kill me. I was there for years, I don't know how quite long." Odwiff nodded, although his brow was still furrowed. "It's why what happened with Ekri happened."

Alka nodded. "My theory would be that seeing a friend being savaged again in this life triggered those feelings of doing anything for survival to resurface. Although, like I said something must have weakened the block to make it possible in the first place."

I grimaced. "I think I know what that was. On the ship, on my way here, we lost a lot of men to sea monsters. What do you think?" I asked looking back up at Alka.

She nodded her head. "It's seems likely. Either way, the others are going to want to hear about this."

Odwiff closed his eyes taking a deep breath. "Aye, but d'ya think it can wait. We have a lot of catching up to do." The old dwarf smiled.

Alka smiled slightly. "Of course. I did not mean so soon anyway. Today the Orcs and Elves are going to talk peace anyway. We're going to divide up the Islands. Of course, the Ex-Slaves will also have a say in the matter, we're currently just waiting for the Elves to go and pick out a few representatives." She stopped for a second. "We need to apologise for what we've done anyway..."

I looked up at Alka, a heavy heart in my chest. If this is what Ekri's closest friend is like, what was Ekri before? What kind of potential did those Light Elves ruin? Alka turned to see my staring face. "Is something wrong Dryad?" She asked me.

I gently shook my head. "No, I just wanted to say thanks. I never imagined I had another life." I chuckled.

Alka dismissed me with a wave of her hand. "It was nothing, the least I could do to thank you for ending this foolish war. Besides, I held personal interest in it." She looked to the exit and coughed. "Anyway, I'd best go, the meeting most likely won't be much longer. Make sure to be ready tomorrow. You'll need to explain this to more people." She smiled before leaving the tent.

After that, Odwiff and I were silent for a few minutes. Looked over at Verros who hadn't stirred at all this morning, his breathing was steady at least, which was an improvement. Alvir, who sat patiently at the bottom of my bed during the whole thing now lay on my lap. My bodies condition had improved dramatically, but I was still not back to top form.

Odwiff pierced the silence. "So... Tell me about... you..." He said scratching his beard shyly. I smiled, and began to tell him all I could.

We must have spent hours, just talking about my life, and what he'd been doing these past few hundred years. Over the years, he'd become a sort of village elder, passing down stories and educating the children. One of his favourite stories was about 'the farm girl that saved the village' which he told more often than any other. Of course he still had all the stories of his adventuring days, which unfortunately for him were far more popular.

He also told me he wanted to meet 'my mother' as in Ellephwen. Which I certainly wouldn't say no to, I'm sure they'd get on very well. Or at least I'd hope they would.

Before we'd noticed, night time fell. Odwiff chuckled. "Reminds me of the old days." He said.

"your stories could go on for hours." I teased.

He waved me away. "No lass, you just wanted them to." He grinned.

I smiled gently. "I never wanted them to stop." Odwiff smiled back. "When I was a child at least."

Odwiff laughed playfully punching my leg. He then yawned loudly. "I ain't done much, but this day took a lot outta me." He stood up out of his chair. "I'd best be off."

I nodded. "I should probably get some rest too. Thank you, Odwiff." I replied, feeling more at peace than I had for quite a few days.

Odwiff's face turned a bit awkward as he scratched the back of his neck. "Listen lass, from what you've told me ya got limited time. So y'aint gonna stay here much longer correct?" I nodded my head. "So... Ya gonna leave the young lad here to recover?"

I looked over at Verros my smile falling. "I don't really have a choice... I don't want to leave him, and I'm sure he'd come in his current state if I let him, but it's best to let him recover."

Odwiff let out an exasperated noise. "Aye, tis a difficult choice lass." He turned his head. "Thing is, it'll get lonely just you n' the wolf. So I was going ta ask if maybe... You wanted another travelling companion."

I blinked slowly. "You want to come with me?" I asked. He raised the side of his mouth in acknowledgement. "But Odwiff this is your home. What about the ex slaves? What about your house?"

Odwiff shrugged. "Lass, I was staying here cus I had no reason to leave. My son wanted to travel his own path so I couldn't go with him. But I can go with you." He looked up at me.

My mouth turned up in a smile. "I- I'd be more than happy to have you come with me Odwiff." I answered.

Odwiff let out sigh of relief. "That's great lass!" He grinned. "Oh and don't you worry about the ex slaves, I'm sure Tiva will take care of em well." He beamed.

True they loved Tiva even as slaves. Maybe this will be for the best. "Now, I'd best shoot off. See you tomorrow lass?" He asked me as he began walking towards the tent's entrance.

I nodded my head. "See you tomorrow, Odwiff." He smirked before disappearing out the tent.

I lay down in my bed, unable to contain my smile. To travel with Odwiff? It's something I never imagined happening. I just worry, I don't want what happened to Verros to happen to Odwiff too. Or something worse.

~Day 138~

Today, I was woken by a lot of commotion outside of our tent. It awoke both Alvir and I with a start, there was some yelling coming from the Elves then all of a sudden a figure burst in to our tent. "Ellena! Check me out!" The figure said.

As my eyes adjusted to the morning light, I could see a Lizardman standing in front of me, well a Lizard Woman judging by the shape of her body. Although this Lizardman was unusual as she had a head that was very close to that of a frog and a smooth body instead of the usual scales. She also had a head of wild dark green hair, darker than her skin.

I only know of one frog that can talk. "Venya..?" I asked the curious frog woman as i rubbed my eyes awake.

The Frog nodded happily. "That's right b*tch! I evolved thanks to the last fight. Now I'm all sexy." Venya said as she twirled her body around.

I sat in my bed still, a bit bewildered until an Elg rushed inside the tent behind Venya. "I'm sorry Lady Ellena, we tried to stop her but... She was just too fast." The Elf looked very flustered.

I let out a light sigh, then a chuckle. "It's alright. It's Venya." I replied raising a smile.

The Elf looked Venya up and down seemingly a little surprised himself. "I thought Lady Venya left."

Venya nodded and took a seat. "Now I'm back." She smirked.

The Elf nodded his head. "Right. Could have just told me." He muttered just as he left the tent sighing.

Venya chuckled a big grin on her face, well I assume it was a grin, hard to tell still. "Where exactly have you been Venya? When I woke up I was told you had just gone." I asked her.

She lent back. "Are you kidding me. I reached level 100, knew it was time to evolve and went to find somewhere quiet. Then when I woke up the next day I was completely f*ckin' naked. I spent another day looking for something to wear." She explained. Indeed now that I looked at it, her clothes looked like the raggedly outfits the ex slaves wore.

I smiled. "You look good Venya." I said tilting my head.

Venya scratched her head with her webbed hand. "I know, I know. And I'm real f*cking fast now too." She then looked over to Verros. "How is he? What have I missed?" She asked without turning her head.

I looked over to his bed as well. "He'll live, which is better than anyone had hoped... But they don't think he'll fight again." I told her. My smile turned a little sad.

She looked down. "I am sorry, about running off. When I found out you were okay the only thing on my mind was evolving. I just wanted a body... Like I used to have." She looked at her arms sighing.

I leaned over and tapped her leg. "It's fine. I remember how excited I was was when I turned from a Mushroom into this." I motioned across my body.

She gave a wry smile and shrugged her shoulders. "Did I miss anything else?" She asked.

I scratched my head. "Quite a lot actually." I replied with a sigh.

After than, I proceeded to explain everything that happened. The conversation I heard between the Queen and Calia, the death of Torvinn and finally the fact that I was in Ein. She listened to it all without interrupting even though she clearly wanted to. After I was done, her eyes were wide and she seemed like she had a little trouble comprehending everything.

After a long few breaths she calmed herself down. "So you're saying, I'm sisters with Commander Anya? Thee Commander Anya?!" She let out another gasp. "I can't believe you're really Commander Anya." She slumped back in her chair.

My face turned red, I didn't realise I was famous. "I only really remember that one mission and little else. Was I really famous?" I asked tentatively.

Venya nodded vigorously. "Oh yeah. The first to fight and survive against the dark creatures. You were imperative in understanding their weaknesses. You went on to kick *ss for years after they found you on that planet. And quite clearly even after I died." She scoffed. "Well of course your combat skills were nothing compared to me and my unit." Venya made an arm gesture which I'm sure means something that I don't know.

The dark creatures? The ones I saw on the planet. Were those... Aliens? Is that what they're called? Beings from another world? I've never even heard of anything like that... Well I guess I have, I just don't remember... Reincarnation is weird.

After she had calmed down a little more, Venya let out a sigh. "Still, this sh*t about sisters. About us being Pillars. What the f*ck is that about... We have brothers?" She rubbed her brow.

I shook my head. "I have no idea and I doubt they'll tell us much. I've tried asking before, but they just say I need to find out on my own."

Venya closed her eyes and crossed her arms. "Still, there's only four of us right? We should probably find the other two, see if they know anything. Seems like a good start to me." She replied.

That's true. I've been alive less than a year and Venya's been living quite literally in a cave for the past however many years. If we're both pillars and there's that much of a gap between our ages, then maybe the other two are even older? Or at least somewhere in the middle. I mean, they said one was a king on the Monster Continent.

Venya knotted her brow. "Hey Ellena do you th-" Before she could finished Alka interrupted her.

"Dryad are you awake?" The Orc said as she entered the tent.

Alka and Venya exchanged stares. "Who are you?" They both asked at the same time.

I stifled a laugh at the almost perfect timing and proceeded to introduce them.

Alka nodded. "Of course, I remember you killing a few of my Shaman." She said without a hint of bitterness.

Venya shrugged her shoulders smirking. "Sorry, maybe if they were a little faster they wouldn't have bit the dust." She shook her head.

The Shaman narrowed her eyes. "Indeed." She responded dryly. "Either way, Ellena the meeting will be starting shortly." She replied motioning to the door. "We have already made several decisions on other matters and are now ready for you." She said as she began walking.

I hurriedly followed behind her putting my coat on as I walked, Venya walked closely behind. "What's this meeting about?" She asked me.

"They want to know what happened when I killed Ekri, why I lost myself." I explained to her.

Venya nodded in an understanding way. "Ahh. They want to know if they need to be worried or not. Understandable, don't want anything ruining this uneasy peace." She folded her arms as we walked.

Sometimes that Frog seems smarter than she acts. Venya didn't really need to join us, as she'd already heard the explanation from me. Perhaps she was curious about what they were going to do with the Dead Isles. It was her home as well.

We arrived at the meeting point not long after, it was on the battle ground, a large rock sat in the middle. It must have fallen from the cliff during the battle at some point. The surviving Elven leaders, including Tiva and Gial sat on the left side. On the right sad a few Orcs including Wrok. Standing in the middle was Odwiff with a few Ex-Slaves.

Alka walked over to stand with the other Orcs whilst Venya, Alvir and I stood opposite Odwiff and the ex-slaves. Venya got a few odd looks, so she quickly explained who she was. Some seemed to grumble about her, but otherwise nothing was said. When everyone was in position Gial nodded his head. "Welcome young miss." I nodded my head back. "Now obviously y'all know why we're here still. We're all curious bout' what happened with the young Dryad the other day." There was some murmuring and nodding coming from the crowd. "Now Ellena, darlin'. We understand that you ain't gonna stay here too long, you got your own business to take care off. But we still gotta know, in case you return at any point, are we in any danger?" Gial asked. It seemed to trouble him to ask such a thing. I didn't feel as though he needed to, seeing that happen to anyone could make you at least a little weary.

I glanced over at Alka, then at Odwiff. They both nodded to give the go ahead. So that's what I did, I explained about how this wasn't my first life, how this was my home once. I explained what little I know of my last life, finally I told them why Alka thinks it happened at the battle. I made sure to leave out certain things of course, such as the stuff about me being a Pillar. The Light Elves have threatened me and my friends enough already, even if someone here might know something, it's too much of a risk.

After I was done, there were many troubled faces. Some seemed satisfied by my explanation however, or at least the smile on Tiva's face indicated as such. "That's a lot to take in ma'am. I've never heard of anyone reincarnating twice." Gial scratched his jaw. "Still, all we have to worry about is not killing your friends, right?" Gial smirked grasping on to his belt.

"That's correct, even then I do not believe the Dryad will lose herself again." Alka replied to Gial's question. He seemed a bit surprised at first, as his question was directed at me, but clearly didn't see the point on arguing the matter.

I stepped forward. "Then can I ask something?" I proposed to the members of the meeting. Gial looked around for any objection and then motioned me to continue. "Obviously you just heard that this was my home once, so I wanted to know... What's going to happen to it?" I asked.

Gial nodded his head with a smile. "Ma'am. We would have told you anyway." He motioned around him. "For starters, this Island will become a capital. A place of peace for all races, just like the Free City. Then the Islands will be given equally between the Elves, the Orcs and the Humans. Of course that's not saying that we can't go amongst each other's freely, it's for farming and housing." He paused for a moment to look at our faces again, he seemed to have become a spokesperson for the Elves. "We're then going to proceed to open trade routes between here, the Central Continent and the Demon Continent. We're in a prime area for trade." He grinned. "Then there's the matter of us Dark Elves going back to our routes. The family leaders have decided to make me a... Commander of sorts. I'm going to train up any who wants to be a warrior, and we'll become mercenaries once again." Gial looked over at the Orcs. "Course our new friends are welcome to join us on that front." The happy Elf winked at the Orcs.

His answer satisfied me, for my old home to become a central spot for peace and trade was fine by me. Certainly, Odwiff and I can leave it in their care.

After that the meeting carried on for a few more hours as they worked out who got what Islands and other little details, however I had no reason to take part. As Gial had said I wouldn't be staying much longer.

I spent most of the rest of the day with Venya, we helped to cut down trees for firewood and the construction of huts. They decided to stay here permanently, so setting up a few basic huts isn't a bad start.

As it turned late afternoon, Venya and I had worked up an appetite. We grabbed some food, and walked to a quiet spot on the beach to eat it. It was a pleasent view, the sun reflecting off the quiet waves in the fading light. A few islands visible in the distance.

After we had sat there in silence for a few minutes, Venya said something unexpected. "I'm going to find our brothers." She said.

I turned to her and blinked a few times. "What?"

She smiled staring at the sunset. "We decided right? Finding out siblings is going to be the best way to figure out what's going on, but you've got a lot of sh*t going on, so, I'm going to find our brothers." She grinned, her skin glistening in the sun.

I curved the corner of my mouth. "Oh. I was hoping you'd come with me." I replied.

Venya placed her hand on my shoulder. "I will. At least to the Demon Continent. Then... I'm going to search for the one there." She smiled gently.

"We don't know even if one is there. The Light Elves said so, but that doesn't mean it's true." I replied to her. It's not that I don't want to find them, I just don't know if it's worth it to split up at this point. We have no idea how we're truly related or what we truly are, so surely two brains is better than one?

Venya looked me in the eyes. "Ellena, I want to do this, please?" She asked.

I sighed. "Fine. Just try and find me afterwards okay?" I told her.

Venya clenched her fist in victory. "F*ck yes! I'm going a trip!" She jumped up.

Her being so happy made me giggle. She had been cooped up in a dungeon for decades, it only makes sense she'd be so excited.

"Evenin' ladies." A voice said behind us. It was Gial. He walked over and sat near us.

"The meeting over Gial?" I asked him.

He let out an exasperated sigh. "That one is." He took of his hat and wiped the sweat from his brow. "I tell ya, I an't made for this political sh*t." He replied.

Venya grinned slapping him on the back. "You didn't seem like you would be." She laughed out loud. Gial shrugged his shoulders nodding his head.

I smiled too. "Did you need something Gial? Or did you just want to enjoy the sunset?" I asked him.

He let out another sigh. "I did want something ma'am." He cleared his throat. "Now obviously the first thing we need to do, is t' apologise to all the folks we wronged. Obviously we mostly raided the Centrals coast, but we also raided the Demons. Which means we're sending a ship over to the Demon Continent very soon to do just that." He put his hat back on his head. "We was just wonderin' if you wanted a lift." He asked.

Come to think of it, I didn't really think about how'd I would get to the Demon Continent when I first got here. That wasn't very smart of me to be fair. "It would be of great help... But..." I stopped my sentence looking off to where my tent was.

Gial shook his head. "Don't worry Ellena. We can wait till the boy wakes up at the very least."

I hesitated for a moment, if I let him do that for me, I would stay here for as long as possible, and I really can't do that. "Thank you Gial. But, no. I'll join you whenever you planned to leave." I replied with a heavy heart.

Gial looked down. "I understand Ma'am I do.... We'll give you tomorrow at least." He replied back standing up. "I'll leave you ladies alone now, this old Elf needs something to drink." He said as he began walking away.

"Gial." I said turning my head to face his. The Elf stopped. "Look after him when I'm gone... Please."

Gial tipped his hat. "Ma'am. I was going to anyway." He said as he carried on walking.

"He has, an amazing *ss." Venya said. Interrupting the heart warming moment.

I burst out laughing and fell of my chair. "What, what is it?" She asked startled.

"It's just.. I never... Looked before." I tried to force out words between the tears.

Venya's surprised face turned in to a smile. "Now you've cheered up." She said smiling.

My laughter slowed down. "Did I really seem that miserable?" I asked her.

Venya nodded. "Ya did. Not that I can't understand why." She replied grinning.

I sat back up and turn back to face the sunset. "Thank you Venya." I said.

The frog made an affirming noise, and watched the sunset with me. As it fell below the horizon, I felt a gentle smile spread across my face. I have been acting a bit miserable, but that hasn't stopped people caring about me.

Although it's a shame, I'm going to have to leave another family to carry on with my quest.

~Day 139~

Today was the last chance I had to say goodbye to Verros. Or at least farewell for now, he's strong so I want to believe he'll recover. I want to believe he'll fight by my side again, so I will.

I would wait around here, but there's somewhere I want to go. Back to the battlefield.

In all that's happened I forgot about something. The place where I killed Ekri. I don't know why I wanted to see it, just a compulsion.

When I arrived however, it was worse than I thought. The area that Ekri and I fought in, had become hell. Craters, mud and blood were all scattered around the place. Massive cracks webbed their way up the cliff face.

I didn't notice during the fight, I was either to absorbed or couldn't see through all the fog. Either way...

I walked around until I found a particularly large crater, nearby it was a large pool of dried blood. Oh yeah, I lost my arm didn't I? Of course it grew back quickly, but it's still unpleasant to see the blood which came from it.

Still, I didn't realise I was capable of this. The crater had way more blood than what came from me, and I'm pretty sure I saw some flesh in there too. Even if they tried to clean it all up, it was such a mess.

I sat on the edge of the crater and let out a long sigh. I really don't want to lose control like that again, being a battle lover is bad enough already without this.

I let out another long sigh and stood back up, there was no reason to stay here. "You." I heard a voice say behind me. Turning around I could see it was Wrok.

I hadn't really had a chance to talk to him, with all that's gone on. I wanted to make sure he didn't hold any hostile feelings toward me, but he hasn't tried to avenge his Master yet so I don't think there's need to worry. "What are you doing here Wrok?" I asked the Orc.

Wrok pointed past me. "Wrok came to visit Ekri, just as Ellena did." He answered.

I smiled at him as he walked past. "Oh, I see. Well I was just going, so I'll leave you be." I said as I attempted to leave.

"Work thought about what to do." The Orc said stopping me from leaving. "You killed the master Wrok swore to serve, but Wrok didn't like how his master changed." He turned his head to face me. "Should Wrok avenge his master? Or thank you for stopping Ekri from doing anything worse." He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Wrok decided on neither." He said giving me a slight smile.

My heart which had begun to quicken, slowed back down. I let out a sigh of relief, at the very least he wasn't going to attack me. "So what have you decided on Wrok?"

He looked up at the sky. "Wrok decided... To follow you. To the Demon Continent. To see what kind of person killed Ekri." He turned back to face me again. "Can Wrok do this."

I scratched my head, that's a lot of pressure. "I don't mind, if that's what Wrok wants to do." I replied giving the Orc a smile.

Work nodded his head back. "Good. We leave tomorrow, correct? Wrok will be ready." He said.

I guess I've got another tag a long, huh? Not that I can complain, the more the merrier. Even if one is an Orc who may or may not want to kill me.

I said goodbye to the Orc to which he nodded once again, and I headed back to the tent. When I got there, I saw Alka sitting next to Verros' bedside, and in it Verros was propped up, his eyes open.

A massive smile spread across my face, I ran over to his bedside and wrapped my arms around him. "You're awake!" I exclaimed excitedly.

"OW OW OW OW!" He replied in a loud yelp of pain. I quickly pushed myself backwards after realising what I had done. Making Verros pant heavily.

"I'm sorry!" I said as I bowed quickly. I could have crushed his bones all over again.

Verros showed me a pained smile. "I would get up, but I can't move." He whispered in a strained voice.

I sat down next to his bedside and grasped his hand. "I'm sorry, Verros. For not being able to stop this from happening." I replied hanging my head.

Verros' eyes turned sad. "It's not your fault, Ellena. I'd be dead if not for you. Alka explained to me what happened." He looked away from me. "Besides, I was trying to protect you. I'm the failure." His voice wavered.

I shook my head. "You survived a beating from a monster like Ekri. Most fourteen year old's couldn't say the same." I smiled gently as I held his hand.

His eyes lit up a little more, but he still appeared quite down. "I've heard you're leaving tomorrow." He replied with a slight smile.

I hesitated for a second, then nodded my head. "Yes. I'm sorry, Verros. I don't want to leave you behind... But..." I couldn't finish my sentence, saying I don't have time to wait would surely only make him feel worse, right?

Verros tried to shake his head, but it clearly caused to much pain. After a slight chuckle at himself he looked me in the eye. "I understand Ellena. I really do. I've been with you long enough to know the burden you carry. I know you don't have time to wait for me to recover. It could be months maybe longer." His eyes turned sad. "It's just, I don't want to be left behind again." He looked down to his body in it's beaten state.

Of course, he's lost everyone once before, is that why he went up against Ekri despite knowing he wasn't strong enough? I squeezed his hand stronger, careful not to hurt him. "I'll be fine, I won't die. Odwiffs coming with me." I paused for a moment. "And also possibly Wrok." I chuckled.

Both Verros and Alka seemed surprised by that. "Your Dwarf friend makes sense, but for Wrok to accompany you? What is his reason?" Alka asked me. Verros seemed interested too.

I shrugged my shoulders. "He said it was to see what kind of person the one who killed his master is. Or something along those lines."

Alka scratched her chin. "Interesting. I did tell him without Ekri he could do as he wished, but this is a little unexpected. He must have taken a long time to reach such a decision." She nodded her head understandingly.

Verros sighed. "Either way I'm glad you won't be alone. Barring Alvir of course. I doubt he'll ever leave your side." He smiled. An affirming barking came from outside as Alvir overheard our conversation. He was on guard duty once again.

"you are scared of losing Ellena, yes? Is that related to the Mountain Clan that was on the central continent? The Ron clan?" Alka asked Verros.

He nodded his head. "You know of them?" He asked her.

Alka scratched her chin. "Yes I have. Destroyed by the Mountain Elves. Obviously Ekri caught wind of it and was infuriated. I was surprised when she told me there was a survivor here. Even more so when she said she was going to kill him." She seemed deep in thought.

Verros narrowed his eyes. "What is it?"

Alka shook her head. "I do not know if this is of any help, but we know of another settlement Mountain Clans on the Monster Continent. There may not be any Ron, but you are not the last of your people." She turned to look at Verros.

Verros' eyes widened. "What? I thought the only Mountain Clans were with us. I held hope, but no matter who I asked I didn't hear about any other..." I placed my hand on Verros' shoulder, this was good news. This was very good news. Verros' eyes lit up. "Where, where did you hear this?" He asked.

The corner of Alka's lip turned up, a slight smile appeared on her face. It's weird to see a smile on a face that shows such little emotion. "Once every few years, the Warlords of the most prominent Orc Warbands meet to drink, discuss goings on, alliances, wars and anything else that they might need. One talked about a powerful group of humans with darker skin he made an alliance with on the Monster Continent. When pressed further by Warlord Gresk, we overheard that they were of the 'Mountain Clans. Of course it wasn't anything interesting to us, however Gresk seemed interested so we kept it in our minds." She explained.

Gresk? Where have I heard that name before... Oh yes! The Orc Warlord that joined the Rurrian Alliance. He holds interest in the Mountain Clans? I wonder why? I looked over at Verros. He was sitting still stunned. Well not like he could move anyway, but he was clearly surprised at the news. "I have... People." He said. A single tear fell down his cheek.

I let out a gentle smile and squeezed his arm gently. He turned to me and smiled. "Now I have another reason to heal." He gave me a confident smile. His spirits returning.

I nodded my head. "To find your people... I'd like to be there when you do." I replied. Of course that means surviving Lavias.

Verros smile faded slightly as he fell in to thought about something. "Although, why is this Orc Warlord so interested in the Mountain Clans?" He asked Alka. I was curious too, but thought against asking.

Alka closed her eyes. "I have no idea, no one can tell what that man is thinking and no one is brave enough to ask. But if he is interested, then every Warlord should be weary." She warned.

I exchanged glances with Verros, I had heard of this Gresk through passing conversation, but know next to nothing about him. Verros looked back at Alka. "I don't think I've heard of this Gresk... You make it sound as if he's someone I should have?" He arched his eyebrows in confusion.

Alka paused. "Of course. Only other Orcs would know him by his given name. If you've heard of him, it would by the name of 'Gutweaver'." She said narrowing her eyes.

Verros took a large gulp. "Gutweaver... He's interested in my people?" His body shook lightly.

Alka nodded. "Although I do not believe you need to worry, Resk did not appear to have any hostile intent." She replied.

I feel a bit lost here. Is Resk someone so special? "Uhh. Who exactly is this Gutweaver?" I asked.

Verros and Alka both looked at me stunned. Then Alka's eyes widened slightly. "Ah of course. You were not around at that point. Around forty years ago Resk fought a battle with the Empire when they tried to extend in to his territory in the Rurrian forest. After he lost the majority of his Warband to the Empires superior technology and numbers, he went out to fight the Empires armies with just three Orcs including himself. They say when the battle was over the Empire soldiers guts were weaved together and hung up at the entrance to the forest by Resk himself." Alka shuddered. "Resk slaughtered the main force of the Empire and set them back decades. Resk is to be feared and respected by all Orcs." she scratched her head. "Which is what let me know that Ekri had truly finally lost herself. When she said she would kill a member of the Mountain Clans, the ones 'The Gutweaver' himself was so interested in." She paused.

Verros closed his eyes and I looked away. I keep forgetting, that this Orc lost a friend just a few days ago. It's not that easy to move on... "Alka..." I said. I can't say I know how to comfort someone who's practically a stranger.

Alka shook her head standing up. "Please, do not apologise again Dryad. I have accepted Ekri's death, and I have accepted that it had to happen... I just, must think on some things." Alka stood up. "Before I leave, from tomorrow onward for at least a few months, your treatment will be continued by my Shamans." Alka told Verros.

Tomorrow? "Does that mean you're coming to the Demon Continent too?" I asked her.

Alka nodded her head. "Yes. Both Gial and I must apologise to the Demon Queen in person for what our people have done. Two leaders to another." She began to walk towards the entrance. "So therefore we shall be accompanying you to the castle." She nodded her head. "Farewell until tomorrow Ellena." She said as she left.

Gial didn't tell me that much, he just said he was going to the Demon Continent. Did he want to be a surprise or something? Probably, knowing him.

"Ha. So you're going to be lugging even more people along that you originally thought?" He said chuckling lightly.

I smiled at him. "It would seem so." I replied.

Verros closed his eyes. "Good. Puts my mind at ease." He said.

I kissed his forehead gently before climbing in to my own bed. "I'm glad you know? That you're not alone." I told him.

A soft smile appeared on the warriors face. "I stopped being alone when I met you." He replied to me.

My heart softened. "Thank you, Verros. For everything up till now." I whispered.

"I should be thanking... You." Verros yawned, he was clearly still exhausted. Repairing your body from that state must take a lot out of you, he fell asleep instantly.

I'm just glad that I got to see him before I go... Although even more importantly than that, the news Alka gave us will keep him going whilst he recovers. I'm certain now, that I'll fight with him again... At some point.

~Day 140~

Today was the day. The day to set off on the next leg of my journey. As I opened my eyes Verros was already awake. Next to him stood Odwiff and Gial, they were saying their goodbyes.

"Oh, Rozaline you're awake!" Odwiff turned to see me. He's calling me by my old name, it feels weird. It's not my current name. "Oh sorry lass. I guess you'd prefer to be called Ellena, aye?" He apologised. He must have noticed the look on my face.

I shrugged my shoulders. "You can call me what you want Odwiff." I smiled.

Odwiff grinned. "I'll stick to Ellena lass." He turned back to Verros and tapped his shoulder. "Get better, ya hear lad? When we come by here again, I wanna see ya on your feet."

Gial nodded. "I'll be returnin' a lot sooner. So I won't be expectin' quite as much." He gave Verros a wink. He turned to face me. "We'll see y'all on the ship, ya hear?" He said to me.

I nodded my head as they left the tent. I see so they're giving me a chance to say my own goodbyes is it? "So it's time for you to go..." Verros gave a sad smile.

I walked over to his bedside. "And when we see each other again, you'll be coming with me. If you want to." I tilted my head.

Verros laughed. "Like I'd ever refuse, I still owe you my life. Twice now." He looked up at me.

"I guess that means you're doubly honourbound to me?" I joked.

The young warrior let out a slight chuckled. "Ellena, even if I wasn't honourbound, I'd follow you anywhere." He replied with an answer from the heart.

I leaned in and kissed his head again. "Thank you, Verros. Get better, please? I want to see you walk again." I told him.

The young warrior gave me one last big grin. "I wouldn't have it any other way." He replied. "Goodbye, Ellena." He waved me off as I left the tent.

The bright sunlight hit my eyes, besides me I heard a low whining. As we walked away Alvir looked back at the tent making those noises. "It's okay, boy. We'll see him again." I patted his oversized head to comfort him. His whining quietened down, but his ears still lay flat.

As we walked through the main camp, many Orcs and Elves bowed at us, or at least lowered their heads. A few ex slaves were also dotted about. I wonder how many of the Orcs didn't want what happened? Why didn't they just leave the Warband? Ekri seemed to want to protect her own even in her insanity. Well loyalty can do a lot to somebody.

As we reached the ship it was already being filled, Tiva and a few other leaders stood by overseeing what was happening. As I walked over I heard them reprimanding someone.

"This had better not be just an excuse to get out of your work. Any of the family leaders could represent us." I heard Tiva say harshly.

Opposite them stood Gial who was giving them a mischievous smile. " Now now little lady. I feel as though I have already articulated my point quite well. The Orcs are sending their leader, so we should send ours. Leader to leader." He grinned.

Tiva crossed her arms. "No matter how you put it, it sounds like an excuse." She huffed.

Gial chuckled and patted her head. "I think someones just jealous about the company I'll be keepin'." He grinned.

Tiva's face turned bright red. "n-n-no. Shut up!" She shouted as she turned around and bumped directly in to my chest. She looked up, and let out a muffled scream as her mouth was in my cleavage. The Elf jumped back. "El-El-Ellena, how long have you been there?!" She said panicking.

So is the company he's with referring to me? She wouldn't be jealous of that surely? "I didn't hear anything." I said feigning ignorance.

Tiva crouched down hiding her face. "You did." She whispered.

"You seem to be doing better, Tiva." I said smiling. It was nice seeing her so active.

Tiva stood back up and took a deep breath. "Yes, i am." She turned to the other Elven leaders and nodded her head, then took a deep bow. "Thank you, Ellena, for all you've done for us. Even after we treated you so harshly at first. You still saved us." She said.

Behind her the other Elven leaders bowed too. "Thank you." They said in unison.

I felt my cheeks turn red as I shook my head in embarrassment. "No it's really fine, this was my home too after all." I waved my hands.

Tiva looked back up and smiled. "We know, Ellena. And don't worry, we'll keep your house as pristine as Odwiff did." She beamed at me.

Well, I didn't particularly need it to be kept pristine, but I was happy when I found it that way. "Thank you, it'll be nice to see it again... When I next come here." I replied.

Tiva nodded her head. "Goodbye Ellena, from all of us. I really hope I get to see you again." Tiva walked up to me and hugged her arms around my waist. I placed my arms across her back. It's difficult hugging those so much smaller than you.

"I'll see you all soon." I replied. "Good luck."

With that I continued walking to the ship. They looked about ready to go, Odwiff sat up top talking to Gial at the back of the ship. When I climbed up the plank, I found Wrok sitting on a wooden stall polishing his blade. Alka, stood next to him watching the waves. Sitting up in the crows nest I spotted Venya, now wearing more clothes like clothes. I greeted each of them before going to where Odwiff and Gial were.

"Ah, missy, you're here." Gial grinned mischievously.

I raised my eyebrows at him. "You used my appearance to escape." I commented.

Gial chuckled tipping his hat. "I had to get away somehow." The Elf clapped his hands together. "Now, we're all here, no point wasting anymore time." He said as he walked over to the wheel. "Let's go apologise." He said grinning as the ship began to pull away from the island.

Odwiff and I stood at the back and watched the island slowly pull away from us. A few Orcs and Dark Elves surrounded us waving at those left on the island. The cool breeze hit against my face as I watched Tiva stand on the beach waving. I saw in the distance, the tent that Verros laid in at this very moment.

"We could have stayed longer, lass." A gentle voice said beside me. Odwiff looked up at me with sympathetic eyes.

I shook my head. "No, that would have only made it harder." I replied with a gentle smile.

Odwiff nodded his head and sighed. "You've grown up lass. In more ways than one." He raised his eyebrows.

I let out a slight chuckle. It was good to have the old man with me. I have a lot on my mind, having someone to talk to by my side can't be a bad thing...

Originally I was only going to the Demon Continent for a request, but now... I hope Venya finds our brother, I want some answer.

Who are the Pillars? why do I have memories of two previous lives? Even then, there's something I want to know even more. If my life as Anya was my last life, why were those memories locked away, and not my life before then?

I feel as though I've just been left more confused, right as I start the next leg of my journey.

[Name: Ellena Orcsbane]

[Age: 139 Days]

[Species: Arbor Ferrous, Dryad]

[Height: 7'-6"]

[Sex: Female]

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

{Level: 47]

[Health: 45195/45195]

[Mana: 7581/7581]

[Stamina: 34442/34462]

[Hunger: 34301/34462]

[Attack: 30518]

[Defence: 53842 + 22000]

[Magic Attack: 8427]

[Magic Defence: 16469]

[Skills:

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

[Venom Resistance lvl 8]                 [Lightning Resistance lvl 5 ]        [Paralysis Resistance lvl 4]

[Night vision lvl 10 (max)]                [Amplified Vision lvl 9]                 [{Mushroom Helmet lvl 71}]

[tough stomach lvl 8]                       [Unarmed Combat Expert lvl 9]   [Polearm Expert lvl 4]

[Demifoot lvl 10]                              [Warriors Heart lvl 47]                 [Warriors Will lvl 35]

[Warriors Strength lvl 41]                 [Greater Regeneration lvl 8]       [Guardian lvl 10 (Max)]

[Dryads Charm lvl 14] Up!               [Skinning lvl 5]                            [Tanning lvl 4]

[Leatherworking lvl 5]                     [Carving lvl 3]                              [Earth Magic lvl 9]

[{Wolfmother lvl 12}]                      [{Pillars Aura lvl 10}]                    [Ironbark Skin lvl 6] ]