A familiar voice was suddenly heard, calling him. It was
Vaonie.
‘Lodus, come to my throne room. I have a surprise for you,’
Vaonie said.
‘Yes, lord.’
Alduin levitated there and opened the door using telekinesis.
Inside, Vaonie and Hanali were waiting for him to arrive.
‘Good. You’re here,’ Vaonie said.
Alduin stood next to Hanali and kneeled.
‘Stand up.’
‘Yes, lord.’
‘I have called you here to announce a certain decision that I
have made. I think you will quite like it.’
‘Oh?’
‘My daughter has been pestering me about your so-called
‘home-sickness’. She told me that you kept reminiscing about
Vanthea. About its views, smells and people.’
Alduin was caught in utter fright.
‘I-I had no idea she would take my complaints so seriously!
Forgive me, my lord! Forgive me, Hanali. It seems my mortality
hasn’t quite left me yet!’
Hanali saw his surprised face and rushed to explain herself but
Vaonie stopped her midsentence.
‘It is quite alright. I was a fool to believe you would get used
to Tyronah. I do find it beautiful, but... You still have a mortal’s
personality. Your definition of home resides in what you find
familiar. I guess Tryonah could never replace Euphata’s place in
your heart...’
Alduin, thinking he was getting scolded, bowed and apologized
again. Vaonie dismissed his attempt to apologize for something
that did not require an apology.
‘Now. My decision is as follows... For my daughter’s peace
of mind and happiness, I shall grant you access back to Vanthea.
You will have free entrance back and forth from Vanthea to my
realm. And you shall live wherever you deem fit.’
‘Oh! Thank you, lord! Those are marvelous news! I have
wished to rebuild my village for many long years!’
‘Don’t get too excited yet! There is a certain condition.’
‘Oh. What is it?’
‘I don’t think you find me foolish enough to ignore your
advances on my daughter? I’ve noticed the way you look at her!’
Hanali, fazed, began blushing. Alduin, nearly shitting his pants,
bowed his head in such fierceness and velocity that it hit the floor
and cracked it into an enormous hole! Vaonie began laughing
and ordered him to stand back up. He obeyed and healed his
wounds.
‘Despite it being terribly entertaining, I did not mean to
startle or frighten you! I was simply stating a few facts. The
condition for your return to Vanthea is that you would take
Hanali with you! Show her Vanthea in the eyes of a mortal. I am
sure she would find it fascinating!’
‘I-I would gladly oblige... But, shouldn’t we hear her own
opinion on the matter first?’
‘She has already agreed.’
‘Oh? Is that true, Hanali?’
‘Yes,’ Hanali smiled.
‘Then it is settled. You shall become yet another envoy of
mine in the realm of mortal and my daughter will accompany
you. Any further questions?’
‘Yes. How do I travel between dimensions?’
‘Hanali will be in charge of your training in divine abilities.’
‘Gladly, maker’
‘Good,’ Vaonie said.
‘For now, just hold my hand and I’ll take you with me,’ Hanali
said.
‘Alright.’
‘Good. Off you go then.’
‘Farewell, lord.’
‘Goodbye, maker.’
Alduin held Hanali’s hand and closed his eyes. When he opened
them, his eyes were struck by the glimmers of the sun. The touch
of wind. The noises of wildlife. They stood in the middle of a
field.
‘Where are we?’ He asked.
‘No clue. Since Vaonie said I should explore Vanthea, I made
the destination arbitrary. Don’t worry though, we are in your
home planet for sure.’
‘Ah.’
‘Let me scout the area. Maybe I will recognize the terrain,’
Alduin said.
‘Alright.’
He began levitating up until he reached an altitude that was
satisfactory. Then, he started observing the area. He saw an
astonishingly large forest. It seemed they were teleported to the
middle of it, to a clearing. A few kilometers from Hanali were a
few cottages, probably belonging to farmers as he also spotted
cattle enclosed by fences. He focused his eyes to look beyond,
trying to copy his siblings but it was almost to no avail. All his
eyes could spot was forest, forest and even more forest. Actually,
it wasn’t all forest. He did spot yet another clearing in the grand
forest and also a few tiny strands of white. He lowered himself
down to the ground and approached his companion.
‘Well? What did you see?’
‘We are standing in the middle of an incredibly enormous
forest. Seriously, it’s absolutely massive... Even with my su-
pernatural eyes I couldn’t spot anything other than trees, aside
from a tiny piece of white land. It can’t be Euphata.’
‘Hmm, would you like to explore a bit? We practically have
infinite time.’
‘Alright.’
‘Hey! You there! What are you doing in my land? Piss off!’ A
man exited one of the cottages and yelled at them.
‘Don’t dare to speak to-,’ Alduin tried to yell but was inter-
rupted by Hanali.
She grabbed him by his right shoulder and covered his mouth.
She whispered.
‘Divines are not supposed to interfere in mortal life, Alduin.
It is one of Austomia’s rules,’ she said and took her hand off his
mouth, allowing him to respond.
‘What? Why wasn’t I interrupted when I killed those bandits
back in my days with the Vaermiraiits?’
‘What are you whispering to him, huh?! Identify yourselves
I said! This instant, I do not jest!’ The man yelled.
‘I need to have a word with my companion! Wait, please!’
Alduin shouted and then put his ear next to Hanali’s mouth.
‘Well... You were following Vaonie’s orders back then. Not
directly, but in a way. I mean, we ARE allowed to intervene,
but only to punish. Remember, the mortals’ right of free will
diminishes were they to know about us. They are to believe in us,
it is what grants them ambition towards being a better person.
But it’s just that. A belief. A religion. When a mortal meets
their god they are no longer mortal. In their minds I mean, not
physically of course. The concept of death remains. Mortals
must not know about your true identity.’
‘Oh, I messed that up a few times already I’m afraid. Alright,
I promise to be more careful. So... Are we to blend in? Act like
mortals?’
‘I guess so. I am probably not allowed to erase memories so
there probably isn’t an alternative...’
‘Hey! I am talking to you! Evan, get up! Intruders!’
‘Just a minute!’ Alduin responded.
Another man came out of his house. He was holding a pitchfork.
‘Hmm... We could try that I guess...’
It seemed Evan’s sight was quite sharp because he was visibly
analyzing the intruders’ appearance.
‘Look what god has given us, Rudolf! Elves!’ He chuckled
happily.
‘Are you sure they are Elves?’
‘Yes! Look at their bizarre outfit! Look at their ears!’
‘You and your eagle eyes are at it again, huh? Fine then! Let’s
go spill some elvish meat, brother!’
‘Yes, let’s! I want the girl for myself though.’
‘I never knew you were into elvish girls, Evan!’ He laughed.
‘You never asked,’ he smirked.
Alduin and Hanali eavesdropped on the pair’s conversation.
‘What are we to do? If we kill them, we punish mortals for
crimes that aren’t related to our assigned commandments! But
if we just let them attack us, we’ll remain unscathed which will
alert them of our true nature! Ideas! Hurry!’ Alduin shouted
and looked around for a potential escape route.
Rudolf ran down the stairs and then towards a haystack. When
he reached it, he took out the pitchfork that was piercing it and
regrouped with his comrade. They started walking menacingly
towards them. Slowly, relatively close to each other. They were
probably aiming for a combo attack.
‘Hanali, come on! Think!’
‘I am trying to!’
The men were exchanging jokes with each other while walking.
Rudolf was way more excited about the intruders now that he
knew they were of elvish blood.
‘Why is being an Araqhaiit involved with so much responsi-
bility? I thought that being a god meant I could do whatever I
wanted to!’
Hanali rolled her eyes.
‘You were tasked with keeping the mortals at bay! This is no
vacation, Alduin! Stop acting like a child, it bugs me terribly.’
Just when the men were a few meters away, Rudolf started run-
ning in a circle until he stopped at the opposite direction, behind
them. They had improvised an ambush of sorts. Hanali reacted
by turning back and facing Rudolf, leaving Alduin to deal with Evan’s attacks.
‘I am going to enjoy this, brother!’ Evan said.
‘Not as much as me, brother!’
‘Don’t hurt her too much though! I want her alive! Just
neutralize!’
‘Pfft, you always take the fun out of things!’
A woman came out of Rudolf’s house and began shouting.
‘Dear! Be careful! They do not seem regular! They look
troublesome! Be careful! I beg of you! I can’t raise Viola by
myself!’ The woman shouted.
Alduin picked up on a rather unusual thing. The woman, while
explicitly addressing her shouts to her husband, was gazing
directly at Evan.
‘Shut up, woman! I know what I am doing! Pfft, she never
ceases her yapping and blabbering! Evan, you did right when
you announced your dislike towards marriage, believe me. Them
women are utter nuisances!’
His wife ran back inside and slammed the door shut in frustra-
tion.
‘I could always take her off your back, you know!’ He laughed.
Rudolf raised an eyebrow and threw a stone at his brother.
‘Hey! What the fuck did you do that for?!’
‘She may be a cunt but she is still my wife!’
‘That fucking hurt! Fucking hell!’
‘Grow a pair, will you?’
Hanali and Alduin began laughing.
‘What the fuck are you two laughing about, huh? You won’t
be laughing so much once I put your filthy little Elf head on a
stick, boy! Little sharpie!’ Evan yelled in anger.
Alduin winked to Hanali, signaling her that he had found a plan.
She smiled.
‘Oh, it’s not really that funny actually! Let’s get back to it,
shall we?’
‘The man asked you a question! Answer it, sharpie!’
‘Must you use racial slurs?’
‘Definitely,’ Evan said.
‘Mhm! It will be more fun killing you that way,’ Rudolf nod-
ded in agreement.
Alduin sighed. The man raised their pitchforks for a strike. Just
when Rudolf was close to piercing Hanali’s skin, Alduin put his
plan in motion.
‘Such a beauty your wife is! Such a shame. The moment you
lay a finger on me, I will see to it that she becomes a widow!’
Alduin shouted, yelling at Evan.
Rudolf, confused, stopped in midstrike.
‘Huh? What the fuck are you blabbering about? That is my
wife! Not his!’
‘Oh really? That’s surprising.’
‘What the hell is that supposed to mean?’
‘Well... I saw the way she was looking at him when she asked
you to stay safe! Like she was actually targeting him with her
blessing!’
‘That is a nice try but it won’t work! Foolish attempt, you
bastard!’ He chuckled.
Evan tried to hide his smile.
‘He’s right! You can impale us as much as you wish but it
wouldn’t change the truth! Your wife is having an affair with
him, it’s as clear as day,’ Hanali said, grinning.
‘What the fuck? Why should I believe you?’
‘It’s just intuition. Female intuition, that is!’
‘I-I! This can’t be!’
Rudolf noticed Evan’s terribly hidden smirk.
‘Is this true, brother?!’
‘What? Why the fuck would it be? Why would I, your brother,
steal your woman?’
‘Since when do thieves admit they stole?’ Alduin said.
‘Exactly! It was probably her who told you to go and check
out about the noise outside, right? She wanted you to get hurt
so she could finally live with your brother!’
‘I-I... RAGRRR! Brother, I will kill you!’
‘What? I did nothing!’
‘I finally realize why I have woken up to an empty bed every
few days! I finally realize why she all so suddenly started running
every evening! Oh! So that’s why she was so keen on me going
on that trip to Lioria a few weeks ago! She just wanted some
time alone. Time alone with you!’ Rudolf shouted and began
sprinting with his pitchfork.
‘What? No! You are mistaken! Stop your foolishness brother!
You are scaring me!’
‘It all makes sense now!!!’ He grunted, ran and pierced his
brother right in the guts.
Just when Evan fell to the ground, bleeding, Rudolf’s wife opened
the door and witnessed the great tragedy.
‘WHAT THE FUCK HAVE YOU DONE RUDOLF? WHY DID
YOU DO THAT TO HIM? WHY DID YOU KILL YOUR BROTHER?
WHAT THE FUCK? WHAT THE FUCK!’ She began running to-
wards them.
Hanali kicked Alduin in the leg and then winked at him, signal-
ing that he should follow her. They began walking back slowly,
towards the woods.
‘WHY DID YOU DO THAT?’
‘WHAT DO YOU MEAN WHY? YOU CHEATED ON HIM
WITH ME, YOU WHORE! HE DESERVES THIS!’
‘What? What in the name of god are you talking about? I
have remained faithful to you ever since the day we wed!’
‘Then why do I keep waking up to an empty bed? Why do you
look at him all the time, with the face you used to make when
you looked at me?’
‘Because I took on a secret project that I wanted to show
you! It was supposed to be a surprise! For your birthday! And
Evan was also waking up early, helping me prepare it! We were
building you a carriage! You always told me how much you
wanted one!’ She began crying.
‘I-I always loved you brother.... I,’ Evan coughed up blood,
‘Would never do that to you.... Please, take care of yourself...’
He coughed up blood again, ‘Farewell...’ He struggled to talk
and his facial expression turned into a soulless gaze.
‘I.. WHAT HAVE I DONE?’ Rudolf began sobbing, ‘WHAT
HAVE I DONE?!’ He embraced his wife.
‘Why the fuck would you believe I was cheating on you? With
him?! He is nothing but a womanizer!’
‘I don’t know! I don’t know! I don’t know!’ He cried.
‘It must be those filthy sharpies! They must have used some
kind of spell on you, dear!’
‘That...’ He sniffled, ‘That must be it.... Thank you.’
She smiled, trying to hide her pain despite the presence of her
tears. He wiped them off her cheeks.
‘You bastards! What have you done to u-,’ He turned around
and stopped in mid-sentence.
‘What? Where are they?!’
‘They must have run away when you fought him! This proves
my point!’
‘I must find them!’
‘I will be waiting for you here.’
He kissed her and then started running towards the woods.
When he was far enough, she approached the body of Evan and
began crying. She began caressing his face, sobbing.
‘I’m sorry, my love! I’m so sorry!’ She stroked his hair and
kissed him, sobbing.
Finally, she let out a scream of agony. One that Hanali and Alduin
could hear during their flight above the forest.
‘How and why did you do that? It was really cruel of you!’
‘Did you hear the way he spoke to us? They called us sharpies!
That’s how humans used to call my kind. It’s a racist slur.’
‘So what?’
‘I don’t appreciate racism.’
‘You’re divine now, ignore it!’
‘No, I refuse to! And yes, you’re exactly right. I am divine
now, meaning I can finally take matters into my own hands!’
‘What happened there? How did you know it would work
this way? Tell me.’
She stopped in mid-flight, pushing him to answer.
‘I simply noticed the way his wife was looking at his brother.
Then, I took a quick look into his mind, looking for his greatest
doubts and fears. I discovered that he suspected his wife had
been cheating on him with his brother. I simply used it to my
advantage.’
‘That’s brutal.’
‘Why do you care so much for mortals, anyways? You’re
divine. As you said, rise above it!’
‘Exactly! Why am I the one scolding you for fiddling with
human emotion? You’re the mortal here! You should be the one
complaining and stressing about it!’
‘That is where you’re wrong, Hanali. That is exactly it... I
have been through so fucking much! Even before getting my
entire life taken away from me. Before my whole family was
slaughtered. Before the vampires’ constant torture. I have expe-
rienced the cruelty of mortals and especially that of humans! I
refuse to let it slide now!’
‘Why not let compassion take over you? Forgiveness! I know
those are things that mortals are capable of!’
‘Because I refuse to! I refuse to let bullies bully! I refuse
to let evil win! As a great man once said, ‘Evil is evil. Lesser,
greater, it’s all the same’. I will personally see to it that evil will
be punished. Eradicated. Forcefully torn out of here. The fact
that I represent a commandment now only makes my flames
burn ever-brighter. My ambition for justice!’
Hanali was shook and did not respond. She never knew this side
of him had ever existed. She found it childish, this personality
of a vigilante. She found it terribly childish but kept her mouth
shut. They kept on flying.
‘Why are you so quiet all of a sudden?’
‘I decided it is not my place to judge your philosophy. I have
never been a mortal nor have I ever felt the pains of being a mortal. Therefore, it is not my place.’
‘I wish to hear your opinion, though. I really care about it.’
‘Maybe one day.’
‘Alright.’
‘Hey, see that strand of white in the distance?’
‘Yes.’
‘Let’s head there. It might be my homeland.’
‘Sure,’ she sighed, ‘Excuse me for appearing hostile, Alduin.
I just really didn’t think it was my place to judge your views. I
always looked at everything from above, I never actually lived in
it....’
‘It’s okay. I just felt the urge to let out my frustration. To
share my pain. I haven’t had a person to talk to about my troubles,
for... Years actually...’
‘It would be my pleasure to listen. Tell me what aches you.
Complain. Scream. Looking over mortals made me understand
that it helps.’
‘Are you sure?’
‘Yes.’
‘Then, can we stop here?’
‘Where?’
‘On the peak of that hill, next to the trees. My uncle always
said that heart-to-heart conversations should always be held
while seated.’
‘Whatever you wish.’
They landed under one of the trees and sat in front of each other,
leaning on its trunk. He inhaled deeply and then exhaled slowly.
‘Are you sure? I don’t know how long this will take,’ he asked,
hesitant
‘Yes.’
‘Alright. I will try to keep it as short as possible.’
‘Okay.’
‘Feel free to intervene or express your opinion whenever
you’d like.’
‘Okay.’
‘Alright. Here goes... It all started when I was born. My fa-
ther was the clan chief and had no time for me or family. The only
attention I have ever gotten from him was in the form of prac-
tice. Target practice, agility practice, combat practice, magic
practice. It was nothing but training. My father has never given
me the attention I sought, no, the attention I needed as a growing
child. He was never there for my birthdays. My graduation cere-
mony at the boot-camp. He was never there... Whenever I asked
him for warmth he dismissed me claiming he was too busy. My
only sources of happiness were my mother and uncle, Ley. She
was also very busy but insisted on cooking my favorite dishes
whenever I was sad. Ley was like the father I wish I had. He
taught me about the world, about cultures, languages, beasts,
phenomena... He took me with him to witness the wonders
of the world. My curiosity and childlike wonder I owe to him.
Solely him.’
She nodded, ignorant as to how a person should respond in that
scenario.
‘I-I don’t know how to react to that without sounding cold...’
‘It’s fine.’
‘Please, continue...’
‘Trying to catch my father’s attention, I played along with
his rough training regime. I did everything he told me to. All so
he could give me the affirmation I sought after. I even tried to
become a ‘Hekket’! All for him...’ He frowned.
She nodded again.
‘The day I was supposed to become a Hekket and win my
father’s love was also the day when everything changed. My
village was ransacked and pillaged by a clan of Vaermiraiits.
Everyone was killed brutally. My entire family along with the
rest of the village. I lost my parents, my sister and my uncle...’
‘I am really sorry to hear that.’
‘It doesn’t stop there, but...’
‘But?’
‘But I want to stop here, sorry. I am getting overwhelmed
by all of these emotions and don’t want you to see me when that
happens.’
‘Okay. I will wait, don’t worry.’
He smiled and got up. She did the same. After a few moments
of staring into her eyes they flew away, in hopes of eventually
reaching his homeland. After a few hours of flying above oceans
and lands they reached a snowy continent. Alduin was excited
and began looking for his village. It was to no avail however as
he could not locate it despite the high amount of snow elvish
villages they had come across. Suddenly, one of the establish-
ments felt oddly familiar to him so he decided to land and look
around.
They landed a few dozen meters from the village so as to
not raise suspicion and started walking towards the main gate.
The sun had almost finished setting. The entrance was guarded
by four well-armed men.
‘Who goes there? Share your identity and state your affairs!’
One of the guards shouted out to them.
‘Approach and do as you were told,’ another guard said.
‘Let me handle this please,’ Hanali whispered to him.
Alduin nodded in agreement. They approached and stopped at
safe distance of about three meters, as further instructed.
‘We are not looking for trouble, only to look around. We are
travellers,’ Hanali answered calmly, speaking first.
‘Names?’ The guard asked.
‘My name is Hanali. My companion is named Alduin,’ she
said.
‘Hmm...’ The guard began analyzing them.
Alduin stood in his place, awkwardly. He was not used to these
kinds of procedures. The guards were whispering to each other.
‘Hey... Look at his eyes, they are rather odd aren’t they? He
has elvish ears but I’ve never seen an Elf with such red eyes. And
they’re glowing...’ A man whispered to his comrade.
‘Shh... He might hear you... Yes, he is odd. Let me handle
this. Signal the others to get ready for an arrest,’ he whispered
back.
Having supernatural senses, Alduin was able to understand their
entire conversation but following Hanali’s request, he ignored
their words. The guard made a gesture with his right hand
and the other two guards rested their hands on their sheaths.
The commanding guard approached the pair. Hanali stared at
Alduin’s eyes, as if she was telling him to stay calm.
‘You [pointing at Alduin]. Step forward. I have a few ques-
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tions for you,’ he said.
Alduin smiled, nodded and obliged.
‘Your name is Alduin?’
‘Yes.’
‘I recognize that tattoo you have on your left eye. Usually
only warriors from Snow Elf tribes wear that style. Who are
you?’
‘Alduin. Alduin Lodus Faëli is my full name.’
‘Hmm. Have never heard of you. And I have one other
question for you.’
‘Mhm.’
‘Explain to me these bizarre looking eyes of yours. There’s a
bad hunger to them.’
‘I-.’
‘It’s a mild genetic discoloration! That’s all,’ Hanali replied
his name.
‘I didn’t ask you, wench. I asked him. Speak, before I order
my men to kill you where you stand.’
The guard raised his hand to form yet another gesture. Out of
the blue, a dozen guards stood above the gate. Readied bows in
their arms. Alduin sighed and breathed in deeply to calm his
mind.
‘It is as Hanali said. Simply a genetic discoloration. May we
pass please?’
‘I do not believe you. However, I haven’t sufficient proof to
execute a fellow Snow Elf. Men, cuff them up and bring them to
the lord. He shall decide whether they speak the truth.’
‘What? No!’ Alduin shouted in anger.
‘Throw down your weapons! Now!’ An approaching guard
yelled.
Alduin growled and placed the palm of his hand on Vaurcarya’s
sheath. The officer noticed this and instructed is men to get
ready to fight. Before he could draw his sword, yet again he felt
the gaze of Hanali, telling him to calm down. He grinded his
teeth and sighed strongly. He put Vaurcarya on the ground and
lowered his head in submission. Hanali, having not been armed
in the first place, just bowed and got down on her knees. She
too lowered her head in submission.
‘I see your wife is much smarter than you. It is a wise move
not to oppose us. Men, take them in for interrogation by the
chief,’ the officer said.
‘Aye!’ They shouted in unison.
Alduin ground his teeth even harder out of rage but eventually
just gave in and let it happen. They were cuffed and taken inside,
being pulled from the metal chains like slaves. Their armaments
were taken by one of the sentries to the local armory who locked
it up immediately. The village was immensely similar to the
one Alduin once called home. Despite the irritating situation
and the mob’s glares, he found peace in the sight of fellow Snow
Elves.
After a few minutes of being dragged they were finally brought
inside to be judged by the headman. The sentries stopped about
three meters from the throne, in the middle of the room. Al-
duin and Hanali were forced to bow and remain bowed until
addressed by the clan leader. Alduin was furious from being
treated this way despite having turned into a god. The lord was
sitting on his throne, surrounded by a group of muscular men
wearing fur armor. Their faces were covered by warpaint, their
helmet crafted from a Dorynie’s head and they were covered from head to toe by its fur. Alduin tried to identify their tattoos
until he finally realized that they were the headman’s band of
Hekkets. Finally, the lord addressed them.
‘I haven’t much time to deal with this stupid matter. You, I
was told you are a Snow Elf. How are you called?’
‘Alduin. Alduin Faëli.’
‘‘Alduin, Lord’, you mean!’ One of the Hekkets shouted.
Alduin responded with a growl of irritation.
‘Faëli? There’s... There’s no way that’s possible,’ the headman
said in utter shock and began walking in circles.
He was clearly bothered by something. His face expression as a
mix between that of shock, fright and deep sadness.
‘My lord, what is the problem? What ails you?’ A Hekket
asked.
‘I... But this can’t be... You, who called himself Alduin. Are
you truly a Snow Elf?’
‘Yes.’
‘‘Yes, Lord’!’ A Hekket shouted.
‘Shhh. I do not require your interference,’ the lord said.
‘Right, sir. Sorry, sir,’ he responded.
‘Evisi. Now... Alduin. Whereabouts do you originate from?’
‘Why should I tell you? Having been treated this way!’
‘I am merely asking questions... I could just as easily send
you to be hanged like a common criminal. Your terrifying eyes
are enough reason to convince my people that it was justified!’
‘Try me!’
‘Alduin! Just answer him. Trust me, please...’ Hanali said
softly.
‘But... But!’
‘Please.’
‘Fine! Fine! Fuck, I’m fucking tired of going along with this
nonsense but I will give it one last go. You, I will answer your
question now, but it will be the last that I answer!’
‘How dare you talk that wa-,’ a Hekket yelled out but was
cut short by the lord raising his hand.
‘Let him speak. Yes, I am listening,’ the headman said.
‘I am Alduin Faëli, from a village named ‘Vel Tissia Ke Aldu’,’
Alduin said with pride.
‘You. What. How. There’s no way... I... Do you know a
person named ‘Elys’?’
‘Yes, she was my mother. How do you know her?’
‘I-.’
The clan leader began sobbing. His Hekkets rushed immediately
to figure out what made him react this way. After a few minutes
of crying he stopped, and addressed the pair.
‘Allow me to introduce myself. I am Virtholdr Vinyi, lord of
this clan and single-parent of Elys Vinyi. Your... Grandfather...’
He said with a few tears in his eyes.
‘Wha-So that is why this village seemed so familiar to me!
I’ve been here before, haven’t I?’
‘Yes, Your father visited my village quite a few times with
you when you were a child.’
Alduin felt a strong rush of excitement and grief go through his
body. He began shivering, having goosebumps spreading across
his limbs.
‘I have so many questions for you.’
‘I...’ Alduin began speaking but couldn’t utter any words.
‘Oh, right. Guards! Remove his cuffs immediately! My
grandson is alive, My grandson is alive!’ Virtholdr began cheer-
ing and laughing from excitement.
‘What about his companion? She also looks like a freak!
Look at those weirdly colored eyes she’s got!’
Virtholdr turned his face and gazed at Alduin.
‘Do you trust her?’ He asked him.
‘More than I trust myself.’
‘Uncuff her! I hereby declare that they are both welcome as
honored guests in our halls! None shall harm them! We shall
have a grand feast tomorrow morning as celebration for the
return of my kin! You two are invited of course.’
‘I told you to trust me,’ Hanali whispered in Alduin’s ear and
made a quick smug smile.
‘Thank you,’ he whispered back to her, smiling from ear to
ear.
The Hekkets helped them up.
‘You, go fetch their weapons. They shall be returned to their
rightful owners,’ the headman ordered.
‘Yes, my lord,’ the Hekket nodded and went off.
After about three minutes Alduin was reunited with his cher-
ished sword and felt ready enough to speak. Virtholdr noticed
Alduin’s unease with the situation.
‘Don’t worry, grandson. I will leave the questions for the
feast. Now, go bathe and rest. I have told my men to give you
the best room in the best inn we have to offer! Go!’
‘Th-Thank you, grandf-lord.’
Virtholdr smiled and dismissed them. The pair were taken to
their room. The headman probably assumed that Hanali was
his spouse as there was only one bed in the room, a massive one.
They both shared a quick moment of mutual embarrassment
but shrugged it off immediately.
‘Did... Did you know where we were and who he was? Was
that why you told me to stay calm and ignore the provocation?’
‘Yes. I wanted you to see it through. To have a moment of
peace finally,’ she blushed.
He rushed and hugged her, firmly yet also softly at the same
time. She was utterly surprised by this yet ultimately decided to
just let it happen.
‘Thank you,’ he whispered in her ear.
‘You’re welcome,’ she said softly while smiling and blushing.
They fell asleep. With the sun coming up, along came the sounds
of wildlife and village-folk opening up to the new morning. Al-
duin and Hanali were woken up by knocks on the door.
‘Lord and lady Faëli. The lord is expecting you at the grand
hall. You are to attain the feast!’
‘Lady Faëli...’ Hanali whispered to herself while looking
down blushing and playing with her necklace.
‘We’ll be ready in a few minutes! Thank you for letting us
know!’ Alduin responded.
‘Right! I will be waiting for you outside as I am to serve as
your escort and guide to the hall. Please notice that we have
placed proper clothing for you on the nightstand.’
‘Oh, I see! Thank you very much!’
‘Thank you,’ Hanali said.
‘Mhm,’ the man responded.
Once they were finally ready they opened the door and were
led to the feast. The table was incredibly large, befitting of a
Snow Elf lord. Despite it being breakfast, the table was filled to
the brim with different delicacies. Fruits, cheeses, vegetables,
different kinds of bread, desserts and whatnot. Alduin hadn’t
witnessed such a big meal ever since the event in his village.
He was struck by awe and excitement. And gluttony of course,
who doesn’t get excited by delicious-looking food? Come on, be
honest!
The pair were seated right next to Virtholdr, a position of re-
spect and status. After the meal had ended he ordered everyone
to exit the room except for his grandson and his companion.
‘Tell me, Alduin. Is what I’ve heard true?’
‘Sadly, yes...’
‘Could you try to tell me about it yourself? My sources were
nothing but rumors.’
‘The village was raided by a clan of Vaermiraiits that were
probably given inside-information about the traditional event.
They barged in during the final fight and slaughtered everyone.’
‘So it is true? My daughter is-... Is dead?’
‘Yes, I am sorry...’
Virtholdr shed a tear but quickly got back to his senses.
‘How did you survive then? How are you the only one to
remain?’
‘One of the vampire generals took a liking to me and kid-
napped me as a slave. I was imprisoned in a cage for many years
until I went through some kind of cult ceremony that turned my
body into this. That is why I look this way now.’
‘I-I see... Wait! Do you serve them now?!’ He quickly placed
his hand on his weapon, frightened.
‘No, do not fret. I will never serve the bastards who mur-
dered my family!’
Virtholdr sighed and leaned back on his chair. He made it seem
like he believed Alduin, but any wise person would know that
trust is a troublesome thing to have without proper proof. Nev-
ertheless, he allowed the pair to remain in the village. They were
to eat all of their meals with him in the grand hall and were al-
lowed to exit and enter the village as they see fit. Weeks passed
by this way and Alduin enjoyed them to the fullest extent. He
missed the days as a simple Snow Elf. The food, the chatter, the
smells, the architecture, the traditions. The culture. His mood
greatly improved and he smiled a lot more. Hanali watched
his happiness unraveling from the sidelines, and that made her
content.
He will forever remember the look on her face when he
introduced her to the popular folk-dance at new-years-eve. The
one where people would dress up as wolves and bears, dancing
on all-fours while imitating the sounds of the animals they wore.
All seemed well and happy. Alduin was getting back to his roots
as a Snow Elf. He signed up for lessons to improve his writing in
elvish and got a quick and sweet reminder of how his life once
was. Until... Until one night when he was at the wrong place, at
the wrong time.
It happened after a few months of wonderful life here. Al-
duin had just finished eating dinner with his grandfather and
was walking back to his room with Hanali. Just a few steps away
from the door he realized he had forgotten to ask him some-
thing. He told Hanali to wait for him for a bit. She smiled and
went inside. He began walking back and asked the Hekkets
for permission to enter the lord’s dormitories, they nodded in
agreement. He stopped just a meters away from his grandfa-
ther’s room. Just as his hand was about to hit the door in order to
knock, he heard a rather loud exchange of yells. He recognized
his grandfather’s voice in the shouting.
He decided to eavesdrop, being the curious boy his uncle
had raised him to be.
‘Lord, we should really consider battling in daytime! The
morale will drop immensely if we were to attack them during
their sleep! The men will never forgive themselves!’ An unfamil-
iar voice shouted.
‘No! That is a bad idea! Who the fuck cares if it’s cowardly?!
Our aim is to win! That is all!’ His grandfather shouted back.
‘A warrior is nothing without their honor, sir,’ the man calmed
himself a bit.
‘Even if you’re right I fear it is our only chance for victory,’
he sighed.
Being confused and concerned about the situation Alduin de-
cided to barge in without permission. He saw Virtholdr lying in
his bed, conversing with a man wearing battle armor. The man’s
helmet was placed on the table next to two glasses of wine and
an empty bottle. They noticed Alduin and let out a smile and a
quick nod.
‘Oh, grandson! How are you doing? Are you lost, Do you
need anything?’
‘Yes, I wanted to ask you something but I forgot what it was!
I couldn’t help but hear a part of your conversation. What are you arguing about?’
‘[Sigh] We are discussing battle tactics. Has your father
taught you anything in that matter?’
‘A bit, yes. I would love to be of assistance.’
‘That’s a good boy!’ Virtholdr smiled and nodded to his man,
signaling him to explain the situation.
‘Alright, so... We’ve been having frequent battles with a
band of very talented bandits. They would raid and pillage our
farmers’ lands and our patience has run out. We wish to send a
unit of soldiers to get rid of them. The question is how.’
‘Hmm... I see,’ Alduin said.
‘I personally think that we should declare formal war against
them and take them all out with grace. Grace of warriors.’
‘And I think that it would come with the risk of losing good
men. Men that I know personally and deeply care for. I think we
should send them at night to the bandits’ camp and have them
assassinate everyone quietly during their slumber. What do you
say?’
‘That’s... That really is difficult to say... I agree with you that
hi-... Wait, what’s your name?’
‘My name is Ladriel, nice to meet you,’ the unfamiliar man
chuckled as he introduced himself.
‘Nice to meet you too! Anyways, I agree with you that Ladriel’s
plan is dangerous and could risk many lives of our own side.
But! I also agree with him that a warrior is nothing with their
honor. I personally think we shouldn’t make our fighters lose
their spirit. They must feel proud of themselves after each and
every operation.’
‘Mhm,’ Ladriel nodded and smiled.
‘Honor is crucial, grandfather. I beg you to listen to my
perspective. I fear the consequences would be dire otherwise...’
‘I... I will think about it. Thank you both, I would like to go
to sleep now. Tomorrow I shall let you know about my decision,
Ladriel. Goodnight.’
‘Goodnight, lord.’
‘Goodnight, grandfather.’
Alduin smiled and exited the room. He got back to his room,
greeted Hanali and told her of the dilemma he had been faced
with. She agreed with his opinion and hugged him in apprecia-
tion of the man he had become. They went to sleep. A few hours
later Alduin was woken up by the sounds of men cheering and
happy cries of women. He decided to go outside and check it
out. In his line of sight entered a group of soldiers being wel-
comed by their spouses. Some of them were smiling broadly
but some had a disappointed look on their faces. Their wives
tried their hardest to cheer them up but it didn’t seem to work.
Alduin approached one of the somber-looking men.
‘Hey! What happened? Why aren’t you cheering like the rest
of your comrades?’ He asked curiously.
‘Haven’t you heard? Last night we were all woken up by the
general. The lord has given the order to take out a group of
highwaymen in a stealth operation. We just came back, having
killed all of them. In their sleep... Like fucking cowards. I
cannot possibly be proud of myself for doing that! How can I
cheer, huh?! How?!’ The man said and slowly raised his voice in
frustration.
‘What? No, that’s not possible! He said he’ll decide today!
Did he lie to me? He couldn’t have!’
‘It is true,’ another somber-looking warrior said to him,
holding his wife’s hand.
‘Who the fuck cares?! We won and those fuckers would not
pillage us any longer! Orders are orders. Deal with it, Here-
bor. Don’t be such a baby,’ another man shouted, grinning and
embracing his wife.
‘I... I have to go talk to him,’ Alduin said angrily.
Alduin rushed to the office of Virtholdr. He had a worried look
on his face. What could happen next? He barged into the room
and addressed his grandfather, forcing a cease to his previous
conversation with two generals.
‘Alduin, you just must stop barging inside unannounced! It
scares me every single time!’ Virtholdr said.
‘Did you really do that?’
‘Did what?’
‘Yesterday, in your room, remember? You told me you would
think about it and decide today.’
‘Yes?’
‘I just met the warriors who came back. They told me you or-
dered them to kill the bandits at night! You said you would only
decide today! Why did you lie to me? Why did you decide to go
against your word and hand out such a disgraceful command?!’
Alduin yelled out in anger.
‘First of all, child, lower your voice. Has your father taught
you no respect?!’
‘I... I’m sorry. I am just disappointed. Why did you do it?’
‘I considered your opinion and actually went to sleep shortly
after. But suddenly I woke up with an epiphany and called back
Ladriel to give the order to attack. I decided you are wrong. You
are too young to decide in matters of war! Too naive! I did as I
saw fit. Such is my duty as clan leader.’
‘But... No, you are wrong! This is wrong! It lacks honor. It
lacks respect. It is disgraceful!’
‘Honestly boy I don’t care much about your opinion of it. It
was my decision to make and I made it. I would like you to leave
now because I am busy. Anything else you need to ask?’
‘I... Why...’
‘Why what?’ Virtholdr asked in confusion.
‘Why did you have to do this? Why did you have to make me
do this?!’ Alduin shouted, a few tears dropped from eyes.
‘Do what? You’re confusing me.’
Alduin was shocked. Terrified. Angry. Furious. Shocked.
Shocked. Shocked. He fell to the ground and began screaming,
covering his ears like a child having imagined a monster.
‘Alduin! What in Munesa is happening to you?!’ Virtholdr
shouted scarily.
After a few minutes Alduin got his wit back and stood up. He
gazed at his grandfather with a red glare befitting of a predator.
This look scared Virtholdr so much he put his hand on his sword’s
scabbard.
‘HOW. DARE. YOU. DO. THIS?!!!’ He yelled out while draw-
ing Vaurcarya from its sheath.
‘What? What the fuck are you doing? Put that back!’ His
grandfather was stunned in place in utter shock.
Virtholdr’s men quickly unsheathed their swords, ready to pro-
tect their master with their lives.
‘You... You monster! You lunatic! You leave me no choice!’
‘No-N-N-No choice to do what exactly? What the fuck is
happening here?!’
‘Heed my words. I am Alduin Lodus Faëli. And I judge you
[begins sobbing] to death,’ he was crying.
‘Are you serious, boy? Have you gone mad?! I am your grand-
father! Men, cease him, quickly! He has lost his sanity!’
‘You’ve left me no choice!’ Alduin shouted with his entire
face soaked with his tears.
Alduin raised his hand with Vaurcarya, aiming for a straight
and quick slash to decapitate his last family member. The gen-
erals rushed to neutralize him but they weren’t quick enough.
Virtholdr’s head rolled on the ground, gallons of blood splashing
onto the floor. Alduin remained on his feet. With a dark and
terrifying glare, staring down right into his grandfather’s eyes.
‘What have you done?! You lunatic!’ One of the generals
yelled and put the tip of his blade straight to Alduin’s throat.
‘Farewell, grandfather,’ Alduin said.
‘Are you seriously ignoring me right now?! Maybe he was
right! You really did go mad!’ The general shouted.
The other general copied his comrade and pointed the tip of his
sword towards Alduin.
‘This matter doesn’t even require a court hearing. It is trea-
son. It is murder! Of the clan chief no less! Any final words
before I execute you, you pathetic excuse of an Elf?’ The general
said angrily.
Alduin remained silent, still staring into his grandfather’s eyes
with a glare that had a strange despair to it. Tears kept dropping
from his eyes yet his face remained serious.
‘Alright then,’ the general said, sighed and slashed open
Alduin’s carotids.
The generals returned their blades to their scabbards and rushed
to tend to their chief’s corpse. Suddenly, they could hear the
sound of Alduin sobbing. They thought they were imagining
it. He killed him, didn’t he? After a few minutes of ignoring it,
one of them turned his head to see what was happening. He
saw Alduin standing still in a pool of his own blood. His glare
remained in its place.
‘How are you not dead?! [Shock sound] Your eyes! You are
a vampire, aren’t you?! You told us it was just a genetic defect!
Girlor, get ready for battle! And call the guards!’ The general
shouted and drew his sword.
Mere seconds later Alduin finished daydreaming and looked at
the generals who were rushing towards him with the intention
to kill.
‘Wha-What have I done? Grandfather! Why have you made
me do this to you? Why?! Grandfather!!! Grandfather!!!’ He
shouted while falling to his knees from desperation.
‘Quick, Celefaris, he’s given us a chance! Guards, come
quick!’ Girlor yelled out.
Immediately, Alduin’s senses cleared and he realized he had to
escape. He jumped into the window, breaking the glass and be-
gan flying towards his room. He wished not to fight soldiers and
civilians who had no fault in the matter. Sirens started going off,
probably telling of the assassination of the chief. Alduin kicked down the door and told Hanali that they must leave. Having no
idea what had unfolded, she decided to trust him without ask-
ing any questions. They quickly flew out of the village, getting
back to their journey towards Alduin’s homeland. The Hekkets
launched arrows at them but didn’t manage to hit. After approx-
imately half an hour, Alduin stopped in-place mid-flight and
stared at Hanali. His eyes shining from tears.
‘I... I just killed my grandfather. I executed him. Why?
Why must I be the one to judge mortals? I cannot withstand the
burden of emotions. Of the mortal heart. It is too hard! He was
my blood! The last remaining family member that I am aware
of... Why must my life be like this?!’ He shouted, crying.
‘I am sorry...’ Hanali said quietly with a somber face.
‘I... I don’t know if I can do this. What if my children ever do
something evil? Am I to judge them too? How am I supposed to
do something like that? I am not as cold-hearted as your siblings.
My heart aches so much from this already! I am not ready. I
could never be ready!’ He shouted.
They kept on flying, looking for Euphata.
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Author's note - I hope to get reviews and feedback. Thank you :)