As they arrived in the harbors of the green havens. The shipwrights were all in confusion as were the travelers as they saw a small sailboat come in and onboard was a young man and a Kushan woman. The young man hopped out onto the deck and offered his hand to the woman as she gracefully got out and walked off together the boy tossing a bag of coins to the leader of the shipwrights.
As they made their way further away from the settlement Cole was now leading them into the woods.
“Cole. Not that I don’t trust your partner. But why the hell are we walking in the middle of nowhere?” Tigress asked as he chuckled
“She’s not a big people person.” Cole said simply
“So I can tell.” Tigress remarked sarcastically
As they moved further and further in it became darker and more spaced out. Then just off in the distance as they came up a hill a small fire could be made out with the silhouette of a horse by the fire.
As they two of them got closer Tigress got a good look at Cole’s partner.
“Took your sweet time.” Iris said with a new book in hand as he chuckled a little knowing time was very little concern for her
“Iris. This is Tigress of Menagerie. Former leader of the Kushan Clan.” He added introducing the newest person he had arrived with
“I’ve heard stories from travelers and my spies. Your reputation proceeds you Iris of Faydark.“ Tigress said bowing some as she smiled at her mischievously
“Let’s eat. Then we rest.” Iris said closing her book saying nothing on the fact Tigress knew of her
Over the next week they all traveled through the vast land of Eden. Cole stopping into the towns to buy them some supplies. Together the three of them fought through mutant beasts hiding in the swamps or Forrest’s near the merchant guild watchtowers and villages. When they made camp Iris helped him refine his swordplay while Tigress kept him on his toes occasionally attacking him while they were resting or traveling to make sure he understood that anyone could attack him and it was best to be aware of his surroundings.
After another long day of travel and training, Cole was now leaning on a tree with a piece of parchment and a quill writing…
Dear Saeko,
I hope you’re alright wherever you are out there. Maybe I’m just crazy trying to write this. But I hope maybe that you can hear my thoughts. Know I’m alright out here. I wish I said more to you when there was time, we may have known each other all our lives but even that’s not long enough to know someone. I made a few new friends. They’re training me to be a better fighter. I can almost see what you meant when you talked about going out exploring. You learn a lot when you’re out on your own for the first time. How quickly money can run out, how to survive in a fight. And meeting a few people along the way to teach you how to properly handle the weapon you’ve chosen as your discipline helps too. Take care of yourself wherever you are, and maybe someday we’ll meet again…
~Cole
“Who are you writing too? A girlfriend you left back home?” Tigress asked teasing him but he wasn’t phased nor blushing
“Nooo… just a friend. It helps me. Sometimes I write imaginary letters to her. Guess I’d be pretty concerned if she returned one.” Cole said being honest but somewhat of a joking tone in his voice
He sealed the letter and held it for awhile before he finally tossed it into the fire. It was clear to Tigress now that his friend he’d spoken of was dead.
“I’m gonna get some rest. I’ll take whatever watch.” He added laying down underneath the tarp roof that was tied to the trees
Tigress just sat by the fire now observing Iris as she was silent as ever still reading her book.
“What’s it about? Your book?” Tigress asked Iris showing no sign of listening “I’ve noticed every night you’ve been reading. You do get a new book. But your eyes aren’t moving with the words on the pages.” She added as this got Iris’ attention closing the book “Youre trying not to think about something then.” She said as well
“And what makes you so special?” Iris asked her tone calm but clearly irritated now getting a laugh out of Tigress
“Me? Nothing. Nothing at all. I was just a gutter rat who clawed her way to the top.” Tigress said not giving some melodramatic tragic life story “Why do you care about him?” She asked
Iris turning more serious getting a smirk out of Tigress now.
“Ouch, touched a nerve I see. And here I thought we could be bond over our burdensome past’s, have some heartfelt disagreement that boils over and we become closer as a result of it all.” She sarcastically explained Iris not remotely amused
“What’s your game? Why sacrifice your position of a leader to travel with a boy like him? He’s nobody important.” Iris finally asked but Tigress merely chuckled at this
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“My reasons are my own. I’m sure you’d never share why someone with your reputation is traveling with him. Red Ronin.” Tigress said not giving Iris what she wanted to know
“Just know that I will end you if I sense even the slightest waver of your aura.” Iris said dead serious
“And I’ll hold you to the same.” Tigress countered as this stopped Iris who merely went back to her book now
By morning they had another horse thanks to Cole, Tigress was riding with him now.
“We make for Faydark Forrest. Try to keep up. We’ll have to leave the horses with the guards who keep the entrance to the lands. It’s too dangerous. And whatever you do. Don’t lose sight of me. You’ll get lost in the Shadowlands and never be found again. If you do, pray you find the Dragonbone Shrine before some large deceptive plants finds you first.” Iris warned Cole and Tigress as she turned her horse around to the direction they needed to head in
“Is she always this grouchy?” Tigress joked Iris not amused at all taking off as did Cole
“Can’t really say..” He joked a little
“And you consider her a partner?” Tigress asked truly confused by this information
“She gave me shelter, fed me, gave me counsel in our journey. Even guided me my sword. I’d dare to call her friend.” Cole explained Tigress truly puzzled more so by this now
“You truly are very strange even for a human. Never have I met a man quite like you.” She said truly perplexed as he chuckled
“What can I say? I’m one of a kind.” He joked as she rolled her eyes clinging to him a little tighter now
“Try to stay focused Cole. And keep on me. I warned you. I will leave you behind.” Iris added as they took off again with Cole right behind him
Another week or two passed as they made their way towards the south lands of Eden once more. Finally they arrived at a guarded outpost manned by Falconian guardsmen. But they recognized Iris.
“Welcome back lady Iris.” They said as she hopped down and handed over her horse as she whispered to him in Elvish as he snorted softly and jerked his head a little
Cole and Tigress hopped off as well and lead their horse to the second guard who accepted.
“Come. We still have a long road ahead.” Iris said strapped her sword to her hip as did Cole did the same along with putting quiver and bow on his back while Tigress clipped her shield onto her wrist
It took nearly a whole day of walking through the dense forests until they reached a massive clearing as they halted on Iris’ command.
“Whatever you do. Do not draw your weapons.” Iris said softly mostly speaking to Tigress but to Cole as well
“You should listen to her.” Another voice said echoing loudly as it was amplified with some kind of spell no doubt and the elven archers came out of hiding all wearing similar green cloaks
At last their leader stepped forward marked by her carrying a long pale dark green staff with a large green sphere gem set in it and a sword on her hip.
“Lady Iris, so glad you could find your way back. You didn’t say anything about company.” The elven woman said seriously
“I found him awhile ago, and he found her. Cole, Tigress. This is Faye, leader of the Ranger Elves. They’re more independent and don’t exactly answer to the high elven council up in the treetop cities.” Iris explained to them
“Outcasts.” Tigress clarified Faye showing a slight irritation at this
“We’d be honored to be hosted by you. This is Tigress of Menagerie, I am Cole of Kalikori.” Cole said introducing himself and Tigress trying to keep the peace
“Keep your pet on a leash.” Faye said shortly and everyone in the immediate area felt the air shift quite literally like the breath in their lungs was being snatched out as Tigress didn’t bat an eye but smiled even
“Oh? I think that’s a wonderful idea. I’d love for Cole to take me for a walk now and then.” Tigress said as smoothly and calm as possible Cole refusing to acknowledge what she said Iris just deadpan as ever and Faye truly regretting ever letting those words leave her mouth
“This way. Now!” Faye said motioning them forward refusing to speak anymore than commands
“You’ve really landed one little brother.” Iris said softly to Cole
“Iris. Please don’t.” Cole said trying to keep it together while Tigress silently celebrated victory
The hideout of these elves were the roots of the great trees of Faydark.
“We are often kin of the of Wood Elves. Elves that speak out against the council and are banished to the lower lands while dark elves are those that dabble in dark magic or we’re innately born with a gift for it. So we make our homes in the roots, the High Elves live up the treetops, the Wood Elves tend to the branches and dark elves live down in the shadowlands near the Dragonbone shrine.” Faye explained
“So that makes you a high elf then? And Iris, a dark elf. If I am correct?” Tigress asked truly pushing her luck “That staff is no ordinary metal, the glimmer on it was crafted by high elf smiths. I’ve seen a dagger come through the arena.” She said pointing out Faye’s staff “That gem is also a rare thing, a sign of friendship between dwarves and elves. I’ve been offered many like it.” She pointed out as well
Faye now was seemingly impressed with her knowledge. But she could play just as well.
“Your tattoos. They’re not just cosmetic. They’re a symbol of your champion kills in your arena. The number of times you won a tournament. You’re truly their greatest champion in a long time. They must be truly in a fit to have you absent.” Faye explained Tigress for once genuinely impressed herself
“It’s an honor to meet a Priestess of the wind.” Tigress said formally
“It’s an honor to meet the leader of the ancient Kushan clan.” Faye said formally as well as they both bowed
“Am I seeing this?” Cole asked Iris truly in a state of shock as she merely smiled and shook her head
“Don’t even think about it little brother.” Iris merely replied
“We shall rest tonight. Tomorrow morning we begin training you Cole. There is much we can teach you.” Faye said directly to him “For now we rest. Show our guests hospitality. They’ve come this far. Iris. We, need to talk.” She added to the rest before speaking
Cole understood well enough as he and Tigress left on his insistence. Iris was lead by Faye and two armed guards to her chambers.
“It’s been a long time. Iris.” Faye said simply as she slipped off her cloak and setting aside her staff and sword
Iris merely took this as a gesture she wouldn’t harm her. Iris followed suit and unlatched her armor letting it fall to the floor with a heavy thud along with her belt as he sword hit the ground not saying a thing as she now leaned against an outer corner of the wall not able to meet Faye’s eyes.
“You should really have more respect for a weapon.” Faye said softly
“It’s my burden. And I’ll bear it how I like.” Iris said stiffly
“Still carrying that around too huh?” Faye asked knowingly Iris merely ignoring her “If you still think it a burden then why bother with him?” She asked really digging into her now as the dark haired elf merely looked into the fireplace now
“Do you regret leaving the treetops? Have you ever really thought about it? Chewed it down to the bone?” Iris finally spoke asking her as Faye stopped “I took him in because he reminds me of another. He has a similar aura.” She added Faye the most confused
“What do you mean by that?” She asked truly confused as such a thing was not possible
“I couldn’t explain it. It’s more of an experience. I just, couldn’t let him walk away or he wouldn’t make it.” She explained
“So is it redemption you’re seeking?” Faye asked sitting down as she offered a glass of homemade wine the kind that was far more potent where as high elven wine was far more for celebration
Iris took the glass and took a long slow drink. She could feel the alcohol reaching down into her soul drudging up what she’d worked so hard to forget.
“There is no redemption. Not for me. But perhaps I can do right by someone else and make sure they don’t walk the same bloodstained path I have.” Iris explained being honest with herself
“You shouldn’t burden yourself with the sins of the past. It is not your responsibility to carry the weight of the sins of those fallen.” Faye explained to being honest
“I’ve lived far too short to see this much and be this tired already.” Iris still stood on her beliefs
“Lay it to rest. Don’t forgive and forget. But let it be at peace. And if it comes back around. You are the one who’s learned to find something worth living for.” Faye explained further urging her to put aside those memories
Much to Iris’ surprise Faye closed her eyes and put her forehead to Iris’ as they both were enveloped in a gentle light like the very room was brightened and she could feel Faye’s aura.
“Let me rest with you and ease your mind.” Faye said
“You are welcome to try.” Iris said softly as they both chuckled softly
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