The treetops cities of Faydark were the true crown jewel of the Elves. When long ago after the end of War of Heaven, the Queendom had recognized the forests of Faydark as Elven territory. Their great ancestors having first found the forests and listened to the song’s of the sprites and pixies they learned magic in its own form, though they remained hidden unlike the other half of the first generation of mages, the Dragonborn who had long since gone extinct or fled on the ships in the great scattering. Now almost a thousand years later, they were all but legends and myths, some speculated they mingled with the Kushan clan.
Those of the Light Elves holding majority sway with decisions while the Wood Elves held secondary power within the ruling council. Those of the Dark Elves rarely had put forth representatives for their own in many years, while the exiles were still unofficially recognized. Though the council was anything but ignorant to going’s on and happenings down in the lower wilds of Faydark.
Both Dark Elves and the Ranger Elves were working together, moving supplies, working on abodes and gathering resources. Also setting up aura crystals set in silver rods, these acting as waypoints and to ward off the most common creatures of the Shadowlands and create some form of safe passage. This alone would further increase the attention and ire of the Elven High Council.
As Iris and Faye were discussing matters with another of the Dark Elves a Ranger came bursting towards Faye.
“My Lady! They slipped past before we even knew. I apologize!” The scout said panting
Both elven women confused but immediately saw what he spoke of. Both a delegation from the Light and Wood elves had arrived.
“Lord Orioc. This most unexpected.” Faye said taking note of the leader of wood elves “Lord Atlan, so wonderful you could make it.” She added a hint of bitterness to her tone now
“I made it clear the day I sent you into exile my daughter, that you were to put these ludicrous notions and ideas of grandeur to rest. But once more you have disobeyed this decree.” The leader of the light elves said stepping forward boring his gaze at her
“Lord Atlan, should we not at least discuss these matters somewhere less open?” Orioc said trying to smooth over the situation somewhat
“No! This is has gone on for long enough. I was personally accepting of sending exiles into the lower wilds, I was accepting of when the red ronin chose to remain wandering as she was. But now my daughter has further disturbed the peace and brought strangers into our hallowed forest!” Atlan said even louder now his aura growing more intense and bright
“Perhaps it’s best we talk somewhere else.” Cole said now approaching the group
“Cole! Go!” Iris hissed not wanting to get involved this mess
But Cole refused to leave, his own aura flaring up and burning on its own.
“You would deny the company of the true champion of the Phoenix?” Tigress said taking her place by Cole’s side now only adding further to the ire of the Elven leaders and confusion to Cole
“What is this, this beast speaks of?! Speak! Before I lose my patience.” Atlan demanded now
Faye covering her face with her hand and sighing to herself. This being not at all how she had hope to have this discussion. But it was too late now, taking a step forward now.
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“He is as she says. The Champion of the Phoenix, you are well aware of the legends of a number of great and powerful priestess’ who walked these lands over the ages baring primordial flames. He has been gifted such flames as well.” Faye said meeting her father’s eyes
Atlan remained shocked in silence at this revelation. Staring at Cole and examining with absolute disbelief.
“This boy is the champion chosen by the gods?!” Atlan asked still truly stunned
“He has already unleashed its power and left a perpetual scar deep in the swamps.” Iris said her cold stare turning to the leader of the Light Elves
Atlan now showing a hint of fear as he turned back to Faye and Iris now.
“Boy, with me. Now.” Atlan said as he motioned for Orioc to accompany him as well
Entering the shrines beneath the tree’s roots it would be awhile before their conversation would allow for any further interactions. All four groups of elves merely standing opposed to one another. Tigress herself watching with a smile but choosing to keep to herself for Cole’s sake.
Cole now sat beside Iris and Faye as Orioc and Atlan both sat opposite to the three of them.
“Speak boy. Where is it you heard of the legends of the phoenix?” Atlan asked Cole now
“From my village, Kalikori. To the north.” Cole said slowly trying to tread carefully with what he said
Orioc was more keen eyed on Cole himself.
“Which family do hail from? The farmers, the rangers, the lumberjacks, or the blacksmiths?” Orioc asked curious now to where he heard such tales specifically
“I’m an orphan, I was raised in the church with others like me. But a good friend filled my head with tales and legends, she was aspiring to be a Kalikori Ranger herself. Now all that is left of her is her bow she left me.” Cole said feeling more of these memories of his life here taking root in his mind again
The image of a young silver haired Kushan standing over a hill took form. Her hands clasped behind her back. Something catching her attention as she turned to look back with curious silver eyes, but then simply smiled as the vision seemed to come to an end…
“She believed in many things others would consider foolish. But I will carry on those hopes, dreams and wishes. As well as what has been tasked of me.” Cole said more sternly and willing to stand on what he believed
Both Orioc and Atlan studied him, able to feel the power of these memories he felt. As well the power that oozed from the sword he kept at his side.
“You are all sure this to be true? Falconia will already be fighting amongst themselves if they have not heard of your exploits yet. You cannot hope to stay here forever.” Orioc said
“Then I’ll make my way to Falconia’s capital.” Cole said boldly now shocking all present
“Are you mad or wish to get yourself killed boy?!” Atlan roared at him now
“I don’t have anywhere to go, and I won’t involve those your people, or the Kushan’s, or even my own village. If I’m to walk into the fires of unknown, then I go alone.” Cole said sternly keeping his sword across his lap now as he sat cross legged
“You are extremely foolish boy! The court will never believe you, let alone the acting king.” Orioc stated as well
“Acting king?” Cole asked confused now
“So the current queen is at it again. I knew it.” Iris remarked only confusing him more
“The ruling Queen has once more made way for the east with her entourage nearly a year prior.” Orioc added
“The acting king, I’ve heard from travelers he’s been instating harsher tithes from the guild watchtowers, thus putting more pressure on its surrounding village to give even more of what they produce.” Iris stated recalling what she had heard in her own travels
“I don’t expect any to understand my reasons. But all roads lead there, I can feel it. Or I continue to allow this serpent’s shadow to strangle this land.” Cole said no longer listening as he stood dismissing himself “That I can’t allow.” He added
“Where do you think you’re going?! This is not some children’s game boy!” Atlan said furiously as he stood too
This made Cole stop as he turned back now.
“You’re right, it’s not. I’m scared out of my mind, I still have no clue what I’m to do. I’m scared as hell. But I can’t just walk away, I’m not like that.” He said sternly before heading for the exit “We can allow ourselves to continue squabble over petty excuses forever, but we can find some common ground too.” He added as he stopped briefly but continued out
All four sat there in silence now as Atlan’s gaze pieced both Faye and Iris as Orioc remained stoic himself.
“The path forward for him has been laid. All we can do is walk by his side. We will not ask for aide. And we will leave this place at once.” Faye said defiantly at last rising up as did Iris without a word
“You will stand alone against the might of Falconia’s entire army. You will all die foolishly.” Atlan warned them sternly almost like he was begging her to stay as she stopped now
“Perhaps, but all things are reclaimed by the land at some point, and if my journey ends in the great beyond, then so be it. I have been given gifts from two of the Goddesses, it would be selfish to waste them so needlessly.” Faye said looking back one more time and gave a bow “Farewell father, I hope to return to these woods someday.” She added and left without another word and Iris at her side
As all four departed for the borders, Faye surrendered her badge to her lieutenant who would lead the Ranger’s in her stead. Much to everyone’s shock and awe as both the delegations of Light and Wood Elves the most in disbelief, though the Dark Elves nodded knowingly to Iris. Tigress herself could start to see the shifting in Cole, his aura more present and bright, his posture up right and forward.
‘Perhaps I’ll make a champion out of him yet.’ Tigress smirked thinking to herself as they returned to the long road out of Faydark
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