Of course the stupid red head would volunteer himself. He seemed to enjoy sticking his nose in other people’s business and affairs. A person claiming to be a prince of some far off country, if she remembered right. The she elf snorted. With the time it took him to fire an arrow she couldn’t wait to see him in actual combat, to see if his actions could make up for his big mouth. Aaerynn grimaced as he climbed up her tree, although she was glad he chose a branch on the opposite side of the trunk. She shifted even further away, not wanting to be anywhere even remotely close to the warrior. 

Once settled, the elvish woman returned to her thoughts on the wolf god’s words. Darkness settling in the woods, and newcomers. Aaerynn’s eyebrows furrowed in thought as her ears twitched, ready to hear any form of intrusion from outside the campsite. If the North Elves were bothered by something growing in this wood, then they had to be careful. She’d have to tell Rudolf once she got her thoughts in order. 

As the moon grew higher in the sky, eventually everyone else began to settle down, besides her and the red head. Yet as her cold gaze looked over the camp, she was interested to see that the man with the large sword was still up, scribbling away. An eyebrow quirked in slight curiosity. What did he say he was again? Aaerynn hadn’t paid attention at all to the introductions. Perhaps he was a writer. The she elf snorted, a writer/mercenary, interesting. She watched him momentarily before shifting her focus to the wood itself. She could hear the groaning of the trees as they swayed and the sound of animals scurrying across branches and the forest floor. Nothing was threatening, at least not yet. Her blue eyes searched the darkness. On occasion she could feel the presence of a wolf. It would pop up, and then disappear again. A scout making sure they hadn’t gotten into anything they weren’t supposed to.

Her legs shifted until her knee propped up so she could rest her chin on it. It was boring taking watch, but it was better this way. She had to make sure the perimeter was safe, herself. She doubted everyone else’s abilities to do so. So she would wait for something exciting. A noise finally caught her attention, but it came from inside the camp and Aaerynn’s eyes glanced over to the scribbling man to see that he had stood up. She watched as he began to walk forward and suddenly shifted direction towards the twins. Cold blue eyes narrowed as he got closer to them. Had she given the man too much credit? Did he desire to actually kill the brats in their sleep?

Her hand slipped into her quiver, gripping the end of an arrow and her eyes watched his back, cautiously waiting as her other hand began to grip her bow. But in a few seconds it was over, the scribbler moved on and headed out to the woods. Aaerynn relaxed slightly, her hand moving away from her quiver. It was strange, what exactly had he been looking for? She stared down at the sleeping twins and then back to the woods where the man had disappeared. She frowned with curiosity. Perhaps she had been overly cautious. For all she knew he was probably taking a piss or emptying his bowels, something that she did not want to hear or know. 

Aaerynn turned her head in disgust, looking out over the woods. She didn’t turn around again until she heard the scribbler return, her ice blue eyes glanced back, watching as he returned to his book and continued writing. 

What a strange man.

The rest of the night continued with no interruptions. The only sound filling the camp was the crackle of the fire, the scribbling of a pen and the slight creak of trees in the wood. It didn’t take long for the moon to set and the sun to begin to rise over the horizon, filling the woods with a warm light. The she elf jumped down from her branch before stretching her back and arms. Baineth nudged her and the she elf buried her face in the mare’s mane. “’Quel amrun.” She whispered good morning in elvish.

The sudden shriek from Rudolf made her jolt, and Aaerynn returned to sneering in annoyance.

------

Rudolf’s shrieking shocked Setna awake. He immediately jumped to his feet, breathing heavily, and eyes wide. He looked around with a panicked expression trying to find the danger as drool dried on his chin. He wiped it away as he realized the screaming was for nothing. He slumped a bit, wiping his lips and stretching out his stiff body. He wished he had been smart enough to grab a pack, or something to use for a bed, before leaving home. Setna groaned a bit, as he cracked his stiff neck. 

The rest of the camp seemed to be waking up and the teenager turned his attention to his still sleeping sister. He crouched down, giving the girl a vicious shake as he muttered. “C’mon Serie, get up…Serie get up…Serie, Serie, Serna…”

The girl’s eyebrows furrowed, her lips forming a slight frown before her eyes finally blinked open. Setna gave a grin. “Rise and shine.”

Serna slowly sat up, obviously still exhausted as she rubbed her eyes. Her eyes slowly focused and she grimaced as the sunlight hit her face. She held a hand to her head, rubbing her temple slightly. She looked at her brother, who was still grinning at her. “Good morning.” She mumbled as she stood up and stretched, looking around at the others. 

Setna’s grin faded into a soft smile, although his eyes had seen the way Serna had rubbed her head. 

“Mornin.” He replied, his eyes cautiously watching his sister’s face. 

Serna only smiled, her hand dropping from her forehead as she looked over to Rudolf. The dwarf had been left disappointed, with Tirian making his escape Rudolf returned to his cart, pouting. It didn’t take him long to come back, his arm full of bread and fruit. Serna motioned to her brother. “I’ll go help.”

“Right.” Setna watched his sister walk over to Rudolf, his hands tightened into fists, concern welling in his eyes. But he shook it off, focusing on what he needed to get done. He shook out his and Serna’s cloaks, before pulling his on. He then strapped his shield to his back, shifting it a bit with his shoulders. The sword came last, sheathed at his hip. Finally he sat down, ready to go. 

The others however, were taking their time, and it wasn’t long before Setna’s attention became fixed on the Aavikkanian man, who was displaying his perfect skills in a warm up. Serna approached him with a slice of bread and some fruit as a small breakfast but the boy waved it off for the moment.

The young boy had never seen anything quite like it. The blades almost seemed to sing in the air as the elven man continued to move, never stopping as he switched stances. All of his body seemed to be in constant motion. But what the teenager couldn't quite understand was that he rarely took an offensive stance, from what Setna could tell Elrithos was only dodging and defending against invisible enemies. He took his time to strike and it made Setna tilt his head. Why bother? Wasn't it better to hone your attacking skills? To be faster than your enemy?

Setna couldn't help it; he jumped to his feet, coming a bit closer to the Desert elf. Just by watching the elf, it made his blood pump, and his face held his absolute fascination and interest. "Do you always warm up like that? With defense, I mean." The question was blurted out, but the boy held innocent eagerness. His fingers were twitching, and he couldn't hold still.

-The elven man had only noticed the young Syndarean man as he was there to ask his question… Elrithos turned on his foot, slowing down his movements and eventually coming down to a halt. The question, although particular, was on he has asked so often as a young elf in training. He smiled lightly, as he then slowly started spinning his blade around.

“I value taking it a hit and avoiding them being a much greater asset in battle than how strong of a hit I can give or how many times. My people have survival set as their main goal, and so, planned these techniques to let us live longer and battle longer.”

He then proceeded to stopping his blade once more, coming closer to the young man. “There are many others reasons why I fight like this. But the most important reason is easy. The longer enemies stay on me, the more time and energy I give to my comrades to fight back or get out.” He tapped his shoulder and then backed up a little bit, going more slowly in his movements.

Setna continued to watch him, his eyes wide and focused on the man's movements. He still didn't quite get it though. He had been built on being able to strike efficiently and quickly. The purpose of a soldier was to down as many enemies as possible. To protect his comrades by making sure the enemy wasn't able to rise. That's what Setna's training had taught him. "Isn't it better to down enemies though?" He asked quizzically. "If there aren't any enemies left, your comrades won't have to fight. Or there will at least be fewer enemies to fight your comrades."

He tried figuring it out on his own, tilting his head. "I guess it would tire your enemies out by doing that...But doesn't it also open you up to attack? If you're not fighting back, what if you slip up and they get through?"

-Elrithos was glad that the young man was asking questions like this, as fighting was an art you needed to learn every day. Setna had bought up a very considerable point, one he was used to hearing. It was quite true that a downed opponent was the best way to protect themselves and others, but how easy was this? Surely, frontline soldiers weren`t the most challenging of warriors and for good reason. The elf continued in his swings, happily continuing the conversation.

‘’You are right to say a downed opponent is the best way to protect someone. But how easy is it to down someone quickly when he knows you are there? And if you attack too quickly, you have a greater chance to make a mistake… While if I continue to defend and read my opponent, I can strike once and kill, proceeding to the next opponent with the same state of mind… You must remember one thing: Once you die, you are of use to no one. I would say eliminating unskilled warriors is quick and easy, but when you go up against experienced warriors, they will read you like a book and MAKE you do a mistake.’’

"Right..." Setna turned quiet as he contemplated what Elrithos said. Once you die, you are of use to no one. It repeated in his head as he sat down and thought it over. You have to read your opponent. Working on defense gives you the time to act on your opponent's moves. He pursed his lips in thought before he looked up at the warrior with a last question. 

"Can I ask you something?" At this point he looked down, his hands mindlessly picking at the grass. He didn't wait for Elrithos to answer as he asked, "What is it like? You know...actually fighting and killing someone. I mean, I'm just assuming you have...since you were a part of the war...and everything."

The teenager turned quiet, his lips settling into a frown. That question had been burning in his mind since he had started his training, since his dad had given him a wooden sword to practice with. What did it feel like? What was it like to have your blade slit through another person's flesh? It had frustrated and worried him. Now that he was here, now that he had a person to protect at all costs...what exactly would he have to do in order to save his and his sister's life? The question was probably unfair of him to ask a stranger, but Elrithos had seemed to be the most welcoming member of the group, with the most experience. The Ellahur man hated him, the red headed Tirian was welcoming but was rather strange too, and the rest...well. Setna frowned as he looked back up at the Aavikanian.

-The young man`s reaction was one he had seen before, where one would now think of what a fight represent, what it means to shed blood. It was a necessary for every warrior to understand this. Setna at least seemed to be considerate about the whole thing. Elrithos did a couple of spins on himself, still remaining defensive in his positioning… Then came a question in which he would simply nod to… But then, he asked something that was… Hard to really answer correctly. He had stopped, his eyes looking down upon the human, with a hesitant, almost lost expression. Would he really give him his answer?

He looked down upon his weapon and set it to lean on a tree and he came right in front of the young man and sat down… Elrithos took a deep breath. ‘’ Killing… Is never something I have enjoyed, never have been excited about. To say the least, I almost hate it… Taking someone`s life isn’t something to be proud of. But… What is important is to keep yourself and those around for who you care about alive. I avoid fights as I can, but life isn`t that way. Now, I have to say that I do not mind killing, but it needs to have purpose behind it. I couldn`t live with myself if I killed because I wanted to… Killing isn’t enjoyable, but it is a necessity for survival.’’

Setna took in the elf's heavy words with a frown, and his dark eyes began brewing with concern and worry. "My people...they say that men who enjoy killing others had their souls taken by demons and they themselves are lost forever. I think it's bullshit but...I worry." The boy looked away, feeling embarrassed as he rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. 

His voice became a whisper, as he looked back to the other members of the party before looking back at Elrithos and confessing. "I worry that I will like it. That I will enjoy it and will lose myself like the demon men. But, then on the other hand... I worry that I won't be able to do it when it matters most. That I will falter, and everything I fight for will be lost." 

The young man looked down and shook his head. "I'm sorry, it's stupid of me to unload this onto a stranger. You just...remind me of someone I used to ask advice from. I'm being childish." He rubbed his head again, nervously and obviously embarrassed. To blurt out concerns and fears like that to another warrior, Setna felt his ears turn red in shame.

-“My people also have a saying… That those who enjoy the death of others are no longer who they are. They become monsters, and a monster shouldn`t be able to walk among us.’’ It had happened, where one of his comrades had fallen in love with the battlefield and became insane with desire to kill, even to the point of turning on his own people to satisfy his thirst. No man should be brought up with this desire to take a life for their own enjoyment and self-gratification.

The elf keep a neutral look on his face, but you could see it in his eyes, he was saddened by the words he spoke. Not disappointed, as really, he did the right thing. He simply hoped that he wouldn’t become a monster... He followed his eyes one moment, looking at the people around. He had something that could help him, and he came and put a firm hand on his shoulder.

“You did the right thing, my friend. A true warrior voices his concerns before they become a problem… I do believe you will never become a monster as long as she is by your side. Keep her alive.” He didn’t need to say it this person was, it was quite obvious. And with that, he stood back up to his feet, giving him a hand if he wished to get up too.

“I can teach you to make the difference between enjoying and necessity. I would be happy to help you train too, if you so desire.”

Setna took the hand that was offered to him, allowing the elf to help him to his feet. The embarrassment he had felt slowly faded as Elrithos answered his question. The young boy’s face lit up at the mention of training, and his eyes filled with the fire of his eagerness. “Of course! I will take anything you are willing to teach.”

The young man grinned, and that was when he heard the start of the carts and Rudolf’s whooping. “We better go!” He told the elf before hurrying back. 

He reconnected with his sister who was holding the reins of Deetri in one hand, and his breakfast in the other. Serna held the food out to him. “Eat Set, you need it.”
Setna smiled and took it. “Thanks.”

He mounted Deetri as the caravan began to set out, munching quietly on bread. Serna walked beside the horse and looked at the Desert elf then back to her brother. “What did you talk about?”

Setna choked a bit on his bread, and wiped his lips before giving his twin a smile. “Nothing. Just fighting styles and tips. I want to learn as much as I can.”

Serna watched his face before nodding slightly and looking ahead.

-------

The caravan had been moving along at a steady pace for a few hours. Everyone was in their own worlds; the only sound amongst the group was the stomping of hooves and the rolling of the carts’ wheels on dirt. 

Serna had drifted a bit from her brother, walking along the edge of the path, humming quietly to herself. Occasionally she would pause to pick a wildflower, and she had a generous bouquet going as the hours passed. 

As the sun reached its highest point in the sky however, three men were seen sitting on the edge of the road. As the caravan grew closer, the men stood, forming a blockade and Rudolf was forced to stop as they came closer. 

The man in the middle had shaggy blonde hair and dark eyes. His lips pulled back to reveal a toothy smile. “We’ve been waiting for you old man. You know, it’s not too smart leaving these things everywhere.”

He tossed up old parchment paper with Rudolf’s advertisements written on them, letting them fall to the ground. 

The dwarf tightened his grip on the reigns of his lead oxen. “How can I help you boys? Do you wish to join us?” His voice was jolly, yet held an edge that revealed his caution.

“Join you?” The blonde man burst out laughing, and his cronies on either side of him cracked smiles. “’Fraid not, you fat dwarf. We’re here to enforce our toll.”

“Toll?” Rudolf was flabbergasted. “Since when has there been a toll on this road.”

The blonde man shrugged his grin malicious. “Since now.”

That’s when they appeared like ghosts. Men of all sizes began to come out of the shadows of the forest, encircling the group. The blonde man stepped forward, grinning still. “Don’t worry, we’ll give you some options.”

Rudolf frowned, his knuckles turning white with rage.

The man continued. “Either you pay us the toll, 20,000 galleons…” His finger pointed to a cart. “Or you let us have a little peep at what’s in those carts. Orrrrrrrr, if you don’t like those options…..”

His dark eyes landed on Faith. “You give us them girls. We’ve been pretty lonely all to ourselves out here.” He stepped even closer, his gaze locked on Faith as he crouched down. “C’mon little girly, why don’t you give us a show, huh? We’ll treat you nice.”

“That’s enough!” Rudolf shouted, and the blonde stood up, the cheeky smile never leaving his lips. “What’s the matter old man? Don’t like our generous options? We wouldn’t mind letting our blades speak for us.”

At this point, Aaerynn on Baineth moved closer to Rudolf. “There are six archers in the trees. Three on the right, three on the left.” She said it loud enough for everyone to ready themselves as well. She had already prepared her bow, a hand on an arrow as her cold eyes gazed down on the men with disgust.

Rudolf frowned, trying to think of his options as his shoulders shook with rage. 

That was when a scream bellowed out, and the dwarf turned to see a huge giant of a man grip Serna by the arm. He lifted her practically off her feet as the bandit looked towards the leader. “I like this one boss. Forget the midget elf!”

“Let her go.”

Setna’s voice had changed as he dismounted. His eyes were burning with hatred, his hand unlatching his shield. The bandit grinned as he stared down at the boy. His grip tightened on Serna forcing her to cry out in pain. “What are you gonna do little boy? The fight hasn’t started yet. I’m just having a little fun.”

“Enough.” Setna growled, his eyes lit up with viciousness but his hand never went to his sword, instead he readied his shield.

The bandit laughed and shook the girl gripped in his hand. “What are you gonna do with a shield, boy?”

Setna didn’t answer as he rushed forward, and in one motion he slammed the sharpened point of his steel shield into the man’s feet. The bandit howled and dropped Serna, who quickly scrambled to her feet and ran back to Deetri. Setna didn’t lose any time as he quickly brought the shield up and slammed it into the underside of the man’s jaw. He was fast, not allowing the bandit to think before applying his next move.

The boy breathed heavily, his eyes wide. The bandit was forced to step back on his injured foot, just as planned. Setna took this as his opportunity to push forward. Unsettle his weight. Bring him down with his own momentum. All Setna had to do was one more push into his core and he would fall back.

What Setna wasn’t anticipating however, was the man catching his shield instead. 

His eyes widened as his face was suddenly met with the large man’s giant fist. The power of the blow sent Setna tumbling back across the ground. His feet dug into the dirt though, and the boy pushed himself up quickly. Blood was pouring down his clearly broken nose, but the Syndarean merely wiped it away as the two men stared each other down.

“That’s enough.” This time the voice of the bandit’s blonde leader intervened. He looked towards Rudolf with a sinister smile. “Well dwarf? What say you? Or would you rather continue letting a little boy defend you?”

Rudolf had been seizing with rage, and finally he stood. “I say that I will take you all down! You have threatened me, and my companions! You let a filthy man hurt a young girl! I will show you the rage of the dwarves!” He suddenly picked up a giant axe that must have been lying by his feet.

 “I will not ask my companions to fight!” He shouted back towards the others. “I merely ask that you protect the carts! This will be over fast!”

He paused though, as a hand landed on the old man’s shoulder. Rudolf looked up to see Tirian, and slowly the dwarf lowered his axe.