Lilly and the stranger left her home within the hour. She had been appalled to see that the ice had already completely covered over half her garden, she could keenly feel all of her plants crying out in pain, yet she could not afford to attempt any more spells without knowing the origin of the ice. Her companion kept quiet throughout her packing, he did not offer any words other than to remind her they had need for haste when he saw her tarry at the hedgeline. 

Several frantic hours later, and only a few miles away from their starting point. The strange elf held up a hand and motioned for Lilly to stop. She did immediately and reached to restring her bow, there was a sense of menace hanging in the air. The elf noticed this and scowled at her. Lilly returned the scowl but dropped her hand to her side. Not one for taking orders or being told what to do she was about to give the elf a tongue lashing that would strip off some of his haughtiness when a eagle-like shriek cried out through the darkness. 

Reacting upon instinct, Lilly raised her staff in front of her, not having time the time to restring it into her longbow. She held it defensively and ran her hand across several carvings etched into the surface. Whatever was out there, just beyond her field of vision, held it's place. As if waiting for them to go towards it. The elf turned to her and shook his head at her reflexive need to react with violence. He started walking, muttering to himself in what Lilly could only imagine was elven. The words meant nothing to her yet they conjured images in her head with their lyrical quality. She hurried after him but made sure the staff was gripped firmly in case it was needed.

Moonlight peeked through the canopy and the trees themselves seemed to thin out, an almost perfect circle, and a clearing became apparent. Lilly gasped as she saw the creature that gave out the shriek. A Griffin, one of the majestic mounts of the elves stood bathed in the moonlight. The great beast gave itself a shake, the huge wings and chest feathers plumping up as it gave off a show, it was almost as if it enjoyed being admired.

"Usually the Griffins will not let anyone ride them unless they have bonded since birth, Swiftrunner here however has told me he will be more than happy to carry both of us to where our people wait."

Lilly walked past the elf, he had still not given his name. She approached the majestic animal with respect and awe, a small measure of caution thrown in as well because it was just good sense.

"You have my thanks beautiful one, I have never met one of your kind before and would not wish to offend you by giving the wrong title to you so I went with beautiful as it does you justice, if you grant permission I will call you by the name given by our travelling companion."

She gave a small curtesy, it seemed appropriate. As she turned to speak to the elf, she wanted to know just how she was going to stay on the great beast. A voice popped into her head, it sounded strangely birdlike coming from such a big beast.

[i] Princess, you do not remember me of much of your people, it is a shame. I would be grealty honoured to carry you back to your parents.Long has my kind been in service to the elves, You, of course may call me by my elven name of Swiftrunner, if there is nothing else I suggest we take flight immediately, on my way here I spotted a great force amassing not far from out destination, even from my height I could tell that they were more monster than man.[/i]

The strange elf must have also heard the griffin's speech because whilst Swiftrunner was communicating with Lilly the elf had already pulled a saddle out of the concealing bushes and had almost finished fastening it in place when the Griffin gave a sharp cry. Lilly followed the gaze, although her eyes were not as keen, she had no trouble seeing the huge glow of a fire, its blaze that fierce it was lighting up the very night sky. She shuddered as the notion of them flying directly towards that very inferno hit her. She had never intended to get involved in any races squabbles, unfotunately it seemed like fate had other ideas.

She was helped into the saddle, given quick instructions on how to hold the pommel and brace herself correctly, when she asked about reins both the elf and Griffen laughed, an odd sound coming from both of their throats. The elf, satisfied she was ready, climbed behind her and wrapped his arms around her to grasp at the pommel, she was not used to males being so forward but kept her opinion to herself, as the mighty creature began to pace around the clearing she was glad for the extra support, when the huge wings unfurled and began beat, slowly dragging them all from the earth, Lilly was clinging onto the elf for dear life. She silently prayed to her goddess and asked for a safe journey, although when she realised what she was asking for, a nervous chuckle escaped her lips. Was anywhere safe?