Telk Anna'Ao-nissi (Ritefoot)

[ritefoot]

(This was the picture I based Telk's father on. They look alike but thats about it.)

Telk son of Telk was born on the island of Evermeet. As the son of a green elf warrior he held bow and blade in his hands before he tasted milk. The father was a hard teacher but the son learned fast. No greater joy did the son know than that of the hunt and chase.
That was until one morning of his 35th year his heart was stolen when he saw a young moon elf maiden entering a school.
He spent the next few weeks finding out who she was, never missing the chance to watch her from the trees. His excitement was almost extinguished when he learned she was the daughter of his father's oldest enemy. She studied music at the the school.
He mentioned the school to his mother and was given the freedom to study the lute. What harm might come of that?
His world had changed forever. He loved the lute like a bow and greater still it let him be noticed by Lindora for at their young age nothing more might be done.... and after all what has an elf if not time.
One day whispers passed across the island that Naralia and her sister Lindora has run away in the night and had made it off the island.
Telk was distraught. Even he had not relised to what degree Lindora had become a landmark in his life. How he had always run to class. How he had studied so she might hear him. Now even his hunting was off. His aim no longer true.
He once again listened for news of her but her family were not talking, least of all to him.
One restless night three months after she had left he packed up his few things and left to find her.
Rite.

[ritefoot]

He placed a coin in the dish and nodded.
The priest anointed his forehead and gave a blessing.
Telk goes to his knees and prays. Tears come soon and the priest and his acolyte surrender him the room.
‘Give him time to think Jack. If he is still there in the morning bring him food and drink. Make it something strong, I don’t think he will mind if it is good.’
‘Master he came for aid. Pathetic though his request may be. I do not understand master, that spell was...’
‘Not understanding is the problem Jack. Not all lessons might be taught. The problem that sits too long before the eye becomes invisible. He must see it and so in this I helped him.’
‘But master ... Owl’s Wisdom? Could he be so dim? He is one of the ancients!’
‘Jack that I do not know. I will leave him to his thoughts. May they bring him good fortune or at least the fortune he deserves. Now Jack have you been practicing that throw I showed you in dice? Luck might be our mistress but sometimes it does not hurt to risk that others do not see a trick as much as the gamble itself.’
‘I have master but I can’t make the fifth bone rest in my sleeve.’
The master smiles. ‘It has to do with .....’
Their chatter faded as they went around the corner. The room they had left opened and a hooded figure left in the other direction.

Two days had passed before Telk could look at the world.
The visions in the temple had been very disquieting. A swirling nightmare of faces wronged and futures he was guilty of.
Midsummer was near and he would hunt as always. It would give him the time he needed to think and calm.
Three days ago he left Isinhold and a letter. Having passed in a wide circle he was now nearing Isinhold through Bramblewood.
The hunt had helped. The bow was not the lute but it too belonged in his hands. Lute and bow if nothing else. He should commit to his fate. He was his father’s son was he not? Well they did look alike.
The hunt. 'To face all on ones feet.' 'Win honor and renown through the tests of skill.' 'Have others seek you out while you keep yourself apart.' 'Never take your eye from the mark.'
Maybe he would need to return to the temple. What was his mark these days?
The words of his father sung true and yet his soul screamed that they were not for him.
One thing his father and he would have to both admit to though is that the path to respect could only be taken on ones feet, never crawled.
The trees exploded behind him as a raging Dire Bear entered the clearing. He thought to himself as he landed on his butt, 'this is what I came here for.'

Bert sat on the top of the rock pillar in the Bramblewood waiting and thinking about beats. He knew he heaped the dirt right. He knew the rain was not wrong. Yet the whole crop was rotten in the field and here he was again in Bramblewood. Feeding his kids by banditing. Maud told him to go out a ways, that too many of those adventurers hung out near Isinhold. Ah what did she know and besides. You could eat meat for a year on what one of those queer folk in Isinhold carried. Where mugging a hard working farmer for shoes with holes in them was just wrong.
‘Look lively Bert, Hoopers lot lit the fire. One is coming, and an Elf by the look.’
Bert looked over the edge. It took a while but then he saw him. Even though he stood in the middle of a grass clearing he was hard to make out. ‘Yup Ernie, elf and with a nice bow too. What are Hooper’s bunch sending this time?’
Ernie chuckled and pulled a bottle of ale from his pack. ‘Well Bert my friend I think I’ll let you find that out for yourself. Going to be a good show from up here though and no fooling.’
That was when the Dire bear burst through the trees. Fifteen feet of hair and bone spurs on its back legs. Its clawed paws were as large as a grown mans chest. The beast came down into a mawfilled bellow so strong the pebbles next to Berts hand danced. The grass by the fallen elf swayed as if in wind.
‘Gods they did it this time!’ Bert thought.
‘Aye, that elf got himself on the wrong side of a direbear, not good cos it got five bad sides.’
The elf darted from the clearing and the bear gave another roar before following.
The two neared at a thundering rate ‘How did they get a monster like this Ernie?’
The elf’s hood had fallen back and his head darted left and right as he set arrow to string.
‘Old Snuffy told me they found one sleeping in a cave the other day and had a fire set ready. Bert we just sit back and after that thing finishes we just go down and pick up what he picked from its teeth.’
The elf had a good twenty yards on the bear when he let two arrows loose.
‘Well this should be short. The bear is back that way mate!’ It was true the elf shot to the fore and a little to the right. Clear off a cliff. The arrows thudded high and low into a branchless tree on a land spur many Isinhold lovers use. The bear was making ground. The elf let another arrow go and lost more distance.
‘I think we will be able to see it all form here Bert.’
That arrow and the three that followed, all hit the same tree as the elf ran. Though his cape stood straight behind him the bear rolled after him like a living landslide. That elf was as good as dead.
‘Well this one is right daft! Isinhold is left ya berk, that is make-out point elffy, or a dead end for you.’ Ernie chuckled and swigged his ale.
The bear was no more than ten strides from the elf when the elf neared that tree he had so wronged.
In an unnatural motion so fluid and wrong the elf flew up and around the side of the tree in a spiral on an arrow stair with the bear on his heals. Half as high as the tree the direbear sunk its claws into each side of the wood and shuffled up its side like caterpillar the size of a wagon.
It all came to and end, the thrashing limb sunk into a whirlpool if nashing claws, the raging bear lunged open mouthed at the top of the tree, finding only an arrow in its soft pallet.
The bear dropped like a bag of wool. The elf slid down and quickly sunk a knife into the beasts neck.
After picking up some arrows he walked off in the direction of Isinhold whistling.
‘That bastard, didn't even mess up his hair.’
‘I thought bears had five bad ends?’
‘Not when climbing trees. Never mind that what we goina tell Hoopers men?’
The sound of whistling faded into the distance.
Rite.

[ritefoot]

Isinhold is dead. The guards were never good company.
Telk decided to practice and made his way to the height by the windmill.
He pulls an arrow and spots the practice dummy behind the shop.

'A butterfly flies through the forest rain.'

An arrow sails through the town striking the target in the head.

'And turns the wind into a hurricane.'

the second strikes a hand width lower.

'And I know its going to happen
I know that it must happen.
I know that it will happen
Because I have seen the certainty of chance.'

Four arrows followed the others, last hitting near the ground.
He strings three arrows.

'Hanali draws back and lets three arrows fly.'

Two arrows go wide.

'Where they land one elf must die.'

The last takes the target in the chest.

'And I know its going to happen
I know that it must happen.
I know that it will happen
Because I accept the certainty of chance.'

Four arrows punctuate his song, climbing up the pole,
takes their places between their older brothers.

'You must go and I must set you free.'

The arrow left poorly buzzing and spinning badly yet it found home.

'For only that will bring you back to me.'

His hand found his arrows spent.

'And I know its going to happen
I know that it must happen.
I know that it will happen
Because I believe in the certainty of chance.'

He sang low as she went to gather what was let to him.

Rite,

[ritefoot]

A first kiss goodbye.

OOC I hope others also find these to be Wordsworth reading. In the time I have played a bard it sometimes shocks me how some works match strange things in a game.

IC

His playing stopped with the snap of a twig behind. He turned with a smile to the spot Rode often hid. It was another. He face could not hold a smile now and he turned back to those he had been playing for. Eyes looked for the song he had lost. He gave them another.

'This is for Rode. You might not know her. She had a liking for my songs, though I do not think she would like to admit it.

*sung in Elven.*

I traveled among unknown men
In lands beyond the sea;
Nor, my people, did I know 'til then
What love I bore to thee!

'Tis past, that melancholy dream -
Nor will I quit these shores
A second time, for I still seem
To love thee more and more.

Among thy mountains did I feel
The joy of my desire,
And she I cherished turned her wheel
Beside an Cormyrish fire.

By mornings showed, by nights concealed
The bowers where Rode played;
And thine, too, is the last green field
That Rode's eye surveyed.

She dwelt among the untrodden ways
Beside the springs of Tun;
A maid whom there were none to praise
And very few to love.

A violet by a mossy stone,
Half hidden from the eye;
Fair as a star, when only one
Is shining in the sky.

She lived alone, and few could know
When Rode ceased to be;
But she is in her grave, and oh!
The difference to me!

A slumber did my spirit seal;
I had no mortal fears.
She seemed a thing that could not feel
The touch of earthly years.

No motion has she now, no force;
She neither hears nor sees -
Rolled round in earth's diurnal course
With rocks, and stones, and trees.'

*ending he put the lute away and took off to the inn to rest. No happy song might be sung now.

Rite.

[ritefoot]

Spurning with Desire.

A small leather strap looped the tiller to Telk’s leg, leaving his hands free to play as they floated down stream to the coast.
Naralia and her promised sat before the mast.
Lindora lay reclined on the packs watching the morning trees pass.
Telk’s hands felt stiff in the chill air.
They had been one blanket short last night.
Though custom would have a lady guest take so small a comfort, Lindora had refused again.
So the dawn had come with two elves sharing a blanket.
Two blankets had sat folded, while two elves shivered quietly.
The sun brought a little joy and Telk needed something to do, so he sang.
The elven words lapped lightly, he gave them no more hope on this boat than the ripples on the river.
He sang anyways, voice little over a whisper.

‘Of all the stars that tell who shone
Not one does twinkle like your silver eyes
Like chestnut at harvest time your hair
Sailing in my boat the wind
Gently blows and fills my sail
Your sweet-scented breath is everywhere’

She breast lifted slowly, eyes averted, dreamily into the forest.

‘Daylight peeping through the branches
Of the passing night time is your smile
And the sun in the sky is like your laugh
Come back with me Lindora
Linger for just a little while
Since you left your home I've known no peace
Nor joy’

His eyes followed the line of her jaw up to the tip of her ears.

‘No matter where I wander I'm still haunted
by your name
The portrait of your beauty stays the same
Years wandering by the ocean wondering where you've
gone, if you'll return again
Then I saw you and I thought I’d end my pain.’

She gave him no notice. He followed her gaze to the bank.

‘On a day in spring when snow starts to melt
And streams to flow
With the birds I'll sing this song
In a while we'll wander
Down by bluebell stream where wild flowers grow
And with lovely Lindora, I return.’

Naralia moved under Isendir’s arm and gave Telk a cold look.

‘No matter where I wander I'm still haunted
by your name
The portrait of your beauty stays….’

‘Look!’ Naralia said pointing to the fore. All seemed to stir from their thoughts at once.

A raven flew to the boat landing near Naralia who took a note from the bird’s leg.

‘The flagship Lady Medriel will be waiting for us at the mouth of the river. She will take us to Evermeet from there.’ Naralia’s voice seemed pained. Isendir reached for the other blankets and quickly tied them to the fore rigging making as best shade as could be hoped on a river. Naralia shrunk into his arms. They shared a look that made Telk feel all the more alone. He brought the boat into the shade near the bank.







The ship slips up the channel to the capital. Both the family estates of the Amana, and his own clan lands were located beyond the town so little was seen of the island other than the trees as they passed.
He had forgotten how much he missed the trees of home. The bite of loss had returned again. He drifted through memories until the bump at the pier woke him to the present and the welcome that was waiting for them on the dock.
Both Lindora and Naralia flew from the boat to the waiting arms of their parents and family.
As little girls they recounted events to the magus and his lady as their kin boarded and collected their things. Telk looked over at Isendir, they had been forgotten as the luggage. Isendir did look a little lost. Naralia soon recovered her composure and straightened her clothing and returned to the edge of the boat.
'Mother, father, this is Isendir my melda.' at this Lindora stepped back and seemed to dim. Her father went pale. Naralia turned to Isendir as her parents neared.
'Isendir please meet my mother, lady Mebriel and my father, arch-magus Unelad.'
Isendir took to the dock and was greeted by Naralia's whole family. Sisters and a young brother were presented to him and small greetings were passed. Telk could not take his eyes from Lindora who distracted, her eyes wandering the water front. Her mother came to her side and they exchanged a few words. Lindora's smiles as a girl telling her mother about something Telk could not hear.
'And who is this one Naralia? He looks familiar!' Lindora's father said and all eyes were on Telk for the first time.
'He is a Anna’Ao-nissi. We spoke for him and return him to his clan.'
The lapping of waves on the dock seemed deafening next to the silence of this once busy port.
'Then he should go to his people as soon as possible' the magus said and a path was cleared for him.
None replied to his nods or passing civilities though Isendir seemed less hostile. Lindora did not even notice him leave, though her mother’s eyes followed him.
'Well with that unpleasantness over there will be a feast for my returned daughters and their .... friend.' The happy rumble started after the mages words.




The heavy notes of his lute fell through the canopy of trees from the balcony of his room.
Their elven words longed into the chill night air.
‘Say, love, if ever you did find
A female with a constant mind?
None but one.
And what should that rare mirror be?
Some goddess or some queen is she;
She, she, she, and only she,
She only queen of love and beauty.’

He could not get her face from his mind.

‘But could your fiery poisoned dart
At no time touch her spotless heart,
Nor come near?
She is not subject to Love's bow;
Her eye commands, her heart says no,
No, no, no, and only no;
One no another still does follow.’

She did not even see him.

‘How might I that fair wonder know,
That mocks desire with endless no.
See the moon
That ever in one change does grow,
Yet still the same, and she is so;
So, so, so, and only so,
From Arvandor her virtues she does borrow.’

There must be a way.

‘To her then yield your shafts and bow,
That can command affection so:
Love is free;
So are her thoughts that vanquish me.
There is no queen of love but she,
She, she, she, and only she
She only queen of love and beauty’

Light clapping made him turn and he greeted his mother with a smile.
She stayed him as he started to set aside his lute.
'I always loved to hear you play, though this one seemed a little too satirical. I must say it stung a little that none of your songs were for she that carried you.' her eyes studied him. 'You are thin and you are not resting enough. Dark rings are not for a face as found on my son.'
'The mainland is a strange place mother but worry not for me. My shot is true.'
'It is a mothers lot to worry for her children. Will you stay now? Are you home?'
His eyes dropped and he could not find words for her.
'How is father?' She moves and rested on a nearby seat.
'I called for him when we heard you were back but he had left. The grooms said he took a horse and parted by the south gates armed with his spear.'
'He will never forgive me for leaving. Does he speak of me?'
The shake in her head was only slight. 'Your father is his own master. He shall come to his own path. What of this maiden who kept you from us?'
He did not know what to say. Unrest made him stand and move from his mother.
'I have not returned home yet mother. I have much that I have yet to do before I can settle again'
He did not even know if what he had said was a lie.
He was not ready to return home, this was true but he did not know what more there was for him to do.
'I think I will go for a walk. I have not seen home in a long time.'
His mother rose and returned to the house.

The lights and sounds of the party danced through the bushes at the edge of the lawns.
He would have to take care as house Amana was known for her magic and fey. Things that glow need to be watched. All he needed now was to be caught by a pixie.
Keeping low he neared the moon elf house. It was a big party. Judging by the line of carriages he guessed there to be at least two hundred guests. They were seated at the moment and so both guests and dogs would be looking for food while the servants would be busy providing.
The hall was as he expected for the family. The moon elf buildings were little like those of the green elves. Where his family’s hall was lines with white wood as a forest. The crafters did not carve when not needed. They were often seen walking the forests selecting a single living branch for their work. Some were even grown for their positions.
Though with house Amana it was sure magic had a hand. This building seemed to be made of crystals the jutted skyward it defiance. A delicate play of light and the tinkle of chimes.
Slinking along the hedge he caught sight of the head table.
He saw Naralia and Isendir first. Naralia seemed a maiden transformed.
Dressed in burgundy red, her hair adorned in rubies. She beamed as she showed of Isendir, their hands clasped over the table for all to see.
Telk was glad for her, she seemed happy.
Isendir looked a little out of place. He wore brocade in gold over a cream jacket. The symbol of his church hung on his chest.
Once again Telk felt happy for Naralia for Isendir could not wear that horrendous hat at dinner.
They seemed at peace, as well they should!
They had more that he might ever know. Riches he could never steel. He felt his position all too clearly now. Skulking in hunting leathers through bushes, watching a party he would never be invited to. Truth was he would be hunted were he seen. Well he would have to be sure that did not happen.
He moved along the hedge to get a different look at the high table. Hoping to see Lindora again. Just a glance and he could go and leave them to their festivities. He did not wish her to see him. This was their party and he would not trouble them.
The next that came into view was the Lady Mebriel and her Husband Unelad. He seemed less malign and harsh than the stories depicted. His clothing that of any noble, no robes, no staff.
Then again here he was the lord of his banquet hall, welcoming his daughters and a suitor. Among friends and trusted allies.
Telk's father would not mourn the death of this mage. Their enmity spanned centuries and knew more conflicts than might be recalled.
Magus Unelad was rich, he kept his treasures about him and none closer than his wife, the lady Mebriel.
Sapphires adorned her hair, she sat a blue twin to her daughter Naralia. Her beauty was clear and simple. Her presence on the other hand was disquieting. She did not speak much but it was hard to forget she was there. She was not from the island. Not much was known about her. His father had ordered that none insult or offend her.
Telk slipped farther along the hedge hoping to find Lindora. Just a glance and he would go.
His breath left him.
She was there. Her clothing a mix of colours that complemented her ….. in every way. Her eyes seemed dazed though she smiles for her sister.
Her hair was up, much the same way it had been the first time he saw her.
Her eyes swept the room. They had changes. He wished he knew why.
The branch cracked in his hand, he let go.
Who could leave her like this?
This other, this Amithrul.
He must be dead.
Not a word?
War or no, Telk would have found her had he need to cross the hells to get there.
To only have hells…. his barrier was the desert around her heart.
It was the wall she built.
It was her will that he could not fight. He would not hurt.
Always to watch the oasis and never to drink!
He looked around. The forest was quite.
His breathing caught in his throat. The guests rose and move from their tables. It was time to go.
He caught one last look at her. A last look tinged with boredom was covered by a passing crowd.
Quickly Telk turned and left.
‘So it is you that comes to my house uninvited, armed with a bow. The ways of house Anne’Ao-nissi seem not to have changed in all these years.’
Telk’s heart stopped, Lady Mebiel sat on a bench near by. She was not there a second ago? Her dress folded, her hands on her lap. She looked regal. He was terrified.
‘So tell me …. Telk was it? Well Telk tell me why I should not call the guards and have you thrown from my home in disgrace.’ Telk thought a few witnesses might not be so bad, he did not fear Amana guards. She was far more deadly. Then he thought what it would mean. Lindora would see him.
‘Please do not, Please I did not mean to bother anyone. I did not mean harm.’
‘You like my daughter, I saw how you look at her.’
Telk looked down. What could he say in his defense?
‘Everyone sees. My husband … well my husband sees an Anna’Ao-nissi. You are not helping her’
‘I would never bring your daughter grief.’ He fidgeted. ‘I would not see the sadness others gave her but….’
‘But that is not your place to decide.’ He nodded.
‘She will give her heart to whoever she wishes.’ He nodded at her words, ‘Anyone that tries to take it will face more than guards young Telk. Do we have an understanding?’ He nodded.
Naralia and Isendir lead the part onto the moon lit lawn.
Lindora walked alone. A treasure he could not steel?
Then again.
‘I will let myself out.’ He started to go. ‘You know I would never …..’ she was gone.
Glancing back at the procession the lady was again walking with her husband.
Their eyes met.
Telk slipped into the night without a sound.

Rite.

[ritefoot]

In his fathers foot steps.

Sitting on a branch, Telk left the music to the birds. The pixie had grown used to him at this point and only stabbed him every now and again.
He examined his work and thought for a moment about all that had brought him to this point.
Split toed sandals!
'They help when you climb trees son, but where they come into their own is in battle.' Telk's father's words returned to him like arrows from home.
Putting on the sandal he wiggled the big toe. The space open and close stiffly, like a parchment cut. He'd have to work the leather, in time it would move like the web of his thumb.
'That was how I slew the drow high priestess at the battle of the horse fields.'
Telk remembered looking up at his father with justifiable pride.
Back then he did not feel the weight of carrying the name of the greatest living green elf warrior.
He missed those days!
Pulling the spear from the tree and looked at its distinctive head.
'It was a wedding gift from your grandfather, hunt master Elroc Kal’oron, when I took his daughter in marriage....'
The son slipped his fingers along its blade, it drew blood.
Telk used to live for the stories his father told by the fire. Pointing to scars only remembered at those times.
'As the drow charged our lines my brothers and I let arrows fly. Three fell to my bow before we ran at them, empty handed....'
His father has run at the drow and preformed the first salmon leap, vaulting over the enemy scimitars, leaving the enemy locked in battle with his cohort. As if this had not been enough he had landed by this spear that had been left hidden in the grass. He had shocked the priestess by flinging the spear from earth with his foot.
'That took the grin from her face, when I pulled my spear from her throat she sagged. The battle raged on until they noticed their leader dead.'
That was the battle that had changed all their lives. The moon elves, in the form of Lindora's father the mage Unelad, had promised magical backing for the fight and it had never come. They had said Telk's father had not waited for the signal. Both blamed the other for the blood spilt that day.
His thoughts slipped back to the ship, as Telk left home for what would be the second and last time of his life.
He had been planning the trip to Isinhold with Isendir when a cry went out from the watch.
He had thought it strange that there would be an attack so close to Evermeet, when the spear struck the mast by his head.
He know his fathers spear at once and followed its shaft to the cliffs near two hundred paces to starboard. Still mounted his father shouted down to the ship.
'Pelehtënya aira vanwa ar le nauva ata'Telkion'
(Return my spear bloody, lost one and you will be again Telk's son.)
The wind was taken from Telk. His father had given him what he had not even hoped for.
Ripping the blade clear of the wood he jumped to the rail.
'Tambë rá var úvoro enta vandanya sina'
(As a Lion or never again, this is my pledge)
His joy burst forth in a war cry.
He might yet be restored. Jumping down from the rail, he sang the ballad of the horse fields. It was a well known. The sailors looked at him as he danced and sang. Naralia approached him as he neared the verse most did not sing outside of his family.
Their lucky day!
'And hid in disgrace while green elves bled....'
'One more word Telk and you will be finding your own way to Isinhold.' warned the magus. Isendir took his place next to Naralia. Lindora dreamed on and Telk held his tongue.
Dreamed on!
Telk landed on the forest floor. With a flick, the spear retracted and he set it in the sheath by his hip. He was not far from the place where Lindora and a few other had sat. There she had said things that left him without hope. A stranger might know kindness from her but not he. He could not even hear her voice. He was nothing to her. Nothing at all!
Of all people it had been his father that offered him a chance. He would seek out the lady Isolith and if she was willed he would once again become the protector of his people, as he had always meant to be.
He drew his bow. Maybe Lindora might like him then?
'Gods these sandals feel strange.'
He set off at a trot.

Rite.

[ritefoot]

Minor cords.

The cold stone burn his bottom as he sat looking out at the mountains. Nobody he knew would come here. The echo was nice in the cold air but it was not good for the voice.

'Once there was a time when my mind lay on higher things
and once there was a time I could find pretty words to sing
but now... now I find it saves time to say what you need
I know it seems so unrefined but it is time to let off some steam

Everybody know that no means yes
Just like restore stops the itchiness
but the more I live through than more I see.
I'm becoming more and more unlike me.

Once there was a time when a kind word could be enough
and once there was a time when I could blindfold myself with..... love.
but not now, I am resigned to the kind of life, I reserved for other guys, less smart than I
.. you know the kind who will always end up with the girls.'

He flung his lute and it thunked down the rocks. Rubbing his hands on the stone, he could not feel clean. Rubbing more. It was no good.
What was he to do?
Was that it? Was he to become like so many others?
A bad bard. The type that played in minor cords and accepted patronage of bawdy houses.
He should go to the lady Isoilith and resign her service. He was a cad and a bounder and she was a high lady. Telk did not know what a bounder was but he was sure he was a prime example of one.
He looked down. Gods he had destroyed another lute.
Well good ridden to it. It had lead him to nothing but poor fortune.
He rubbed his hands on his pants now. That hurt less!
Eveningstar sat below him and he could see the fire of the human that watched over that magic tree. The fire where Poena first fed him. He covered his eyes as the image of her in her picnic dress, just before he had kissed her. He could never face her again.
What a pig he was.
She had been so nice and what had he done? How did he repay so many kindnesses?
It was Lindora again. She had brought him to this. If she had been kinder. If she could see him as more. If ....
It was their talk that had left him so lonely, so lost.
Then there was Aelyssia. So little and far too young. So needy.
She had to be presented to the people. And the picnic was not far off now. How might a young lady be received if she could not even dance!
What was she next to Lindora? Gods!
Was it wrong to teach her to dance?
To be so near.
What bounderly rot he did spew.
It was he that was at fault but no minor cords would be for Telk!
Gods no! He shivered and not all of it was due to the cold.
He would make a disguise and never be seen again.
He would make a beard. He would become a dwarf.
He did not think restore potions helped with beards.
'Ale, punching things, lifting heavy big objects, gold'
He tries to sing as low as he could.
He could do it!
After he got over his closter phobia and dislike of getting his hands dirty he would fit in.
He wondered if Dwarves take warm wine before their reverie?
At least the good people under ground need not fear his cadish ways. He could not tell male dwarves from female.
Dwarves fought with their hands. Maybe he could bring honor back to his father by fighting for the dwarves.
So that was it. He would get a beard and say goodbye to Son'ya.
Telk started climbing down the rocks to his lute.
Down and down and down.

It was going to be itchy.
No matter what one he tried they all had hair.
Who had a hairy face?
The fence moved away and Telk saw why.
‘Um Hello Kel.’
Kelandros responded as ever in Elven.
He and Entori had spoken to Telk the evening before.
‘I spoke to Aelyssia yesterday. It seems she is still recovering.’
Telk went white.
‘But she was fine last I saw her.’
‘She fainted outside the inn here is Isinhold’
‘What?’
‘Seems Miyuki told her that a corset would make her prettier, she said she wanted to look nice for you Telk.’
The room seemed to spin so he sat on the floor.
The next ten minutes seemed a blur. His nose rubbed into one shame after another.
He would hurt Poena. He would hurt Aelyssia.
Poena would be fine but Aelyssia.
Gods. He would not go now.
His honor would not let him.
He had work to do.

Rite.

[ritefoot]

Pulling strings.

He might have found the leaves falling upwards more pleasant on another day.
How did he always end up in these situations? Hanging upside down, a knee bent over a branch, his back along the trunk.
Miyuki was below him… and would see him if he did not slip around this tree soon.
He had sat checking if the bears had found the bandits he had killed, when she just appeared and he flipped.
His fingers scuttled him along. Keeping wood between elves!
She moves on and he fell to the undergrowth.
He could not see her so he risked dashing ahead.
Running by paths far from the road he found the body he had left near the spider’s cave.
This one was called Bert if he remembered right. Well at least it had stopped twitching.
Miyuki had not passed the first of the falls. He had some minutes to gather himself.
Idle he sang in common.

‘I haven't really ever found someone to call my own
Nobody ever sticks around quite long enough to make it
I apologize to all their other loves
But it's not as if I mind that their hearts are breaking

It's just a thought, only a thought

But should my life be forfeit,
then I’m glad I leaned to hide
Well I deserve nothing more than I get
Cos no one I have is truly mine.

I've always thought that I would love to take to the sea.
To travel home and live my life more simply.
I have no idea what's happened to that dream.
Cos there's really nothing left here to stop me.

It's just a thought, only a thought

But should my life be forfeit,
then I’m glad I leaned to hide
Well I deserve nothing more than I get
Cos no one I have is truly mine’

She was moving again. The black dress was getting a little too ripped but at least she might hide with it. It was her skin and hair that was the problem. Fair as cut stone.
Yes she was fair.
He pulled his father’s blade.
Quite the lady!
A flick lengthened the spear and he though with a smile.
A lady one might be a gentle-elf to!
With a single thrust he eviscerated Bert, stepping back in time to stay clean.
He had to be quick. The wolves would smell the blood and come soon. Miyuki’s path would be clear now.
Yes she was making good time.
He sheathed the blade at his thigh and turned to the rock column.
He jumped to the tree next to it and vaulted back to the cliff face. Bouncing back to the tree, and as such he made it to the bandits highway in short time.
He reaching back he stopped the tree from shaking before running on.
He lengthened the spear once more as he ran.
He thought to himself that he was not the only one that trapped the bandits’ ways as he sailed over the pots of promethean. His knee almost went from under him as he landed. He must have twisted it when he had hung upside down.
He would return later and remove the trap.
It was not a good idea to trigger a fire trap in a forest canopy.
She was getting ahead of him, he had to hurry.
At the bottom of the cliff were gnolls.
He had to be quick.
Pulling his bow he punches an arrow down through the thick skull of a gnoll near the cliff. The grief and hate in the eyes of the other gnolls touched him but soon he was behind the cliff edge and the range of their arrows. He moves quietly along the south face until he could see the beasts crawling up the wall with their claws to the place they had seen him.
Four fell to the earth with arrows in their backs, just as she turned the corner.
She seemed nervous and walked along all eyes and ears.
She need not worry.
There were no more monsters ahead of her.
They would meet in safety but he would have to run as the wind itself now.
For his path was neither straight nor flat and far from short.
He could not help but smile as he stole a glance back at her tip toeing along in plane sight.
He ran again. Hands empty as he needed to climb in many places.
He had found this place after promising the Lady Isiolith he would seek her lost valley.
He never did find a way to those lands. At least not yet!
The gnolls’ cave slipped away below now but Miyuki would never come near there so he slipped on.
He thought of her with some sadness.
She would never be a necromancer.
After all how could she?
Ugly smelly people that had no friends!
He did not know how they even lived with them selves when they could be a hero…. Like him!
He reached the top of the waterfall now. He pulled off his pack and lengthens the spear once more. Pulling off his things he placed them loosely in his pack.
Standing naked he hung the pack over the spear’s head guard and let it all fall hilt first into the soft turf near the water’s edge. She must be near now.
Looking down he saw the catch basin. It was deeper there.
He dived. Turning as he struck the water. He still hit the bottom hard, pain shot through his knee.
Gods he must have twisted it bad.
He righted himself and looked about. She was not there yet.
He slipped back to the falling water, the pain was all he could take.
‘Telk! Did you hear a noise a moment ago?’
He looked at her. Miyuki was a healer. Maybe she could look at his knee for him!

Rite.

[ritefoot]

Human Error.

The trees rocked in the wind, the storm made for vile hunting but at least the prey would suffer too.
Lightning struck and the beast was spotted again.
Telk's arrow locked into its shoulder a moment later followed by others of the party.
The ground splashes past and he jumped from a rise. Catching a sapling he let it bring him to the base of the gorge.
The kill would be soon. He could taste blood in his mouth.
Another flash and more arrows danced on the creatures back. He did not slow.
It could not keep this up for long, after all it was only human.
Arrows hissed through the rain, passing near Telk. Distance closing.
Telk would end this personally. He would have to move quickly or the others would try to stop him.
Dropping his bow he pulled his heavy blade, branches whipping at his eyes.
He passed a felled tree, Telk jumped the log...
The human turned, but no pity would this one see.
Telk's bladed hand passed through the open hood. The bed clothing fell as he sat up with a gasp.
He never rested well on his back but he had to be near Miyuki. She twitched, eyes rolling under closed lids.
She looked so pale! A finger brushed her cheek as he studied her face. She was almost taken from him by that human.
That short eared orcish banite beast.
Her clothing was clean but the nights events had not been fully washed away yet.
At least he would never see that bell again.
Its voice drowned as it rolled to sea along the bottom of the river.
Miyuki would rest a while more. He rose and went to the open window and watched the trees. The air was chill and he did taste blood. His finger showed his lip had split again.
The view was nice, they trees were not the same though. Not like home.
He glanced back at the bed as he dabbed his lip.
These humans and their ugly alien ways.
Maybe Veshal was right. Maybe this was a human land now.
Maybe the elves should leave it to them.
He had found one worth his love.
Why stay more?
Would she come home with him?
Could she give up those she so loved to help?
He felt the music coming again.
He smiles at her and picked up his lute from his pack and took a seat near the window.
The chill morning air lightly carried his elven song into the trees.

'Imagine the gates of Arvandor.
It is easy if you try
Cares behind us.
Above a common sky.

Imagine all the people
Leaving here today
Imagine there is a country
It isn't hard to do
Something to kill and die for,
with our religions too.

Imagine all the people living life in peace.
You may say I am a dreamer,
but I am not the only one.
I hope some day you will join us
and the elves will leave as one.

Imagine our processions
I wonder of you can
Leave all greed or hunger,
to the corruption of man

Imagine all the people parting from this world
You may say I am a dreamer
but I am not the only one
I hope some day you will join us
and so elves will live as one.’

A hand settled on his shoulder as the last note was struck.
He turned his head and he kissed it.
Smiling he thought how his new muse woke the music in him, seems it woke her now.
He had much to do but there would still be time to kill.

Rite.

[ritefoot]

Cut Flowers.

His lilies landed on the prayers of many others. Mostly roses, of many hues.
The statue of Hanali smiled down at him and he would forever hold her next to the father in his heart.
She had listened and sent him Miyuki. He would not waste her gift. He did not deserve another nor want one.
Holding the last lily he stepped back so he could give thanks for
a cut flower he took from a human.
Slipping it into his quiver he took his lute.
A song came to him from his youth. Lines from the feast of the Lady Golden heart.
It was not the right time of year but he had need of its words.

'Heart gets tired
Love don't
Heart surrenders
Love won't
Heart crawls
Love fly's
Love lives when heart dies.

Mind seems
Love is
Mind dreams
Love lives
Mind is tethered
Love free.

What love is, heart can be
What love is, mind can be.
What love is, the people, can be.'

He places the lute down and thought of the song. There was a great deal to it.
After learning it in his youth he never felt he need study more.
Something for all to hear. Especially in these times, for all but for he more than the others.
His gift from the lady was hurt, and things needing help and so much healing.
He saw this task as a joy he would laugh and love through for the rest of his days.
It was not a burden. His gift was kind and fair. She loved and helped others without a thought for herself. She would be his watch every minute of each day. That she healed was not a thing he minded in the least.
Those he loved as family were bent on hating each other. It hurt when he knew they should know the joy he knew. They should love each other.
How could he get the others to see this? She was not ready to be questioned as they had. They would not make it a moment as a Waterdeep bard.
Dealing too long with each other, they had started to think it was the responsibility of others to find truth in their words. That they had a right to corner and call her beliefs traitor, his little love! Then blame her for not loving them?
That was arrogance! She had a right to self respect. If anything she needed it, or she would loose more than them.
She felt strongly that she should heal and it was her right. Yet he had seen her fight with the spirit of a cat.
She was not as he, or the other. They lived by the rule of the warrior and were set to defend the people. So that all the people would not have to!
Should there not be light songs? Should the children not be cared for by kinder hearts?
Miyuki was given to this and so much more.
She would help all she met.
He had meant that to mean elves, and now the elves pushed her away for having spent too much time with none elves! How would he teach her?
He looked around at a place he loved almost as his home.
Its peace and purity had been cut by angry. It was not a wonder that one so young so hurt and alone would have not felt its wonder.
He doubted he might find a better place to teach her and it was now closed to her.
Lin's words had struck home though. Miyuki followed gods not of the people.
Miyuki loved him! He could not but help smile at that.
Next to that, anything might he over come. Why was there a hurry?
‘Love lives when heart dies.’ Came to his lips without having been called.
He looked at the statue and thought.
Would he live with her and love her the rest of his days only to be dragged from her, to never hear her voice in Arvandor?
Why had they to hurry? It was all so new. Just a start! Love still burned so bright, he saw so much in her yet but it would come in its own time.
There was time!
He also knew it was not as the songs spoke. The gods were kind. They cared for him. He would hold faith and so would they.
Miyuki was kind and had not known better.
Was it strange that the human god had seen her and saw all Telk had seen?
It had been a kindly god.
Might she share his love with a god of the people?
Might she give her to them?
He must strive to be a worthy reward that a kindly god might give a favored mortal.
He would ask?
He looked to the statue of the father off in the trees.
The gods did answer after all?
He smiled his thanks to Hanali and went to ask the father for aid with one of his sons.
Rite.

[ritefoot]

Silence.

The fluttering pulled him from his stupor.
The pixie had come to thank him for the eyes of the gnolls he slew the morning before.
He felt numb. At some point dawn had come and the night's rains had passed through the trees still wept.
He could not bring himself to nod. The pixie lost interest and buzzed away.
His head lent on the tree. The water fell out of sight.
Her new grave sat before.
I could not remember what day it was.
How long ago she had left him.
His mind passed back to that evening again. When he had left Son'ya, Kel Amy and Shaela and their talk of killing. He had been smiling, he though.
Looking forward to seeing what she had made that day.
He entered and the lights were down he saw her feet and the tails of her dress sticking out from around the corner as she lay on the bed. He had meant to surprise her with the lilies she so liked.
All had gone black.
He remembered the dripping and the cold as he waked.
How hard it was to breath.
He had been tied with his hands behind him. He stood bent almost in two. His hands lifted by a short rope the ceiling. He could not move. His head cleared and he had looked about.
Miyuki needed him. She had loved him.
He was below ground.
His body became more aware, how his shoulders ached.
Who had done this had not removed his things. With his hands so, what could he do.
The weight of his father's blade sat in its leg sheath.
He had hope then.
He made the spear handle lengthen and it caught him in the gut, then it ripped its harness clear off his leg, the blade locking into the stone, it kept growing. He was lifted off the floor.
He pulled down and his arms came below him and he sat on his tied hands, gaining his breath.
He needed to go. Where was she?
With his split shoes he pulled the spear from the floor. Its swung around, near enough to his hands. He cut his bonds and landed hard.
His body ached and his head swam but he had to move now.
Why had he not thought of the crypt?
The beast had always come and gone so easily.
He had been below them.
He came to a door. It opened and he moved down a corridor. He saw a light but still no sound.
As he got to the door it opened.
The sneer on the face of Mazeth Ash turned to shock as they both looked down at the spear sticking out of the human’s chest.
Telk could not even remember the thrust.
They looked at each other again.
The banite seemed to have some horrid monolog ready but Telk had been saved it as the spear had passed the beasts lung.
The body slumped and Telk wedged this hated foe against the wall. The body stood as a puppet.
What of his lady?
He entered the room and saw her in a pool of light.
She had been strung up as he.
How small she looked.
Her fan was near and he used it to cut her down.
So pale, but it was her coldness that bothered him.
He placed her on the floor and listened for life.
Silence.
Scrolls fell from his pack until her fond the one he looked for.
He had hope then.
He tried to calm. He sat by her and had talked to her.
His kiss left blood, the only blood.
He had used the scroll but nothing had happened.
What followed seemed a blur.
He had carried her from the crypt.
The priests had not been able to save her.
They said her god had accepted her soul.
She was lost to him.
Lost to a human god,
Forever!
He could not blame her god from taking her. He only hoped she had been quick.
At least someone had not failed her.
Seems he did not have time after all, only a few weeks.
Her priests had protected her body.
He had asked that she be wrapped in cloth she kept in her room.
The flower and condolences had been heaped at his feet though he could not remember the faces.
No tears had come to her funeral.
He remembered rolling her silver bell in his hand the whole time.
Somewhere is the violence of that evening the little bead had been lost.
It no longer sang her song.
He had kept her fan, the bell and one cape but the rest were left in their room.
She only took his joy and his song.
He hoped they would keep her warm when he could not.
Why could he not feel?
He had not felt revenge when he burnt the beast.
Ash’s to ashes.
He had not felt fear nor rage when the orcs caught him sprinkling Mazeth over their mizzen heap, and had killed them all.
It had not stopped him piling their bodies on the mound and burning it all.
He had sat at her grave these days. Some had come, but he had not answered them.
Some would call it despair but she was already gone.
Some would say he hid and he guessed this was true.
Not that he minded hearing his failures.
He would accept Kel’s condemning his recklessness.
He did not feel after all.
It was she, he could not hear them say she had chosen this.
She had been the hurt one.
He felt hollow.
He rolled the empty bell in his hand and listen.
Rite.

[ritefoot]

Free me.

The bow creaked as he drew back for the last time.
The white fletching of her gift sailed from sight into the white glare above.
Sighing he put the bow down and took the flat cap stone and placed it on the other three rocks.
He took a deep breath and drew his lute.
He was not sure what he was doing. The music never came any more.
It would have to. He would make it. He owed her that much.
Closing his eyes he tried to make his feeling come so maybe she might understand.
Broken elven words mixed with uncertain notes fell from him down to her grave.

‘I've used so many people for no reason and no gain.
Some times it’s just for fun or a way to keep me sane.
There is someone lost inside of me who drowned in risky gains.
I have too many questions for me to feel OK.

And I know its not easy, how much you had to pay
The limits that you set made good lovers turn away.
Remember how not long ago you took away the pain.
I tell you it’s not easy each dog must play his game.

Why if you took all those fears from me.
I must let you go so please free me.
Free me Free me.
I must let you go so please free me.

Now you are gone and I am the same and that will never change.
A sundered love, a severed love, as love that stays the same.
Now you are gone and I am to blame
There is nothing left you say.
I told its not easy each dog must play his game.

I walk out of here, I have run out of time, I can never get to you.
You have loved all my lies and played my desires but I can never get to you.
It’s the end of our time and I have had to decided, I don't want to see it through.
Free me, Free me, Please Free me.’

He could not breathe and his throat felt dry.
He did not know what to do.
The hissing drew his eyes up.
The arrow kissed his cheek, pounding through the cap stone at his feet.
He took a step back, looking at the arrow before him.
‘Thank you’
He drew a breath and stepped into the water.
He closed his eyes and turned leaving the falls behind.

Rite.

[ritefoot]

Backslider

+The Hammer+

The priestess had let him into the settlement and had been talking to him. She always seemed to be able to cheer him. For her he tried to put on a brave face.
When the arrow was seen she left him and he found himself wandering through the old trees. He never seemed to pass Hanali anymore and he tried not to think about that until Erevan stood before him. He shared little with this deity. For mirth no longer found shelter in him these days. This god was a known friend of Lurue. His mind slipped to Miyuki and in shame he looked to the portal. The priestess would scold if she knew he was backsliding again but…. She was not here and his lute found its way into his fingers. He did not know what a god might do. Would Miyuki hear? Did he want her to worry for him? He hurt and would let the gods do with it as they willed.
*sung in elven*

‘Its been seven suns and fifteen moons.
Sense he took your love away.
I go out every night and rest all day.
Sense he took your love away.

Sense you've been gone I can do what ever I want.
I can see whom ever I chose.
The wildest taverns I can haunt.
But nothing I said nothing can take away these moods.

Because nothing compares, nothing compares to you.

Its been so lonely without you here.
Like a bird without a song.
Nothing can stop these lonely tears from falling.
Still remember, all I did wrong.

I can put my arms around every female I see.
It only reminds me of you.
I went to the priestess and guess what she told me, guess what she told me.
She said Telk you better try to have fun no matter what you do, but it's not true.

Because nothing compares, nothing compares to you.

All the flowers you planted, near the pixie's hide.
All died when you went away.
I know that living for you was hard to abide.
But I wish we could give it another try.

Because nothing compares, nothing compares to you.’

The portal started to hum and he stopped at once. He picked an old song of his.
One of those ditties for Lindora. They would not scold him for that too, but it would hurt less.

‘She…..’

Rite.

[ritefoot]

To Lute and not to Loot.

+Alturiak+

Amara finally slept in the inn. At least she would be well now. Sitting by the tree he looked around. The town was scarred from the long fighting of the siege and the stench of the sickness was still noticeable. What it was that drew both heroes and beasts to this horrid little town he did not know. Yet here they were again at night. The priestess sat by the fence with her chosen Daeun and they asked him for a song.
His old works no longer flowed and if forced gave no joy. He had decided to try to settle in. So he had listened to those bards favoured by the humans.
The words and notes were so dark. He knew not why they found root in the hearts of the listeners but then again he never would unless he tried some.
*sung in common*

There's a trap on the door
And there's glass on the lawn
Caltrops on the floor
And the lamp is on
And I always sleep with my bow sense you're gone

My packs by the bed
And my blades in my hand
A dog on the floor
And some coins on the nightstand
When I'm all alone the dreams will come
And I just can't stand

There's a drake in the well
And a witch in the east
A crazy old gnome and he's been watching me
And his boot steps loud and strong coming from the pond
Rats under the bed
Vampires over my head
There's a big black wolf watching from the cliff ledge
And its all starting to make my skin crawl

What should I do my little lady
What if the lights go out
And maybe and then the wind just starts to moan
Outside the door they followed me home
So goodnight moon
I want the sun
If it's not here soon
I might be done
No it won't be too soon 'til I say goodnight moon’

No these would never be for him.
He went for a walk.

Rite.

[ritefoot]

Where the heart is.

+Ches+

He felt a joy looking down at the lute that sat on his lap. He knew a smile rested on his face. It felt strange for his face had not made a real smile in years. Yet he knew it was there and he welcomed it as a gift from Hanali. There was hope!

He did not know what to do now.

Two days ago the few people that yet cared for him told him that he had been keeping too long apart. That he would never move forward unless he let others near again. So it was that he let them talk him into going to the Sune revels. He had always liked the many songs and dance, Joy and lust. Well there was some love it all of it too he guessed. It had proven a terrible idea.

He had heard Thril sing well and seen Kel with some ladies. Well he was not needed nor did he fit in anymore. So leaving his drink by Amara he slipped into the night and thought his passing would go unnoticed. He had been wrong.

The next day while in Greatgaunt as it was now called, an elven maiden approached. Not so strange in Greatgaunt but this lady stood out for not standing out.

She said her name was Trenia, she had seen him leave the evening before and so they spoke a while. She was a seamstress. So after a little more time they found themselves in an inn room and he was not fully dressed.

Again this would not draw attention of even note in Greatgaunt but for one thing. He was being fitted for new clothing.

Trenia was a joy to speak to. Evermeet born. Kind and light hearted. Not intrusive yet stories seemed to flow from him. All the while she would listen and providing ones of her own and one motto.

‘An elf with a bow’

How this one line resonated in him. Giving him solace and a way that he too might still be of use.

He had not been excessive but there was a stirring, a giddiness if yet still very sedate.

She had pulled a song from him. One of home! Not his but still they had shared little memories of times long past. Before either had known worried or responsibility. Then they had danced. Formal but from Evermeet.

Though they parted that evening, her words remained.

He might not forget Miyuki but another love still rested in him heart, one that would never leave him.

This struck him like a thunderbolt. He still had one muse. An ever muse. Evermeet. His Home.

Now only minutes ago he took up his lute and thought of long ago when he was a youngling of the forest. Childhood trips and old friends that now brought happy pain for their absence.

*slow sweet notes and Evermeet dialect.*

‘Do you remember the way it used to be?
Spring to mid-summer,
By a cottage in the trees.
Distant cousins, local kids -
We climbed every tree together,
And it never ever rained

'Til we went back on the way
That would take us so far away
From the village by the bay,
And the summerhouse
Where we found new games to play.

Do you remember afternoon hunts for fawns?
Daring escapes at midnight,
And costumeless bathes at dawn.
You were twenty nine years old,
And I less than -
It's kind of strange to be with you again.’

Though simple and short it struck a chord. Too many emotions flooded over him. His song had returned and he no longer wished to be alone anymore.

Rite.

[ritefoot]

Mistress

+Tarsakh+

He had put his differences with the wardens behind him. Now it seemed that joining them would let him serve his mistress and his people more fully. So he had asked Isiolith if they might consider him.

So it was that he had started tasks yet again. Though challenged he could not help but feel proud. His life would matter. He would be remembered as more than an elf with a lute that vanished one day.

He did not care if he won great renown only that his deeds would merit great renown.

So the tendays had passed and this eve he sat in the hall of the wardens invited by Lady Isiolith. Trenia was also there and the Priestess.

He could not pass up the chance thank Isiolith for she might be gone soon. Her time was full with the duty of her office. So many trials that could be seen clearly resting on that timeless face.

He drew his lute and played.

*elven*

Long bow, quiver, cape of green,
high born with eyes so keen
Taking the hits to the threats.
Wisdom wide, true guide,
sees both sides,
enemies all denied
The people saved again.

Foe view, bow drew, arrow flew,
legions met and slew.
Ill fit to quit, ne'er
Warden head, elves lead,
boundless will, setting bards to quill.
making her name legend.

Oh, here she comes,
the beautiful one,
the beautiful one

Lorals mound, honour gowned,
like not found, wayward bound,
now Evermeet shall she greet.
Long bow, quiver, cape of green,
high born with eyes so keen
and we are all left in her debts.

Oh, here she comes,
the beautiful one,
the beautiful one.
…..
*voice drops while strings are plucked overly strongly hiding the last words*
The ladies clap, Isiolith thanked him and he was proud for she seemed less troubled. Trenia smiled over and he could not have been happier.

Rite.

[ritefoot]

Trenia

+The Melting+

He truly was a wretched thing. Yet his skills would not hurt anyone this time.
He had planned well and a grin had taken home on his face as he waited for her.

He had been seeing more and more of Trenia.
Why?
She was not as pretty as so many others. She never tried to win him with soft female ways.
She even tried at times to dissuade him and scold his flattery. Then what was it?
It was everything!

No queen was more a lady. Her goodness was like a fire and his mottled soul fluttered to it.
She did not look down on him! He felt real joy when with her. No history, no pain.

They would laugh and tease.

She showed him how to scout. Ever watching her vanish into danger alone.

In many ways she needed him too.

He was not the only one to see how wonderful she was!

When ever they were together one legend after the next seemed to walk from the lore tomes and ask him his intensions.

It was on one of those wonderful evenings full of happy talk that Telk learned that she had never been praised in song.

At last a wrong he was equipped to fix where none of her legends had even tried.

She arrived and graced him with a smile.

He faked restlessness and asked if she wished to stay in the town.

At her request they went for a walk out the nearest gate.

There happened to be a nice cliff over looking the sea.

Sitting she had said it was a pity there were no flowers.

So one by one they appeared until he had laid a rose garden about her feet.

How she blushed, never shown what others see in her.

He pulled his lute.

Well that would end.

*elven*

‘Who is this maid with tawny hair.
That draws my eye ere she go.
Something deeper that we share.
To be an elf with a bow.

Light as a needle through the tree.
Her craft again she does sew.
A beauty in her clear to see.
A simple elf with a bow.

Calm and kindness joy and lace,
Yet the wise should know.
To respect that deadly grace,
This elf with a bow.

Her ways about me form a seam.
This pocket enter! should I go?
Near I must if more to glean,
Of a lady elf with a bow.’

He looked down and she just stared at him.

He’d have done more but she always seemed to hate hollow shows of emotion.

Then she rose and came to him and hugged him.

She told him she was touched and that she loved the song.

He had been given better thanks but there seemed more.

They talked a little and then decided to make their way back to town, after collecting the roses.

He caught her glancing at him.

She was not sure.

He would let her think.

He was happy.

Rite.