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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Funeris" data-source="post: 2545028" data-attributes="member: 22792">Chapter 2: Journey into Darkness ContinuedApproximately a month prior…“Is he here or isn’t he?”  Zayda Silverbough stomped her foot nervously.  The edge of the forest always worried her, ever since she had met her first humans.  That life-altering event had not only destroyed her town and claimed her parents’ lives but instilled a healthy respect coupled with paranoia toward the no-elves land of the well-tilled fields south of the Draeül Forest.  Her fingers twitched near the hilt of her blade and curving handle of her bow.“Well?” she demanded again of her charge.  Zayda glanced about nervously; all had been silent since Mialee had delved into the well-camouflaged wooden home.  Not one hundred feet distant, the protective barrier of the forest ended, birthing fields of wheat that sloped gracefully toward the massive Lake Norda.  Mialee sauntered out of the cabin, her sword still drawn.  “He’s not home.  I don’t know where he is…do you see any tracks?”Zayda sighed angrily.  “Good luck finding a druid in a forest.”  She searched half-heartedly for tracks but finding none, simply shook her head.  “We won’t be able to find him.  Why don’t we move on?”“We need to be thorough in our search.  Rock Tooth would have the best understanding of recent events.  If there is no possibility of finding him, then we will search for Orange Leaf.”  Mialee calmed her authoritative tone and resumed looking about.Zayda stalked away from the cabin, keeping a wary eye toward the clearing.  The Elder’s daughter had always been a good friend, even if she was a bit bossy on occasion.  Silver Dew had chosen Zayda specially to protect his daughter, knowing of their close friendship.  But they had already been traveling for a week and to no avail.  This was the second day at Rock Tooth’s shack and for what?  While they were away from their homes, more damage could be wrought.  What if the Inquisition attacked?  What if more druids died from no known cause?  Zayda tried to clear her mind and focus.  She drew an arrow and nocked it, staring down the shaft and concentrating on aiming.The deaths of the two initiates had been swift and unprepared for.  They had merely been going about their business when they burst into flames.  There were no mages about, no reasons to be prepared.  Humans hadn’t neared the village of Stonetree during its entire existence.  And yet, for no reason, two of her friends, the only Elven druid initiates in more than a century had spontaneously combusted.If that wasn’t enough injury, their flaming corpses burnt down large sections of the city.  So much for building a city in the trees, Zayda thought painfully.  During the week of fire, the population was cut from five hundred to only around one hundred.  It must’ve been the humans doing, Zayda concluded.A quick tapping on the shoulder brought Zayda to the present and she accidentally released her grip.  The arrow flew off into the woods, vanishing amongst the leaves.“I think we should move on,” Mialee stated calmly.  “With any luck, we’ll meet him if we travel eastward along the edge of the forest.  And if not, at least will be close enough to Llewyllyn Manor to be protected.  Ready?”“Let’s get going.”  Zayda reached for another arrow and strung it fluidly.  Just in case, she thought.</blockquote>

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