The trek to the elven village took little more than a day at a walking pace. It was further into the Frontier than any human had traveled, Marcus felt like a pioneer. Sylvia never stopped asking questions the entire time they walked. Luckily, her bubbly attitude didn't seem to annoy Alma, the female elf that spoke the common language. Through Alma's interrogation, Marcus did learn many facts about the elves.
They'd lived on this continent for thousands of years, along with a small population of humans. The humans lived closer to the coast of the ocean, they were the ones that left behind many of the ruins that could be found strewn about. More than fifteen-hundred years ago, a plague swept through the continent, killing all but a few of the humans. Elves were not spared either, but they weathered it much better than the humans.
About a thousand years ago, there was a mass exodus of elves that came from across the ocean. They told about how the humans drove all the elves out of their homes, killing all that resisted. Only a few hundred of them survived the journey, out of the thousands that attempted it. Their ship building skills were not very advanced, but they had no choice but to try.
Marcus asked Sylvia why there was no mention of elves being in the Old World, but she had no idea as well. Marcus figured that once the genocide was complete, they buried any mention of the elves, using the passage of time to hide their atrocities. Marcus asked Alma why she didn't fear history repeating itself, she just shrugged her shoulders and said that you shouldn't fear the past, just learn from it. Marcus didn't exactly agree with that thought process, he was thinking of the Native Americans in the colonization era, but it wasn't his place to argue with her.
Finally, they stopped in front of a particularly thick bramble of berry bushes. Alma turned to them and said to follow her, she then walked straight into the bushes and disappeared. Marcus and Syvlia were both shocked, they looked at each other and cautiously walked forward. Sylvia grabbed his hand before they stepped into the bramble, Marcus gave it a reassuring squeeze, together, they took the final step.
It felt as if he had walked into a pool of water, it was a strange sensation, coldness encompassed them, the only warmth was Sylvia's small hand in his. After only a second, they appeared on the other side, Alma was standing there waiting for them.
"Welcome to our village, Brocblithurnil." Alma said with a smile, sweeping her hand out in front of her.
Marcus was dumbstruck once more, the 'village' was more like a small city. Thousands of elves must dwell here, the buildings were all made of beautiful white stone. They were built in a way that encompassed nature. Instead of cutting down the trees to make the ground flat, they built around the ancient greenery, incorporating them into the structure itself. There were structures built some two hundred feet into the air, topping the tallest trees, rope bridges connecting them.
Wildflowers lined the walking paths, they were wide enough for several people to walk side by side. Marcus could see numerous elves going about their day, dressed in long, flowing robes. The one thing he did not see were very many children, there were a few, but no more than ten that he could see.
"I have so many more questions." Sylvia said to Alma, still holding Marcus's hand.
............…
It was the day that Sylvia and crew were supposed to return, and they were already a half a day late. Nathan was pacing around the courtyard, trying to calm his nerves. They were only a little behind schedule, so there shouldn't be any reason to worry, but for some reason he just couldn't help this nagging feeling he had. He stopped and looked over at the two creatures playing around the courtyard, they were Torbin and Sif.
Sif had arrived two days prior, carrying a letter for Marcus. Nathan knew of her surprising intelligence, so he told her when Marcus would return, she'd been at the villa since then. Sif was currently playing with Torbin, the bear that Sylvia rescued from Marcus's hammer. It was a game of tag, Sif was much faster than the bear, so she would occasionally let him win, it was quite a sight to see.
Sif was a little over twenty feet long, her growth spurt slowing down for now. Her head was almost too wide for most doors and her horns had started to spread out like a bouquet of thorns. Torbin was much smaller in comparison, four feet at the shoulders and five feet long. His fur was still mostly brown, but you could see some green in his undercoat. Sylvia decided to leave him at the villa so that they would not have to worry about him scaring the wildlife away before they could see them. With the two of them at the villa the staff had been working very hard just to feed the two, although Sif would go out at night to hunt, so that relieved some of the pressure.
Nathan didn't continue his pacing, he had many things to do, so he couldn't spend his whole day worrying. He decided to give them until tomorrow, if they still hadn't returned by then, then he would post a mission for a search party. He walked out of the courtyard, leaving the two to play, and started to do his rounds around the property.
............
Marcus was sitting on the edge of a bed, Sylvia was looking out a window, she had a worried look on her face. After entering the 'village', they were escorted to the equivalent of the city lord's manor. They drew much attention while walking towards the manor, especially Marcus. For most all of the elves, this was the first time that they'd seen a human, they'd only heard of the invaders from across the ocean. Marcus felt like an animal being paraded around, shown off to the crowd. Sylvia had a much better time of it, she could almost pass as an elf herself, if it wasn't for her height, or rounded ears.
Once they made it to the manor, they were put in a room together while Alma went to speak with the village head. Two guards were stationed outside their room, to keep them safe. Marcus knew this would happen, there was no way the elves would trust them to be left alone in their city. He didn't really have a problem with it, but Sylvia was starting to get anxious.
"It's been over two hours, when do you think Alma will return." Sylvia asked, still sitting by the window.
"I'm sure she'll be back shortly." Marcus said, trying to calm her mood.
He was sure they were discussing what to do with them, he was hoping that what Alma told them was true. He didn't feel hostility from the elves, but you could never know what someone was thinking, especially when it came to the safety of their citizens. He didn't think they would be killed, but being held here for a long while wasn't out of the question.
Soon, a knock from the door came. The two guards opened it and allowed an elven maid inside.
"Come, bath." The beautifully dressed maid said in a broken common tongue, not everyone could be as fluent as Alma was.
Marcus stood, taking Sylvia by the hand. They followed the maid down the hall, where they were separated and sent to two different rooms. He was a little worried about Sylvia being by herself, but decided to trust his hosts. He entered the large bathing area, it was like a public bathhouse that one would see on T.V. or in different countries. Being from the United States, he didn't have any experience with them, but knew what they were. There was enough room to accommodate around twenty people comfortably, but he was the only one present at the moment.
The maid handed him a towel and a large loose robe, then left him by himself. He took off his leather armor, letting it fall to the floor with a loud bang. It felt good to be free from the suffocation of the steel and leather. It had been several days since he last took it off. Naked, he slowly entered the steaming water, enjoying the refreshing feeling. He was almost giddy, it felt revitalizing in the water, like his entire body, down to his cells, were being fortified, strengthened.
Before he knew it, the maid had returned, she hurried in like she was worried that he had gone. Seeing that he was still in the water, she spoke to Marcus.
"In long time, return to room." She then left the room to wait for him.
Marcus reluctantly left the pool of still hot water. After drying off, he donned the loose rob, surprised that it was actually a little big on him. He left the room, carrying his boots and armor. The maid shook her head, motioning for him to leave his things on the floor. Marcus did as she wanted, leaving his armor in the room. He wasn't sure if they would be able to carry his things, but thought that they would figure something out.
The maid brought Marcus back to the room they were in. Sylvia was sitting in a finely carved chair with an elf brushing her long, golden hair. She looked much more relaxed than when they were separated, her eyes were closed, enjoying the sensation of her hair being brushed.
"Took you long enough, it's been almost two hours." Sylvia said, not bothering to open her eyes.
"Really? I must have lost track of time, that bath was great." He said sitting back on the bed.
"It was, wasn't it? I didn't want to get out either, but I was starting to prune up, see?" She said, holding out her hands for Marcus to inspect.
Marcus humoured her by taking her hands and turning them over.
"Alma came by while you were slacking off." She said, giving him a pointed look.
"She said that the village head will speak with us at dinner, and that we'll have answers then."
Marcus nodded his head, relieved.
...............
Marcus, Sylvia, and Alma were all sitting at a medium sized table, waiting for the village head to arrive. They were sitting in silence, Sylvia tried to ask questions several times, but Alma repeatedly told her to wait for the head to answer them. Marcus and Sylvia were still wearing the robes that were given to them, they were very similar to each other, except for the size. Sylvia had her hair braided in a very complex pattern resembling an oak leaf, and still had her storage amulet around her neck. Marcus was able to clean up as well, he decided to shave his beard off, Sylvia said that she much preferred it that way, he just wanted to get rid of the itching on his face.
Marcus was drumming his fingers on the table, growing impatient. Soon, the door swung open, in walked an elf with gray hair, the first that Marcus had seen. She was still very beautiful, wearing a decorative robe that was teal in color. She had many accessories on, reflecting golden light. She held herself high, with her back and shoulders straight. Her movements were graceful and practiced.
Alma stood as soon as she entered the room, Marcus and Sylvia clumsily followed, the wooden chairs screeching against the floor. The elderly elf smiled at them, gesturing for them to sit back down. Once everyone was seated, she spoke.
"Togl telem." She said, handing both of them items that looked like ear pieces.
Marcus knew what to do with it, he'd seen plenty of ear pieces before, but Sylvia was lost. After helping her with putting the enchanted item in her ear, Marcus turned back towards the village head.
"Can you two understand me now?" She asked.
Marcus wasn't surprised to be able to understand the elven language now, as soon as he saw the earpiece he understood what it was for. Sylvia on the other hand was very surprised, her eyes went wide and she couldn't help but jerk back when the village head spoke.
"Yes, we can." Marcus said.
"Good. My name is Aldywen, the head of the village here. What are your names?" She asked, a gentle smile on her face.
"My name is Marcus."
"Sylvia."
They both said respectfully.
"I'm sure you have several questions, I will do my best to answer them. First though, I would like to say a few things. You two will be the first humans to have been to this village, many of us have never laid eyes on a human before, so please excuse any unwanted attention. Having said that, you two are not captives, but will not be allowed to leave until you both have taken the binding vows. This is to ensure that our existence is not exposed until we will it, I'm sure you understand." Aldywen paused, allowing for what she said to sink in.
"How long exactly will that be?" Sylvia asked timidly.
"Two weeks." Aldywen replied, setting down her intricately designed wooden cup on the table.
"Two weeks!" Sylvia exclaimed with wide eyes.
"We were supposed to return yesterday, they're going to have the whole city out looking for us."
Marcus had the same thoughts, Nathan would most likely employ some mercenaries to help him comb the forest, looking for them. It wouldn't take them long to find their abandoned campsite, and with him leaving his hammer there, they would assume the worst. He started to rub his temples, he could feel a headache coming on.
"It cannot be helped, the ceremony requires time to prepare." Aldywen said dismissively.
"The time that you are here though, you are our guests. You'll be allowed to move throughout the city, with an escort of course. As long as you obey the rules and don't cause any trouble, I see no reason to keep you locked up. Now, I'll answer any questions that you have."
Marcus didn't have too many questions, but when he looked over at Sylvia, he could tell that she was just burning up inside. She had quickly gotten over having to stay in the city for two whole weeks.As soon as Aldywen finished speaking, Sylvia started her interrogation.
"When we entered the city, what was that? The thing we stepped through." Sylvia asked, leaning forward in her chair.
"That was just simple concealment magic. It keeps our cities hidden, keeps our people safe." She explained, her voice calm and gentle.
"From the humans?"
"Yes, and from magical beasts as well. Once every hundred years, dragons will enter their mating season. They become very aggressive and territorial, it is better to just conceal ourselves from them."
"I've never seen, or heard of magic like that before, how is that possible?"
"Elves share what they learn, we are not humans who hoard their knowledge, holding it above other's heads. This allows us to have a deeper understanding of magic, to learn its secrets and expand our knowledge." Aldywen puffed up her chest, she was proud of the knowledge base of her people.
Marcus chimed in with his own question. "How do you know about human's knowledge of magic?"
This caused Aldywen to laugh. "Your cities are not hard to find, even easier to enter."
Marcus nodded his head in understanding. All it would take was a hooded cloak, then any elf would look just like a human. When they added magic into the disguise, there was no way anyone could tell the difference. He was sure that if humans found out about the elves, they would try to send people in to find out more about them.
While Marcus was mulling over Aldywen's answer, Sylvia asked another question.
"How old are you?"
Marcus looked up in astonishment, this was something that even he knew not to ask a woman. He couldn't believe that anyone, let alone Sylvia would ask something like that. The twitch in Aldywen's eye and the smirk on Alma's face didn't escape his detection either. Seeming to realize what she'd just asked, Sylvia covered her mouth with both her hands, then put her head down.
"Please forgive me, it's just that the legends say elves are immortal. I let my curiosity get the better of me"
A softer look came over Aldywen's face when she saw how quickly Sylvia apologized. "It is alright, I can understand your curiosity. I will turn one-thousand and eighty-two this year. Although we do not live forever, barring a disease or accident, we can live well over fifteen hundred years."
They both opened their eyes wide when they heard her age. Marcus thought that she looked to only be in her late fifties, not much much older.
"Of course, being blessed with a long life, we are cursed when it comes to population. Children are rarely born, only once every decade or so, and they are not considered adults for another hundred years after that." Aldywen added, a solemn look on her face.
"So you were here when the elves fled from the Old World?" Marcus asked.
"You still want to make contact with humans?
Aldywen took a moment to think over his questions. Taking a deep breath, she answered them.
"Yes, I was just a child when the refugees made their journey over the ocean. I still remember their faces, their sorrow." She paused, deep in thought.
"That is why I feel it is important to make peace with the humans, to try to drive them out, to make war, will only lead to the deaths of our people."
"What if humans do not wish to make peace? What if they push for war?" Marcus added, thinking that that is what was most likely to happen.
"That is why some of us believe it is better to strike first, to gain the upper hand quickly. Our leaders are still divided on the issue, so for now we just gather information, waiting for our leaders to decide our fate." She said solemnly, her shoulders slumping for the first time.
This was when a servant came into the room, bent over and whispered into Aldywen's ear.
"I'm told dinner is ready to be served." She said, her dignified expression overtaking her despondent one.
"I do hope you like it, it is an elven specialty."
..............
After dinner, Marcus and Sylvia were escorted back to their room. It was getting late at night, and both of them were mentally exhausted from everything that was happening. Seeing that the maid had brought them both to the same room, Marcus stopped for a second.
"Is there not a second room for me?" Marcus asked the maid.
"Is there a need? Are you two not…. together?"
"One room is fine!" Syliva shouted out from behind him.
Marcus shook his head. "We're not together, but if it will cause you extra work don't worry about it, just for tonight one room will be fine."
The maid looked a little confused, but didn't bother to ask. "Very well, I will prepare a separate room for you from tomorrow onwards, have a restful sleep."
After the maid had closed the door, Marcus gave Sylvia a glare. Sylvia just averted her eyes as she sat on the bed.
"I wouldn't mind sharing a room with you, you know." She said, almost pouting.
Marcus didn't reply to her statement, he moved over to her, she tensed her body, preparing for what he would do next. Her breathing quickened, they were all alone together, her imagination was running wild. Marcus bent over, his face close to hers, her rosy lips slightly puckered in anticipation. Marcus reached behind her, then quickly yanked the pillow out from behind her, causing her to bump her head against the headboard. Rubbing her head, she furrowed her brows.
He started to fluff up the pillow, ignoring the daggers being thrown in his direction.
"I'll sleep on the floor tonight." Marcus said, laughing at himself.