"Listen everyone, I have an important announcement to all the dark elves staying here, those who consider this their home, those who sought this place, those who want to protect this place. As all of you know, this place is something like a last hope. As before I will do everything in my power in order to defend this place. However, a single dark elf does not have the ability to accomplish such a great challenge alone. Therefore I need your support to make it possible for you and your fellow members to live as these three people are aiming to do. They are the pillars that give us stability in times of struggle and survival. First of all we have Ryu, arguably the strongest warrior I have ever seen. Still, even a warrior doesn't have all the abilities in the world. He might seem unfamiliar to you and intimidating but trust me when I tell you that his intentions are purely good. Next we have Connor, a human being, but one who has done nothing but good here. Many of you have put their trust in him without any regrets. So I urge you to be willing to accept persons of other races as well. You are also well acquainted with the third person. A lot of you see him as bad, others as good. In the past, he did things that were against my orders. Thus, he accepted the punishment and left this place. However, there is a very important reason as to why he is of great worth for us. I can still see doubt and distrust in your faces and you are free to do so. You may question his past deeds, that is fine, but you must also consider the present. Perhaps you don't believe him to have played a role in deciding the past battle, or that our supplies have been replenished by his dangerous and disrespectful plan... yet there is one thing that not only I but all of our new arrivals can attest to: He is partly responsible for saving them. Along with Ryu, Connor, and also the warrior Nadal who remains among you, he rescued them all. And if you cannot believe my words, please ask your brothers and sisters who was responsible for their survival."
When the people looked around they saw that the former slaves confirmed his deeds and expressed their gratitude to him and the other three, they quieted down. The majority soon had the whole crowd convinced. But Lynia's speech was not over yet, her actual concern was still to come.
" Now as you know and can tell, the housing as well as the food won't suffice much longer for such a large number. I will not let my people starve to death. The time has come for everyone to accept reality and face it. We must do something about this grave situation, which is why I, no, we have taken an important decision that requires your full attention and support. To create more room for the future we will expand the fortress. That means that we will have to tear down a part of the wall in the southern part.
The crowd started getting restless, many of them couldn't understand Lynia's decision let alone accept it. However, a small crowd slowly realized the significance of this move and the future it would bring.
"I recognize that such a measure carries a risk, but as I said: This is not a proposal, this is a decision, an order. I have neither the time nor the patience to hear complaints. Once you start considering the future a little bit, you should realize exactly what will happen if everything remains in this state. In fact, I'm sure that none of you would want to allow this to happen. For the sake of order and tranquility, I assure you that the demolition of the wall will happen at the very end. The first thing we will do is gather materials and build huts so that every single one of you has a roof over their heads. At the same time we will keep stocking up our supplies to prevent possible future shortages. As I can imagine, your greatest fear lies in dealing with the enemy. I won't keep it a secret: At any time another fight, raid or battle might break out but we can't hide anymore. We have developed measures to identify such scenarios early and even avoid them if we are lucky."
The voices quieted with the crowd pondering over what their leader had said. Although it was already clear to many, they simply refused to accept this step. This would mean that their lives would be turned completely upside down for some time. Nevertheless, as Lynia already mentioned: This subject was not open for discussion. Both herself and her three comrades anticipated mixed reactions, yet after much consideration, they came to one conclusion: they gave none of them even a single choice. By no means was their intention a threat but rather a compulsion that sooner or later would persuade all of them.
" This undertaking will require vigorous people. We will begin work in two days, hopefully enough volunteers will have joined us by then or else we will soon be facing much bigger troubles. Please remember one thing: I only have the best in mind for all of you, I do not intend to sacrifice your lives but rather to give us victims of this brutal war new lives."
Her speech had an immense impact among her people. In the end, Lynia inherited a part of her mother's talent. It was even more important now to use and reinforce this talent.
"Wow, that' s the best way anyone could have said it. You've made a lot of progress while I was away."
" I was forced to make a change of some kind. All the time I've been thinking about my mother and what she would have done in this situation, using some of her previous talk. Though so far they are just words..."
" You know, my mother always said that words of weight are far more important than the volume of your voice. They matter a lot and can create, destroy or carry a part of yourself. Up until now I didn't really know what she meant but looking into the faces of these folks it became clear to me what she was trying to convey. Although they may have shattered their comfort, it also created a lot of hope and confidence for the future. The point I'm trying to make is that you did everything in the right direction. It' s a matter of taking and giving. Part of their lives is taken, but a new, far greater piece is in store for them."
"Most people heard what you said today. Remember, we have an important associate on our side whose influence is significant. While Nadal may be just one person, a warrior carries far more weight than just his own. His past has made him stronger, this strength he now must use to obtain persuasion. I would suggest not to bring him in our group, let him remain among them, it is both safer for him as well as for the rest of the community. He knows a plan is necessary and that he should try everything to work towards it."
" From here on, all we can do is wait and see just what this time period will bring. May I suggest that two of us scout out the area and check out the key locations one more time tomorrow. Let's not have any unnecessary problems delaying everything. Either way we will need more time since the majority of those new arrivals are not in condition to work and rather need care. We need to make up for the missing units by being more effective. Furthermore, I will be thinking about our defenses as well as the preparation for ambushes. The past experience I have gained should be of some assistance to me."
"I sincerely hope that they are. We should arrange the distribution of duties and tasks by tomorrow evening at the latest. The protection just as the defense have high priority. I' ll say it again: Prior to making any decisions there will be a consultation with me. All of us are a team so let's act like one. Don't take individual dangerous actions and keep the risk as low as you can. As for today, I have nothing more to say, starting from now we will collect the people' opinions and try to turn them to the advantage somehow."
Following the meeting, Lynia summoned Nadal to gather initial input. He was a middleman who provided her with important information.
Early the next morning, the division of labor was decided. Leo and Connor took over the scouting of the regions as well as the locations of the resources. Along the way, Leo thought about where he could place his outposts and what places might be possible fighting sites. The two went on their own and discussed various things.
"Do you think it will work out, all the things we have planned?"
"Ha, at the moment I don't really know if everything will go fine either. Usually such a plan is sheer crazy, nevertheless, it's the best we could come up with. Though it will be difficult and risky, our goal is not unattainable. If there is one thing I don't want to see anymore, it is starvation and misery. The dark elves would be split, at worst they'd tear each other apart and we couldn't do anything about it."
"I guess you're still scarred from all that happened huh? Although I don't ever want to experience such cruel things myself, I'd be willing to take some of it off of you. You may be the biggest, most demented and selfish moron I've ever met...but you're also my first friend. And if it's up to me, I intend to keep you that way. Look, I do not know all that your past has done to you, but know that I am on your side as long as you allow me to be. Together as a team we stand a better chance to survive, to succeed and to enjoy ourselves. So what I'm saying is that you need to reach out and accept others who want to give you their help and trust."
"Man, that sounds corny...but you're right. Up until recently, I really didn't realize much of what you just said. And yet, in a forced and cruel way, I now know the meaning of such words. Starting now, a whole new, fresh and better chapter, partner. Consider it a new beginning as good friends who are true to each other."
"You're right...that sounds really corny..."
They both started laughing and continued their way. In every direction there was a designated spot, something they carefully examined and secured. In the meantime, Leo made several stops along their journey, marking spots for possible traps or hideouts. It took until late in the evening before they returned and reported everything.
" Both timber and wild game are abundant. The herbs, fruits and berries are found to the west. We have not found much stone so we might have to make another trip to the previous place. I would suggest not to use the wood in the immediate vicinity as it only makes everything more exposed. Though the distance will be further, it is more rewarding when it comes to protection. We haven't encountered any persons on the roads, though that's not really unusual. Nevertheless, this area is known for bandits and barbarians, which is why we searched for a while but fortunately we didn't find any. In any case, we should be careful. I've marked a few spots that I'd like to trap or use as a warning."
"That sounds risky, how many hands would you need and how long do you expect everything to take?"
"That's the thing. Just me alone should be enough to handle most of these spots for now. I do know we should work as a team however I want as few people distracted as possible from the actual work. I think it would take me half a day to get back.
" First of all, we are going to start the project normally. Should everything go at a good pace I shall give you the time you need but until then you will work with me just like the others."
"As you wish. We should always keep an eye on the distance, though. So long as we're careful and focused in our approach, things should go smoothly. Let's hope we don't get a unpleasant surprise tomorrow."
Their meeting was finished for the day. Things would start tomorrow and it was a plan that could fail at any time. Everyone was nervous and tense, their situation was not to be envied. That night, as Leo was about to sleep, a bright light suddenly woke him up. The glow came from the rune on his palm. With each passing second it became more dazzling until finally it turned Leo's entire vision white.
"Thou shalt be careful, there lurks greater danger than it may seem. Try to find a way to keep him away, it' the only true means to avoid downfall. Take advantage of this message and don't waste your worth heir."
It was the same voice that spoke to him in the camp. Leo could not speak and had to deal with the message somehow. After this announcement, the bright light disappeared and he was back in his room.
("What was that? Heir? But for what?")
Although he was confused Leo had a hunch what warning was behind these words. Since that moment he always kept the warning in mind. As he got up the next morning and stepped out into the street, a pleasant surprise awaited him. Ahead of him he saw a group gathered outside Lynia's house. It was made up of lots of men but also some women who offered their aid in this endeavor. In the very front was Nadal as their spokesman, already awaiting their leader.
"We decided to assist in this effort. Indeed, the situation leaves us little to no choice to change something and as soon as possible. Furthermore, we have an important message regarding the rest of our people. It wasn't an easy decision, however, it wasn't only our group that was willing to take the initiative just so you know. Since there is a need to take care of our newcomers, we have divided ourselves. Despite the fact that we did not discuss it with you, it was the best decision we could have made. We are demanding a team effort, protection on the roads and sufficient supplies to use the days effectively. So long as these demands are accepted and will be presented to us, then we will obey your orders."
Neither of the four chiefs had expected such a confident self-assertive attitude. This was a welcome change in contrast to the rest of the daily routine. Adversity had truly gotten most of them together.
"So be it, I will promise that safety will be paramount and that the provisioning of workers will be done in a regular and orderly fashion. If there is nothing else you have to say, we will review the schedule and allocate the work. The first thing we will do is to start building the huts. That means that logging shall be done first. Most of us will devote ourselves to this task. The rest of the group will instead focus on gathering food. Keep in mind that not only do we need enough supplies, but so do our brothers and sisters. Knowing that not all of you are gifted in hunting, I will assign Ryu as the leader of this group. He is the most knowledgeable and can at least show the basic steps. The ones who don't show any talent will be assigned to another area. This does not mean that you are incapable, it just means that your skills lie in a different field. This process of determining the best job will take some time at the beginning and the results can only be accurately evaluated after a few days. Once this optimization is done, things should become quicker and more balanced. Ryu will choose a few of you to take with him, the three of us will gather the wood and build the structures together with the rest. Time to get to work! Should there be any questions or problems, you can address them to me or to these two. In addition, I do not tolerate discrimination or exclusion, all of us will consist of a team!"
Lynia was in the element of a true leader. Having divided the groups, she, along with Connor and Leo, demonstrated to the group how exactly they should proceed. During the first few days, the gathering and storage of the wood was very sluggish. On the other hand, the food supply worked very well. Due to Ryu's instructions the first areas were soon completely used up. As soon as the supplies reached full capacity, they set out to gather fruits and herbs. To do this, Connor was named group leader and substituted for Ryu. Leo stayed put and centered on the primary work. Before long, any initial problems vanished and everyone knew what they were good at as well as what they needed to do. With the fast progress, Lynia allowed Leo to develop his markers and install traps for a day. Things went like clockwork with no sign of the enemy or any other hint of danger. For weeks the task continued until the first major problem appeared. Several of the workers became ill and began to lose strength. Lynia ordered them to leave the work site and recuperate. In spite of initial opposition, they finally all realized the burden that would otherwise fall upon them. By now, progress had reached the point where the collection of stone and other raw materials was underway. Before long, the first huts were built. Constructed of wood or stone, they stood firmly and securely next to the large wall. The last step was the extension of the wall. Once they had finished tearing it down, everybody was able to see how the work was progressing. It didn't take long for them to give motivation and support to the hard-working ones of their people.
"How are the materials coming along?"
"The supply is overflowing, everything is fine in that regard. As for the expansion, everyone is energetically working aswell.
"I didn't think that we would actually be able to do everything so fast. Your race really has endless endurance and strong will. In their current physical condition, they' d have great promise to become a real soldier."
"No, as long as it is not necessary we won't consider it. We just almost finished this project after a long time. Last thing I am going to do now is to keep them busy with training."
"She is right, they look physically strong on the outside however, internally they are just now realizing the full exhaustion after all this long work. To give them armor and weaponry now would completely overwhelm them and not do the people any good. This present balance should be maintained as long as possible. By the way, where is Leo, I thought this meeting was official?"
"Maybe he's talking to the workers or just eating?"
Following their conversation, they searched for their comrade until finding him behind walls. His gaze wandered towards the edge of the forest, the place of the last battle, as he did in the last few days.
"Constantly keeping an eye out for possible danger huh? It' time to relax a little, don't give yourself paranoia and instead think about the achievements. We' ve completed nearly everything with no casualties. Two of your traps saved us from possible ambushes and by splitting them up, they are all in good shape."
"We must not be complacent, never. Even if there were minor obstacles this was all still too easy as far as I'm concerned. The casualties on the sides of the elves may have been large in the last battle but it's not something that would suddenly stop all attacks. Either they are planning something big or they have been watching us all the time. If a higher being is really their ruler, then each of his moves is planned in advance. We are far fewer in number than they are, thus even if they suffer great losses, they can always take this fortress with a legion. As of now, it would be advisable to double the scouts and increase the combat readiness. While it has been working out so far, it doesn't mean that it will keep going this well especially with the demolition of the wall."
Lynia, Connor and Ryu understood Leo to some extent and yet he was too cautious for them. The protection so far had been perfectly sufficient. So why, all of a sudden, should the focus be on defense?
Against the recommendation of Leo, work continued as usual. The doubts and fears of the residents faded away with each passing day. For a long time they grew happy about new homes and securing supplies for the future. Solely Leo had this strange feeling that would not let him go for a long time. Then one night his fear was proven true. Once again the voice resounded yet this time in a more serious tone.
"Get ready, the time has come!"
Those were the only words Leo heard. Naturally, the young man was completely tense and tried to make clear to the others what was likely to happen here soon. At all times Leo expected the signal of an attack, however, nothing happened. Days passed till the walls were completed for the moment. It was only one row and still needed to be reinforced but it gave everyone a little more assurance. In honor of the hard work, Lynia arranged a gathering to celebrate the accomplishment. Despite this, Leo was not able to really enjoy it.
"Come on, why are you looking like that? Come on, cheer up and accept the reward for the work."
" We still haven't achieved much as far as the future is concerned. The defense stands but at some point we'll have to move to the attack if the dark elves really wish to be free. Well, I don't want to spoil your mood, enjoy the evening my friend and don't drink so much."
Leo brushed Connor off and headed for the walls again. As he did so, he bumped into Ryu, who was maintaining his sword. By the light of the night, Leo saw that the blade possessed a blue glow.
"Wow, it looks really fascinating. For how long have you had it?"
" Since a very long time. When Master took me in, he showed me this sword and said that I would later be its owner. Many years later and he really passed on this weapon to me. This blade is special in several ways. As I wield it, it feels like my soul is dwelling in it."
"That really sounds like a very special sword with the way it appears slightly blue."
"You can see it?! None have ever seen its true form. Then again, it shouldn't really surprise me around you...
" By the looks of it, you've taken good care of it over the years. I am afraid that you will have to use it again soon."
"As long as things seem to be in a clear sense I will keep wielding it until I have completed it."
"What do you mean? Complete?"
" It takes a long time, a too long one, to explain this. Let's just say it' s just a part of memories."
"That sounds really complex. You just be ready for what's to come."
Again, that night, the white rune shone. But the voice sounded concerned and agitated.
"He has come, fulfill your destiny!"
The white turned green for a moment and went out. Then suddenly, from outside, a loud explosion sounded, startling him. Seconds later, screams echoed throughout the fortress. Opening the door, he saw a huge hole in the wall and green fire burning in the streets. No attacker nor army was to be seen in the distance. Even before he had a chance to utter a word, a proud voice spoke to him.
"As I expected, you really have the stench of Zaphiel all over you. Unless you want all of you to be nothing but ashes, return to the place of the final battle. I know that you are responsible for our loss that time, you seem to be familiar with his practices. Very soon there will be blood on your hands again, however, shall it be now already? Come to me lowly creature and let me have a look at you. Surely my name is well-known to you so hurry up!"
Only one being came into question for Leo, whose power could take such an extent: His soon-to-be adversary and the true reason for this endless war.
("Yrasil!")