-12 years ago- (41st day of the 13th Month; Year 7786 of the Drystalle era.)
A young boy ran. He ran faster than he ever had, a grin forming in his face. Not long ago, it was not possible for him to ran this fast. Now, he could proudly say he did not need to employ his usual cunning methods. He just ran, faster than ever before. He broke past the limits of what was possible, even for an elf. He was always prone to escaping, so most of the guards already knew him well. None of that matters now. No one can catch me. His lips broke out into a smile. He disliked the guards, but he could not blame them. They were only doing their job after all.
The wind swirled around him as he pushed his body to go even faster. Elrand was clearing the forest at an unbelievably short time. He could feel it getting closer. Something had been calling to him, but it was close to impossible to escape with so many guards patrolling the area. At least, that was the case until he had fully awakened his power.
Now, it was almost child's play. His grin grew, the wind blowing through his silver-colored hair. I wonder how Catholy will react now that she cannot catch me. Lost in his own thoughts, Elrand almost missed the sound of undeniable settlement. "A town…" he whispered. He slowed down, pulling a cloak over his face. Humans in Zyliane had peaceful relations with elves, so there was no telling when he would be discovered. He approached somewhat cautiously, not sure what to expect. He was relieved to realize the town was not as advanced as he had feared.
"Hey!" Elrand stiffened. Had he already been discovered? None should know him here, but he was still uneasy. "You're not from around here, are you? Are you a perhaps a mercenary?" Elrand blinked in surprise. Mercenary? Why would mercs be needed? Think rationally. If I pass myself as a merc, I should be free to traverse any town. This is an ideal situation.
Elrand nodded warily. "This town has been in dire circumstances. Monsters are growing in number, so the occasional mercenary is appreciated. In fact, a representative of the crown personally welcomes all mercenaries. However…" he man peered at Elrand's face curiously. "Are you a human?" Elrand stiffened.
"What?"
"Sorry. It's just that, you have come from the direction of the impassable forest, Sorvia. As far as I know, no human can survive in that forest. Even lesser monsters avoid it like the plague." Elrand swallowed thickly. Seriously, why didn't anyone tell me?! I might be faster than I ever have been but I'm no match for a pure bred monster!
Elrand laughed nervously. He had spent six days and nights in that very forest, completely unaware of the looming danger. Six days! Elrand was sure his parents were freaking out, hell, maybe his sister had already told them. If that was the case, his parents probably alerted the patrol guards about his sudden disappearance. Guards could appear at any given moment. Thank you, Eleanor. He knew it was only because of whatever excuse she came up with that he was able to get this far.
No matter how fast he was, it would have been a pain to stay ahead of guards who knew Sorvia better that he did. Seeing the man eyed him curiously, waiting for him to reply. Elrand started panicking. This is bad. I am yet to find whatever is calling to me. However, I must proceed carefully. There is a crown representative after all. I simply cannot be discovered. Not yet.
Elrand laughed once more, trying to brush off his worries. "Don't be ridiculous. I am obviously human," he said. That's exactly what a nonhuman would say, isn't it? "What would anyone be doing inside the impassable forest? Why would anyone risk entering what is considered a labyrinth?"
The man seemed satisfied with that answer and shrugged. "None of my business anyhow. The mercenaries are usually welcomed in by the crown representative before given freedom to roam as they wish. I can guide you there." Yes. As long as I find the source of this tantalizing song, it's fine with me. He could feel it. He could tell it was close despite not being able to say where. The alluring voice reached out for him, and he was all to happy to grab hold of it. I will find it. I swear.
Elrand nodded emphatically. "Yes, please." The man turned and started walking in the opposite direction. Elrand couldn't think straight. The call seemed to be amplified now that he had made it through Sorvia, making him giddy with excitement. He made sure to match the pace of the man beside him, even though he wanted nothing more than to rush out and find the source himself.
He could tell this man bore him no ill intent. The town seemed lively for some reason. Elrand dismissed it, it was none of his concern anyway. Also, the apparent lack of vehicles put him off. How did the townspeople travel between cities? "And here we are." The building they stopped at was incredibly average. Not a thing out of place, it looked like all the other houses around him. However something seemed off.
Elrand scanned the area, and immediately, his body froze. Warning bells went of like crazy in his head, however, he did not move an inch. More like he couldn't. The presence, now that he was closer, felt so familiar that he couldn't help but gape. Memories flashed across his mind, but none of them registered, as if a mysterious force was keeping him from remembering. His body refused to move any closer.
"What's wrong?" The man who guided him asked, his expression twisting in confusion. Run! Run, you stupid idiot. This cycle must not continue… Even those words seemed foreign, even though it was his own voice doing the warning. No matter how much he willed his body to move, to listen to his suddenly wise voice of reason, it did not budge. I human stepped out of the building, and his eyes fell on me. A grin formed on his young face.
"You're here! Wow! Surprised you're the first one. It's been years! How are you holding up?"
"S-stay away!"
Elrand took a step back, terror welling up inside him. Run at once if you value your life. The fear he felt was strange. If did not come from him, rather, it was as if someone was forcing their own emotions on him. Still, Elrand was wary of this stranger.
The stranger clicked his tongue. "Isn't it annoying how they keep on interfering with us? Not to worry! I know your will is stronger than that. You did manage to come here. All you need is a gentle push." His hand flashed a golden hue, making Elrand flinch. "This is all thanks to you. I always repay my debts."
"Representative…" said the man who guided him here, looking troubled for some reason. "Not to worry, Martin. I would not dream of hurting someone this important."
The glow intensified. Elrand did not know why the townsmen did not react to the scene. He was rooted to the spot, but the fear was gone. He was strangely intrigued. This was same feeling which guided him from Sorvia. It stirred feelings he could not describe.
It was like a small tantalizing voice, sweet and melodious like a song. And so, as the glow on the stranger intensified, Elrand could not help but smile contently. I accept whatever consequences there may be. As long as I heard that voice, I don't care. This was the very reason I crossed Sorvia.
The glow touched him. An indiscernible sensation spread across his body. He could not think. He could not breathe. He could not even blink as the scenery around him changed.
He saw a setting sun. A starlit sky, obscured by nothing. The three moons giving out light so bright it could be considered daytime. Then, all at once, Elrand was back in his body. He gasped, gulping down air faster than he could think. Fragments of distant memories stayed at the foremost part of his mind, but Elrand decided to ignore them for now. He turned to the stranger, no, to Bryer, his face twisting in confusion.
"How long?" He asked, running his face through his hair. He had completely forgotten about his hood, which had concealed his identity. The onlookers, who had stayed silent up until that point, turned pale. Several gasps reminded him of his folly, however, he decided to ignore that too. "An elf… We have made an enemy of an elf…" The townsmen looked at him fearfully, then turned their attention to Bryer, who was grinning softly.
"There is no reason to fear. This is my commander, at long last awakened." They looked unsure. Though most of their fear had been eased, Elves were not to be harmed in any way. Zyliane's leadership had ensured that.
"Commander…" Bryer bowed his head and gave a salute none were familiar with. Well, none except Elrand. "I'm afraid I've not been able to find you for some time now. Last time, it did not go so well for us, and our plans resorted in blowing a hole through the second moon, Yrilt. I'm afraid that is the last time we saw each other."
Elrand nodded. Somehow, his memories had been tampered with. How were the others fairing? Was it too soon to begin?
"I see. Well then, shall we get this party started?"