Chapter V - Elves and humans

Roun's way across the Elven lands was long and tiring, but alleviated by the kind hospitality of Elves, even more punctilious considering Roun's noble blood. He had enough gold peaces to pay for his bed and food but his money were constantly refused in all the Elven inns, being treated as an honored guest rather than a client. Roun knew he was going to miss the warmness, the comfort and the beauty of the Elven lands. Soon, he’d enter the human territories, very soon. And a new, different world would open to his eyes: A strange world, populated by those even stranger creatures of Norbus, the humans.
Humans were different from all the other species on Atri. You just couldn’t tell what they were after. They couldn’t be trusted. Roun was strongly advised not to count on any of them since they always seemed to have their own agenda.
-Like all of us, whispered Roun to himself…
His way in Elven territories got close to its end. He was about to enter Palinesti, the most Southern of the Elven territories and already started to feel sorry he was traveling alone. He needed a rested horse, victuals for the rest of the journey but most of all he felt he could use a companion to share the coldness of the nights and the watch hours with. Human lands were not a safe place to sleep unguarded and Roun knew that he had enough money and precious objects to tempt a horde of human thieves. Silently, a red crepuscule invaded the sky pointing in the horizon the dark silhouettes of the woods of Palinesti. The closest inn should be 6-7 hours far, so he could get there before dawn and even catch a little sleep after a glass of that Elven Golden wine that made Palinesti vineyards so famous.
The red fire started to fade in the sky, as Demius’ heart traveled along to shine into the darkness of other lands. Mists started to rise from the heated ground, making the shadows appear more alive, more mysterious. It was a time of illusions and Roun thought his magic was just like that hour… using his will to shadow the world.
-Greetings to you, traveler! Forgive me if I disturbed your thoughts…
-Greetings, my lady. How should I be of help? I see you’re traveling alone…
-I am indeed. And I got lost. I’m looking for the Inn of Purple Rose. I dared to ask no stranger since these are dangerous times for a woman alone. But there will be dark soon. And you, traveler, seem to be of noble blood.
It was only than that Roun noticed the woman he spoke to was human, not Elven. Her long copper hair was covering her ears, gentle curls framing her strong, well defined features. She was wearing a gray cloak but Roun still figured she was not wearing a dress, but leather cloth, flexible, yet providing good protection against side arms. Roun was surprised to meet a human girl there, but immediately realized they were pretty close to the boarder by now.
-You’re stepping into Elven lands. You must not be afraid. We are kind and respectful people, my lady.
-You must come from far away, my lord. Palinesti might be Elven in the vineyards. These are mixture lands. You may encounter many surprises on your way. Especially in the time of the night…
-Well lady… You may join me, if you please. I’m also going to spend the night at the Purple Rose. And I can vouch for no Elf would even try to harm you on our way.
-Elves weren’t exactly what I feared. But I’ll accept your kind offer. It’s a great honor for me to travel by your side, my lord.
What is your name? And, tell me, are you from the North? Your cloths look so different from what I’ve seen Elves wear around here.
-My name is Roun. I come from Qualinesti.
-So I was right. You’re from the North. These are true Elven lands, aren’t they? I wish I could see them… rumors say their beauty is hard to imagine…or to forget…
-Yes, Qualinesti is indeed very beautiful. But I can assure you, these are also Elven territories and I believe there are lots of prodigious places here, too. Elves can’t live without order… and beauty. This is the way we are.
-Well, I hope you won’t be too disappointed in the morning, my lord. Still, the wine is incredibly good.
-You don’t seem too delighted with what you’ve seen around, my lady.
-Well, I’m not. It’s a motley crowd swarming around… Elves, yes, but not very many… trying to stand for their ways in front of a mixture of humans, dwarves, gnomes, kenders, weather changers, magicians, mercenaries, mountebanks, charlatans…
-I find your sayings very strange… but I suppose it must be a reason for all this, although, you might be mistaken.
-Of course I might, my lord. I am just a woman. A poor human woman. You’d better see it for yourself.
A tensed silence floated in the air. Roun’s stylished manners were overturned by the woman’s bitter bite of sarcasm. Yet she kept on stirring his curiosity…
-Will you tell me your name, lady?
-Lamar… And there’s no need to call me lady. Although it sounds so fascinating with Northern Elvish accent. Sometimes I wish I was one, just get amused by the sound of it… Lady Lamar…
The woman started to laugh. There was something powerful and rough in her attitude that let Roun know he’d better not treat her with any kind of condescendence.
-I come from the Middle Lands. But that I guess you already knew, since I’m human. I grew up in Fasta-Lari, but I traveled a lot. Still, I never got into true Elven lands.
-Elves are suspicious with other races. Yet you would be greeted with respect if you choose to travel in our lands.
-If I was allowed… You know, you have strict conditions under which a stranger may pass your boarder.
-But you are here now, aren’t you?
-Yes… Then again, like it or not, Palinesti is not quite Elven. Nobody asks too many questions in here.
Roun didn’t like the irony in her voice nor the bitter disregard she showed for his people. Yet he thought of Dul’Aran, the savage place of his childhood that was only by name considered to be Elven territory.
-She might be right… He thought to himself.
The night was still young. They had another three or four hours of fast riding until they could enjoy the hospitality of the inn. But Roun was enjoying another thing: the intriguing company of the red haired woman. She seemed to be very young, yet her voice was strong and stern, with deep, velvet inflexions. Roun liked to listen to her voice as it flew gently, like the dark waters of the Daji River.
She spoke about a life of adventure and change, about races Roun found strange and incomprehensible, yet, in her stories, they all seemed fascinating.
-And I caught his axe… You should have seen his face! He didn’t see it coming… You, men… You always underestimate women. That was his last mistake!
-You killed him?
-Him? No… He was so shocked to see his own blade resting on his throat he forgot he was sitting on the edge of the gulf. He just stepped back a little too much!
-Lamar, I don’t understand… You seem to have a certain experience in battle. Why were you afraid to travel alone, here, in Palinesti? It might not be as civilized as the rest of the Elven domain; still I believe it is a better place than those you’ve scoured through.
-You know not what you’re talking about, Roun. Still, it was not fear that pushed me towards you. I like efficiency. I do not kill for pleasure, like other mercenaries. In fact, violence disgusts me. And making conversation with strangers may be more than an invitation to a robbery or at least a good fight. And I have neither the time nor the mood for this kind of fun.
On the other hand, you are an interesting man, Roun. A bit too sober and haughty for my taste… but…Hey, maybe you’re shy! Are you shy, Roun?
-I don’t think so, Lamar. Yet I respect the differences between our worlds and understand them. I believe humans have a quicker manner of getting close to each other. We are used to be more solitary and control our reactions…
-Oh, you are so shy…and deliciously solemn! Ha ha! Maybe it’s a racial character… Added Lamar with a crooked smile on her lips.
Roun looked at her, not being sure whether the girl intended to offend him or not. And he noticed she was beautiful, but in a very not-Elven way. Her eyes were ashy, cold as ice. Yet there was ferocity, an untamed spirit that glittered in her look, like the grin of a savage beast. There was darkness, and passion, and blood in her eyes. Her strong jaw and firm nose spoke to Roun about instinct and independence. There was a lonely wolf that lived untamed in her heart. He understood that woman would never have any master except her own will and also felt he had to fight not to be dominated by her character. And he felt Lamar’s wolf howling in the darkness, awakening his own, calling for the most tempting smell of warm blood.
-Why are you so quiet, my friend? Did I offend you in any way?
-You didn’t… Look, Lamar, we’re nearly there… I can see the lights.
You told me a lot of stories today. Still, you said nothing about yourself. What are you looking for?
-I do not talk about myself. Not with everyone I happen to travel with.
Roun was not expecting that sharp answer. He was surprised by her reticence, especially since he shared with her his reasons, destination and expectations. The silence started to press on his shoulders like a heavy load.
-I meant not to intrude… I was curious about you… and you seemed opened to a friendly chat…
-Yeah, I do that sometimes… Listen carefully, young Elf. We are not friends. We just traveled together. And I appreciated your company… your vanity I appreciated less, but I guess I had to deal with it.
Let’s get inside. I’m freezing here.
The night grew kindly over the two travelers. The inn was hold by Tirthanas, a Silver Elf that tried to make from his place a small piece of Elven paradise. Beds were comfortable and sheets were soft and clean. And of course, Lamar, like nothing happened, asked Roun to join her for a glass of golden wine. Although confused a bit by her moody attitude, Roun accepted and soon they were laughing and chatting like old pals.
The tender light and the friendly buzzing of mixed voices warmed their hearts even better than the glasses of wine. Lamar’s look ceased to show that devious glitter and her features grew softer, lighter as the golden liquor heated her blood.
-So you’re going to Saligredan… in search of knowledge… It’s a good place to learn things. And I’m not referring only to magic.
-Maybe it’s not only magic I’m after…
-What are you after, Roun?
-I have others answers to find… How about you?
-Me, my friend? What could be after a poor human woman? I have no noble blood, no high ambitions, and, of course… not another three hundred years in front of me to perfect my arts, as you have… so… I guess my life goes with my sword. I go wherever the winds of fortune blow.
-And where does this wind of yours blow now?
-It’s blowing south… South… she whispered in a mysterious voice.
As the two companions were enjoying their conversation, four hooded silhouettes appeared at the Purple Rose’s door. They asked for food and wine and sat at a secluded table, covered in shadows, near the huge fireplace.
They talked rarely and bellow their breath, whispering words in a strange language that reminded of a bird’s cry.
Although neither she nor Roun could hear their meager conversation, Lamar pricked up her ears and sharpened her attention. A gloomy expression wandered for an instant across her face.
-What happened? asked Roun, noticing her sudden change.
-Nothing, my friend. Just some old memories… Tell me, young mages, such as you, are they of any good in battle?
-I might be young… but I’m a skilled white robe.
-Of course, you are… That’s why you are going to Saligredan. To find some disciples and teach them real magic!
-Your irony is most inappropriate. I passed my last test and I might add it wasn’t easy. In fact, it was the most deceiving experience in my life…
-Oh, in your whole life… I see… That you spent where? In beautiful shiny Qualinesti?
-All human women have such a sharp tongue as you do?
-No, only the ones who know how to use a sword. But, don’t let my humble talents interfere with your story. You were telling me about your combat skills.
-I am good in combat. I have defeated a dark Elf… and he was much more experienced. Look, I don’t like to talk about these things.
-You don’t, do you? Tell me, did you ever kill a man?
Roun’s face ran white. He killed the dark Elf. He did it with some sort of sick, rabid pleasure, that he couldn’t control… and although he found out it was nothing more than a magic illusion, he knew his doing was still a sacrilege.
-I thought so… continued Lamar with a victory smile on her face. You, Elves, have a thing against dying. You know why? You just live too long… You’ve got too much time to think…
Well, perhaps one day I’ll see a nice glittering combat spell with your signature on it.
-I really hope you won’t… And I’m not wasting magic for funny demonstrations.
-What if I was attacked? Would you defend me, young mage?
-What happened to your sword?
-Oh, smart answer for an Elf.
-I’m a quick learner.
-Would you defend me?
-Yes… I would do my best to keep you safe.
-So, after all, I might get my little demonstration…