[M]Ethanria: Heroes Rising

[Edynol]

(Rated mature for violence, language, and adult themes.)

It has been almost two months since Anella and the refugees left Cairdian, some of the adults opting to stay in Avenstone and Vealigarde while those who could fight remained in Cairdian to help Queen Azmari defend the borders. Most of who remained with Anella were children and their parents. The journey wasn't easy, as undead popped up and attacked the caravan almost every other day, and not everyone survived. Several children were left orphaned, but thankfully none of them died and others were quick to take them in and care for them. Anella was thankful Jexus accompanied them to Ethranar, for without his aid many more would have died.

Once they were safely with in the borders of Ethranar, Anella gathered a large regime of soldiers and guards so Jexus could return to Marius and the others, they would need his help much more than Anella and the refugees now. And much to Anella's pleasant surprise, Priestess Vellia Whispersong, the queen of Eversong Vale, sent a few of her people, children included to Ethrenar when she learned of Anella's plans to keep them protected. Anella was thankful Crystaldeep was so huge. The large, cavernous city, hidden well deep beneath the ground with only a small cave at the entrance to the tunnel leading down to it, was almost as large as Ethrangarde, the largest city in the world, and was a good deal older. The dwarves were truly amazing miners and masons.

As everyone settled in in their new subterranean home, Anella took residence in the main citadel, a large structure made entirely from white marble. It was here where she would also hold training for children and young adults in the arts of magic and combat. As the queen looked around the spacious antechamber, which was surrounded by corridors and stairs leading to the upper balconies upon the high walls, she smiled and sighed in relief as she took in her surroundings. "Well," she said to herself, "we made it. Now the real fun begins." And with that, she went out to address the people of the city and recruit new students.

[Drakkon]

Alice blinked, as she watched Anella take leave. In the two months of travel she still could not understand certain things, even now she had no idea what Anella was up too. Anella, all that she was, needed verbal communicated as with everyone else she now met. Dearly missing her old friends Alice followed her boss. "Hello Anella, what are we doing today?" She asked politely, as they passed a window. Another thing she could not understand was the city, all her life she spent in forests with trees and birds, and the sun. Now everything was dark and silent save for the people. Who were no more then animals themselves, yet were insulted when one said such. A minor thing to be upset about in Alice's eyes.

Alice's mind wandered back to the forests of the druids. The birds she listened to her mentor call with his lullaby. The time they spent hunting, and picnicking on a cliff overlooking the vast forest. She preferred the undead above ground then this, to be tucked in away in some cave no matter how big. She felt like prey to be hunted and cornered in her own home then safe. Which she should know, she spent countless times doing just that to rabbits, she didn't feel the particular need to have the same done to herself.

[Setsa]

Cass had just arrived in Crystal Deep that morning with the elven families and children after a long journey. For having seen much in this land, this place always put her in awe at the construction and vast size. This was the perfect place to hold training and sanctuary for those sent over. An army in training so to speak to protect the innocent here; which is why she had an audience with her Queen. Asking if she could contribute her great skills and knowledge to where it was needed most. So a few of the nature warriors were sent here along with others specially selected elves. It had been awhile since all the regions united like this. She for one, hoped that it wouldn't end after this upcoming war....

Removing her helmet and armor, the elf took a long awaited hot bath before dressing in more suitable attire for the environment... Choosing not to wear shoes so that she could feel what the cavern decided to tell, and braiding her hair back high and tight. Cass's first order of business was to go to the meeting hall and await those others who were chosen to teach and protect this new settlement. The walk over showed the condition of those who were exhausted, hungry, worried and scared..and lonely. She noticed so many children without parents or guardians who must have died before them along the journey over. Her home here was plenty big enough for her and then some...and her heart bled for those orphaned. Standing up tall, Cass opened the doors to the meeting hall and sat on top of a table in wait while allowing herself to meditate and listen to the story of her surroundings.

[savannabanana8]

Nevaeh looked around. These lands were so beautiful. She wasn't sure what to say of this place. She looked at all the other folk like herself here ready to learn and be trained. She smiled and looked at the elephant tusk in her hand that she's been carrying with her since she turned 15. She wondered how Anella had even found this place for refugees and looked up at Anella at the front of the group talking to a couple of dwarfs about the landscaping... Neveahs cheeks turned bright red and she looked at the ground as she hurried to front to listen in to what they were speaking of.. When everyOne stopped talking nevaeh tapped into Anellas mind because she was uncomfortable with these stranger dwarves around her she asked Anella how she had found this place expecting her to jump at the foreign voice in her head but Anella just smiled and said "it doesn't matter much darling, just the fact that we are safe" she smile brightly. Nevaeh thought through that remark and decide that she was satisfied with that answer and slowed down to get to the back again and admire the view.

[Lost Goddess]

Amriel had arrived at Crystaldeep with no one but herself, and snow. She had been sent to possibly benefit from learning, and perhaps she could help teach some of the younger students how to better use a bow. Either way she would benefit from the training. She was sweaty and hot, so she made her way towards the underground springs that littered the large city outside. She went to one that was void of people around it and she stripped to her bare skin and before she entered the stream she had pulled out A gown that was both elegant and fit for combat.]She then slid into the spring and quickly washed off and dived under the water loving the feeling of the water on her face and the coolness against her skin. Upon stepping out of the water the water just seemed to slide right off of her and she was dry instantaneously. She put on her gown and braided her hair in tight braids that wove together and stretched down her back, the rest of her hair smooth and straight. She put on her traveling boots and her bow and arrows on her back and then proceeded to the citadel where Anella would be. Snow always traveling by her side, his mere prescence making people step out of her way..

She walked directly up to stand in the middle of the crowd of people and she stopped her green eyes always cautiously watching the crowd. She wasn't very trusting of people other than elves, but she didnt particularly dislike them either. She just didn't trust them. She looked forward as Anella came into her view.

[Edynol]

As Anella finished talking to the dwarves, they were telling her about the other small passages leading in and out of the caverns, she asked them to set up guard posts at each of them. When they left to do so, she looked over the crowd of people showing up. When Alice asked her what they were doing today, she put a hand on the young girl's shoulder. "Right now, we are just focusing on getting everyone settled in and put at ease," she said, speaking quietloy so others wouldn't hear. "The most important thing after moving a large group to a new settlement is establishing a routine. When people have jobs and tasks to do, it helps take their minds off being in a strange new place and gives them a sense of normality and peace." As she looked back over the crowd of refugees, she tried to remember each and every face, some she knew, but most she didn't.

As the talking and chatter died down, she began to speak. "Greeting everyone," she began, spreading her arms out in a friendly, graceful manner. "I know the most of you are ill at ease, being in such a strange new place. But I assure you that we are all safe here in Crystaldeep. As I speak, protective wards are being placed around the entire city by some of the most powerful mages, druids, and priests in the land. As the Queen of Ethranar and on behalf of the Vealian Mestai, I promise you all that we are safer here than we would be anywhere else in the world. And I assure you we will do all we can to make this transition as east as possible for everyone."

Anella then clasped her hands together in front of her. "We cannot do it alone, however. We will need your help. I know that most of you are wary of each other, that is to be expected when we have such a diverse community of cultures and races, but we must set our differences aside and work together as one people. Learn from each other, teach each other, help each other. But most importantly, we must tolerate and respect one another. We will be living together a long while, and it will do no one any good if fight each other." Towards the center of the huge crowd, Anella noticed a few orcs arguing with some dwarves and raised her voice, using wind magic to amplify it. "I will not have this safe haven turn into a civil warzone, and anyone attempting to break the peace will be dealt with accordingly." The dwarves and orcs each gave a start and fell silent immediately.

Anella thenlowered her voice as she paced infront of the masses. "Now as our first order of business, we are to establish commerse. Everyone who is able will be asigned jobs suited to their talents. Everyone will have to contribute to the community, including myself. If you can sew, you will work as tailors, if you can hunt, you will go scouting for food and so on. I, myself will be teaching. A school will be made right here in this citadel for those who wish to train in magic, combat, and various other instruction for those who are of age. Those who are also able to teach are welcome as well, as we have a lot of children and young adults amongst us and I cannot teach them all myself. Also, everyone who has vast knowledge of their trade is urged to take on apprentices, to both speed up productivity and pass knowledge onto others so they too can someday become a productive member of society."

Anella then stopped pacing and smiled at everyone. "I shall not keep you any longer. That is all. Go rest and get settled into your new homes. Classes will begin at sunrise tomorrow for those wishing to learn. Thanks you."

As every started leaving to their own thing, a young man in his twenties approached Anella and bowed to her. "My queen," he said respectfully. "I do not know if you remember me, but my name is Marlin. I was Grimwal Thunderhammer's apprentice up until a few months ago. And though I think there was more I could learn from him, he assured me I was ready be on my own. So after hearing about you leading a large group of refugees here, I figured you could use a blacksmith and this would be as good a place as any to start my first shop. So if you'll have me, I vollunteer my services."

Anella smiled mide at the young man as she had him rise from his bow. "Marlin, yes I do remember you. Though I didn't recognize you at first with that beard. You have certainly grown since I last saw you." She then placed a hand on his shoulder. "I would be proud to have your services here. Grimwal is best blacksmith I have evern known, and if you are even half as good as he is, which I believe you are more than half concidering his praise of you last time we met, your skills will be a blessing for us. In fact, there is aforge in the back of this very citadel. It is unfinished, but usable and ocne it is finished, it will be quite large. Would that be suitable, master Marlin?" The young man beamed and nodded his head fervently, unable to speak. Anella let out a small laugh, the first one she had in several weeks. "Very well, it is yours. I will see you get all the supplies you need and will have a few masons finish the forge as soon as possible. I look forward to seeing your work."

After Marlin scurried off, and obvious spring in his step, the young man actually jumped a few times, Anella talked to one of the older dwarves about finishing the forge before returning to Alice. She let out a happy yet exhausted sigh as she took a seat on a near by bench. "Well, my child, we have stroke the first spark. Let us hope that it catches aflame."

[Lost Goddess]

Amriel quickly strode up to Anella and said to her in her musical elven voice " Lady Anella, allow me to introduce myself. I am Amriel Silversong, adopted elf of Eversong and Master Archer. I would be glad to serve you in anyway you see fit, as well as my companion snow." As she said the name snow, a great white tiger came up beside of her and made a slight bowing motion to Lady Anella then sat on his bottom and stared at the children playing around in the courtyard of the citadel. His eyes looked at them like he would want to join them, but he would not leave Amriels side.

Amriel looked at the Lady Anella and said hastily " I also know quite a bit of woodworking, and am good for making bows, and other such wooden crafts. So, i would gladly serve wherever i am needed" She smiled at the Lady, her smile was sincere despite her uncomfortableness in this place they were in. She would rather be where the sun shone upon her skin and the wind blew on her face bringing a variety of scents to her nose.

[Drakkon]

Alice's shoulders fell as she heard Anella's metaphor. "Dread once said a fire is likely to scare all but the bravest creatures.. and that most truly brave creatures have a reason to be." She stated silently, sitting next to the Queen. "I feel like prey hiding here.. waiting to be sniffed out by the predators of the world.." She whispered, looking up at the ceiling, longing for the sun and moon. She started fiddling with her broken bow. Studying the area's it had snapped and the bowstring that had not come undone. She tilted her head running through a few ideas in her head. She had often done this to pass the time and to keep her memory of Dread strong. Gripping them tightly she heard another walking towards them. Ignoring the new person for now she kept thinking about bow work, and tried to remember what her old mentor did the only time his bow was broken. Orc's were not ones to be wasteful, and in the forests even broken things may hold some use.

However she perked up when the elf introduced herself as a master archer. Although she longed to learn how to fight with a sword, archery was something she could do, and grow ever better. Her liking of the new person grew when she said she could make bows. However she didn't speak, simply tilted her head and listened to their conversation. However she did smile and wave at the tiger snow. She had never seen a creature like snow, or rather never seen one with so much white fur. "I like your friend miss." She giggled. Looking up at who she now assumed to be a huntress.

[Setsa]

"Such strong animals are truly ones to respect and love young friend." Cass had said in a calm voice after silently approaching them. Having waited until most of the others went about settling in their homes within the cavern. Bowing low to Anella the elf then stood up straight " Lady Anella it has been a long time since I last saw you in Eversong. I am pleased to say my Queen Viella has sent me and a few others to help teach those wishing to learn. As well as add our arrangement of skills to the collection." Though Cass's tone of voice had authority and strength at most times... The elf decided to speak softly and with kindness as she could already tell everyone had been tried and challenged enough as is; such extra stress wasn't needed for tonight at least.

"If I may Lady Anella...I'd like to teach those who wish. The art of elven combat and how to be one with nature that they can use to their benefit." Looking over to Alice, Cass gave a wink as an idea came to mind. "Perhaps even teach the younglings about nature as you can never start to soon." This part was very true as her parents started teaching her the how-tos of reading trails and finding her own way home when she was only five winters aged.

[Lost Goddess]

Amriel nodded at the young child and said " His name is snow, and if you ask him he'll let you pet him. He is actually quite friendly" Such strong animals are ones to respect and love Amriel turned at that voice and blinked in suprise slightly " Lady, i have met you before have i not? I have forgotten your name i fear." Amriel smiled slighty and bowed quickly in front of the nature warrior.

Snow recognizing the nature in the elf woman that had approached growled in approval at her words and rubbed up against the little child and licked her hand. He layed down next to her and let out a great sigh as he rested his eyes.
_______________________________

Riven walked through Crystaldeep and ignored the whispers and stares of the peolple who had just seen him. He faced forward and had expected this outcome from the humans and dwarves who lived here. He quickly and agilely moved towards the citadel and noticed a small group of children following him, most likely mistaking him for a child themselves. He had a deep voice and sighed inwardly when he approached Anella Sareth-Ethran. He cleared his throat and spoke in his deep voice that reflected his elven quality and dwarven nature " Lady Anella, Greetings. I am Riven Ironfist, Paladin,architect, and blacksmith. My mother was and elf woman and my father a dwarven architect. I offer you my services wherever they are needed, and come to learn more from the great peoples of Ethanria." He finished his deep, gruff voice echoing among the caverns, that for some reason had suddenly gone quiet.