Rockfel Chronicles

Clash in the Woods

The Everglades is a rich forest north of the City of Rockfel just beyond the city limits of the northern district, Hamlet's End. It is a lush haven for elves, druids and nature types of both paranormals and supernaturals. If one is lucky, one could see the trees dance at a particular time of day or a chance encounter with one of the druids. However, Mother Nature is still overprotective of its kin and has ways of defending itself from harm. Some would say it is enchanted albeit cursed. Apart from the Valentine Institute of Paranormal Research and Supernatural Investigation, which took up a large portion of the vast forest, it is also the only known home of the Woodland Elves, tall and proud in stature with skin as fair as snow, and Night Elves, a darker version of their Woodland kin.

It is on a particular bright full moon where the Priestess of the Moon, Eliona Brightmoon, one of the Divines of Rockfel, together with her company of warrior elves known as the Moon Blades, treads her usual night meditation walks. She wore a simple white robe which she prefers over the heavy ceremonial robes she regularly wears while on the temple.

Also with her is Katarina Everhart, the valiant Captain of the Moon Blades, who is known for her skills with the blade. She is glad that despite of the busy schedule of the captain, she was able to accompany her on her nightly walks in the forest. Bearing their crimson and gold glass armors, Katarina and her company formed a circle around the priestess with the captain closest to her.

The nightly meditation walks of the priestess greatly relieved her of stress from her duties in the temple. And it felt even better if the moon was out, just as how it was this particular night. The peace and quiet of the forest was one of those moments that she enjoyed the most. And with Katarina by her side, she felt relaxed and refreshed even more.

Sometimes, she would have chance encounters with a young druid dancing under the moonlight or an ent sapling that she would spend a few minutes with. Wild animals like bears and wolves tend to bow down to her in respect when passing by one of their homes. A few hunters, both elven and human, would cross their paths and pay homage to her by presenting her flowers of great rarity or a generous offering of their nightly hunts. But on this particular night, she knew she would encounter a peculiar experience.

Having the gift of precognition, she had the ability to have a glimpse of the near future. It was one of several reasons why many seek her counsel. Spiritual cleansing and enlightenment she would always give to those who seek answers, but at times she would not do so and would often speak in riddles since the power of seeing the future demands a terrible cost.

The priestess and her company came across a clearing and Katarina halted their advance.

"What is the matter, my dear captain?" The priestess asked.

"There is a presence in front of us," Katarina replied.

"I only see one man," one of the guards said.

"No. They are many." Katarina drew her sword. The others did the same.

A lone man stood in the middle of the clearing. He wore a grey suit and had a fedora hat on. He calmly approached the company, ignoring the blades that are ready to strike the stranger anytime. He took of his hat and the moon lit his face. A clean shaven handsome smile greeted them. He bowed in front of the company.

"Good evening ladies." He said.

Katarina pointed the blade, inches away from the man's slick hair. "State your business, werewolf."

"I come in peace." He said his head still bowed.

"Peace? If your definition of peace includes a handful of armed men hidden beyond those trees, then I don't think I agree with it." Katarina stared down at the bowed head.