Rumour is abound in and about Taurë.

Talk has spread of small groups of Elves meeting across the city. Shady figures who mutter in dark corners, seeming to vanish when you take a second glance. Yet everywhere the same message echoes throughout the streets... the rebellion is coming. The word has been spread for those who would fight to gather here, and now, at last, in the shade of the Leithran groves, the future of Elentari shall be decided.

Beneath the boughs of the forest, those who would change the course of history meet with Lord Turin of Ellrion to decide how to face the menace of King Gathodel, who threatens everything Elentari is built upon. This is the start of the resistance. The beginning from which the conflict shall spring. The fall of a single stone that creates an avalanche.

This is the start. Where will you stand at the end?

---

The fading afternoon sunlight shines through the thin canopy of the Leithran groves, illuminating the pale lavender blossoms of the fruit trees, and giving the small clearing an otherworldy feeling. A single stump stands in the center of the clearing, and around the edges the trees are widely spaced for several metres leaving the area quite open. A gentle breeze blows through the grove, making the narrow branches sway gently, and creating a fluttering cascade of petals as they fall to the ground. The forest is tense and ready, as though in anticipation of the events about to take place...

"Your not serious!"

The voice was shrill and painful. It was to be expected as the gravity of the news recently announced was significant enough to make just about anyone bat an eye. Yet this voice stung more than most others. It belonged to a High Elf, drawn up with her chin curtly pointed upwards and her back towards Esca. The long, silver hair flowed down to her waist, making it ample material for the moonlight to shine upon. Her figure was beautiful to say the least, her garments were completely green, dark and melodic, synchronizing perfectly into the forest that surrounded them. Though her voice was harsh, Esca knew from experience that they were a loose covering for tears that would be soon to follow.

Slowly, Esca moved towards her, placing a soft hand on her shoulder. She stood silent, deathly silent. The quiet seemed to revoke all necessity for words and thus Esca found himself standing awkwardly in a position that he hated. So much needed to be said, yet couldn't be said. Here he was, it seemed that every time Esca found time to be with Isole, there was some sort of barrier that was raised between them. Finally, Isole turned and faced Esca. Tears now streamed down her face as she burried her head in Esca's chest.

"Do you know what this means?" she sobbed.

Esca simply held her. He knew quite well. It meant that Elantari was in trouble. Peace itself had been banished and now war was not far off on the horizon. The King had stepped on one too many toes and did little to try to heal the wounds he so carelessly plunged into the populace of Elantari. Esca hated what this meant, but just because tidings were not of his liking, didn't mean that he could change them simply by closing his eyes. He was, after all, devoted to fighting for peace, maintaining justice and advocating freedom. Even so, he shuddered at the thought. The Elves had found many enemies in the past, they had fought many wars...yet here they were turned against each other. How could a King be so careless? How could the council elect someone so pig-headed? How could Elantari come to this?

Esca now embraced Isole once more, he too needed reassurance. The messengers had caught him off guard after he had left the Khalar Mountains. It was terrible news they had brought, so urgent that Esca had run for three straight days back to the Elantari. The breaks he took were minimal and by the time he arrived, he was thoroughly exhausted, yet here he was now. A week had gone by since that time and now he had to take a stand. Elantari needed men of resolve. She needed those who would fight for her well-being, regardless of who was on the throne. When the great Queen Livana had passed, Esca hadn't expected to see bright tidings on the horizon for Elantari, yet he hadn't expected things to be reduced to this.

"Will you come with me?" He spoke slowly. "I...I need you."

Isole looked up. The tears had stopped flowing, though her eyes were still red. She brushed the hair out of her face and looked once more into Esca's eyes to make sure that she had heard him right. The two of them had spent many years together, they had been through a lot, yet never before had Esca asked her to accompany him on any of his adventures. He had always been a solo fighter, crusading for whatever it was that he was looking for. Isole wasn't sure of the reason, yet she always expected it had to due with the fact that he had never really understood himself. He had been riddled with doubt and confusion ever since she had met him, yet now, he was of clear resolve and sure of himself, even in the face of uncertainty. For this reason, Isole felt something come over her that she had never experienced before. It was a confused yet satisfied expression of the mind. One that told her there would be a sunrise after the darkness passed. She felt closer now to Esca than she ever had been before, and being that her very home was threatened to break into an unstable chaos, the timing couldn't have been better.

"I'll come" Isole replied.

Many years she had hoped, even prayed, that Esca would say those words. Here she was, her chance had come. Esca had invited her to share in his adventures and travels. Though they wouldn't even be leaving the Elantari, it was great progress towards something that Isole had dreamed of ever since she had met Esca. A loud whistle came from Isole's lips, and within a few moments hooves could be heard. A beautiful mare came around one of the trees, her coat completley black, glistening in the moonlight. Esca mounted her, then held his hand out to Isole, as she mounted the horse and placed herself casually behind Esca.

Esca dug his heels into the horse and soon the breeze was rushing throug his hair at an excellerated rate. Time was of the essence and Esca could feel a wave of adrenaline come over him. The Elantari seemed glorious this night. It was wonderful every night, but this night something was different. Perhaps it was because for the first time, Esca and Isole were riding together towards a common goal. There had been so much confusion that had come between them over the years, yet now Esca felt that he and Isole had met common ground. Something had finally clicked between them, something that would be able to hold them in spite of the chaos that was now encompassing the very world they lived in.

The ride took them quite some time and daybreak came before they finally arrived at the destined location. Esca dismounted, then gracefully extended his hand to Isole. She slid off of Neath'nea, the mare they had been riding. The gathering was still relatively small, but the day was young. More would be sure to follow and Esca could only wonder what the course of events would look like. He wasn't sure of what the others were thinking, but he hoped that they wouldn't be as rash as current rumors from neighboring Elves suggested. Some claimed that Zealots roamed the woods, ready to shed blood at a moments notice. Others announced that the Royal Guard was even ready to take action. Rumor had it that the King had created a secret council of his own, though at the moment, Esca wasn't sure how a secret council would become public knowledge. Yet here he was.

Isole was uncomfortable as well, and Esca could appreciate that. The two held onto each other, Esca placing his arm around her shoulders. It would be some time before the day's events unfolded and the uncertainty caused Esca to feel somewhat uneasy. He didn't necessarily endorse fighting against the monarchy, but he didn't endorse the ideals that Gathodel was proclaiming. It was a hard call to make, but action needed to be taken and Esca knew that he couldn't remain idle from the side. He had to make a choice and that choice was what led him to this clearing on this day.

As the wind blew softly through the trees, sending a quiet whistle through the air, a small figure could just be made out in the distance, and as the figure drew closer to the clearing, it was clear that this was no Elf. Jord Blackhammer strode purposefully into the clearing where the gathering was to take place, never had he seen such an amazing part of the woods as this, the afternoon sun filtering through the blossoms, the brilliant colours scattered across the grove, it was beautiful. There were many Elves there now, but Jord was not so interested in them, as much as a tall shady figure who stood quietly near the edge of the crowd. Approaching this character with a more confident stride and stopping besides him, Jord looked up and held out his hand to Kyne Stormchaser. "It has been too long brother," he announced with a smile, "it's good to see you again."

Lily'd heard about this... meeting once she'd arrived in the Woodland - something about such incidents and happen-stances intrigued her, more than the repression of a sub-race of the Elvish line by a tyrannical leader - how things had changed whilst she was dead to the world! The gracious Queen Livana, dead...
What she might be able to play with - who she might be able to get hold of, to play with... the thought excited her.

She eventually arrived at the edge of the designated clearing - a lot better worn than she had been when she'd left the castle. She'd tidied herself up, the better for her appearance to these new souls. Her hair was up as usual, curling and waving its way down her spine to the base of it, the burning crimson a sharp contrast to the greenery all around them. Her purple eyes seemed to glitter like gemstones now she was back in her homeland - albeit in unpleasant and inconvenient circumstances. She was garbed in one of her long emerald dresses, the skirt of which spread like a waterfall, seeming to blend in with the grasses and leaves, hiding her walking-boots, and the top half was much like the rest of her comfortable clothing - teasingly low-cut, yet modest and almost regal in design, a border of gold leaves entwined with black roses edging it. Her favourite 'toys' were wrapped round each leg upon special belts, and each step gave her a small chiming noise, giving an innocence to the sadistic seductress beneath. More knives, tools and toys were hidden in pockets inside the bell-ended sleeves of her dress and in small secretive lining pouches. Her healing arm was wrapped with bandages, not noticeable to anyone that wasn't focusing on it, and the small scratches and scrapes she'd received during her fall and injury were barely visible now, small lines left upon her pale skin.

She looked around for this man she'd heard was the leader of these.... brigands. Lily observed a small bunch of people arriving all over the clearing... And she decided she would make her entrance. Being a High Elf herself, she'd gathered that some here would not be welcoming of her presence, and thus she endeavoured as she always did - be deceivingly friendly, yet aloof. Make friends, and no enemies who might stab her in the back later.

Who knew people like these could be brought together in such turmoil? she thought, shaking her head, and her hair, as she looked at the varied people arriving - another High Elf among them at least. She tied her small horse laden with her clothes and ever more creative toys to a nearby tree, and she strapped Celer Aequitas to her back, most likely startling anyone who would have thought her a weak-handed waif; her sword was almost as tall as she was, and was flat-ended - a proper executioner's sword. What they couldn't see was the core - sealed inside the weapon was a cylindrical core containing liquid mercury, further adding to the weight of her weaponry.

She walked into the clearing, and approached the man leaning on his sword near the tree stump. Facing the man, she smiled and bowed her head ever so slightly. He had just greeted a Dwarf as she approached, dress skimming the grass beneath. She grinned, as her sword was definitely taller than him, and laughed vibrantly at the joke only she could hear.

"Pray tell, are you the leader of this little group? I am Lillith, and I'm heeding the call you sent for me." She was happy her mentalist capabilities hadn't been dulled by her time bedridden, as she spoke to his mind for should she be incorrect it would be quite embarrassing. Hopefully this man was the Stormchaser the messenger had spoken about...

Elves of all manner of appearance slowly came out into the clearing. They were all tall, slight of build and graceful to a fault. All of them were dressed in some manner that reflected their elven heritage, flowing robes or some sort of embroidery typical of the cultural love for floral, sprawling designs decorated the hems of their clothing in many a fine colour. One by one, they regarded her - their eyes skimming over her frame twice over, as if trying to discern if she was of human origins, before gladly returning their sights on more familiar shapes.

How foreign she must appear to them, she mused. Most of these people had never left Elentari, let alone see the other intelligent forms of life. Her physique, while not abnormal, was unusual and proportionately larger for a woman of her race. Ara easily rivaled elven men in height. Her pale skin, still unused to the sun after a century of subterranean dwelling, looked alabaster against her fiery curls. The only speck of colour was the pale rose the cold had forced to her cheeks and lips. Her beauty was not frail or genteel. It was unrefined and raw, a subversion of the elvish genes, with deep set green eyes that had a gaze so hard, it could cut glass. While most elves stood straight in an aristocratic manner that came so naturally to them, Ara’s posture was markedly different, her mannerisms obviously ingrained in her after years of being in another place.

She stood quietly against the gnarled bark of an old tree, watching them all – deciding that it was no use to take special note of anyone as of yet. She would wait till the leader or his lieutenant would speak and then, the lie would begin.

A momentary instinctual moment called her to look up in a particular direction whereupon she locked eyes with a wood-elf at the front of the group. She estimated his height as only slightly taller if not the same as hers. The dark hair framed the typically handsome elven face and by the looks of his tanned skin, she was sure that he was some sort of ranger or forest guide. Ara allowed herself another smile, Another ranger? Nay, say it isn’t so…

He looked away the moment she locked her gaze, as if uncomfortable. Ara shrugged and watched with interest as he knelt down to pull the dwarf into his embrace.

The only other person that Ara would have felt comfortable with was the dwarf, who evidently was on good terms with the ranger. She would have to find out their names soon, if anything to make identifying them easier.

Ara sighed and eased the tense muscles of her neck by massaging them with her fingers. The chilled metal bit through the leather, surprising her for a moment before she adapted to it, even enjoying the cold sensation on her skin.

A heated exchange was sure to come into within the next few minutes, followed by a rousing speech. Ara’s cynicism reared its ugly head into view as she kept her objectives in mind. She had decided that she would say nothing, unless absolutely needed. Draw no attention to yourself, the logical voice spoke. Prove your loyalties through deed instead of words.

Deciding to heed her own advice, she searched the crowd for a suitable person to strike a conversation with. Standing by herself against a tree was just going to emphasize her discomfort with the group. Pulling her stature straight, she was pleasantly surprised that a couple, newly arrived at her side, greeted her first; saving her the effort of going far.

They were High-Elves, silver-haired and lithe of build. The woman was elegant and shy, like most elven maidens. She stood shyly behind the man, her hand firmly clasped in his own. She was lovely to behold, her argent hair straight and cascading gracefully on her person.

The man was not much taller than Ara. Then, again, Ara was not like most elven women. The differences between her and most of them were never so prominently displayed till now. He was broad-shouldered and, again, rather good-looking. Unlike the ranger, this one’s face was devoid of facial hair and on the whole, exuded a more gentlemanly air.

“Greetings,” she returned them, her voice huskier than usual from the lack of water and the length of her journey. The elvish words rolled off her tongue, perfectly enunciated albeit clipped sharply at the edges. Ara was more used to Dwarven, having spoken it everyday till she left Khur. Her accent gave the impression that Elvish was not her primary language, although her usage was proficient and fluent.

As he introduced himself as Esca and the woman, Isole; she nodded at the names and paused momentarily to consider if she should take Esca’s open hand in friendship.

“Arayala,” she replied, accepting his hand in the manner of gentleman greeting another of his gender. The cold silver fingers gripped the ones of flesh and blood easily in a firm shake. In case, he felt disconcerted, she added her surname. “Silverhands but do call me Ara. It’s so much easier.”

Jord's enquiring statement provoked a dry chuckle from the rugged Wood Elf, the go lucky, light hearted grin that had graced his features at the sight of the Dwarf fading to a contemplative frown. "Apparently so," he answered Jord wryly, "I was sought out directly by one of these messenger riders that most people seem to have heard word from, he was under instruction to find me and insist I attend. I've made many contacts in Ellrion over the years, and it would seem an old acquaintance is seeking my aid, I arrived here only to find my name had already been bandied about as a figurehead."

Kyne shrugged to the Dwarf stood besides him as he finished talking, it wasn't so much that he minded, he would happily lead these would be rebels in the name of their cause, he would just prefer to know who it was he was working for. His face now serious and sober, Kyne turned back to watching the growing crowd, there were quite a lot of people there now, all waiting expectantly for whatever was going to happen to begin, and many of them sporadically glancing at Kyne, as though he was supposed to take charge. With a sigh Kyne shook his head, and grinned resignedly at Jord, for now he supposed, he would just have to go with the flow and see what happened.

Hearing a mirthful giggle to his right, Kyne glanced up from his half pint companion, and found himself looking straight into the eyes of a striking young High Elf girl, laughing to herself at nothing in particular. For a moment the ranger just stood there, transfixed not by her beauty but by her hair, a flowing deluge of brilliant vermillion, that tumbled down the girl's back in shimmering waves, that hair which reminded him so much of his beloved Lelya... and then he was back, the past locked away behind its little door once more, and the ever cocky flirt back in control. With a rogueish smirk, and one of his most charming smiles, Kyne moved to strike up a conversation with the girl, before stopping abruptly, as he heard what he could only explain as her voice in his head. "Pray tell, are you the leader of this little group? I am Lillith, and I'm heeding the call you sent for me." Confidently taking the unusual occurance in his stride, Kyne replied as though the girl, Lillith was it now, had merely asked him the time of day. "I sent for nobody, but it seems that I have been granted that position for now, my name is Kyne, oft' spoken of as Kyne 'Stormchaser'. What call did you receive that brings you to this place Lillith?" Kyne enquired, moving to take the High Elf's hand as he introduced himself, with a slight inclination of the torso that might, by some, be considered a bow, never breaking the pair's eye contact for a second.

Esca felt the firm grip of the woman who stood before him. She was different, to say the least, but so were many in their own rights. It was part of the unique composition that made Elantari what it was. Already, Esca began to wonder exactly what would happen from the events that would take place shortly. Everything was so blurry and undefined in his mind. The sun reflected magnificently off of the green flooring of the woods, giving a false sense of serene peace and tranquility. Though the coalition gathered togther, brothers from various ends of the woodlands themselves, came in many shapes and sizes, they were all united by the same blood that ran through their veins. Save for the Dwarf, whom Esca was still curious about. Nevertheless, a friend was a friend and if a Dwarf wished to contribute his allegience to an already unrepresented people group, there was no logic in sending him away. Especially since one of the Elves seemed to be friends with him already. Even so, Esca felt a strange gut feeling building inside him, the presence of the creature made him remember old prejudices that he had long forgotten. Something about the situation didn't make sense, but Esca wisely held his tongue.

"It's a pleasure to meet you," Esca returned, his voice concealing the inner strain of thought that had been working upon him. "I trust by the end of todays events, we will know each other better!" Perhaps it was not the cleverest choice of words, but Esca didn't bother to think through intricate lyrics to announce, he prefered the simple elegance of a warm greeting, one in which he had so recently given.

More crowds streamed into the clearing and it was becoming certain that the events would be beginning shortly. Esca moved towards a smaller tree and found a lower branch which he and Isole could sit upon rather comfortably, all the while being able to take part in the discussion at hand. Esca didn't really expect to say much, he was more or less interested in what was happening and he wanted to get a good feel of where the others were before he would clearly state any kind of opinion. Obviously, Esca was sympathetic to the cause, as he had allowed himself to join this gathering, but how far those sympathies stretched was something that Esca himself couldn't say for sure.

In any case, time is the teller of all tales, and soon things would begin. For now, Esca decided to lean back and rest a little, staying out of the way as much as possible.

As Jord stood by Kyne, the ends of his cloak blowing softly in the wind, he noticed a tall, elegant Elf with flowing hair coming down to her waist. She was striding towards them confidently, but did not seem to be focused on the Stormchaser that many seeked, she was focused on Jord, a small Dwarf in this sea of Elves.

As she arrived by Jord, she sat on low branch next to him spoke to him in Dwarven, "hail, brethren... why does this bring you so far from our mountain home."

"The mountains are no home of mine, I was cast out by the Dwarfs long ago." Jord replied in Dwarven, the deep growliness of his voice, coming through strongly as the language flowed from his mouth. "My allegiance is to the Wood Elves of Elentari now,  they took me in when I had nothing, and for that I am ever grateful. So tell me, how did a beautiful Wood Elf like you, come to speak the rough language of Dwarven?"

Jord was glad that this woman had found him, he felt he could talk to her easily and share his language with besides Kyne. But still, as the day grew darker, and the swift breeze rustled through the branches, they would stay here and wait for the events that were to come.