The great ashen Mountains, Tel Ered Lithui. The great ashen spine of the world. The world Mor Loss?helin was born in to, he was born late in the year when the forst snow flurries were stating to settle on the tops of the great ashen spires of Ered Lithui. He was the last child for Ereb and Yari Loss?helin. He was also the only boy. Two years before Fanina had been born and four years before her Herna had been born

Now Herna had been married for two years and no longer lived in the same place on the mountain she had moved further tot he north along side her clan chosen husband. Fanina though was not yet wed, for Fanina unlike her parents and siblings did not look like a Drow. Her skin was fair, far fairer than any other in the tribe it held no onyx color, yet her hair was white and her eyes held the deep red color, just like Ereb.

Mor was born with a great weight upon him, for he was the only son, and Ereb Loss?helin was the clan chief, the high tribal warrior. And one day Mor would take over his fathers place. Mor grew up fast, like all Ered Lithui children did. Learning the hardships of the mountain, the great art f mining ore, the huge task of hunting upon steep hills, and the great dangers of the cliffs. By the time Mor reached the human equlivant of eighteen (though much older than that in Elven years). Fanina had at last been wed, yet not to one chosen from the clan, to one outside of the Ered Lithui, which was not unheard of now. For now many had missed with the outside world, the clans beyond the ashen mount. New allies were being born among Tel Kua, and Tel Mithlin.

Yet now more than ever Ereb had great plans for his one and only son, so that new day he bid his loving wife good-bye and took Mor with him, out across the ashen mount towards the northern slopes, down towards the wild Nisse. Ereb was going to show his son the ways of a clan leader, he was going to teach his son all he would ever need to know to be the man of the tribe. The trip out of the mountains alone took three days and two nights, which were filled with constant lessons and constant dangers.

Finally though they reached the Western end of the mighty Nisee. Looking along its banks to the East Ereb set out with Mor close behind him, to seek out the lessons needing to be learned before his son could return home. The following days would be filled with new dangers and new sights for them both, most of all new lessons even for one as wise as Ereb Loss?helin.

He was not alone.

Setting off to the west towards the great and mighty Gaearon. He walked slowly lookinh up at the trees as he passed under them, then he came toa stop before a Iaur Galadh. Rocean stood looking up towards the sky, up towards the towering tree.He strood there in awe looking up at the elder tree.The Iaur Galadh was the eldest of all trees with in Forodren Ardhon. The one he stood ebfore was one of few with in the Eryn. They were scattered and this one marked the edge of the Eryn Evair tribes lands, now it was nothing but tree till he reached the white sand of Silvern Falas. There he would try to meet with the leader of the Aear Tribe. His father had given him knowledge of the current leaders of each tribe, though Druadon admitted it had bene many years since he was outside of the Eviar encampment. The leaders could have changed by now.

In a small worn skin satchel he carried a worn book bound with Iaur Galadh leaves. There written in his fathershand were the names of thsoe he might meet on his journey across the lands. Also there was knowledge of Eldamar Ennorath. Though there was litte written. Only the names of the tribes of the lands and the fact that there they spoke the common tounge of men and a more common form of elven than in Forodren Ardhon. The speech of men ahd been spoken for years in in Forodren Ardhon, and some fo the elves beilved men picked it up fromt hem, but now they only spoke it with in common ciricles, never outside of their own tribe. Rocean had been raised speaking the tongue but he knew well the refined tongue of his people. Anything worth saying was worth the time it took to say it in detail.

Rocean took a breath pressing his hand tot he tree trunk before setting off again for the sound of the ocean. yet close behind him a shadow followed.

Sedryn had seen ehr elder brother leaving, and adventure got the best of her. She said ntohing when she packed her things and follwoed hkm out of the encampment, sooner or later some one might come after her. Or would Rocean note her first. She wanted so badly to see the world beyoond the Evair's encampment there in the trees. As Rocean headed on towards the ocean Sedryn watched him closely and followed only after she was sure he had not seen her. For once he did, if he did, he'd be very angry with her. But like Rocean, Sedryn had much of her father in her, that taste for danger and adventure.

She walked slowly, carefully behind him making sure not to make a sound. And once the Aera encmapment was with in her sight she knew it was too late to turn back now. Rocean walked slwoly sencing that he was being watched , he thoguht it merely his imgaination but when he turned tos ee something or some one moing paces behind him he knew it was no trick of the forest light. He thought for a moment it might be someone from Aear,a socut sent out to see who was coming. "Suila." He looked back at the trees offering a soft greteing to whom everw as folloing him he did not expect his youbger sisters face to then appear. "Sedryn ...what are you doing?"

She shifted and smiled at her elder brother, "following you." Rocean shook his ehad and walked over to place his hand upon her shoudler, she was much shorter than he, she was also only twelve in the eyes of humans and their ages. "Sedryn , you shouldnt be out here, you could get hurt.. what would father say?" She crossed her arms and stood there, "I will not spend my life waisting away in that encampment, I will see the world... even if you and father say I can not, it is not fair that the men are allowed beyond the reaches of the tribe but the women are not allowed out with out being protected, I do not need protecting.." "Sedryn , I know your as capable as any man withint he tribe, but it is dangerous out here... who knows what.." A twig snapped and drew his gaze, they were both then surrounded by dozens of spears,held by the elves of Aear. The Aear lived in the woods near the ocean and on the white snad beaches of Silvern Falas.

They were forest elves, true and wild as any could be, as well as sea elves great fishing elves. "Suila." Rocean offered with a bow and Sedryn followed suit bowing to the elves. She was surpised by the sight that some of them were women. "Maer aur." One of them soke and tooka step forward. It was a woman, her skin was taned from the days int he sun, she wore the garb of a woodland elf, dark greens and browns ,boot like shoes made of Iaur Galadh leaves.

She had long flowing silver hair with touches of blue. She looked to the others and witha silent command they lowered their spears. She then stepped up to Rocean. "State your business." Rocean brows rose, seems the old customs were going out. " Nin Brennil." She smiled to him then, " you need nto speak in the old way to me.. I am Auvrea Tylar of The Aear Tribe." Rocean nodded, "I am Rocean Helkear of The Eryn Evair Tribe and this is my sister Sedryn."

Auvrea smiled to him then to Sedryn, " I thought it was not allowed for women of the Evair to journey so far past the tribe borders even with company." "Yes, it is not allowed, but some do not listen to rules." Rocean stated bluntly. Auvrea smiled more, " sounds like she'll fit right in, come I will guide you to the tribe leader." She turned and walked, the dozen or more warriors slowly disappearing back in tot he woods and Rocean and Sedryn followed towards the coast.

Auvrea and her great warriorsled them to the coast there the white beach spread out before them. Rocean stood backa moement looking at the trees that lined the coast then to the encampement of the Aear elves. nce they reached the white sands Auvrea crossed inside a tent and bid only Rocean to follow her Sedryn stood outside with one of the hunters.

Auvrea then bowed to an elder male elf seated at the back of the tent. She then rose and spoke to him "adar sen naa hon Rocean Helkaer hon athrada Eryn an utu ist hon tegi hon muinthel. " The elder man then looked to Rocean who bowed lowly. The elder then motioned Auvrea closer and she crossed to him, they spoke in hushed tones for a long moment before Auvrea left the tent.

"Welcome Rocean, of Eryn Evair. I am Kan Qualn tribe elder of Aear. My daughter speaks highly of you,she knows a good man when she sees one, but tell me Rocean, is it not forbidden to bring a woman so far to the west?" Rocean stood ther evry still looking tot he elder as he spoke. Had the old ways faded everywhere but in Eryn? Kan smiled, "please, come in,sit,talk with me, the old ways are long dead otuside of the Eryn."


Rocean crossed and slwoly sat tot he well padded floor. "The old ways still hold In Eryn, my sister followed me here." Rocean finally answered, Kan nodded. "You come on a guest seeking knowledge of the lands. If you hope to make it across these wide lands, she can not follow you any further."
Rocean nodded, "Sedryn is stubborn, she has long awaited a great journey."

Kan smiled to that, " you have a great joureny ahead of you, but it is yours alone, if she awaits a great journey she can stay here and Auvrea can give her one." Rocean nodded, "once my father finds her gone, he may send his best to find her." Kan nodded, " and they will find her here, well taken care of. The old ways are fading Rocean of Eryn, the old ways will not stay long. Your father, is one of few who still make sure they are followed, and with you here, I can guess that he is not well.. the ways will fade with him."

Rocean knew Kan was right. "Sendryn could stay here?" Kan nodded, "Auvrea will give her adventure, stay with us, tonight, by tomorrow noon your sister will be taken on her own little guest and well procteded, so that you may venture to seek that old knowledge. " Rocean nodded, and bowed in thanks. That night he and Sedryn were each set up with their own tents to stay in. Rocean slept soundly ,the sound of the ocean was soothing to him. Whent he dawn came Auvrea stood outside his tent and greated him witha smile, " my father has informed me of your great trip, and of my duty to your sister. I will watch over her, we go North at noons light, then you should go south for Lhim. There you shall find new allies. We will spread thw word softly of your coming. "

Rocean nodded, "you will watch out for her?" Auvrea nodded touching his cheek with her gloved hand, "I swear it." Rocean nodded, looking to her her long sliver hait caught in the ocean breeze. He knew Sedryn would be watched over.


As the mid day sun rose higher over Silveren Falas, Auvrea and her hunters headed North with Sendryn and Rocean headed tot eh south with Kan's blessing. He looked back once as the trees faded and the beach became wide, he wondered if he would ever again see any of his family. He walked on trying not to think about it. He had many miles to trek he could not have a clouded mind.

He cried out in pain but the Nisse drank his scream as it washed them both far from view. Then from Tel Uuranor one scout went out after them.

Ereb heard his son scream out in pain and saw the blood rush past him, swimming to his aide Ereb pulled upon his son. " Stay still," He dug his fingers throught he waters of the Nisse and pulled the arrow head out of his sons skin then the shaft was let to flow . Mor closed his eyes to the pain as the wild Nisse washed his wound. Ereb held on to Mor as they washed futher and further down stream the waters were getting rocky and foamed,Ereb knew they had to get back ashore, the waters were too fast. So pulling Mor with him Ereb swam to the shore line laying Mor out.

Mor coughed out the wild Nisse and gripped his shoulder. Ereb breathed deeply, " we are out of range now.." He looked around looking for any that might have followed, " but we need to move.." Mor nodded gripping his shoulder hard and rose to his feet.Ereb looked to him and smiled, " you are strong, once we get to safety I will tend to your shoulder. As Mor rose fully he cast his still wet gaze over the area they had come from. "Atar.."

Ereb looked back towards Tel Uuranor and saw that they were followed, and the one lone scout was with in rage. Ereb looked tot he woods across the wide expanse of sand and grass they had flowed far past tel Anfauflir, now they were far from Tel Mandu as well..He looked to his sons bloody arm and then to the lone socut that came.

The scout was Carad ,a mighty warrior of his people. He came at Ereb fast and hard wielding a short sword. Ereb pushed Mor away from the battle and dove in to it himself. Dodging the lone scouts powerful thrusts. Mor wacthed wanting nothing more tor each for his sword to help his father but his wounded shoulder would not allow it. ereb was a powerful warrior, with or with out a weapon. He punched at the lone scout getting in many a hit.

Mor watched unable to help,wincing from the pain in his shoulder. Carad stuck at Ereb his eyes moving to Mor then back to Ereb. " Lle desiel?" Carad asked Ereb, as he parried back and forth. Erebs brows rose as he fought againt the young scout. " Desiel?" Carad smirked and ducked rolling along the sand of the Nisse to dart at Mor. Mor saw the scout coming and tried his best to move out of the way but Carad caught him and the two went tumbling in to the river.

Ereb cried out, "Mor..!" He then dove in after his son. Carad smirked as he slashed at the woudned Mor. Mor swam away, in to the foaming river. Ereb then came behind Carad and hit him on the head. Carad had lost sight of Mor int he foam so with Ereb there behind him stuck, the blow of the short sword hit.

Moments later the Nisse claimed Ereb in to its foam. Carad slowly pulled himself to shore. And watched as the Nisse filled with blood, soon the falls would c take them both. Ered Lithui would be ripe for the taking now.

Down in to the foam Mor went gripping at his woudned arm as he tried to stay a float. Then alla round him water, above him below him, the waterw as deep and fell on to him. He had fallen many feet over the falls and now in the calm waters beyond he managed to swin to the surface. He looked around, the water was bloody, but his wound was not bleeding it just hurt. He thens aw him, his father flaoting atop the calm waters, blood flowing from his side. Putting aside the pain Mor swam with all the stength he could muster to his fathers side.

But it was to late, the wound or the falls had taken him. Ereb Lossehelin was dead. Mor slwoly pulled his fathers body to the bank and sat there for a long hours with tears in his dark eyes. His father was gone, his spirit free in Arvandor. Mor took from his fathers body, the clan crest mworn around Erebs neck and strung it around his own. He took his fathers water skin, his great dagger and his bow and arrows. He then laid his father to rest, taking that day to big a hole in the earth. He burried Ereb marking the tomb with simple stones. Then those dark eyes looked back to the falls, the falls ahd not taken his father.The scout from Tel Uuranor had. Then in silcne he sat vowing vengeance.

As the sun sank a pair of raven crested the falls and looked down to him.they had followed the scent of blood, but now there was no meal to be had. Ereb was burried. The ravens flew over the falls and out of sight, Mor sat there watching them. The scout had made a critical error, he had left Mor alive and now as Mor rose he threw out his old name, he was no longer just son of Ereb Lossehelin, he was now like the ravens. He was Mor Crebain. Dark Raven, and he would have his revenge.

Mor sat there watching them. The scout had made a critical error, he had left Mor alive and now as Mor rose he threw out his old name, he was no longer just son of Ereb Lossehelin, he was now like the ravens. He was Mor Crebain. Dark Raven, and he would have his revenge.

He looked to the east and to the west then to the Nisse. He was far from home, and far from thsoe who had so betrayed him. The scout was gone, thinking Mor long dead beside his father. "I will avenge you atar."He vowed to the grave. "Then once they are all dead, I will return home and gain my proper place as clan chief." He then set out for the woods,Wood he soon called Mor Taure. For they were darker and wilder than Tel Mandu. The trees grew tall, large pines and oaks,that hid the coming light from the ground. Mor walked following the trees on his way back home. His plan was simple, rest up, train and become strong . He hoped perhaps to make a few allies, but if not he would face those that had turned on their kind himself. He walked all day,looking tot he hidden sky as he walked. He was alone,Ereb had not yet taught his son all the wisdoms that he could have, and now ind eath Mor knew his father could not teach him. He would have to learn on his own.

He walked until night fall,making a small camp deep int he dark woods. He was starving, his shoulder still ached. He sat before a small fire, looking to his wound, his torn and bloody shirt beside him, he tore it up and would use the pieces of cloth should he need them int he coming days. The weather was warm enough for him to go for now with out a shirt. He sat before the fire,looking in to its flames as they danced and swayed.

There he slept. Till the dawning light woke him. He was still hungr, he ahd what little he and his father had brought, elven bread, nerries, that he would eat now, ebfore they went bad, a hunk of wild goat cheese,and water. He ate the berries and the bread with some cheese.But that alone would not last him, he would need to hunt, he would need to look for berries or even roots good for stews. He covered his fire and set on his way.

As he walked he heard the cires of an animal. As he walked futher the cires got louder and there caught in some terrible trap was a a young dear. Its leg was bloody and it would not last, to save it from its pain.Mor dew back his bow, aiming for it.

Over a new fire he roasted the meat eating some and saving some for the coming days. He could smell the elgire flowers blooming, he knew he was clsoer to Tel Mandu Taure by their scent. But the wind blew strongly, so the woods he knew were very far off. yet still he walked,picking berries and digging for roots. He stock piled his food in his pack. Knowing that he would be walking for many days to come.

Two full days had gone by and Isalira sat with her back against a might Yarra Orn. Mor sat looking over the cooking fire.They were still a day away from reaching Tel Mandu Eldalie. Yet they could not run any more not with out rest and food. Togther they had taken dwon two wild doves and one large buck. All which Mor was tending to. Isalira had found some herbs and berries while they were hunting. They would season the dove and buck very well. Mor though his eyes were on the cooking often dirfted over to Isalira,she was watching the surround. Yet she seemed peaceful,they had come across no one in their days of running. They had spoken very little. But now as dusk came Isalira crossed towards him and knelt down to enjoy their meal.

Mor ate in silence. He had never known someone like Isa. He was at a loss for words. So they ate in slience. Isa smiled at him as they ate. She had never known any drows. Alea was so far from here now, her past life there gone in the spark of fire. She looked to him once more. He caught her gaze, " Yes?" She shook her head, saying nothing they had much in common, it seemd his family was gone and hers was as well. He starred at her,unsure why she was staring at him.


She rose fluidly then and slid away to wash off the dishes in the near by stream. He watched her go. He did not deny she was very attractive, but he was not here to find a mate he was here to heas home and take his place as clan chief.


He then heard a splash and rose slowly to see what was going on. He rounded the trees to see Isa waist deep in the stream her back bare, her long hair flowing like a silver river down her back. He stood very still,unable to turn his gaze away. He tried to but found her entrancing,her smooth softly toned skin, the curve of her back. She looked over her shoulder at him seeing unmoved by his presence there. Her bright eyes looked to him. He just stood there very still as she turned fully to face him. Her silver hair covered her fair breats and toned stomach. He took a long breath.

"Mor.."She eyed him slowly rising from the water and crossing to him. His heart skipped a beat as she crossed to him. He couldnt help but marvel at her body even the area hidden by her long hair. She pressed her soft hand to his bare chest. She ran her hand over his chest slowly inching in towards him. His hands moved to her wasit. They were alone, and he as very attracted to her. "Isa.." She pressed her fingers to his lips, then rose to her toes to kiss him.

She with drew from the soft kiss and smiled at him, "it would normally be forbiden for me to be seen this way by anyone other than my chosen mate, but. .." she took his hand in hers and pressed it up her soft side. He pressed his hand up her smooth pale side and brushed her hair away to grace his finger tips over her bare breast. "Come bathe with me.." She offered with a smile and he nodded. Slowly letting her drift from his hands in to the water and he soon disrobed and followed. She kept her eyes on him as he disrobed and walked towards her. Once in the water she inched towards him again. " We will likely soon face the assassins.. you should know all about them." He nodded, and ran his fingers over her shoulders.. "I am sure we will do alright..." He leaned down and kissed her . She inched up in to the kiss.

She sank down in to the water and he followed ,kissing her lips cheeks and neck. His fingers racing her well toned pale body. Her pale fingers trailed over his arms, chest and waist. Soon he found himself perched over her on the bbank of the little stream. His heart beating wilding as he starred down in to her eyes. Normally this would be forbidden,such relations were to be saved for ones wife. But he couldnt hold back from her.

They found them selves in a lovers embrace. It was there on the banks he found out what he had been missing for so long.As he made love to her. As the night deepened so did their passion for one another. Isa's soft voice rang in to his ears as her fingers curled along his back.

When dawn broke she woke in his arms. He was already awake tracing a long line from her shoulder to her lower back with his fingers. The night before had felt like a dream tot hem both till they gazed in to each other eyes. Isa looked to him, "I was not dreaming?" He shook his head, "I thought I might be." She chuckled, " nae, but I did not expect that." He nodded, "nor did I." She sat up and slowly dressed. " I wanted to tell you about the assassins... yet we got.." He rose too dressing, "passion driven?" She nodded and crossed back to him kissing him again. " You can tell em all about them while we walk." He breathed over her lips parting from the kiss. She nodded.

Soon they wer epacked and on their way deeper in to Tel Mor Taure. "Miratla, are like no other assassins,Alea was just one of many hits for them. Now your lands are going to be next. The only way to stop them is to kill every member. " He nodded, as they wlaked she continued to tell him everything she knew aboutt hem, all about Mal, and his son Carad, who was the worst of the worst. Soon they stood ont he edge of Tel Mandu Taure and out in the dunes thye both saw smoke.

They both broke in to a run across the buring desert towards the smoke. Tel Atalan mebers fled towards them women and children screaming as the warirors stood behind fighting. Isa went one way and Mor went the other ducking past the huts and fleeing women, one of the assassins was dragging a woman by her hair through the sand. A boy no older than four was chasing after his mother. Mor gorwled under his breatha nd ran towards the assassin tacking him down.

" Rima ten'ta!" He called to the woman and boy. They took his heeding words and ran. Mor saw that the woman was with child, he glared at the assassin hitting him till the man was dead. He then spun around elaving the body in the dunes and ran for the main part of the encampment. "Isa!" He called as smoke rose more, arrows flew past him, and grazed his shoulder. He then took his rage and went after the archers who fled at the sight of him.


Isa was on the other side of the dunes fighting off two assassins. Yet she was being watched from above, on the tallest dune Carad stood. He had tried his best to kill the human boy who stayed ehre with Tel Atalan, but so far the boy had stayed hidden. But that was to little matter, when he saw the drow running through his compay Carad knew who it was. "So he's alive." He smirked and looked around, he had spotted Isa. She must have come with Mor. He grinned, it would be Carad's utmost pleasure to destory another one close to the dark elf. He slid down the dune side.


Isa was skilled ,Mor didnt have to worry about her. She fought her way through assassins aiding those in danger that was until she spotted Carad. "Carad!" She yelled at him, she remembered the assasin. Mor was helping the women and children escape for the woods when he heard Isa's cry, Carad, H eknew that name as well. He rushed in back over the dunes as fast as he could.


When he ran over the first dune he didnt see them, but then at last he saw them behind one fo the huts fighting it out. Carad had improved, but Isa was more thana match for him. "Carad" Mor growled through his teeth and slid down the dune side. Bur Carad smacked Isa and spun to meet Mor's attack.


They fought there, blade to blade, fist to fist till Mor spat blood from his mouth. Carad was still standing, smirking. "I have enjoyed this... but I must go." He then ran, Mor started to chase him, but he noted Isa was not where she had been moments ago. "Isa!"

"Mor!" She cried froma cage as the assassins that ahd gotten away dragged her and a few of the Tel Atalan women away. "Isa!" He cased after the cart cutting down any enemy down. He ran quickly but then something stopped him in his tracks, in the sand lay a boy, not elven, bloody and close to death the woman beisde him was the woman he had aided before. He looked tot he cart pulling away then to the boy and his mother. He stopped then raced to her side. He turned the boy over and looked to his wounds. "Please," the woman pleaded forsaking ehr elven tongue, "help my son." Mor looked to the boy, then tot he cart with Isa in it, he could do both. He nodded to the woman, " what is his name."

"Thoren." Mor nodded and started tot end to the boys wounds, some with magic and some in more tradtional ways, but the time he was done the boy was breathing again but Isa, as well as those others captured were out of sight.

He helped the woman carry her son back to her hut, she and many others of the tribe thanked him. Then after a meal he ran on his way for Tel Uuranor. He would find Isa, free her and the others.

Once he arrived at Eregdos he was greeted with a hearty meal and much talk of his adventures, he came to find that the clan leader was off on a hunt and he would not be able to speak to him, but he spoke to the healers and other hunters while they sat eating around the fire. They spoke of the fires rising from Naru Gond and the worries of the Lhasbelin tribe. Rocean looked tot he south trying to see the smoke, but the wind had blown it down river.

After the meal and some rest he was le don towards Lhasbelin, across the fine silt of sand that covered the grass. Yet he came to find that no one was there at the encampment. Not one soul stood there. He looked to the red rocks of Naur and wondered if the fears of that tribe had been real, with none to greet him he headed on to Thor.


There he found not only the Thor but some of Lhasbelin. He saw the look in the men's eyes, the fear n the faces of the women and children. He wander what had gone on to make them so fearful. He crossed over the dunes and soon was met by the clan chief. " I wish your timing had been better Rocean," the tall elder man stated flatly. His dark skin stood out in contrast to the white sand. His light hair faded behind him, "Lhasbelin was attacked int he night, most of the tribe was killed, some captured, a very few escaped." Rocean nodded, " I heard from the hunters of Eregdos that they were fearful of what was happening in Naur." The chief nodded, "yes ... well."

Then a man ran towards them, his arm bloody, "Heasi ." He panted, "we found them, trapped in the cliffs." Heasi nodded, " round up the men, tend to your arm and go and get them." It didn't take very long for Rocean to grasp what was going on Thor was going to war. Heasi turned to Rocean then, " they will fall who ever has done this to a fellow tribe. " "Allow me to help" Rocean nearly pleaded.

"No," Heasi shook his head," you must go, go towards Duin, cross it near the ashen mountains and do not look back, you already know that your sisters and brother are safe. We will handle this fight." Rocean tried to speak but Heasi shook his head again, " go now, quickly, the tent at the end of the dunes had food, and water for you." Rocean wanted to stay, he fought the urge all the way as he ran towards the end of the dunes, he picked up his pack of supplies then looked towards home, he could head home, but what good would that do? He shrugged the pack over his shoulder and hurried down t he banks of the Duin towards the ashen mountains, where he would cross the mighty river come day break.

Ered Lithui had always been known to him as Lith Aeglir. But After crossing them, and coming upon the tribe of dark elves, he would never call the ashen mountains as he had in Forodren.

Rocean walked all night, then rested just before dawn before crossing in to the range of mountains. Heading south along the range he looked down across the Silvern Falas, and watched as his world slipped away behind him. But he soon found him self not alone. A trio of young warriors found him there walking and took him, binding his hands, they took him along the ridges, till they reached the encampment. "Dar sinome." One of them left leaving the other two to watch him. His brows were risen up his light hair twisting in the wind behind him. Before long more warriors came, some of them were Drow's like him a few were of fairer skin. Before him stood a tall powerful woman, her hair was dark as was her skin, but her eyes bored in to his very soul as she looked down upon him where the other had made him kneel.

"Ya naa Lle?" Her voice was musical, like pure melody chimed with a soft coldness. Rocean looked to her trying to figured out what she had said to him, she spoke some sort of Elven, yet it was not as primitive as the one he had grown up with. " Amin," he began slowly, not wanting to offend her, " Rocean Helkaer, en Forodren Ardhon." The woman then looked to the warriors, and nodded. Before starring again at him. " Creso, Rocean. Lle quena i'lambe tel' edan?" Rocean nodded once. "I am Tari Loss?helin. Leader of Ered Lithui." Her hand panned backwards over the area.


"You come from the Far North," she looked him over, " you look of Drow Kin." Rocean was allowed to rise, "I am of Eryn Evair." Tari nodded, "I welcome you to Eldamar Ennorath. And to my camp, perhaps your visit shall help us both. Come, let us speak inside my tent." She ushered the warriors away and ushered Rocean to follow which he did.

Once seated inside the tent, he spent a few hours telling Tari all about Forodren, and how the language was different yet somehow the same, he told her of the plight some of his people had been under and she shared with him her story, of how Tel Uuranor had been seized by evil, and how her brother Mor had been missing for many years now. Tari then offered Rocean a deal, " Normally outsiders are not very welcome, but the times are changing. I wish for you to do something for me. Go to Tel Kua which is to south west of here, and lead Vanya Er Valya here for me, she is the daughter of the clan chief of Tel Kua. Then after that, I would like to ask something else of you. " Rocean was surprised she was putting her trust in someone she did not know much of, " yes?"

Tari looked off then, " Many have tried to find my nephew Mor and bring him home, but the plight of the Ronyo has taken many of my finest warriors, if you could find him, and try to persuade him to come home, I would be most thankful, " Rocean starred at her, " if I did this would the other clans here accept me?" Tari thought about that for a moment, " yes, it would be likely so. You will be well known after you bring Vanya back here without a bit of harm to her. Show your honor and metal and the others shall respect you."

Rocean nodded, " I shall go now." Tari chuckled, " no, it is late, and you need to rest and eat. I have had my people set you a tent. Inside you will find food and drink and a place to rest. Come the dawn I would like you to go set out on this mission for me, once done well, I will grant you partial clan hood to Ered." Rocean smiled, "I thank you."


He then left her tent and headed to his own where he found hot food, cold drink and a place to bed down.

Isa waited for him like he had asked, she waited till she no longer saw fire in the Uuranor, and waited more.

When dawn touched her cheek, he was there smiling at her. "I am sorry it took me so long." She rushed to him, hugging him tightly and he winced through his wounds. "Your hurt." She looked to his face, "let me heal you." He shook his head, " they will mend on their own, Carad is dead, his bloody body will wash up far down the Nisse where the ravens will eat him..." Isa took a long breath and smiled, " Then Tel Ronyo was saved." He nodded, "the clans are safe again. Isa.. there is something I must tell you." She pressed her fingers to his lips," I already know, Mor. Your not of the burning sands your of the ashen mountains "He nodded, "forgive me for deceiving you." She smiled, "I can always forgive you. "

She kissed him again softly, "Now, there is something I must tell you." He nodded, she took his hand in hers, "I love you as well..and I want very much to come back with you to Ered Lithui, but you know as I do I will not be welcomed there." He nodded, " then we will live in the wild." She chuckled, "You need to go home, your place is as clan chief..." "But they will want me to marry and have children." She nodded, " I know this, and while I would love to be your wife...we cannot be." He looked into her eyes, "how will I ever love someone else?"

She touched his cheek, " we are bound together, my heart is yours, " He nodded, " and mine is yours." She pressed closer to him, " and while I cannot be your wife in Ered Lithui, I can bare your child." His brows rose at her, "Isa..." She smiled pressing his hand to her flat stomach, " Your child grows within me.. and I will raise him or her at home in Alea." He pressed his hand there, "my child." She nodded, "yes..." He kissed her then deeply lifting her up despite his discomfort.

She returned his kiss. "Mor.." She breathed as he sat her down. "yes, my love.."He looked in to her eyes. "I want to give you something to remember me by." He sighed, "I could never forget you..." She smiled, "I know.. but still." She then pressed her hand to his shoulder and he would feel a soft tingle there. His brows rose at her then he looked to his ebony shoulder and saw a soft white mark that glowed faintly, it was the shape of a star. He pressed his lips to hers again then slowly took off one of his pendants and hung it over her head. " This has protected me from any dangers ... may it now protect you and our child."

They spent three nights there under the plum tree, trading stories, and love and on the fourth day she left for Alea. He watched her go, and she took with her a piece of his heart and soul. He spent one lonely night under the plum tree then headed on in to Tel Mandu Taure.

Mor had been walking for what felt like days, his heart felt heavy. Like he carried too much weight. He thought of Isa, now hopefully safely at home, or close to it. He thought of their child, the one growing within her. He knew it would be unlucky that he would ever see it. Or Isa again. His place was here, even though his heart was not. He had been surviving on food scraps for a few days, but now they were gone and he was hungry, still miles from Tel Eldalie he knew he would need to hunt. He headed for the hunting grounds, where he hoped to find some wild deer or even goat to kill.


But the idea of a mere deer displeased him, after all he had faced, he deserved a prize worthy of his trials, eh would seek out one of the wild boars, there were not many and he knew the biggest one was prized by Tel Kua. But he was near staved, it mattered not to him who prized the boar.

He walked slowly looking around for signs of the boar. For its wallows, and the places where they would bed down. But he found none, as he got closer tot he hunting grounds he spied the wild deer, they would be very good, cooked over a hot fire. His stomach growled, and he shook his head. No, he would find one of the boars and enjoy in it spit roasted.

Finally at the base of the hunting ground hill he found hove prints leading him west.





~The stories of Rocean and Mor now bleed in to one, as two warriors from diffrent lands meet. ~

~At last two roads cross.~
The high pitch whistle met Mor's ears and his eyes shot up looking around for signs of the hunters but he saw none.

Hikere smiled to Rocean as he heard Aria's whistle. "Ahh she's found something." Zy then jumped to join the others as did Atria, "I spotted him, near the hunting hill, we should hurry before he moves." Hikere nodded, then they ran off Rocean followed as fast as he could, yet it seemed like they could fly,their feet barely touching the ground as they ran.

Mor shifted low along the ground as he stalked the boar. Its snout was in the ground as it rooted around for grubs and other bugs. Mor had a plan to bag the boar, he would not use his arrows, no they would be useless, he would use his dagger. It was sturdy and strong and would cut through the boars hide.

Hikere and Tar led the way with Atria, Ilanea and Zy behind Rocean wasn't too far behind them now. And he could see what Atria had from the tree tops. There was the prized boar twice the size of a bear, its snout digging in to the earth its two tusks yellow and sharp like finely made swords. Its hide was thick covered with coarse hairs. Rocean was awed by the sight, how in hells name would they take it down? Surely not with simple swan fetched arrows.


Mor shifted closer still low upon the ground shifting his dagger between his teeth. The wind was in his favor, carrying the smell of the boar and the earth it dug up to him. His eyes shifted looking around for anyone else and he saw nothing from this vantage point.


Hikere, Rocean and the hunters of Tel Kua were also down wind but just barely. Hikere had Atria move in to position. And Tar grinned watching her. Then he shifted his sword in to his hand, Zy followed suit, as Ilanea followed Atria pulling her bow free. Rocean stood there, pulling free his thin Elven sword. He saw the plan unfold, Hikere ha d it planned without he hills in its way the boar would run right for them as soon as the arrows it hide. And then those there would kill it using shear force.

But they did not foresee Mor. Creeping along the hill side like a shadow he was closer tot he boar than they ere and as Atria and Ilanea took aim he lept and mounted the boar, which started to bucked around with the dark elf on his back. The hunters and Rocean were taken by surpass.

Hikere shouted to Atria and Ilanae, "don't shoot it, and don't shoot the Drow!" Mor then shot a look towards the sound but he had to hold on tight, his dagger in his teeth still he pulled on hand free to use the dagger to stab in to the boar. It squealed and bucked all the harder, but Mor stabbed it again, cutting along its thick hide to kill it. It fell easily and he rolled free and stood to face the hunters who were now upon him.


Hikere and Mor stood nearly nose to nose, as they looked at each other, The hunters and Rocean were very tense until Hikere backed away. "We had plans to give that boar to MahVin." Mor chuckled, " the great one will be happy then. If you allow me to come with you, I am in need of some good food." Hikere looked to his team then back, "very well. I am Hikere, this is my company from Tel Kua, we head to see Alasse and have the great feast, you are welcome to join us.." Mor looked to them, and focused on Rocean for a moment before looking back to Hikere, "Mor Crebain."

That name struck a cord with Rocean. He recalled what Tari Loss?helin of Ered Lithui had said. " Many have tried to find my nephew Mor and bring him home, but the plight of the Ronyo has taken many of my finest warriors, if you could find him, and try to persuade him to come home, I would be most thankful. "

Could the dark elf before him be the same Mor? He resembled Tari some, the same face. That fierce look upon it, like he had face many trials before he even became a man. But he had silver hair, and light eyes, Where as Tari had dark hair and eyes that nearly blended in to her dark skin. But there was something about Mor that looked familar. It was possible that it was the same man, but Rocean was not about to bring it up here and now he would bide his time, till they got to this feast, then he would see if this was the nephew that Tari had been looking for.

While the hunters feasted, Mor and Rocean sat at the far side of the fire eating as they spoke. "I met your aunt when I first came from Fordren,she was very welcoming. I was surpised.I had ofetn hear of this land, my father spoke of it being unwelcoming." Mor chuckled, " It can be, but not in the way he might have thought." Rocean nodded, "I went through Fordren before I left learning all I could but when I came here I was unprepared. My people had been taken in to war, and I had no way to help them."

Mor looked to t he fire , " They should be home soon enough, back witht heir families, the tribes here are very welcoming. When I left with my father so long ago, I hought we would return but, war had come and the assissins of Miratla had invaded Tel Royno and Tel Uuranor. I went looking for someone to battle, and Carad was the one to blame for my fathers death, and now he is dead too, and the Tel Ronyo will rgiant heir hold on their home. And you Rocean of Tel Fordoren?What will you do?"

Rocean looked around his eyes catching those of Alasse Iharnes. Mor followed his gase and smiled softly, " Love is a grand thing to see. She is destine to be clan chief one day soon, her father, though I love him. Oplen, will not live to see winter, and he has no sons." Rocean nodded, " are women of this area allowed to marry those from outside?" Mor shrugged, "It is common to marry from tribe to tribe, perhpas she would have you." He grinned more, " you should stay a while. they will welcome you here, and I am sure my aunt would love to see you again." Rocean nodded, " you will go home then?" Mor nodded, " my place is to lead my people, marry and have many sons,yes I will go home." Rocean smiled to that, "Perpahs I will stay a while."

Mor stayed until the feast was done then he bid the Kua hunters and Rocean goodbye. He had made a lasting friendship with Rocean. Rocean had made a lasting impression upon Alasse. Mor could see that they would not be easily broken a apart now. Hikere and his hunters along with MahVin returned to Tel Kua.

When Mor returned to Ered Lithui Tari was awaiting him. She embraced her nephew and with great pride handed over the Ered Clans leadership. She then intorduced Mor to Vanya Er Valya. Of Tel Kua. Mor knew the code, he kne that Vnaya was to be his bride sooner rather than later. But his heart was still with Isa. He did not see how he could love and marry another woman. Mor also had to tell the clan of his fathers death and of the battle with the assissins. The Ered rejoiceed to his victory.

Years passed~~

Days flew and months changed, and Mor wed Vanya and Rocean wed Alasse, Alasse became chief and through it all Mor and Rocean stayed strong friends, making the links of the clans even tighter. Soon small alliances were made, and the clans were as one. Over the years that follwoed Alasse bore Rocean four sons the first was Kegan and around the smae time Vnaya Er bore Mor a daughter Aria. Alasse soon bore Karnil,Ty and Aldreon. But Vanya Er never bore Mor a son. But also in this time the assissins of Miratla were slowly regaining their power, Carad though woudned was not dead. And his vengeance burned on.

And when the battle came again to the lands it was Roceana nd Mor who matrched out togther. They matched to meet the asssins that ahd once taken those they had cared for. They marche dfor everything they had known. Theey retruened semi victorious but then on the shores of the nIsee Carad made his plans, to kill Mor. And he nearly did. Their fight wa slong and bloody but at the end of it Mor was swet to the sea by soem twist of fate and his dagger and bloody clothes washed tot he far shore where his tribes men would find it. Son after Carad would sneak in to the Ered Lithui camp take Mors beloved wife for all that she was usueful for, then toss her off the cliff. When she was found the tribe assumed she ahd jumped, in loo of Mors death. Aria was then only a child and to eb raised by those still living in the tribe. But as we learned long ago, Aria wasnt like everyone else.

Carad treturned to his seat of power, those of Tel Royno who did not die joined the assissns or were forced to. Rocean returned to his wife and sons, his heart broken for he had lost a brother in Mor. Rocean was never rthe same after that. It is said that once Kegan was nineteen of human years Rocean disappeared and was never seen again. Little is known of how he disappeared.