The Woods of Cuole

Archive Two







Reise chuckled to himself as he walked away from Scabbar, hearing him muttering to himself. He headed deeper and deeper into the forests of Cuole, the dark Eon at his side, and seeking out the gates for the Elven kingdom. It astonished him, really, how such a beautiful race could be buried so deeply within the trees and still be so hidden. But surely he could find it... at least to get close to it. Eon stayed low to the ground as he walked alongside Reise, and they walked over the span of an entire day before Reise finally saw the first sign of the Elven kingdom: a small carving into the side of a thick tree in the shape of a leaf. He grinned and nodded at Eon. "This is close enough. Prepare for your performance."

Eon looked up at Reise and snuffed through his nose at him, then turned and broke into a run through the trees, keeping low to the ground. Reise watched him go with a small, crooked smile, before his appearance began to change drastically. Within seconds, he was no longer his crazy, grungy-looking self, but appeared as that of an elderly man with a walking stick, and a heavy cloak on his back. His grey hair was long and hung down scraggly in front of his face, and a beard decorated his chin. He eased himself onto the ground and against a tree, then started to groan and cry. Meanwhile, Eon raced closer to the gates of the Elven kingdom, his paws silent on the forest floor. He slowed to a stop when he came upon a giant wall made of glittering white marble, and started to let out sad, and urgent howls, pleading for someone to answer him.

On the other side of the wall it seemed quiet and appeared that no one was anywhere in sight or that no one lived here at all for that matter. The thick forest continued onward but it seemed brighter and more alive than on the side the wolf stood. It seemed Eon's howling was going to be for nothing when finally a young woman appeared, wondering towards the large boundary wall, followed closely by a tall elf guard. Above them flew a small blue dragon no bigger than an eagle and occasionally the girl would look up as if to check that it was still with her. "Not getting tired are you Cyan?" The girl said with a smile before walking on, tucking a strand of her long white blonde hair behind her ear as she did. She wandered here everyday and everyday she told herself she would finally work up the courage to climb the wall and venture a little further but it had never happened. I'll do it one day. She told herself as she paused by the wall for a moment then made to turn back towards the Elven kingdom, knowing the guard would be relieved to return there. She froze though when she heard the pitiful wolf cries and she cast a glance up at the dragon who was now perched in a tree before looking at her guard. "It sounds so sad.." She whispered with a frown.

"It is nothing princess. Just an old wolf making too much noise.." He replied hoping to convince her but she shook her head and before he could stop her, she was pulling herself up into one of the trees beside the wall.

Slowly she clambered upwards until she was high enough to pull herself to the top of the wall and peer over. "Poor creature, are you alright?" She called when she caught sight of Eon down below.

Eon's red eyes looked up at her, his black fur gleaming in the dimness of the forest's shadows, and he gave a bark up at her. He wagged his tail, perked his ears, and bounced on his paws a little. Barking again, he ran off a few feet, then came back, watching her. He was trying to show her that he wanted to lead her somewhere, for help.

The girl glanced down at the guard who was quickly following after her then made her decision quickly and leapt into a tree that was on the other side of the wall. As she climbed down she could heard the frantic shouts from above but she ignored them. Finally she reached the ground just as the guard jumped down and landed beside her.

"What do you think you're doing princess?!" He exclaimed. "You know you are forbidden from leaving the kingdom. Your father is going to be furious."

"He doesn't have to know..I think this wolf wants our help and once we've given it, we can go back." She said in a pleading tone which caused him to sigh before giving a defeated nod.

"Fine, but as soon as we're finished we go back."

The girl grinned and nodded before turning and moving to Eon. "Alright lead the way. We're here to help!"

Eon barked again happily, then turned on the spot and started to run through the trees back towards where the elderly Reise waited. He was still laying in the grass at the base of the thick tree, crying for help and groaning in pain. Eon ran to him and skidded to a stop, his tail wagging and sniffing at Reise, licking at him with soft whimpers and whines before looking up and back at Raina and the guard. He gave a bark and Reise looked up at the two.

"Oh, thank the gods... Finally, someone has come." he breathed in a weary tone, his face wrinkled with age. "P-please, I fell down... and now I cannot move... I fear I've injured my back."

Raina made to step towards the old man but was quickly pulled back by the guard who seemed to look unsure. "What were you doing this deep into the wood? There are no dwellings for miles." He asked with narrowed eyes as the small dragon flew after them and landed in a tree above, looking down at the scene curiously.

"Can't you see he's hurt!" Raina said in disbelief, finally pushing past the guard and moving to Reise. "You should go and get help."

"I cannot leave you, not outside the boundaries."

Raina sighed and looked back at the guard. "You are much quicker than I so you can get help much quicker. I have Cyan if I need help. I will be perfectly safe. What could possibly happen when i'm so close to home? Now please just go. You will be back before you know it."

The guard frowned but finally nodded. "Just call if you need me, I will hear." He said then with one last mistrusting glance at Reise turned and sprinted back towards the wall.

"I'm sorry about him. He's just doing his job. Now just try and lie still. Help will be here soon." Raina said comfortingly as she knelt down beside Reise with a reassuring smile.

The old man smiled back up at Raina softly, looking relieved. "Oh, may the gods bless you for your kindness," he whined, a shaky, old hand moving to clutch hers. "Thank you, thank you so much." He relaxed back a little, closing his eyes and breathing deeply as Eon sat close by, watching him with his red eyes, as if waiting for more orders. Reise opened his eyes again and looked at Raina. "Please... your name?"

"Me?" She replied remembering how her father had told her never to reveal her identity to strangers. But what harm could it do with this old man? He is harmless.. "I'm Princess Raina Sorai. And what would your name be?" She asked politely, thinking he was just trying to make friendly conversation as they waited. She settled herself on the ground more comfortably beside him, her hand still clutched in his as Cyan hopped down a few branches so he was a little closer to her.

"Ah, Raina... what a lovely name. And Sorai? No doubt you are princess of the elves. Isn't it my lucky day?" the old man chuckled dryly. He looked up at the blue dragon in the trees and squinted a little. "My, what an interesting creature. Is he your pet? What is he? I've never seen anything like him." he said, glancing at her a little.

"Sorai isn't my real name so i'm not really a princess. The King and Queen raised me after finding me alone when I was very young." Raina spoke before smiling at the mention of Cyan. "Oh Cyan! He's a dragon, the last of his kind or so i've heard." She replied enthusiastically before calling the small dragon down. He flew down next to Raina and gave a small affectionate growl as he nuzzled his head against her arm before turning his bright eyes on Reise. "He's been with me since I was little and refuses to leave my side."

"How fascinating..." the old man mumbled behind his beard and chuckled, watching Cyan. "I have a similar story with this one here," he said with a wave at Eon, who inched closer obediently so he could rest his hand on his head. "Though I wasn't as young as you probably were. Dogs do not live as long as Dragons, I imagine." he smirked.

Raina smiled and nodded. "Cyan and I have been around for a little longer than most would probably expect." She replied then reached out her free hand and stroked Eon's neck. "He's a wonderful dog. He must really love you because of how much he was trying to get help for you. So what were you doing this far into the woods? My guard was right when he said there isn't any dwellings for miles." She asked curiously as she continued to stroke Eon.

The old man sighed deeply, just relaxing back against the tree, seeming to be in pain. He breathed, then opened his eyes. "I'm just an old traveler. I roam from place to place... I've been traveling for years, and this beast has been with me always." he said with another motion to Eon.

"A traveller? I bet thats wonderful." Raina said with a sad smile. "I've always dreamt of travelling. Journeying across all the kingdoms having all these wonderful adventures! That would be such a great life. But i'm not allowed. Father tells me it is too dangerous and that I must never leave Cuole." She sighed then noticed that the old man was in pain. "Don't worry they should be back soon."

He looked up at her and smiled crookedly. "Travelling has its ups and downs... dangers, but spoils and wonderful moments as well." he nodded. "It really is a wonderful life. I don't need to pay taxes on a house or land, either!" he joked, coughing out a raspy laugh, which was cut short with a wince of pain. "Ooh..."

Raina frowned in concern then glanced back towards the wall. "Maybe I should go and check whats keeping them. Or maybe you could go Cyan?" She glanced down at the dragon then looked back at Reise. "What can I do to help you?"

"My dear girl... If you have any water, that would be a godsend." he said softly, smiling and licking dry lips. "It would give me the strength to continue waiting for your guard to return."

"W-water? Of course!" Raina replied quickly then moved to untie the small water pouch that was tied to the belt of her dress. "I'm sorry its not much." She continued as she pulled the cork free then offered the water to Reise. "But hopefully it should be enough to quench your thirst. Now drink as much as you need."

Reise reached up and took the pouch from her, bringing it to his lips and drinking deeply of what was inside until it was empty, breathing a deep sigh of relief once he was done. He offered the canteen back to her with a renewed twinkle in his eyes, then smiled. "Thank you, dear child."

"Don't mention it." Raina spoke then glanced over her shoulder when she finally heard the quick approach of many feet. Her guard reappeared followed by four other elves who moved to Reise's side. Raina finally stood up and motioned for Cyan to follow. "See I told you they wouldn't take long." She said with a smile as the four elves prepared to lift Reise.

"You will be taken to our healing rooms to be treated." Her guard said formally as he watched the other elves work. "After that you will be taken from the Kingdom to the closest village. Does that all sound good to you?"

The old man nodded and smiled at all of the elves around him. "Yes, that sounds perfect. Thank you." he said and sighed in relief as he was hoisted carefully onto a gurney and Eon stood up, moving after the group of elves to follow them into the city.

"Lets be on our way then." The guard said aloud then walked on, leading the way and making sure Raina was following right after him as they made their way into the elf kingdom in Cuole.



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