It was the clearest day of the year; a slight breeze periodically rustled the golden autumn leaves. The whole of Malor was gathered in the Field Jardon at the center of the city. this day marked the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter. It was celebrated with horse races, archery contests, fencing matches, and feasting.
"Jailen, slow down and help me with these baskets!" A very precarious Elania braced herself as her eight year old brother wheeled around and charged back to her, snatching the top basket full of food, nearly causing the other to fall. He raced away towards the field so as to avoid his sister's wrath.
Charoqen and Teresina had four children: two girls and two boys. Elania was the oldest at eighteen, followed by Mira at eleven, Jailen at eight, and two year old Aurantel. Charoqen was chief advisor to King Jardon and Teresina was head chef at the palace.
The food was divine, Teresina, of course, was kept busy in the palace kitchen though every family contributed something. There were dishes of dried fruit, candied nuts, every type of pastry you could think of, and Teresina's famous venison. Mira and Jailen, being to young to pay attention, ate themselves sick, but, as children are, not too sick to play games.
As the games began to get under way, a cry rang out from the walls as Fanerian soldiers began to pour into the city and run across the field, killing all in their path. As The chaos erpted, Elania snatched up the nearest sword and began to fight. After a few near-hits against her, it became clear she had to get out of the city. she made her way to the wall and followed it to a large slit oak. There, she dropped to her knees and began to tear the grass away, revealing a square of loose stones she used to use to play hide-and-seek. As she pulled the stones away, she heard footsteps running toward her, but did not dare to look up. The footsteps grew closer and she slipped through the hole just as they stopped. She began running and did not stop until sunset.
The next day, Elania awoke to a cool, wet muzzle in her face. She opened her eyes and stared in disbelief at a beautiful leaiasin. It was ebony with a silver mane and tail and a glorious pair of wings. She had only ever heard about them, the mysterious winged horse-like creatures. She stood up and gingerly stroked him withers to tail. He was about 25 hands, taller and leaner than any horse, and much more majestic. Suddenly, he stretched wings to reveal a flash of deep, royal blue underneath. "Alaeun," as she whispered, his ears perked and he turned to look at her. "Do you like that? It is the Malorian word for midnight; you look just like the midnight sky, that is what I shall call you, Alaeun." As she placed both hands on his back he kneeled. Elania hesitated, then swung her leg over his back.
She dared a look back at the city and her heart sank, all that could be seen was smoke billowing into the morning sun. Her beloved city was gone, taken from her with her family and friends, she was all that was left of the great warrior people of Malor. She decided the best thing to do would be to head towards Andurîn, the capital city of Anaron; the country in which Kewaiens, Humans,and Ankorians lived in peace. Perhaps High King Anduthain would grant her audience and she could find out what really happened. She knew she should be careful until she knew who the attackers were. There had to have been someone inside the city, no army could get past the walls and guard.
Malor was known as the invincible city, for no army had ever conquered it. Malorians were the greatest warriors the world had ever known, they were unfailingly victorious in battle. With excellent hearing, sharp eyesight, and perfect aim, the Malorians were nearly impossible to defeat. None ever left the city alone, so, it was a great risk to attempt any attack. "Never be caught off your guard," was what the children were taught from birth, never find yourself without someone you trust, and always keep an alert eye. All were taught that the world is a harsh and dangerous place, ready to take advantage of whatever it can at the first opportunity. Guards were always appointed along the walls of the city to alert in case of an invasion attempt.
The children of Malor were taught swordplay and archery at an early age. Play fighting was not only acceptable, but encouraged for both boys and girls, everyone was taught to fight. "Those who do not live by the sword may still die by the sword," so everyone was taught to use one.


The rain was falling hard and thick. Elania could hardly see beyond Alaeun's ears. She thought she had crossed into the Fanerian Forest of Ralan a few days ago, but couldn't be sure; if only she could see the stars. She knew being here was dangerous, Ralan and Anaron had been at war for years, though no one seemed to know why it started.
Alaeun plodded along through the rain, it was too dangerous for him to fly, his wings would be too weighed down by the water, and there was the risk of icing at higher altitudes. Elania was wondering exactly where they were when an arrow whizzed passed her ear. She turned just in time to see the wolf collapse, mid-leap. Slowly, she turned in the direction the arrow came. Sitting in a large chestnut, looking as wet as Elania felt, was a man. Without a sound, he dropped from the branch and approached her. She quickly reached for her sword.
He stopped and spoke, "A sword is not necessary, Miss, I will come no closer. I only mean to inquire as to why a young lass as yourself is in the Fanerian Forrest alone."
"I am on my own business sir; though I thank you for saving my life, I am in your debt," replied Elania. The man thought about this and came to a conclusion. "I have no need for payment, but, if the Lady insists, I would find a traveling companion welcome, where are you headed?"
Elania was a bit uneasy, but she had offered payment in return for his fair aim, and didn't want to give too much away, just in case. "I am headed south-east, if you wish to travel with me, you are welcome to."
The rain had ceased and the travelers were finally dry, thanks to the hot sun. They were fairly quiet up until now, with only the sound of the River to break the silence. Finally, the man spoke up, "I have failed to properly introduce myself, I am called Slipsand, do you have a name, or shall I just call you 'Miss?'"
"My name is Elania," was the cold response.
"Why are you so bitter toward me, if there is anything I have said or done to offend you, please tell me."
"It is nothing you have done, you have been kind, and I am sorry for..." before she had a chance to finish, Alaeun leapt into the air and plummeted down the cliff to the river, his magnificent wings flashing blue in the sun. Neither traveler had realized how close they were to the Canyons of Deforlum.
Elania looked around her as she clung to Alaeun's mane, she was surrounded by canyon walls ribboned with sapphire, emerald, and amethyst. She had never seen canyons before, or such a beautiful river as the Deforlumane. The only sounds she heard were the roar of the river and the smooth beating of the leaiasin's wings. This was the first time he had flown with her. She immediately fell in love with the sky. They soared high, Elania felt the coolness of the clouds against her face and saw the earth as she had never imagined.
Slipsand stared in amazement at what he had thought was an ordinary horse, until this moment. He had seen leaiasins before, but they were rare, and none as beautiful as this one. What other secrets did this mysterious girl posses?
Alaeun brought himself and Elania back to join Slipsand. He opened his mouth to say something, but could think of nothing; simple amazement written on his face. "Where did you find a leaiasin, my lady?" he finally managed. Elania's answer came slowly as she found her breath and slowed her heart, "He found me, actually, and I was as amazed as you. That was incredible! I have never felt so free in my life as I did up there!" This was the first time Slipsand had seen her smile, her face glowed as if the sun itself radiated from within. He had not noticed before how beautiful she was. She turned his way and he, realizing he had been staring, quickly looked away and mentioned that they should be on their way.



The two travelers soon reached the great canyon city of Deforlum. It was as spectacular as Elania had heard. The city was built into the canyon walls with bridges spanning the great width of the canyon and the famed palace of King Vladmar built over the waterfall. Slipsand found a boarding house they could stay in and went off saying he had some business to take care of. Elania went to the stable to sit with Aleaun.
Elania was talking to Aleaun about Slipsand. "He seems nice enough, he's even kind of handsome, but I still am not sure if he can be trusted completely yet." "He is honest and good-hearted, I see no reason not to trust him," came the answer. She looked around but saw she was alone in the stable save Aleaun and the horses. Aleaun nudged her, "you are a special girl, Elania, you have a kind heart and a true soul, it is not everyone who can understand a leaiasin." At this she looked at Aeaun. "I have heard tell that a leaiasin could form a special bond with a person, but, I never thought it to be true," she hesitated a moment, "I am honored to be chosen by you."