Prologue

Longing. I longed for the forests again, the trees, the grass, the birds... I didn’t want to be here, but then again it wasn’t about what I wanted. I pulled the wire tighter, my muscles aching in silent protest to the strain while the body thrashed against me. He was strong, I’d give him that, and I sure as hell gave him a reason to fight, he struggled harder, but it would all be over soon. Longing. I longed for the meadows again, large open fields with tall plants swaying in gentle breezes, the sweet scent of flowers blooming... The baby kept crying behind me and no wonder. The cradle had been knocked over in the initial attack and the child was now trapped underneath it, trapped like an animal inside a box while the familiar was taken out of sight. Panic was only natural, it was instinct. The body grew limp and the man slumped heavily to the wooden floorboards. I loosened the wire from around his throat, collecting it with perfect clarity. This was routine. The home was distant enough from others that the chance of hearing the commotion was nearly impossible. I walked to the window just to be sure, my boots making loud echoes in the large, one room home. I stared past my reflection and into the night. Rolling hills with tiny houses scattered across them, a large, bright moon, stars twinkling brightly- the night was silent and peaceful. That damned child kept screaming. I glanced to the bed where the mother laid and cursed. She was moving. If that damn bitch would have stayed still in the first place I wouldn’t have had to slice open her throat. Apparently, in my haste, I missed the vein I aimed for. Now she was holding a hand desperately to the exposed muscle, trying to stop the blood and it was just pathetic. “You’re going to die.” My voice startled her and I couldn’t tell if it was because she forgot I was there or because I spoke the words with such a perfect calm that my voice alone was disturbing. I walked to her bedside, kicking the overturned cradle and sending it flying across the room. The infant laid there screaming and I thought my ears would bleed. I took in the baby for a moment and then looked back at the female. The mother’s eyes widened. Fear, anger, grief, desperation, regret, acceptance,- I had seen it all on the countless faces but the face of this mother held something new. Protection. She wanted to protect that child on the floor, save it from me. She wanted to rip me open and cut out my heart. I couldn’t blame the mother, I would be ripe with anger if I were in her place. And if I had a heart she could cut out I would be more than inviting. After what I did to her beloved laying blue on the floor over there and what I was about to do to her I would welcome such a punishment.
The sudden presence of shadow hit me hard and I felt my balance waver. I blinked once, then twice and things began to click into place. The room shifted in colors, the brown wooden floors and walls turning a dark gray, the bed becoming muted in dirty whites and dull reds. Something terrible filled my consciousness and I knew exactly what it was and what was going to happen. I gave a sigh of frustration and bitter acceptance.
“You are going to make this difficult for me aren’t you?” I stated with grim realization. I pinched the bridge of my nose between my forefinger and thumb. The child was giving me a headache. The mother must have thought I was addressing her because she shook her head vigorously no as tears streamed down her face, but it wasn’t her I was speaking to. I felt it smile inside my mind and a wave of the sadistic washed over me. I cursed as I tried to resist. If only I had killed the mother first! The baby might have been ignored, but no, I had missed and went for the father and now this was going to be a bigger mess than I had planned. I scooped up the little infant in my arms, cradling it with false affection before turning back to the mother. Thoughts raced through my mind in a quiet and fading way. Someone stop me. Someone stop me from doing this. My hands trembled as the receding pleads ran backwards into my mind. As they distanced themselves the trembling stopped. In their place was something else. Pain. I wanted to hurt someone, I wanted to make it hurt so much the screams would last for centuries.
I kept my eyes on the mother as I knelt down, picking up a piece of shattered wood from the baby’s cradle. It was thick and heavy and I smiled. I was going to take my time with her. The way she struggled desperately to get at me, to reach her baby, it was wonderful. I laid the baby next to the mother and blood from her neck spilled over it’s head. The child cried as the stinging liquid went in it’s eyes and down it’s throat. Mother gurgled in protest. I wanted her to watch, I wanted her to see what I was going to do. I wanted to feel her heart breaking. I raised the piece of wood and without hesitation brought it down on the infant’s skull. The screaming stopped almost instantly.

“I feel .... broken, like a toy with parts missing. I can’t be fixed. I breathe and move and speak, but I am not alive, I am not real. I cannot dance anymore. My legs are splintered. The world is distant. It is a place just out of reach. I walk through it, can smell the air, hear the sounds, see the people, taste the food, but I cannot touch it, I can not feel it, not truly feel it. Numb. This is a dream, a forever dream. It is endless and constant and eternal, waking up over and over to find I still sleep. I am caught, trapped, imprisoned in a nightmare. Let me go. Am I real? Am I even alive? No. What am I? Even monsters are not empty. I have nothing, I have no one, I have no where to go. Lost. I travel in-between the world, in places where neither mortals nor immortals seek to walk. Help me. The place of shadow, a void, a nothingness. A place where the soulless gather, a place of slavery. Full of crying wonders. I am forsaken by gods and demons alike, no one will save me and no one will end me. I am not evil, I am not good, I am chaos and I am death and I am suffering and I am pain and I am alone and I am broken. But I can’t stop, and I don’t want to ever stop.”

Chapter Four: When the Music Plays the Musician

The orange and red hues of a slowly setting sun began to cast it’s colors upon the small town of Kinar, only causing more excitement and celebrations. Colored lanterns were lit and dances began to form. Some of the village folk wore brightly painted masks of flowers or trees or plants, while others dawned upon even more elaborate costumes of the spring, parading themselves about with children dancing behind them. There was an energy about the place that Kirdina couldn’t quite understand. She walked past groups of people laughing, drinking, eating and dancing, side stepping and dodging many small hobbit children who ran wildy through out the crowds of people chasing one another in a game. Kirdina laughed at the sight. Everyone seemed so happy.
The young elf made her way to the center of Kinar, to her now favorite spot in the village- the well. She took a seat on one of the beautiful white stone benches, peering at the amazing creation. With some torches now lit around the well the white stone used as the main material now danced with the rest of the village. The water, deep below, seemed to sing it’s own tune, making music with Kinar’s festivities. Her green eyes followed the well upwards to the tall wooden covering above it. There were four posts supporting a flat wooden roof twice as long as Kirdina in width and length. Where each post met the roof were intricate wooden carvings, and along the entire edge of the roof were two rows of a wavy wooden design. Bouquets of flowers hung from each corner upside down with long flowing ribbons tying them together. Kirdina closed her eyes and took in a deep breath smelling the air, the fire from the torches, the water, the flowers, it all mixing together and creating a magnificent scent.
With a thoughtful smile Kirdina picked up Maki and stood up from the bench. She walked over to the edge of the well and stepped up onto it, taking a look around. Despite all the festivities , a lot of people seemed to be heading into the inns, perhaps performances were about to begin. Kirdina thought for a moment more and decided she should play a song that was inspired to her from all around, a song of the Festival of Kinar. She held up Maki, closing her eyes, getting a delightful tune in her mind, she placed her fingers in position of her first note, took a deep breath and began to blow across the wooden mouthpiece- but the note that came out was not what she intended, her fingers had moved to a different note, creating an altogether different sound. Startled the young elf stopped her music, or tried to, but for some reason, her body continued to move, her fingers continuing a tune that was altogether horrible. The music coming out of Maki was slow and dark, a depressing and melancholy music that was frightening. Kirdina tried her best to resist whatever was now controlling her entire body, it was as if she were stone, unable to move. Her body felt strange, almost in pain, she tried to scream but instead she continued the horrible song. “Stop!” she pleaded inside her mind. “Why can’t I stop myself- what is this music, I’ve never even played these notes before, this song is not of my mind- I hate this music, it’s horrible! Stop!”.
After what seemed like an eternity Kirdina’s body collapsed off the edge of the well where she had been standing, all her muscles filling with a horrible burning sensation. She let out a cry as she hit the dirt. Her head collided with the ground and her left arm shot a sharp sting up into the shoulder. Everything was silent, everything was still. There echoed an eery mimic of the song she had just played.
“What-did-you-do.” Maki demanded.
"You did it too," she all but breathed in defense.
Kirdina didn’t move, she blinked, her head spinning. Was this a dream? It had to be.
Crickle-crack. Snap. Clatter-rattle-crack. Crickle-crack.
Kirdina’s ears listened to the strange sound in the distance. What was that? She rolled over onto her side, wincing as her head disagreed with the idea. Her eyes fluttered open. She blinked. The sky had turned dark, very dark. Grey and black clouds swirled around each other in an eery dance with a terribly calm wind. Kirdina’s right eye began to sting as blood from her wound dripped into it. She gave out a growl and forced herself up onto one knee. She felt sick and dizzy. There were footsteps coming towards her. Her eyes flashed forward. A strange man was running towards her.
He appeared human, but with thick long hair the color of a night’s sky. His eyes were almond shaped, much like an elf’s, with a shade of a tree trunk. His weapon was drawn, a slim curved sword gleaming with an eager shimmer against the torches.
Kirdina tried to stand but stumbled and knelt back to the solid dirt beneath her. She looked up through clumps of brown hair as the man stopped a foot away. His eyes were kind and his face seemed concerned for her. He spoke one word in a gentle voice. “Alright?”
The elf was surprised. A million questions filled her at once but all she did was nod her head. “Yes, th-thank you.”
The man seemed to understand. He gave a slight bow, than ran towards the noise, sword drawn and ready for a fight.
“Kirdina! Get up.” Maki yelled. The elf sat still trying to regain her strength. Everything was spinning, Maki’s voice seemed distant. She looked around slowly from her crouched position. Most of the townsfolk had gone inside houses now, but a few farmers and the like had ventured back out, armed with chairs, pitchforks and old swords. Something was coming. Something very very bad.
Crickle, snap, clack, chatter, clack.
In the distance of the town there walked and staggered and dragged people? The young elf’s eyes grew wide, her mouth fell open. No-not people. Undead. Had she just summoned undead?
"Kira, get up! Now!" Maki yelled.
She was terrified, her hands trembled. "I need to get out of here," she whispered, frantically searching the area for a means of quick escape. "I, I need to leave-"
"Kira!" Maki's voice suddenly hit her with full force. Her darting eyes flashed to him, his solemn face glaring coldly. He seemed funny laying out in the open on the dirt like that. Immediately she grabbed him up, using her right arm. "You cannot run from this. Stop running."
"It's not my fault!' she continued to proclaim defensively. "I didn't, I don't know what-"
Screams cut her off. She instinctively jumped to her feet, tossing Maki in his pouch, and grabbing her bow from off her back while simultaneously snatching up an arrow from her quiver. She spun around once very quickly getting her bearings.
Death. She could smell it. Uneven steps of shuffling corpses made their way towards her, cracking and clanging, bones against rusted metal armor. Her eye stung but she refused to lift her mask, the risk of the townsfolk seeing her symbol was still too great. She’d rather die than let them see it. The first attack. It was a corpse from behind her. She had sensed it drawing near and in a flash she dove forward, avoiding rather easily a blade in her spine. She could hear the muffled protests of Maki from her pouch. It brought a strange sense of comfort to the elf, knowing he was there. Her heart raced. A fight. Despite her desire to bring peace to the worlds she couldn’t deny the deep pleasure of cutting down her enemies. Kirdina spun once, bringing out her short sword and swiping it across the corpse’s neck. Rotted flesh went flying as well as it’s mostly white skull. She heard the brittle cracks of bone shattering as two more corpses attacked her back. She jumped forward and rolled, a near miss of swords swiping past the red trails of her hair. Kirdina landed on all fours, sprawled out and angry. Her left hand gripped the sword tighter as her right arm swung freely. The two animated bodies stalked towards her, dragging feet. They were once human, a woman and a man, but no more. She rushed forward with the sword, letting out a cry. Her metal clashed against the bones and ripped through the woman’s rib cage. She stumbled backwards and fell, her bones shattering upon the impact. Kirdina lifted her sword in time to block the assumed attack from the other skeleton. She deflected the blow and with the momentum of the movement slid her sword into his chest up to it’s hilt forcing the young elf to stare face to face into hollow empty sockets. The creature moaned. Kirdina’s eyes narrowed. “I hate you.” she whispered and twisted her sword suddenly. The skeleton contorted oddly. A strange sense of glee filled her as the body twitched in pain. She heard Maki yelling something from his pouch. The skeleton roared and flailed but Kirdina had him. “Die!” she yelled and ripped her sword up, through his chest and into his skull. Old pieces of shredded cloth glided past her.
Her green eyes blinked as smoke from somewhere filled them. She rubbed at the blood finally, letting her tears wash most of it out and ran towards the well. She jumped, spun and landed on the well covering, ten feet above the chaos with the grace of an acrobat. Somewhere deep inside her mind she registered miserably that no one was able to appreciate her unlucky move. Her boots gripped tightly against the wooden roof and she lightly spun around once more to get her bearings. In the northeastern most part of the outskirts of Kinar Kirdina could make out a hooded figure cloaked in black. Her mouth tightened in a straight line grimly. “That’s gotta be the guy doing this,”she mumbled under her breath. Without hesitation she snatched up an arrow, placed it in her bow, pulled back and aimed towards the swirling clouds above, judging the distance. She took in a deep breath and as she exhaled released the arrow. The comforting zip whizzed past her right ear into the air. Kirdina watched the arrow soar, having to strain her eyes as she followed it’s course. Her aim was true. As her eyes squinted she watched the arrow plunge into the figure, and then right through the figure. The cloaked being turned it’s attention directly at Kirdina. Her eyes narrowed. “Impossible.” the elf muttered. The figure lifted it’s head to stare into the young bard’s eyes.
“You missed!”Maki screamed from the pouch. “How in all the nine hells did you miss!”
“I didn’t miss,” she growled through clenched teeth. She pulled out another arrow and shot. The arrow soared and as it approached the target, the cloaked figure stepped towards it, welcoming the arrow with gestured arms. Again the arrow passed through the being, and the cloaked figure took another step forward, apparently unscathed. Her heart sped up. The battle below her was growing worse, the rotting skeletons were pressing in from every angle. Relentless. The young elf felt her lower lip quivering as the helplessness of her situation became more and more real. She stared at the figure and stubbornly pulled another arrow from her quiver. At that motion, the being pulled down it’s cowl, letting deep red waves of silken hair tumble down over her pointed ears to her waist. A face, despite the great distance between them, was vivid and perfect in Kirdina’s mind. The smile, a flawless, beautiful smile grew across the elven lady’s light blue face. Her puckered purple lips curved and opened, exposing shiny white teeth, a familiar gleam to them. Kirdina’s eyes widend. She shook her head as her throat grew dry, her hands trembling. People were screaming but it was all quiet now. “That smile,” she whispered hoarsely, her legs gave out and she crumples to her knees. “No...”
“Kira- get a hold on thyself!” Maki demanded in vain.
A voice, stern and scornful echoed through the clouds hauntingly. “Kirdina, you are in a lot of trouble young lady.”
The bard’s voice came out small, a barely audible whisper to herself. “This isn’t happening, this can’t, she’s, she’s not able to be...”
“Kirdina!” The commanding voice growled. It sent a terribly familiar shiver down her spine. The voice shifted to a mocking snarl. “You can’t say anything? I’m hurt.”
She was trembling, visibly shaking. The world spun as Kira stared at her boots. Her breathing was heavy and she struggled to keep it even. Everything was heavy and dizzy. ‘Listen to me Kira, you need to focus, you must endure this, your mind is strong!’ Maki’s voice guided her through her suddenly jumbled thoughts. After a brief hesitation the bard clenched her fists. She inhaled deeply and as she exhaled, rose to her feet to stare the woman in the eyes. Despite the fear gripping her every muscle, Kirdina managed a cocky half smile and gave a mocking bow towards the figure.
“Greetings, mother. You look well, especially taking into account the last time I saw you I was slitting your throat. Praytell, how is father?”

Chapter Three: A Song for a Room

“Art thou enjoying thyself, little Kira?” Maki asked sarcastically.
The elf nodded in response to the rhetorical question. She bounced up the wooden steps and onto the porch which encircled the entire building. Above the doorway hung a large wooden plaque written in stylish common font “The Smiling Sun”. An ornate scene of a setting sun was carved into the background of the calligraphy letters. Two connected doors were propped open by smooth colored stones and the entire inside was packed from wall to wall with guests. Being small and rather nimble the elf managed to squeeze her way inside, ducking under a low hanging lantern and side stepping two hobbit lasses hastily running ales to neighboring tables. There were loud conversations picking up every which way and Kirdina waded through half the bar room before spotting the innkeeper. She made her way towards the hobbit behind a counter, eyeing up a small platform as she passed it. Her fingers twitched unconsciously at the appearance of a stage towards the back of the room. The hobbit behind the counter held his chin high. He wore a well tailored blue tunic and shouted orders in a high pitched tone to other hobbits walking by. There were room keys dangling from nails on the wall behind him and in front of him laid a large opened book, a container of ink by it’s side and a feathered quill in the hobbit’s hand.
Kirdina walked up to the counter, musing that the hobbit behind was taller than her by a foot. “Excuse me sir, I was hoping to perhaps get a room?”
The hobbit looked down to her apologetically, his light blue eyes matching the clothes he wore. Kirdina wondered if his favorite color was blue. “A room?” he asked.
Kirdina nodded. “I see you are already so busy for this festival tonight, so I am sorry to interrupt your work. I heard your tavern had the best rooms in Kinar, and so I had hoped to find a room here, although I was not expecting to, I did assume your wonderful establishment would have filled up quickly because of it’s boastful reputation.” She gave a low bow.
“Why thank you, milady. We are certainly running low on rooms, but I might be able to find one for you, let me look here.” The hobbit began paging through his book, running his fingers up and down lists of some kind.
“Is your festival always this big?” Kirdina inquired.
“It has been getting bigger and bigger every season.” The hobbit replied with a proud smile, flipping a page. “And our inn The Smiling Sun always has the best entertainment.”
“The best entertainment!” Kirdina exclaimed excitedly. “How wonderful. I am a bit of a performer meself!”
The hobbit looked up from his book and down to Kirdina, a suddenly interested twinkle in his eye. “Really?” he asked in an innocent manner. “Well, if you are good I could perhaps have you perform and as payment give you free room for the festival. Would you mind playing me something?”
“Of course not.” Kirdina replied with a smile. She picked up Maki and held him to her lips. She thought for a moment of something this hobbit may like. Blue, blue as the water from the well outside. She lifted up a pinky finger and gently blew the air across the opening of the flute. Her breath flowed inside the wooden instrument for a second, escaping out the well carved holes, a crisp and pleasant note resulting, she then twilled two lower notes together and began the opening music she had composed to one of her favorite tales- The Lovers at the Swamp. The beginning part of the song was always very cheerful and upbeat, a travelers song for the road. She finished up the opening in two minutes, an average length for her short songs. When she opened her green eyes she saw the hobbit smiling brightly. The whole tavern had grown silent and she felt her face flush for a moment as the adrenaline of her performance drained away. Her heart skipped a beat until the tavern responded with claps and hoots and cheers. Quickly the applause died down as the guests began to shout and laugh again to one another. The hobbit behind the desk continued to smile.
“A fine song, very good. Would you be willing to strike up the deal? I can only offer you the servant’s quarters, but it would be your own room and free.”
Kirdina had no argument to a free room for playing music that she would normally play without payment. “A deal.” she agreed happily, each of them thinking they had made out on the bargain.
Maki gave a disdainful sigh. “You do realize we will be staying in the servant’s quarters for our magnificent performance? When we should be staying in a palace.” As usual Kirdina ignored his response.
“Brockhouse,” the hobbit called out into the room.
A short and bumbling hobbit ran over to him, his brown curly hair starting to come out of the ponytail he had tied it into. “Yes?” he asked, a bit flustered.
“Could you please take..uh, oh my, I apologize, I am in such a rush I completely forgot to get your name. We will need it to add it to the program for tonight!”
Kirdina laughed lightly. “The name is Kirdina.” she responded.
“Please show Kirdina to the servant’s quarters, she will be spending the remainder of her time here at the Smiling Sun’s expense in payment for her performances, please give her the guest room we have.”
Brockhouse smiled and bowed. “Please follow me milady Kirdina.” and with that Brockhouse walked behind the counter, Kirdina following a pace behind him.
The innkeeper called out to them “I will send someone for you when your performance is needed, but until then please enjoy Kinar’s festival!”
“Many thanks.”the young elf replied, glancing back to see the innkeeper standing on two crates. “So that’s how he was taller.” she mused quietly.
Brockhouse walked into the back room and out a door. Behind the Inn was a smaller house, still beautifully built with shrubs lining the front of it and flowers planted to either side. “This is the servant’s quarters.” he said with a smile. “It doesn’t have the view of the well, but I like to think it is just as beautiful.”
“It is.” Kirdina said happily.
Brockhouse looked to the young elf with admiration. “You made quite an impression on Toso, he never gives out our best room to performers!”
“Your best room?” she asked confused. “I thought I was staying in the servant’s quarters?”
“You are!” Brockhouse laughed. “Our servant’s quarters are the best! I mean, we live here in Kinar, guests come and go, so even though our rooms in the Smiling Inn are great, I like to think that our Servant’s quarters are even better. You’re music was very beautiful. Perhaps some day you could write one about farming.”
Kirdina looked to Brockhouse. He wore nothing more than simple peasant clothes, a bit of dirt covering them while his feet were bare with a tuft of fur on the tops. His smile was full of life. Birds sang above while three small rabbits played in the bushes a few paces from them, everything seemed so at peace.
The young elf nodded to his suggestion. “I think I could create one for you.” she said thoughtfully. “A peaceful song, simple in some respects, but with an underlying melody of humor and maybe a little bit of mischief, taking into account small animals that sometimes get into the gardens.”
Brockhouse gave another laugh. “A wonderful tune.” he replied, walking into the small cobblestone home, gesturing Kirdina to follow. “I look forward to hearing your performance later this evening. Feel free to poke around the festival, we have a lot to offer. You won’t get lost, and I will come find you when Toso needs to entertain the guests at the tavern.” The young hobbit made a face. “Though I do suppose the ale in our guests will cause a bit more noise than one would like for performances.”
Kirdina laughed and shook her head, the image of drunken patrons trying to dance to her songs played over in her mind “I’ve had such events before, they always prove to be enjoyable in some respects.”
The two of them walked down a short hallway, the wooden walls lined with artistic drawings of nature. They turned a corner and Brockhouse stopped at the only door. “Here you are.”
Kirdina gave a small bow. “My thanks.” she said as he pointed towards the circular door. He handed her a set of keys and she unlocked the door, pushing it open. The room was small, but looked very comfortable. There was a large window on the far wall with a view of the back of the Smiling Sun, as well as two bushes in front of the window.
“If you don’t be needing me I shall be getting back to the Inn, we are very busy and there is still much work I need to finish.” the little hobbit said turning around and heading down the hallway.
Kirdina nodded. “Oh yes, thank you for you time.” she called after him, closing the door as he left. She watched Brockhouse run up to the Smiling Sun from her window amused. “What an interesting little creature.” she said to Maki. She pulled her pack from off her shoulders and set it down on the only chair, keeping her sword and bow on her. Her eyes scanned the room, taking note of more nature paintings along the walls, and a small bed that would be just big enough for her feet not to stick out from the edge. She looked to the wall across from her bed that had a small mirror .She walked over to it, noticing that underneath her right eye there was a bit of her discolored skin showing. “Good thing for masks.” she mumbled, lifting it up with both her hands. She closed her eyes for a second, feeling the fresh air brushing against her usually hidden skin. It was pleasant and for a moment she was at peace, one with the air, gentle and calm, fluid and graceful. She opened her eyes slowly, scrutinizing her mark. Her feelings changed to sharp and uneasy. It had stopped bleeding but was still very raw and painful to the touch. “What do you think could have caused it to rip open?” she asked Maki who was dangling at her side from his little pouch Kirdina had made him.
“I do not know for certain, but it is possible that this is more than just a simple irritation from the mask. You did make the mask with great care and regard for your scar, it is rather improbable that suddenly now your mask has begun to brush against it in an irritating manner.”
Kirdina nodded. “Well, despite this tiny situation, look at my room!”
“Our room you mean, and a small room at that.”
“Maki, you are small so you shouldn’t be complaining, besides, it’s great, look at the woodwork!” Kirdina brushed one of the walls with her fingers. “It is very beautiful.”
Maki scoffed. “It probably has termites just waiting to break free into our room and gnaw me to death.”
Kirdina rolled her eyes. “Let’s check out the festival, eh? Maybe there is something going on out there that will prove to be amusing even for you.” Kirdina walked out of the room with Maki.
“Doubtful.” he replied. “There is little left in this world that “amuses” me.”
“Perchance we may discover some more information with that other worldly thing you mentioned.” Kirdina suggested as she exited the Servant’s Quarters and walked past the side of the Smiling Sun into the town’s circle.
“Let us hope not.” Maki mumbled.

Chapter Two: Kinar

The village of Kinar was a large one. It was built around a beautiful stone well with an intricate wooden covering to keep it shaded. Surrounding three-fourths of the village was farmland while the rest of the village sat on the edge of a large lake. As Kirdina neared the village music filled the air and high in the sky were flags and ribbons. Towards the end of the path leading into the village were brightly colored lanterns not yet lit. A large banner written in the common tongue “Happy Spring!” was strung above the entranceway in a bold blue with paintings of butterflies and birds. Kirdina was greeted by many jolly faces upon entering bustling village. Smiles and laughter seemed prominent everywhere she looked. As the young elf walked into the very busy center of the town she was overwhelmed with the amazing smell of food.
“There are stands everywhere Maki!” she exclaimed, excited. “I don’t know where to begin my feasting!”
“Why don’t you start with the one closest to you.” He said, almost in a laugh. Maki could at times seem amused with the young elf. Perhaps even get caught acting as a parent would to a child.
“Ah! Great idea!” Kirdina reached into her pouch pulling out a few copper and ran to the closest food vender. The hobbit tending the stand smiled at her.
“Would ye like to try some of my smoked fish? I just caught them early this morning! Only one copper a fish.” he gestured to the deliciously appealing fish, smoked and ready to eat on little sticks.
“Yes!” she exclaimed. “I’ll take three!” She handed over the money and picked out the three largest fish. Carrying two in one hand and one in the other she continued on her way through the town, taking ample bites as she walked.
She made her way towards the center of town, taking in her new beautiful surroundings. The houses and shops were made of intricate cobblestone design, while the small pathways in-between were lined with planted shrubs, tiny ribbons dangling from their branches. A well of boastful sorts sat in the middle of Kinar with a detailed wooden covering. The well was large and festive with decorations carefully woven around it. Circling the area were stone benches, each one different and unique. This seemed to be a particularly favorite spot for children. Many kids, mostly hobbits, ran around the well with long sticks, ribbons tied to the ends of them. Some of the children sat more content on the benches, eating a sort of treat or giggling with their friends. Kirdina smiled. She picked up Maki who had been dangling patiently at her side. Finishing up the last of her fish she made her way towards the well, picking up speed as she grew closer. With a running leap the nimble elf jumped over the bench two children were sitting on clearing it with room spare, as she neared the ground she spun into a somersault, landing with a roll in front of the bench and springing to her feet. With great skill she jumped up backwards, onto the edge of the well, balancing herself gracefully. She could see all their faces gleaming with excitement. She could hear squeals of surprise as they jumped to their feet, clapping their little hands.
Five other children had immediately rushed over to where the young elf stood seeing her stunt from the corners of their eyes. Now seven small faces looked to the elf, awaiting an introduction of some sort.
“Greetings young hobbits!” Kirdina said with a low and exaggerated bow. “And to thee, young human as well.” she winked to the only human child within the group and the lot of them giggled.
“Are you a performer?” One of the girls braved to ask, holding hands with the human girl.
“A performer of sorts, I can do simple tricks.” Kirdina twirled Maki who grumbled angrily, tossing him up, spinning with him, and suddenly causing him to disappear in the blink of an eye. The children gasped. Kirdina couldn’t help but smile. It was a simple trick to her, a flick of the wrist, a sleight of the hand, but to her young audience it was nothing short of magick.
“Where did it go?” she heard one of them whisper.
“It’s behind her!” the human girl cried out, thinking she had solved the mystery.
“Behind me you say?” Kirdina gave a spin to show their was nothing behind her. The children grew more excited. “Perhaps up my sleeve?” Kirdina pushed up both of her long baggy sleeves
“Where is it?” one of the children begged. Three more children from the well area had run over to join the group now.
“Where is it?” another one chirped.
Kirdina gave a laugh, flashing a beautiful smile, and with another jump, tuck, spin and land she was right next to a child. She moved her arms dramatically in the air, the children watching with anticipation. With sudden energy she twisted her hands, gave a little sputtering of sounds and Maki emerged, “magickly,” out of thin air. The children sat awestruck for a moment, their eyes wide with disbelief, then they were clapping and howling and laughing and jumping.
“Something else!” one child yelled.
“Another trick please!”
“Can you teach me how to do that?!”yet another one cried.
Kirdina took a few steps back to the edge of the well and sat on it, the children gathering around her. “Now, now. Let me first introduce you to me companion.” Kirdina held up her flute, the gems and stones glittering with magick. All the children, and now a few adults were watching her every move. “This here is Maki.”
“Is that it’s name?”
“It.”Maki repeated with disgust, and added with a sigh “Children.”
Kirdina smiled. “Yes. He is very special, you see, he and I can play amazing songs together. Would you like to hear one?”
The kids cheered and clapped.
“What kind of song should I perform?” Kirdina asked them playfully.
“A song for my army to fight with!” one of the boys called out, gesturing to his friends. They all held up little wooden swords and gave a roar.
Kirdina giggled. “A fearsome bunch, I would not want to entice thy fury.”
“Play a song that is pretty!” the human girl shouted.
The boys booed that idea and the girls yelled back at them.
“All right, all right.”Kirdina replied standing to her feet. She held up her hands to quiet the children. “I think I have a song that is perfect for ye both. A song with a bit of fire!” Kirdina blew over the mouthpiece and hit four sharp notes, trilling the last one. The boys gave a cheer once more. Then Kirdina turned to the girls. “And a song with a story of love.” The young elf again pursed her lips, blowing slower and rippling her breath. She glided her fingers across the surface of the wooden instrument, hitting low major notes softly and ending the short introduction with a flutter. The girls awed.
Kirdina bowed her head low and took in a breath. She loved performing, especially when it was a random performance with children. She loved inspiring them, telling them stories, making them laugh. She did not get the chance much to interact, so every moment was precious to her. ‘I will tell them my favorite song.’ she thought pleasantly.
The young elf suddenly sprang up and landed on the edge of the well, beginning her performance.
“Once, long ago there was a mighty king.” she whispered harshly, her eyes playing along with the story. She walked up and down the edge of the well her audience was massed around. In between lines she would play songs that helped convey the mood of the tale. Regal sounding music for the king, a delicate and light song for the princess whose heart fell for a peasant boy. A dark and flat sounding song for the villain whose desire was war for the kingdom, and a dramatic, energetic tune for a battle with a dragon! The storyline wasn’t the best, but the music was what carried it all and the children were fascinated by it. By the end, kids were dancing and Kirdina had tired herself out.
Kirdina bowed humbly as she finished up her music. “Thank you for listening to my songs, young masters and mistresses, I hope I held some interest.”
“Another, another!” Came the shouts
Kirdina laughed. “Perchance the morrow, but now children I must rest awhile. My journeys have left me tired and I have yet to get a room!”
The children laughed and said their regretful good-byes. Three of the girls ran up and gave her hugs. “You’re mask is very pretty!” one of the girls cooed with delight, taking in the green velvet-like cloth she had shaped into leaves and sewn together.
“Thank you.”Kirdina replied. “It ‘twas Maki’s idea, he is very clever. I like the forests a lot.”
“Me too.” said one of the girls.
“You look like a forest goddess!” another one quietly complimented, the other two nodding in agreement.
Kirdina smiled at the three. “Say, where would you three young ladies recommend I get a room at, here in thy lovely town of Kinar?”
They looked to each other for a moment each knowing what the other was thinking. “Over there!” they said in unison, pointing towards a large building.
“Everyone knows it’s the fanciest.”
“And the prettiest!”
“And a forest goddess should stay at no lesser a place.” the other concluded with a smile.
Kirdina reached into her coin pouch and pulled out three copper coins. She tossed them in the air playfully and as they fell back down, yanked up each one individually at different angles. She then placed one in each of the girls pockets. “Thanks for the advice.” she replied and walked towards the inn, calling out behind her with a wave “I recommend the smoked fish!”

Chapter One: An Elf and her flute

“Well, if you ask me, their idea of gratitude is completely absurd. I mean, honestly! After risking our lives for their little town they neglect to offer us a simple thank you - or a reward for that matter! How terribly rude, and they dare to call me equipment! I have never been more insulted! I am relieved to be rid of their imbecilic presence, I swear to any deity their entire town collectively wouldn't compare to a single thought I have, and where are we headed? Perchance more forest? Green, green, green ... Kira? Are you even listening to me Kirdina? Are you even paying attention?”
The young elf looked down to her companion, her eyes glittering green, holding a smile all their own. “Of course I’m listening Maki, but be fair. There were many a creature who risked their life helping that village, and a good thing for that too.” The nimble elf climbed over a fallen tree and continued on. “How were they supposed to keep track of everyone and give them a proper thank you after that battle. I’m just glad we were able to help out. I really do hate undead.” Kirdina gave a bit of a frown. “Actually I’m still a bit worried about that place, maybe we should’ve stuck around, you know, just incase something else came up.”
“Ha!”scoffed Maki. “There is always trouble where you are! The town is better off without you!”
“That’s a little cold.” Kirdina mumbled to herself, then paused, looking about the forest. She lifted up her right hand, shielding her eyes. The sun stood high in the afternoon sky, sending splendid rays of light throughout the area. Plants of all sorts sprung up from every crevice, covering the vision with greens and browns. In the mix of forest colors a metallic shimmer came into view. The small elf raised a curious eyebrow. With a rush of energy she playfully sprung over to a small circular object tossed into the dirt. Her fingerless brown glove wrapped about the item and held it up to the sky.
“Maki!” she exclaimed with a bit of delight. “Do you know what this is?”
“A copper coin.” the companion answered unamused. “Not worth much anywhere really, you might as well place it back where you found it.”
Kirdina ignored him and continued. “It must mean travelers are nearby! Maybe there’s something new we can find!”
“Oh, how exciting. A new village, what wonders lay in store for us.”came the all too predicable reply.
“Maki, where’s your sense of adventure?” Kirdina scolded playfully. “And anyways, it’s not like you have much of a choice.” With that the elf scooped up Maki who had been in a small pouch, and held him to eye level. A wooden solemn face glared back at her, attached to the body of a small wooden flute.
“I really hate it when you do this Kirdina.”
“Come on, Maki! If there are travelers nearby we can make some great music! It’ll be fun, I’ve been working on a new song that’ll be sure to lift even your grumpy spirits, listen!”
The elf put Maki up to her lips and began to play. The forest was filled with music, a crisp and delightful song, upbeat and chipper, equal to that of the birds Kirdina so admired. Maki complained with each breath Kirdina took, and every time she stopped for air, he would yell for her to knock it off. The elf just giggled to herself and continued to create the song she had been envisioning.
She hopped to the beat for a few minutes until, sure enough, reaching the edge of the great forest they had been traveling in, the two came to a clearing . A few paces from the clearing there laid a well worn dirt path, and upon that path scattered about were travelers of all sorts.
Kirdina hesitated before emerging from the forest, reaching up to her mask and pulling it over her face. “We don’t want the wrong eyes spying it, do we now Maki?”
“Heh, certainly not.” The object agreed.
Excitedly the elf jumped out of the forest, tumbling into a roll and then springing up gracefully onto the path. Two children further down from her laughed and clapped. A man near to her smiled amused.
“Greetings, traveler, art though venturing to the festival?”
“A festival?” she asked in the common tongue, the ususal type of speech everyone could understand. Her native tongue was that of wild-elf, but none too many spoke such language and so almost always would she address someone in common.
“Yes, but only a few miles away. Tis the spring equinox and the small fishing village of Kinar always hosts the greatest celebration of the seasons! I am headed there now in hopes of tasting some of their famous foods.”
“Famous foods?” Kirdina repeated as her stomach gurgled. She had been eating nothing but dried meats and fruits for the past 3 weeks. The idea of new food was a delightful thought.
“Why Kinar is known throughout the lands as having some of the tastiest foods ever!” The man scratched his head at that thought. “Well, perhaps not known throughout the lands, but every neighboring village around here knows of the tasty dishes Kinar can make. It is, after all, made up almost entirely of hobbits, and if anything is true about their race it is fine food and great hospitality.”
“Wow! That sounds wonderful. I believe I’m due for a vacation. What great timing!”
The man looked the young elf up and down for a second. Taking notice for the first time of her quiver and bow hanging off her back, and her sheathed short sword dangling patiently at her waist. Suddenly he felt wary. “What is it, exactly, that you do, traveler?” he hesitated to ask.
Kirdina could see his comfortably relaxed features starting to shift. Villagers, she thought, they’re always ready to ask for your help, but when you want to just want to be yourself and relax they get all wary. Not wanting to scare away someone already she lifted up Maki.
“A flute?” the man asked curiously. He had never seen anything like it. It was carved out of some dark oak, a beautiful detailed carving of an ancient, wise, old face stared outwards a solemn look to him. The eyes were enchanting dark green jewels. Around the top and bottom of the instrument were small stones somehow held into place, the stones themselves unique and rare. “I’ve never seen such an instrument.” the man exclaimed in admiration.
“Ha, well, I bet you’ve never heard me play it either, huh?” she laughed, and with that she put Maki up to her lips and began to play. Her fingers moved slowly and her eyes closed as her song began to get carried by the wind. It was a slow and mellow song, relaxing as a cool stream on a sunny afternoon. The notes rippled like water through her skill of expressing feelings with music. After a few minutes of playing she finished her song, noticing that she had accidently drawn a crowd.. Everyone clapped and then continued on their way. The man took off his hat and bowed.
“You should think of performing at the festival, young bard.”he said. “I’m certain many would appreciate your musical gift.”
Kirdina felt a rush of heat flush her face as she blushed and made a mental note of gratitude for her mask. “Much thanks kind sir for thy compliment, I will certainly consider it.”
The man bowed politely one last time. “Perchance I shall see thee about the festival, good day.”
Kirdina waved pleasantly. “Good day!” she called out after him.
“Are you going to the festival?” Maki asked dryly.
“Of course, my stomach wouldn’t have it any other way.” In response her belly gave another hungry gurgle. “Plus, I’ve never seen a hobbit before!”
“They’re short, like a dwarf, but they have opposite personalities.”
“Ah, so they’re friendly!” she giggled.
“I’m sure they would love your music Kirdina.”
“Really?” she asked inquisitively. “Do hobbit’s like music?”
“They are very talented with the arts.” Maki replied, exuding an aura of intelligence.
“They are also very good at farming and gardening and they have an extreme amount of patience in most areas. Their intellect is lacking; however, and one can easily be bored of a hobbit in no time. I suppose if we are merely going to Kinar for a festival it should prove to be what you would hope for most hobbits are also known to throw elaborate celebrations, serving a large variety of foods, if food is something you are interested in.”
“Huzzah! That’s all I needed to hear,” then she added witha chipper giggle. “And the food helps too.” With a skip and a hop she began to bounce down the road which seemed empty now. After a few short dances further Kirdina stopped in her tracks. Her body began to feel tense, almost uneasy. Her usually large, almond shaped eyes grew into small slits as she looked around. “Something is wrong...”she whispered quietly, her eyes raising to the bright blue sky above. She looked about carefully, large fluffy white clouds glided around without a care in the world, the wind rustled slightly sending the tree branches to sway. Kirdina felt a bit of liquid trickling down her face. She reached up and touched her cheek. Her eyes darted to her fingertips that now had a bit of red on them. “That’s not good.” she mumbled, digging in one of her pouches and pulling out a shred of material. She lifted up her mask just enough to press the small cloth against her flesh, then pulled it back down, holding the cloth firmly in place underneath. Her skin began to crawl as she listened to the trees rhythmically move from side to side, a slow creaking in the tired limbs of ancient trees. Something felt very wrong.
Out of nowhere, there was a thunderous eruption from the sky. Kirdina jumped and frantically stared upwards, her eyes restlessly searching the clouds. Suddenly there was a ripple of color, the blue sky trembled as a wave of dark orange color washed across it’s surface, the clouds in it’s path twisting and darkening to an empty blackness. A strong gust of air raced across the sky, with the color, and hit Kirdina full force. Her eyes began to tear. The black clouds squirmed and writhed and a hauntingly terrible laughter echoed in the young elf’s ear. In terror Kirdina watched the clouds form themselves into a symbol the elf was all too familiar with, and just as suddenly, everything went back to normal, the ripple of color passing over her and fading into the distance, the wind whistling quietly away.
There was a terrible silence for a moment, but soon after birds began to chirp, the wind began it’s elegant dance once more with the trees, the leaves gently moved to the sound of wildlife.
“What in all the nine hells was that?!” She yelled.
“There is no need to yell, I am right here.”
“Did you catch that Maki?! What was all that?!”
“Again, no need to shout. And it looked to me as if it were a traveler.”
“A wha-Huh?”
“A portal of some kind, or perhaps a form of inter-planer teleportation.”
“Inter-what? Are you serious?”
Maki sighed.“I’m always serious, Kirdina.”
“Well, well, then, why did that symbol form in the sky?”the elf flustered.
“Hmm, that’s a good question. Obviously somehow you are involved.”
“Involved?” she repeated. “But why, what did I do?”
“Well, for some reason your scar was formed with the clouds, your mark must mean more than you originally assumed.”
“And what does my scar mean then, Maki?”Kirdina demanded agitated.
“As I’ve told you before, I have no recollection of that symbol, despite my infinite wisdom in such areas. It is my opinion that your mark is a statement rather than what you were hoping it could be...”
“A symbol for a family name, almost mercifully forgotten...”she whispered quietly. Kirdina looked around the area for a moment, taking note of the travelers still headed towards the village of Kinar. “Looks like a little bad weather can’t keep these people away.” she added, trying desperately to make light of the situation. “Must be some festival, eh Maki?”
“Yes, I suppose it would. Kirdina, this is a very bad omen. Perhaps we should head back into the forest, more cover, easier for us to hide, to keep away from things trying to kill us!”
“Aw, come on Maki, I’m starving. It’s been so long since we’ve had time to just relax and enjoy the world. I’m not going to let anything, including some new monster, ruin my vacation, and that’s that! Humph!”
“Well it would appear you are tied to this situation closer than either one of us would like. In a best case scenario we may be exposed to information that may serve to give us revelations about your kind, of course, in a worst case scenario we could die! Hmm, what would be the better option there.”
“They were not my kind!”Kirdina hissed back suddenly, wanting to throw the flute to the ground and stomp on him, but her body was unwilling to follow the command.
“No need for a temper. I was simply just musing over the idea of learning more interesting facts about those people who you resided among for a large majority of your early youth. As you know, knowledge is-”
“Is power.” Kirdina finished.. “Yes, yes, Maki, I know, you repeat that annoying phrase far too often for me to forget.” she put her hand to her forehead, feeling suddenly tired.
“It is interesting to note that your scar begun to bleed right before the surge of energy rushed over us.”
Kirdina nodded, walking off the path and into the underbrush of the forests edge. “I suppose that is a strange coincidence.” She pulled out a small wooden bowl and some water she had in her backpack.
“We must try to recall everything you remember from that event. Your memories may hold the very key as to what your mark means, and perchance why we saw it now appear in the sky.”
“Heh, I already know what it means” Kirdina replied miserably.
“What?”Maki gasped surprised.”You do? This whole time you’ve been-“
“Yeah, it means I’m cursed!”
“Funny, Kira, now perhaps you can try to pull yourself out of the pity stage and think logically about your current situation. We need information that is enlightening and new. Now think. What do you recall.”
The young elf slumped into the grass, pouring some of the water into the wooden bowl. She set the dish down in the tall ferns, angling the bowl so that she could see the clouds reflections. The elf took another careful look around. Being certain she was far enough from the road that passerbys would not spy her. She then pulled up her mask and gently peeled off the cloth that was now soaked in blood and sticking to her face. She dabbed her skin with great concern and then slowly peered into the water, taking in her reflection.
It was never an easy thing for Kirdina to do, to look at herself. Often she would go for months without seeing her reflection, sometimes allowing herself to imagine she looked differently. Gazing upon her scar always stirred the memories as to how it was placed upon her, and the events of what transpired before and after.
“What do you remember, Kirdina?” Maki persisted, hoping that perhaps this time the young elf would recall something she had missed.
There was a shaky breath as the elf stared into the small pool. An elf stared back at her. A rather beautiful wood elf, with hair the color of a red oak trunk, and eyes the shade a deep green fern. Her skin was as fair as a smoothed stone lying at the bottom of a bubbling stream and her smile rivaled even the sun. Underneath her right eye there was a mark. Some would see it as a tattoo, for the strange pattern of twisting lines was black in color, as if an ink had been used to make the symbol stand out more. Around the black marks was Kirdina’s damaged flesh, discolored to a reddish, purplish hue. As Kirdina peered intensely she saw the reason for the blood. The skin underneath the black was cracked open and bleeding slightly, causing a stinging sensation, reminding her of the terrible day when her parents had placed that mark upon her.
“My parents, placed this mark upon me.”she stated flatly. Maki already knew this but remained quiet, hoping for more information. The young elf dropped the soaked material into her bowl, swishing it about with her forefinger, watching the blood from the cloth mix with the water in a meditative manner.
Screams. That was the first thought that came to mind. Kirdina was younger, smaller than she was now, and she struggled with all her might, flailing about dramatically, trying to escape her parents’ grasp, her mother on one side, and her father on the other, dragging her through a dark building (perhaps a church?), benches on either side of her as she was pulled up an aisle. Shades scattered around in the darkness. She couldn’t see them, but she felt their piercing gazes, her heart racing. There was a ceremony going on in front of her. A large fire, an alter with something on it, robed figures with snarling faces, teeth as sharp as daggers one holding a piece of metal into the fire. Tears streamed down her face. “What is happening? Mum, Dad, what is happening? What did I do? What is happening?” No one answered her. The figures chanted solemnly and her parents just stood there.
“They were lifeless, empty, my parents just held me there. I couldn’t move.” The only robed figure cloaked in a red cape stepped forward, the fire illuminating his pale face. His eyes were yellow, his smile quiet and amused.
“We’ve been waiting for you, little one.” he responded, extending his hand to brush her tear streaked face.
“What is happening?”Kirdina managed to ask, looking more to her parents than the figure before her.
“Your parents will not answer you, they are dedicated seekers of our world. They will not respond to your pleas.”
“Wh-, what did I do, why are you doing this to me, why have I been brought here?”
“Your parents have chosen to give you over to us as a symbol of their dedication and loyalty, truly they had not realized thy value, else they would have handed you over much sooner.”
“My, my value- wh-, what?”
“First, a gift, my dear, from me personally.” The red robed figure took hold of the metal, pulling it from the flames, a strange symbol on the end. Kirdina immediately recognized the symbol as the same mark both her parents had branded on their arms.
“Wh- what are you going to do with that?” she stuttered frantically. “Don’t put that near me!!” She struggled and twisted so much that she actually broke free.
“Grab her!” the man roared, and in seconds the little elf was thrown to the floor, her parents, along with others, bracing her tightly. Her eyes grew wide as the red cloaked man walked towards her, carrying the burning red metal symbol. He knelt down beside her taking his left hand and pressing it against her forehead, slamming her head against the floor witha forceful crack, then with his right hand raising the glowing metal towards the ceiling he hissed a phrase of sounds Kirdina had never heard before. His eyes turned almost golden in color and he peered down at her, a strange thirst and lust in his gaze. His mouth cracked open slightly and Kirdina saw teeth, large sharp teeth inside. Suddenly he lunged the metal symbol down towards her face. Kirdina screamed, closing her eyes, feeling her skin blister and sizzle underneath the tool. She couldn’t move, she struggled, but in vain. Her screams echoed in the building, her eyes now tearing from the smoke, her throat burning. She had no idea how long the metal was upon her face, it could have been for only a split second, but to the young elf it felt like hours. As soon as it was lifted she felt everyone let go of her. Kirdina curled into a ball, sobbing in pain, clutching at her face which burned terribly. Her hands trembled. After gaining back some of her strength she opened her eyes, instinctively closing her right one since opening it was too painful. Through her left eye, despite the smoke damage, she saw that everyone had gone. She pulled herself up onto her feet and began to run. She ran into the forests of the night, searching for the one person who could help bring her peace.
“Estel..” she whispered aloud. If he could have, Maki would have raised an eyebrow at that name.
“Estel...? Your, ahem, friend? What does he have to do with this situation of ours?” Kirdina blinked a few times and shook her head, still staring at her reflection.
“Nothing.” she replied flatly. “Dead people have nothing to do with anything.” Kirdina splashed the water with her hand angrily, then brought up her cloth now rinsed off. She wiped her mark roughly, ignoring the stinging sensation. “Why can’t I just wipe it away?” she growled to herself frustrated. “I hate it! I hate them!” With a roar she swiped the bowl away, spilling out the water.
“That was mature.”Maki stated dryly. Kirdina glared down at him.
“I can’t recall anything else that I haven’t already told you. I don’t know what it means. I just know my parents had the same symbol on their forearms. Some vampire thing they worshiped placed this symbol upon my face. I have no idea why, I thought it might be a mark for a clan, I don’t know.”
“You can’t recall anything new?”
“If I could I would tell you.” the frustrated elf grit her teeth, her eyes now staring at her overturned bowl.
“What about Estel?”
“What about him?”
“He had nothing to do with any of this?”
“Like I said before Maki, he was innocent of this whole mess. The only reason he was killed was because of me.”
“So in return you slaughtered your parents?”
Kirdina’s eyes flashed suddenly to her flute. Her voice went low, dark. “They were evil beings. I had to stop them from hurting anyone else.” There was no remorse in her voice, no hint of doubt. That was what she believed and there was no questioning her on the matter. Maki let the subject go, despite his desire to learn more about the symbol.
“There is no talking to you when you are like this.” Maki sighed. “Shall we be off to the festival then?”
“I thought you wanted to go hide in the forests.” Kirdina replied, looking back into the trees.
“Well I would rather deal with a festival in turmoil than you in this bitter mood. Honestly Kirdina, I wish you could think of me more often, you’re so cruel sometimes.”
The young elf stood up, dusting herself off. She reached down and picked up the bowl and rag, tossing them into her pack. “Maybe nothing will go wrong.” she said wishfully. “Maybe something good will happen, that happens sometimes, in stories I hear...”
“Well let’s get going then, I’m tired of staring at the green everywhere.”
Kirdina nodded and picked up the rest of her things. With a skip she turned back onto the road leading towards the festival. The path was once again occupied with travelers and Kirdina couldn’t help but grow excited at the sight of so many different kinds of people.
“Kira, your mask!” Maki scolded.
With a gasp she quickly pulled down the leafy design over the front of her face. That was one thing she couldn’t afford to forget, especially with what had just transpired within the clouds. Who knows how many other people saw the event, and who knows how many people would try to blame her for it, or at least ask her questions. That was hopefully something she could avoid. “I just want to have fun at the festival like everyone else. Celebrate the wonderful season of spring that is once again upon us.” she told herself as she walked towards the village. She could hear a group of children playing together behind her, birds sang above the path and a butterfly glided quietly in front of her. “It’s a beautiful day. I will not let anything ruin this.”she whispered quietly.