The History of Alliliel
Part XIII
The hunt had been particularly good that day. Luth had returned with two large wolves and Jila had them roasting over the fire before the snow had melted from Luth’s boots.
Alliliel found it odd that they had eaten in almost total silence. Elven meals were usually boisterous affairs with much talking and laughing. Wolf meat was rather uncommon in Felwithe, but Alliliel was used to eating many strange things from her time in Freeport.
After dinner, Jila had brought out some strong liquor and gave each of them a long pour into their wooden bowls. They all sat quietly, each looking at the others, waiting for someone to speak. The silence grew.
The elf considered for a moment and then spoke.
"I am very glad to have found Halas, finally. I have traveled so far to find you."
Luth drank deeply form his bowl and spoke.
"Many regret finding us in our secret places. You were lucky to hae lived at all."
"I do not doubt it, sir. But I have a very serious mission, and I did not know where to turn for the longest time. I am looking for someone to help me. I heard many strange things, many tales. I investigated all of them. I believe the only ones who can help me are in this country, so I came to seek them out."
"Who are you looking for, lass? We don’t get such foreigners coming here much at all, much less askin for help from strangers."
Alliliel looked at Luth.
"I come seeking the Shamen of the North, who know the old ways and the secret things. I must learn of an ancient art called alchemy. I know of one who is… afflicted, with some dark magic, and the tales of the healing balms and curing salves of your wise men have reached even to Felwithe. I must seek out a cure for what ails my friend."
Jila spoke, surprising the elf.
"He is your... lover?"
"No, he is… was… someone I was responsible for. I must cure him, it’s my responsibility. I must do this thing, no matter where it takes me."
"Father, will they see her?", asked young Dach.
"There is no tellin’ what they will do, boy. But we will take her to them. They might decide to skin her alive for some gloves or for a potion, but if she’s crazy enough to seek out our witch doctors, that’d be her risk."
Luth continued, "Are ye going to take a risk, elf? We are but hunters and we know nothing of alchemy, except what little Jila does."
Alliliel almost smiled at the thought of Jila, who was twice the elf’s size, being called ‘little’.
"I will go where I must. I am in service to Tunare, and I will walk where she points me until she calls me at the end of my days."
"Tis’ done then. Jila will take ye in the morning, and luck be with ye."
The elf looked down in the wooden bowl, staring at her reflection in the drink, quietly.