Renascent Legends

Lit by a single candle set in a stairwell alcove, the polished wood treads echoed sounds of booted footfalls from the cloaked Man moving upward quickly.  Arriving at the top of the stairs, Rutfrid entered a dimly lighted, circular room.  Walls, painted elegantly in muted rose shades, were bedecked with rich tapestries and gilded sconces in the rounded space.  Removing a scabbard, quiver and bow, he laid them carefully on a large, ornate table centered in the room.    An arched opening, adjacent to the stairs, led into what appeared to be some kind of gallery or studio.

Rutfrid passed under the arch, walking deeper into the space.  At the far end of the room, a petite female sat in front of a beautiful spinet desk.   On the wide desk, in front of her, was what looked like a miniature crucible.   Oddly, though there was clearly something molten in the vessel but there was no evidence of a heat source.   Additionally, there were small rocks, polished gems, fine chains and metallic findings in neatly arranged on a silver tray.  A single candelabra of starry crystals, suspended from the ceiling, was the only source of light in the room.

The tall, dark haired man lowered himself to one knee as he bowed his head to a radiant Elven Lady at the desk.  "Amdiradan, come sit beside me," she said softly as she motioned to a chair near her own.  Amdiradan was a laudative the Elf had given to him after she had known him for several years.  She set aside, what appeared as to the man, a brilliant ruby that was being set into a gold brooch.

After he took a seat beside the Lady, she turned to him saying, "As you know, Drevoril has been successful in gathering a handful of defenders further west.  However, we will need more if we hope to provide meaningful resistance to the Darkness we feel gathering in the East.  I must ask more of you, Amdiradan.  Go now, gather as many competent warriors to our cause as you are able.  My hope is that you will find some of the old guard who are willing to again take up arms.  Guide them to Drevoril then stay by her side," she said to Rutfrid with a warm smile.

Without hesitation, Rutfrid agreed to the Lady's request.  "Of course, I will do as you ask, m'lady," as he stood up from his chair, bowing deeply from his waist.  Without another word, he left the study, gathered his arms and left.  The scout nearly ran down the stairs as he left, the corners of his mouth lifting into an elated smile.  His leaving rendered the Elf timorous for a moment, but she picked up the brooch and returned to her work as she let out a soften sigh.