It’s Dangerous To Go Alone

Returning to the town square, Vaelara still held her sword in hand, and her mind was full of wonder at the supposed alpha wolf lying in wait. Then there were the black pools that whisked away the marauders, indicating someone else was at play in the town’s struggles. Her mind raced with the implications, realizing this was more than simple pest control.

Someone approached from the side in a hurry, catching his breath as he stopped close by. The Human was young and male, with a head of dark brown hair that ended in a stub of a ponytail. He wore the clothes of a craftsman: a white-collared tunic, thick gloves for handling hazardous materials, dense trousers designed to carry tools on the side, and heavy leather boots; all a bit big for his frame. Flecks of sawdust still clung to his person, no doubt left over from the work before the attack began.

What caught Vaelara’s eye was the quiver strapped to his side and the shortbow he carried. His brown eyes looked her up and down as an expression of wonder crossed his face. He didn’t ogle at her, but measured her existence in a way a person examines something odd. He stared at the clothes she fashioned from animal skins and furs and at her body markings; the archer looked more impressed than suspicious.

“Did you see that?” He asked, finally speaking, glancing back towards the forest’s edge. “That large wolf just sat there!”

Vaelara’s head turned back towards the forest, estimating the distance from where he was perched to where the alpha wolf positioned itself. For him to have spotted it was honestly impressive to her.

Moving her sword to her hip, Vaelara brought the iron to the entrance of the scabbard that was clearly too small for it.

The young man noticed this, only to watch as the massive blade somehow collapsed into the tight space. There, a metal band sat atop the casing, consuming the iron blade until the hilt connected. There, it sat as if it belonged, despite the large hunk of metal that once appeared too wide and too heavy for the smaller casing that was made for only a longsword. Such was the case of a magic scabbard, similar to a magic bag, but made for weapons for easier carrying.

“Has it been there before?” She asked, curious if this was the first sighting.

“Only a couple of times.” The young man responded quickly, eager to give details, recovering quickly from his distraction. “It would only watch, never engaging with the others. Though I’m afraid of what would happen if it did.”

To someone experienced in hunting and the power of an alpha wolf of that size, Vaelara knew he was correct. She kept it to herself. Yet she assumed the alpha wolf was among the pack, as most were of a smaller variety.

Reginald approached in a rush, catching his breath after checking on the residents.

“Is all well, Miss Dark Elf?” He asked, catching his breath, as he eyed the new line of animal corpses, answering his own query.

“I’m told there’s a large alpha among them that’s settled at the forest’s edge.” Vaelara gestured to the young archer, who seemed surprised that she even mentioned him.

Reginald glanced at the archer with a disappointed look on his wrinkled face. “Oh, that’s just young Ethan. He should be at the workshop helping his employer. He says there are larger dire wolves about, and other nonsense, but none have approached or have been seen.” He dismissed the younger archer with a wave of his hand.

Vaelara’s eyes tracked his gesture, a motion of something to be passed by and ignored. It felt as though it was meant for her, as many have done the same ever since she became a Dark Elf herself.

“No.” Her voice came out sharp and quick. “What the boy said was true. The larger dire wolf does sit at the edge of the forest, hidden in shadow.”

“What? That's preposterous!” The old mayor shifted his gaze between Ethan and the Dark Elf, with the former aglow with pride in recognition. “A large wolf would have been seen by now.”

“Clearly not.” Vaelara remained defiant, realizing the archer’s talents. She wanted to express her annoyance, but kept her confrontational tone to herself. “I need to scout the area to find out anything else. Something else is going on here.”

Reginald fidgeted with his hands. “But it’s dangerous to go alone. I could send someone able-bodied to go with you to-.”

“No!” Vaelara snapped, before she could stop herself. “Forgive me, but I’m the only one capable. It’s better if everyone stays here and indoors until I return.” She apologized and took a breath to calm herself.

“Are you sure?” Ethan stepped forward, his eagerness clear as day. “Hardly anyone goes in there. Perhaps I could-.”

Vaelara turned to face him with a stern look, and it felt as though ice pricked his chest. Ethan took a step back and kept his mouth shut and a tight grip on his bow.

“I’ll return shortly.” She said before turning to depart.

Passing through the town’s border, Vaelara turned to the left, heading away from the road and towards the forestland. The wooded area invited no one, but a presence allowed entry for the curious, where only those capable could either remain, survive, or be consumed.