Reforging

[Dakirennis 959]

Plumes of soot rise from the figure's foot steps as he trudges across the ruined island home of his people. Sweat beads down his brow as he makes his way between the scorched foundations of homes and across the cracked fire kissed stone. He arrives to the shore, kneeling down to scoop a handful of ash into his palm. Gazing across the water to the island opposite of the one he stands on, his eyes well with sorrow as he watches the steady stream of smoke rise from it's peak.

"Khel the Zealous. Whose name we bestowed upon this volcanic titan. What did we do to gain your ire? We built a home for your people, to honour you. I do not understand..."
Dak'ir looks over his shoulder to the barren hilltop where Ker'nor's keep once stood, he then looks to his right, to the hilltops where the homes once towered, overlooking the main square that held the temple of their Ancestors.

"Or perhaps I do. How could I be so blind?"
Shaking his head he makes his was across the desolate land scape and returned to the boat he'd called home for the years since he'd stepped down and within his cabin, he drafts a letter to those of his people who had taken refuge with their cousins on Laureh'lin and beyond.

 

~

"My people, I know we've endured much in these past years. War, betrayal, the destruction of our home and more. But no matter what, we've done just that. As Onyx we've endured. It is in our nature to carry on, ensuring the safety of our families and traditions. I have watched over our people since the days of the Fringe. Ker'lomi and Ker'nor were always small, close settlements. Perhaps privacy was always an issue amongst our caves but it was home. When Ker'nor was founded anew on Igne'nor, I tried my hardest to provide a home for the mali'ker that was beyond what we'd ever had. A sprawling city, a temple larger than any home we'd ever contained our race in, and a citadel twice that size over, to show our strength.
But I was wrong. We named the volcano south of our home Khel'igne, in honour of one of our greatest Ancestors, but Khel was never a kind soul. He guided our people with a stern hand and he was the flaw in what I created. I created something that did not display us as a race. Before the days on Igne'nor we'd lived in humble homes, not using more than we needed. And our Ancestor sought to correct that.
But now here we are once more, but onyx dust scattered to the wind. Though as ever, we have been given refuge under the shelter of our cousins amongst the forest. But I believe the time has come for us to make our own home once more, Prince Tristin has given us sanction to use land on Laureh'lin for a home for our people. A home that will teach our people of their past, their Ancestors, and their culture. As well as a home that provide for us and that will assist our cousins and repay them for the kindness they have given us. This is no demand, my kin. As ever I merely implore you to follow a righteous and honourable path wherever it is you walk, I simply hope that you walk along side me in this journey."

 

[Fid 566]

In a dark room somewhere on Vailor, a brown cloaked elf hunches over a table lit by a single candle. His dark eyes, crimson by the candlelight, survey the letter before him. Another similarly-dressed figure stands at his right shoulder, apparently waiting for something.

 

“So, Dak’ir Des’Nox deems it wise to reorganize the kin once more,” the hunched figure pronounces slowly. “Curious thing to do, considering how the Ancestors rewarded him last time. Still…”

He picks up the letter, lingers caressing the vellum gently before handing it to the other Dark Elf. “He is kin, and by the ancient laws we are bound to honour the call. We will ride at dawn… Dak’ir will have sore need of an architect in the days ahead... and who better than his beloved brother?”

[Elad™ 560]

Moved to the Archive. It shall be sorted into the appropriate category shortly.