Scurrying Like A Rat

[Rig 17590]

Written by Bagley

The grotto was dimly lit, with only the constant trickle of moonlight pouring in from the cave’s entrance. Amid the pool sat the elf, marked by the tattoos of his line - he sat cross-legged with his hands folded in his lap, an emptied canteen lying upon the ground by his side. With closed eyes did his mind wander, not to thoughts of nature nor of the Aspects as he was told, but to the folk stories he had been told of as a boy. Of the evils of civilization. How the rightful way was scorned by Malin’s people. And it wandered darker places yet, to the story of Din’an and Har’el. He busied his mind with the retellings of that fable - the story which shaped his clan. How the morals preached had influenced his upbringing.

 

And in the quiet, he recited word for word what father had spoken to son so many years ago.

 

It is said that centuries ago, twin brothers, Din'an and Har'el, were born to Ithel’an, first of our line. While they were treated equally as sons born of the clan, Din'an was chosen as successor, for his birth preceded that of his brother. Tradition dictated that the first-born was to carry the torch of his ancestors, and so Din'an became learned in the mysteries of the world and walked the Vir Ame’lanen proudly, taking up the traditions of his people. Har'el, on the other hand, was awarded no such honors. He sulked and became indolent in contempt for his brother, proving himself unworthy of the blessings of their clan. The rift between the siblings grew deep and as he was shunned, the wound was left to fester. It is said that during this time, a devious spirit appeared before Har'el. The spirit spoke praise of the young elf, while none other had, and offered him friendship. Har'el, knowing not the love of others, was eager to accept the spirit as a brother and through this it began to sow the seeds of misfortune.

 

After many months spent in the ear of Har'el, the spirit offered him something more - power - and in return, it demanded a sacrifice of Ithelanen blood. Turning away from the way, Har'el set off on the path of sorrow and shunned the destiny that was fated. Gathering a following of wicked elves, he began to offer up the bodies of his kin as fodder for the spirit. With each sacrifice did the power of the spirit grow, as well as his own strength, for the spirit bequeathed unto him its profane might. Soon after the clan began to wither, Ithel’an succumb to the millenia and departed for the wilds. It was in his passing that Har'el struck, unleashing his newfound power against Din'an, now the leader of their kin. Din'an proved no match for him and was slain. His lifeblood was given up in final offering to the spirit, and it seemed that Har'el had finally fulfilled the covenant struck. Pleased, the spirit appeared before Har'el and his followers, showering him with praise and lauding the elf’s willingness to kinslay.

 

The spirit, yet again, offered Har'el more - the right of rule, that no one could question his authority among the Ithelanen. As many were reluctant to accept the traitor as their chieftain, he gladly accepted the spirit’s gift. The spirit laid itself upon Har'el’s shoulders and took the form of a mantle of elven skin. He wore it proudly, and as promised, his rule went untested. However, as decades passed, faces began to surface upon the mantle and spoke to Har'el - those of the elves he had sacrificed. Each of them writhed in agony and begged the release of death, and their whisperings eventually drove him to madness. Throwing himself before the Aspects, Har'el begged their mercy and forgiveness. Alas, the only reply came from the spirit, as boisterous and blithe as ever. It derided and mocked him, opening his eyes to the truth - their bargain had yet to be met, for the covenant they made had required sacrifice of Ithelanen blood, yet never specified whose. It was his own flesh that the spirit sought, and in this revelation, Har'el became so consumed with grief that he cast himself from a nearby cliff ending his own life. With that, the spirit’s hunger was sated and he let the people be. But such wounds would not be easily healed, and those who walked after the twin brothers had to be clever; wary of the whisperings of both the gods and the land and much wiser to the hatred that contempt and envy bred.

 

Reflecting upon the words of his father, Dinlasel’an rose. Four days had passed in that time, and the howling of his stomach and a parched throat made evident his desire to be done with the place and return to the teacher. He climbed the rocky steps of the cave and emerged into the light of day. Procuring his belongings, the elf went on his way, back to Caras Eldar to brave the coming tests that Kairn had prepared for him.

[devvy 1348]

Moved to The Great Library. It shall be sorted into the appropriate category shortly.

 

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