Bly {Part 6}

The sound of the soldier's feet, and their frequent tripping over the underbrush in the Tawarthion forest was easily recognizable, and Bly rose from her hiding spot before they were close enough to see her, and darted off in the direction of their camp.
It felt nice to run so freely again, to dodge the vines and slimy branches that stretched across her way, her fleet feet jumping over fallen logs, and suspicious sand traps.
She ran into their camp, and the men whirled around to face her, Xander's hand resting on his sword.

That sword.

"They are on their way. And our creating enough noise to raise all of the dead in the land"  She said, and Xander nodded, "They don't think we are so close, probably expecting to come across us closer to Fort Hallows"

She nodded, and Adonis stretched, "Well, positions everyone?" 

They crouched in the underbrush, and Bly gripped the Bow and Arrow Xander had been surprised to see her carrying in the saddle packs, but he had put his surprise aside, and they were all silent, waiting for the men who wished to entrap them to walk into their own trap.

It seemed positively ages before the first man broke into the clearing, and shouted to his companions as he spotted the camp fire which they had purposely left smoking softly.
She felt Xander's hand give her own a gentle squeeze, and she returned the motion.
The rest of Felix's troupe entered the clearing, most of them on foot, which raised questions in Bly's mind...
How had they gotten here from Aragathia so quickly if they were on foot? There were foul doings somewhere in this...
"Now" Xander's whisper was barely audible, but it was enough. Bly rose, quickly firing two arrows into two soldier's before they recognized they were under attack from the ones they sought to capture.
Xander and Adonis entered into the thick of the fight, Adonis' eyes were lit up as if he were enjoying the fight, and though he hadn't turned into a dragon, his fists alone were doing a powerful amount of damage.
She stood, and quickly fired arrows into three more arrows, saying silent prayers for the misled souls as they fell.
And all to quickly, the fight was over, and Xander lowerd his sword, searching the clearing.
"Was that all? What sort of army did you lead anyway, Xander?" Adonis scoffed, cracking his knuckles and stretching.
"Not this type...thats for sure. That was child's play.....that can't be all" Xander said hesitantly, and as if his words were the command it was waiting for, a roar filled the air, and above them, the tree limbs began to give away as if something large was planning on landing right on top of them.
Xander shouted for them to clear the area, but Bly stood petrefied as the large mass cracked through the thick, almost unbreakable, tree cover.
Such a clear vision of wickedness had come over her when she heard the ground shaking roar, as if images of deception, treason, murder, and all evil was sent spinning through her mind.  She felt Xander pick her up, and run from under the creature, and just in time, for it fell through with a mighty crash, sending debris and limbs flying.
Xander set her down, and they faced whatever had came through, and met the eyes of a Giant Red dragon.  It's eyes were all pupil, their large darkness scanning the clearing for them.
Bly heard Adonis mumble something under his breath, and she realized her bow was also gone, crushed under the giant creature's body.
And then a voice, tainted with hatred and dripping with evilness filled her mind, and nearly sent her to her knees.
"Elf. You will come"
She clucthed her head, and swayed on her feet.  she barely noticed as Xander slipped his arm around her waist to steady her. 
Bly gathered her thoughts, and tried to direct them all at the creature, "I will not"
Again the voice echoed in her head, causing a pounding against her skull, "Then we will kill your companions, we will kill them and make you watch.  We will bind you, and we will carry you back half dead, but not all dead, for that would be relief.  And the Mistress wants you alive"
Xander was completely supporting her now, and she heard his voice, asking something, but she blocked his voice out, and focused on replying to the beast before her.
"You Mistress shall never have me alive" she slowly raised her eyes, meeting the dark eyes of the dragon before her and said aloud, "Nor will your mistress have me dead" 
It wasn't surprising the Dragon's reaction was to send another roar that caused even Adonis to cover his ears, and it sent a black flame around them.  But instead of scorching the surronding foliage, the smoke formed into black clad, faceless Shadow Soldiers who clutched swords that looked rather real enough.
"Mind explaining whats going on? I don't think I have that ability"  Adonis nerviously tapped her on her shoulder, and Bly sent him a weary look, "I pray you never will"
The soldiers stepped closer, the ring around the three growing smaller, and Bly heard the dragon laugh smugly, "Where is your courage now, weak hearted Elf?"  
Bly shuddered, and she felt Xander pull her closer, "We'll fight them off, just like we did the others"
"No, we can't.  They aren't alive, so you can't kill them.  Your sword will just slice through them like it would to smoke" Bly's mind raced for a solution as the ring tightened again, the Shadow Soldier's making them cluster closer together to avoid getting killed by their gleaming black swords.
"Well, then shouldn't there swords also be smoke too?" Adonis asked, and Bly shook her head, "No...Don't ask me to explain right now"
She closed her eyes, there had to be a solution, surely there couldn't be a threat so great they had no ground on which to stand to even defend themselves.  Surely they had a power to weild over this darkness...
The answer flashed like bright light through her mental self, shaming her with the simplicity and truth of it.
"Pray, both of you" she gripped one of Adonis' bare hands, and one of Xander's gloved ones, and pulled them to their knees.
"Pray what?" Adonis asked, and Bly shrugged, "I don't know! Pray whatever you desire, but just pray for Yahweh to save us"
She closed her eyes, and sought to find inner peace despite being at sword point by almost invincible enemies.

Almost.

Surprsingly, peace was easier to find then she had thought, and she poured her heart out, chanting the ritual prayers of her Elvish Fathers, and slipping into her own created ones.

"Yahweh, please, I, we, need your assistance.  You are the only grace we have to save us, we cannot escape this peril without your aid.  I do not want to see Xander die, Great One. You know my heart's deepest desire, the love I feel for him I have never felt towards another" she felt a tear fall down her cheek, "Please, let not this love be in vain" 

She heard the Dragon's anger filled shriek, and her eyes flew open, surprised to see the world was suddenly a strange blue tinge, and then realization dawned on her.

"Xander, Adonis, look" she let go of their hands, and peered around them.

They were surronded in a bubble like orb, and as the Shadow Soldier's tried to enter it, they evaporated like nothing more then the smoke they were. The dragon paced back and forth, it's black eyes glaring with hate. 

"What is that?" Adonis reached out to touch it before Bly could warn him, and snatched his hand back as a flash of light burst from where he had touched it. 

"A shield....A shield sent from Yahweh. 'His way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.'*" Bly quoted, and smiled.

Xander smiled, and reached for her hand again, and was about to say something when Adonis interrupted. "So, are we just going to stay here forever? Or...what?" 

As he spoke, the Dragon created more Shadow Soldiers, only to watch them each vaporized by the heavenly shield.

"I don't think The Great Lord would protect us only to let us die in his hand" Xander said softly, smiling down at Bly.

She nodded, and then gasped and pointed at the tree line behind the dragon.  She could nearly swear for a moment that there was a movement, and just as she was ready to discredit it, she saw the stirring again.   

Careful not to attract the Dragon's attention, which was easy as it kept spewing black fire in crazed anger, she motioned to where she saw the movement, and gasped.

"What is that?" Adonis peered through the blue light orb, and Bly covered her mouth, hiding a smile.

"The Greer" 

It was huge, yet moved through the trees like an agile maiden dancing, and rather resembled a tree herself, and she moved silently to behind the Dragon, and reached out to touch it.

As her fingers gently tapped the massive tail, The dragon's eyes turned to agony, and It began shrinking until it was the size of a mere lizard. 

It squeaked, and scurried away, and the Greer sent a pointed glare at the remaining Shadow Soldiers, and they dissolved into smoke automatically. 

She then turned to face Bly, Xander and Adonis, her dark brown eyes softening, and Bly had the mental image of bandages and ointments.

"She is asking...asking whether we are alright...I think"  Bly said, and she nodded, and smiled at the ancient woman.

The Greer Woman smiled herself, and moved forward to lay a hand on the barrier.

They all called out for her to stop, and Bly conjured up as many images of danger as she could image, and sent the the Greer's way, but the Ancient one laid a bone white hand on the barrier anyway.

Bly expected to see the age old being be purified, but instead, their shield shimmered, and slowly collapsed, and they were left standing unprotected next to the large Greer. 

She smiled, and sent a sign of two armored men shaking hands with their swords pointed down in an friendly manner.

Bly reached out to Xander and Adonis, who both looked tense, and smiled. "It's fine, she is a friend"

Xander slid his sword into his sheath, and stepped forward, bowing low to the ancient gentle giant, and Adonis copied it.  Bly watched with amusement as the Greer's eyes lit up at their attention, like a young girl getting a compliment from a man she looks up to.

"We thank you for your aid, most honorable Lady Greer" Bly bowed low, and a mirage of letters, or the image of letters cascades into her mind.

It took the Elven girl a moment before she realized the Lady was trying to convey her name, and when she did, she smiled.

"Lady Ou Een?"

The Greer smiled and nodded, and reached her hand down to the group, almost as if-

A boy holding a frog in his palm.

"She wants us to climb into her hand" Bly said, and getting a approving smile and nod from Lady Ou Een.

"I'm afraid of heights" Adonis said, taking a step back, but Xander rolled his eyes, "Thats a lie, come on you baby" he grabbed the young half dragon's arm, and climbed up into the Greer's waiting hand, pulling Bly after them.

"I don't like this" Adonis curled up in a ball, and bly laughed, "You who can turn into a flying dragon?" 

Adonis mumbled about this being different, and Bly ignored him, smiling at Xander, and gasping, and clutching his arm as the Greer lifted them above the tree line.

Adonis moaned, and curled up tighter, and Bly got the image of a brave soldier being merged with the image of a crying child, and she turned to look at the Greer who winked mischievously.

Bly whispered the images to Xander, who barely contained his laughter, "It seems are guardian has a sense of humor"

The sound of loud neighing came from below, and Bly peered cautiously over the side of the Greer's fingers, grateful to see Ciar and Rudy racing along below, keeping pace with Lady Ou Een, and leading the Rebel horse between them.

All her worries currently at ease, she leaned her head on Xander's shoulder, and smiled, just enjoying the high ride, and not caring for the moment where the Greer was bringing them.

**********************

She didn't remember falling asleep, but she was awoken by Xander's gentle proddings, and opening her eyes, she realized her head was in his lap. Bly blushed, and quickly scooted a few inches away, mumbling appologies.
""No worries, but Lady Ou Een has brought us to this most welcome place"
Bly rubbed the sleep from her eyes, and viewed the beautiful expanse of Elfin Lied. She sighed happily, and climbed from the Greer's hand, and stepped upon the ground that was so familiar to her, and so welcome after the eerie darkness of the Tawarthion.
She turned back to face Ou Een, and curtsied, "I offer you my utmost thanks, Lady of the Forest, and I offer it for my companions as well.  Without your aid, we'd still be facing an angered dragon"
Ou Een's pale face broke into a smile that revealed stunning white teeth, and the image of a old woman hugging a young child flashed through Bly's conscience.
The Elf smiled, and returned a similar image, which seemed to delight the giant guardian.
Ciar and Rudy trotted up, the borrowed horse tagging close behind, and the men went to the animals, leaving Bly and the Greer to face each other.
Bly realized what an exceptional honour it was to meet and form a friendship with one of the ageless forest guardians, and she felt humbled that she had been allowed that honor.
"Thank you, Lady Ou Een, your name will be given much praise in Voronwe, and-"
Ou Een shook her head, smiling fondly, and knelt to face Bly, but still towering over her.
The Greer thought momentarily, before sending a flood of images, she had to send it five times before Bly could catch the meaning.
The Greer wanted to remain a mysterious figure, her name was something she wanted to be allowed to speak to people, and she wished to remain the silent figure Elvish children dreamed of someday meeting, not a well known name.
Bly nodded, "I will respect and fulfill your desires, Lady Ou Een"
The Greer stood, and smiled, and sent a final image, one of an Old friendly crone welcoming people visitors into her home, and Bly smiled, "I shall make it a priority to visit you again, Honored One"
Ou Een smiled all the wider, and slowly walked away, her footsteps making no noise, so that Bly had to wonder whether she truly walked, or glided. She disappeared back into the dark refines of the Tawarthion, and Bly felt her heart rise in happiness.  Not only had she met the legendary Greer, been gifted with riding in her hand, but also had been invited to return.
Xander called to her, and Bly turned to join them.
As she led the way through the beautiful Elfin Lied to Voronwe, she glanced behind her for one last look at Tawarthion until they returned, and was surprised to see Ou Een waving silently, another Greer, this one short and round, the boulder like figure so often described in the lore, waving next to her.
Bly smiled, and turned to face the road ahead of them, her heart leaping at the thought of returning home.


*(2 Samuel 22:31)

{{So. There y'all go. Like? no like? Anyway. there are pictures in our 'Inspiration page' of how I pictured both Greer's.  ANYWHO. Oh. 'Ou Een' means 'Old One' in some language...I forget again. :P}}

Felix (part 4)

 Nuvole left the prison covered in ice so thick, it would take days to dig through. It would keep his sister safe inside until he returned.

"Felix!" screamed Nuvole," Felix! Face me you pathetic worm!"

 His fists were covered with ice spikes, ready to rip the king apart, and frightened anyone that he passed causing them to bolt out of his way. His rage caused his power of ice to spread where ever he stepped. Any guards that tried to stop him he easily froze and continued his search.

 He found him in the counsel room, along with Andromeda.

 Felix knew the boy would come looking for him eventually once news of his sister being here had reached him. Though the dramatics were a bit much.

"We had a deal, Felix."

"Oh, did we?"

"You said you would leave Nu'Graten and her people alone if I came with you." The spikes grew larger, making Nuvole's hands look more like maces. Felix didn't flinch.

"You said you'd leave my family alone! But you've broken your promise, and I don't have to hold back anymore."

 Nuvole unleashed the spikes from his hands and directed them all at Felix, something he should have done the first time he met the man.

Andromeda had watched enough of this charade.

 Fire met the ice spikes before they could even get half way across the room, the resulting steam both blinding and shocking Nuvole. Andromeda took the opportunity and thrust him against the wall with her magic as clasps of fire held him there.

 In his anger he had forgotten to be wary of the woman and her magic, and he cursed himself for being so reckless. He tried to fight against his bonds, but found he could not move.

 "Thank you, my dear." Felix stood up from his chair and walked towards Nuvole, a small smile on his face.

"Well, my pet, it seems you have been holding out on me. Your powers, however, are somewhat disappointing in comparison to my Andromeda here." Felix caressed said woman's cheek, and the fire clasps around Nuvole's limbs burned hotter. If it wasn't for his own powers, he was sure that he would have been incinerated.

"You've been a nuisance for far too long, boy, and I find my patience wearing thin with these sudden spurts of heroics." His words held an edge that Nuvole had long before learned to fear, and the fire clasps tightened threateningly.

 Nuvole thought of his sister and of how the wall of ice around her couldn't protect her long, less so if Andromeda were to try to get to her. He inwardly cursed himself for not getting her out first, in case he would not survive. He would have to stall.

"You can't kill me," He reminded them," you need me, without me as a guide you'll never get passed Nu'Graten's walls."

 It was an excuse he had used lightly during his captivity, using it in the most dire situations. And this was most dire.

"My boy, you still don't believe that do you? Tell me, Nuvole, in the time that you've been here, when did I ever ask you about Nu'Graten, besides about your family?"

He didn't answer.

"No, I needed you for something far greater. You were a perfect candidate at the time, but your sister has surpassed your usefulness, as well as her friends."

Perfect candidate? For what? As your personal slave and dress up doll? But Nuvole dared not to snap at him, least Andromeda snapped his spine.

"What do you want with my sister?"

"Why? So you can run off and tell your little spy about our-," he gestured towards Andromeda,"-plans?"

Nuvole's blood ran cold," You know?" It was barely a whisper, but Felix managed to catch it.

"Not at first, but secrets in my city never stay secret for long. And I should thank you for leading me to one of the biggest spies of the rebel army."

Felix watched the realization of defeat slowly sink into Nuvole, his shoulders slumping, his fight gone. Without a bargaining chip of his own, he was out of the game, and was

"Are you going to kill me?"

"That depends on if your sister cooperates."





Gah! I know, I know. I'm late. I'm late! I'm late for this important date! I hope this longer piece will be an acceptable offering.

Xander (Part 5)

Three days traveling, and Xander was privately wishing Adonis was as silent as Kaymele's dragon. The guy wasn't chattering nonsense in the normal term, but the constant growling and arguing and sniping was growing old. It had grown old early too. But, Bly wasn't any help either, instead of trying to calm Adonis' nerves or settling their heated arguments, she watched, apparently humored by it all.
Adonis had rushed ahead about an hour ago, earlier in their trip, they might've asked him to please keep together with them, but he complained and called them "The children of snails of turtles" and raced ahead anyway where they'd catch up with him about nightfall. And now, they just let him go, what was the point of insisting on your way if it didn't matter? And it was quieter with him miles ahead where only he could hear his own grumblings.
Xander sighed deeply, and threw his head back, lifting his face to tawarathion's canopy, no distinguishable sunlight filtered through, so it didn't matter.
"Ya know, I didn't think I'd miss pure sunlight this bad" Xander commented.
Bly smiled at nodded, "Don't worry, we should be getting into where Elfin Lied merges with Tawarthion soon, it's a much more pretty forest there, and it has sunlight"
She had been cheery and optimistic the whole trip here, and Xander was glad to see her so pleased with herself and the World.
"So, tell me Bly, how many times have you actually left Voronwë?"
She tilted her head, "If I answer your question, will you answer one of mine?"
He laughed, "Is it an Elf custom to demand a Question for a question?"
"No" she grinned, "It's an Elvish custom to not ask personal questions without permission. But I'm forgiving you and punishing you by making you answer one of mine"
Sometimes he forgot she was Elvish, she was nothing like he had heard about them from his Mother. The graceful, dignified people who could have strict laws, and strict emotions. But then she would surprise him and remind him, like now.
He dipped his head, "I submit, I'll answer yours, Lady Ambassador"
She smiled again, and answered, "Three times. All in the past 100 years. It isn't customary to allow younger Elves to leave Voronwë until they reach their 3,000th year, but Tenzin wasn't orthodox, and managed to influence the council in our favor"
Xander nodded, "I see, but, that brings another question, just one more, please?"
She faked reluctance and sighed dramatically, "oh I suppose so. You humans are such a curious lot"
"Oh don't fake it, you like answering them. Anyway, you say you are a young Elf, if you were to put that into human years, how old would you be?"
She pursed her lips in thought, "Lithônien, my eldest brother, would probably say it was "Wrong to constrict an Elf to a human's timeline" but good for you, Me and Lithônien only share blood, not opinions. I would say I'm still a child, I'm learning things about the world still, learning to walk on my own feet, and normally would still hide behind the skirts of my elders. I just decided to fly out of the nest quicker then most".
It was hard to imagine that this woman was older then his Grandparents, bless their souls whoever they were, and still considered herself a small child.
"And now my question" she wiggled on Ciar's saddle, and blurted while pointing, "Your sword".
Xander raised his eyebrows and lifted the scabbard, "Why yes, little girl, it is a sword, and it's in a scab-"
She lifted an apple threateningly, and glared at him and his teasing. "That wasn't funny" she said, all while hiding a grin.
"Then why are you smiling? Hmm?"
Her face went completely blank, and in a trance like voice replied, "There is no smile on my face, Captain Bolivar" but it only lasted for a few seconds before it cracked and she leaned over Ciar's mane, laughing.
He watched her, laughing all the while himself, and felt a bubble of pure joy rising in his heart. To hear her laugh so whole heartedly, without a care in the world, he wanted her to always be so.
She sat up, and regained her composure, "I was going to ask, Xander, the story behind your sword. It's quite interesting".
"Indeed it is; I've yet to find a comparable sword of Ry'zyyk's strength. It's a family heirloom of my Father's, his Mother passed it to him in my grandfather's place. It seemed my Father never knew his Father either, he once said there was a sickness of some sort that had killed him, and it forced my Grandmother to flee with their child to a safer place, and she was left to pass down the family heritage"
He passed it over to Bly, so she may look at it closer, as she had leaned precariously over to look at it in his lap.
She dropped Ciar's reigns, and ran her hand over the red blade, astonishment marking her face.
"You are quite sure it was a family heirloom?"
Xander nodded, of course it was, "why wouldn't it be?"
She shook her head, and pointed to the circle that was etched into the tip, it had a four pointed leaf inside of it, and was made from a clear jewel. "This is the sign of the best Sword's maker in Voronwë, he makes all the Elvish decoration swords for the prominent families. My Father owns one of his masterpieces, but I don't believe he had ever gifted a human with his swords"
Xander blinked, stunned, while Bly continued pointing out various facts of the sword, "you see these words? It's an Elvish incantation against breaking or scratches. Ry'zyyk will never break as long as you have that on there. And this ivy vine down the middle? It's from the house of Beriadan, but they left into the Forest of Unknown Whispers years ago when Queen Riana died. She was of that house and-"
Bly suddenly stopped, looked at Ry'zyyk, then back at Xander, then back at the sword with wide eyes. "Never mind, I actually think it is just a replica" she hastily handed the sword and scabbard back to Xander, and faced the road ahead of her, her face as solid as a stone, and Xander was completely unable to get a word from her.
'Whats wrong with her? What was she going to say? Is she embarrassed that she thought it was a real Elvish sword when it was a replica? A mighty well crafted replica, but a fake all the same'
It was a bitter bite that Ry'zyyk wasn't real, but it made more sense. His father was no lover of Elves, why would he have an Elvish sword? Then again, it wasn't his decision what came in a heritage either.
Xander slid his sword back into the scabbard, and glanced at the canopy above their heads again, a few places he could make out a sunset, they would meet up with Adonis soon.
He rubbed the back of his neck, and hoped for a slight moment that perhaps Adonis would get lost, but then he chided himself, that was terribly brutish of him, and uncalled for.
Besides, The horse Adonis was riding was of good stock, it would be a shame to lose it.

 :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

"How late do you think it is?" Adonis asked as he and Xander tied the horses to nearby brush.

Xander tried looking through the dense tree cover above them, but it was practically impossible to see anything but dark folage.

"Probably near Dark, if I could guess.  It's hard to tell, since The Tawarthion is always dark" 

Adonis nodded, and they walked the short distance where Bly had laid everything out, and she glanced around her as if expecting something to appear from the shadows around them that were growing longer.

"You've been in here for weeks, and you still aren't used to the place?" Adonis asked, for the first time he started to seem good natured again.

About Time.

Bly shook her head, "Listen, both of you"

Xander frowned, and Adonis tilted his head, both of them listening for any odd noise, but they both shook their heads, "What? I don't hear anything" Adonis shrugged.

"Exactly" Bly got up, her eyes wide, but it seemed not with fear.

Xander nodded, "Thats true, the forest is normally making all sorts of noises, but, it's completely silent now"

He saw Adonis shiver, and clutch his own sword a bit tighter, but Bly rested her hand on his shoulder, "No, it's here, you mustn't act fearful of it, or it will think you are a threat to Elfen Lied"

"It? Whats here? Is it some sort of Monster?" Adonis asked quickly, his golden eyes darting around, looking in all the shadows.

"No, no. It's the Guardian to Elfen Lied, the Greer. It makes sure none of the evils of Tawarthion enter the Elven forest, we can sleep safe tonight, as long as it is nearby, none of the creatures of this dark place will harm us"  Bly smiled at the both of them, and Xander had to ask, "So, it's silent right now because it is keeping the creatures at bay? Does it know we are here? What does it look like? Can it speak?"

Bly laughed lightly, "The beasts of Tawarthion choose not to be around it, for it will suppress their vileness.  It speaks Telepathically, through thoughts and urgings instead of words, I've never seen one, though it has been said that it is huge, like a magnificent boulder, but has the face of an old man, for old it is indeed.  It's been here for as long as Elfen Lied and Tawarthion have touched each others tree lines, where it came from, who knows. There are many things about these two forests, one good and one vile, that even we do not know.  It is our forest, but it's mysteries aren't easily given, even to us. Oh, and it probably knows you are here, for all your talk and chatter" she smiled, and tossed a pack at him, "So, you both need to sleep. If I'm correct, we have two rivers to cross and a Fort to avoid in the morning"

They all settled down to rest, and, amazingly, sleep came much easier then it had the previous nights in the forest. Almost as if the Guardian, Bly called it a Greer, was laying a thick blanket of peace over the whole area.

He didn't know how long he slept, but Xander was suddenly forced awake with the sudden feeling that danger was near.

Bly and Adonis also seemed to be affected, and they all looked at each other, "Did you hear it too?" Bly asked, wringing her blanket's corner into a tiny knot.

"I didn't hear anything, but I felt...I felt...as if, something bad is coming"  Xander stood, quickly fastening his Sword belt, and Adonis doing the same.

"Yes, I felt the same" Adonis looked around, and then turned to Bly, "Was it...?"

She nodded, "The Greer, but, I heard it...." she paled, "Xander, Felix is sending soldiers after us. Seven of them" she closed her eyes, and grimaced, as if she were thinking too hard, "They are....5....5 minutes away.  Greven isn't one of them...he..." she turned ash white, and Xander stepped forward, "Bly, stop it, now. You are hurting yourself" 

She nodded, and nearly collapsed, but Xander caught her, and she opened her eyes, looking terribly tired.

"I, I could see them, Xander. For one moment, I was aware, but..." she shivered, "It's terrible being so aware of things" 

Xander held her for a moment, before Adonis coughed, "Uh, hate to break up this endearing crucial moment in your relationship, but, there are King's soldiers mere minutes away!!" 

Bly blushed, and Xander stood to his feet sheepishly, "Oh, of course, what would we do without Adonis here?"

Adonis mumbled something about a rotten mess, and began hurriedly packing everything up, 

"Are we going to fight or flee?" Bly asked, her eyes big, and she gripped Xander's arm with a strength that always surprised him. How did some one so small and dainty have such a painful grip?

"Fight" Adonis answered, "I can't stand all this inaction. They are just going to follow us, or get new reinforcements if we let them get away"

Xander nodded, agreeing with this, but there was another matter, "It will make getting around Fort Hallows all the more difficult"  He looked down at Bly, her blue eyes were wide, but her mouth set in a firm line, "I want to help"
He couldn't very well deny her offer, but neither would he be able to fight well if he was worried about her wellbeing.
"Bly.."
"No. I'm adamint about this. I'm normally a dead weight, I'm going to do something this time to help"
He opened his mouth to protest, but she laid a finger across his lips, and raised her eyebrows, "It was not a request, Captain, but a statement"
Xander gently held her hand, and raised it to his lips in a gentlemanly kiss, and Adonis heaved two packs their direction, "Let the Elf Girl fight, Xander, we'll need all the help we can get"
Bly, blushing under Xander's attention quickly stood to her feet, "I didn't say I was going to fight, Adonis.  But if need be, I have been trained with archery"
Adonis shrugged, "Whatever you like, though, playing Ambassador won't help you much this time"
She frowned at him, and Xander stifled a laugh at how fiery she looked when she frowned.  Like a tiny mouse shaking it's head at a dragon.
"Ambassador isn't a role in a game, Dragon"
Xander sensed the growing tension, and quickly decided to intervene, "Lets not get our feathers ruffled at each other.  Adonis, you and I will pack the horses' saddles, and leave them a short distance from here, and Bly, since you have the most acute hearing, and can run faster through Tawarthion then we, do you think you can keep a guard out on the way they will approach from?"
She nodded, and took off in the direction she had sensed their arrival, her fast elven feet carrying her quickly through the twisted forest, and Xander sent up a silent prayer to God that no harm would befall her, and went to assist Adonis.