Of Kings and Succession

The journey through the Bronzebark Forest was peaceful and quaint. Your companions were highly excited to see how full of life the place was. From small creatures like rabbits and squirrels, to foxes and deer and even a large bear, it was teeming with wildlife; more than any place they had ever seen.

"I don't believe this place Fiana! You mean to tell me that it's like this every day in here?" James asks

"For the most part. Even in the winter, the wildlife doesn't decrease that much, since the snowfall is so mild."

"Incredible" He responds, his head swiveling after hearing the call of an owl "Wonder why there's so much going on here compared to the other forests."

Without thinking, you let a derisive comment slip "Elves don't kill animals to make themselves happy." It wasn't harsh, but you were still unsure of how it would be received once it escaped your lips. The three men were predictably uncomfortable with the bluntness, but didn't react harshly.

"You're not wrong" Bruce said "I mean, I'm no hunter, neither are the Dowtons, but broadly speaking, I think you're pretty on target." He takes a moment to bring his horse alongside "Maybe we'll all come away with a little better sense of the world when this is all over."

"At the very least" You respond "I think each of us will be walking away with a better sense of who we truly are." The humans all nodded in agreement, and the rest of the journey was quiet until you approached the elven city of Traity, the place of your birth.

The local denizens were surprised to see human travelers through their city, even when being escorted. At the city limits, you all dismounted your horses, and led them through the city on foot. There were quiet murmurs around you, and no shortage of darting eyes, but nobody dared to say anything to you or your friends. That is, until you were recognized.

"Fiana! Fiana is that you?" You recognized the voice immediately, although you couldn't see the owner at first. Turning around, you were able to spot her immediately, running towards you. Vondri Windblossom, your mother. Her jog to catch up you was slowed down by her heavy, ornamental robes of silver and light blue. As she drew in close, she hugged you tightly, nearly picking you up off the ground. You respond in kind. Despite having left home for a reason, and not regretting that decision, there's still a welcome feeling of seeing your mother and being among the familiar.

"Oh! By the Gods! You're home! We missed you so much!" She called out as she held you tight.

"I missed you too Mother" You reply earnestly

"Finally! Some good news" She let out as she broke the hug slowly, and brushed a stray tear from her face. "There's been a dark cloud over the forest for some time now. Your return home is the ray of sunshine we all need."

It hurts you to have to break the bad news to her "Well, Mother, I'm not staying home." You can see a look of sadness in her face already, but you continue onwards "we're actually looking for an Elvish book from the Lost Age. These are my friends Mother."

Her look of sadness turned to confusion, possibly even disgust, as you indicated towards the humans and referred to them as friends "This is Bruce Clifton, and the brothers James and Kraig Dowton." Bruce, ever the gentleman, stepped forward to be the voice of the three, giving a reverential bow.

"It's very nice to meet you ma'am. You have an amazing young daughter, with a strong heart and amazing talent for song. We were blessed to have met her and to continue our journey by her side."

"Well met, Mister Clifton. I could scarcely believe the letter my dear Fiana left for me before she departed," She eyed you briefly before muttering "Without saying farewell, only for her to return with human guests."

You sense a growing tension and try to avoid a public spectacle "Mother, what is this dark cloud that you're talking about? Why is everyone so on edge? Can you take us home, so we can discuss it more?"

"Yes of course. I'm sure you've had quite the journey." Turning to Bruce and the others "Come, dear humans, you may stay with us for the time being. I don't think you'll find public accommodations too kind to the likes of you, for the moment."

As you walk towards your old home, your mother begins speaking to you directly and softly "To be honest, Fiana, even we don't understand what is at work here. The King has fallen deathly ill, and nothing has been able to cure him of his illness. That it came on so suddenly, and he seems to be the only one affected, has caused many to suspect that the King has been poisoned, or cursed."

"The King, poisoned? But how?" You ask, trying to keep your voice down despite the shock

"We don't know. No attempted cure has worked, and our people have begun to sink into despair, breaking out in accusations and fighting."

"Well, what happens next?" you ask morbidly "I mean, if the king isn't expected to recover, who takes his place?"

"That's the real heart of the issue, I'm afraid. The King has no living heir. His only child departed these forests on a quest, much like you did, and was never seen or heard from again. This is the first time in an Age that an Elvish king has no heir, and so we are at a loss for what it is to be done next." Your mother takes a short look behind, "our unified people have become disparate, dissenting, taking on political factions. They're almost behaving like primitive humans."

"Is there anything I can do, Mother? Anything my friends might be able to do to help?"

"I'm afraid the best help you can do at this point is to not get involved, and to stay out of trouble. What happens here is of no business to human society, and I do truly wish they had come at a different time. None of us are in our best spirits these days, and I certainly don't want them to think of this dour state as being typical of elvish hospitality. Today is even a holiday, but you wouldn't know it by how they shuffle about in the city."

"Well Mother, I don't think you have much to worry about with that. Having been around me, I think they have a good sense as to the warmth and friendliness of Elves."

"I hope so." She says as the group stops outside the Windblossom family home. Vondri smiles as she cups your face "I'm sure you are being the best possible example for our people in your adventures. Come inside, I'm sure your father will collapse at the sight of you. When he comes to, we'll finally have a reason for celebration"