The forest was dark and foreboding. The Elf did not want to enter it, but it seemed that was where his path was leading him. Entering the dark forest the bright light of day was obscured and hidden by the thick covering above, he almost seemed to be in some sort of tunnel. Preoccupied with his thoughts, the Elf didn't notice the approach of a shadowy figure in the branches above. The shadow began following the Elf as if keeping watch over him. Unable to figure out the strange trees surrounding him, the Elf assumed no danger and began daydreaming as he walked - right into a group of Orcs laying in ambush.

Realizing his danger too late, the Elf found himself surrounded by Orcs. He drew his sword determined to take as many of them down as he could. He never got the chance to use the sword, as the shadow that had been following him was suddenly a figure hidden only by its dark heavy cloak. The Orcs stared at the figure momentarily stunned before decided this new arrival seemed more fun that a lone Elf. Raising one hand the figure spoke in a low voice that defied the Elf's ability to determine the race or gender of the stranger. Using a language the Elf did not know, though the Orcs apparently did, the stranger spoke momentarily to the Orcs with what seemed to be a threat of some sort as the Orcs were cowed and fled.

His strange ally turned towards the Elf. "If you travel through this forest, it is best to travel through the trees." Having said his piece, the stranger leapt back into the trees. The Elf followed, more to ask the stranger a few questions than to actually learn where the stranger was going. "Wait Stranger, where are you going? And how do you come to help me?" The Elf called ahead to his unidentified rescuer.

Pausing precariously on a thin branch the stranger seemed to float in midair. "I was merely passing through when I saw your plight. I have learned many ways to deal with the creatures that sometimes inhabit this forest, yet I avoid them all the same. You would do well to stick to the trees when traveling in a strange place like this." The Stranger, as the Elf had taken to calling him, passed through the tree branches more swiftly than any Elf and indeed seemed to be no more than a mere shadow as he flitted from one tree to another, always sure of his step. The Elf followed as well as he could, occasionally missing his step and having to hastily grab at a branch for support. Soon they came to the end of the trees and looked out over a barren wasteland.

"It is the Deadlands. Once it was beautiful and green and full of life, it was called the Goldenlands then. The people there lived happily, caring for the land and each other. When the War came, they left - over the seas. Only those who were too old to travel were left behind. Four others stayed to care for the Elder ones." Said the stranger as they stared out of the trees to the barren wastelands before them. "Near the center of the Deadlands there is an area of the Goldenlands that still lives. That is where I am going, for that is my home." So saying, the stranger leapt down from the trees and began walking out across the Deadlands, calling out one last warning to the Elf. "If you follow me into the Deadlands, watch carefully where you step. The land is not always as stable and firm as it appears." The Elf stared after the stranger for a few moments before leaping from the trees himself to follow.

The stranger continued on to a strange landform that allowed one to hide from sight without cutting off the sight of the one in hiding. Slipping quietly into place the stranger waited. Soon the Elf came to the spot where the stranger was hiding and continued past without a glance to the landform. The stranger softly began following the Elf to see how he took to the land. It was not long before the Elf stopped to look around as he realized that the stranger was no longer ahead of him and he was not sure where he, himself, was. As the Elf moved to sit by a hole to rest a moment a strange gurgling noise, much like a lot of water being forced through a too-small opening was heard. The Elf was looking about confusedly as the stranger flew into motion. Tackling the Elf, the stranger rolled them to safety before getting up. "Fool! Do you not know a geyser when you hear one? You could have been killed by that steaming water. I warned you to watch your step if you ventured here."

The Elf could only gape in astonishment at the stranger. The heavy cloak the stranger had been hiding in had been lost in the flight from the geyser’s deadly waters. Realizing that an explanation would be required the stranger sighed as the Elf stared. "If you will come to the remains of the Goldenlands, my home, I will explain all to you."

"Aye, that you will girl. And don't try another of those disappearing acts that you pulled earlier." Nodding, the girl began walking again farther into the Deadlands. As the sun was setting the two finally reached a small oasis of life in the barren wastes and the Elf eagerly collapsed under the shade of living trees beside a well full of clean, cold water while the girl remained standing against a tree. As he got settled in a more hospitable locale, the Elf again stared at the girl. "Well? What is your explanation?"

The girl closed her eyes and took a deep breath before beginning her story:

"Once this land was all as this small area is, but the outside lands fought with each other and the hatred poisoned the lands and the people. Those who could left this land and Four were left to care for the Elder ones and the land. The Four consisted of my brother and his betrothed, me and my betrothed. My brother and I could not leave our land and our betrotheds could not leave us.

"As the war raged on in the outside lands the land slowly died until only a small patch of green was left amid the vast range of dead and broken land. The Elder ones died slowly one by one until only we were left. We slowly managed to revive the land a little farther beyond our boundaries. As we worked, we investigated the Deadlands surrounding us.

"The land was filled with deep bottomless fissures and great steaming geysers. The ground was thin and unstable in areas, though it looked firm and solid. My brother, the first of us to pass on, found this out by falling through a thin layer of earth into one of the many geysers. Before any of us could reach him, the geyser had begun to spout its great billows of steam and water. Soon his betrothed followed, unable to live without him.

"For a time neither my betrothed nor I would travel beyond our green boundaries. But, we soon became tired of the tedium of caring for the land and wished for the companionship of others. We too set out to investigate and while I stopped to mark our way my betrothed continued ahead. A sharp cry was the last thing I heard before I found myself suddenly alone. My betrothed had fallen down a hidden crevice.

"Greatly saddened and alone, I returned to what remained of the Goldenlands and here remained for many years. Eventually even fear of the Deadlands was not enough and I set out once again to see what was beyond the Deadlands. To see if others would be willing to risk the Deadlands to come and revive the Goldenlands, to bring life to the land again. For years now I have been slowly searching the lands surrounding the Deadlands for signs of other life." Here the girl paused and looked questioningly at the Elf. "I had searched farther than where I found you, so you must have been traveling somewhere?"

The girl's question hung in the air and they sat in silence for a time before the Elf spoke. "My people tell tales of the Goldenlands and its people. We have grown curious over the years whether people yet lived there or not. I was sent to follow the stories and find the Goldenlands."

The girl nodded. "I see. And what, prey tell, were your people planning to do if you found the Goldenlands? Come and claim them for your own? Or help to keep the Goldenlands alive?"

The Elf was taken aback by the girl's harsh words. "My people and I would never be able to claim the Goldenlands for ourselves. The land would be angry and refuse to let living things grow. I was told that if I was able to find the Goldenlands and return, those that were willing and able would return here with me and we would do what we could to maintain the land in the way of the Golandri." He seemed to be sincere, but the girl was still not convinced.

"And who would you be, Elf? The youngest in a large family who wants to increase his status? A bored wanderer? Or maybe just one who is not wanted by his own people and is looking for a way back into their graces?" The words were thrown at him, as the girl seemed to change before his eyes. No longer was she a poor beggarish looking human, but rather, a tall and proud noblewoman. Fire flashed in her eyes at the thought of someone taking her home away from her. The Elf saw this in a moment and hesitated in confusion before continuing.

"I mean no disrespect or ill feelings. I was only honestly answering your questions. I am none of the above choices set for me. I am simply an Elf who was sent on an errand. I am called Nainala. I am an Elf of little status, who is not looking for any, just an adventure worthy of retelling. Might I have the pleasure of your name, gentle hostess?"

About to continue with a barraggement of the Elf and his lineage, the girl stopped, mid-breath, and stared at Nainala. The fire in her eyes seemed to smolder and die out as her thoughts drifted to a happier time. 'Gentle. It has been a long time since I have been called that. It has been a long time since I have been called anything other than Wraith - the Shadow of the Deadlands.'

A discrete cough brought the girl back to the present and the Elf's question. Drawing herself up to her full height and meeting Nainala's calm gaze with her own icily calm one, she quietly introduced herself. "I am Meriali Selise Wraith, Shadow of the Deadlands, and Heir to the Goldenlands."

"The stories say that the Goldenlands were last visited before the Great War. There are stories of the fair Princess Meriali and her court. The war was many years ago as Men reckon time. I was not yet born when the war was ended. For you to be speaking the truth - and I don't doubt your word, Lady - you would have to be near your three thousandth year." Nainala nearly whispered, properly awed by both her (already) mythic name and haughty manner.

"Indeed." Meriali gazed at Nainala, barely concealed mirth dancing in her eyes. "And is that so hard to believe? Just because I appear human, I cannot have a long life? Is that reserved just for you Elves?" Not waiting for Nainala to reply Meriali strode to the largest tree and gracefully leaped up into its branches passing beyond the Elf's vision into the green-gold depths of the leaves.

Nainala sat where he was, left with his thoughts. He hadn't really expected to find anything or anyone when he'd left home. He was really the younger half-brother of Faytell the Elven King of Vilthren, which was one reason he chose to search for the Goldenlands. 'I wonder what they would think if I returned, not only having found the Goldenlands, but its rightful heir? No one but my brother would believe me unless I could get Meriali to come with me, but I don't think she trusts me. I don't know why, I've not done anything to warrant her distrust. At least, I don't think I have.

'Royalty. I never would have known just by looking at her, as dirt-covered as she is from traveling through the Deadlands.' Nainala looked around at the lush foliage surrounding him ignoring the fact the he himself was just as dirt covered from his travels. 'It is beautiful here, any Elf would be happy to live here for the rest of their days. But it must have been so lonely here all alone for so many years.' Nainala continued his musings silently unaware that high above him he was being watched.

Dark eyes, like liquid ebony, stared thoughtfully down at the pale haired Elf. 'Strange, for so long I wandered if anyone out there even remembered us. After so long of being here alone, I gave up hope of ever seeing another living being - I really don't know how to interact with them anymore. I'd never really spoken much with Elves before the War. He seems so different from what I remember Elves to be - did the war change them?'

Meriali turned from her thoughts and returned inside her home, built on and around the branches of the great tree. An hour later, she returned to see if Nainala was still where she had left him. He was, and he appeared to be sleeping. Meriali took careful hold of the covered tray she carried and dropped from the tree to land lightly in front of a startled Elf.

"I am sorry to disturb you, but I thought you might be hungry. I would be a poor hostess indeed, if I failed to give proper care to my guest. I'll leave you to eat if you would like to eat in peace. When you are through I can show you to a lodging where you can rest and bathe if you wish." As she spoke, Meriali set the tray down beside Nainala and stepped back as she made to leave.

Nainala quickly recovered from the shock of Meriali seeming to appear out of nowhere. "No, please, stay and sit with me awhile." He called out as she turned to leave. He immediately felt foolish for now he knew of no reason that she should stay. "I would be honored by your company while I sup." He stammered out in explanation as she slowly sat opposite him.

Nainala found himself staring at Meriali, as he ate, not paying any more attention to the food than required to note that it tasted better than anything he had ever eaten. Meriali had bathed herself and was quite stunning even in a man's pair of breeches and an over-large tunic that wore like an ill-fitted dress. Long raven locks were caught up in a braid that wound around her head like a crown.

Meriali noticed, but ignored the obvious stares of the Elf and retreated into her thoughts for a while. When Nainala had finished the light meal she had brought out, she picked up the tray before he could protest and returned to her leafy home. She returned momentarily, with a small, unidentified object in her hand. "If you'll follow me, I can show you to more comfortable accommodations than the ground." Meriali led Nainala to a smaller tree a few yards away from hers and leapt up into its branches and waited for the Elf to follow.

Nainala followed Meriali with the same speed, if not her grace and ease of movement in and around the trees. He stopped and had to grab hold of a nearby branch when he saw the buildings around him, they seemed to be part of the trees themselves, and were completely invisible from the ground, and possibly even the air. "Careful, do not harm the trees or they will refuse to let you stay here." Meriali mildly scolded before turning to the open door before her.

Looking around the spacious room Nainala saw a bed, table and chair, and a curtained off area. "You can stay here until you are ready to return to your people. The facilities are beyond the curtain." Meriali walked over to the table and set the small object she carried upon it. "I'll leave this here, just uncover the stone and you will have as much light as you need. I bid you good eve." Meriali nodded to the Elf and slipped past him. "One more thing, if you need anything, just call. I'll hear you." With that, Meriali melted into the surrounding foliage and returned to her own rooms.

Nainala barely registered what Meriali said as she left but he nodded to himself as she did so. Shutting the door, he moved to investigate the covered stone on the table. Attaining the correct amount of light, Nainala pulled the curtain aside and was quite surprised to see a spacious tub already filled with scented steaming water, as well as the few other necessary items. Thankful for the peaceful quiet and relaxing atmosphere, Nainala was soon floating in the warm water.

Meriali had returned to her room and was lying on her bed in just her over-sized tunic. Just as she was drifting off to sleep, she heard a startled cry. Leaping from the bed, she was at the Elf's room before she could think about her state of dress, or lack thereof. The door opened before her as she fairly flew into the room. "Nainala?! What's wrong?" Quickly scanning the room for danger, Meriali fought back the heat that threatened to flood her face with color upon finding Nainala in the bath.

He had just slid into the surprisingly deep calming water when something in the corner of his eye caught his attention. Seeing what looked like a shadow moving across the room, Nainala yelped in surprise. Realizing that his cry would surely bring Meriali to his room he ducked under the water just as she flew into the room. Nainala lifted his head far enough above the water to speak, leaving the rest of him thoroughly submerged. "I am sorry to have disturbed you; I thought I had seen something moving about the room." He found himself staring again as the sight of Meriali in naught but her long tunic sunk into his addled brain.

Blinking, Meriali stared at the submerged Nainala for a moment before turning to survey the room. Thanking whatever gods she could think of that she wore her overly large tunics when she was home, Meriali turned back to Nainala. "Seeing things are we, Elf? Hmm, that does not speak well for your kind." She teased, her smile brightening at the indignation on Nainala's face. "What you saw was nothing more than either the tree or an echo." She interrupted his reply before he could speak. "If there's nothing else you need. . ." She raised an eyebrow, laughter dancing in her dark eyes.

Nainala was speechless as he sat there under her mirthful gaze. Against his will, Nainala felt his face flush at Meriali's words. "No . . . I will be fine . . . thank you . . . I am sorry for disturbing you. . ." He stammered slightly as he spoke. Meriali smiled, shrugged and left slowly. Nainala sank beneath the ever-warm water as Meriali left. He wanted to scream out his frustrations, but didn't want her to come back thinking something was wrong.

'Poor Elf. He seemed to be rather in a fix.' Meriali mused merrily as she returned to her bed. Stretching, she lay down and drifted off to sleep laughing at the Elf's expense. That night Meriali drifted through dream after dream each more disturbing than the last. Morning came only in time to save her from another dream. She took her time going through her morning routine and finally got a bit of food together for the morning meal. She left her room to find Nainala outside looking rather surprised to see Meriali up and about already.

"Feeling better this morning?" Meriali asked innocently as she shut the door with one hand while balancing a large bowl of fruit in the other. She turned and made her way through a natural walkway in the trees to a small open area. Coloring slightly Nainala followed silently wondering at the trees, as they seemed to open up hidden paths as Meriali passed.

Seating himself on a branch shaped like a bench, Nainala helped himself to the proffered bowl of treats and stared around himself as he ate slowly, almost thoughtfully. "I want to apologize for last night again. I was not thinking clearly or I never would have bothered you about a shadow." Nainala fought back the color that threatened to wash over his face again at the memory of being caught in the bath by a half-dressed beauty. “As beautiful as it is here, I must return to my people and tell them that I have indeed found the Goldenlands. I fear that they may not believe me as I have no proof that I might take with me, but I must try. I. . ." Here he paused and looked up at Meriali with hope filled eyes. "I was hoping that I might be able to persuade you to join me on my return. It is not too far, but will take a few days while to get there on foot."

His eyes were so hopeful, and they held something else that Meriali couldn't quite recognize. She looked down at her lap. 'I don't know what to do. I want to find others, but . . . Do I dare trust myself with this Elf? It is not he I fear, but what I may do. Alas! I must leave. I fear if I do not leave with Nainala I may never leave again.' Meriali looked up as she remembered that Nainala was waiting for an answer. "Yes, I believe I will accompany you on this journey." She whispered finally, almost too quietly for his keen hearing to catch.

He was elated, nearing ecstatic even. It was with a liberal use of willpower that the Elf refrained from leaping across the space between them and hugging Meriali close. "Aye! T’is wonderful news!" He replied. "We should leave as soon as possible. When would ye be ready to go?" Surprised by his enthusiastic reply, Meriali managed to stammer something that sounded like she would be ready in an hour.

While he waited for Meriali to prepare, Nainala found himself wandering through the trees of the Goldenlands. He did not pay much attention to where he was going, and soon found himself in an area that seemed out of place. Here a great sadness hung over everything and there were several places where the grass did not grow - and for each of these bare spaces, there was a carved stone. Looking closer the Elf could see the names and titles carved on the stones and he stopped and stared over the field as the impact of finding the graves of those who had stayed behind hit him. Whispering a quiet prayer to Liolanth, Nainala quickly returned to the well to wait for Meriali.

While Nainala was on his walk, Meriali hunted and searched through her belongings trying to decide what to take with her. She had to pack lightly - but she did not want to forget anything important for she was not sure when she would return. She was not worried about clothing, as she was more than used to traveling in the same clothes for days at a time. As the clothing her people had made were lightweight and packed away in next to no room at all, she made sure to pack one of her favorite gowns for she was certain she would have need of it. Meriali also packed a small circlet, no more than a band of gold and a band of silver, entwined together for use with the gown. Checking to make sure she had everything, clothing, travel food, water, and weapons, Meriali went to meet Nainala at the well.

As she approached the well, Meriali noticed that the Elf looked decidedly disturbed. Not wanting to intrude on his thoughts she hesitated before breaking the silence. "We can leave whenever you are ready."

Nodding, Nainala motioned for Meriali to lead the way. Passing beyond the Goldenlands into the Deadlands, Meriali paused and turned around. Confused, Nainala glanced at his companion as she stared at her home. “Sorry, but who knows when I will return to see my home again.” She said in simple explanation as she turned and headed out across the Deadlands. "One more thing, while we travel, I would rather you call me Shadow. I do not wish for everyone to know that I still live just yet." Meriali requested quietly as they walked.

That night they camped just inside the edge of the forest. They were on the far eastern borders of King Faytell's lands and would probably meet the Elves of Vilthren the next day. As Nainala and Meriali alternated between sleep and watch that night, they were unaware of the Elves watching their camp.

"Shey, go and tell King Faytell that two travelers have arrived out of the Deadlands. We will bring them to the city in the morning." Receiving an affirmative from Shey, Telan returned to watching the camp. As morning drew nigh Telan gave his instructions.

As the first light of day changed, the shadows from deep black to dark blue Telan and his men made their move. Quietly the Elves snuck through the trees to surround the camp. When he was certain that his men were in place Telan walked out of the shadows into view. Meriali drew her daggers as Nainala drew back his bow, arrow notched.

"Who are you? What is your business in Vilthren?" Demanded Telan as his men drew stealthily nearer. His only answer was a glare from Meriali and Nainala before his men were close enough that the travelers could not have run if they had wanted to. So intent on Telan were Meriali and Nainala that they did not notice the other Elves until two of them came forward to restrain them.

Meriali cried out in surprise when she was grabbed from behind. She wriggled as she fought to throw her attacker. Nainala quickly spun around and loosed his arrow at the Elf behind him. Caught by surprise, the Elf found himself pinned to a tree by the well-aimed arrow. Spinning around again to face Telan Nainala's eyes flashed as he cried out. "ENOUGH!" Taking a step towards Telan, he continued. "Have I been gone so long that I am not recognized by the Elves of Vilthren? Or is this how you treat all unannounced visitors to your fair woods? I demand that you release my companion and take us to see King Faytell at once!"

"You'll be going to see King Faytell all right." Telan sneered as Nainala and Meriali were secured. Moving closer to get a better look at them, Telan raised an eyebrow at Meriali and gasped when he finally recognized Nainala. "Let them go! Now!" He managed to strangle out as he stumbled back. "Lord Nainala! I didn't recognize you! I - I'm sorry, sir. . ."

"Silence!" Nainala quickly cut Telan off wincing at the accusatory glare he could feel as he turned to Meriali. "I couldn't tell you - you wouldn't have come back with me." Meriali remained silent as she moved her glare between Nainala and Telan. Though she may have been outwardly silent, she was berating herself for having trusted this Elf. She knew better - had learned the hard way that she couldn't trust other beings - but she had let herself believe that he only wanted to help her as he had said. How could she have been so stupid?

Telan led the way towards Faytell's palace in silence. The whole party was silent as they passed through the woods. As Meriali and Nainala walked side by side, Meriali maintained a continuous glare in the Elf's direction. 'You had just better remember what I told you.' She thought as they walked. Nainala glanced at Meriali, wincing inwardly at her glare he tried to offer a small smile to let her know that he hadn't forgotten what he was supposed to call her.