Tylorian and Elf Man

[Ariel]

"There is danger out there Elf Man, encrouching from the world of men. I was so frightened and didn't know what to do. We can't allow them to find this place." Tylorian was almost panic stricken. "While I was lost in the forest, I met a mysterious old woman who told me of the evil coming our way. I thought of you and tried to find my way back, but the snow came and then I don't know what happened." Her words tumbled out in a flurry.

[Neurolanis]

"Well you'll be safe with me here in my castle," said Elf Man. "I'll protect you from any harm that might come your way. I don't know what this evil is, but I can feel it too, growing, taking form. The walls of this castle should protect us. And I have the power, here where my magic is centered, to protect us, I'm sure. I'm so sorry for your ordeal, Tylorian. I'm so glad to have you here where you are safe. But could you tell me more of this mysterious old woman?"

[Ariel]

She said she is the keeper of the forest. Her hair was very long and thick and...green. She wore a leaf-green gown. Even her weathered face posessed the deepest emerald eyes that sparkled in the night. When she spoke, I was entranced by her lovely voice, like I could listen to her for hours, or days. My thoughts turned quickly to you Elf Man. I had to find you, to warn you, so I ran.

[Neurolanis]

"I see," said Elf Man. "A most strange image indeed. But what do you intend to warn me of, my dear Tylorian? This dark force? I wonder what it could be..."

[Ariel]

"I'm not sure. Something else happened. I was running and...I heard whispers and the crackling of leaves and twigs, like I was being followed. Suddenly the weather changed. I was so cold, chilled to the very bone. I could barely see my way. It was a struggle to move against the wild wind and the fierce cold. The next thing I remembered was seeing you and my relief. I was so frightened Elf man. So alone." she hugged her friend wanting to forget the past events, to leave them far behind, if even for the briefest moment. Fire crackled in the fireplace, flames dancing and giving freely of their warmth.
Tylorian rested her head on the Elf Man's shoulder and cried quietly, spilling her pent up fears and frustrations.

[Neurolanis]

Elf Man held Tylorian close. Warmly. He placed his arms around her, his hands together upon her left arm. Magic streamed through his body, his love, into hers, giving her warmth and life. He listened to her fears and frustrations closely. "I'll protect you from whatever harm," said Elf Man. "My dear Tylorian, you give me a warmth ... that makes me more powerful. You give me strength, and confidence in the world. I feel that I can take on anything, with you at my side. I'll never let harm befall you again."

The fire turned bright red, without white or yellow at all. The room flared in red. The energy of the room had shifted. As it would often do, in Elf Man's magical castle.

"I feared so bad when I saw you frozen," said Elf Man, "that I had lost you. It hurt me so deeply ... that I could be so blind ... my life stilled, frozen, with you gone ... I need you here Tylorian. I'll bag you to stay. The darkness can mount outside, but here we can be safe, and keep light against the dark. What do you say?"

[Ariel]

Tylorian felt the intensity of the magic filling her soul. She gazed deeply into Elf Man's haunting eyes. "I will stay here with you. I never wanted to leave in the first place. Here I have found solace and beauty and...you." She felt as though the outside world was melting away and all that existed was the warmth and magic of this wonderful and mysterious place. She closed her eyes and held Elf Man close.

[Neurolanis]

Elf Man smiled. "I have never been so happy," he said with a tear in his eye. "You are my dearest friend. I cannot imagine the world without you. Before you, it was empty. You have given me ... something special. I feel ... more alive. Show me your inflictions, Lady Tylorian, and I shall mend them."

[Ariel]

She lowered her eyes and was pensive. "All my life I have dreamed of finding a friend like you Elf man, I feared I never would. I don't know what to tell you. I am worried about what is out there. Worried it may reach us and destroy what we have here. Is your magic strong? Will it gaurd us against the evil? Tell me." She looked deeply into his eyes hoping that he held the answers.

[Neurolanis]

"I have long feared the outside world," said Elf Man. "But with you at my side, Tylorian, I feel I can handle anything. Yes, I do have the power to guard against it. So do you, I sense. Together we have the power not only fend it off, but defeat it. N-not that that's a good idea, mind. But ... at least we can be safe."

Elf Man raised a hand and a bottle of red cherry biska drink, a special elvin wine, flew through the air and landed in his hand. "Shall we have a drink, to celebrate your return? And let me say, Tylorian, I have known none like you either. In this world, I have been so utterly alone ... and ... I thought I always would be. And now, you are here ... I am ... speechless. Just, happy!"

[Ariel]

"Wine, how lovely! Yes a celebration! She held the crystal goblet that magically appeared.To this wonderous place and to us. A new beginning!"

[Neurolanis]

"Indeed!" said Elf Man, tasting his drink. It fizzed on his tongue in an almost humorous way. "Mmm, quite nice. Fifty years old, is this bottle. You can taste the quality."