Guardians (working title)

:note: Sorry i just realised i missed this chapter out. Oopsies hehe. All sorted now :)

Chapter 2
The Immortals

The ship landed gently in a clearing of the woods. There were other ships already in the space but that was the only technology around. Nelsara stepped from the ship and was immediately hit with the smell of grass and flowers, he sighed deeply. Ferion always smelled of dust, it was a planet which got more heat from within than without even though two suns coasted its sky. The heat here was warm enough that one could walk comfortably without a coat but was not stifling. Nelsara did feel ever so slightly cold without the heat he was used to.
Lórien sprang from the ship like a small child. He sniffed the air and spun around.
“This, this is what life is all about.” He laughed. “Can you smell that air. Still pure like the day Monnanon made it.” He laughed. “Or rather like the day Throom made it to be precise.”
Detalani laughed softly and hooked her arm through Nelsara's. “Don't mind him.” She laughed. “He always gets over excited coming back here.”
They walked down the worn path through the trees and nothing greeted them apart from the sound of exotic birds. Nelsara began to wonder if bringing him here was some sort of trick. He could smell magic but that was not a reliable sign when he was walking hand in hand with a magus. There were other things he could sense though. Shadows passing by his vision, the faint tingle that told him that magic surrounded him. Lórien and Detalani walked calmly on either side of him as if they did not notice what was going on. He knew for a fact that they did. In fact that was how Lórien had found him, it was not very often that he came across people with no magical resonance whatsoever.
The trees began to grow dense around them and Nelsara began to sweat despite the heat being so little compared to home. More and more of the flashes passed his vision.
Lórien stopped so suddenly that Nelsara walked into the back of him. “Wait here, they will come to us. They have watched us since we left the ship.”
Nelsara felt himself straighten up, he was ready for any confrontation. There was a rustle in the trees and Nelsara dropped into a fighting stance claws at the ready, Detalani laughed and placed a calming hand on his arm.
What emerged from the trees was not the monsters that Nelsara had expected, instead they were a group of humanoids with the tallest only standing at five foot nine inches which was short by Ferionite standards. Each had thick hair ranging in colour from scarlet red to a deep autumnal brown. Their eyes were shinning but warm and had the hue of emeralds and leaves.
“M'thala, Lórien, Drus meh trhe túan.”
Lorien answered whatever the question was in the same language. Nelsara asked Detalani what they had said.
“He said 'hello Lórien did you journey well.” Nelsara nodded in understanding. “What language is that.” He asked softly.
Detalani smiled warmly not looking out of place in the gathering with her scarlet hair and emerald eyes.
“Its the language of the immortals.”
These immortals were known as the elves of Edith, Edith meaning home in their speech. Nelsara found this name odd until Detalani explained that immortals believed Emal-Edith or the safe home in common speech to be the planet that most closly resembled the fabled planet Thals where the gods had resided before making the new elements. The elven races of which there were five main races had been created by Monnanon herself unlike the mortal races that had bee created by the children. Immortals in some cases were not truly immortal instead they lived a lifespan that so far outreached a mortal one which was at most 300 years that they were perceived to be immortal. The elves of Edith were in fact immortal although they did age living their childhoods through 1000 years before their years lengthened to 1000 years for each 'year' of life.
Nelsara had lived a total of seventeen normal ferionite years, each of which held 400 days. He could not comprehend what it must be like to live your life at such a slow pace as an immortal but he would soon know when after he was given the life he so desired he would begin to age like the elves of Edith.
The elves lived in the trees of Emal Edith and embraced no technology choosing in the most part not even to leave their planet. Some of the Edith elves did however and they were taken back into the fold on their return but they were always somehow different from their anchored brethern. The elves lived in the trees of their planet which were impossibly tall sharing a lifespan close to that of those that inhabited them. The tree houses were round, surrounding the trunk without harming it. If they did need to use a tree for any reason or an animal they spent time meditating on asking the animal or plants permission. Once permission had been sought they treated their materials with more reverance and respect than any other race.
Nelsara stared up in wonder at the large dwellings hidden in the leaves. He had spent all his life in a large city but never had he seen buildings like the ones that were now in front of him. He followed Lórien, Detalani and the group of Elves on to one of the spiral walkways that led into a dwelling which was only a few feet from the ground. Inside it was spacious and smelled of wood sap and flowers. Dotted around the floor were circles of pillows where people of many races were seated discussing many things from universal politics to their own family. The elves led them to an empty circle and they all took a seat.
“I am very glad you have returned to us Lórien.” The tallest of the elves spoke in a soft voice smiling as he did. “I just wish it had been under better circumstances.”
The elf must have seen the look on Nelsaras face because he reached out and touched his hand reassuringly. “There is nothing to worry about young one. We are experiencing a hard time at the moment but it is nothing we cannot deal with.”
Nelsara looked up at Lórien for an explanation but he just smiled nervously. “I have brought what you asked for Nanda.” Lórien pulled the gold plated holy book from one of his bags and handed it gently to the elf who took it with the expected care and reverence that all holy books should get. He gently prised the clasp open and turned a few of the pages running his hand over the delicate runes.
“The ancient language of your planet is very beautiful.” Nanda whispered as he shut the book. The gave it to a waiting elf. “Please place it safely with the others.”
“Others?” Nelsara asked.
Nanda turned to him and smiled. “Lórien, you have kept your student in the dark haven't you?”
Lórien looked at Nelsara. “I told my student what he needed to know to get the task done. It was important to keep information as safe as possible.”
Nanda smiled again then turned to Nelsara. “Each being that has come here has brought with them either a holy book or scrolls from their planet. Some have been brought with permission, some we had to bring by less honourable means. What was important was that we gathered together the oldest surviving texts from each planet.”
Nanda stopped and looked around the round room. “All the people here are the ones that brought the books. We are using the books to piece together the oldest story ever known, one you were taught in school from a young age.”
“You mean the creation story? I thought everyone knew that story.”
“No you see each planet seems to have made its own interpretation. We need to find the true story.”
Nelsara nodded. He did not completely understand why the strange group of elves needed such a story but he had the distinct impression that he was being treated like an idiot and he did not like it.
Nanda smiled dreamily unaware of the animosity being directed at him. A young elf with beautiful red hair walked soundlessly to where the company were gathered and whispered with the head elf. Nanda nodded and then dismissed the elf.
“It appears that the rest of our little group have arrived at the council chamber. We must hasten.”
The council chamber was another large circular building but this was strung between two large boughs and did not have a trunk running through the middle. There was a large circular table with chairs at different intervals around the table. People were already seated. Nelsara recognised three members of the dragon race known as Maspathe. The very look of them made Nelsara think of the bygone hero's who would ride out clad in armour to save commoners and avenge wrongs. On Ferion all such hero's were female. The Maspathe held no such distinction between male and female.
They were ushered to seats around the table and Nanda stood up.
“My friends we have gathered you all here to share news that I am sure most of you have guessed. The powers of darkness are massing again and we need to protect ourselves.”
Nelsara stifled a laugh. Even all his recent brushes with occult goings on, magic and the presence of an immortal girlfriend did not make him believe that all the weirder things of the universe were real.
Nanda glanced at him for a second before turning back to the group.
“There has been strange meetings of religious groups that we thought died out when I was a child. Durthaleck, the avatar of darkness and the absence of all of Monnanon's goodness was the object of worship of these groups. We believe that there has been a stirring in these people caused by a new holy text that surfaced recently.”
He motioned to one of the Maspathe, one with silver hair, pale skin and glowing yellow eyes. He had a large leather-bound folder in his hand which he flipped open and pulled out a frayed piece of paper. He placed it under a light which magnified it onto the opposite wall so all could see it.
“This piece of paper details how if all the avatars of the elements are brought together they can be used to summon Monnanon. There is also a note how, with a dark heart the avatars can be used to bring forth Durthaleck and give him the control of the universe he sought long ago.”
The man spoke as if each word should be lovingly handled, he had an accent that spoke of warm lands, of spice and mysticism. All in all he was a compelling speaker.
“We think this is why there has been movement within the darkness worshipping religions. Someone is stirring up the idea that they can bring him through and give him control of the universe.” He paused and looked around the slightly worried faces. “There's many ways we can stop this but the best course of action is not to try an reason with the unreasonable, who have already shot our diplomats on site, but to find the avatars before they do.”
“How do you know that the avatars are real.” Nelsara spoke up drawing the man's sharp gaze toward him. “What I mean is, isn't it possible that they are chasing something that may not come to pass.”
The dragon smiled with surprising warmth. “Of course there is that possibility but is it not better that we search and maybe find nothing than not search and they get there first.”
Nelsara nodded. The dragon rested a hand on the shoulder of a younger Maspathe who sat beside him. “We are asking for the help of this council, the representatives of all immortal races, to help us in our cause. First we need those of you brave enough to come with us and aid us to do that. Secondly we need those of you who hold settlements on the main elemental planets such as Neptune and Ferieon to help us train and guard these avatars. Will you do this?”
There was a cheer around the room and a lot of banging of fists on tables .The silver haired dragon sat down and Nanda stood again.
“Thank you Dreis.” Nanda smiled. “My friends we are currently studying all the holy texts to try and find clues as to where the avatars might be.” He looked directly at Nelsara. “Once we have a planet we can search on we can dispatch our team.”
The way it was said left Nelsara under no illusions about his involvement in said team and he began to feel his anger rise. Everything was being planned around him.
He didn't really hear what was said for the rest of the meeting. He could vaugely remember talk of barriers and magic drains but he was not sure why. His anger clouded all. As soon as the meeting was over he got up and confronted Nanda.
“I'm afraid I do not know what you mean.” Nanda whispered.
“Yes you do.!” Nelsara growled. “You have had me do enough dirty work already but still you put me in this expedition team without telling me.”
Nanda stood up. “First you need to be calm.” His eyes shone angrily but his face did not betray any emotion. “Secondly I did not say anything about you having to be on any team. We have not got that far. Any final choices on the team will be made by Dreis and Magda and can be refused by those who are asked.”
Nelsara's anger ebbed away slightly. “Why did you look at me when you were talking.”
“I was looking at everyone.”
Nelsara sighed and began to walk away, the tall white haired dragon blocked his way.
“Usually people apologise when they have made false accusations.”
Nelsaras ears flattened against his head as his anger rose again.
“I am not convinced that they were entirely false.”
“Maybe you are right but the choice had nothing to do with Nanda. I want you on our team because I think your...particular brand of gift could be very useful.”
“So you admit it then.” Nelsara growled aware that he was holding eye contact with the man's chest. He may have been much shorter than the dragon but he was not going to be bullied. “When were you going to tell me.”
The dragon sat and fixed his glowing eyes on Nelsara's. “We have not approached anyone until today when we have asked everyone at once. We have things to sort out before we even think of any team.”
Nelsara crossed his arms across his chest and swung his curtain of dark hair over his shoulder. “OK glad we cleared that up.”
A smile plaeyed on the white dragons lips. “Maybe you are so eager to confront us because you secretly want to make yourself useful.”
Nelsara started to make a rude retort but stopped. True he had enjoyed all his covert work of late, maybe he was afraid it would all stop and he would have no purpose in life again.
“OK I can agree with that.” He conceded. Dreis, the white dragon smiled warmly which was only a little spoiled by the large incisors. “Good now that that is cleared up maybe we can start looking through these books.”
Nelsara nodded. “I am sorry. Both of you.”
Dreis nodded and Nanda patted his shoulder. “Go now before you cause any more trouble.”

Lórien spent most of his time locked away in secret conversation with the Maspathe and a few others as they poured over the religious texts and pulled out what ever useful bits of info they could.
Nelsara and Detalani could spend all the time together that they wanted when Detalani was not off practising magic and when he did find himself on his own Nelsara often wandered through the forests. He had not had much chance to see trees and wild spaces at home as most of his planet was desert or at best brush land but here there was an abundance of greenery. One morning, after about a week on the planet Nelsara was sitting in the grass enjoying the sun. All he could here was the birds, all he could see was the wild spaces that surrounded him. Suddenly a force of magic rushed upon him like a tidal wave. Nelsara stood in mute shock, nothing had ever felt so powerful to him. He could not move. The pain settled in behind his eyes and he sunk backwards to the ground clutching his temples. All the blocks he had put up, every shield he had learnt to build hadn't stopped the pain getting through.
He opened his eyes. Everything looked overly bright like he was looking through orange lenses. A deep rumble enclosed him and then it was gone. He stood up as the stifling silence settled around him. No one was around that he could pick up with the sensitive hearing is race was blessed with which put him even more on edge. He took a few tentative steps back towards the village. Now he could hear footsteps, fast running footsteps. Nelsara did not have time to step out the way before the younger of the group of dragon elves ran into the clearing. He swerved and stopped.
“I'm sorry. I should look where I am going.” He spoke in the common speech but with the same heavy accent that Dreis had.
“Its...its ok.” Nelsara whispered catching his breath. The dragon was barely out of breath though the look of him told just how long he had been running. “Do you ...do you run a lot.”
The dragon laughed a truly happy laugh. “Of course. I'm a soldier its a requirement.” He stretched his wings out. “Though I would prefer to swim or something. Running is kind of boring.”
Nelsara smiled. “I cant say I have run anywhere for er...exercise.”
The dragon smiled warmly and continued to stretch his arms and legs. “You're Nelsara right?”
“Nel...yeah.” He whispered. “And you are.”
“Imaraneth, or Neth if you want less of a mouthful.” The red eyes of the dragon should have been harsh but were surprisingly warm. “You took your life in your hands speaking to Dreis like that.”
He was still smiling even as he stretched out his back and stomach as if he had known Nelsara and trained with him all his life.
“I didn't mean too. I just don't buy all this pre ordained destiny stuff.”
“Well to let you in on a secret neither does Dreis but there has been a lot of evidence to support this.”
“Um should I apologise to him.” Nelsara felt the guilt sliding in under his guard. “I didn't mean to show him up.”
“Ah don't worry about it.” The dragon, finished with his stretching, smoothed down his black sweatpants and t-shirt. “He trains all the young recruits. He's had worse.”
There was a slightly uncomfortable silence as neither could think of what to say next. Then something made Nelsara ask Imaraneth about the magic.
“Hmm no I don't remember any magic. Or seeing any casters. Could have been a random offshoot I suppose.”
Nelsara shook his head. “No this was much too strong.” He looked at the dragon elf. He couldn't have been any older than Nelsara was and he desperately wanted to make other friends among the immortals so he reached out to the dragon. “Um are you finished with your run?”
Imaraneth nodded. “Why, do you want to grab some lunch or something?”
Nelsara nodded and headed off with the elf towards the village.
They had grabbed food and then sat on one of the balconies further up one of the trees. He was wrong Imaraneth was twenty three but looked a lot younger. Because Imaraneth was an immortal each year of his life took about seventeen of Nelsaras. Despite that they a lot to still talk about. Imaraneth had been in the army since he was fourteen and had become a full soldier at the age of seventeen. His father was a general and his mother was a doctor. Nelsara told him about his family and surprisingly he found himself divulging that fateful day.
“That's horrible.” Imaraneth whispered and his face showed that he meant it. “How did you ever cope.”
Nelsara focused his eyes on somewhere far out in the distance. “I don't think I did. Not really.”
Imaraneth reached out unexpectedly and gave Nelsara's hand a squeeze. It was such a quick gesture but so warm that Nelsara felt infinitely better.
“Lórien helped me a lot.” Nelsara finally admitted. “And Detalani, she's been so good to me.”
“Is she your partner?” Imaraneth asked quietly.
Nelsara nodded. “She's great. She makes me feel safe and warm.”
“Ah my partner does that to me too.” Imaraneth smiled.
“Ooh. What's she like.” Nelsara laughed jabbing the dragon elf in the side. “Come on tell me.”
The dragon blushed, his caramel skin showing the faintest hint of it. “Its not a woman.”
“Oh...oh.” Nelsara felt immediately embarrassed that he could not hide his surprise. “Sorry I did not know.”
“Don't worry its fine.” The dragon elves smile was still warm and his eyes sparkled. “Male, female couples are the norm on your planet. We do not have a norm on ours.”
“The question still stands though.” Nelsara smirked. “What's he like.”
Imaraneth's smiled but he seemed worried. “You must not tell anyone OK. Especially other dragon elves you meet here.”
“Why not?” Nelsara's curiosity was rising.
“Because...because he is one of the officers.” Imaraneth whispered. “And that isn't allowed. But we couldn't help it.” He smiled and blushed again like a little boy. “He's...special.”
“Won't you get in a lot of trouble even expelled from the army.”
“Hmm no its not that bad.” Imaraneth whispered. “They would simply send me somewhere away from him but that's bad enough. I just have to keep it a secret until I am an officer too.”
A brief image splashed across Nelsara's mind of two of the Maspathe kissing and quickly waved it away. “So who is it. Its the one with red hair isn't it.”
Imaraneth shook his head. “Guess again.”
Nelsara thought for a bit then his mind settled on the logical conclusion. “Its Dreis?”
The smile that Imaraneth gave told it all. Nelsara giggled. “But how. How did you come to fall in love with him.”
Imaraneth rested back in the wicker chair and his eyes got that faraway look that was a tell-tale sign of looking back into the past.
“I'm not sure if I'm honest. It only happened a few years ago. I had spoken to him before and trained under him but I never thought...not for one second. “Imaraneth looked at Nelsara. “On the day I turned 17 I graduated fully into the army. At the celebration I was talking to Dreis and I kissed him. I felt so embarrassed so I ran off.” He was picking at a loose thread as if the memory caused him discomfort. “He came to find me and we were talking and then we kissed again. We've been together almost a five tdalk.”
Nelsara smiled. The dragon smiled back. “we don't get to see each other too much but now that we are here we can spend a lot of time together as long as we keep out of Magda's way.”
“Isn't that difficult.” Nelsara whispered. He couldn't imagine keeping his feelings for Detalani a secret. “Don't you just want to shout it to the world.”
Imaraneth laughed but it sounded a little hollow this time. “Of course I do but I don't have to keep it a secret for too long. When I am with him I don't have to think like that. Its just me and him and its great.”
Nelsara began to say something but stopped when he heard heavy footsteps on the stairs. Dreis appeared on the balcony beside them and looked rather surprised at finding Nelsara in the young dragonelfs company.
Nelsara jumped up suddenly and apologised for the way he had spoken to Dreis in the meeting, a warm smile spread across the white dragons lips.
“Do not worry Nelsara.” He clapped a strong hand on Nelsara's shoulder. “I can understand you hesitation.”
Imaraneth smiled warmly from behind Dreis and Nelsara felt his cheeks colour as he remembered the connection the two had. “Still I am sorry. Anyway I better go and find Detalani. I haven't seen her since yesterday.”
Dreis smiled and Imaraneth got up and hugged him. “I am going running again tomorrow if you fancy it? I promise I won't tire you out.” He smiled
Nelsara nodded and arranged where to meet the dragon then head back down the stairs. He could a quick look back and saw Imaraneths jet black hair nestled in against Dreis's back in a warm embrace, He smiled.
worried about it.