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<li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#0040ff">"Do as you must, I shan't stand in your way. However, it is only fair that I warn you, now that we are traveling together. The king. . .can be a stubborn man. You were one of the Queen's Champions, her most trusted warrior, so perhaps you may be able to persuade him. . .no matter what approach you take towards this situation, I whole heatedly believe it is for the best that your negotiations proceed without me. My presence would only serve as. . .a hindrance to your cause. I would hate it if I got in the way of you protecting this land, and my people,"</span> Arioch said. That was, perhaps, the most sincere thing that she had said since meeting any of the nights. Their first encounter was a less than pleasant, and Arioch hadn't exactly been easy to be around since they decided to travel together. Valen was, committed to helping the Elven people, no, the world. They would need assistance in their task, and the Elven people needed to take action. Somehow, she was confident he could make that much happen.<br/>
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<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#0040ff">"May I ask what we plan on doing afterward? Where we plan on venturing once we've concluded our business here in Hieronidan," </span>she asked, looking to Valen. She hadn't been here before when they discussed their next destination. Her own guess? They would, perhaps, head to one of the human Kingdoms to appeal for aid. Elzier had been the seat of power before it had fallen, a mixing pot of people of all races who, somehow, got along rather peacefully. There may not have been harmony, but there wasn't any madness like what could break out further away. No Elven bandit parties who would corner, murder, and ransack a human trade caravan for wandering too close to their territory, no human warriors who brazenly stepped into the forest seeking a duel with one of the famed Elven swordsman. Life seemed like it would have been simple, and much more fulfilling - in a way - there. But now, Elzier had been taken and occupied by the King of Darkness.<br/>
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It wasn't the only human kingdom though. There were smaller ones scattered about, and another major one to the south. There were also the dragons, the merfolk, the winged people. . .perhaps there were even some of those native to Lassadar who would aid their cause? Such seemed to be a stretch, but stranger things had happened. After all, prior to the fall of Elzier, no one thought that anything or anyone could shatter the peace that they once knew. Well. . .relative peace. Perfection could not be achieved, but there certainly wasn't any worry of a kingdom being taken or attacked over night.<br/>
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The elf closed her eyes and sank down into the water, just a bit, feeling the tension ease out of her body. This alone made the trip downstairs worth it.[/list:u]</li>
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