Chapter 1: Enter Tiafell (You Know You Want To!)
At last, it was time for Tiafell to begin his journey outside of the Endless Forest. He had dreamed of escaping the hostility he spent his entire life putting up with, finding solace only in books and two fellow orphans. He had gotten along with most of the orphans and gotten some reluctant respect from other elves in his age group, but there were only two that he would miss, saying goodbye to them would be the only hard part about leaving. He had not seen them for a while due to his isolated practicing and their own training. He was a year older than both of them so his hunting mission was a year before theirs. Perhaps he would find them before they set out, or in the forest while undertaking their rites of passage. Either way, he could not leave without saying goodbye to them.
Once he felt rested enough after a much needed break from training, Tiafell spent a day gathering supplies and packing. He would need to travel lightly, he was only going to take some food, his sword, his bow with some arrows, and a new outfit with him. As the sun began to set, he decided to try and find his two friends, maybe they would be in their homes for the evening. Vasati lived close by so he would speak to her first. He set out to her dwelling and knocked on her door, sensing that she was home. The door opened, answered by a beautiful young female elf with long flowing golden hair, fair skin, wearing a tunic and pants.
"Tiafell? By the gods, it's been forever! How have you been?" she chimed, excitedly throwing her arms around her friend, who hugged her back.
"Far too long", he responded, embracing her warmly. The two stepped back and smiled at each other.
"It's so good to see you again! I heard rumors that you have been practicing on your own?"
"Yes, there is a reason for that."
Vasati's expression changed from excited to a somber one. "You're leaving, aren't you?" she asked.
"That's right, I must. It's not just about how the other villagers hate me. I feel a 'pull', like something out there is calling out to me" Tiafell explained as he faced the window. "Something, or someone, out there needs me. I know not what for, but it feels bigger than this village and even this forest."
"Maybe you're going to save the world, like in the stories?" Vasati asked slightly playfully but with sadness still evident in her voice.
"I don't know, I'm not sure that little old me could save the world" Tiafell chuckled. "Oh, have you seen Alto? I was wanting to speak to him too before I leave."
"He's out on his hunting mission right now. I actually finished mine yesterday! Not only that, but I'm being considered for a position with the Village Guards!" she confidently stated, puffing her chest out a bit.
"Congratulations! I knew you could do it! Alto will pass his too" Tiafell smiled proudly. He viewed Alto and Vasati as the younger siblings he never had. He would often tutor them with whatever they needed.
"Thank you! Hey, do you want to eat some of my bounty with me? I have plenty!"
"Yes, I am hungry now that you mention it"
"Great! I've already started so it shouldn't be much longer!" Tiafell helped Vasati finish preparing the meal and enjoyed it with her.
"That was delicious Vasati! You really have mastered the art of gourmet" he complimented her.
"Mhm!" she smiled. "So, are you leaving right now?"
"No, I'm going to head out tomorrow. But I won't leave the forest until I find Alto first and say goodbye to him."