96 Alora's Parting

Alora walked through the grass with the nymph Azura at her side. Everywhere she went the plants died at her feet. The trees withered and browned setting nymph's within into a deep sleep. Azura kept calm and quiet, fearing to further upset her Lady. Finally Alora collapsed by a stream and cried.

Quite suddenly Dauntice rose from the stream. This startled the nymph, but Alora didn't move. All the grass around her had turned to dirt.

"Alora, sister, where is your daughter?" Dauntice said gently.

Alora heaved a huge sob that killed more grass. "Taken, gone."

"Taken? By who," Dauntice replied. He pulled himself out of the river and sat down beside her.

"Maiguh," she sobbed.

"Maiguh..?" Dauntice replied startled. "Are you certain?" Dauntice knew Maiguh, that did not sound like something he would do.

"He killed my sisters," the nymph said.

Dauntice was even more astounded. Maiguh had been gentle as a child.

"The villagers saw him, they say he was deep purple, and there was a nether portal by my home." Alora explained sounding angry.

Dauntice wasn't quite sure what to say. In that exact moment something odd happened. Suddenly the sky darkened.

"Alora," he said.

She stopped her crying and looked around. "What is this?" She said frightened.

"MAIGUH!" A voice roared. It echoed off the trees around them. Dauntice leaped into the water.

"What is happening?" Azura cried, she had her ears covered.

"RETURN WHAT YOU HAVE STOLEN!"

Dauntice and Alora watched as lightning flashed across the sky.

"Come into the water Alora," Dauntice told her. "We must leave and go somewhere safe, my brother is angered."

"But what was stolen?" Alora asked, she had a more alert look on her face now.

"I wouldn't let it trouble you, Onicent is volatile."

Something seemed to change in Alora's face. "Take Azura to safety."

"And yourself," he asked.

"I have a daughter to save," Alora said. She prodded Azura gently into the water.

"Stay with Dauntice," she told her, "he will protect you until I return."

Dauntice nodded. He didn't wish to leave Alora on her own. But he knew she was stubborn. He wished her well and promised if she needed aid then she could turn to his family.

She smiled slightly in a wavering way.

Dauntice took the young nymph and swam to the palace.

When he returned Farren was waiting for him. "Where is Alora, and what has happened above ground?"

Dauntice's young son came running up, "what is that?" He pointed at the nymph.

Dauntice ruffled the young boys hair. "Alora wouldn't come back with me, her daughter is missing, or rather taken it seems."

Farren looked horrified, "taken, by whom?"

"Alora seems to think it was Maiguh," Dauntice shook his head.

"What do you think?" Farren asked.

"I'm not sure."

"What is that daddy?" the boy repeated staring at Azura.

"This is Azura, she's a tree nymph. Alora sent her with me, apparently her sisters are all dead." Dauntice explained.

"She will be welcome in our home," Farren said, looking somewhat pale. She took ahold of the boys hand and drew him close to her body protectively.

"We are safe here Farren." Dauntice assured her.

He refused to admit his worries.