~ PASSAGE 74 ~
ELVEN LORE

8 PM: Twenty set out from Pinedroi under the cover of night. Steeds and a pony were appointed to the full scouting platoon after StarPoint Raven had their time that afternoon to stroll through the marketing district. Most made wise use of time by resupplying their gear from the assorted general stores. Others either basked themselves in the warm spring sun or got much-needed sleep back at their rooms. Now, the fellowship was reunited and focused on getting Pinedroi the evidence they needed to later engage the orcs in a counterforce to perhaps destroy the stronghold.

The platoon galloped along at a steady pace holding to the main road for the first ten miles. Winds became strong from the east {20 mph} and whipped at everyone's cloaks as if testing their sturdiness. Clouds ran fast across the sky in ghostly wisps as the cyan moon played obscure games in the smokey nightscape.
Frequently, the field scouts conferred with the team to make sure they had gathered all the facts. They checked the grounds any time they suspected tracks and made wide swipes off the road in a routine habit of their special training.

MYCRAN 9 ~ 4 AM: The group trotted all night, but paused for an hour to eat an early breakfast and rest their horses. Talk of stormy weather was strong on everyone's minds as they gathered inside a ring of their circled equestrians. Gailwind proferred distinct maps of the region and the scouts were quite impressed with its' details. They poured over them as the lorist polished off his books with a satin cloth.

Aramil, huddled within his cloak, beckoned to the elf " Sage, you were giving a narrative of the mysterious bronze elves last night before we were rudely interrupted. Perhaps you could finish your recitation? I believe you were about to speak of your kind's history."

Gailwind smiled broadly and replied " Oh yes, I completely forgot. It would be wonderful to share how these elves came to be." The lorist excitedly picked through his tomes until he found the appropriate one and then flipped open to a bookmarked page. Some of the scouts looked curiously at the elf as he sat cross-legged on his thick, grey blanket.

" First, " the sage began " I shall touch upon the fact that the elves or luveran were once a spiritual race living within the forests of Lavenrae long before man came to power. The unity of the elves was destroyed by the Great Disillusionment and they were splintered into five factions. The White elves, the first people, were innately magic and ruled the nature of Talvenara {elvish for 'Ancient Realm'}. They were controlled by the Great Fae Gleforis until the Dark elves, a deceitful flock, destroyed the pureness of the race by intermixing with humans and consorting with vile creatures from the netherworld. They are now said to hide themselves within the Frimsick Darkwoods waiting for their call to power. The other three cousins lost all their innate magical essence. Hunter elves settled in the western and northern weald of Lavenrae. Elves seeking to flee the land all together tried sailing east into the ocean, but hesitated and remained along the coastlines and isles. They became the Brine elves. The Bronze {or mixed elves} were transient nomads not bound to any natural or manmade terrain. Holding no true home due to the guilt caused by their ancestors, these bands reserve wanderlust in their souls and rarely find a place to settle."

" So southern Nalmiar is where some settled now, is that correct?" queried the mage with boding interest.

Gailwind crooked his neck " I am not certain, but according to history, they did for the last few decades."

Erelis placed his bedroll comfortably behind his head " And what faction are you linked to Gailwind? Are you a direct descendant from the White Forest?"

The lorist grinned " All luveran we once were. No salt assails my hands, nor do I bring down game; I have no desire for magic, do thoust know my name?"

" 'Bronze' you tanned teller of tales!!" jested the psionist as he broke into laughter.
More inquires poured in from the teammates as they discussed elven lineage.

The scouts seemed to acknowledge the bronze elves presense in the Nalmiar, but knew nothing more then what Gailwind presented.
The others teammates sat around quietly while Aramil sought more answers. He called on the warrior scouts " Has Pinedroi had any large skirmishes or undergone political unrest? What is the state of your city right now?"

The Pinedroians explained that there had been no threats of war and that their city has enjoyed peace for the last century. Unstable political sentiments, however, are everpresent. General Watsieka had taken command of the High Council and has not relinquished control back to the races, because they have proven incapable of taxing the lands fairly.
" A special debate will occur at the High Plaza on the third day of Horse Festival." informed a scout named Rendlowe. " We might make the opening ceremonies if we return from this mission on time."

Nothing more was explained then, because the squad called themselves back to a strict formation and moved north along the asphalt avenue.