5,000 years later

Nasha woke with a start.  Beads of sweat dripped off her brow and she raised a tentative hand to her face.  Wet tears left streaks across the smooth, ageless skin.  Nasha shifted out of her bed, and walked over to her mirror, gazing into it through the faint moonlight.  The dreams. She thought.  These horrible dreams, what do they mean?  Her cherry blossom-colored lips folded into a sad sigh.  Nasha turned around and paced over to the gaping hole in the tree-room that served as a window.  She traced her hand across the silver frame with elfish markings around it.

Nasha frowned and looked into the sky.  It was the same as in her nightmare.  A dark indigo with scarlet scorches.  Only in this world there was no moon.  It was the sun that blazed the land in the early recess of dawn.  A hawk screeched and swept its wings, gliding over to the room.  Nasha took a step back as the magnificent bird landed on the bed that seemingly was apart of the tree-room itself.

Nasha stepped over to it and the hawk cocked it’s a head.  A scraping sounded below the window, and Nasha instinctively grabbed the bow that was placed on a shelf.  She gripped the rough weapon and crouched.  The scuffling grew louder and Nasha fitted a reed arrow on the strung bow.  Black and silver hair popped on the window.  A male elf climbed into Nasha’s bedroom.  He had leaves and twigs caught in his hair, and his sapphire Robes were dusted in dirt.  He puffed out a huff of air, and the hair moved out of his eyes.  Nasha smiled at him, and the other elf grinned back stupidly.

Nasha set down the bow and laughed, smoothing out her blonde hair and smiling.  “What is this about Tristen?  Sneaking in my room before anyone else is awake, you should be ashamed.”  Nasha laughed and stroked the hawk, then sat down on the bed.  Tristen picked out the twigs and leaves in his hair.

Tristen rubbed his fingers through the mane on his head, revealing the two color layers of his hair.  The first was a jet-raven black.  The second layer was silver that laid over the first.  It was slightly shorter, so you could see the bottom part of the black hair.  It was also thinner, some parts of black shining through.  Tristen then smoothed out his robes, which matched the exuberant color of his eyes.  He grinned even wilder, and he spoke with a deep voice.  It sounded harsh, but yet sweet and thoughtful at the same time.  “I just wanted to come see how you were doing Nasha.”

She avoided his eyes.  He was always checking on her.  For several reasons.  One of which was that they were best friends.  And they were only about 15 years apart in age; very close for elves.   Tristen walked over and sat next to Nasha.  The Hawk Screeched again, and flew out of the room.  “And,” he said, “I wanted to visit you before you are being prepared for you Coming-of-Age Ceremony.”  Tristen touched her chin, and Nasha turned to look at him.  His eyes were sweet and kind.

Tristen pushed aside the hair covering her eyes.  They stared back at him, gray around the pupils then fading into white.  She would not gain color in her eyes until the Coming-of-Age Ceremony, where she will be given her gem.  The Coming-of Age Ceremony was a Blood Ritual for the Elves of Dodianmere.  Elves who reach their 50th Birthday are required to undergo it.  Before the ceremony, the elf eyes have no color, and they are taught simple things; slight magic, brief archery, potions, cooking, weaving, farming, planting, literature, and the likewise.  When they receive their gem, their eyes take color, and their personality is said to change to match it.  They also receive a companion, an animal to aid them and teach them for most of their life.

                Today marked Nasha’s fiftieth year.  “After all,” Tristen continued, taking her hands in his, “Monique and Nikke will be all over you within…. 5 minutes?   Of right now.” He smirked.  Nasha laughed and stood up, gently pulling her hands away from his to begin braiding her hair.  Nasha smiled softly to herself.  You have no idea how much this means to me Tristen.  You’re the only one who actually understands me.  Nasha took up the conversation from here.

                “Well then, my gallant savior, why were you really so humble to pay me a visit on this fine morn?” Sarcasm rang in her voce, but it was coated with a warm joke between friends.  Nasha stifled hysterical giggles and took a glance at the male elf who sat on her bed, gazing at her. Tristen rolled his eyes at Nasha and lay back to stare at the ceiling.

                “Let us see, um, why were you even awake at this hour my mistress?”

                “Ha-ha, Tristen, I asked you first.”  Nasha started to become embarrassed.  Here a male elf lay on her bed, in her room, while she stood, her hair messy from tussling in her sleep, and standing there in her plain white gown used for sleeping.  Was she missing something here?

                “Alright then, since it’s your coming-of-age ceremony, I’ll go first.”  He grinned.  “I came here to wish you good luck, and to see you one last time before you change.”  His grin faded.  “Don’t look at me like that Nasha.  I’m serious.  You will change, everyone does, and even I did.”  She walked over to him and laid her hand on his cheek.  He held it and turned to Nasha.

                “Tristen, you received the sapphire.  You’re full as much energy and as adventurous as you were before.”  He sighed.

                “But Nasha, I’m not…innocent.  I’ve seen and done things that I can’t even begin to explain.  You’re pure Nasha; don’t let that go to waste.”  He shushed her as she began to argue and put his finger on her lips. He sat up and smiled, then quietly whispered to her.  “I’ll see you at the ceremony, but now I must go.  Nikke is sending her Fox Illasadri up to wake you.”  He winked and practically disappeared, using his elf-reflexes.

                Nasha stared at the bed and sighed, she sat down where Tristen previously was.  Her mind raced with scurrying thoughts.  Now what?  There was a knock on the door, and Nasha walked over to open it.  Monique in her red robes almost fell into Nasha.  Monique was a brunette with golden-red eyes, and a white lock of hair framing her heart filled face.  She had a deep tan, almost exotic compared to the other elves.  She was about normal sized, 6 feet 3 inches, with perfect hands that had nails that were always painted a shimmering red.  When Monique smiled, her perfect teeth and golden lip gloss, virtually lit-up her entire face.  Standing near her would enflame any mortal’s senses, if her looks didn’t, her lavender-vanilla scent would.

                “Nasha, darling, you’re Awake!”  Monique grinned and hugged her friend.  Nasha smiled weakly and hugged her back.

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