Author notes: So in some ways you could technically call this chapter late I guess? I've always considered Sunday to be the end of the week rather than the start, so I consider it on time. However I do know that technically Sunday is the start, so if you consider it so then sorry that the chapters late. : I've decided to actually try and make a schedule for writing as I want to get back on to a release every Monday. I want to try and write four to five days a week every morning. Or something to that effect. Maybe more time? I don't know yet. Anyway another short chapter, how do you feel about the short chapters by the way? I could try to artificially extend them, but that would probably be very boring filler. The chapters should lengthen a bit when Ellena reaches the Dead Isles. Hope you enjoy, and as always any reviews/ advanced reviews would be lovely. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ~Day 81~

It had hardly turned to dawn by the time we were ready to leave, Avalas made sure to have his servants wake us up even earlier. Before I knew what was going on we reached the ship. I can't really say anything special about it, it looked like a typical ship that you would see in paintings and such. Although it did seem to be quite large and heavily armoured.

Within a few minutes of arriving we pushed off from the dock. It felt like a bit of an anticlimactic send off, especially considering that it's their Lord and the cities Guard Captain that just left. Oh well, looking ahead all that awaits us is a vast expanse of water. It's very peaceful to say the least. Although, now that I look around there's a lot of powerful looking soldiers and mages. I left Alvir and Verros to stay at the front and watch the waves whilst I went to talk to Avalas who stood next to the man steering this ship.

His eyes focuses on me as I came in to his field of view, a slightly perverse grin spread across his face. "What's this young Ellena? Come to offer me your companionship for the nights we're at sea?" His smile sunk as he shook his head dramatically. "I'm afraid I'll have to decline, I am unfortunately already taken." He brushed his hand against his head as the soldiers around his either snorted or sighed, I think the latter having dealt with this for a while.

I massaged my brow as I walked up the steps towards the ships wheel. "You know that's never going to happen."

"Fufufufufu~ It would seem my guess was incorrect. Was it Ballud you wanted to keep company?" The mischievous Lords grin stretched to his ears as my cheeks turned red.

Can I hit him? I reall, really want to hit him. No, no, I can't punch an old man. That would be wrong... Probably... I took a deep breath, then let it out to calm myself down. "Not. That. Either. I came to ask why there are so many mages and soldiers coming with us? Even if you get attacked by Demon rebels surely you would have guards sent by the Demon Queen to protect you, or some sort of escort at least." I leant against the the railing.

Avalas clicked his fingers. "Ah, yes. You wouldn't know. Y'see, the sea around the Demon continent was corrupted by the Krakens attack all those two hundred years ago. So, any sea life around that area is powerful and monstrous. The ship needs the protection basically." He shrugged.

"What about the waters around the Dead Isles? Are they fine?" I questioned. That whole area was also caught in the attack.

The Lord scratched him wrinkled forehead. "Well... I wouldn't say 'fine'. Certainly it's a lot better off, being caught just in the corner of the blast an' all. Besides the waters too shallow around the Isles for anything big n' scary to traverse anyway.~" He began mimicking tentacles with his hands.

....I'm not a child. I mentally sighed, this Old man is going to kill me by the end of the journey. Oh well at least I have a lot of good looking men to look at. Who knew that sailors would be right up my street? especially with how surprisingly good the weather is today, they're not even wearing shirts!

...Wait, speaking of good looking men. "Where's Ser Hawkwood?" I asked the Lord, almost immateriality regretting opening my big mouth. That stupid smile resurfaced on Avalases face.

"Hmm?~" His smile only grew larger.

I felt a little flushed. "I just. I thought he would be with yo- Just answer the question!" I crossed my arms and turned my head.

"Fufufufu~ He's in the captains quarters, waiting for us actually. Thought we'd tell you the plans for this little trip we're making." He began walking down the steps, his arms folded behind his back. "Follow me~" A cheerful humming emanated from his lips.

If he's waiting for us then what was that all about!? Wait... Waiting... How long has he been waiting? Since we got on the ship!? WHY DID THIS STUPID LORD TAKE SO LO- No I shouldn't get angry, he probably planned it on purpose so he could tease me or something. I don't remember him being this immature when I met him in the capital. Was he on his best behaviour for the Queen? I have a hard time imagining him ever being on his best behaviour though.

We arrived in the captains quarters, Verros who saw me walking in also came to join with Alvir at our heels. Standing over a map with paperwork strewn about stood Hawkwood. He looked up as we entered nodding his head. Avalas ushered us around the map.

He coughed a few times for attention. "First things first, we're here." He pointed to Boulder Bay on the map. "And the end goal is here." He pointed at a circled city named 'Krazakon' far into the large river separating the Demons territory.

"Krazakon?" Verros raised an eyebrow.

"It's the closest city with a dock to the demons capital. It also helps that the Demon Lord there is loyal to the Queen. Well, at least on the surface." Ballud interjected.

Lord Avalas carried on. "we're making two stops on the way. The first stop is here, the city of Libertas, the 'Free City' and the only dock on the entire island."

The 'Free City' it was around even in my past life. It's been around for almost a thousand years as far as I know. A group of sailors managed to get shipwrecked on to the large island. Without anyway of contacting the Continent they build a settlement. When others found it they began to trade with it, eventually helping it become a city. No kingdoms had the right to claim it as it sat in the middle of the sea between the mortals and the Demons. The island also wasn't large enough to create a kingdom in itself. Of course the Deal Isles (or as they were called when I lived there the Southern Islands) King could have claimed it as it was very close to us, but he had no interest in expanding territory. So therefore it remained a free city, governed by a council consisting of one elected Merchant, one elected mercenary and a church representative.

Due to it being a free city anyone is allowed there, regardless of race or creed. So a lot of mercenaries make it their HQ. Even if it is only a HQ in name. Who wants to travel so far just to reach their main building?

I looked up from the map. "Why are we stopping off at Libertas?" I asked.

Avalas winked. "What other than supplies you mean? It's a good opportunity to hire some mercenaries. We might need them against the Empire, or more likely Lavias. Any help, helps. Right?" He grinned.

I tapped my chin. "How long will this all take?"

Avalas closed his eyes. "It'll take us about ten days to reach the Free City. We'll stay there for two to three days. Then it'll take just shy of two weeks to reach the Dead Isles. Finally after we've dropped you off it'll take us three to four weeks to reach Krazakon, depending on how much trouble we run in to regarding the fish life."

I nodded my head. Then narrowed my eyes. "Hold on, if you're dropping me off how will I get to the Demons territory later?"

"You got a lot of money from the Queen right? Just use that to hire one of the less hostile Dark Elf clans there to take you across." Avalas shrugged.

Great, so I just have to ask around until I find a clan that doesn't want to kill me, let's hope I'm lucky.

"Hold on." We all turned to owner of the voice, it was Verros. "This map clearly shows the Free City and parts of the Demons Territory closer to the Dead Isles, why are the Dark Elves targeting you?"

Ballud piped in. "Honestly we don't know. It could be that because we're weaker or something, but as far as I know Dark Elves should be inherently stronger than even Demons." Ballud narrowed his eyes at Verros. "We never were introduced. By your appearance you're a survivor of the Mountain Clans."

Verros bowed. "My name is Verros Ku Ron. Honourbound servant of Ellena."

Avalas grinned. "Oh, and how did that happen? I don't recognise him from the capital. So you found him on your way to the coast?" Avalas looked at me.

"I rescued him from Kol." I said monotone.

Avalas giggled. "HA! I knew it! So Kol was defeated by you? When we questioned him and he mentioned 'a big Dryad' I knew it had to be you." He calmed down. "Still, quite a feat, defeating the infamous Kol."

I scratched the back of my head. "I was more a draw than a victory." I mumbled. "Can I ask what you're going to do with him?"

The old lord tapped his nose. "Hm hm hmph! It's simple. We make a deal with the honourable bandit. He fights for us against our enemies up until Lavias, if he survives that he goes free." He winked. "We're also using many magics to concrete the deal, so if he tries to run. Zap! Bye bye bandit."

Huh... It's a better deal than we made. If he's working for the kingdom now does that mean that his men are even his men anymore? I'll have to talk to him when I return.

Avalas clapped his hands together. "Anyway, that's enough for today I think, don't you? Why don't you spend the rest of the day doing whatever you want?"

I looked over at Verros and nodded my head. "Thank you, Lord Avalas." With that we left the room.

...

For the rest of the day I trained with Verros. The ship was very tough, even so we had to hold ourselves back as to not damage it. I'm not entirely sure this counts as training since we're not going all out, but Verros does seem to be at least quicker than before. Besides, working up a sweat then watching the waves is a pleasant situation to be in.

Whilst we fighting Alvir had found that he very much enjoyed swimming in the water, he had a bit of trouble getting back on to the ship with it being so high up and all, but he was managing by himself somehow.

By the time the sun began to fall we had all worked up quite an appetite. We found our way to the kitchen, rows of table had sailors and soldiers on taking a break to eat, drink or just enjoy themselves.

It was nice to eat food made by an actual chef again, it was a delicious meal, of course I made sure to note that Ellephwen and Samoras cooking was still better. Verros told me that he wanted to taste it one day. That's something I haven't thought of, will those two accept Verros? I can't imagine them disliking him, but will they be comfortable with a stranger following me around?

...Will I even still be with Verros when I see them again? He said honourbound servitude, but I don't want to force him to travel with me.

No use thinking about it now.

...

I was thankfully put in a room with the other women on the ship, why thankfully? Let's just say Avalas did offer me the captains quarters, but for obvious reasons I rejected that.

Anyway, it seems at least for now the other women are staying away from me, whether that's because they don't want me to seduce them or they're intimidated by my height I don't know. Whatever the actual reason they all kept their distance.

Alvir was obviously allowed to stay with me, but with the hammock we were all given it was quite a tight fit. Not an uncomfortable one though.

As the slow rocking of the ship forced me in to the land of sleep I once again thought of my home, thinking about how much it will of changed.

To be honest I'm a little scared, but I have to do this.

~Day 82~

Today I learnt an important fact. One that I had never expected to learn in my previous life.

Dryads can get seasick.

I learnt this the hard way of course, by throwing up repeatedly over the side of the ship. I was fine yesterday due to the calm seas, but today the weather took a turn for the worst, the waves rose up high sometimes higher than the ship itself. We were rocking about all over the place and I seemed to be dealing with it the worst.

Ballud stood with his arms crossed and his face straight unmoving next to his lord, somehow he kept his balance with ease. Whilst the Lord in question giggled and chuckled as sailors and soldiers alike stumbled around him. Somehow the old man also kept his balance.

Alvir was loving the experience, he was smart enough to stay out of the water, but his tail wagged happily as he flew about the deck. Verros also appeared to be seasick, but to a much lesser degree than I. He could use some sort of meditation to keep most of the sickness away, I wish I had that ability.

It does make me wonder though, would I have gotten seasick as a human? I have a completely different body to back then, so would I have a different reaction to this rocking?

Not like I can find out, I just want to distract myself by thinking about something else.

...

Eventually the seas began to let up, the rain still pelted us and the ship still rocked, but I had let out so much from my stomach that there wasn't anything left. I was starving obviously, and somehow the chef kept the kitchen together. Other than a few vegetables and pots scattered around it looked no different.

After dinner I was just too exhausted to do anything else, I still felt quite sick. I decided to just try and get some sleep and hope tomorrow will have better weather.

I don't know if they were designed that way on purpose, but the hammocks rocked with the ship a bit, which slightly offset the sickness. It wasn't easy, but I finally managed to drift off.

~Day 83~

I didn't wake up refreshed, but I also didn't wake up utterly miserable. So I can't complain too much. Today's weather was better than yesterday, it was cloudy with patches of rain and whilst the ship rocked lightly it was nothing compared to yesterday.

I decided to look for Lord Avalas and Captain Hawkwood, I wanted to ask them about something, but I really couldn't yesterday...

I found them in the captains quarters stood around the map with a compass sitting on it. "What are you up to?" I asked.

Lord Avalas looked up from the map smiling. "Ah, we're just making sure the weather didn't put us too far off course. We're a bit off, but not enough to mess with the schedule."

"Ah, that reminds me. How did you two deal with what happened yesterday so easily?" I asked furrowing my brow.

Avalas chuckled. "I've been a sailor all my life. I wasn't just given a coastal city to look after you know? My father was the Lord before I. So as his son I was often given high positions in the Kingdoms fleets. As for Ballud..." The Lord shrugged. "He's Ballud, need I say more?" The Captain raised one eyebrow, but other than that kept his attention on the map. He wasn't in his armour at the moment, his broad well toned shoulders clearly visible under the rather tight shir- "Ahem. So was there something else you wanted." Avalas coughed to grab my attention, a cheeky smirk on his lips.

"Uh, ah yeah... I just wanted to know more about the situation in the Demons Territory..." I need to stop getting distracted.

Avalas narrowed his eyes. "Ellena, you aren't planning to get involved with the mess they're in are ya?"

"Well, I thought I would offer my help. I mean, we want this to be solved before we fight Lavias right?" I cocked my head.

Avalas tutted. "Sit down Ellena, I'll tell you what I know." I obliged and sat in the largest chair in the room, I could fit in normal sized chairs, but they weren't the most comfortable. Avalas sat next to me. "Now Ellena, you're strong, strong enough to defeat Kol at least. And sure you could take on most of the Rebel forces, but, but Ellena there are beings out there on a whole other level, and the Demons rebel army has plenty of them."

I thought for a moment. "I know there are plenty of incredibly powerful beings out there. I didn't mean to imply that I would take on their entire force. I just thought I could help speed up the end of the rebellion."

The old lord blinked a few times. He then gave a nervous laugh. "Oh... Serves me for getting serious for once." He rubbed the back of his head. "Besides, even with our help the rebellion will take years to end."

I felt my expression twist in confusion. "What? If that's the case won't the Queen be too busy dealing with her own problems to help us with ours?"

Avalas shook his head. "No. As far as I know she's coming personally along with her loyal butler. We've been told she's leaving 'her most loyal dog' in charge of things back home. That way they still have the army to keep order back home."

"To be honest we're lucky she decided to come in person. I would much rather have her than almost any army." Hawkwood piped in with his opinion.

I looked at the stoic faced man. "Is she strong?"

Hawkwood nodded. "We've only seen her once, it was a joint venture between our Kingdom and the Demons to take care of a particularly nasty sea monsters ravaging both our shores. Even I was having trouble with the beast, then she comes out of her cabin yelling at it to 'keep the noise down' she took it out with a few punches. Our ships were covered in the beasts viscera for days." He narrowed his eyes.

why do I feel a little jealous? Should I be feel jealous about him complimenting how good she is at beating things to a pulp? I feel as though that's an odd thing to get jealous about.

"She's also got a fine body for someone two centuries old." Avalas added a lecherous grin sprouting from his face. "Nice big breas-" A well place thump from the captain shut the perverted Lord up.

I'll ignore his comments. "If she's so powerful why doesn't she stomp out the rebels herself?"

"Simple. She doesn't know who the ringleaders are. If she kills the wrong person it will only help the true ringleaders." Avalas replied rubbing his head.

I sighed loudly leaning back in my chair. "Being a Queen sure seems tough." I remembered my conversation with Queen Melena.

Lord Avalas shrugged. "It isn't easy being anyone in power when you get down to it." He smiled broadly. "The perks are worth it though!" He began miming groping breasts which earned him another thump.

"What about the rebels themselves what do we know about them?" I asked.

Avalas scratched his rough chin. "Not much. They're called the New Monarch rebels and wrongly accuse the Demon Queen of being a tyrant. The power they have is clearly only possible with the support of a Demon Lord, so we can at least narrow down the leader to one of those." He looked up. "Was there anything else?"

I shook my head. "Not really."

Hawkwood looked up from the map. "Well, maybe you should go and get some more rest. You're still not looking well."

I felt my cheeks light up. "Uh. Yeah. Sure I'll, uh i'll go do that. Then." I stumbled out the door, as I left I heard the old man giggle. After a few seconds I crouched in to a ball.

"Guuuuu.!" Why am I acting like a love struck teenager, I barely know the man. The sailors around me pretended they didn't notice me and carried on with work.

To be honest I was still feeling ill, definitely not well enough to practice anything, so I decided to just rest for the rest of the day, try and get some sleep.

I told Verros where I was going, he nodded and carried on with his spear training, it seems as though he's fast at recovering annoyingly. For whatever reason none of my skills help with sea sickness, not even tough stomach, which means it's purely for food?

*sigh.*

Whatever, I'll just try and get some shut eye.

~Day 84~

I woke up the next day feeling well rested. I should hope so too with how long I slept. Even after how early I went to bed yesterday I still didn't wake up till mid morning.

Since I skipped dinner last night I was pretty hungry, I made my way to the kitchen. It was quite windy today, but the waves were relatively calm in comparison. It was dark day, but there wasn't much rain.

After my meal I found Verros and decided to do a bit of training. For today I thought I could possibly train up my Earthen Armour, whilst Verros could practice his spear skills. I stood still and took all of his attacks. We drew a bit of a crowd and a few of the soldiers decided they wanted to join in.

I was continually pounded by attacks, a few of the soldiers were clearly stronger than Verros, one or two pierced my armour. After a few hours I had to rest, exhausted from keeping up the armour for so long, although it wasn't for nought, I managed to level up my earth magic which has been a bit stagnant for a while.

I don't know how long he had been watching, but I noticed Captain Hawkwood after we finished. It wasn't quite a smile, but there was some hint of approval from his expression? He doesn't reveal many emotions in his face, but when he does they're incredibly subtle.

He asked me if I wanted to spar with him, to which I responded 'maybe some other day', I'm not playing hard to get or anything, I just really don't want to fight him even in mock battle. I don't expect I could do much to him, I gathered from yesterdays conversation that he's pretty strong. I don't know how much, but I would like to find out some day, preferably not first hand though.

After a short rest of tea and watching Alvir happily splash about in the sea, I sat down to carry on my study of the Goblin language. I'm starting to feel rather impatient now, I understand that for most people it takes years to learn a language, but I don't have years and I have a lot of other things to do.

It was mostly uneventful day in the end. Although the view it beautiful travelling across the sea is quite boring, huh? I always imagined there would be things to do, but it seems we just have to entertain ourselves.

At least I went to bed without feeling like I'm about to throw up this time.

~Day 85~

Today a few of the sailors went fishing, by that I mean they stood on the side of the ship with hooked spears attached to ropes and threw them at fish. Apparently the Krakens corruption even effects the size of the fish all the way out here. Although they don't seem to be so aggressive or large this far away, which means we can catch them freely.

It will be nice to eat fresh fish tonight, I've never tried my hand at any kind of fishing so I didn't take part. Verros on the other hand did very similar fishing in the mountains of his home, absent the ropes.

As for me I spent the day deciding my future. The fact is I have less than a year, and with the rate I'm currently going most of that will be travelling. How am I supposed to get stronger from travelling? Answer? I can't.

I placed the world map Ellephwen gave me on one of the tables outside the kitchen, making sure it didn't slip with four rocks. First of I think I should stay in the demon territory for a little while at least, I know that on top of being stronger than humanity they also have stronger monsters. Or at least the monsters on their continent are stronger. It will be a good place to train. It's a morbid thought, but if I help fight the rebels I'll also get a lot of levels from them. I noticed with the human bandits, but it would appear the intelligent races yield more levels than monsters. Well, I don't know if that's specifically humans or something, I'll have to test it out.

...Test it out, huh? That really is a dark way of thinking...

I shook my head, killing is unfortunately a large part of our world, perhaps my skills help me adapt to that fact.

Anyway after the Demons territory I originally planned to head to the Monster Continent, but honestly? I don't think I'll have the time, even I do make it there will I have enough time to get back to Lavias after he awakens?

I think I'll head in that direction anyway, even if it's just because I also want to head to the Empire. I made a promise with the Queen, even if I don't think I can accomplish it.

"Oh?" I turned around to find the door opening and Captain Hawkwood walking in carrying a lot of papers. "You're here too Miss Ellena?" He asked straight faced.

I hesitantly nodded my head. "Uh yeah. Just, planning my future I guess. What, uh what about you?"

Hawkwood walked over sitting near me. "Escaping from Lord Avalas." He said glancing in my direction.

Was that him being light hearted? He began writing on the piece of paper at the top of the pile. "Are you doing work right now?" I asked eyebrows raised.

He nodded. "Yes. The Captain of the Guard has a surprising amount of paperwork to sign. Although honestly I just get my Lieutenant to do most of the work. She's better at it than I."

She? "So uh... Are you and this Lieutenant... More?" WHY DID I JUST ASK THAT?!

Hawkwood stopped writing and turned to face me. "More?" He sighed. "No. She's a friend."

"I see." Why do I feel relieved damn it!?

"You do realise I'm almost middle aged right? You could get almost any pretty boy you wanted, you know?" He raised his eyebrows slightly. So he noticed? Oh God's...

"You noticed?" I whispered burying my face in my hands.

"I'm old, not dense." He replied.

"Honestly it's just a teenagers crush, nothing more." I wasn't lying, I've been in love before, this isn't quite that. I don't know if that'll change it the future.

Hawkwood turned back to his work. "Is that so? I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little disappointed."

I blinked a few times then began laughing. Ha ha haa! Is that your way of flirting? Do you ever loosen up?" I asked still grinning.

The Guard Captains lips twitched almost smiling. "I may not act like it, but I'm devoted to Lord Avalas. I haven't really had much time to meet women or learn to flirt with them. It's a bit depressing, but I'm quite inexperienced."

I smiled mischievously. "Are you a virgin?"

He turned his face to look at me. "Not quite that inexperienced."

My smiled mellowed. "I see. Well, I don't want to interrupt, I'll let you get on with your work." I began walking to the door then stopped just as I opened it. "Do you think you'll ever be with a woman? Get married?" I asked.

Hawkwood paused for a few moments. "If the right woman comes along." He answered without turning around.

"I see." I replied walking out the door and closing it behind me.

...

Later that day we ate the fish the sailors caught. They seemed pretty impressed with Verros who was getting quite popular with the crew of the ship. He didn't catch the most, but he caught a surprising amount. I'm glad that people are paying attention to him, it's making him smile.

After a rather delicious fish themed dinner most of us headed to our beds. The feast went on for quite a while and ended up being quite a party so it was already dark. Many of the soldiers ended up getting quite drunk, I would be lying if I said I didn't have a few ales myself.

As I got in to my hammock a smile still sat on my face. I managed to have a proper conversation with Hawkwood! I even flirted with him! I think... It was a bit different to most times I've flirted before... To be honest Hawkwood was different to most men I've been interested in, I know he's my type, but in my experience you don't always fall in love with people that are 'your type'.

Hawkwood was an especially difficult case, he always acts stoic, to the points he's almost emotionless. When a woman can finally make him crack a smile I'm sure he'll be happy with her.

I do wonder though, do I really have time to think about love with the situation I'm in? Besides, this is just a crush, in a few weeks time I'll probably just see him as something nice to look at.

Doesn't stop me enjoying it for now though.

[Name: Ellena]

[Age: 84 Days]

[Species: Virga Ferrea, Dryad]

[Height: 7'-3"]

[Sex: Female]

[Title/s: Kin of Ellephwen, Wolfmother.]

{Level: 59]

[Health: 6357/6357]

[Mana: 1532/1532]

[Stamina: 5746/5746]

[Hunger: 5746/5746]

[Attack: 5188]

[Defence: 7358]

[Magic Attack: 1616]

[Magic Defence: 3098]

[Skills: [Pain Resistance lvl 10 (Max)] [Poison Resistance lvl 8] [Mind Resistance lvl 2] [Venom Resistance lvl 7] [Night vision lvl 10 (max)] [Amplified Vision lvl 8] [{Mushroom Helmet lvl 57}] [tough stomach lvl 7] [Unarmed Combat Expert lvl 5] [Polearm Journeyman lvl 7] [Demifoot lvl 2] [Warriors Heart lvl 38] [Warriors Will lvl 25] [Warriors Strength lvl 26] Up! [Greater Regeneration lvl 4] [Guardian lvl 8] [Dryads Charm lvl 8] Up! [Skinning lvl 5] [Tanning lvl 4] [Leatherworking lvl 3] [Carving lvl 2] [Earth Magic lvl 6] Up! [{Wolfmother lvl 7}]]

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Author notes: Can't wait to reach the Demon Queen and the Demons territory in general. Demon Queens one of my favourite characters for some reason. How do people feel about Lord Avalas and captain Hawkwood after a chapter with them?