Author notes: Hey there everybody!

We reached 700 followers, thanks a lot people!

I actually got this chapter out earlier than I thought I would, I've been on holiday, but managed to get a bit of writing done. I like this chapter, I hope you do too. Although I have to say I think it's a bit of a tease. :)

Also, if anyone is interested, I am still drawing the characters from chapter 18, I've just not felt like drawing recently. I still have a document for the order I'm drawing them in.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy the chapter!

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~Day 101~

I must admit, the way I woke up today made me a little bit happy... Okay very happy. Resting on my left shoulder was Hawkwood, whilst on my right sat Verros. Two very good looking men. Well one of them is still a teenager. Either way it's not the worst way to wake up.

Well, that is until you look around. The was completely torn to shreds, I know it's tough, but it's still surprising it's even floating right now. At least the bodies have been cleared, I asked one of the passing soldiers and he said they got on with repairs and the like without us as they wanted us to rest after all we've done.

I thanked him, but decided to get up anyway. Though I let the others keep resting, only I have such a strong regenerative skill, not even Hawkwood had recovered. His body still held many cuts and bruises, if he's like that, I can't even imagine how much pain Avalas would be in.

So, I'll just let them rest. I have something I need to check anyway, Alvir should be finished with his evolution by now... I need to check what he's become. I asked one of the sailors where he was, I was pointed towards the front of the ship, the man had a rather troubled expression. However, as I made my way through the busy soldiers and the torn up deck what greeted me wasn't exactly what I was expecting. I could see why a lot of the soldiers seemed a little on edge. The Wolf in front of me... Alvir, had become an Alpha.

[Name: Alvir]

[Age: 1 year, 114 Days]

[Species: Alpha Berserker ,Grey Wolf]

[Height: 6'-11"]

[Sex: Male]

[Title: Packmember, Alpha]

{Level: 01] + 100

[Health 1219/1219] +1024

[Mana: 325/325] +294

[Stamina: 2233/2233] +1921

[Hunger: 1591/2233] +1921

[Attack: 3196] +2781

[Defence: 633] +505

[Magic Attack: 284] +255

[Magic Defence: 86] +65

[Skills: [Packmember lvl 9] Up! [Pain Resistance lvl 8] Up! [{Wolfs bite lvl 16}] Up! [Bloodhunter Lvl 5] Up! [Alphas Call Lvl 1] New!]

He had become massive, as tall as, if not taller than Hawkwood. His body had become streamlined, longer whilst the red stripes on his fur now ended at the end of his body and streaked of like mini tails. The hair on his head had become almost mane like fluffing up at the back of his head. Red patterns covering it.

Wait, no! Before I admire how awesome my little Alvir has become, look at those stats! Looking at them now makes me realise I haven't actually checked his stats in quite a while, since he last evolved actually. The rate at which he's growing is scary... Wait, is that much different than me though? It must be because he's my packmember. Well, I did discover that everyone else is growing at a faster rate too, but his growth of speed is still even faster than them.

I guess the jump up to an Alpha probably helps too. I wonder where he can go from now though, since he's evolved in to an Alpha, what can he evolve in to next? A different breed of Wolf? That's the only direction I can really think of, but I can't think of what it would be. He's also got a new skill... Alphas Call... I wonder if that has effects similar to Wolfmother? I'll find out in time, for now, I need to give my big furball a petting. His coat looks so soft and silky now.

"Alvir!" I called out to him. As soon as his name left my lips his tail began wagging happily. He turned around and jumped me, slathering my face in Wolf saliva. "Wait, Alvir! Whilst I'm glad you're happy to see me, could you please stop drowning me!" I spluttered.

Then, he got off. He sat down, still wagging his tail with his head tilted. Usually Alvir can mostly understand me, but this seems a bit different. "Alvir, can you understand what I'm saying?" I asked. With an immediate response he nodded his head. "You can understand every word I say?" Once again Alvir nodded in reply, this time with an affirmative bark.

Wow, so he can fully comprehend me now, I wonder if he can understand anyone in the common tongue, or just me? "Alvir, can you understand other people, like the sailors?" I asked him another question. Again, he just nodded, his tongue hanging in the wind.

How can such a large creature still be so cute, I wonder? I lent in and gave Alvir a hug, his soft and fluffy mane almost enveloping me.

"Ellena... is that Alvir?" I didn't need to turn around to know that was Verros stood behind me.

"Mmmhmm." I nodded still resting on Alvirs fur.

"He's, uh, gotten a bit bigger." Verros commented , surprise in his voice. "Anyway... Avalas has called a meeting, he asked me to come and get you." Verros tapped on my shoulder, when I turned he motioned his head towards the back of the ship.

So the old man is awake, huh? I thought he might get himself and Hawkwood checked by the healers first rather than call an immediate meeting. Hopefully that means neither of them suffered any permanent damage. I got up and began walking towards the meeting with the large Alvir in tow, there were a lot of surprised gasps. Not everyone has seen him yet it would seem.

We were the last to arrive at the meeting, Hawkwood sat down on a chair next to Avalas who was also sitting down. Both looked quite exhausted. Avalas raised his hand to ask the crew to be quiet. "I'm sure you're all exhausted, possibly confused and most likely angry. The fact is we just survived an attack from a very powerful monster. However, as you all know, not all of us were lucky, we lost about a third of the crew." Avalas fell silent for a moment, taking a deep breath and looking at the floor. "Nobody could have predicted that an Sea Lord would be here, and there's a high possibility that the other Sea Lords have moved too. As we survived, we know about this, we'll know to be careful, cautious, but others will not. Therefore we have an obligation to inform everyone. On the central continent, on the Demons Continent, the Independent city and the Dead Isles." He looked in my direction as he said the last part.

There was a lot of muttering in the crowd, these were professional soldiers or sailors, they had all seen comrades or friends die before. So it wouldn't take too long for them to be back in normal condition, still, this was a lot to think about. After all they'd been through they would then have to go and warn everyone? Without rest? I'm not entirely sure what was going on in their minds, but I'm certain they'll do their duty. Even if they're not entirely sure about it.

"Some good news though, we're getting close to the shallows of the Dead Isles, so we won't have to worry about any more Sea Monsters for the next week or so. Which reminds me Ellena. We were blown a little of course, so whilst we're closer to the Dead Isles it may take a day or two more to navigate to the right Island." Avalas nodded towards me.

I shrugged my shoulders. "Honestly at this point I'm just happy that I'm getting there." A few members of the crew chuckled. I scratched my head smirking. Without anything else to talk about, the healer forced Avalas and Hawkwood down stairs to get some proper treatment.

For the rest of the day Verros and I helped to return the ship to working form. The mood wasn't much better than before, but knowing that we didn't have to stay on guard for anymore monsters was something at least.

By the end of the day we had managed to rid the ship of blood stains and bodies, the deck was still ripped up, but there wasn't anything we could do about that. We would need to get it repaired at a shipwrights. So that will have to wait until the ship reaches the Demons Continent. It should hold up until then.

I had an early dinner and decided to retire early. Even though I had fully recovered physically I was still mentally exhausted. Nobody onboard had the energy to stay awake much longer.

So as the moon rose, the ship was already silent. Before I went to bed I lay a soft blanket for Alvir to sleep on, he's much too large to snuggle in my hammock now. I think it would break from the weight.

The last few days still didn't feel real, it was the first time I saw allies die, I'm feeling better now, but I don't think I'll forget what I saw anytime soon.

~Day 102~

Today was another day of repairs, or at least temporary repairs until we reach Krazakon. Or well, until they reach Krazakon rather, it's only a few days away until I'm off this ship after all.

I wonder if I'll be able to meet back up with them when I reach the Demons Continent? They were originally going to be staying for a few months at least, but I wonder if they will now, what with the Sea Lords and all... I'll ask Avalas sometime.

Speaking of Avalas, him and Hawkwood are still laying in their respective beds recovering. I keep forgetting that humans take more than one day to recover, especially from wounds like what they suffered. Avalas, a normal human has a broken arm and several other wounds. He'll be up and about by tomorrow probably, but his arm won't be fixed for a few weeks yet. Hawkwood, now he would recover from Avalas' wounds in a day or two tops, but the damage he suffered would have killed anyone else on this ship ten times over, so he'll take a while longer to recover himself.

I still can't believe he managed to fight such a powerful monster on equal footing, if he's only the second strongest in the Kingdom, what the hell can Roland do? Would he have been able to fight everything attacking us on his own? Single handed? Well, I don't think he could have done that, we were heavily restricted by the ship after all, if it was a fight on solid ground that we didn't have to worry about destroying the battle would have been much more in our favour. I would love to one day see Hawkwood go all out, however that would require a situation where he would need to go all out. Which I'm not sure I want to see... What a complicated desire...

Verros somehow only sustained quite light injuries, probably thanks to being given the task of guarding Avalas. As he didn't have to fight the Sea Lords main force he didn't get as injured. Well, thanks to that he's helping mend the ship at the moment.

Today we wanted to focus on at least making it possible to walk around the deck. We ripped up any planks of wood that were jutting up out of the deck, then patched any holes with spare planks in the hold, or just using random pieces of debris since there was plenty scattered around. Even Alvir helped by carrying heavy planks in his mouth. Thanks to his new understanding of the common tongue he became a much loved helper to the crew, even though they were so wary of him when he first evolved they're all giving him pets just one day later. I think he's helping to cheer everyone up to, at least he's cheering me up.

He's also able to swim in the sea again, Avalas told us that we wouldn't have to worry about anymore Sea Monsters, so I let him have a swim as thanks for helping us repair the deck.

When we had finished repairing what we could of the deck, most of us headed for bed. After a meal of course, the chef survived the battle, which made many people happy. I think my cooking is alright, but I don't think I could cook for so many people.

Tomorrow, the plan was to start work on the front of the ship, where the Sea Lord gripped on, it's the most damage and we're constantly taking at least a little water from it.

Alvir seemed a little sad about having to sleep away from me now, but the little makeshift bed I made for him caught on quick since he fell asleep before I did.

Since Avalas should recover by tomorrow I think I'll also ask him how his plans have changed, I need to know whether I'll see them again in the Demons Territory. It would be bad to not see Hawkwood again... Oh, and Avalas, I guess...

~Day 103~

Just as planned we got to work on the front of the ship today. It was a daunting and strange sight. There was a huge whole where his mouth was, rows of teeth still embedded in the hull of the ship.

On the sides where he gripped the ship with his tentacles a few giant teeth from them were also stuck. Each tooth half the size of a human. The crew had grim faces as we pulled them out a threw them away. A few of us mused on keeping a few as trophies, but seeing them would only give us bad memories of what happened.

I carried on helping them fix the front until the afternoon at which point I spotted Avalas up and walking around, checking up on the crew. Since it was about to get dark anyway, it was a good opportunity to ask him about his plans.

When I found him, he led me in to the captains cabin, his broken arm had been wrapped up and suspended from his neck. After we sat down I asked him if his plans had changed.

He lent back and rubbed his forehead. "Hrmm... Whilst we haven't decided anything for definite, there isn't much change. My original task was to help the Demon Queen fight off New Monarch, at least temporarily. That's still my main task, I can warn other nations via letter."

"Will a letter be enough? What if it doesn't reach some nations?" I asked.

"I was also planning on requesting the Demon Queen to send two messengers to each Kingdom. I don't have enough men left to spare for such a task, but other than a letter, there's not much I can do personally." He let out a long sigh. Even though it had only been a few days, the whole ordeal seemed to have taken a lot out of him, he looked several years older.

I smiled and patted his arm. "Cheer up, Old Man. If you of all people are down, what will your men think?"

He looked in to my eyes and smirked. "That's true, gotta keep morale up and all that." He took one last deep breath then patted his leg with his good arm. With one last nod he went back out on deck and began cheerily conversing with the crew.

It's a start I suppose, even then the crews going to notice he's not his usual self. Personally, I think it's a good thing he still takes it so hard when he loses men, if he had gotten over it straight away I would have been disappointed.

Well, since he told me there was no change to his schedule, I at least know the chance of meeting up with them again is very high. So I can stop worrying about one thing at the very least.

When I went outside I found Verros fishing with some of the crew, out of everything to be damaged in the fighting his fishing rod hadn't suffered a single scratch, so he was once again fishing. Although I can't help but notice his little fishing group had grown even smaller.

For dinner that night we had the fish that they had caught, nothing too large or dangerous looking, which is just proof that we're in the shallows.

Since I wasn't too tired I also decided to stay up for the nights sky. Not for too long, but it would be nice to see it again. As usual I was joined by Alvir and Verros, but today we also found Avalas with us, and one of the soldiers. One of the stronger ones, stronger than Verros.

"Miss. Ellena. My name is Lason. You saved me several times back there, I just wanted to thank you. If you weren't there, I'm sure it would have gone a lot worse." The man Lason smiled at me softly, this was the first time I've heard one of the soldiers names, even though we were fighting together with our lives on the line earlier... How strange.

I shook my head. "It's fine, besides, it's thanks to Hawkwood that we're all still alive, not me."

Lason gave a nervous laugh. "It's true that once again that the Captain saved us all, but he can't do everything, especially with the situation we were in. If he didn't conserve his strength he couldn't have won. And it's thanks to you and your party that he could conserve his strength." Lason clasped my hand and shook it. "In any case thank you."

I scratched my cheek feeling embarrassed. I turned around to see Verros doing the same whilst sitting on the rail fishing. I also saw Alvir blushing and looking away. Alvir... An almost seven foot wolf should not be acting like a coy teenage girl.

Lason let go of my hand. "So this is the nights sky that I've heard so much about." He lent on the railing looking up to the sky.

Avalas stood next to him. "See, I told you young Lason, beautiful right?" He grinned.

Lason nodded, a serine smile on his face. "It certainly is. A shame you didn't convince me to come out sooner Mi'lord."

The Old Lord smirked ."Fu fu fu fu~ Of course the sky's not as beautiful as my little Ellena." He gave me a wink.

I chuckled in reply. "Glad to see you're on the road to recovery."

For a little why longer we all stood there, watching the nights sky fly far above us. The first to go to bed was Avalas. Then we all soon followed. Before he went to the men's quarters I stopped Lason, to ask the other twos name. He immediately knew who I meant, the three soldiers who stood out the most. Apparently they had been with Hawkwood since he first started working for Avalas. The other two's names were Kuuli, the woman and 'Bear' the other man. called as such because he used to fist fight bears when he was younger. I guess that's why he's strong...

When I left for my own bed I saw Verros talking to Lason, perhaps they were swapping techniques? I don't know. Still, it's always good to see him talking to someone.

As I fell asleep, all I could think about was about how close I am to my old home. It's been the same thought for the past few nights. I'm so close now, and I have no idea what I'll find.

~Day 104~

Just as I thought, we finally arrived at the islands today. Although it was only the outskirts. Avalas told me that it would still take another day to reach the centre, as we would have to navigate all around the islands.

Of course we now had to be on guard again, whilst we didn't have to worry about Sea Monsters, we would have to worry about the Dark Elves. These are their Islands now after all. We were always within arrow or magic distance from at least one island. So whilst some of us still concentrated on repairing the ship, the mages and those skilled with bows and arrows stood guard on either side of the ship.

It led to quite an intense day, not as bad as when we were under attack of course. We weren't anywhere near as worried, especially since all the Dark Elves around here are supposed to be quite weak. Still, it would be stupid to fall for an ambush, so we kept up our defences.

Also, Hawkwood was finally up and about. He was covered from head to toe in various bandages, but he was alive. The healers forbade him from helping out in anyway though, so even though he was irritated he had to sit back and watch. Well, the rest of us didn't mind him not helping, he did enough for us in the fight. For now he should rest.

In fact a lot of the crew were fussing over him, making sure he was well fed and had plenty to drink. I can't be sure, but I think I saw a frown on his usually expressionless face. It made me smile.

I also went to see him, I didn't want to fuss over him though, he seems annoyed with it all. I sat down next to him. "You feeling alright?" I asked.

He nodded. "This isn't the worst state I've been in, so I'm alright."

Not the worst state, huh? Even so, I don't think 'fine' would be the right word for it, he's not fine. He's very, very badly injured. Does he have to be so 'manly' all the time?

I sighed. "So you don't want me to dote on you or anything?"

Hawkwood eyes widened slightly. "I've been doted on enough, thanks." He scratched at a bandage on his arm. "Although if it's you..." I heard him mutter.

I broke out is a grin, my face turning red. "Huh? What was that?" I raised my ear up to him.

Hawkwood turned to me his face betraying no emotion. "You're going to have to do better than that. I'm not so easily flustered." He stated, straight faced.

For a moment I just sat there stunned. Then I burst out laughing. "What?" He asked tilting his head lightly.

Through the laughter I managed to squeeze out "Not so easily flustered." I don't know what it was, but something about that line just tickled me.

After a few minutes I calmed down. After I caught by breath I turned to him. "Sorry. Sorry. I don't know why, but that line... It just killed me."

Hawkwood seemed to pout. "It feels like you're mocking me." He complained.

I rubbed his shoulder. "I'm not. I swear." I replied with a warm smile. Somehow, despite Hawkwoods overly serious nature, he completely wiped away my tension from a few days ago. After a few more minutes sitting there with him, I left to get back to work.

The end of the day came, and there was not a single incident with the Dark Elves. I don't how, or why but we managed to survive the day untouched. Perhaps we were just lucky and they didn't spot us, or maybe they don't inhabit these islands?

As night fell, I once again spent it watching the stars. Although I'll admit, now that we're in the islands, they're a lot less impressive. They're not that much different to how they were when I used to live here. Still, it had now become a nice social event. As on top of those that came last night we also had Hawkwood, Kuuli and Bear.

Lason must have told them. It's a shame that they couldn't have seen the full, beautiful night. I had a small chat to Kuuli and Bear. Bear wears full plate armour, you can't see an inch of skin on him. He's similar to Hawkwood personality wise, but he has a much shorter temper, often using his rage in battle. Kuuli is a lean, but muscular woman. probably in her late twenties- early thirties. She smiles a lot, but it's not a soft smile. It's a full on grin, the way she acts makes me think she was quite a tomboy as a child.

Well, none of us stayed up too long this night, Hawkwood was forced to retire by the healers, and without the usual mesmerising night I didn't have too much reason for staying up late. The only ones that stayed were Lason and Kuuli, as they were up for night shift. Kuuli had skill with the bow, and Lason had some skill with Fire magic. So they had the duty of watching out for Dark Elves.

I wonder if I'll also see them again? I think they should survive the trip to the Demons Capital, but it's not I know that for sure.

...Still. I can't believe it took me this long to learn any of the crews names. I guess I should count myself lucky in that regard, thanks to that I didn't lose any friends.

Verros on the other hand, he did, but he also lost his entire clan. Would it be cruel to say that made him tough enough to recover from losing friends? Or maybe he's just tough on his own. I can't say I know too much about the Mountain Clans, and whilst Verros is proud of who he is, he doesn't talk about them.

It'll be just us and Alvir again soon. Maybe I should ask him then?

~Day 105~

It was early afternoon by the time I spotted it. My Island. My home. Or at least, the dock-town Havens Shore. I don't know how, but the dock was mostly intact, despite the face that half the town was completely flooded. I can find my way home from here, but I think there will probably be a lot of obstacles on the way, a lot of areas which have been completely submerged and the like.

Still, it's time, time to go. It's an odd feeling. It's different from when I left Ellephwen and Samora, as it's a lot more likely I'll see these guys soon. I still don't want to part though.

Since I wasn't able to bring my wagon with me, I'm having to leave a lot of stuff behind. Avalas who was overseeing us came over to talk to me about it. "It'll be fine Ellena. I'll make sure to look after your stuff, tanning kit and all." He smiled and patted my arm. I nodded lightly. "Is something wrong?" He asked.

I wrapped my arm around his small body, making sure not to hold on too tight. "I'm gonna miss you Avalas." After a few seconds I lent back. "For some reason..." I added at the end.

Avalas scoffed. "I'll miss you too, young lady." He stroked my cheek. "Still, we'll be sure to see you at the Demons Capital, right?" He asked.

I nodded my head. Then turned to see Alvir whining and being fussed over by a lot of the crew. Including Kuuli. I wished her goodbye, shaking hands with her. I also found Bear and Lason, doing the same with them. I haven't talked to the two of them very much, but I'll be more than happy to see them again. There was one more person I had to say goodbye to, but I couldn't see him.

What I could see was Verros having a group hug with his fishing buddies, tears in a few of their eyes. They really bonded... Over fishing. I don't really understand it myself, but I'm happy for him. After wishing a few other members of the crew well, he finally made his way over, weapon in one hand, fishing rod in the other. I think I saw him rub a few tears out of his eyes, but I could be imagining it.

He jumped over the side of the ship on to the dock where I was. "Have you seen Hawkwood?" I asked him.

His eyebrows scrunched up in confusion. "Wait, haven't you said goodbye to him yet?" He asked.

I shook my head. "No, I haven't seen him."

Verros widened his eyes. "They said they were already getting ready to leave, you'd better hurry!"

What!? They're leaving already. Don't tell me he intends to leave without saying goodbye!? I ran up to the side of the ship slamming my arms on the railing. "HAWKWOOD!? HAS ANYONE SEE-"

"I'm here, no need to shout." I was interrupted by the man himself. Who came out of the Captains Cabin waddling towards me. I forgot, he's still injured he probably wasn't allowed. When he made it to the other side of the railing opposite me he looked me in the eyes. "Did you need something?" He asked.

I could feel the gaze of the crew on me. Now it's just embarrassing. I blushed lightly. "I just... I'll miss you... Balud." I could see Avalas grinning out the corner of my eyes, so I averted my gaze.

Then... I felt something brush my cheek, the tickling sensation of facial hair, and the softness of lips. I turned and looked up to see Hawkwood leaning up and back, an actual smile on his face. "So will I, Ellena."

As he said that, the ship began to move, away from me. I heard a lot of whooping and cheering from the crew and Avals was full on cackling. However, I couldn't say anything. I stood still, mouth open dumbfounded.

After the ship disappeared behind the trees still growing on the edge of the island, I finally snapped out of it. I turned to see a smug smile on Verros' face, and what could only be described as the same expression on the face of Alvir.

I pushed past them feeling irritated. What the hell? Just kissing me out of nowhere like that? I mean sure it was only on the cheek, but there was also that smile afterwards. What a deadly combo... "God's damn you Hawkwood." I muttered under my breath. You'd better be at the Demons Queens castle when I arrive, damn it.

"Do you know which way you're going?" Verros asked catching up to my side.

I turned to him and nodded. "Whilst I've never seen the sea, I have seen Havens Shore on a map. I recognised it from that. Eventually we'll get far enough in that I should know where we are... Unless it's changed completely in the past few hundred years." I commented.

Verros frowned. "Or unless your old village isn't even there anymore." I grimaced. I've tried not to think about it too much, but there is that possibility. For now though we'll just keep walking.

As we kept walking I allowed Alvir to go 'play', even though there aren't any monsters around here that could level him or I very much, he hasn't been able to hunt for a while. So I thought I would let him loose, at least for today. I did tell him to be on the lookout for Dark Elves though, they're meant to be not to strong, but as I've never even fought a Demon before I have no idea how 'weak' that is. Could I take on a family of these Dark Elves? Could I take on a village of Demons? Not that I'd want to attack some random village. I'm just wondering at where my strength stacks compared to them.

As we progressed further through the island; if you could still call it that I began to notice a few landmarks I know of. Oddly shaped rocks, or specific old trees. Things I haven't seen in real life, but I know off. Which means we're at least going the right way.

It had already begun to get a little dark by the time we reached anywhere I had actually been. Thanks to the broken apart Island and several new deep rivers our journey took a lot longer than it would have before.

Still, we finally arrived on the outskirts of my old farm, a specific well to be exact. One that had become disused before I had even been born at the very edge of my farm. Just beyond it I could see a few fences still standing. I smiled grimly. It looks like the farm is above water, but of course it's become a ruin. I could see a few small farm buildings, all desolate and damaged. Seeing it like this, when less than a year ago to me, it all stood proud. Just as I did.

I always thought I was quite a good farmer.

Still, what we found next surprised me more than anything else. When we reached my old house, I was expecting it to be just as wrecked as everything else, but.... It stood exactly the same as it used to. Not a lick of damage on it. Same with my old barn, completely fine. Did people live here after I left?

Did this place somehow survive everything without a single scratch? Even if it didn't get damaged from the Krakens attack, surely it should still be overgrown or something?

Does someone live here now? I gulped and hesitantly opened the door. Inside... Was almost no different to when I used to live here.

"No way." I muttered amazed.

Verros came in behind me, looking confused. "Is this your old house?" He asked. I nodded in reply, mouth open from shock. "But, it's been several hundred years, right?" I nodded again. "Then how..."

I shook my head. "I don't know. Maybe someone I knew from the village survived and maintained it... But then, they would have died from old age eventually so..."

Verros clasped his hand against his chin. "Maybe the Dark Elves have been using it?" He said.

I sighed. "Then why would they not change the interior at all. This hasn't changed at all." I sighed again.

Verros' face lit up. "You mean all this is yours?"

I shrugged. "I guess so?" Some of my possessions wouldn't last that long, so it must have been remade, or something, but why exactly the same as before?

Verros walked over to a painting on the wall, it was a painting my friends had commissioned for my 18th birthday. Half the village put their money together for it as thanks for all the food my farm provided them. The painting had my old, long curly red hair flowing over my shoulders. The memory made me feel very melancholic. "Is this you?" Verros pointed up at the painting.

I smiled sadly. "Yep. That was me. It's so weird, looking at it now, when I look like this."

Verros turned back to the painting and studied it for a while. "You haven't changed that much." He commented.

I blinked a few times then laughed. "Haven't changed that much? I definitely wasn't seven foot tall before!" I chuckled.

Verros shrugged with a small smile on his face. "It just... It looks like you, I don't know how to put it."

To be honest, I do think that my current face at least looks a little like I used to, but I wouldn't say it's recognisable.

Still, even if the fact that my house is like this is a bit weird, I should be grateful for now, since I can sleep soundly here. It's already night, so I'll have to find out why it's like this tomorrow. Something tells me it has something to do with my old village, that same something also tells me that my village is intact.

I wonder if I'll find some cursed unliving/ undead villagers when I go there tomorrow? I smirked at myself. How I hope that's not true.

I cooked a small meal for Verros and I, Alvir had his share of wild monsters for dinner. In fact he even managed to level up once from all the weak monsters around here. Honestly I'm worried about how many he hunted. At least he doesn't attack just anything, right? Well, we survived the entire trip without him attacking anyone. So I at least know he only attack monsters, or maybe he just attacks those I tell him are okay to attack? That's probably it, knowing him.

After dinner I let Verros have my old bed, my current body is too large for it. Instead I slept on the floor, using Alvir as a soft pillow. A mix of thoughts were going through my head.

Whilst I'm happy my old house is intact, I'm also worried about why that's the case. Does it have something to do with the Dark Elves. Speaking of which, we haven't seen any all day. Where are they, I wonder? It's still such an usual feeling, being here again. Finally being here, after all this time...

I let out a deep sigh. I'm here already, so I suppose I'll find out sooner rather than later, huh?

[Name: Ellena]

[Age: 104 Days]

[Species: Virga Ferrea, Dryad]

[Height: 7'-3"]

[Sex: Female]

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

{Level: 90]

[Health: 10469/10469]

[Mana: 2134/2134]

[Stamina: 8935/8935]

[Hunger: 8935/8935]

[Attack: 8180

[Defence: 11773]

[Magic Attack: 2201]

[Magic Defence: 5109]

[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 9] [{Mushroom Helmet lvl 65}] [tough stomach lvl 7] [Unarmed Combat Expert lvl 7] [Polearm Journeyman lvl 9] [Demifoot lvl 5] [Warriors Heart lvl 42] [Warriors Will lvl 29] [Warriors Strength lvl 32] [Greater Regeneration lvl 6] [Guardian lvl 9] [Dryads Charm lvl 9] [Skinning lvl 5] [Tanning lvl 4] [Leatherworking lvl 4] [Carving lvl 2] [Earth Magic lvl 7] [{Wolfmother lvl 9}] Up! ]

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Author notes X: See? Do you think the last day was a bit of a tease? ^_^

Also as usual, reviews would be cool. I got some good ratings from the last chapter so thanks for that! :)

Fiction page

Also, was Alvirs evolution what you were expecting? I'm sure there will be some people disappointed with what I went with, but it's been planned like this for quite a while.

Anyway, thanks for reading!