~Day 131~

The day we set off has finally arrived, it's only early dawn yet the whole army is awake. Torvinn woke up earlier than the rest of us, making sure we each got on the correct ship. Odwiff, Verros, Gial, Alvir and I were all piled on to one ship, the ship holding the majority of the armies gear. It was though that the strongest force should guard it just in case Ekri tries anything. Next to us, in the water Venya begrudgingly swam alongside the ship barely awake. I made sure to have a stick handy to poke her if she started to fall asleep, Frogs can swim, but they can also drown.

It took a few hours for the entire force to be boarded, leaving the ex slaves behind of course, they had no reason to fight and they didn't have the strength anyway. With everyone as prepared as they could be we set sale for Miracle Island.

Through the tame waters of the Dead Isles we made good speed, it only took half a day to reach the great island. At the south face none of Ekris Orcs were waiting for us, at least none that we could see.

Wanting to give them no chance to catch us unawares we began making camp as soon as we departed the ships. It was Gials and my job to make room in the trees, we had to make a bit of noise doing it, but it was the fastest way.

As morning changed in to afternoon we had already cleared enough room to camp. It's not like the camp would be there for any length of time, so it was quite makeshift looking, trunks of trees roped together for makeshift walls. Cloth held up by branches for quick roofs. As they made a place to rest each Elf was given a set of armour and a weapon, the rest of us set up on the outskirts of the camp setting up traps and lookouts. I created several hidden spike traps around the camp and made sure to tell Torvinn so we didn't accidentally lose any of our force before the time. Verros set up several tripwire traps along with the help of Gial. Finally Odwiff set up some hastily put together crossbows to be triggered by the tripwires. It won't stop the stronger Orcs, but should hold back the masses should they try a sneak attack.

When we had finally dug in and all Elves were armed, it was already dark. We made even better time than we planned. Whilst the others were eating, it was my turn to be on guard duty. However just before I left Odwiff stopped me. "Lass, since we could truthfully be attacked at any moment, I thought It'd be best I give this to you now." He told me a tender smile on his face. He held a large sack that almost dragged on the ground behind him, hauling it over his shoulder he let it rest on the floor in front of us. The bag opened as it hit the dirt revealing the contents. A steel set of armour. The chest in segments for ease of movement, branches carved on to it's surface in golden trim. The rest of the armour were of similar designs, boots, leggings, shoulder pauldrons, gauntlets.

I looked up at Odwiff "Is this, for me?" I asked surprise in me voice.

Odwiff smiled bashfully scratching the back of his balding head. "Aye that it is. I'm afraid I didn't have much time so it's not my best work. I also didn't have any real Dwarven steal, so I hope you'll excuse the poor quality." He chuckled.

I picked up the chest plate. It almost shined in fires dotting the camp, it was thick, but somehow quite light. I turned it around to look at the inside which was lined with soft fur, it also seemed to glow a dull blue colour. "It's... Amazing." I managed to stammer out.

Odwiff grinned scratching his beard coated chin. "Well I guess it's not that bad." His eyes began to glint. "There's still one more little surprise though, put it on." He hastened me with his hands.

I did as he asked, it was made perfectly to fit on my large body, no part too tight or too loose. Even with such little time Odwiff made it so perfect. You can't fault Dwarven smithing. However, when the armour was on I felt something strange. Like my body strengthen. I looked over to Odwiff with a confused look.

Odwiff smirked. "Ah you've noticed? Ya'see lass, we Dwarves aren't too good with most magic, there's the odd exception but we usually can't use any powerful spells. However, we have a mana pool just like anyone else, so using that, we have perfected the art of enchanting." He said smugly.

"Enchanting? I've never heard of it before." I shrugged.

Odwiff nodded his head. "That should be the case, we don't exactly advertise it. I think I can trust you to keep this little Dwarven secret though lass." He winked.

I paused to look down at my new armour. It felt much more comfortable than my previous home made leather armour. "So what exactly is it?" I asked.

Odwiff patted his chin with his forefinger. "How exactly to describe it I wonder? Well, to start of with, the armour is enchanted to enhance your natural defence, the more you have the more it enhances." I took a look at my defence, [Defence: 46960 + 20000] indeed there was now an odd edition in there. So does that mean my total is now 66960? That's quite a significant improvement.

"That's never happened when I've worn armour before." I replied, slightly in awe.

Odwiff nodded. "Of course lass, normal armour just adds another layer of protection to your body, it's just physical, it has nothing to do with your stats. This, however, is magic infused in to the armour. It affects your stats almost directly." He paused for a moment rubbing his beard. "If you prefer think of it as an extra layer of armour between the steel and your skin." He smiled.

I took one last peek down at my armour, then rushed forward and picked up the small man in front of me bracing him in a hug. "Thank you, Odwiff." I smiled.

Odwiff laughed. "It's no problem. Although lass, I can't say I'm used to being picked up." He chuckled nervously.

I blinked a few times before letting him back down. "Oh yeah, of course. Sorry Odwiff." I looked away face turning red.

Odwiff's laugh turned in to a fatherly smile. He patted my leg. "It's alright lass, now you'd best get to your duti-" His sentence was cut short by a loud yelling from the northern end of the camp.

"EKRI! THE ENEMY IS HERE!" Odwiff and I exchanged glances, before sprinting towards the sound. Alvir, who was soundly napping nearby awoke too, chasing close behind us.

As we reached the north of the camp I skidded to a halt immediately activating my Mushroom Bubble as large as I could. I looked around at who it covered. A few Dark Elves, including our leaders, Torvinn, Gial and Tiva. Then then was Odwiff, Verros Alvir and Me. All our strongest warriors. I then turned to face forward, there stood Ekri with a single orc at her side, Wrok. Just the two of them. Ekri had a smirk on her face.

She folded her arms. "So you made it? Funny, after our last meeting I thought you'd have ran already." She chuckled.

Torvinn stepped forwards. "The Dark Elves are no cowards, Ekri."

Ekri began walking forwards. "Could have fooled me." She chuckled quietly. She walked right up to the edge of the bubble. "What is this, little Dryad? Is this meant to stop me?" She stared at me.

I shook my head. "It's not mean to stop you, it will stop you." I held my ground.

Ekri smirked. "Is that so?" She pulled back her arms and thrust her fist forward. The ground around the bubble shattered in to pieces, the bark of the trees were ripped from their place and flew towards our camp. The bubble however, stood undamaged. Not that I could say the same for myself, that punch blew almost half my stamina.

Ekri gritted her teeth. "Tch." She spat through her teeth. "So the Dryad has some tricks up her sleeve." She shrugged and turned back. "No matter, tomorrow, she'll die. Along with the rest of her little friends." A cruel smile made it's way on her face as she turned back to face us. "Prepare yourselves Elves. You will pay for what you've done." She laughed as she turned back and disappeared in to the forest.

After a few minutes longer, I hesitantly lowered the bubble collapsing to one knee. Gial came over to me. "What we did to her' huh. The Dark Elves were quiet before she stomped her way over here. There's gotta be somethin' wrong with that Orc." Helping me back up he lowered his voice so only I could hear. "And I reckon it's thanks to our golden eyed friends." I turned my head to look at Gial, we exchanged knowing glances.

"Aye, I think ye may be right lad." Odwiff scratched his beard in worry. The mood amongst those of us who knew about the Light Elves was somewhat more sour than the others. It occurs to each of us, that this may not entirely be Ekri's fault. Still, that doesn't change the fact she's got to go.

I still went on guard duty just in case Ekri tried anything else, but the night was quiet. So after a bit to eat I made my way to my bed with Alvir. There I found Torvinn and Tiva waiting for me. They looked a little nervous. Torvinn held something in his hand. I folded my arms. "Can I help you?" I asked.

Torvinn gave me a nervous smiled. "We, uh. We just wanted to thank you." He scratched his head.

"And apologise." Tiva butted in her face red.

Torvinn nodded. "Yes, and... That." He took a deep breath. "I realise we didn't get off on the best foot. But, I would like to think you've proven yourself our friend and ally. And we would be amiss if we didn't do the same." He held out his hand. Gripped inside was a small stone talisman with a strange symbol on it.

I took a hold of it. "This is?" I asked.

He smiled. "It's one of a pair." He flashed a similar talisman strapped to his wrist. "You can use it to call to the other when you're in need of help. I thought you could use it, when you need us to fight Levias." He replied.

I looked up. "You'll help me?" I asked, warmth in my chest.

He nodded. "If we survive of course." He scratched his head. "Just, be careful with it, they belonged to our parents." he smiled.

"Am I really okay to take something so important." I asked him.

Torvinn hesitated and looked at his younger sister who nodded through sad eyes. "Yes, thank you." He patted my shoulder and left. I turned to face Tiva who had stood up to leave too. Before she left however she squeezed my arm lightly looking away from me. "Please live." She whispered taking off after her brother.

I rubbed my arm lightly then exchanged glances with Alvir. A warm smile on my lips and a slight blush on my face. That night, despite what waited for us tomorrow, I slept well.

~Day 132~

There wasn't much to say as we all prepared to march north, everyone just prepared their equipment, we were as ready as we could be. We all had our own roles in this battle, and we were all concentrating on what they were. It doesn't matter who I see fall, I have to head straight for Ekri, find her, fight her and hopefully, end her.

As we began marching north towards where Ekri was known to reside a thick fog rolled in around us. We had predicted something like this would happen, a defensive move by Ekri's shamans. It's obviously meant to damage the use of our archers, something Elves are feared for on the battlefield. That's why Alvir, Verros and Venya would be looking for the Shaman specifically. It's a severe blow to lose almost all use of our archers.

We finally reached what seemed to be a large opening to some form of field, no doubt something set up by Ekri to give herself even more of an advantage. Our men set up as we also made preparations. It was now, It was happening, a battle like I'd never seen before. I peeked over at my friends and allies. Even Alvir wasn't happily wagging his tail at a time like this. "This fogs going to make thing a might difficult to navigate." Gial sighed.

I agreed with him but I couldn't help thinking I'd forgotten something. Then I felt a slight weight around my neck. Of course! "Ekri and the Shamans will be behind the rest of the army right? If they're just due north I can at least get us there." I stated. I held up the trinket around my neck. What was it Rugtug said? Squeeze it and it will point you north? I squeezed the orb gently making it glow a dull blue. The glow began to concentrate in ball of mana facing in front of me. We just walked south so that's definitely north, it works. I smiled remembering the small creature that gave me this as a parting gift. "Thank you Rugtug." I whispered under my breath.

Odwiff whistled. "Lass I don't know where you got that, but I reckon it should have it uses today." He commented. I nodded back at him smiling.

Torvinn regarded the orb of light with a look of relief. He let out a sigh. "With that sorted, Ekri has one less advantage over us." He turned to signal the army. Those with spears moved forwards and formed a phalanx around the front of the army. Until it was time for Verros to do his job he also joined the front line. The swordsmen were next with the mages and archers close behind. The fastest Elf runners set up in the forests at the side, ready to charge for the Orcs rear guard.

Our job for now, was to wait it out, we definitely wouldn't be the ones too attack first, we didn't have enough men for that. So the plan was to set up a powerful defence and wait for the Orcs attack.

After we had set up everything had gone quiet, we couldn't see anything through the fog, but every so often a quiet murmuring could be heard through it. The Orcs clearly didn't want to attack either.

A half an hour passed, our forces stayed tense. Then, out of nowhere a cloud of magic flew through the fog it hit my Mushroom Shield harmllesly. I guess they ran out of patience. Out of the fog a chorus of yells and drum beats became louder and louder before a horde of Orcs came charging through it. "BRACE!!" Torvinn yelled as our spearmen raised their weapons.

Before the Orcs could reach us they were stopped in their tracks as the first few rows of them fell into the spike pits I had hidden in front of us. With the rest slowing to a stop our archers and mages rained down upon them. Dozens of Orcs fell to our onslaught before a large Orc pushed his way through the crowd. It was Darc who easily passed over the pit I had created, he snarled as he charged at the bubble I created. Our mages threw waves of spells at him.

He reached my shield and threw his axe at it. The blow took a significant chunk off my stamina. With the Shamans buff Darc was nothing to laugh about. Whilst gritting my teeth I deactivated my shield, I had to conserve my strength for Ekri. Unfortunately it was up to the Elves to face Darc now. "Torvinn. We're going!" I yelled at the Elf.

He nodded his head pointing his sword towards Darc. "Good luck to you!" He yelled back. I waved at Odwiff and Gial who both charged forward in response. We ran straight in to the crowd of Orcs who were unable to slow us down. Even more of the horde fell to us as we hacked our way through. Over to my left I spotted Verros, Venya, Alvir and a few Elves fight their way through too. Venya pulled on ahead her impossible speed ripping through the Orcs before they could even realise they were dead.

The combination of Odwiffs armour and my natural defence meant that mot of the Orcs couldn't even scratch me, even with their strength buff. Even as we reached the end of the Orcs forces I had lost almost no health or stamina. As we kept running a loud horn resounded from our sides as a hundred Elves burst from the forest behind the Orcs forces. Circling them and doing the best they could to cause panic. However, it's not what I should be focusing on. I turned my head foreword, just as we'd predicted ahead of me stood Ekri who snarled with glee. I raised Skullcrusher and sprinted towards her.

"Wrok apologises." I heard a voice say to the side of me, I looked just in time to see a long thin one sided blade swing at me. Ducking I slid under the blade and carried on my charge. behind me I heard Odwiff clash with Wrok. I had no time to pay attention to him.

Ekri pulled out two long slightly curved blades, almost like oversized cleavers. Lightning arced from her arms to the blades shadowing them in a dim blue light. I hesitated, I've never fought one who uses lightning before. She began laughing. "COME AT ME LITTLE DRYAD!" She sneered. "Let's have fun." I leaped forwards slamming down Skullcrusher with all my might, Ekri raised her blades to stop my blow. A we connected an explosion happened around us, Ekri's entire body was pushed down as lightning darted the ground around us. I looked downward to Ekri who stood unaffected by the blast in a crater in the ground.

Her shoulders began shaking, but not out of fear. "He. HA HA HA HA. YES YES!" Sensing danger I kicked off her body jumping backwards causing her to stumble lightly. The lightning began to surround her entire body. A dark grin spread across her twisted face. "Good... Good Dryad. This could be fun!" She commented lunging forwards as the lightning arced behind her.

As she swung her blades at me the lightning formed blows afterwards, each blow she threw at me the lightning sent another two. I was just managing to keep up, but still my new armour became scratched and burnt as I was pushed back. Each blow that reached my skin slowed me down, trying to paralyse me as it pierced my flesh. Already I had lost a fifth of my health. All of a sudden Ekri's arm stopped in it's tracks, I looked as to why. A single whip held her back, she turned with am unstable look in her eye as she spotted Gial. "DO NOT INTERRUPT!" She roared as she turned grabbing hold of the whip and yanking Gial towards her.

I used the time Gial gave me to swing Skullcrusher freely in to Ekris back, she flew forwards with a grunt straight past Gial who was still flying my way. He landed gracefully on the floor one hand keeping his hat on. "Much obliged." He said tipping his hat.

I nodded in response. "Fine. I see how it is." Ekri commented as she turned around to face us again, her eyes wild. "Before I can have a good fight with the Dryad I have to kill the Elves." She smirked. "Just another reason to add to the list." She grimaced flying towards Gial.

Gial jumped backwards barely dodging Ekri's attack, she swung her weapons at him, his body weaving in and out. I jumped at her from the side Skullcrusher meeting one her blades. She turned back to face me her eyes bloodshot. "I'm clearly out of my league. I'll go help the Dwarf. Good look miss." Gial tipped his hat running off.

Ekri grinned as she thrust her swords at me. "What a coward, right Dryad? Do you see what I mean now?" She began effortlessly talking to me as I barely blocked her blows.

I jumped backwards. To get my bearings, whilst Ekri kept charging I dodged out of the way of her attacks. "He's just smarter than you." I smirked. Ekri growled as I ducked under her sword and threw my fist up connecting with her chin. She flew backwards as the ground followed by a temporary of the fog.

her body was flung against a solid cliff that seemed to appear out of nowhere, the whole cliff shook as her body sent hundreds of cracks in every direction. A few Orc bodies fell down from the cliff, they wore strange robes. "The Shamans." I whispered, I could hear the battle from down here. Somehow Verros and the others found their way to the top of that cliff through this fog.

"Smarter than me?" My attention was brought back to Ekri. She wiped blood from her mouth. "How could a f*cking Elf possibly be smarter than me?" She growled.

I smirked raising Skullcrusher in to a stance. "He knows how to pick his fights." I grinned. Ekri's eyes widened again and the scar on her face began to bleed. She let out a blood curdling roar as she jumped at me.

Her blades swung at me with wild precision. Her speed even more ferocious than before, parts of my armour and flesh were carved off, I could feel the lightning course through my body every time my body was pierced. My movements were slowing, and Ekri could see it.

"What are you grinning about brat? Do you enjoy pain so much?" Ekri accused me in an angered voice. Grinning? I guess I am grinning.

I laughed out loud as my loose fist connected with her stomach knocking her backwards. "I'm having fun." I replied. It's true, this fight, this battle I'd been looking forward to for so long. This atmosphere, the sounds of a larger battle going on around us. The occasional glimpse of Odwiff and Gial I get out of the corner of my eye; everything is even greater than I could have imagined.

Ekri paused for a moment, then began laughing herself. "You're just as bad as me." She grinned. Changing her stance slightly Ekri charged once again. Her blade connecting with Skullcrusher in a great spark. Her second blade pierced my waist, I jumped up and kicked her arm back before it could pierce too deep. Landing on the ground safely I shook my head "I'd like to think I have a better grasp on my sanity." I taunted shrugging my shoulders. Ekri, growled and charged at me again, before she reached me she spun her body around swinging her blades, I raised Skullcrusher to block the attack, but the power she threw into it knocked my defence away, she quickly used the chance and pierced her right blade deep in my chest. I coughed up a pile of blood as my body became weaker.

Ekri twisted her blade inside me. "Your defensive ability is impressive Dryad, but nothing can stop my blade." She menaced. I grimaced and activated Mushroom shield slamming it directly in to Ekri's arm knocking it out of the way. "What the fu-" Before she could say anymore I used her surprise to grab hold of her other arm, with both hands I yanked hard. Ekri yelled in pain as she watched the flesh on her arm be separated from her torso. As soon as I took hold of it I threw it away. As she screamed through rage and pain Ekri smashed through my shield with her remaining hand and slashed at my body once more.

With no time to dodge her blade cut deep in to my back knocking me on to the floor. I could barely move, her blades onslaught paralysing my body. She walked up behind my motionless body, her mouth overflowing with blood. She grabbed hold of my head, her fist easily fitting around it and yanked it up. She walked me over to a large boulder and with all her strength slammed my face in to it. "YOU B*TCH! YOU B*TCH YOU B*TCH YOU B*TCH." She repeated as the ground shattered around us.

I didn't have time to react, my health bar slowly depleted with every blow, my entire head felt like it was on fire. I couldn't think, I couldn't move, all I could do was watch the boulder in front of me turn to dust with every blow. Ekri slowed down panting, then threw me to the ground head first. I could not longer see her. Then, I felt something pierce the back of my skull. Even with all my skills, all I felt was pain. Between my eyes I saw the front of a blade covered in my blood find it's way out. My vision starting fading in and out.

Before I lost consciousness I had to do something, my hands. Just my hands. Yes! I moved them, now! I activated Mushroom Bubble. I heard a roar as Ekri was thrown back. Barely able to move my arm, I yanked Ekri's blade out of my skull. I turned around with the last of my strength, but with my vision blurred I could barely make out Ekri, let alone fight her. She stood up slowly and began to stomp towards me, but two pairs of legs appeared in front of me. Odwiff and Gial, I'm sure of it. My vision began to darken fully as I felt my body slump to the floor.

Just before everything went black, I saw Ekri's face, she was yelling, at me I think. Damn... This isn't really the best time... To lose... Consciousness...

~Day 133~

A forest. Strange, the grass is... Glowing? Like in Venya's dungeon? This planet? In Ein? "Commander, he's gone." Commander? Who? Are they talking about Venya? Is this a dream of Venya? Why would I?

Survive. That's what I have to do, but why? "E....a" Who's there? Who cares' I've got to surv- "Ellena." I blinked as my eyes were blinded. A few face came in to focus, Verros, Alvir and Tiva. After another few blinks I looked around, I was back in my tent, or whatever you would call the place I was sleeping. My armour was gone, but Skullcrusher was sitting against a nearby tree.

I sat up rubbing my head, it hurt, quite a lot. "What happened?" I groaned. Verros chuckled lightly, whilst Tiva sighed with relief.

Verros gently pushed me down to a lying position. "What happened was Ekri sent hundreds of bolts of lightning through your ruttin' brain lass." I turned my head to see Odwiff polishing my armour nearby, he sighed. "And my armour did jack of all nothin' to stop it." Odwiff wiped sweat off his brow.

The memories flooded back to me, that's right. I lost. Ekri beat me. "Odwiff, it's not your fault. Your armour saved my life plenty. None of the other Orcs could even scratch me." I smiled weakly at him.

Odwiff turned his head, his ears turning lightly red. "we-well like I said, it's not me best work, but it's still Dwarven made." He mumbled. I giggled quietly.

Still, did we win? I can see injuries on all of them. Verros has more magical burns than a normal human could survive and it looks like Tiva is missing a finger. They are both alive however. "We retreated." Verros said, like he could read my mind.

I narrowed my eyes. "The Orcs let us retreat? Ekri did?" I asked looking up at him.

He shook his head. "She didn't want to, but Wrok stopped her from pursuing. You weakened her to the point that even I could have taken her out." He smiled approvingly.

I scratched my head. "So the Orcs retreated too?" I looked up at Verros.

He shook his head and looked over to Tiva. She seemed surprised. "Uh. We uh, we retreated because we started losing, it's just the Orcs didn't pursue us." I gave her a puzzled expression. "Whilst the shamans are using their buff magic and creating the fog simultaneously, they can't move. So if the Orcs pursued us not only would they lose the advantage of the fog, but they would lose the Shamans buff." Verros nodded.

I let out a sigh. "So they can't move from their spot?" I asked.

Verros nodded. "But neither can we, it's a stalemate." He also sighed.

I scratched the recovering wound on my forhead, it was taking a while to heal, probably thanks to Ekri's blade. "So what's the plan?" I asked.

There was a pause of silence. "That's what my brother and the other surviving family leaders are discussing right now." Tiva replied.

I see, so no plan of such. Still, 'surviving leaders' means that a few died, right? Which reminds me. "What's the current state of things? Who have we lost and who have they lost? What's everyone doing?" I asked.

Tiva exchanged glances with Verros. "Well thankfully we've only lost a few leaders, other than that we lost about a fifth of our total forces. We don't know the death toll for the Orcs, but we definitely took more than they did. As for their leaders, Darc is dead, which cost us a larger chunk of our mages than we'd like, but we ended him." Tiva answered me. I nodded my head in response, my guess would be our army retreated after the death of Darc, exhausted mage's aren't useful.

I looked over to Verros. "What about the Shamans?" I asked him.

Verros looked down. "We failed a bit in that regard, we lost way more than the Shamans. Ekri had a sort of honourguard protecting them, what's more being so close to the Shamans the buffs power seemed doubled. We did manage to take out half the Shamans, but it wasn't enough." He shrugged.

"What about Venya? She was with you wasn't she?" I noticed the Frog woman was nowhere to be seen.

Verros scratched the back of his neck. "She survived alright, to be honest if it weren't for her I don't think we would have been able to take out as many Shamans as we did." He then looked troubled. "However, she left this morning, saying she was going to get some reinforcements. Some Elves believe she's just running away." He rubbed his eyes.

I shook my head. "She wouldn't do that, she'll be back." I answered. The two of them seemed to agree with the answer. "And Gial? And what about that other Orc? Rezk?" I tilted my head.

"Gial is with the other Elf leaders. As for Rezk, he has been spotted. He seems to use some sort of shadow magic. He suddenly appeared behind our forces, took a few out then disappeared again." Verros replied shaking his head. "He's going to be troublesome."

I see, he certainly is. "So what now?" I asked.

Verros stood up, followed closely by Tiva. "For today, at least, you rest. We need you at full strength, Ellena." Verros gave me a wry smile.

I sighed brushing my hand through my thick hair. "If that's my job, I'll do my best." I smiled in turn.

Verros patted my arm. "Good, get some rest. You deserve it." With that, Verros left in the direction of the sea. Gone to do some salt water fishing by the looks of things. Tiva, after bowing and looking back a few time with an awkward expression, ran off deeper in to the camp. Odwiff and Alvir however kept me company as I rested.

Which is what I did for the rest of the day. Even as evening came my strength had not completely returned, it's the longest I've taken to recover in quite a while. Ekri really did some damage. Which hopefully means she's in the same situation.

Before I went to bed Torvinn came to visit me. The plan hadn't changed much. The only difference was the Elves would be more on the defensive to wait for Venya's reinforcements. Which of course means, we'd be relying on her to save us. Either way, my job was still to concentrate on Ekri.

Which will be easier now incidentally, what with stabbing me directly through the skull I gained a few new skills [Lightning resistance lvl 3] and [Paralysis Resistance lvl 2] which I'm sure will have their uses. Really, you would think Paralysis would just be part of lightning, unless there are things other than lightning that can paralyse?

Still, I shouldn't complain, like this they'll stack and double my defence against Ekri's blades. Maybe with this I can actually win this time...

~Day 134~

Just before we began our march towards the battlefield, Venya returned with her 'reinforcements' and they aren't what I was expecting. Then again, I don't know what I was expecting, but it wasn't twenty giant frogs. Like the three ones she was torturing before. I can see how they'll be helpful though, they weren't exactly weak even when tortured like they were.

With the spirits of those Elves that believed Venya to just be running lifted, we once again made our way to the entrance of the battleground, what greeted us, was Ekri herself. Even before we had time to set ourselves up, Ekri stood in front of her army, waiting for us. Her expression said she was arrogant in her victory, so not much change their. Although her body spoke otherwise. The arm I had ripped of had grown back, but smaller... It had lost all muscle, my guess would be that her regeneration skill isn't quite as powerful as mine.

However, Ekri didn't so much as speak as our army cautiously set itself up, her smile did suffer a small drop when she spotted the rather Large frogs we now incorporated in to our forces, but even that wasn't enough to sever her confidence.

When our army was poised and ready, Ekri stepped forward. "So good of you all to join us again." She quipped, a smirk on her face. "Now, you're probably wondering what I'm doing here, correct?" She looked across our forces, then without waiting for a reply carried on. "Well, I just didn't see the point in hiding, you know? This battle's going to come down to me and the Dryad anyway." She shrugged. "And, I won, last time." Raising both of her hands, she raised one finger on her original arm and none on her regrown one.

There was a quiet murmuring amongst our forces as they exchanged glances. Was this her plan? To scare our warriors? Make them scared? They're Dark Elves, even as docile as they've been battle is in their blood. "You didn't win though. Look at me." I replied turning to our army. "I am alive, yes she is too. But it wasn't through victory, it was a draw." I turned back to face her. "And this time, it will be a victory." I smirked.

Ekri folded her arms, a displeased look upon her scarred face. "You think that just because your body recovers faster, it was a draw? No, Little Dryad, that was my victory." She proclaimed arrogantly. "And after I'm done with you, the Elves will get exactly what they deserve." A cruel grin spread across her face.

I heard a sigh next to me. "Again with this? These Elves don't deserve anything, they didn't DO anything." Verros commented shaking his head.

Ekri's eyes widened. "Didn't do anything? THEY'RE ELVES, THEY KILLED MY FAMILY!" She growled wildly.

Verros' eyes narrowed, as he opened his mouth, I placed my hand on his shoulder making him look at me and shook my head. "Calm down, alright?" I told him. He nodded slowly, stepping backwards. Not that I can say much, I want to rip the b*tches jaw in half.

Ekri rubbed her hands across her face. "I still remember it. So clearly in my mind. Fire everywhere, the huts burnt to ash. I went to try and find my parents, my brothers. There they were, outside the chief hut. Each limb severed, hung up on stakes to look like bodies. Then that b*tch, sitting there, amongst the desecrated corpses of my family drenched in their blood. Her golden eyes had no regret, no remorse." Ekri could clearly still see that scene in front of her very eyes.

I exchanged glances with Verros. Golden eyes could only mean one kind of Elf, the Light Elves. Why the f*ck would they do something so twisted? There couldn't have been anything in it for them surely? Isn't Ekri a victim, in her own way.

Well, no matter, there's no excuse for what she does, I can't go sympathising with her. I glared at the Orc in front of me. "Even so, you're fighting the wrong enemy." I growled at her, certain of my stance.

Ekri growled as her face turned twisted in anger. "SHUT UP. LIKE YOU CAN UNDERSTAND!" She yelled as she jumped towards me. I l did in kiind making us clash in the middle. I heard yells as Orcs and Elves were thrown away from our collision which caused the ground to rumble. Then immediately after, I heard the roars of the armies as our people clashed. "THIS TIME YOU DIE DRYAD!" Ekri yelled in my face.

I yanked Skullcrusher off my back and swung it downwards, Ekri dodged sideways as behind her Wrok's blade thrust towards my eyes. Jumping backwards Gials whip wrapped around the blade from the side pulling Wrok towards him tipping his hat towards me as he did.

I had no time to respond however, as several bolts of lightning struck my arm, I turned to dodge just in time as Ekri swung at me. I clashed Skullcrusher with her blades, she was favouring her good arm far above her newly regrown one.

As I fought on with Ekri exchanging blows I spotted several other blades soaring my way, shunting the crazed Orc backwards I swung Skullcrusher around to deal with these new foes. Several crushed Orcs bodies flew away from me as Skullcrusher met with them.

I turned to face Ekri again, she was crushing the head of a rather unfortunate Elf. This isn't going to work here. If I let Ekri stay in the middle of battlefield there's going to be unnecessary deaths. As she was distracted I sprinted at Ekri, before she could noticed me I shoulder barged in to her causing her to fly through the ranks of the Orcs. I followed closely behind readying Skullcrusher to come down upon her as I landed. She skidded to a halt as she landed, launching a cloud of dust in to the air and digging in the ground. As I slammed my weapon down she jumped sideways, just narrowly avoiding the now massive crater in the ground.

I stood up to face Ekri, behind her I caught a glimpse of what looked like a giant frog jumping up something. It looks like they're bringing heavy weapons for the Shamans this time.

Ekri lunged at me, but I managed to dodge. She seems to be moving slower already, maybe her recovery is quite slow? She circled me slashing at my body with her good arm, she got a few hits in then backed away. I raised Skullcrusher ready to start my offensive, but just as I was about to she pointed at the ground with a smirk on her face.

Sh*t. I fell for it. Looking down, I seemed to be in some sort of trap. In a circle around me, a grid of lightning sat. In the split second I looked downwards, the lightning exploded.

My body felt like it had done something very similar as the explosion of lightning arced through my body. I could see it course through my veins and burn my teeth. I could feel the screams escaping my throat, but no sounds came out. After a few seconds, it finally stopped and my body fell to the ground, singed and steaming. "Boom." I heard Ekri snicker. "I'm not taking any chances today, Dryad. yesterday was fun, but I need you to die for me." She stated walking towards me.

I lifted my head to look at her. "N-n.. c...an d.." My words wouldn't come out. Ekri kept walking towards me, then lent down in front of me.

She grabbed my collar smiling, then turned her head. "What was that?" She said mockingly.

I glared at her, she probably thinks I'm already defeated. So arrogant. I dug my feet in the ground, grabbed Ekri's collar in turn and opened my mouth. "I said no can do." I thrust my head upwards with any strength I could find in the position I was in. My head connected directly with hers as the air around us blasted away, not a second later Ekris body did they same blasting in to the fog behind her.

With a bit of a struggle I managed to stand myself up. I wonder if without those new skills, would I already be dead? No, but I'm sure I would have already lost. In the split second I was alone, I could hear the sounds of two battle happening on either side of me, but even through them, I could hear Ekri's roar.

I readied myself once again as Ekri tore through the fog and she began her onslaught once again. I dodged under her first swing landing a punch on her stomach, her second swing I pushed away with Skullcrusher causing her to spin around and cut me across the chest with her other blade. I exchanged another flurry of blows with her, one after another, trading fists, blades and kicks.

For a while it seemed evenly matched, her lightning no longer had such a damaging effect on me and she knew it. Even so her grin did not fade, as mine didn't.

Then something distracted us, a body that fell in to the middle of our fight, Ekri jumped back as the dead Shaman's body fell in front of her. "Tch." She clicked her tongue, now distracted by the knowledge that her Shamans were clearly being offed, I used the opportunity and swung under arm knocking Ekri high in to the air causing me to stumble backwards slightly.

Ekri came flying back down in a matter of seconds creating a small impact crater in the ground. I cautiously approached the heavy dust pile that had settled around her. She appeared to be still? Did I do it? There's no way such a little thing would finish her off.

Just as I thought, her body began to stir, a few quiet groaning noises escaped her mouth. "Enough..." I heard her mutter. Then, her body began to glow, a faint green energy. "I thought I could kill you without their help, but this has gone on long enough." Ekri stated, her hands dug in to the ground as she hoisted herself to her feet. Her muscles seem to stretch, veins found their way to the service and pulsated rapidly. "I'm going to borrow my Shamans power." Ekri commented, her eyes covered in a dark energy.

I took a step backwards. "You mean, this whole time... You haven't been using it?" I stuttered. I knew Ekri was strong, but. She wasn't even using the Shamans buff?

The lightning blades dropped to the floor out of the Orcs hands as she took a step towards me. "No. I thought it would make the battle boring if I did, so I blocked it." She growled taking another step forwards. "But I've had enough, you're p*ssing me off." Her eyes widened as a vein bulged in her forehead. She cracked her knuckles as she took another step forward.

I took another step back, then hesitated. I can't go getting scared now, she injured, injured to the point where the buff shouldn't matter, right? "Why'd you throw away your weapons?" I asked her. It wasn't smart for her to do so.

Ekri took another step towards me, now standing directly in front of me. Her massive body burning with pure power. "Why?" She asked mockingly. I planted one foot in the ground crushing it and swung Skullcrusher with any strength I cold muster. The weapon flew towards Ekri with the power to crush cliffs and she grabbed it.

With one hand Ekri stopped my swing. Her hand gripped Skullcrusher tightly as she leaned down to my face. "I'll show you why." She whispered in my ear as her hand grabbed my wrist instead. With her free hand she crushed my gut with one punch making me throw up a puddle of blood. Then she threw my limp body down. I heard her foot steps clomp towards my body sprawled on the floor. I tried to move, but my body wouldn't listen to me, I was dangerously close to death, and had completely exhausted my stamina.

Ekri grabbed hold of my right arm. "An eye for an eye... A tooth for a tooth." She stated holding my body down with one foot. Then with little effort she ripped my arm out of it's socket as I screamed. "An arm for an arm." She smiled grimly.

My vision began to blur, I could barely see Ekri anymore and my feeling began to fade. All I could see was my health, I was dead. There wasn't anything that could change that, my life was going to end. At the hands of a psychotic Orc. Not exactly the way I was expecting to go. I'm not even a year old, I was hoping to last a little longer. All I need is to survive. To win. To kill.

To survive. "ELLLLENA!!" My vision snapped back in to focus as I saw the blade of a spear pierce Ekri's chest. Behind her stood Verros fear in his eyes... Directed at me.

Verros yanked his spear out and jumped backwards. Behind him a bloodied Gial and Venya appeared. Ekri touched the blood leaking out of her chest with a surprised look on her face. "What the?" She expressed looking in the direction of the cliff then down at her body. The energy had disappeared, which means! "You killed my Shamans?" Ekri said with disbelieve.

Verros nodded. "That's right. The last of your Shamans surrendered, with them gone, you've lost Ekri! Surrender yourself." He demanded.

Ekri turned her head to look at me slowly, her expression neutral. She then turned back to Verros. "Actually. I can't boy. I've got to keep a promise I made." She smiled. Verros' expression didn't change. "Don't you remember boy, the promise I made you..." Ekri grinned. Verros narrowed his eyes thinking. Then quickly widened them in realisation, as did I. Before, when we first meant Ekri. "You'll be the first to die. Boy" Ekri grinned repeating herself.

I reached out my remaining hand to Verros eyes wide. "R..un." I managed to force out, but it was already too late Ekri pounced on Verros. Gial and Venya rushed over, but they were swatted away with ease. The Orc grabbed Verros and crushed him against the ground. I couldn't even move as she relentlessly beat on his body.

I tried to move I tried to get up. I had to save him. I had to stop her. I had to end her, to win. To save Verros, to survive, I had to kill, she had to die. I had to survive. Have to survive.

"Oh what's this? The Dryad can still stand." Survive, kill. "What, are you still going to try- Oof!" Survive, crush. "What are you- Gaah!" Must kill. "How are you even still moving. What is thi- AAARGH!!" Have to. Can't stop. "Stop! STTOOP! THE ELVES MUST DI- ARRGGH. YOU HAVE TOO- STo-- I canc diiiee hee...ree.. I... Haff... tu... stoopp the-" Have to kill. Must kill to survive.

Got to survive. "Ellena." Survive, kill, break.. "ELLENA!" Must surv... What?

I blinked a few times, my vision was blurred, but my body wasn't where I remembered it. I looked around me, dozen of Orcs and Elves stood and watched me in horror. What are they looking at? I followed their eye line to see what it was and felt sick for it.

Below me was, a corpse. Or at least must have resembled one once. Mangled, beaten, just a pile of flesh, brain and blood. I looked up at Gial who now stood in front of me, concern on his face. "It's okay now Ellena, we won." He knelt down and placed a hand on my shoulder.

I looked down at my hands, covered in blood and flesh and back up at him. "We... won?" Gial nodded his head a faint smile on his lips. "I see." I sighed relaxing my body, my vision began to blur again.

Wait, not yet what about. "Verros!" I jerked back up, looking around for where he could be. My vision began to go black just as I spotted his body. It wasn't moving. "Verros..." I groaned weakly. I tried to move my body, but just fell to the floor.

The corners of my eyesight turned black. "Ve...rroos." I reached out my hand as my vision closed in around it.

[Name: Ellena Orcsbane]

[Age: 133 Days]

[Species: Arbor Ferrous, Dryad]

[Height: 7'-6"]

[Sex: Female]

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

{Level: 47] +12

[Health: 00182/45195] + 5752

[Mana: 3420/7581] + 801

[Stamina: 00253/34462] + 4111

[Hunger: 10055/34462] + 4111

[Attack: 30518] + 3520

[Defence: 53842 + 22000] + 6882

[Magic Attack: 8427]+ 777

[Magic Defence: 16469] + 1221

[Skills:

[Pain Resistance lvl 10 (Max)] [Poison Resistance lvl 8] [Mind Resistance lvl 2]

[Venom Resistance lvl 8] [Lightning Resistance lvl 5 ] New! [Paralysis Resistance lvl 4] New!

[Night vision lvl 10 (max)] [Amplified Vision lvl 9] [{Mushroom Helmet lvl 71}] Up!

[tough stomach lvl 8] [Unarmed Combat Expert lvl 9] Up! [Polearm Expert lvl 4] Up!

[Demifoot lvl 10] Up! [Warriors Heart lvl 47] Up! [Warriors Will lvl 35] Up!

[Warriors Strength lvl 41] Up! [Greater Regeneration lvl 8] Up! [Guardian lvl 10 (Max)]

[Dryads Charm lvl 13] [Skinning lvl 5] [Tanning lvl 4]

[Leatherworking lvl 5] [Carving lvl 3] [Earth Magic lvl 9] Up!

[{Wolfmother lvl 12}] Up! [{Pillars Aura lvl 10}] Up! [Ironbark Skin lvl 6] Up! ]