Marcelina ran into the night, her feet scurrying against the damp forest floor. No moon shone to light her path. She held her child, Evelyn, close to her and closed her eyes as a single tear streamed down her porcelain face. She thought about what the Council had told her…….

“Marcelina, you are filed with clemency of the birth to a human child. Is that right?” Nashkin said in a booming voice. He was the Lord of Sendocnia and spoke for everyone, or so they say. Marcelina could feel the hair stand on end on her neck as he spoke with such hatred. She held her child close to her protectively and glanced back at Akandar, who seemed to be the only one they’re trying to defend her. Marcelina had known Akandar since he was born. He was a lot younger than her, and also an elf. All though his father was a sprite, he did not inherit wings. He had strong arms and brown hair that brushed a bit past his shoulders and intent hazel eyes. He gave a wary smile.

“Well?” Nashkin looked at her through slits.

Marcelina snapped her head back to him. “…..Only half human…” Marcelina said nervously. Even the strongest person could not face Nashkin. He had too much power.

He clenched his fist. “We banned having any relations to humans! Those filthy little pieces of scum only think for themselves! Don’t you remember what happened? Or need I remind you?!”

She did remember. Because of the hatred against humans half-human children were abandoned, or killed. Some families protected them and ended up banished to starve. It was basic common sense. Humans didn’t want other creatures flourishing in their town and people in Sendocnia didn’t want human’s flourishing in theirs.

Marcelina looked up into Nashkin’s eyes. She saw the anger and hatred in them. He let out a deep breath.

“Well you know what the consequences are….There is no life ahead for this…this child in any world. She must be killed.”

Marcelina clutched Evelyn tighter.

“..No…..” she breathed.

The old steward sighed and rubbed his temples and made a simple gesture. A few guards came out from the shadows and walked toward her. She took a step back, maybe two. Two cold hands gripped her shoulders and she looked up and saw two other guards with heavy armor walk behind her. The two behind her tried to loosen her grip to grab Evelyn.

Akandar’s young eyes widened and he started to run to her. More guards came pushing Akandar out of the way but he pushed himself through. Then a guard from behind swung him back, pushing him onto the floor. Akandar could hardly see her. He saw her, stuck with guards pulling her away and gripping Evelyn, not caring if they hurt her. Marcelina did the only thing she could think of and knelt down. Akandar saw this and knew what was going to happen. He put his shield up with his mind.

A bright white light went sprawling everywhere in the room. It dimmed and all of the guards were on the ground including Nashkin. Marcelina took a deep breath and got up slowly. Akandar put down his shield and stood up. Marcelina glanced around her and held Evelyn close and ran pass Akandar giving him a sympathetic smile. She blasted through the doors and ran into the night. Akandar sighed looking around at the unconscious guards. He felt the cool night air waver in and an adviser ran in looking around appalled. Seeing how Akandar had no other way out he ran, secretly following Marcelina…………

She shook her head from thought and ran faster. She tripped over a root and stumbled into the mud. Marcelina looked down at Evelyn. The little baby yawned, completely unaware of the ruckus. She knelt down in the mud and cried. Why was there such hatred against one who hadn’t committed a crime?

Akandar ran as fast as he could, hoping he would find Marcelina. He ran into the woods trying to contact her through his mind.

Where are you?

There was no answer. He called again and waited. A weak reply came back.

Akandar…I have to do this…

He ran faster trying to find her before it was too late.

That’s when he saw her from a distance. Sitting in the mud she kissed Evelyn’s head and took off her necklace that was hidden underneath her clothing. She took a glance at it, seeing the nine-pointed silver emblem with a single small red gem in the middle. Brushing a finger over he name engraved in it she put it over Evelyn’s head. Imidiantly the fiery red gem changed into a pure white one and her engraved name vanished, now saying the name ‘Evelyn’.

Please don’t do this… he tried calling to her.

Akandar headed toward her as she put her hands in a shape of an oval infront of her chest.

“Marcelina, no!” he rasped. She only glance at him with sullen defeat and tears streaming down her face.

You think I don’t want to do this? I’ve been foolish…I must sacrifice myself…take care Akandar Unalmi..

Marcelina closed her eyes and chanted a form of an ancient language. Silence haunted the woods, and from Marcelina’s chest came out a blue simular looking nine-pointed crystal to that of the necklace. It glowed a blinding light until she took a deep breath and gently dropped it on Evelyn’s small form.

Then the fair elf’s eyes darkened and she swayed to one side. Akandar ran to catch her but her body turned into thousands of red sparks that floated into the sky. He watched them scatter, forming more stars on the moonless night.

“Goodbye…” he whispered to the sky.

He looked down at Evelyn. She happily slept, completely unaware of what happened. He couldn’t leave her, not when Nashkin’s troops were searching. He carefully picked her up and walked into the night.

Two days past as Akandar wondered aimlessly into the woods. He walked in silence, mourning the death of his dear friend. He did not know where he was nor did he care. He knew he was too young to take care of Evelyn. Evelyn had been sleeping peacefully the majority of the trip. Akandar fed her water from streams they passed and sung to her when she awoke. Sighing, he kept walking until he reached the edge of the forest and he looked up at the stars in wonder.

Akandar knew he should probably turn back to go to Sendocnia, knowing he was in the human realm. But he didn’t seem too worried about it. A cool crisp wind whipped through the trees bringing in a crisp scent. He saw a well off into the distance and walked toward it, exsausted and in need of water. Through the tall grass he walked through to the well. Splashing water on his face, he stood by the well. Akandar did not wake Evelyn, for fear of her not being able to fall asleep once more.

Then he heard the sound of horses.

Not a large group, though, by the sound of it. he ducked behind the well with Evelyn. The clangs of armor rubbing against each other grew louder as with the clip-clop of the horses. Soft voices were carried by the light breeze of the wind and a soft melodious laughter rang out as Akandar heard them dismount and hid behind some bushes near the edge of the forest. The group of men spoke loudly and boastful about what sounded like a small battle. Akandar tried to keep up with the conversation but Evelyn awoke with the sounds of metal and horses. Akandar tried to sing her to sleep quietly but it didn’t seem to work because she began to cry.

The riders stopped laughing, listening intently.

“Do any of you hear something?” said one of the riders pulling up more water from the well.

“Could be one o’ them wolves o’ somethin’” said another one of the horseman, guzzling down water.

“No, it didn’t sound like one.”

Evelyn started to cry louder. Akandar grew hesitant not knowing what to do.

“I’ll go check it out.” The horseman drew his sword and walked out to the edge of the forest.

He walked nearer to where Evelyn and Akandar were. Akandar started to panic slightly and right before he uncovered where he was he slipt into the night, leaving Evelyn there, hoping he made the right decision.

The horseman looked behind the bush, seeing Evelyn.

“Good lord..” he said quietly and sheathed his sword, picking Evelyn up.

He tried to calm her and cradled her. He cries did not fade but they did soften. The rider went back to his group who were talking and looked over at him.

“Wha’ did ya find, Simon?” said one standing up from his spot.

He walked closer toward them, showing them that it was a baby. “I think I finally got my prayers answered, boys.”

They laughed.

“ Who would leave a infant in the middle of nowhere?”

“ I can’t just leave it.”

“Then what are ya plannin’ to do?” asked another horseman.

“I’m not sure…I’ll talk to Freda about it.”

The fourth rider, who hadn’t spoken the whole time, finally stood and stretched. “Well, we better get goin’ if you all plan to get home by late tonight or early mourn, don’t want all our wives beatin’ at us.”

They laughed lightly and mounted back on their horses. Simon wrapped his cloak around Evelyn to keep her warm and held her against the cold metal armor on his chest. The group trotted their way back home, singing songs and telling tales.

Akandar was even more worried than saddened. He had lost one of his best friends and their daughter in less than a week. He watched the riders ride off with Evelyn, and already, he felt deep inside his gut, that he had made the wrong descision. Confusion overwhelmed him, not knowing whether to follow her or go back home. Fearing Evelyn’s life he followed the group of riders in the shadows of the night.

After a couple hours, Simon finally arrived to his home town in north-eastern Merksondor, Brinstine. It was a small town that often went unnoticed but was very peaceful. He trotted his horse through the empty streets and looked at the small houses with straw roofs and little candles in the window symbolizing loved ones lost or missed.

(i know it's a choppy way to end but that's all i have edited right now)