(Note before reading: Double Issue, if you haven’t read (1) press ‘<< Previous’. If you have, continue. SH display updates to the most recent so you'll miss the previous chapter if published 2 chapters on the same day.)

When Theodore sees the elves read the message, he wipes it away and with some leaves and dirt covers his traces and that of the others. He slowly made his way towards the Healers corpse and placed it in his Backpack. He cleans the spot of tracks and blood even uprooting some damaged plants nearby, so it would look serene as nothing has happened here. He did the same with the spots of the Necromancer and the Warrior.

Standing a little further away he looks at the fight Jade and May, while Eric and Bruce sat nearby watching the fight. Theodore knew it’s better to distance yourself from them at this moment, one poorly shot of magical fire - or magical water arrow would if not instantly kill him, injure him badly.

He looks amazed at the fight and the magic Jade and May use. He spoke to Spacey in his mind: “Spacey, you are recording this?” Spacey answers: “Yes, TJ. But I have to say that they could do much more with their magic. But they should widen their meridians as well, which should give them more energy reserves.”

Theodore says: “Yes, well you can look at it in another way. Earth lacks overall knowledge and here they are misguided as early in their cultivation. It won’t be strange that also the usage of Magic is also compromised.”

“We should ask them to write how their spells are casts and other related magical stuff. We have enough information about Warriors, but less of Magic from here. Hopefully, that Necromancer and Healer have some books in their possession that we can research later. Make a note of that will you?” Spacey answers: “Will do!”

Turning back to the scene, Jade made a fire whip and May made a water whip. Both whips collided and it formed a mist, which distracted the warrior’s vision. The next second May casts a Water Bubble that enveloped the leader's head, imprison him which made him unable to breathe. Jade looks at the last warrior and asks: “Alive or dead?”

Theodore comes out of the forest and says: “Dead, we can’t carry him. We already have 3.” Jade plays her part and says: “Yes master!” And threw a fireball towards the warrior and was enveloped in flames. May extinguish the fire and Eric walks towards the warrior and swung his ax to the head. Killing him instantly, saving him from tremendous pain. The leader was already out of the water bubble and lay unconscious on the ground. Bruce tied his hands and gagged him.

Theodore shifts his gaze towards the Elves and says: “We need to erase the traces on this location and your location. Collect the other arrows you’ve shot swiftly and meet us here, be sure to not leave any traces,” while dropping 10 arrows on the ground. Then he starts to erase the signs of the battle on this spot.

Shaking his head he says: “Couldn’t you be more gentle, look what we have to clean up. Nature is severely damaged.” Jade says: “It will regrow with Missy’s water magic.” Theodore stored the dead warrior in his Backpack, uses his decomposition magic on the terrain, and at the spot where the Elves were standing.

Soon the terrain looks normal as nothing has happened here. The Elves were already standing nearby amazed at what they see.

Theodore looks at them and says: “It’s my space ability. Um… you must be worrying about Rainy, Haldir. She is safe in another location. She was hurt in the leg by one of their companions, who we encounter in our travels. We healed the wound and she’s recovering well, thanks to Missy.” Haldir was glad to hear this and says: “Thank you!”

Theodore shakes his head and says: “It’s too early to say thanks. You, Elves, have brought troubles on yourselves.” The Elves instantly went mad and prepared to grab their bows. But Theodore continues: “There are some within your Elven Village, who oppose the current Ruler in your race."

"Some in your Village added something in your bag of herbs that can be traced by creatures you’re raising. That’s how those 12 youngsters were captured. Take those herbs out and drop the content on the ground, quickly!”

The Elves are stunned hearing this, Haldir in disbelief stood there staring angrily at Theodore. Gildor however took his bag of herb out and drops the content on the ground.

Theodore says: “Prepare and capture that creature.” He was curious about what kind of animal would be so sensitive to smell herbs from afar. Suddenly a long-legged mouse unveils itself from the leader's clothing and runs towards one of the herbs.

All stood there stunned as they watch the mouse jumping towards the herb. Theodore yells: “Catch it before it eats the herb.” Gildor moves forward to capture the mouse, he exclaims: “That is our Golden Treasure mouse!”

Theodore throws a vial towards Haldir and says: “Now that you know which herb it is, seal it in this vial. Look in your bag if you have something similar in it. We need to move, other humans may arrive here soon.” After sealing the herbs and cleaning the grounds they advanced quickly to another location. The 3 captives were carried by Eric, Bruce, and the Elves. Jade and May are in charge of erasing their tracks with the help of Theodore.

On the way, Theodore recounts his meeting with Rainy and introduced themselves to the Elves as the Neutral Party, a bunch of hermits that travel the continent and he is the son of their Chief.

After an hour of traveling and arriving deep in the forest, Haldir asks: “Can I see Rainy?” Theodore shakes his head and says: “You can but not now! Don’t you understand the bigger problem you have?” Haldir frowned, but Gildor looks at Haldir and says: “Brother we need to return and warn the others of our current situation, we are not the only ones who want to search for his, her sister or brother.”

Haldir body shook and stares at Gildor. Theodore interrupted and says: “Correct, you need to warn them and also find the ones who put those herbs in those bags. Not only that, find the ones who raise these mice and ask him or her, how it could be that humans are in possession of them!”

“Also besides Rainy, the other 11 are still in captivity. We already found their location and are prepared to rescue them tonight. It’s best that Rainy can welcome them back and appease them. We were prepared to escort them back to your Village later. But after seeing you, it would be better if you can form a group and come and get them near the border of the forest and the village, once they are freed by us.”

Haldir couldn’t help but ask: “Can we help? I am sure there are some who are willing to?” Theodore shakes his head again and says: “I don’t mind your help, but people in the Village and those of Stillard will take the opportunity to say that your race is attacking a Human Village. And this will cause a war between the Elven race and Human race again.”

“We, the Neutral party, are sick of the politics these nobles are forcing us into and constantly provoke your race and the others. If war happens, this will come with a price of many commoners who will die in between the struggles. All this due to some greedy bastards, who couldn’t keep their paws of things that don’t belong to them or the entire Human race.”

“I am also aware that the Village Chief is in contact with someone in your Village and heard something upsetting. You, Elves, are preparing a Beast Tide to fall upon the Forest Village. Convince your Elders to postpone, if it’s in your power or search for someone with authority that has some weight. All will change pretty soon if you manage to do that, either way, we will try to capture the one who hurt Rainy and deliver him to you.”

Haldir body shook again, and couldn’t believe there were so many things happening in the dark. Theodore took out a piece of localization amber and gave it to him, he says: “When you arrive later at night near the Village, I will know and with this, I am able to find your position, we will come to you with those other youngsters and Rainy.”

Haldir asks: “How sure are you to be able to save them?” Theodore laughs and says: “Well I can’t guarantee 100%, because there are always some unforeseen things. But I am pretty sure there won’t be any problem. Don’t forget my Space ability. I can appear everywhere on this Continent.” Then he shifts his gaze to the captors who have awoken and says: “It’s time for some interrogations, Paul if you will?”

Bruce nodded, shifts his gaze to the captors, and says: “I will ask some question to one of you. And you will answer. Each time you ignore me, I’ll cut a finger off. If all fingers are gone, I’ll start with the toes. If all toes are gone, I’ll start with the ears and so on.”

“You see there are so many things to cut, so best answer my questions. After the first person went through the questioning, the next person will be asked the same questions and so it will be with the last. Then we will compare all the answers. If all three of you answer differently than the cutting will start again. But trust me it will be 10 times more painful.”

Bruce picks the necromancer and walks several meters further away and starts the questioning. At first, the necromancer threatens Bruce with the Stillard family as he wasn’t conscious when their leader used the same threat. Off came a finger, still mad, Bruce resume cutting. Cries could be heard throughout the forest. Bruce secretly collected some blood in a vial, the fingers and stored it in his pocket and continued with his questions. All answers were stored by Spacey.

While later he brought the Necromancer back, tied, gagged, and missing 4 fingers. Gave Theodore a bag with fingers and vial of blood. Then Bruce took the guy who peed in his pants and started his questioning, this time there was no cries as the guy answers all questions he could.

15 minutes later they returned and the captor is dropped by Bruce, suddenly they hear heavy footsteps coming their way. Eric looks in the surrounding, while Haldir says: “It’s a Raptor, probably drawn by the smell of blood.” Eric and Bruce look at each other and May say: “Let’s kill it! We need meat to eat for later on.” All four nodded and went hunting. Haldir and Gildor look at each other and could only shake their head.

Theodore looks at both of them and says: “Originally I came to this part of the forest with my people to do some foraging and hunting with winter approaching us. We know about the balance of nature you, Elves, trying to maintain within this forest and we respect that. We don’t take much, just enough for our group to survive the winter. So don’t worry about us harming your precious ecosystem.” Gildor replies with: “Yes, we notice that your group is different from the other groups who frequently come in this forest. They truly don’t have any restrains. They grab and kill everything that comes in their sights.”

Theodore sighs and shakes his head, says: “There is no stopping them. The layers in humanity are too unequal divided. The nobles who control the staple food supplies are pushing the commoners to forage and hunt for them. And there are those like this group of people, who were promised riches to work like dogs for the nobles, without actually considering the bigger picture.”

“Once they are done here and you, elves, are truly mad and decide to attack the Forest Village. These dogs will run away with their bosses to another part of the continent, causing another spree of disturbance for another noble family.”

“You, elves, will slaughter innocent men and women in the Forest Village, who has nothing to do with abducting your sister and her group, which will trigger the Kingdom into action.”

“All nobles and the military will get involved, including these dogs plotting from behind our backs, picking up bones from wandering off youths, be it elves or noble youngsters, and blame it on you.”

“Finally the Elders within your Elven race and our Royals will come together when enough blood is shed to re-discuss the pact our ancestors have made. And peace will return, but the ones gloating will be them and their bosses. Not even caring that this peace came with thousands of Elven and Humans lives, who has nothing to do with the initial strive.”

“And so, the hatred between Human and Elven race will continue for decades or centuries from then on, without even caring of the truths behind all of this.” Theodore telling this part while looking at the leader of the group, who didn’t even flinch. But the expressions of the Necromancer and the other warrior are looking downcast and ashamed.

Haldir and Gildor, hearing Theodore's speech, couldn’t help but shudder because this was actually the mindset of the elves. They wouldn’t care who got hurt in their attack if it’s just humans. Arrows can be shot from afar without consideration who got hit.

Soon the others came back with their prey. Theodore walks towards them and stored the animal corpse inside his Backpack. The elves and captors didn’t notice this fact, they only saw Theodore placing his hand on the creature and it disappears. Theodore says: “Let’s change places and interrogate the last one,” while looking at the leader. He turns his head towards the elves and says: “Just a little bit more and we have all we need. We can conclude our first meeting and you can return to your Elven Village with these reports.” Haldir and Gildor nodded. They moved 100 meters further away from the spot and the interrogation started on the leader.

It took a little longer than the first 2 captors, but once Bruce began with the ears, the leader started to talk. After Bruce was done he drops the mangled leader near the other captors, Theodore took some paper and chalk out of his Backpack and gives it to Eric and Bruce to write it all up on two separate documents. Chalk in this world is like a pen on Earth which wasn’t easily removed once written on paper.

This time Theodore cleaned up the spot where the interrogation took place, he didn’t want to be disturbed this time. While cleaning a bird flew above him, looking curiously at him, making raa-raa sounds. Jade, who was near him was prepared to shoot it down, but Theodore held his hand up and says to Jade: “Wait!”

Theodore took some bread out of his Backpack and put some crumbs in his hand, then lifted it up. The bird flew down and landed on the arm of Theodore while enjoying the breadcrumbs. Theodore petting the bird gently while emitting Nature QI on the bird, transmitting his feelings towards the bird, which became docile to Theodore gently rubbing its head in Theodore's hand.

Haldir and Gildor are stunned again and sense the environments around Theodore and couldn’t help but shake again. They had read elvish historical records that mention humans who have an affinity to Nature QI, but these people were very rare.

Like the elves, they were also blessed with a long life but incomparable to the elves though thrice than normal humans and have good relations with the elves. But over the years less and less were seen of them on this Continent as their blood became intermingled with regular humans and diluted. (1)

Theodore walks happily with Jade beside him and his new companion. Haldir's whole appearance changed and was respectful towards Theodore, bowed, and says: “Congratulations with subduing a Red-winged Raven, it will be your most trusted subordinate.” Theodore shakes his head and says: “No, it will be my companion, a friend who will follow me during our travels.” The raven head points to the sky and made a loud raa-raa sound.

Theodore laughs and says to it: “Yeah, be proud to be with me and we will see a lot during our travels. You will enjoy the best that nature can provide from my share.” The raven looks at Theodore and turns his head in a 45-degree angle, like asking suspiciously ‘You aren’t kidding, raa?’ Theodore laughs and says: “Just wait and see!” The raven spreads its wings and raa-raa happily, trusting Theodore. This made the elves stunned again.

Eric and Bruce were done with writing and passed their document to Theodore, who carefully read the contents out loud. It summarized the identities of these men and that they are a part of a mercenary group called Untainted which consist of 15 peoples. They were currently hired by the Stillard family to cause chaos within the forest and create enmity with the Elven race to provoke them in attacking the Forest Village, just as Theodore told earlier.

They weren’t clear who the insiders within the Elven Village were, but it didn’t matter with the herb and mouse the elves could track these leads instead.

Currently, there are 2 groups in the forest waiting to capture more elves. This amount will increase later in the afternoon as they expecting more elves in the forest looking for their child. He takes another blank paper and starts writing.

After finishing the letter, he gave it to Haldir with a copy of the confession of the captors and says: “I don’t care about these people who intrude your place with evil intentions, do whatever you want with them in the forest as soon you have removed those trackers from your bags. Use them and reverse ambush those foolish people.”

“But don’t come near the Village, this will give those people behind all of this an excuse to rally the whole Kingdom to attack you. We will take care of the ones in Forest Village. Which one of these 3 do you want to take back to your Elven Village?”

Gildor looks in disdain towards the necromancer and then looks at the leader and the warrior. The warrior begs not to take him as he has recently joined the mercenary group and knows too little. The elves decide to take the mangled up leader, who was currently knocked out from the pain.

Theodore repeated the location where they will meet later at night. He also told how to use the amber to evade the vicious magical beasts and mercenaries, which could help them in moving back to their Elven Village more securely.

Haldir and Gildor bow respectfully towards Theodore and says: “May we meet on more favorable circumstances descendant of Dúnadan.” They pick up the leader turned around and left. Theodore was stunned as he was aware of what the term meant informed by Spacey, to not draw suspicions he asks Eric: “What is Dúnadan?”

Eric shakes his head and says: “I am not sure, probably someone whom they call when they are using Nature QI?” He turns his head to the remaining 2 captors and asks: “What do we do with these 2?”

Author tries to explain:

• 1) A little of LOTR taken within the story as already mention in several chapters before. Though in this novel it will be explained in more details how they came to be.

Is this story more leaning towards fanfic? Yes and no, as I will use several elements of those stories within my novel, but not truly following their lore. It will be a combination between Manga stories, Wuxia novels and Western books intertwined. Though I could be mistaken and will change the tag later.

Luckily in Western books they don’t go deeply into the powers warriors and mages gained, only to be put for us in vague stories to let our imagination to run loose. Well, this is will be my interpretation of it in this novel.