Forced by the Ceylerea Counsel to find the Elemental Grimoire, Malachi begrudging gives his help and sets off on a journey. Accompanied by Cadel and his ragamuffin band of adventurers, Malachi reluctantly treks through jungle and over mountain. The only place for a demonologist like Malachi to be is home, and he resents the fact he's been coerced into doing this. For Cadel the search to find the Grimoire is more than just a lark. Should the book fall into the wrong hands, his death will follow. Convincing Malachi to continue helping him is only one of his problems. Keeping his feelings for the demonologist a secret proves even harder than he thought it would be.
|
| The World The Way It Was |
"Stop your shouting."
The voice came from a tree just behind Malachi. A moment later, the reclusive elven druid dropped soundlessly to the ground. His raven hair was braided in, leaves and vines woven throughout the black length. Dark green eyes considered Malachi in silence before the elf leaned back against the tree, arms crossed over a muscular chest.
"A bit out of your way, is this not, sorcerer?"
"No, it’s just a leisurely stroll for me, druid." Malachi’s sarcastic reply answered him. "If you could spare a few moments of your valuable time, we need to talk. The Ceylerea Counsel sent me."
"Ah, yes," Cadel said with a slow nod. "I’ve been waiting for you." He pushed away from the tree and walked up to Malachi. "After you," he said with a wave toward the cliff face.
When the entry way suddenly appeared, Malachi rolled his eyes as he headed into the cave. He didn’t look thrilled to be here and wasn’t about to be the least bit polite about things. "To get to the point, I’m here to accompany you to get the damned book. The Counsel wants it taken to the Areusi Duchy."
"The Elemental Grimoire," Cadel said with a snap of his fingers.
Candles flickered to life around them, illuminating the rock walls of the druid’s home. Shelves lined the walls, jars and papers and books stacked and scattered across them. Fresh and drying sprigs of herbs hung from the bottoms of the shelves.
"Have you ever set foot outside of this realm?" The elf glanced over at Malachi, one dark eyebrow raised curiously.
"Only on days I’m required to, and I don’t like being put through so much effort to save the Counsel’s precious hide." Turning to face Cadel, Malachi gave him the once over. "Not even when they add enticing visuals."