For many in the Sisterhood of the Watch, war is all they know. Conflict and strife break upon their borders with barely a day of respite passing. Each warrior is crucial to the survival of not just Avelorn, but the Great Tree and the entire Realm itself. Monsters, Demons and fouler things lurk in the darkened corners of their domain, each Aelf must be trained above and beyond their limits, ever vigilant. Ever watchful. None take this more to heart than Aleya, her eyes spark in fury, her bow thunders with the voice of battle, every arrow and wordless cry from her lips causes foes to shrink in fear. She is the most fiercely loyal figurehead of Avelorn’s Watch Sisters, a zealous vengeance driving her ever onwards. She seeks to not just best her foes, but to eradicate them, to burn them to ash so they may never again strike back and cause more of her people to suffer.
But her deep-rooted hatred of those enemies outside Avelorn’s borders comes across as unsettling for many within its walls. Aleya’s anger, whilst incredibly beneficial in battle, leaves her ostracized in moments of pastime, her demeanor is not suited for small talk and bonding with kin. Those that try usually meet the floor with their teeth, and after nursing twisted arms and a broken finger or two, learn quickly enough not to approach her.
However, there is one Aelf who has become surprisingly close with the morose Watch Captain and, even to Aleya, could be called a friend. Her name is Tash, and much like the erstwhile bonds shared between Sylvaneth and Aelf alike, these two are practically inseparable. Yet a more unlikely pairing of souls could not be found in perhaps the entirety of all the Mortal Realms. Whereas Aleya is bitter and hostile, Tash is bubbly and energetic, unlike most Sisters of the Watch, Tash seems to be immensely positive each waking moment away from battle. She hums and skips amid tangled roots and vines, appearing to radiate a constant aura of innocence and youthfulness which never fails to make her companion smile (although Aleya would never admit it).
Each Aelf who lays eyes on the pair is baffled in the truest sense of the word, for how can two who appear so different possibly get along so well? Folk weave stories of how the two’s destinies are linked, of how they once fought shoulder to shoulder in a great battle, a bond forged in blood and hardened by iron will. But when questioned about their close connection, Tash simply grins, stating she just likes Aleya’s personality, which leaves most even more confused than before. Such rumor does not bother the two of course, a piercing look from Aleya normally withers any persistent or petty small talk about prophecy and fate.
It is a strange thing that these two Aelves are so close, and none save Aleya herself knows the reason for why they remain this way. In truth, Tash makes her happy. Smiling, even laughing when she is with her only friend. Although such bouts of emotion rarely last long, Aleya can be free. Of worry, of self-loathing, free to be at peace. Free to be herself.
Free to be in love.
For blissful moments, war is a distant memory as the two giddily laugh and sing among budding flowers and creaking trees, hands entwined like the grass under their feet as they dance and jest. In these small hours of comfort, Aleya wishes it could last for an eternity…
You can read more about Aleya in the short story, “A Dance of Dreams”:
