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Description
Location: Rogues
"Xan, listen-"
"No! You take off and don't tell us how long you'll be? What if Roan went to find you and got himself lost?!" I tried to hide my smile as the Wind Elemental went on a tirade of possibilities. Gonnen just leaned against the wall of our cottage with his shoulders shaking, having less success at hiding his mirth.
I sighed. "Xan, Roan can handle himself." Xan muttered something and folded her arms, then stomped into the cottage. Gonnen raised his eyebrows at me smiling. "I don't want to know."
"Wha- Jin, I have no idea what you're talking about," he said. It was no secret those two developed… some kind of feelings for each other.
"Never mind, I- get Xan back out here."
"Xan!" Gonnen yelled. I closed my eyes. I could have easily done that myself. Xan came out still acting angry.
I smiled and said, "Silvein was a success. Granted, I got in an argument with the Queen but-"
"What?!" Jin, you do understand that arguing with the royalty won't-" Xan started.
"It's not the royalty who will get this point across, but the common people. People like us," I said.
"Yeah but, angering their rulers will just make it harder for the people who agree with you," Gonnen muttered.
I looked down. "I know… but I talked with one of the guards. He'll spread the rumor of the Rogue City through Silvein."
"City? Look around, Jin," Xan said motioning towards the cottage. "This isn't a city."
"Which is what I wanted to talk to you about. Gonnen, I need you to build more houses."
"Like… how many?" he asked.
I shrugged slightly. "Enough for a city."
"Okay… how soon do you want them done?"
"Well… I'm sure Ice Elementals will come soon."
Xan burst out laughing. "Jin, you need to plan these things out! You weren't cut out to be a leader."
I laughed alongside her. "I know."
Gonnen nudged Xan to quiet her down. "Alright, alright, enough humor. I can't make a city of houses in what, three days? I'll need help."
I coughed and looked down as Xan muttered, "You're too serious Gonnen."
"Alright," I looked at them. "I'll go to Farren next. Find some more Nature Elementals to help you work."
Gonnen shrugged slightly. "Alright." Neither Xan nor I missed his lack of enthusiasm, but neither would ask him about it. We made it a rule not to badger each other about our pasts. "Go to Princess Shirni, she'll be more receptive to your need to upset government." I shook my head slightly as he went into the cottage.
Xan looked at me. "BE careful. I mean, I know Farrennairs are hardly ferocious beasts but…" she sighed and cocked her eyebrow. "No picking fights."
I put my hand to my chest and bowed. "I promise I'll behave." She nodded curtly then followed Gonnen into the cottage. I looked around, hoping to see Roan coming back. There was nothing. I sighed and straightened my tunic, then jumped into the air, shifting into my other form of a pidgeon.
I flew towards Farren Forest, my white plumage shining in the sun. Roan had told me before I left for Silvein that he had something to take care of. He was going back to Dhostvardaen. There would be no welcome for him there…
I prayed he would make it home.

Location: Farren
I flew through the trees, the nice weather a stark contrast to what I had gone through on my way to Silvein. The trees were a healthy green, plenty of different species too. Nature Elementals could grow anything to their hearts content. Nowhere near Liesenfolde have I seen leaves like the ones on these trees. For a moment I forgot where I was and why I was here. The bright streets of Liesenfolde were beautiful, yes, but Farren Forest had a sort of majestic feel to it.
It wasn't until I stepped on something soft that I returned to my senses. I looked down and picked up my foot. Lying there on the ground was a homemade doll, sown together with black thread and two beady back eyes. I gently picked it up, a bright green leaf on a twig stuck on its head. Then I noticed it was missing an arm.
I looked up and thought, for a moment, that the tree had eyes. But it was a small girl hiding in the foliage. "Hello?" I asked. She retreated farther into the trees. I walked closer on the ground and held up the doll. "Is this yours?" She momentarily looked around her hiding place and I noticed she had the arm of the doll in her hand. She began to climb down, but suddenly an animal charged past, sending the girl scurrying back up the tree. The doll's arm fell to the ground next to my foot. I picked it up, but by the time I looked back at the girl, she was gone.

When I reached closer to Farren itself, other Nature Elementals had come out to great me. They were kind and welcoming and had no hesitation in bringing me to Princess Shirni. As the explained to me that Shirni's brother, Prince Elsin, was visiting, I remembered Gonnen's warning. Ah well, it can't be helped.
I was brought to the entrance of a cave beneath the roots of the largest tree I have ever seen. Next to that tree was a lake, which I was told was a gift from the Water Elementals, the water itself having great healing properties. The cave turned out to be a tunnel into the ground, where as we walked through I could see the roots of the great tree above. I was told how visitors often came to Farren. Even some of the royal meetings have held place here in these tunnels. The Nature Elementals were the least expected for treachery, as well as having enough space for all the royals. I believe I would give anything to witness such a meeting.
I found myself in a huge cavern, filled with elementals going about their day. I noticed some soldiers clad in leather with more of an earthy feel to them standing by the entrance of a room leading off from this one. They were most likely the Prince's escort. They watched me come closer with untrusting eyes as I was lead into the other room. And there sat Princess Shirni with her brother leaning against the wall. He looked up at me and raised an eyebrow questioningly. "And who is this?" he asked. He wore the same leather as his soldiers, but his hair and eyes were the same green as his sister's.
I bowed my head slightly. "I am Jin, a messenger of sorts from the Rogue City."
"The what?" the Princess asked. Her green hair fell down her back and I couldn't discern if her clothes were made from some sort of fabric or actual leaves.
"The Rogue City, it's-" I began.
"What kind of name is that?" Elsin asked straightening up.
"I laughed slightly. "We couldn't decide which language to use for the name so we settled for a name in the common tongue."
The Prince did not look impressed. He began to speak but his sister beat him to it. "Dear brother, let the man speak." She looked at me. "What message do you bring?"
I glanced at Elsin who returned a glare. "We are building a city were any elemental can come and live freely." Neither sibling responded so I continued. "I mean no disrespect towards the royals and how they run things, but I never understood the separation between the elements. Yes, I understand how elementals are naturally repelled from each other, but that is the case in any civilization. There will always be someone you do not get along with no matter how hard you try not to, but-"
"Who are you again?" I blinked, stopping my flow of words to look at the Prince.
"Yes, I uh, I'm Jin from the Rogue City and-"
"Who were you in Liesenfolde?"
I sighed. "Merely a citizen, nothing special but-"
"Then how would we expect you to understand our decisions to remain separate?" I didn't reply. "Yes, we could all live together, but inevitably we wouldn't like it. You expect me t have my sister's people live beside Fire Elementals who could, even by accident, burn them to a crisp?"
"You yourself have found a solution to that by using the stone from the earth to block the flames," I said frowning.
"Yes, but then with their fiery tempers, they'd declare war. The Water Elementals would get involved because they're our allies and then the Fires would call on the Thunders and it would go on and on until the Darks find an excuse to blame the Lights, or vice versa, and we're at all out war. It takes only one little event to set this off," he said clasping his hands behind his back.
I nodded, understanding his point. "But we have only to consider out relationships with each other. If, say, a Light and a Dark Elemental gets over their differences and come to understand one another, then I'm sure any elemental could do the same."
He shook his head. "It'll never happen."
"Ah, but it has. Back home there is a Dark Elemental named Roan. We have settled our differences and are friends."
"I'll believe it when I see it," he replied, leaning against the wall.
"Well there is a Nature Elemental there as well and he said to me he wouldn't mind living beside a Fire Elemental as long as they didn't believe a joke was setting his sleeve on fire." I could tell from his lack of enthusiasm that he didn't find that humorous.
"Who is he?" I turned towards the Princess who had just been listening through our debate until now. "The Nature Elemental back in your city?"
I debated weather to mention Gonnen's name or not. It's obvious something has happened here, but I doubted he had it in him to be an actual criminal. I decided to take the risk.

"His name is Gonnen." Their opposite reactions surprised me. The Prince grew cold and angry, while the Princess had a mix of regret and acceptance. My curiosity sparked.
The Prince recovered first. "Gonnen you say? So he's still alive." He looked at his sister whose gaze was far off. He returned his gaze to me. "Gonnen is no friend of ours."
"Forgive me, I don't know his past. He just doesn't seem the type to have harmed anyone."
Prince Elsin scoffed. "He's a selfish fool who thought-"
"Brother please, let me explain for you are too biased in your anger," his sister muttered.
"And you are not biased?" he asked sharply.
She ignored him. "Gonnen worked here in Farren not long ago. He helped build these tunnels." I nodded, feeling a slight shame at being curious about Gonnen's past. "He and I… we conversed regularly on how to expand, how to make more room." She smiled slightly. "He came up with the idea to build a tunnel connecting the two Nature Elemental cities. He was very gifted…"
"Oh please, even now after what he's done-!"
"It wasn't his fault, Elsin. It just happened."
Elsin slammed his hand on the table in front of his sister. "It just happened?! He has his way with you then-"
"Do not assume things, Elsin!" she snapped at him. I became uncomfortable. Shirni turned to me. "I loved Gonnen. We were young… and stupid. If my father had found out it would have broke his heart. So Gonnen left." I nodded slightly. Elsin scoffed, turning away. Shrini smiled slightly. "How is he?"
"He is fine," I said. "He… he seems sad at times, but I understand why now." She looked down and nodded. "He… he's going to design the city for us."
She smiled, "I see he hasn't lost his touch."
"He'll need help though, which is half the reason why I came."
Elsin turned sharply and I half expected him to explode. "Now he expects us to send people over-"
"No, only if they choose to. They won't even have to stay, he simply needs more manpower," I said, hoping to stop the Prince's tirade. He glared at me but didn't continue.
"I will let the people know. You live close to Farren, correct?" The Princess asked.
"Yes, right next to the river."
"I don't believe this…" Elsin muttered.
"My brother will let his people know as well, won't he?" The Princess asked, her gaze falling on her brother who stared back at her.
"Fine," he said after a few moments. "I need to return now anyway." He turned sharply and walked past me. "Tell Gonnen… Prince Elsin sends his regards," he said.
I smiled wryly, "I will." The Prince left with a flourish of his cloak. I turned back to the Princess.
She stood and motioned for me to follow her to the door. "I will send some to help. People still remember Gonnen, I'm sure they'd like to volunteer." She stopped at the door and I began to leave. "Jin…" I turned back to her. "Thank you. I gave up ever hearing from him again."
I nodded slightly, "Is there… anything you'd like me to tell him?"
She had that vacant look again. Then she smiled slightly, "It's… already hard for him. I… I can't put more of a burden on his shoulders." She looked at me. "It was nice meeting you, Jin. Thank you."

Sunlight poured through the trees. I walked through the forest with a better feeling than when I left Silvein. Perhaps Nature Elementals are more excepting… or I was just in a bad mood at Silvein because of the cold. Ill be no better than those I'm standing up to if I continue to assume.
I prepared to transform when I remembered the doll in my pocket. I took it out and looked around. I was near the place where I saw the girl… there! She was now on the ground, hiding behind a tree and I believe she had been crying. I took a step towards and she moved back frightened. "Don't worry, I won't hurt you."
Her eyes moved to the doll in my hand, then back to me. "Koco…" she mumbled.
I held the doll up. "This is Koco?" She nodded. I looked at it. "He seems to be without an arm." She nodded again, stepping a bit closer. "I believe I can fix him, if you like." She nodded quickly, her expression getting less depressed.
I held the doll before me and focused my powers. Small threads of light began swirling from my fingers, then latched on the frayed thread of the detached arm and shoulder. They began weaving the thread together, then tightened the seam. I tugged on the arm experimentally, then smiled at the girl. "Good as new," I said, holding the doll out. She reached for the doll then stopped and frowned at me. I began to wonder if I was dealing with her completely wrong, but then she ran forward and snatched the doll, crushing him in a hug.
She frowned at the doll, then held him up in front of her face. "Thank you for fixing my arm, I feel much better now."
I laughed, "You're very welcome Mr. er…" I looked sideways and the girl lowered the doll looking at me bemused. "Sorry, I seem to have forgotten his name."
"It's Koco!" she said.
I nodded, "Then you're welcome, Mr. Koco." She made the doll hug my arm, then she was off, running into the trees. I chuckled as I watched her disappear. Something about her face reminded me of someone… but I couldn't recall who.

END OF PART 2

Description
Location: Rogues
"Xan, listen-"
"No! You take off and don't tell us how long you'll be? What if Roan went to find you and got himself lost?!" I tried to hide my smile as the Wind Elemental went on a tirade of possibilities. Gonnen just leaned against the wall of our cottage with his shoulders shaking, having less success at hiding his mirth.
I sighed. "Xan, Roan can handle himself." Xan muttered something and folded her arms, then stomped into the cottage. Gonnen raised his eyebrows at me smiling. "I don't want to know."
"Wha- Jin, I have no idea what you're talking about," he said. It was no secret those two developed… some kind of feelings for each other.
"Never mind, I- get Xan back out here."
"Xan!" Gonnen yelled. I closed my eyes. I could have easily done that myself. Xan came out still acting angry.
I smiled and said, "Silvein was a success. Granted, I got in an argument with the Queen but-"
"What?!" Jin, you do understand that arguing with the royalty won't-" Xan started.
"It's not the royalty who will get this point across, but the common people. People like us," I said.
"Yeah but, angering their rulers will just make it harder for the people who agree with you," Gonnen muttered.
I looked down. "I know… but I talked with one of the guards. He'll spread the rumor of the Rogue City through Silvein."
"City? Look around, Jin," Xan said motioning towards the cottage. "This isn't a city."
"Which is what I wanted to talk to you about. Gonnen, I need you to build more houses."
"Like… how many?" he asked.
I shrugged slightly. "Enough for a city."
"Okay… how soon do you want them done?"
"Well… I'm sure Ice Elementals will come soon."
Xan burst out laughing. "Jin, you need to plan these things out! You weren't cut out to be a leader."
I laughed alongside her. "I know."
Gonnen nudged Xan to quiet her down. "Alright, alright, enough humor. I can't make a city of houses in what, three days? I'll need help."
I coughed and looked down as Xan muttered, "You're too serious Gonnen."
"Alright," I looked at them. "I'll go to Farren next. Find some more Nature Elementals to help you work."
Gonnen shrugged slightly. "Alright." Neither Xan nor I missed his lack of enthusiasm, but neither would ask him about it. We made it a rule not to badger each other about our pasts. "Go to Princess Shirni, she'll be more receptive to your need to upset government." I shook my head slightly as he went into the cottage.
Xan looked at me. "BE careful. I mean, I know Farrennairs are hardly ferocious beasts but…" she sighed and cocked her eyebrow. "No picking fights."
I put my hand to my chest and bowed. "I promise I'll behave." She nodded curtly then followed Gonnen into the cottage. I looked around, hoping to see Roan coming back. There was nothing. I sighed and straightened my tunic, then jumped into the air, shifting into my other form of a pidgeon.
I flew towards Farren Forest, my white plumage shining in the sun. Roan had told me before I left for Silvein that he had something to take care of. He was going back to Dhostvardaen. There would be no welcome for him there…
I prayed he would make it home.

Location: Farren
I flew through the trees, the nice weather a stark contrast to what I had gone through on my way to Silvein. The trees were a healthy green, plenty of different species too. Nature Elementals could grow anything to their hearts content. Nowhere near Liesenfolde have I seen leaves like the ones on these trees. For a moment I forgot where I was and why I was here. The bright streets of Liesenfolde were beautiful, yes, but Farren Forest had a sort of majestic feel to it.
It wasn't until I stepped on something soft that I returned to my senses. I looked down and picked up my foot. Lying there on the ground was a homemade doll, sown together with black thread and two beady back eyes. I gently picked it up, a bright green leaf on a twig stuck on its head. Then I noticed it was missing an arm.
I looked up and thought, for a moment, that the tree had eyes. But it was a small girl hiding in the foliage. "Hello?" I asked. She retreated farther into the trees. I walked closer on the ground and held up the doll. "Is this yours?" She momentarily looked around her hiding place and I noticed she had the arm of the doll in her hand. She began to climb down, but suddenly an animal charged past, sending the girl scurrying back up the tree. The doll's arm fell to the ground next to my foot. I picked it up, but by the time I looked back at the girl, she was gone.

When I reached closer to Farren itself, other Nature Elementals had come out to great me. They were kind and welcoming and had no hesitation in bringing me to Princess Shirni. As the explained to me that Shirni's brother, Prince Elsin, was visiting, I remembered Gonnen's warning. Ah well, it can't be helped.
I was brought to the entrance of a cave beneath the roots of the largest tree I have ever seen. Next to that tree was a lake, which I was told was a gift from the Water Elementals, the water itself having great healing properties. The cave turned out to be a tunnel into the ground, where as we walked through I could see the roots of the great tree above. I was told how visitors often came to Farren. Even some of the royal meetings have held place here in these tunnels. The Nature Elementals were the least expected for treachery, as well as having enough space for all the royals. I believe I would give anything to witness such a meeting.
I found myself in a huge cavern, filled with elementals going about their day. I noticed some soldiers clad in leather with more of an earthy feel to them standing by the entrance of a room leading off from this one. They were most likely the Prince's escort. They watched me come closer with untrusting eyes as I was lead into the other room. And there sat Princess Shirni with her brother leaning against the wall. He looked up at me and raised an eyebrow questioningly. "And who is this?" he asked. He wore the same leather as his soldiers, but his hair and eyes were the same green as his sister's.
I bowed my head slightly. "I am Jin, a messenger of sorts from the Rogue City."
"The what?" the Princess asked. Her green hair fell down her back and I couldn't discern if her clothes were made from some sort of fabric or actual leaves.
"The Rogue City, it's-" I began.
"What kind of name is that?" Elsin asked straightening up.
"I laughed slightly. "We couldn't decide which language to use for the name so we settled for a name in the common tongue."
The Prince did not look impressed. He began to speak but his sister beat him to it. "Dear brother, let the man speak." She looked at me. "What message do you bring?"
I glanced at Elsin who returned a glare. "We are building a city were any elemental can come and live freely." Neither sibling responded so I continued. "I mean no disrespect towards the royals and how they run things, but I never understood the separation between the elements. Yes, I understand how elementals are naturally repelled from each other, but that is the case in any civilization. There will always be someone you do not get along with no matter how hard you try not to, but-"
"Who are you again?" I blinked, stopping my flow of words to look at the Prince.
"Yes, I uh, I'm Jin from the Rogue City and-"
"Who were you in Liesenfolde?"
I sighed. "Merely a citizen, nothing special but-"
"Then how would we expect you to understand our decisions to remain separate?" I didn't reply. "Yes, we could all live together, but inevitably we wouldn't like it. You expect me t have my sister's people live beside Fire Elementals who could, even by accident, burn them to a crisp?"
"You yourself have found a solution to that by using the stone from the earth to block the flames," I said frowning.
"Yes, but then with their fiery tempers, they'd declare war. The Water Elementals would get involved because they're our allies and then the Fires would call on the Thunders and it would go on and on until the Darks find an excuse to blame the Lights, or vice versa, and we're at all out war. It takes only one little event to set this off," he said clasping his hands behind his back.
I nodded, understanding his point. "But we have only to consider out relationships with each other. If, say, a Light and a Dark Elemental gets over their differences and come to understand one another, then I'm sure any elemental could do the same."
He shook his head. "It'll never happen."
"Ah, but it has. Back home there is a Dark Elemental named Roan. We have settled our differences and are friends."
"I'll believe it when I see it," he replied, leaning against the wall.
"Well there is a Nature Elemental there as well and he said to me he wouldn't mind living beside a Fire Elemental as long as they didn't believe a joke was setting his sleeve on fire." I could tell from his lack of enthusiasm that he didn't find that humorous.
"Who is he?" I turned towards the Princess who had just been listening through our debate until now. "The Nature Elemental back in your city?"
I debated weather to mention Gonnen's name or not. It's obvious something has happened here, but I doubted he had it in him to be an actual criminal. I decided to take the risk.

"His name is Gonnen." Their opposite reactions surprised me. The Prince grew cold and angry, while the Princess had a mix of regret and acceptance. My curiosity sparked.
The Prince recovered first. "Gonnen you say? So he's still alive." He looked at his sister whose gaze was far off. He returned his gaze to me. "Gonnen is no friend of ours."
"Forgive me, I don't know his past. He just doesn't seem the type to have harmed anyone."
Prince Elsin scoffed. "He's a selfish fool who thought-"
"Brother please, let me explain for you are too biased in your anger," his sister muttered.
"And you are not biased?" he asked sharply.
She ignored him. "Gonnen worked here in Farren not long ago. He helped build these tunnels." I nodded, feeling a slight shame at being curious about Gonnen's past. "He and I… we conversed regularly on how to expand, how to make more room." She smiled slightly. "He came up with the idea to build a tunnel connecting the two Nature Elemental cities. He was very gifted…"
"Oh please, even now after what he's done-!"
"It wasn't his fault, Elsin. It just happened."
Elsin slammed his hand on the table in front of his sister. "It just happened?! He has his way with you then-"
"Do not assume things, Elsin!" she snapped at him. I became uncomfortable. Shirni turned to me. "I loved Gonnen. We were young… and stupid. If my father had found out it would have broke his heart. So Gonnen left." I nodded slightly. Elsin scoffed, turning away. Shrini smiled slightly. "How is he?"
"He is fine," I said. "He… he seems sad at times, but I understand why now." She looked down and nodded. "He… he's going to design the city for us."
She smiled, "I see he hasn't lost his touch."
"He'll need help though, which is half the reason why I came."
Elsin turned sharply and I half expected him to explode. "Now he expects us to send people over-"
"No, only if they choose to. They won't even have to stay, he simply needs more manpower," I said, hoping to stop the Prince's tirade. He glared at me but didn't continue.
"I will let the people know. You live close to Farren, correct?" The Princess asked.
"Yes, right next to the river."
"I don't believe this…" Elsin muttered.
"My brother will let his people know as well, won't he?" The Princess asked, her gaze falling on her brother who stared back at her.
"Fine," he said after a few moments. "I need to return now anyway." He turned sharply and walked past me. "Tell Gonnen… Prince Elsin sends his regards," he said.
I smiled wryly, "I will." The Prince left with a flourish of his cloak. I turned back to the Princess.
She stood and motioned for me to follow her to the door. "I will send some to help. People still remember Gonnen, I'm sure they'd like to volunteer." She stopped at the door and I began to leave. "Jin…" I turned back to her. "Thank you. I gave up ever hearing from him again."
I nodded slightly, "Is there… anything you'd like me to tell him?"
She had that vacant look again. Then she smiled slightly, "It's… already hard for him. I… I can't put more of a burden on his shoulders." She looked at me. "It was nice meeting you, Jin. Thank you."

Sunlight poured through the trees. I walked through the forest with a better feeling than when I left Silvein. Perhaps Nature Elementals are more excepting… or I was just in a bad mood at Silvein because of the cold. Ill be no better than those I'm standing up to if I continue to assume.
I prepared to transform when I remembered the doll in my pocket. I took it out and looked around. I was near the place where I saw the girl… there! She was now on the ground, hiding behind a tree and I believe she had been crying. I took a step towards and she moved back frightened. "Don't worry, I won't hurt you."
Her eyes moved to the doll in my hand, then back to me. "Koco…" she mumbled.
I held the doll up. "This is Koco?" She nodded. I looked at it. "He seems to be without an arm." She nodded again, stepping a bit closer. "I believe I can fix him, if you like." She nodded quickly, her expression getting less depressed.
I held the doll before me and focused my powers. Small threads of light began swirling from my fingers, then latched on the frayed thread of the detached arm and shoulder. They began weaving the thread together, then tightened the seam. I tugged on the arm experimentally, then smiled at the girl. "Good as new," I said, holding the doll out. She reached for the doll then stopped and frowned at me. I began to wonder if I was dealing with her completely wrong, but then she ran forward and snatched the doll, crushing him in a hug.
She frowned at the doll, then held him up in front of her face. "Thank you for fixing my arm, I feel much better now."
I laughed, "You're very welcome Mr. er…" I looked sideways and the girl lowered the doll looking at me bemused. "Sorry, I seem to have forgotten his name."
"It's Koco!" she said.
I nodded, "Then you're welcome, Mr. Koco." She made the doll hug my arm, then she was off, running into the trees. I chuckled as I watched her disappear. Something about her face reminded me of someone… but I couldn't recall who.

END OF PART 2