The First Sparks of War - Sunrise

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[130] Jinquil: The First Sparks of War - Sunrise
Thu Aug  4 23:45:51 2011
To: Shalonesti Shalonesti_kingdom Thaxanos Wargar All Kyri IMM RP Zandreya
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Shalonesti and the elves within it lived for their continuity.  Everyday,
the first rays of morning light would splinter the horizon to bathe the
forest in a radiant and golden light.  On this particular morning, nothing
in Shalonesti was within the norm.  Soldiers and Kyorl lined the gates,
having been at their stations for the entirety of the previous night that
had passed slowly for every soul within the city.  The sting of the events
from the evening before was reinforced by the soft red glow that blended
with the vivid orange of the sun to paint the sky over the forest and the
city with fire.  The heavy gray plumes of smoke that lingered in the trees
replaced the veil of silver mist usually provided by Shalinastra's falls, a
constant reminder that war was upon them. 

Having chosen the most capable elves for the task at hand, Jinquil repeated
the order the Speaker had given the night before when the elves had gathered
together within the Circle of Heavens.  "Our Speaker was clear, lose one and
we are to return.  This is a mission for scouting only.  Do NOT engage the
enemy for to do so at the moment is suicide.  " She glanced over each elf
that stood before her, nodding more to herself than them before clasping her
hands behind her back and continuing, "I am going to insist on better from
you.  We do not lose ONE.  Not one.  If you sense danger, even a shiver of
it, you return to the city with as much speed as Zandreya can gift you.  "

Talik arrived, glancing over the number of men she had gathered with hesitation
before he chose three and made his way off into the forest to begin his
scouting.  Chosing three of her own to accompany her, she continues her
orders, "You three will join me in scouting.  The rest of you are to cover
the ground immediately surrounding the city.  I want you fireproofing ever
vallen you can reach without endangering yourself.  Do what you can and
return to the city before nightfall.  " With that, she gave the men and
women gathered a crisp salute and once the gesture is returned by all fades
into the labyrinth of the vallenwoods. 

The day of scouting was long and arduous.  Jinquil and the other three elves
crept to the south through the forest, studying the dwarven army from the
shelter of the mother's trees.  It was indeed an entire battalion and no
light raiding party.  Cutting and burning their way through the forest, the
dwarves headed towards Shalonesti with no remorse for the destruction they
left behind them.  Circling around the dwarven forces to avoid detection,
Jinquil and her small group of scouts picked their way back along the
ancient vallens that lined the coast.  It was this route that drew Jinquil's
thoughts elsewhere. 

The sky in the area of the forest that sheltered the Dalar family home was
thick with angry black smoke.  Jinquil returned to the city with haste,
striding through the gates with her team as the sun's departure once again
faded the sky to colors of cobalt and crimson.  Her feet carried her quickly
to the palace ballroom that housed the refugees and she passed quietly and
mostly unnoticed amongst them.  Several wept still, each face holding a
shock and desolation that made Jinquil's heart swell. 

After several trips around the large room, it was more than obvious.  Her
parents were not among the refugees.  They had not yet made it to the safety
of the city.  Turning from the room, Jinquil went to find her older sister,
Llorana, her mind already forming a plan.