You know, maybe dying won't be so bad. For one thing I wouldn't have to embark on dangerous quests that involve bringing a powerful object to a place far away while all the servants of evil chase after you, I wouldn't have to travel with a group of diverse characters, nor lose my sanity. Why does this sound so familiar...

The beast is preparing to end my life but at the moment I'm too confused and disoriented and delirious to care. In fact I'm welcoming my quick and painless death with open arms. Unfortunately my plans are ruined because someone just had to come in at the last moment and save my life! Why?!
Why do all the bad things happen to me?!
How hard did I get hit by this thing?

The beast roars in pain and backs away from me, snarling at something I can't see or care about. I notice an arrow sticking out of the beast's shoulder, that must be painful, poor thing. The beast rears on its hind legs as the something begins to attack it. That's not nice! Why would you attack an innocent creature?!

Alright now I know I'm delirious...

As I lay there on my side watching the fight unfold between the beast and the something while bleeding out onto the ground I wonder if I should be concerned. Wait what should I be concerned about? Was it the beast, or the amount of red stuff covering me? What's the red stuff called again?

A cry of pain (it's actually more of a grunt of pain) comes from the something as the beast throws them down. Ouch...
Poor something, wish I could help.
Then I notice something shiny lying on the ground nearby, I think it's a baby sword, and I want it. I try to drag myself towards it, but then the ground bites me. I yelp and quickly roll onto my back. How can I grab the baby sword if the ground is biting me? 

I can see the beast lumbering towards me, maybe it can help me grab the baby sword. Everything around me is spinning, I like looking up at the stars when they spin, so pretty...
I close my eyes when my head starts to get fuzzy. Perhaps I'll nap for a moment, then I can try to grab the baby sword.

Yes...
Just a short nap...
That's all... I need...

/\\//\\/

Ramben's POV

Something was wrong, terribly wrong. Ramben could feel it as he ran alongside Darovel, something awful was happening. Frightened people ran past them but Darovel refused to turn back. Holding tight onto Ramben's hand he made his way towards the village, half of which remained in ruins.

Ramben trusted Darovel completely, he could see the good in him, but there was something else in him too the the young Elf could not name. Whatever it was it drove him to follow Darovel, although now he was mainly following him in order to find Amarth. What Ramben feared most was that the darkness he felt had hurt Amarth in some way.

The two entered the village and Darovel slowed his pace, creeping forward slowly with Ramben behind. They reached the center and saw exactly what Ramben had been fearing. Amarth was laying motionless on the ground, blood covering his chest, and the beast towering over him. "Stay here Ramben, do not come out no matter what understand?" Without waiting for an answer Darovel ran towards the beast, throwing knife in hand.

Ramben's heart was pounding as he watched the scene unfold. Darovel had thrown a knife into the beast's back, the creature roared and spun around to face the man who already had another knife ready. In Ramben's eyes the beast had no definite shape, it moved around as if it were a shadow, a claw or eye could be seen as it moved. Ramben's attention was suddenly caught by another figure laying on the ground, one who was slowly rising to their feet.

He couldn't see who they were, only that they seemed to be hurt. Ramben was about to go over and help when the being suddenly raced towards the beast with a sword in hand. Their gait was off however which told Ramben that they were hurt, and yet they went to fight anyway. Ramben watched as they fought alongside Darovel, but to the young Elf's horror the beast was no longer interested in them. 

It had turned its attention back on Amarth, and seemed determined to finish him off. The beast charged forward, and at the same time so did Ramben. The frightened Elfling reached Amarth first but the beast was closing in fast. Ramben didn't know what he was supposed to do to protect his friend, until he noticed a knife on the ground. He picked it up and stood in front of Amarth, holding the knife out in front of him with shaking arms. The beast slowed for a moment, as if confused at seeing Ramben, then it shook itself and charged again.

Ramben forced himself not to move, despite everything inside screaming for him to run. As he gripped the knife something sounded in his ear. It was soft at first and Ramben could not make out what it was.

"You need to be faster!"

A voice, one that sounded familiar...

"Focus on your target! Block everything else out!"
Someone barked orders to those gathered, figures with faces the he could not see stood among him, all were armed with throwing knives.
"Hit the center of the targets! Your throws need to be fatal! Do you want to die?!"
He raised his arm, hand loosely gripping his knife. The others had already thrown theirs, only a few had hit the center of their targets, he was the only one who hadn't thrown his knife.
"What are you doing?! Throw the knife!"
He zeroed in on the target, everything else vanished from his sight. There was no sound, only himself and his target.

He inhaled, and slowly exhaled at the same time he threw the knife. It spun through the air once, twice. Then with a *thunk* it struck the target dead center. He didn't care that those around him were staring with looks of shock, and even envy. All that he cared about was that he had done what he had been told to do, and he had succeeded.

/\\//\\/

Darovel's POV

Darovel already had his second throwing knife out by the time the first struck the beast. The bear-like creature spun around and glared at him, death was in its eyes. Darovel stood and waited as the beast thundered towards him, he would be ready. The beast leapt into the air, jaws parted and claws outstretched. Darovel quickly darted to the side and threw his knife, aiming for the beast's neck.

He smiled in grim satisfaction as his knife flew true and became embedded in the beast's neck, but the creature did not die. Darovel's smile vanished immediately as the beast reared on its hind legs, roaring in fury. Darovel frantically reached for two more knives and froze when he only found one, where was his other knife?

Darovel always carried eight throwing knives with him, his bow, and a dagger. He kept his throwing knives hidden all over him, he'd used two inside Thilan's home, two had been confiscated by Thilan's guards, one had been used to kill Thilan, and two were now embedded in the beast. His bow and dagger had been taken as well, his only weapon was his last throwing knife.

He rolled out of the way just in time to avoid the beast's snapping jaws, he gripped his remaining knife tightly. Could this creature even be killed? It had a knife embedded in its neck, yet it still lived! Darovel sprang to his feet only to drop onto his back as the beast swung a massive paw at him. From where he lay on the ground something caught his eye that he hadn't noticed before, an arrow was sticking out of the beast's shoulder.

Had Amarth done that? No he didn't have his bow...

Suddenly the beast roared again, enraged. The creature spun around and from where he laid Darovel could see yet another hooded figure furiously attacking the beast with their sword. He didn't have time to wonder who this was or how they had gotten here, at the moment he was just glad that they'd shown up. Darovel returned to his feet and readied his throwing knife, this time he would aim for the beast's head, surely that would kill it.

Before he could the beast swiped at the hooded figure with its claws and caught them on the arm. The figure cried out and dropped their sword, clutching their bleeding arm to their chest. Darovel was about to run to their defense when suddenly the beast turned around and fled in the opposite direction. Darovel's eyes widened in horror when he saw that the creature was headed straight for Amarth and-

"Ramben!" Darovel ran forward and was vaguely aware of the hooded figure following him. Ramben was standing between Amarth and the charging beast, a knife in his hands. 
"Ramben move!" Darovel once again readied his own knife, when he saw the last thing he had been expecting.

The elfling had his eyes closed, his trembling stopped and he stood as still as a statue. He raised his arm, holding the knife by the blade, the beast came closer. Suddenly Ramben's eyes shot open, bright and focused on the beast. Then he released the knife, it spun through the air once, twice. Then it struck the beast in the head, dead between the eyes. Darovel and the stranger came to an abrupt stop as the beast stumbled, then collapsed on the ground, landing inches from where Ramben stood.

The elfling stood there, looking down at the dead beast as if in shock, before his eyes closed and he collapsed. Fortunately Darovel had snapped out of his stupor and managed to catch Ramben before he hit the ground. 
"Ramben? Can you hear me?" Darovel pressed his ear against Ramben's chest, satisfied that he could hear a strong heartbeat. Looking up from the unconscious Elfling Darovel's gaze landed on Amarth, his face paled when he saw the amount of blood covering his chest.

If he didn't act fast, he would die. Darovel's attention so focused on the two Elves that he almost forgot about the stranger who watched him, neither of them saw the beast slowly dissolve into nothing, vanishing without a trace.

/\\//\\/

Unknown POV

He felt his connection with the hunter break and he knew that it had been slain. Anger consumed him as he tightened his fists in anger. How could this have happened? There was nothing that could have killed his hunter! Unless the thief had managed to use the amulet? No, that was impossible. Then how could the hunter have been killed?

The dark figure rose from where he sat. He would not let this one mishap ruin his plans. Raising his arms he spread his hands out and dark, tendrils of shadow appeared from his hands. His eyes turned black, and the whisps of shadow began to take form. He lowered his hands and the darkness left his eyes. Addressing his newest creations he spoke, "Find the one who has the amulet and bring him and anyone else he travels with to me, alive and unharmed."

The shadows screeched in excitement and flew from their master's presence. The dark being returned to his seat, his expression cold.

You are bringing him to me? A voice questioned, its words dripping with anticipation.

"Once I have taken back what he has stolen he will be yours." The being replied shortly. He'd had this conversation far too many times.

I have already been in his mind, I cannot wait any longer! I must have him! The voice shrieked.

"Patience," he said calmly, "he will come, and then you will be free to do with him as you wish."

I desire his heart, he is fading now because of your hunter!" The voice snapped, "If he 
dies-"

"He will not die, the amulet will sustain him."

How can you be certain? They hissed.

The dark being stared straight ahead, his dark eyes blazing with fury.
"Because there is one who will make sure of it." 

And I swear that I will kill him myself...

/\\//\\/

Amarth's POV

What... happened?
It feels like there was a troll sat on my head, why is my mind so fuzzy?
Cautiously I open one eye before immediately closing it again. Too bright! Far too bright. I can hear voices nearby, faint and distorted. Dare I open my eyes again? Deciding that sooner is better than later, I open both of my eyes at the same time. I blink several times waiting for my eyes to adjust.

The bright light is coming from the sun, that's strange. The last time I checked it was nighttime, when did I fall asleep? Actually I don't remember falling asleep...
What happened?
Groaning I roll onto my side and see a familiar, and very welcome site.
"Good morning Ramben." I say as cheerfully as I can manage.

The young Elf jumps, startled, before turning his head to face me.
"Amarth!" he leaps to his feet and runs over to me, doing his best to hug me while I'm laying on the ground. I stiffen as he hugs me, still not used to it, but this time I don't mind as much. He let's go and looks over his shoulder.
"Darovel! Mara! He's awake!" He calls happily.

Darovel?
Darovel...
DAROVEL?!

He's still here?! I thought I made it clear that after Ramben was rescued I wanted him gone!
And what on earth is a Mara?
That's when everything suddenly floods back to me. Ramben's kidnapping, Darovel, the attack at Thilan's house, the amulet, the beast, death?
No, there was no death. I'm obviously alive and breathing, but what happened to the beast? And the amulet! Do I still-

My hand shoots up and I sigh in relief, the amulet is there, but why isn't it hidden?! Quickly I move to tuck it back under my shirt, then freeze.
"Amarth are you alright?" Ramben asks, probably concerned by how fast my face has turned red.
"Ramben, where is my shirt?" I am topless, why am I without a shirt?
"Oh," Ramben says, "Darovel had to take it off so that he could take care of your wounds. He said he'd give it back when you were awake."  

Wounds? I look down and see that my chest is wrapped in white bandages, I can see blood on them. 
"Could he not have put my shirt back on after he bandaged me?" I grumble feeling very self-conscious right now.
"Darovel said that he didn't want to disturb your wounds anymore." Ramben replies, unsure of why I'm so annoyed with this turn of events.

"How are you feeling Amarth?" Darovel asks finally arriving. I give him a death glare from where I lay on the ground.
"I'd feel much better if you hadn't stolen my shirt," I growl, "and since when do you know how to treat gaping wounds?"
"I was trained to heal. I figured it would be something useful to learn. As for your shirt you will get it back after I redress your wounds. Ramben could you get those extra bandages for me?"

Ramben nods and runs off while Darovel crouches down next to me, helping me sit up.
"I thought I made it clear that I wanted you gone after we found Ramben." I hiss in pain as Darovel begins to remove the bandages.
"Actually, you asked me to find Ramben for you. I did and then he asked me to help find you so I did. Then you were injured and of course Ramben wanted me to help you, and I couldn't say no to him, so here I am."

I bite my tongue as the next bandage is removed, the wounds have yet to heal fully. Darovel removes the last bandage and my eyes widen at the three, scarlet lines on my chest. Seeing them reminds me of something very important.
"Where is the beast now?" I ask just as Ramben returns with the bandages. I don't know whether it was just my imagination or not, but I swear that Ramben's face suddenly turned pale. Darovel however, quickly diverts the subject.

"Thank you Ramben, has Mara returned from the stream yet?"
"Mara? Who's Mara?" I snap forgetting about what I asked earlier.
"We met her in the village," Darovel replies preparing to wrap me up in bandages once again, "she assisted me in getting you and Ramben to safety. And fortunately for you she was willing to give us her last supply of bandages." 

I narrow my eyes. This Mara is obviously another human, and I do not want to have another human to deal with.
"Where is she now?"
"At the stream getting some water." Darovel replies applying the first bandage. Valar it burns...
Darovel continues his work in silence while Ramben watches quietly. I keep glancing from him to Darovel, there's something going on here, something these two are hiding. Ramben looks guilty but Darovel's expression is unreadable. In fact I think I can hear him humming as he works. Is there no end to this man's strangeness?

Finally Darovel finishes and inspects his work.

"Your wounds are healing nicely, in fact they are healing much faster than I thought they would."
"Elves heal faster than mortals." I reply shortly. Shouldn't he know this?
"Mortals?" Darovel asks furrowing his brow. I roll my eyes, does no one know anything about Elves these days?
"Elves never grow old, we can't get sick either, therefore we are called immortal. Yet we can be wounded as you can obviously see and yes, we can be killed. It's simply harder to kill an Elf than it is to kill a mortal."

Darovel seems genuinely interested by this, in fact so does Ramben. That's right, the poor Elf knows nothing about Elves. I'm about to turn the topic to something else, such as the fate of the beast that almost killed me, when someone appears. It's a woman, she has long, blond hair and blue eyes. This must be Mara, but-
Wait a minute.

She freezes as our eyes meet. Her eyes widen and at the same, so do mine. No, no this can't be happening. 
"Amarth?" Darovel tries to get my attention but I'm in too much shock to answer. This woman, she is not Mara.
And she is not a human, she is an Elf.
Standing before me is the last person I ever wanted to see again.

Morwen.