After yet another long day of preparations, Alkaeya was ready for the Trade festival. Everyone in the city was exhausted. Once Anzor, the Trade master had thrice checked every single detail was cared for he had a fire made and invited all his workers for a small gathering of fellowship, showing to them he was most grateful of the work they did year-in and year-out. A cauldron of stew was soon boiling and ale was brought out for the lads, yet even Raelyn had some, she was of age. Everyone laughed and joked about, enjoying a moment of relief before the next day.

   Raelyn sat by the fire, watching the flames, deep in thought. The sound of hoof beats came to her ears. Breaking her gaze from the flames she surveyed the area for any riders. None were in sight. Puzzled she stood and walked about, slowly so as not to draw attention to herself. But Anzor had already spotted her, for rarely did a single thing pass his gaze.

"What seems to be the matter Raelyn?" inquired he.

Raelyn continued to walk on. "Hoof beats..."

Without question he followed her away from the small gathering and into the city. Shadows fell from houses as sunset drew near. A dog barked once, twice before falling silent. Wind blew, whistling through the air and became still. Feelings of strangeness clouded their path, even Anzor felt it. Hoof beats came once more, ringing on the cobblestone path they tread. Raelyn straitened and walked quickly towards the rider not pausing for Anzor close behind.

   Spotting her, the rider smoothly came to a halt in front of her. A silver green cloak cascaded from his shoulders; brown hair fell from his head. Eyes keen, sharp and alert observed both the girl and the man with caution, unknowing whether they came in peace.

"Ai! Gi Suilon!" The stranger spoke quickly. Realizing that neither of them knew his language he tried to cover his mistake. "Forgive me. I meant to say, Greetings."

Both Raelyn and Anzor bowed low. Nobility seemed to flow from the stranger like water falls, urging them to bow.

"We greet you, kind sir. What can we do for you?" spoke Raelyn.

"I come as a messenger from Lord Oropher of Greenwood, who greets you and your kingdom." Pulling out a letter he held it out. "Lord Oropher failed to send this a while back. He is now close to your borders and to which one of you shall I give this?"

   Anzor stepped forward and took the letter. Opening it he read the message within. After a few moments he handed the letter to Raelyn who read it as well. A smile grew upon her face as she folded it back up.

"What wonderful news this is. We were worried that Lord Oropher would not make it tomorrow."

The rider shook his head. "Nay, He is almost here. But he told me to tell you one thing."

Anzor formed a curious face. "And what would that be noble elf? "

   Stroking his horse, the elf did not respond right away. Finally he said "Lord Oropher does not feel entirely comfortable spending the night in a city not of his own kin. He has only little knowledge of your civilization and therefore he prefers to camp outside your city walls."

Anzor thought this over. He agreed entirely with this statement. After all Alkaeya was only seven centuries old. A young kingdom but a strong one. He then explained he needed to tell the king of this. After speaking with Raelyn Anzor made way for the keep, where King Erich dwelt. Once he had gone Raelyn offered the elf to stay in the city for the night but her offer was refused. The elf explained he must return to Lord Oropher immediately as were his orders. And so they parted ways. Walking back to the gathering of her fellow workers she sat once more by the fire, sipping some ale and reminiscing of what had happened.

And so the next day came...

"Hurry Up Raelyn! You're so slow!" Stella called to her sister.

"Me? Slow? Dear sister, I would not be slow if you did not move about so fast!" came the reply as she tried to work her way through the sea of people.

Only two and a half hours had passed since the opening of the festival, already the streets were alive with people from far and wide. Men and dwarves and elves had arrived. They could be seen examining jewels, examining pottery and stroking cloth. So far all seemed to be going well. Raelyn chuckled to herself as she observed how the dwarves seemed more interested in weaponry and armor, along with the occasional jewelry; the elves more intrigued by cloth and animals and weaponry. One elf spotted some dogs that were for sale and moved over to see them closer. A small pup was handed to him. With quick likening to the elf the pup took as he crawled up his shirt licking his face. Laughter erupted from the mouth of the elf who cradled the creature to his chest. Smiling, Raelyn ventured over - her sister having disappeared into the crowd - and inquired apon the price of the pup.

"About thirteen silver pieces dear." Raelyn sucked in her breath, but continued to smile as she brought out a gold coin and handed it to the lady asking if that would do. Opening her mouth the woman tried to protest causing Raelyn to hold her hand up for silence.

"Take it without question." She spoke firmly. "The dog is yours." Said she to the elf who held a shocked face.

Before anything could be said, Raelyn had entered the sea of people herself, a smile of pleasant telling upon her face. What she had done was an attempt to forge a friendship between races. One or two mysterious gifts could at least give the others a chance to give a second glace to the kingdom of Alkaeya.

After walking another half hour, thirst began to grip Raelyn by the throat. Paying for ale she quenched her thirst as she walked through the crowd. A bell rang, deep and clear. It was a signal for all to gather around for an announcement. After squeezing past countless people she found herself next to Anzor with Stella two people behind. Raelyn inquired as to what was going about but her master gave her a look to which she shut her mouth swiftly.

Ahead, several men stood. A look closer –and I shall tell you- that it was three men and two elves which faced the crowd. Those three men were King Erich of Alkaeya, Grimond –Raelyn's archery teacher- and another lad of no importance, a simple soldier. The two elves were King Oropher of Greenwood, and beside him another elven archer. It was harder to tell if it was King Oropher, for many would have expected him to come on a magnificent steed, with servants bustling about him, hither and thither and perhaps more of formal attire than that which he was currently wearing. A simple woodsman outfit was all he wore, boots, green pants and a green shirt and a grey cloak, commonly worn among men. It may have been due to the fact that causing a commotion was not in his interests. Appearing as simple or as common was all he wished.

"Gather about my lovely people!" King Erich cried cheerfully, beckoning for them to get closer and for others to see. "Today is yet another gathering for many of those spread across the map, living in Middle-Earth. I welcome all of you!" Applause rang about the throng. "As to make this day more exciting, I have planned with some others and have a contest prepared. Lord Oropher will explain about this game."

All the people almost crushed each other trying to hear the elf king, who smiled and stepped forward to give his speech, hands raised in a manner to address them all.

"Thank you King Erich and thank you, people of Alkaeya for having I and my kin join you for such a pleasant time. The contest, I and King Erich along with the noble, archery master Grimond is archery contest. However...it is a specific contest, to which only those who know archery can do. Four of Alkaeya's archers shall compete against four of my archers. But, I will not be judging my own people. That is the trick here. I will be judging those from this kingdom and King Erich and Grimond shall be judging my men. Now it is fair, for it is folly to be judging my own men. In forty minutes time, the bell shall sound again and that will mean ten minutes till the competition starts. Hannon le to all of you. Thank you."

Raelyn turned away quickly from the crowd and back to finish her ale. Archery was one of her best skills for she had been taught by Grimond himself. Grimond was known for his excellent archery accomplishments. Having seen potential in Raelyn he trained her for many years till she was as graceful as an eagle in the sky. He would go as to say she was better than he. But being picked for the contest was what Raelyn hoped Grimond would not ask of her. Not one bit did she want to be shown up by a bunch of elves in all their glory.

Walking merrily along, sipping her drink she laughed to the thought of herself standing in from of Oropher's archers and missing many targets.

"Only a fool would I make of myself." She told herself.

"Raelyn? Just where do you think you're going lassie?" the familiar voice of Grimond behind her.

Nearly spewing and spilling her drink, Raelyn spun about looking at her old teacher who had a grin apon his face. Eyes twinkled with a mischievous gleam which sent chills through her.

Dipping back his head for her to follow him he led her towards the elves and King Erich as the bell rung for the ten minutes to prepare warning. Immediately people surrounded the area as a way to make sure they would not miss anything.

"Lord Oropher! I found the last contestant! She has arrived!" Grimond called over to the elves, who chatted with the king.

Pushing her forward, Grimond steered his young trainee to Lord Oropher, who broke his gaze away from the king to look at them.

" Her name is Raelyn and I choose her as the last contestant for Alkaeya's side for this archery contest!"

I apologize for the slow update but I hope it was worth the wait!

Ai - Hi or hello

Gi Suilon - Greetings!

Hannon le - thank you

Also i dont know why wattpad turned my published parts into drafts...-_-

All good i guess._.

Byeee

nin