The Wolves of Grimrock

The twilight sky sparkled with a thousand stars as Malanna passed purposefully along the edge of the woods. "What is taking him so damn long," she said, gathering her azure robes.
The soft fabric hung loose on her lithe body, accentuating her figure. Speckles of white covered her garments as if stardust covered them, matching the twilight sky of Aria.
"Relax, Malanna, Grynmar knows exactly what he's doing," said Corynn, leaning against a rock. Corynn made his way toward Malanna, his footsteps crunching against the fallen leaves and twigs. His hair was cropped short like all other Tallanian Knights, but after a few days of travel, he gave up shaving and sported an excellent bit of scruff.
He had been traveling for weeks, searching for something—but what? He didn't know. All he knew was that something was calling him to continue onward. Was it the sorcerous that kept him here or something else? He didn't know, but it wracked his thoughts daily.
Every knight had to keep a particular look, and his Order of the Seven Moons directed it. After all, there was a code, and he would see it followed daily. Malanna stopped walking and stood, fidgeting, unable to stop worrying.
"Cor, do you honestly think he'll be okay?" She asked, running both hands through her long black hair. She stared off into the Grimrock Woods with eyes the same color as her robes. "I mean, he knows what he's doing, right?"
Corynn stepped away from the boulder and approached her from behind. Within moments, he rested his hands on her shoulders and breathed calming energy into her. "Gryn is a ranger and knows exactly what to do. Be calm, Mal. I understand he's your brother, but you must stop worrying about him so much."
Malanna exhaled and let the calming presence of Corynn soothe her. It wasn't every day a company of wannabe heroes traveled with a Tallanian Knight. Still, one of the Holy Order of The Seven Moons was downright rare. If only she could divine what the forest hid.
The trees rustled in the cold air, sending chills running up her spine. Malanna shivered and hugged herself tighter as Corynn's protective embrace enveloped her. He had been here more often than most could remember, coming and going at will, his status as a knight affording him protection and respect in most cultures.
Grynmar warned her the forest was protected by druids and creatures from another world. He knew from experience that creatures from another world often inhabited the Grimrock Woods, and druids were known to protect these mysterious beings. He was a ranger, born and bred in these parts, and had heard stories of mystical creatures roaming in the shadows.
Malanna and Corynn moved cautiously closer to the edge of the woods, the energy around them growing stronger with each step. It was obvious that some powerful spell had been cast in this area, and they could feel its power seeping into their skin. They both knew that magic of this caliber could only come from one place – Celeste, the Kingdom of the Fae from across the sea.
Malanna felt drawn to this place as if it were calling to her. She closed her eyes and concentrated, trying to divine what secrets lay within these woods. But she realized her efforts were in vain when she opened them again. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't penetrate the veil of protection filling the wooded area.
Even Corynn couldn't divine what went on past what his eyes could see. "Perhaps you should have a seat. Standing here won't make him come back faster."
"I told my parents I'd keep an eye on him."
"You are, but you have to realize his senses are better than all of ours, Malanna," said Corynn sitting on a boulder beside Malanna.
"It's that damn half-elven blood of his. My father found him abandoned as a child, and he's been in trouble ever since," said Malanna, leaning comfortably against Corynn.
"Isn't that what little brothers are for?" Asked Corynn, grabbing hold of Malanna's hand. "I mean, without him, we'd never get a chance to get the help we need."
Malanna sighed. She knew Corynn was right. Ever since the company was formed, she had become inseparable from Corynn. He's getting along with her adopted brother made it easier for her to relax. Now, her nerves were on edge as she waited for Grynmar to get the help they came here for.
"The village needs the wolve's help. I find it ironic that, for once, we aren't fighting anything but our impatience," said Malanna.
Corynn shrugged with a smile. "Patience is a virtue few have. You're right, though. The villagers and a few others are constantly plagued by bandits, and we can't fight them all. The wolves of Grimrock will help."
"How can you be so…?" Asked Malanna before the snap of a twig cut her off.
She broke free from Corynn's hand and rushed to the treeline as Grynmar emerged. His handsome face broke into a wide grin. His green eyes sparkled with an energy only those of elven blood had because of the magic that coursed through him.
Grynmar's warm brown skin glowed with health and vitality. His bright green eyes were hidden under thick, dark eyelashes. His ears, slightly pointed, looked like entire leaves. His dark hair fell to his waist and hid his strong jawline. He walked with grace and confidence. His muscular body was covered in mud, but he didn't care.
While Gryn was no magician like his human sister, he developed his ability to blend with nature to heal and protect those living or traveling within the forests. Grynmar's elven blood kept him safe from charming dryads and meandering nereids who regularly seduced lost travelers. His ability to hide and step lightly made him the bane of many goblin parties.
The sounds of the forest filled one's ears as the wind swayed and crunched the forest floor. A deep guttural growl of a wolf echoed in the distance. Everyone but Grynmar stepped further back.
Malanna smiled back. Grynmar snapped the twig to let her and Corynn know it was him. His leather armor fit well and accented his athletic build, making him perfect for outdoor living. While he didn't talk much, he had an inner strength no one could deny.
She embraced him before stepping back. Even Corynn hugged Grynmar, which always bugged him since he wasn't a fan of physical touch like ordinary people. Malanna was glad he allowed them this contact, even if it was rare.
"How'd it go, Gryn? Did the wolves say they'd help?"
Grynmar smiled and pointed behind him. They're already here, Malanna," he said, running a hand through his reddish-brown hair.
"By the gods, that's a lot of wolves and not what I expected," Corynn said, his hand on the pommel of his sword.
"You can ease off the blade, Cor. The wolves are on our side and always will be," Grynmar said, turning toward the forest as numerous men and women exited the Grimrock Woods.
Malanna counted at least thirty and wondered how so many could move so quietly in a large group as this. As far as she could tell, they all dressed similarly to Grynmar and were all human. Each one carried a sword, a long bow, and a quiver full of arrows.
Malanna gasped as an even larger pack of wolves followed the rangers. "This is not what I was expecting, Gryn."
Grynmar grinned and shrugged. "I was, but I'm more familiar with such things than you. I present to you the Wolves of Grimrock. Both Ranger and wolves have pledged to add the surrounding villages as part of their protection. They only ask for the occasional supplies, so they don't have to travel so far."
Malanna nodded, and Corynn saluted in respect. The rangers returned the salute and appeared shocked at a Knight of Tallania in their presence.
"I think the villagers of each town will be fine with this. A mutual arrangement is in order, I believe," she said.
Grynmar stepped forward and shook hands with an older ranger, a man who looked old enough to be their father. The man was elderly, with graying hair and wrinkles around his eyes and mouth. He was dressed identically to the other rangers, with a heavy cloak, leather armor, and a sheathed sword at his side. His posture was strong and proud, despite his age. He had a kind face with a warm smile that could be seen under his beard.
The Ranger only nodded and smiled before motioning for the others to move out. Malanna and Corynn watched the rangers head toward the outlying villages.
Grynmar walked back and took a seat. "It seems they're heading to different towns to offer the help the villagers need. The wolves will stay here to not scare the villagers or lose any livestock due to hungry animals," said Grynmar motioning at the rangers walking away. "The one you see there, the older one, is Keal. He's the defunct leader of all the wolves. He talks less than me but has assured his rangers will do what they can to drive out the bandits in this region."
Corynn nodded. "Well done, Gryn! I'm glad you're back, as your sister drove me crazy with her worry."
"You worry too much, Malanna," said Grynmar stretching his back.
Malanna sighed. "What else was I supposed to do. It's my job to worry. The others will be glad we returned successfully; some thought we hit a dragon's treasure horde while they waited at the village."
Grynmar shrugged. "That sounds like Dorn. That damn bard always worries we'll take all the glory from him."
Corynn laughed, and Malanna nodded in agreement. "That is true, Gryn. I do believe it's time we return."
Walking back to the village, Malanna glanced back to see Grynmar wave to Keal. The older man returned the gesture and faded into the woods with a large pack of timber wolves. Malanna laughed a bit to herself and smiled. My little brother has proven himself again, she thought.
The moons of Aria hung heavy in the twilight sky as the company returned to the village. For once, their hearts were light, and no burden weighed them down. They didn't spill any blood for once and couldn't wait to get some rest for their tired bodies.

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