How This Came Together
In Elven Aid, danger looms over the fledgling Larian colony, prompting Tarian to dispatch Keldon in search of potential allies. But when Keldon crosses into forbidden elven territory, he’s met not with open arms, but with arrows, silence, and simmering hostility. Will he crumble under their scrutiny, or spark a battle of words that might sway their aloof attitude?
Step into a world where alliances are fragile and survival demands more than strength, it demands persuasion. What would you risk to convince an arrogant neighbor to stand with you against a monstrous threat?
This original fantasy short features tense dialogue, moral conflict, and the looming threat of annihilation, perfect for fans of fantasy, intrigue, character-driven storytelling, or any combination of the three. If you love traditional fantasy tropes or gripping conversations that decide the fate of a people, you’ll feel right at home here.
Behind the Scenes
Having recently reintroduced the dwarves, I wanted to shift the focus to the elves. Building this scene around Keldon’s desperate plea helped highlight the arrogance and elitism of the elves. While I could’ve gone deeper into the cultural nuance, but there were more important beats to develop in the series. Fortunately, when I returned to record the story, the core felt solid despite needing a fresh coat of paint.
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Elven Aid
Keldon froze beneath a ring of arrows. When he shifted his gaze to study the deadly points, every bow pulled tighter, as if daring him to move again. Keldon raised his hands, gesturing his surrender to their silent command. “I’m not looking for a fight.”
“Why are you here?” asked one creature, preparing to release his arrow into Keldon’s chest.
Keldon shifted his body to face the voice’s source. But the moment his leg twitched, an arrow tore through his pant leg and buried into the soil. As Keldon grasped the damaged material, a different voice resounded through the shadowy woods. “Move again, and you won’t get another warning.”
Keldon’s eyes closed as he silently cursed his luck at being dispatched to find the elves. As Keldon studied the collection of glinting arrows arrayed before him, he almost wished he were still on the walls staring down at the bestial horde. “I’m not an enemy,” Keldon said, forcing calm into his words. “I came looking for an ally to help defend my people. An army of monsters is threatening to overwhelm us. Please help us!”
The nearest arrow vanished from view. But Keldon could swear that he heard the bow being drawn. “We previously stated our refusal to associate with you or your adversaries.”
Keldon closed his eyes, releasing his held breath. “Yes, I remember your threat.”
“Then why did you choose to surrender your life by returning to our territory?”
He held his breath, considering the question. After several seconds, he exhaled, opened his eyes, and stared at the gleaming points looming over him. “With the force massed to attack our home, if we don’t get the help we need, we’ll die. As a result, Tarian tasked me with finding a potential ally. We hoped you’d stand with us before the horde tramples every stone of our home into dust. But maybe we were wrong to hope.”
“You risked your life because you were dead either way?” asked another voice.
Keldon shook his head and bellowed. “No, I risked my life on the chance that we might survive this onslaught.”
“You said you feared your people would die,” another elf said.
“Without help, we will die,” Keldon confirmed as his shoulders sank an inch.
“Then your death was already assured. Why’d you choose to waste your life?” the same elf asked.
Keldon’s eyes narrowed at their arrogance. “I might die, but my friends might live.”
“We won’t help you,” a fourth elf said with a clear sneer in his words. “How can your people still survive?”
Their arrogance sparked an idea in Keldon’s mind. Keldon ignored the burning in his arms as he lifted his hands a little higher. “Well, I told Tarian that talking with you was a terrible idea. I only accepted this dubious request, provided he dispatched another to locate the others who reside in these woods.”
“You turned to the stout ones?” came a familiar voice, though it was clearer.
Keldon snorted. “Tarian knew they might help. They may be blunt and stout, but at least they have honor.”
“Your words are insulting enough!” Another unknown voice said.
Keldon shrugged and spread his fingers wide. “You’re the ones who’ve surrounded me with arrows and shot at me after you took my weapons. Your actions speak louder than any of your words.”
“Yet you defy our territory for a second time!” Another voice shouted.
“Silence!” an all too familiar voice said. Keldon heard the word reverberate through the trees, questioning the validity of his gambit. As he stared at the forest in front of him, a lean, graceful figure emerged from the trees. “You dare to judge us?”
“By your actions, yes,” Keldon said with a curt nod.
“Then what of yours?” The elf asked as he walked carrying Keldon’s weapons. “You invade our territory with a weapon drawn?”
“I’m a soldier. I used those weapons to defend myself.”
The elf lifted a hand to his chest as he asked. “From a potential ally?”
“From the dangers throughout this world.” Keldon said as he locked his gaze with the elf’s. “My weapons were for the trolls, goblins, or worse, not for you or your kin.”
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