[Eldrew Whiteone]

The halfing could not believe his eyes. What was once an ancient tree of the grove, now stood a fellow just a little taller than himself. A dwarf. Amazing. “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Allen.” Eldrew said in a rather cheery voice. His eyes fell upon his teacher. He gave her a graceful bow.


In much of his time here in the world, Eldrew had seen many curious actions. He recalled a time fishing with his father. His mother had been expecting the pair to bring home dinner that night. The problem for them was that nothing had bit their lines. More than that, the family was barely able to feed themselves. A drought had hit and the usual feasts had dwindled to the bare necessities. His family had not eaten for over two brightenings.


Sitting on the bank of barely running river, the halflings’ stomachs were growling. His father, growing weaker from the lack of energy, slipped into a dreaming state. Well that was what he had told his son. He had really passed out. Eldrew feeling his life energy fading stared at the water. “We only need a few to keep us alive.” His soft voice spoke to the water.


One fish tugged at the line attached to the halfling’s pole. A good sized one. Eldrew frantically pushed on his dad. The line on his pole darting indicating a fish. Another big one. Then another poked its head out of the water. His father grabbed it with his bare hands. Whatever had happened that day had helped the Whiteone family survive.


For the longest time Eldrew believed it was all a hallucination. However, with the event that had just taken place, he was not too sure of that anymore. Was there something else to it? Did he actually communicate with the fish? Did they sacrifice themselves for his family? The halfling gazed into the dryad’s eyes. “If I am permitted to ask a question, Your Grace, how was it that I was able to… well, sense Allen?”