Elf Abandon

"They do," Tursil said with a laugh, "But they oft times venture back this way, hoping to find an elf foolish enough to be caught unawares and on the ground. But never mind that - frolic and merriment awaits! Come, come!"

The thought of another tangle with the Xythryx spider made Fertal exceedingly wary - it had very near made a meal of him when he was still human (had that been mere hours ago? It seems like a distant lifetime away). Looking around skittishly, he began clambering up the ladder.

With each rung he ascended, Fertal's nervousness dissipated, to be replaced by an almost giddy merriment. Why was I so afraid? he wondered. I'm an elf now - this is where Artizza and I belong! With our fellow elves, living free and celebrating among the treetops!

"Well, I'm glad to see you've finally come to your senses, my friend," Tursil said happily.

"I was a fool before," Fertal said, clasping hands with his Elfin brother, "But my eyes are now wide open."

"Oh, Fertal, I'm so glad you joined us!" Artizza giggled in a melodious soprano. "I'd hate to think of going without you!"

"Never fear, dearest elfling," he declared, tenderly stroking the delicate points of her ears. "We shall make merry and carouse the whole night to celebrate our return."

"That's the spirit!" Tursil exclaimed. "Now come along, let's join the others!"

Eagerly, almost hungrily, Fertal and Altizza followed Tursil up the ladder. All thoughts of returning to humanity had been banished - they were, in heart and mind and soul, completely elvish.

Within moments, they reached the top of the ladder, and found...

1. A sprawling elfin dwelling, all turned out for what appeared to be a carnival.
2. a small group of elves, dressed in green robes and carrying torches.
3. No one and nothing. Even Tursil had vanished.
4. Pronklezilch, looking grim and worried.
5. Pronklezilch, smiling nastily.
6. ...Fred and Astra?!?

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