Excerpt: Neack's Ransom

The light grew and spread out over the elf as he spoke and then, slowly, began to fade into the body he was praying over. As the last bit of light disappeared there was a cough from the frail bundle and then eyes were opened.
The Cleric helped him into a sitting position asking, “Are you alright brother elf?”
“Yes, quite better. Thank you-“the soft voice paused, waiting for a name to put with the healer.
“Lauden. Lauden Silcora.”
“Thank you Lauden Silcora. I am Laucian Gallantr'ill,” he continued in the small voice. He turned to the rest of the onlookers, asking in his femininely soft voice, “And who might all of you be? You are here at the request of the King, correct?”
His bright, enquiring eyes seemed to hypnotize the group and pull the answers out of them. Keika spoke up first, volunteering her name as well as some additional information.
“I’m…Keika…I’ve been wandering as an archer for well over a year.” As soon as the words left her mouth her expression became a mixture of surprise and confusion, as if she hadn’t meant to say quite so much. Niyone piped up almost as quickly.
“My name is Niyone. Er…merchant…of a sort.”
Ittarius struggled a bit against the impulse to answer and he could see that Laucian’s burning red eyes knew he disliked this loss of control. He eventually ground out his name and then let loose a sigh as the elf’s gaze moved on.
All the while Seth had been watching, he had starred in wondered at the healing magic and then at both of the elves. He had only ever known one elf, that being Lusat, and he had only ever seen him use his magic on one occasion.
"Seth -- of Kellondwyn," he managed to choke out, pulling his thoughts under control. "Swordsman," he added, inclining his head and feeling the small jewel that indicated his abilities brush against his cheek. Despite Eck’s earlier comment, he could not help but be cordial.
It was impossible to tell if Ex felt the compulsion or not, his answer being played off as the joke it was.
“Ex. Brilliant rogue and hopeless drunk. Not to mention best damn thief to ever come out of this city.” Turning away from the elf, he asked no one in particular, “So. Now that he’s not dead, we’re all here, yes? Yes?”