Aeolia, half-elf, half-human is unacceptable to either side of her heritage. When she comes of age, she is unceremoniously exiled from the Elven Kingdom. Much abused by males of both races, she is rescued by Leopold, a human man, who is badly scarred and disfigured. Aeolia has never seen Leopold's face, which he keeps covered except for his eyes. Leopold permits no one to see his face. Twice, he has rescued Aeolia. The first time from Conrad, a human bandit, who intended use her and then torture and kill her. To his regret, Leopold leaves her with Duke Agusto, who he believes is an honorable man who will protect Aeolia. The Duke proves faithless and abuses her. When Leopold learns of it, he unable to come to her aid, but affects a rescue from the Duke with the help of two friends, Count Gullani and Philipi, who is the manager of the Count's estate, far to the south. Gullani sends Philipi fetch Aeolia from the Duke and brings her back to the Count's estate. The Count gives Aeolia the use of a small cottage next to a large lake that adjoins his property and charges Philipi to see to Aeolia's welfare. Both men treat Aeolia with kindness and respect and she lives on the estate for two years. The second spring, Aeolia receives a message from Fieona, Queen of the Elves. Aeolia is ordered to report to the Elven Court. A purse of gold coins accompanies the note, along with arrangements for passage on any Elven ship to the fairy kingdom. Aeolia is tempted to ignore the order. After all, the Eleven Court had never protected her from abuse as she grew up and disowned her Elven heritage, casting her out from their kind. In the end, though, curiosity won out over hurt and anger. And, the note had been signed by the Queen. When Aeolia informed Philipi that she was going, he was disappointed and upset enough that she was confirmed in her belief that the man had fallen in love with her. While she was fond of Philipi, she had maintained a friendly reserve in part because she felt obligated to the mysterious Leopold. Nevertheless, Philipi insisted upon accompanying her to the port city of Archos and saw her safely aboard an Elven merchant ship. Three months later, the vessel reached Elven shores. Etheria, the Elven capital was a week's travel up the Norodian River from the coast. With her gold, Aeolia was able to obtain passage on a small river boat. For five days, the small craft sailed the deep river. Tomorrow at midday, Aeolia would arrive at the Etherian docks. At the coastal port, she had received instructions from officials that an escort would be waiting for her. Aeolia was beginning to wish she had remained among the humans. She grew concerned about what kind of reception lay in store for her. ___________________________________ CREDITS: Vue Pro Studio 6.0, Poser 6.0. Aeolia: A3 (real) figure by DAZ; I created her face and figure; skin mat is "Ravenchild - Morgan" by arki (RDNA); her hair is "Dixie Hair" by littlefox (RDNA); her clothing is "Hidden Winds," except for shoes and bag which are "FK-ElvenSoul," both by Fabiana Kofman (3dCommune). Sailors: DAZ's V4.2 with "Aurelie Petite for V4.2" morphs and skinmats by Jochen38 (Renderosity). Clothing: Xurge's "Rogue V4" with "Natural" texture by Chohole: http://chohole.francemi.net/Freebies_page_13.htm Ships: "Elven House Ship, House of the Falcon " and "Elven Small Sailing Ship" both by MeshDesign (Content Paradise). Ecosystem: Gill Brooks's "Forest Fillers" (Renderosity). Water: "Tidal River Flow" from Gill Brooks's "Water Pack 2 for Vue" (Renderosity). Atmosphere: "Elven Sea." Wake props: by spacebones and forester.