Caleya was near exhaustion but still had to be ordered to return home by her Captain. She had left the western border one day ago and was nearing a fork in the road when she saw a dark speck in the sky, it was rapidly getting larger and coming directly at her. By the way it flew she knew it wasn't a fireworm so she just watched as it approached. Soon she could see it was a Great Eagle. "An unusual sighting" she thought. "These creatures are rarely seen outside of the Elven Forest." Then to her surprise the Great Eagle landed on a rock and spoke to her. It said, "Dragon Archer Caleya I deliver an urgent message - your presence is required in the northern territory. There is an incursion of Orcs and it is vital that you assist the Elven Scout NarieFah in the protection of the lost." Caleya was very weary and the eagle's words sounded strange to her. She did not carefully consider their meaning or her response to this powerful creature. She said, "I have no desire to fight Orcs, you should inform the Captain of the Elven Guard, they can deal with Orcs." She was immediately sorry for the hasty reply. The Great Eagle seemed to grow in stature and then it affixed on her a stare that was more intimidating than anything she had ever experienced - including being face to face with a dragon. She was ashamed of her remarks and a little frightened. She bowed her head and said, "Oh revered creature of the forest please forgive my rudeness - tell me your message and I will abide." The Great Eagle finished delivering NarieFah's message and then it flew off saying it had other urgent matters. Caleya looked down the fork in the road that led home and said to herself, "I no longer have a home! Oh Taianna my sister," she sighed. "I would give anything to have you back. I am so sorry I was not able to save you." After a moment she wiped the tears from her eyes and thought out loud, "But I can't stay here, and it sounds like this Elven Scout may be in trouble." Then she looked down the other road and said, "maybe I can still be of some use and help this NarieFah." Then using an effort of pure willpower, Caleya shrugged off her weariness and started down the fork leading north through the mountains. In this meeting of chance the Great Eagle found a Dragon Archer that was only two days from the Northern Territory. Caleya is close enough that she can arrive in time to help NarieFah before the Orcs arrive. For Caleya, this encountered gave her a new purpose and renewed strength to continue.

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Scene setup and rendered in Octane Render 2.17. Figure setup in DS4.7, Postwork in Photoshop CC. For this scene I used the Fallen Tower landscape but changed the trees to give it a different look. There is no background except for the sky which is a photo I took of clouds over Half Dome in Yosemite. I hope my friends will enjoy this chapter in the Fallen Tower series. Thank you very much for viewing and for previous comments and favs - I very much enjoy reading the comments!!! (Zoom for larger image) Credits Character: MDD Eirwenn by Maddelirium, Texture from Nubet by morghana Hair: Kerkyra Hair by 3Dream (DAZ) Outfit: Einaria by ShannonHoppe, Texture: Gemini Rising by Secretheart (RDNA) Accessories: Pack-Wildenlander by Luthbel, Bow&Quiver-V4 Archer by Bobbie25 and Umblefugly, Belt&Boots-Taerwen by RPublishing Crossbow: from Bow Pack by Keihan DAZ Eagle Trees: Swidhelm's Conifers Weeds and Flowers: Flinks Instant Meadow Ground Texture: David Brinnen and Horo (DAZ) "Click" to view Caleya - The Vendetta