The two brothers strode through their home, feeling anxious for the first time about their parents summoning them home. "Has anyone said anything to you about this?" Meneroc asked. Eldicar shook his head. "I knew you would be coming , so I chose to stay in the woods and wait, so that whatever this may be, we'll find out together." Meneroc nodded, understanding his brother's logic. These types of summonings were far from normal, and the brothers both feared the worst. They continued through the winding hall, slowly ascending until they came to a large open door. Within, a large table was laid with settings and food for a dozen or more, and all but two of these seats were full. "Welcome my sons! I expected you would be arriving any moment." Their mother rose to meet them, embracing them both warmly. Likewise the King rose walking over to admire their gear. "Looks like you've been putting yourselves to good use," he said, nodding at their swords' well worn pommels. He tried to look stern, but a sparkle was coming into his eyes. "Alright then, sit down so we can all finally eat. And while we dine, you can tell us some of your tales, so that us who are too old or too obligated to adventure may still live through his sons." All present laughed at their father's candidness. When all were seated, they began to pass the dishes.
    There were twelve children, ranging in age from 350 to 80. The oldest was Lucrine, and she was a lady of the court in every aspect. She remained within the town's protective borders at all times, and wore fine gowns and robes. Next came Feydous, the oldest male child in the family. He also remained in the capital, but he bore the responsibility of heir to the Kingdom, and was obligated to keep the capital safe. Between Feydous and Meneroc were Maltrine and Gendle, respectively. Maltrine had studied as a priestess most of her life, and currently held the position of third high priestess of the moon goddess at the temple in Colaerth. Gendle was the quietest of the children. He had chosen the life of a scholar, and was accustomed to sitting alone in study. For this reason he joined in the mirth and story telling very little. When he did have something to say, everyone was sure to pay attention; not only was he a scholar and philosopher of great repute, but he was the keeper of records in Colaerth, and he alone had access to all the ancient knowledge of the kingdom. Meneroc came next, and as the third eldest son, he was given a choice as to what his fate would be. From the youngest age, he had felt an affinity with the forest around him, the animals in particular. He studied with druids for several years, and in these studies learned more of the rangers and their goddess. With them, he found elves who held the same views and beliefs as him, and had determined to follow the path of a ranger. Nelive followed Meneroc in years. She taught the elves just starting their schooling about the history of their race and began introducing the various gods and what it meant to follow them. Glothoin was next, and he ran the noble district's only inn, The Soaring Table. The inn gained it's name by being located in the tallest limbs of an ancient tree and serving the best evenfeast in Colaerth. Glothoin had found great success as an innkeeper, so much as to invite his younger brother, Rutoun, to set up a small merchant's shop in the corner of the taproom. Rutoun, who followed Glothoin in age, sold small magical trinkets. They were mostly silly baubles such as hairpins that were enchanted with faerie fire, or earrings made to glow with moonlight. For those who knew him though, he dealt in far more powerful items, such as rings and headbands, or even armors, enchanted with magics that could protect the one wearing them. Pheloneon was the only druid in the family, and lived two days away in the Hursous Lake valley, in a dense and wild forest. This is where many druids recieved their training in their youth, and some of them from Pheloneon himself. Next was Eldicar, who was closest with Eldicar of all his siblings. When Meneroc had found the path of the ranger, he has sat and talked for hours with Eldicar of the wondrous beauty of the woods, and of the gifts the goddess had given him with animals. For Eldicar there was no longer a question as to where his path lay, and he began training and studying the worship of the goddess of the wood and the ways of the ranger. Next in line was Bitre, who at the age of ninety was about to complete her apprenticeship and set out on her own. She was considered one of the best students ever to study at Colaerth's magic academy, and none doubted that she would be one of the greatest mages the city had ever seen. Her younger brother Wylonel, the last of the children, was also studying magic. He also was in the top of his class, and was apprenticed to the most powerful archmage in Colaerth. At only 80 years of age, he still had ten years to apprentice, but already his magic had surpassed that of many of the mages in the kingdom.
    Besides being the royal family of Colaerth, the family was special in another way. Fifty years ago, the queen's brother had died, and without hesitation, she and the king had taken in his four children and raised them as their own, even allowing them the titles of princes and princesses of Colaerth. Nelive, Rutuon, Bitre and Wylonel were never treated as if they weren't the king and queens own children.
    As the family ate their meal, the brothers and sisters shared tales and jests, and even Gendle joined in, comparing Meneroc and Eldicar's story of their adventure together to one he had read about recently. In the story, two brother's claimed to be great adventurers but they really just spent their nights in taprooms, comsuming large amounts of wine. Queen Verisun smiled to herself at the end of the table, glad that her children could smile and enjoy each other's company dering their meal. She looked up to see King Minleaous smiling at her, a sad look in his eyes. She met his eyes and nodded. He returned the nod and stood, waiting for all of his children to quiet before beginning. Once he had their attention, he sat back down and began explaining why they were all called together.
    "My children, as I'm sure you've all concluded, we have more purpose for asking you all to come home tonight than feasting. He glanced around at them, and seeing their nods, he continued. "We have received foreboding news, and in times like these, our large family is at an advantage. As you know, Maltrine, the priestesses have recently sensed the coming of an evil of great power to the realms. Until recently, we remained mostly unconcerned, feeling that it was not the problem of the elves. However, three weeks ago, another sign told them that the great evil would soon be at our borders, and only the strongest bonds would hold against the darkness. We know not when this darkness will come, or for certain what it will be, but we do know that it will threaten the kingdom greatly." He sat quietly for a few moments, looking to each of them to gauge their reactions. To the last, they sat calmly, waiting for their parents to explain to them what was needed of them. "My children," the queen began, "we have called upon you all to defend Colaerth, for what bond is stronger than that of family. We have great power in this room, in each of you, and we would ask that you all stay within our borders for a time, using your skills to help us prepare for whatever may befall. What say you, my children?" Around the table, the royal family sat silent. Finally, Gendle stood and spoke. "I can not speak for my brothers and sisters, but I will do anything you need of me." He was answered with a chorus of agreement from all around. He nodded and looked to his father. "Tell us what we need to know."