Aarock looked around the table.

“Such was the demon-kin war…humanity struggled with itself- as humans gave into dark rituals and magic. There were possessions, pacts, bonding with demonos.

Those who aligned with demonos became demon-kin- powerful humans with enhanced physical attributes- at the cost of their humanity.

Those who didn’t – were at war with those who were…”

“We Elfa- the first human guardians- were responsible to protect the remnant of humanity that remained… It was not our responsibility to stop them from aligning with demons as humans are given freewill- and we are not to intercede with that.”

“At first it was only a small group- however- the war became increasingly difficult as more and more humans aligned with demons. The struggle became so difficult that we broke a divine law to fight against it….

“We gave humans magic.”

---

Aarock stood before the others in judgment. All the leaders stood before him.

“The only one not in agreement is you Aarock,” Chief Kalin spoke to Aarock. The entirety of the Elfen council had voted in favor of the ritual while you alone resist the ruling. Everyone must contribute equally now.

“I and my wife will not contribute,” Aarock responded.

“You know what that means Aarock?” another stepped forward trying once more to convince him through intimidation, “You will be banished from us- our lands- stripped of your position- and your land will be taken.”

Aarock stood silently opposed to the statement.

“If that’s what I must face to retain my integrity –so be it.”

“Don’t be a fool, Aarock… this isn’t integrity speaking, it’s your own egotism.”

---

“The war ended quickly afterwards,” Aarock spoke to the group, “Wizards… humans given magic by us through a life-force ritual- helped us defeat the demon-kin and proceeded to oust demonic rituals from existence… Demon-kin all but became extinct…For the next twenty years there was peace. My wife and I lived in exile far away from others, guardians to a small group of humans- far away from the others for thirty years.

If the story had ended here –it would have been a happy ending except for Aarock.

“…However.”

---

A light knocking sounded on the door of a moderately sized home.

“Who is it?” Aarock spoke from his reading chair while his wife opened the door. As Aarock protected the human tribe in the area- (and did it well) the humans had begun to give him charge. Plenty of times someone or other would ask for him to judge a matter between them- and he would oblige- howbeit according to his own schedule- he would usually ask that a matter be handled later unless it was an emergency if it was later in the evening, like right now.

“It is I old friend...” A chief Kalin spoke through the door for Sardis.

Aarock looked up from a book at the sound of a familiar voice.

Aarock immediately set the book aside.

“Chief Kalin-?!” Aarock spoke with respect. Even with the ruling by the council Aarock held the chief commander in high regard, “Please… come in…”

“Ah- enough of titles,” Kalin responded. Kalin nodded to Sardis at the door.

“Please come in…” Aarock responded and then motioned for Sardis to serve them tea.

They talked for a while. As it had now been thirty-five or so years since Aarock had seen or heard from other Elfa as per his punishment.

Aarock asked about Kalin firstly- his family, his work. Kalin obliged in his usual friendly demeanor- also asking about Aarock and Sardis.

“Ah- things are peaceful in these parts,” Aarock spoke, he glanced towards Sardis. “I have been learning how to cook… Sardis has been helping me adjust.”

“I am sure they are peaceful do in part to you,” Kalin responded, “you never had a human casualty under your watch- a true guardian- a feat only accomplished by you alone…”

Aarock was a bit taken aback by the compliment- he wondered why Kalin would mention that- but decided to respond with a simple, “Thankyou sir.”

“I must talk with you about another matter.”