Legend of Ara - Chapter Seven.

  It was only a few hours later that Loré stood at the window and said "they're gathering, come on you two, let's go."
      They stepped outside, this was the first time Ara had even gone outside of that door since she had been taken there in her escape. The dusk was setting and there was a distinct buzz in the air. The village had set up the big fire in centre, and they were gathering there for light and warmth.
      Ara, Loré and Aeron made their way through the crowds, up to the front. Where a tall man stood, and a beautiful tall woman too. The first thing Ara noticed was that she was full elf. One of her ears had a ring pierced into it near the tip, and her hair was long and black, down to her waist. She was really something to look at. Wearing a green velvet elven dress and she was clearly an archer due to the arrows she had on strapped around her and her bow slung over her back. They were stood on a raised part of the ground, above the fire, above the crowd. Loré lead Ara straight to the pair.
      The elf woman and Loré greeted each other. They clearly were quite good friends and embraced a warm hug. "Ara, this is Morgana. She is queen of the nearest elf clan about three miles west of our village. She's here to help us form your army."
      Morgana looked at Ara and bowed her head with grace. "Hello, dear girl. It is a great honour to meet you finally. This has come as such a great relief, for all of our people." Morgana took her hand as she said this. Ara smiled, taken aback by her kind nature and her honey-like voice. It made her melt inside. The man who stood next to her was not that of an elf, but of a normal man, and greeted her with the same great respect as Morgana had. She soon learned he went by the name of Wolfe, and was the leader of the village, so had great authority over the village people. When they had exchanged their greetings, Wolfe stood up and called everyone to attention. Ara shrank back with nervousness, but bumped into Aeron, who caught her and gave her a glance of encouragement and stroked her back and she took a step forward again and regained her place.  
      "People, I'm sure you all know of why you are all called together on this night. Our prophecy that we have been hoping to fulfil, has been proved to be true. And our saviour stands right before us, right here. This, my people, is Ara. She will lead us to victory!" Wolfe put a hand on her back and brought her forward. A cheer rose up from the crowd.
      "She has made the first stand, she has risked her life already for what she believes in, against King Cederic. May he burn in hell!" He yelled, generating another cheer from the crowd.
      "We are forming an army. We have people who wish to join, the king's men will always be of greater quantity, but they are mere soldiers, they are not fighting for a cause, they are fighting for a fear! We are fighting for what we believe in. We are fighting for what is right, so who is with me! Step forward, men and women alike. Our army is to be lead by a woman, so let us all join if we may. Let us bring him down where he stands!" A great cheer broke out and men and women poured forward and separated into a second group. Dozens and dozens of people, willing to fight. The crowd settled again, and this time it was Morgana who stepped forward.
      "People of this village, I speak from the elven clan in the west. We have hundreds of warriors like myself ready for war. We have fine archers and plenty of horses. We can help provide weapons, and training also. I have messages from fellow elven colonies, who are planning the same as us. We will be strong in numbers, and in heart. We will overcome this treason on this land. We will overcome this king and his wretched ways. We will make it right!" A huge cheer broke out, even louder than the ones before, and suddenly everyone was cheering 'Ara, Ara, Ara.." over and over. A smile lit up on her face and she stood proud at the front of this mass of people, knowing they were going to fight with her, next to her. 'Till the end.