[Mithadan]

"Get your hands off her!" came the cry from the underbrush. Gravlox leapt up and backed away fumbling for his sword. From the bushes sprang Holdit and two other wood-Elves.

"Oooo, wood-Elves," cried the wooden foot. "I like wood-Elves." "Shaddup!" growled Gravlox as he turned to face his foes.

"Saladriel sent us to ensure the safety of you and your credit lines," shouted Holdit as his companions dragged Merisu from the enchanted pool.

"Wait!" cried Gravlox and Merisu as one. But the Elves paid no heed. Holdit drew his sword, a replica of the mighty Bamding, the Toeslammer, the blade of Clapon the King of the ancient city of Round-and-In. As Holdit advanced, Gravlox raised ZigZag to parry a slash from the faux Bamding. The replica shattered when it came into contact with ZigZag and Holdit was pierced by the shards of the blade that was broken. As he slid down to the ground, the dying Holdit muttered, "That's the last time I buy seconds."

His companions turned to face Gravlox. "Oooo, we're gonna get you for that," they shouted. They raised their weapons and charged Gravlox. The first aimed a mighty swipe at the Orc's head which missed by a good two feet. The momentum of the swing caused the Elf to spin around and fall to the ground. His sword flew from his hands and spitted the second Elf, who in turn fell blade first onto his companion.

Gravlox rolled his eyes and shook his head. "Elves..." he chuckled. But then he saw Merisu standing at the far side of the pool with a horrified expression on her face.

"You killed them!" she cried in grief.

"That would be a matter of interpretation," replied Gravlox, who stepped forward, dropping his blade and raising his arms toward his beloved.

But Merisu turned and raced from the clearing into the forest, weeping as she went...