River Nymph

The young mage slung spell after spell at the five eldritch creatures advancing toward him out of the forest. However, his magics had no effect. The beasts stalked toward him. He staggered backward until his sandals splashed into the shallows of the river flowing behind him. They had him surrounded. The things crouched, ready to leap and tear him to pieces.

Energy surged through the young mage. His fatigue vanished, and his eyes widened in surprise. He moved with an unnatural swiftness as he whirled his arms and cast his spells, and this time, they tore into the eldritch creatures, leaving bloody gashes.

Two of the creatures fell dead. A third charged him, and he blasted it full in the face. It collapsed. But the young mage was unbalanced, and the last two leaped at him. No time to react.

A burst of water magic exploded from somewhere behind him and slammed into the two creatures in succession. They let out a shriek, nightmarish skin smoking. Then they, too, fell and died.

The young mage whirled. Behind him, a slender woman with flawless blue-green skin, pointed ears, and luxurious dark-blue hair stood in the river. The water flowed around her slim waist, and her fingertips traced circles in the current. Her features were elegant and graceful. A magical fae, born of the river, he though in awe. She was the most beautiful creature he'd ever seen.

She shot him a crooked grin, winked, and vanished beneath the water's surface. River Nymphs inhabit the rivers of the Splinterlands. Shy and reclusive, they usually remain hidden beneath the water's surface. However, they have a strong respect for life, and they have been known to aid those in need. They are also fiercely protective of their homes and will defend it if it is threatened.