"An Elfin Tale ~ Chapter Two" by Crystel J. Redknap

The following day, as the sun rose I left a note to Erwren and Adrika, thanking them for their hospitality.  I put it in an envelope, with a piece of gold as payment. 

With my gear in hand, I tiptoed past Erwren’s sleeping body. 

I was so tempted to reach down and move a stray piece of hair from his face, but with great regret I resisted.  As I placed my hand on the door, Erwren spoke up.

“Leavin' so early? Without so much as a farewell?”

I bit my lip and turned to face him.  He was sitting up on the cot, the blankets had pooled around his middle.  He wore no shirt, and his perfectly carved chest called to me. 

I reluctantly forced my eyes away.  “I need to hurry,” I explained to him. “I...I have to get to Azalia before dark.  I can't fall behind.”

He rose and walked over to me.  “Will ye at least stay for breakfast?”  He placed a soft, strong hand on my upper arm. 

How could this man’s simplest touch sent chills down my spine, and cause my heart to catch in my throat?  “Erwren, I really can't.  Thank you for your hospitality, but I really have to go.”

I turned from him, opened the door and stepped out into the crisp, cool morning air.  A light silver mist still lay on the ground, swirling around my feet as I walked. 

I whistled to Rolkon, and instantly she came out from the trees.  I placed my pack, and re-bridled the horse.  But I neither saw nor heard Erwren leave his home, and go into the stables to fetch his horse.  I did not know he had intended to follow me. 

I mounted Rolkon swiftly and fluid-like.  I spoke to her in my native tongue, and she took off into the trees.

Upon reaching the road, I slowed Rolkon to a trot.  I was not far from Rettelswen, and was certain that I would make Azalia before nightfall.  I stuck to the roads this time, not wanting to encounter any more of Mondoria's guards, especially on the back roads.

On foot, with Rolkon close behind, I passed through the busy market place of Rettelswen, and a strange feeling of being watched washed over me.  I looked back, and saw nothing out of the ordinary. 

I climbed onto my mares back, and leaned down to her ear.  “Go to the gates quickly.  I think we are being followed.”

She nickered at me, and proceeded through the city.  Once outside the south gates, Rolkon broke off into a swift trot.  I turned off the road, and hid with my sword in hand.

And then I saw him. Erwren.  He had followed me!  I could not believe it.

The stopped his horse, and jumped down. “Damnit,” he cursed.

Silently, I crept out of my hiding place, and came up behind him.  I placed the tip of my sword to his back, causing him to raise he strong arms above his head.

“Why are you following me?” I demanded.

Erwren lowered his head and turned slowly to face me.  “Hello Linea,” he said with a gentle smile. 

I moved my sword to his throat, and held his gaze.  “If you wished to accompany me, you could have asked.”

“I'm sorry, but I wanted to make sure ye were safe.”

My gaze hardened, "I can handle myself, and I do not require your help.”

Again he smiled at me.  And how I longed to lower my blade.  God’s how it killed me to be so cold. 

“Linea,” he attempted to step closer and I confirmed the grip on my sword.

“Erwren, you do not wish to tangle with me,” I said.

“Linea, Ye are half my size, and a woman.  Ye do not frighten me.”

“Size does not matter,” I lowered my blade, and resheathed it, “Neither does gender.”

Erwren let out a deeply relieved breath, “I actually thought ye were goin' to kill me,” he said with an uncertain laugh, as I walked away from him.

“Go back to your sister,” I ordered.

“No,” Erwren retorted, while mounting his horse, “I'm coming with ye to Azalia.” His golden eyes met with mine, and I knew that there was no changing his mind.

“Alright, but stay out of my way.”  I mounted and jigged Rolkon, and continued my journey, all the while thinking of my vision from the previous night.  How could I stop that from happening?  That man was so free spirited, that there was no way I could force him to leave.  Not without using my magic, and chance a Mondorian discovering my powers. 

For sometime, Erwren and I rode in an awkward silence, of which he was the first to break.  “I have to apologize, Linea,” he said.

Once again I could feel those warm eyes on me.  “For what?”  I shot back, my eyes never leaving the road. 

“For following ye, when ye didn't wish it.  There's just something about you, and I felt as if I needed to by yer side.” 

I looked over to him, and he smiled warmly in my direction.  I could not help but cave at that sweet smile, my heart melted.  I sighed.  “It's alright Erwren.  But I should be the one to apologize.  You were only looking out for my welfare.  I was...” I paused not wanting to admit it, “Well quite frankly, I was a bitch.”

Erwren choked back laughter at my comment.

“What?”  Anyone could hear the smile in my voice.

“Nothing.  I just didna expect to hear ye curse.”

“Why?  Because I'm a woman.” 

He shook his head. “No, because ye don't seem the type.  I've heard Adrika swear often enough, that it really doesn't faze me.”

Now it was my turn to laugh.  “So Adrika swears does she? I didn't once hear her cuss.”

He laughed again, causing a soft warmth and light to fill my soul.  “Ye haven’t heard her when she's angry.” 

I looked over to Erwren, smiling softly, and he returned the gesture.  We sat silently, looking into each other’s eyes.  For a moment, I became lost in those warm honey depths.  But as soon as I realized what I was doing, I turned away.

“We should hurry if we wish to reach Azalia before nightfall.”  I jigged Rolkon, and she picked up her pace. 

Erwren’s own brown stallion met Rolkon’s gait.  It was not long at all until we reached Azalia.  Next to Valley View, this was probably the single most beautiful town in all of Madgarou.  Brilliant Clematis crept up the walls of every building. Their bright purple, pink and white flowers were a sharp contrast to the faded brick walls.  Colourful roses, pansies, carnations, lilies, orchids and many others adorned every flowerbed, and windowsill.  Trees of magnolia, redbud, and royal paulownia sat on every street corner. And each of them was in eternal bloom.  This town did seem to have a Magick of its own.

Erwren appeared to be in complete awe at the beauty of the place. 

“I take it you have never been here before,” I said softly. 

Erwren shook his head, “When I was but a wee lad, me mother told me stories of this place, but I never dreamed it to be this beautiful.”

We arrived at the inn, and stabled our horses.  Once inside, I approached the innkeeper, a man in his late forties, with dark hair, which was greying at the temples, and dark eyes. 

I asked him for two rooms. 

He looked Erwren and myself up and down, as seemed to be custom with innkeepers.  “Only one left miss.”

I looked over to my companion, “Linea we cannot go anyplace else.  The sun is beginning to set.”

I sighed.  I did not wish to share a room, but it had to be done.  Most of these rooms had two beds, anyways.  I made to pay the man, but Erwren stopped me and paid for it himself.  We were shown up to the room, and passed the key. 

I opened the door and stepped inside.  “Oh no,” I said looking at the only bed.

“What is-,” he saw what I was looking at,  “Oh...well...Um...I could sleep on the sofa, over there.”

I sighed, while shaking my head, walking into the room.  I placed my pack on a wooden chair and removed my cloak.

“I am going to go for a shower.”  I grabbed my nightwear, and went to the bathroom, closing the door behind me.  I turned on the water, letting it run on hot for a minute, while I got undressed, and removed the Glam spell that hid my ears. 

I stepped under the water, letting it run down my smooth curves.  I sighed as my mind returned to Erwren.  I saw his hands gently caressing my breasts and hips. 

Snap out of it, I told myself, He's mortal.  I turned the water to cold, to rid myself of this strange new feeling. 

After a short time, I shut the water off completely, and stepped onto the mat.  I dried off, than combed through my golden locks.  I braided my hair to cover my ears, so as I could keep the spell off. 

I stepped out of the bathroom and looked to Erwren.  He sat on the chair, with a knee brought up to his now bare chest. 

I bit down on my red lip and reluctantly turned away.  “You can have the bathroom now,” I whispered.

Erwren stood up and walked passed me.  His arm brushed against mine, and once more I felt that electricity flow through my body. 

Quickly, I moved away from him, though he lingered.  I walked towards my pack, pretending that I had felt nothing.  I began to rummage through my belongings.  I heard the man sigh, and then the door clicked shut behind him. 

I released a shaky breath, and pulled a book from my sack.  Ever since I was but a small child that was my favourite story.  My mother used to read it to me when I could not sleep.  And even though I knew it by memory, I still felt as if I needed to hold it every time I went through it. 

I sat down on the bed, with my feet tucked under me. Sometime later I heard the water shut off.  When Erwren left the bathroom, I kept my eyes down at all costs.

Gods, she is the most beautiful woman I've ever met.

It took me a moment to realize that I had unintentionally read his thoughts.

“Linea?” Erwren’s voice called to me.  Finally I looked up.  He was back at the couch, with blankets thrown over his lower body.

“Good nigh’.”

I smiled softly at him, before putting my book on the nightstand.  “Good night Erwren.” I blew out the candle and lay down in the bed, facing away from him.  I lay there awake, until I heard Erwren's breathing even out into soft snores. 

I rolled over onto my back to look at him.  His wet hair had fallen into his face, and he looked so peaceful. Once more, I was tempted to reach over and touch his handsome face.

What is wrong with me? I thought rolling back over.  With million thoughts in my mind I fell into a light slumber...

That night I dreamt of something from my past, though it was different from what I remembered.  It was the day my mother killed her rival.  Only in my dream it was worse.  Instead of her calling him out as he was about to kill me, she only lay on the ground watching as the wizard began to cut my dress from my body.  I wept, and could not fight him off when he roughly grabbed at me.  I began to scream to my mother, begging for her aid, and struggled ever harder against him and the bonds.  And even as he began to ravage my innocent body, my mother still did nothing.  I screamed out once more

And my eyes snapped open.  I shot up in the bed, with my chest heaving. 

Erwren held my shoulders. “Linea,” he whispered, searching my frightened eyes, “Are ye alright?”

I didn't know what to say or do, so I leaned into his chest, wrapping my arms around his neck and burying my head into his shoulder.  His arms moved protectively around my waist, and he gently rubbed my back.

“It's okay Linea. Ye just had a nightmare.”

When he spoke to me, tears flooded my eyes.  I knew he felt their warmth hitting his shoulder, but still he held onto me. 

Once my tears abated, and the dream began to fall to the back of my mind, I realized how Erwren and I were sitting.  I pulled away from him and smiled faintly.  “I'm sorry,” I said. 

His strong hand moved to my face, and wiped away the moisture of my tears.  “It's alright.  ‘Tis almost mornin’ anyways.” 

For a short moment, I looked into his eyes, and began to lean in toward him.  I could not help myself.  It was not until our lips grazed together that I pulled back.

“I should be getting ready to go,” I said, quickly getting off the bed.  I grabbed my pack and hurried into the bathroom. 

I closed the door behind me, and dropped my bag.  My body slid to the floor. What am I doing? I asked myself, God's what am I feeling? 

Another tear surfaced, landing on my knee. I wiped it away, then stood and moved to the sink.  There I splashed cold water onto my face and neck.  I couldn't fall for him.  I had to leave here and forget about Erwren.  I had to deny what my heart so clearly yearned for.

After I had finished washing my face, I let my hair down and dressed.  I threw my belongings together, and exited the bathroom. 

Erwren was dressed and waiting for me. “I take it yer ready?" he said with a smile.

“I'm going by myself,” my voice was low.

“What?” the man asked. 

“I said, I'm going alone,” I repeated, this time even louder.

“Linea. I heard ye.  I just... why?”  His eyes clearly showed how hurt Erwren was.

“I have to finish this on my own.  I cannot have any help for the last part of my journey.  I'm sorry Erwren.”  I turned away from him, to hide the sudden pain that I knew was on my face.  I quickly left the room, not realizing that I had left my book on the nightstand, or the lengths the God’s were going to push Erwren and I together.

I continued south to Paridisio Valley, to the village of Valley View. Once I was out of mortal sight of Azalia, I stopped Rolkon.  I jumped down from her majestic body, and sat at the edge of the road, with my knees drawn to my chest.

I rubbed my hand over my brow and temple, as frustrated tears began to fill my eyes.  What was it about Erwren that I was falling for?  How could I feel this way, when I promised myself I would never love a mortal?  I longed to lie in his arms, and feel his lips on my lips, and on my body.

At that time it began to rain, and still I sat there, not even feeling the elements.

At long last, I stood up.  I looked at the path before me, and back behind me.  It would be so easy to forget the task at hand.  To turn back and find Erwren.

But I could not forget my promise to Mora; I had to return to the valley.  I sighed deeply, and returned to my faithful horse.  “What do you think Rolkon?” I whispered to her in my native tongue, then returning to the common speech.  “Should I continue my task, or go to find him?”

I mounted her with the grace and ease of many years practice.  Rolkon continued forward, and my heart sank

Later that afternoon, I reached the borders of Paridisio Valley.  I could not see anything, as that was part of the spell.  One needed a password to enter the town.  I closed my eyes and muttered the words, “Asta Terroc,” meaning witch friend.  An opening, just large enough for Rolkon appeared.  I ushered her through. 

On the other side were two women, two men and two large cats, one white with black stripes, the other orange with black stripes.  I smiled softly at them and dismounted.

“You're late Linea,” said the first woman, as I set my steed free.

“I apologize Finaris, but I had company that I had to be rid of.”

Finaris was a beautiful young woman, and a descendant of Queen Mora.  Even after eight generations she had the former queens beauty.  Fair of skinned, and with wavy fiery red hair.  If it had not been for Finaris’ bright green eyes, I would have sworn this to be the same woman. 

She gave me a friendly hug, “How are you Linea?”

I sighed deeply, “I'm well.”  For the first time in her life, I lied to her. 

She eyed me for a moment, and I knew that she discovered my lie. 

I'll tell you later, I forced the thought to my friend.

“Okay,” she said as if it were part of the conversation.  “Come into town,” Finaris suggested, “We have much to discuss.”  I followed Finaris and the man into Valley View.

The other two remained there.  Shortly before us, the large cats strolled at a leisurely pace. 

I admired the great creatures.  On the female, white fur with black stripes.  She was the size of a large dog, but still with that kitten like face.  Her eyes were a bright green, quite similar to Finaris'.  The male had an orange coat with similar striping.  He was slightly bigger than the other one, and had bright golden eyes. 

“Finaris, tell me how you came across these creatures.”

The woman smiled at me.  “The female is Aleron, the male is Baten.  There is a third, another female, in town.  We found them not far from the borders.”  She paused a moment.  “Hunters killed their parents, but only took their skins.  The hunters left the carcass.  It broke my heart to see that Linea.  They were crying for their mother, so I freed them, and brought them here.”  Tears were in her eyes. 

“Why would somebody do such a thing?” I whispered.  “You said there is another one?  Where is she?”

The man spoke for the first time.  His eyes were the colour of chocolate, and his long straight hair matched it.  He had to have been the tallest man I had ever seen, and he had the build of a warrior.  "That is Kylin.  I fear for her.  She is physically healthy, but, unlike Aleron and Baten, she does not play with anybody or anything.  She merely lies in the same place day and night.  I'm afraid that her grief may eventually lead to her death,” his accent was typical of a Diad.  Thick with strong rolling R’s.  He went silent.

“Mihkhi is right, Linea,” Finaris said after a moment. “Nothing we've tried has brought Kylin out of that slump.”

“I’ll see what I can do.”

Once we reached town, I had Finaris and Mihkhi take me to Kylin.  She lay, unmoving, beneath a tree.  Slowly I approached the cat. “Hello Kylin,” when I greeted her, she lifted her head.  Her golden eyes met with my silver ones, and in them I could see the sadness of the animal’s soul. 

I knelt down next to her, and slowly stretched my hand out to her head, all the while, speaking to her in Elfish. 

“What is wrong with you, beautiful,” I whispered.  I moved my hands to either side of her massive head.  I closed my eyes and leaned my face into Kylin's.

Then, I saw her memories.  The day she was orphaned.  This animal not only witnessed, but also remembered the slaughter of her parents. 

I moved away from the cat, “You poor thing,” I breathed to her.  Tears stained my cheeks and I wrapped my arms around Kylin’s thick neck, and for her into her coat.  “I will take care of you Kylin.”

She purred her acknowledgement into my ear.  I moved away from the animal’s neck, and again looked into her eyes.  “Come with me.”  I rose to my feet, and took a step away from Kylin. As I did this, she rose to her feet, and followed my lead.

A soft gasp came from the small crowd that had gathered.  “Linea, you did it!” Finaris' voice was but a breath. 

I smiled at the young woman.  “She needed somebody who understands her,” I said softly, “I have no family myself.  We both have that.” 

I looked down to the large cat.  She sat near my feet, purring ever so softly, as I scratched behind her ear. 

With a smile Finaris escorted me inside.  Aleron and Baten bounded into the home, and Kylin followed casually, close behind me.  Once in my friends study, I took a seat. The cat sat by my feet with her massive head on her paws.

Finaris began to tell me everything that had occurred in the past year.  She told me of how she had come across the cats, and that Mihkhi was there that day to assist her.

“We're engaged Linea,” she told me this with that same love-struck gaze that all her predecessors had at one point possessed, “The wedding will be this week, and we want you to officiate our hand fasting.” 

I smiled brightly, “I am happy for both of you Finaris, and I would be honoured to do that for you.  Just as I have all your ancestors.” 

After a moment the woman spoke again.  “Now tell me what's wrong with you?”

I took a deep breath, and told her of Erwren and the previous evening.  I told her about crying at the roadside that afternoon, unsure of what to do.  When I finished, tears pricked my eyes.  “I can't fall for him Finaris.  When he dies, it would kill me, and then my promise to the valley would be broken.”

Sensing my despair, Kylin looked up at me and she placed her head on my leg. 

I scratched behind her ear.

“Linea, it would also kill you to deny your heart.”

“I know,” I sighed, as a solitary tear escaped my eye. Once we finished our conversation, there was a soft knock at the door.

“Come in,” Finaris called.

Mihkhi entered the room; a strong seriousness was etched into his face. “My guards caught a man near the border.  He was trying to get into town,” the man paused, and then looked to me.  “He's asking for you, Linea.”

My brow furrowed, “What? Who is it?”  Even though I already knew who it was.

“He won't give his name, but he insists on speaking with you alone.”

I sighed loudly, “Alright, show me to him.”

Mihkhi showed me to the towns holding cells.  “Third one to the left,” he whispered from the guard’s door.

I looked down the hall and there he was.  Erwren.  “I told him not to follow me.”  I turned to look at Finaris, “Can you do me a favour?”