Honor and Betrayal

It was clear that Aedael didn’t understand. He expected her to take his head for the grave insult he had just displayed to her. To come into her holdfast to kill her. To fail his own people so grievously. What use was he to sow peace now? He didn’t know.

“No, take my life, end me so that I can wash my shame from the world,” he said. His voice was no longer calm now. His words were hurried and urgent. What was going on inside of him was a storm of emotion. Shame and outrage toward himself. Confusion and contempt for Verya.

Trikan leaned forward and kissed Authiel. Chastely and softly at first and then he was a torrent of passion that seemed to catch her off guard. Wood Elves were not so open with their physical passion or so deliberate. Rhazien actually liked doing this. It wasn’t so terrible as he had thought it might be. Passions of the flesh were something he was great at and he had alot of practice pleasuring women. Smoothly he unclasped her cloak and saw that her eyes were focused on his lips now. She wanted more of his fire, more of his need for her and as his hands went for the ties to her tunic her hands slid onto his shoulders.

Later, how long he wasn’t certain, Yuma hovered over him. She was angry with him. He had had sex with someone and it wasn’t her. She had seen Aedael come into the city and was about to tell him of it but she had come when he was seducing Authiel and was so upset with Rhazien she kept her information to herself. Rhazien saw her but Authiel could not. They were naked on her chais lounger with a gold, cloth blanket over them. Authiel stirred when he did the pleasure he had brought her was unlike nothing she had ever experienced in her life. He played as if he were still asleep there was more they had to discuss before he could bring the next part of his plan into focus.

Verya wanted to cry as she looked at Aedael. He was such an incredible warrior and still young. He could still accomplish so much. It was heartbreaking to see him on his knees begging for her to kill him. She knew that she couldn't do it...she wouldn't do it. She needed Aedael...perhaps more than she knew at that moment.

She then did something that surprised even her. She walked over to him and knelt down so she was face to face with him. She raised his head so he was looking at her and into her eyes. She knew in that moment that they were connected. These past few minutes had connected them forever. She rested her forehead against his and closed her eyes. She just breathed in and out and listened to him breathe. Slowly, and without realizing it at first she closed the gap between them and her lips touched his...

The past hour had changed Authiel forever. She was now completely loyal to Trikan and was willing to do whatever he needed her to do. She was in love with him and together they would do what needed to be done. She lay with him on the chais lounger, her body still warm from their amorous activities. She slowly began to stir, unaware that she was being watched. She smiled and gently kissed Trikan's chest a few times. Oh yes, she would do whatever he wanted....

Her lips were as if a bolt of lightning had struck him right in his heart. Her lips were soft and warm. He had never kissed a woman before besides his mother and only then on her cheeks. This was...different. Completely different. He felt himself kissing her back. He had talked and danced with Galara and it wasn’t so different than with anyone else. The wall that mentally and emotionally separated his race from hers began to melt in that kiss and the parts that were alike, the pieces of themselves that once existed as a whole began to reassert themselves within them.

As their kiss continued his thoughts drifted over to hers. His experiences some recent, some not so recent fluttered into her mind. He was in battle and bodies of wood elves were all around him. He and his sword a whirlwind of death on the battlefield. Wood Elf archers streamed down off the walls, their arrows taking men and women, not all of them soldiers. Arrows plunged into faces, necks and chests. Men and women screaming as blood poured from their wounds. He felt her tears on his face as she felt his and it was her memories too that flooded into his mind. In the sharing that passed between them it was clear that their two souls had seen so much death, so much pain and their desire for it all to end was strong. Part of her need for this ending came into him as his came into her and in this transference of thought and emotion their souls bonded together magically. Fate had them in its grasp and what has been done could not be undone.

In many ways this was how elves chose their mates. A collective effort to bond with those that they loved. Love did not exist between Aedael and Verya but the bonding had happened and she would sense how much he liked her kissing him though he had never done so before. And then the moment ended.

In a moment of fear and confusion Aedael scuttled back and ended up with his back against a table leg. The table had her maps and effects on it and they jostled when he hit the table leg. “What...what happened!?” He said fretfully and touched his head. He closed himself off to her as she did to him. And then she heard her guardsmen knock on the door of the throneroom. “My lady, My queen! What is happening!” Several voices asked. Their senses detected something odd happening, they had been trained for such and the door began to open.

Verya wasn't sure why she had kissed Aedael. Perhaps it had been because they had both needed comforting. Or perhaps it was because she knew he wanted the fighting to be over as much as she did. There had been no thinking before the kiss...it had just happened. The moment their lips had touched she had known they were destined to be together. She felt him kiss her back and she sank entirely into it. She opened up her mind and her heart...hiding nothing from Aedael. He would be able to see her memories, sense her fears, feel her thoughts. She was tired...tired of the fighting...tired of the blood shed. She cared deeply for her people and she wanted them to no longer live in constant fear. This fighting had to end and she knew now that she and Aedael must be the ones to do it.

Their tears intermingled and in that moment their souls were bonded. She and Aedael, once mortal enemies, were now bonded eternally together. They would protect one another at the risk of their own lives and this bond would only grow stronger over time.

The kiss had begun to deepen, but then she suddenly felt Aedael pull away. He had jumped up and appeared confused and frightened. He backed into the table, which caused several of the items on it to move or tip over. She stood, trying to calm him, but then heard her guards begin to knock loudly upon the door.

"Everything is fine!" she said loudly. "Leave us be!"

Though her words were commanding and forceful they came in and Galara led them. “Seize him and protect the queen!” she barked and pointed straight at Aedael. Guardsmen surrounded Verya and several went for Aedael. As they came at him the first one was somehow tossed forward past him as if he had been moving much faster toward him. The next grabbed hold of his left arm but the third was flipped over end to fall onto his back. Two others seized Aedael and Galara’s sword was out and she laid it against his neck.

“Do it,” He whispered to her. His eyes were bright blue but his expression was as if the light had been drained out of him. He shifted slightly toward her blade but she moved it easily with him so it did not slice into his neck. When she continued to pause despite Verya’s attempts to get past her guards Aedael knew she would not do it. He slumped in their hands, all fight in him suddenly gone.

“The letter is in my pocket. Take it then be done with me Galara,” he said mournfully. His outward emotions and the tone of his voice was unheard of for a high elf. Galara’s heart went out to him though she would not allow him to harm her queen regardless of what was happening to him. She reached in and plucked out the queen’s letter. “Take him away,” she said softly and her men dragged Aedael toward the door. She spun to look at the queen, certain her lack of abeyance was going to grant her a grievous penance but one she was willing to take for her queen’s safety.

Verya was angry...very angry. Galara had disobeyed her orders. Verya was tired of guards. Day and night she was watched and followed. She knew as Queen they were only trying to protect her, but she was weary of the lack of privacy. She wanted freedom...true freedom and a life devoid of worry or fear for both herself and Aedael...whether they were together or not.

After Aedael was taken out of the room, Verya stood there alone with Galara. Galara would know from Verya's expression that she was extremely angry, but for now Verya's mind was too preoccupied to punish Galara.

"Leave...now."

Galara went and Aedael was taken to the holding cells where prisoners were taken until their crimes were identified and sentences were pronounced. It was just outside of the palace next to the soldier barracks. He said nothing and looked at no one as he sat, slumped over on the floor. His head leaned against the bars and he had been stripped of his armor and other things besides. He was in just his small clothes now, the two guards, one male, one female watched him with contempt but said nothing.

Authiel had heard of what had happened and she hurried to see Verya, the queen, her cousin. They had been good friends once. Long ago when her father was King. Now that she was queen their relationship had taken an ill turn. Authiel was ambitious and stubborn. News of a High Elf being captured had made it to her ears and that he had attacked her in some way. She hurried in through the doors without knocking. The queen sat on her throne, her head in her hands. She did not look happy, in fact, she looked forlorn and sad as if she had been crying.

“Verya...what has happened? I learned about the interloper, did he hurt you?” she asked concernedly as she went onto a knee before her. She touched her head and leaned in and kissed her cheek. She still loved her cousin, dearly but she also felt that her decisions of late were a detriment to their people. “What did he want?” She asked softly as she tried to soothe whatever hurt her cousin was feeling right then.

In truth Aedael’s mood was affecting Verya just as hers was affecting him. He had expected to die and had prepared himself for it. Now he wallowed in shame and no longer even had a people to give his life for. Now if he died it would be meaningless. Which is why she needed to try and give him a reason ‘not’ to die. Or even want death.

After Galara left, Verya sank down onto her throne and felt a wave of emotions come over her. She knew that some of them were hers while some of them belonged to Aedael. She was overwhelmed with a sense of loss and sadness to the point that she felt tears begin to stream down her own cheeks. He seemed to have given up entirely and it pained her to know that this once great, strong, brave, and honorable warrior had been reduced to this because of her. She would help him...she had to help him. He was now apart of her...and she of him for better or worse.

She heard the doors open to the throne room and sensed her cousin Authiel rushing towards her. Her cousin's automatic feelings about Aedael angered Verya and she stood and narrowed her gaze at her.

"What he wanted is no one's business but my own. He did not harm me and is of no threat to anyone here. It is our automatic rush to judgement about ALL High Elves and their judgement of us that causes this war to continue and I am SICK of it! I am tired of this war...of the fighting...of the unnecessary blood shed! Aedael has done nothing wrong and yet he now sits locked in a cell. I will not stand for it Authiel. It is time for this war to end...time for us to open our minds to the idea of peace...to the idea that not all High Elves are a threat to us. I expect more from you Cousin. I expect you to set an example to our people."

Authiel was taken aback by the Queen's reactions and her words. Peace with the High Elves? She had heard what Trikan had said but the arrival of this..this interloper. He was ‘escorted’ here. She wished she knew more. Obviously something has happened but what she could not be certain. Only now her queen spoke words of peace and understanding. She cleared her throat and saw the serious gloom in her eyes. She quickly lowered her gaze.

“Yes my queen, Verya I will do what I can, just speak it and I will do what you need doing,” she said and approached her. She took up her hands and saw that there was a hint of s tremble in them. She took them into her own and a wave of concern came over her.

“Verya, we are family. What did this High Elf say that could affect you so?” She asked. Verya was always the epitome of regality with a hot edge to her. Always that, never, what, anguish? She could not be certain. “I am yours to command my queen,” she repeated and let her hands go to bow regally.

Yuma hovered over Rhazien and told him everything that had taken place. The kiss that happened between them was something he could work with, rumor could be a powerful ally if it came from a reliable source. Not him surely. Only a whisper in the right ear. A hint at the right moment.

Verya shook her head and looked at her cousin. "What happened between Aedael and myself is of no one's concern but mine. He has a good heart and wants for this war to be over as much as I do. He has opened my eyes Cousin to what needs to be done. I will not allow another generation of our peoples to grow up knowing only war between us. There has to be a way for this all to end and I am going to find it. But now I am tired and wish to be left alone. Go Cousin and do your job and remember what I have said here today, but do not speak of it yet to anyone else. Do I have your word?"

Authiel gave a nod and Verya dismissed her, leaving her once again alone. She continued to think of Aedael and knew she needed to do something. She could not just leave him in a cell. Was she not Queen after all? She could do as she wished and she was determined to help him. She feelings of anguish and sadness that she felt from him could not continue. She needed to give him a reason to go on...to want to live...to want to fight for peace between their countries.

It was already growing dark when Verya left her throne room. She walked towards the cells and two guards bowed and then stood at full attention when they spotted her walking towards them.

"The keys to Aedael's cell," she commanded as she held out her hand. The guards hesitated and glanced at one another and Verya's gaze hardened. "Would you not do as your Queen commands?" The guards quickly shook their heads and one of them handed over the keys to Aedael's cell. Verya took them and looked at the two guards. "Both of you stay here. I am not to be followed."

She then walked down a flight of stairs to where the cells themselves were. All of the cells were empty apart from one. Verya slowly approached Aedael's cell and looked at him a moment. At first she thought to just open up the door and walk inside, but she did not want to upset him any more than he already was by invading his space without his permission. Instead, she spoke softly to him through the bars of the cell.

"I can feel your pain Aedael...it has become my own pain. I want you to know that I am here to help you...to be your friend...not your enemy. Together you and I can end this war, but I cannot do it without you. What has happened between us today is fate...I know it is. Any other High Elf sent to kill me would have done it, but you...you were chosen by fate because you and I are destined to be the ones to end this war...end the killing. I know you feel it just as I do. Your people need you Aedael...I...I need you."

Authiel left the throne room more confused and uncertain than she entered. Part of her wanted peace as well but she was also a fighter. A master hunteress and soldier of her people. Her family line had forsaken her in lieu of her cousin though. And that had hurt more deeply than most anything else they could have done. They had more faith in her and as a result she would never be queen. Trikan had told her over and over that she deserved the throne but she knew that just wanting it, wanting to be queen was not enough. Oh it was so difficult to think clearly with thoughts of him swam around in her head. The way he loved her was...intoxicating and she drew a hand up between her breasts as she remembered his touch upon her. It made her flesh want to catch fire. There was so much wrong in what they had done but to be denied this feeling when she had seen this happen in her dreams...she felt it was meant to happen and so she would not turn him away. She needed to find him, to feel his lips upon hers, to feel his love for her.

Aedael looked up and laid his head back against the bars of his cell. He was on the floor and though his body was cold he did not cover himself. His mind controlled his body's reaction to the elements and it would take alot more cold for him to even notice. “What have you done?” He asked calmly and then moved. He came to stand before her, his small clothes were a clean, stark white and went down to his thighs. “We’re bonded Verya yet we did not say the words and...and,” he began. She smiled and completed his sentence. “And I’m a Wood Elf?” She said. This presented problems for her too perhaps far more than for a dead man who he seemed to think he was. But he wasn’t. He was alive and his lips on hers was something not so easy to forget. He may not have wanted that but she felt his desire for her however brief it was. It was there.

“So I am to be caged now? I told you I will not raise a hand to you. I can not make that same oath about your people, I may need defend myself from them,” he said and then paused to think. He had alot of time to think while he was in here and if he could not die he wanted to live...for something.

“I will indenture myself to you Queen Laurelen if you would but take my honor on oaths that I could give you. Having me as your guardian would make a statement to both our peoples. Though I think it will likely bring out your detractors quickly. My sword could sheath and unsheath at your command but...but,” he began, the bond between them telling him that she was attracted to him. That in turn told her the same from him and it left him unable to find his words. Confused at the lack of control over his own feelings. Which led him to think of images like her without clothes on or himself atop her in her bed. Her eyes going wide a moment were all that he needed to know she had sensed where his thoughts had gone.

The overwhelming need to be near Aedael was breath taking. It nearly consumed her. Even standing as close as she was to him she still felt the need to be closer...to be in his arms. She knew it was the bond that now existed between them, but how had this happened so quickly? The feelings she felt inside of her swirled around and threatened to overtake her. She felt happiness, sadness, loneliness, and something else...desire. She could not tell if that feeling was coming from her, him, or them both. It was intense and made her cheeks burn because of it. She looked into Aedael's eyes through the bars of the cell as he proclaimed himself her servant and guardian. Tears slowly filled her golden eyes as she looked at him. She hadn't realized that she had put the key in the lock and unlocked the cell. The door slowly opened and she stepped inside, never once taking her eyes off of his until she was standing right before him. She gently rested her forehead against his and closed her eyes. In that moment she saw a vision flash before her eyes. It was of herself and Aedael. They were running...fleeing the forest. In her belly she knew grew a child...their child...the first Wood Elf/High Elf cross. She could see herself giving birth with only Aedael at her side in a cave. As she held the newborn she could see it was a girl. The vision was brief, but in it she had felt the deep love she and Aedael had come to share....perhaps a love that already existed between them, but had not yet been fully uncovered.

“You are seeing one possible future Verya,” he said. He had called her by name in a warm tone as if he had done so for a long time. The image collided with that of his own death, one that more and more became a foggy shadow where it had been a clear picture. He was going to ask why this was happening to them but the question was moot. Whatever the reason mundane, mystical or magical in nature, it was real as she was real and he could feel her heart quicken as he leaned back and took her face into his trembling hands.

Fate was playing a cruel game on them or a wonderful one he thought. He had never taken a lover or a wife. He always believed he had time and to bond with one is to bond with no one else as long as he lived. Now he was bound to Queen Verya Laurelen, Queen of the Wood Elves, The daughter of King Laurelen, sworn enemy of the Maht’Silme. In that kiss every oath he ever made to his people were broken yet the guilt of that was like an errant thought. A distant memory. Who bound who was not clear and in the binding of their souls her needs and desires became his own. Her hurts were his hurts and his were hers.

Shakily he kissed her lips, his were trembling she discovered. He was terribly nervous, his mental control over his body was not prepared for these emotions and sensations that fluttered through him. He kissed her badly at first but when he learned what felt right his kisses drew her lips to want his and he felt the tingle in her body as he felt it in his own. He was sweating she discovered though it had to be cold with naught but his small clothes on. Thousands of years old and now little more than an adolescent experiencing his first real kiss. Her lips parted and she roared in laughter at it all. Which in turn made him begin to laugh. 2 mortal enemies holding one another laughing was definitely something to laugh about.

Once they calmed themselves, the desire to kiss her again was strong but he managed to stifle it...for now. Both their cheeks were crimson and his body warm from the desires he had for her in his heart. “I will bend knee to you in public...Ver...Queen Laurelen,” he corrected. He could not address her so informally though that was how he felt toward her. “Give me back my affects...my armor and my sword and I will do this...I will do anything if it means saving the lives of our people,” he said. For the first time in his entire life he meant both their peoples in that statement not just high elves. And she knew what he meant as well. All of Elven kind.

Verya slowly opened her eyes to look into Aedael's. Although she and he had really only just met, she felt as if she had known him intimately her entire life. She knew everything about him...including his deepest thoughts and secrets. She felt his hands tremble as they cupped her cheeks. If only he could feel how hard her heart was beating in her chest. Was bonding always this intense? Or was it different for them? She felt his lips touch her own and slowly she closed her eyes. What would her father say if he could see her now? Here she stood, Queen of the Wood Elves, and she was kissing one of the highest ranking soldiers of her country's sworn enemy. But everything about the moment felt...right...even if they both seemed rather nervous and unsure. No, she would not have changed this moment for all the jewels in the world. However, as the moment went on and Verya had time to think about it all she suddenly found herself laughing...not at one thing in particular...but at it all. Her eyes sparkled like gold diamonds as she looked at Aedael with true, pure love. A love that would never die or break...no matter what the future brought to them.

"You shall certainly have all of your affects back," Verya confirmed. "You shall be my personal guard for the time being. That will keep you close me always. This way we can protect one another and plan how to bring peace to our countries. It will be difficult, but we must act like this bond does not exist between us while in public...in private however..." Her cheeks flushed red with desire just thinking about it.

Just like that she led him out of his cell and they agreed for him to make it look like she had dominated him. He followed her out like a dog brought to heel, his eyes lowered. The guards looked at them in shock. One even half drew out his sword unsure of what to do. Her stern look though made them come to attention and they said nothing as they passed them.

Thankfully they passed no one from the cells to the bottom level of the guard hall where his effects were kept. She watched him as he changed his underclothes and redressed in a gold tunic, cream colored pants and then he donned his armor and sword. His small satchel was on his shoulder as he followed her out and up again through the guardians halls. As they ascended they did pass other guardians, two were of her personal guard and after a few quick words with her they bowed and never gave them a second look.

In the royal halls just behind the throne room, which led to her apartments. “Where will I stay?” he asked as they came up to her apartments. Certainly he couldn't stay with her but she’d know he wanted that and knew he should not. There was alot of confusion in him, confusion and conflict still.

Trikan had to spend time with his family while Yuma was away to pass a message to his sister on current events. He said little and reacted to less. “Trikan, what is wrong? I can not feel you,” she said. For a while now he had been closed to her. Their bond was almost always open, the love she had for him always a shining beacon to guide him in his endeavors. But now he was like a ghost and non-existent through the bond. “Much is happening wife and I can not have distractions,” he said plainly. “Our love is a distraction?” she asked. Uncertain he was making sense. “Don’t push,” he replied and she tilted her head and frowned at him. “Something is happening with you Trikan and I would know what it is,” she said more vehemently. “Trust me Naerith, please,” he said and took her hand in his. Rhazien wanted to stab her eyes out but instead he led her to their bedroom…

Verya was glad to get Aedael out of that cell. He followed her with his eyes lowered, playing the part they had agreed to. She hated seeing him behave like that, but she knew they couldn't have anyone suspect that there was anything between them. If that should happen then their plan for peace would fail. Thankfully, they were able to get to the guard hall without incident. Verya located Aedael's effects and stood back as he changed. Her eyes did pass over him though and as he once again looked like the incredible warrior he was she felt a wave of desire come over her again. She managed to keep her feelings in check however, though just barely.

Once he was dressed, she led him towards the royal apartments. Very few were allowed in those halls and she wanted Aedael kept close to her.

"There is a smaller room beside my own," Verya told him softly. "You shall stay there."

She then led him to that room. The entrance to her own room was obvious with the large, walnut doors adorned with intricate carvings. The entrance to his own room was very plain by comparison but the room itself held everything he would need. The bed was large enough and comfortable and there was a dresser, night table, chair and even a wash room.

"There is a particular reason I chose this room," Verya confessed. She walked over to the wall that separated her rooms from his. There was a tapestry on that wall and she pulled it back. At first the wall behind looked like every other wall, but Aedael might notice a very subtle difference if examined very closely. Verya pressed on a certain spot and part of the wall opened, revealing that it was a door. Verya gave Aedael a small smile before walking through the door. If he followed, he would find there was a short passage before coming to another door. Verya opened that door and stepped through. When Aedael stepped through he would find himself in none other than Verya's personal chambers.

"No one but you knows about that passage. This way we may visit one another without going out into the hallways and rousing suspicion."

For Aedael’s part he only followed and listened. He picked up a keen awareness that he had never felt before. Her wood elven heritage working ceaselessly around her. She appeared to him to be constantly ‘aware’ of sounds and scents that helped her mind identify and know her surroundings. He had keen senses too but nothing like that. For her she seemed to gain more solidarity within. Her emotions seemed to be more distant as if she had more time to settle herself before the incoming stimulus really affected her mood or her expression. They still did ofcourse but outwardly she found that she could control her expression and her words before she spoke them outloud.

“Thank you,” Aedael said for the room. They were alone in her chambers and for the first time there was no chance of anyone disturbing them. Desire for her rose up in Aedael but before he did something he knew he shouldn't, she was a queen, he spoke. “I’m hungry my Queen.” He had hardly ate or drank since he arrived and he needed something to break the sexual tension that existed between them. ‘Her eyes are so...beautiful’ she heard in her mind. His words that the bond carried from his mind to hers unbidden. He had not meant that to get out nor the things that followed that made her cheeks blush as well as his own. The bond was so new and before they were able to quash what they passed between them fantasies of them making love to one another had been played out in their heads several times and in different ways. It all only lasted moments but she managed to borrow from Aedael’s strength of will to stop herself from attacking the man in a sheer fit of passion. “This is not going to be easy,” Aedael said aloud, mirroring her own thoughts.

Naerith watched Trikan as he rose. In his nakedness he was a beautiful elf but something was definitely different about him. It was like their bond wasn’t there and the way he made love to her just then...had been like nothing she had ever experienced before. She tried to force her will into opening the bond but it only rebounded back again as if it never existed. The both deeply concerned and excited Naerith. Not knowing what her husband would do next was...liberating she thought. Her body still tingled from what he had just done to her and she turned onto her side and watched him dress as if she was seeing him, truly seeing him for the first time.

Authiel paced back and forth as she waited for Galara to arrive. She needed allies in this. Someone who she could trust to aid her as she started down the path she knew she must take. Her cousin obviously wasn’t thinking clearly and keeping that murdering High Elf as a pet was just one more sign of it. In truth he concerned her. If he were truly loyal to her getting to her would be that much harder. Aedael Caemaere was a foe in this, of that she was certain but how he fit into it all she needed to discover before she could move to Usurp the queen’s authority.

Tag: Verya, Naerith and Galara.

Verya felt like an infant, learning everything again. She felt...different, but in a good way. It was as if she had become whole, only she had never known she had been missing such a large piece of her. She felt more in control of her emotions and could feel that his senses had been fully awoken. They had completed one another and Verya knew that this was only just the beginning of them exploring the bond between them. Over time their bond would grow even stronger and she could not imagine what that might mean for them.

As they stood there alone together in her chambers she felt his desire grow. It mirrored her own and it took every ounce of will within her to keep herself from giving into it fully. She knew they should wait...although she was not sure how long they would be able to hold out for. Verya was grateful when Aedael broke the sexual tension with a request for food. However, before she could even respond she felt his desire grow again. She could hear his thoughts and some of them made her smile, while others made her blush. However, she could not deny that similar thoughts were in her own head and she knew that he would know those thoughts as well.

"No, this is not going to be easy," Verya replied with a little smile. "I must admit this is all very strange. When I kissed you Aedael I had no idea of what would happen. It is clear though that we were meant to be together in this life. We shall accomplish great things together...you and I...I can feel it in my very soul. You've already made me happier than I have ever been in my entire life. Although you will play the part of my guardian I would have you tell me what you need or wish for. For now, I shall have some food and wine brought up for you."

Naerith did not know what to think about her husband. He was acting rather strangely. He seemed very distant and had shut himself off to her through their bond. She could feel nothing of him. During the entirety of their marriage he had never done such a thing. And yet, he had just made love to her like never before. It was as if he were an entirely new man inside. She was both frightened and intrigued by him.

"Is it the war that is causing you stress M'love?" Naerith asked as she watched him dress.

Galara walked quickly down the hall to meet with Authiel. She had just learned that the Queen had removed Aedael from his cell and was to be made one of her guardians. While she was relieved that they had not killed Aedael outright, she could not help but feel confused as to why the Queen had made him one of her guardians. The Queen's behavior as of late had been strange. Galara could only assume it was the stress of the war with the High Elves that was causing her concern.

She spotted Authiel and walked towards her. She bowed to her and then straightened up. "You wished to speak to me."

Authiel looked around them then pulled her out onto the small terrace just off one of the many hallways in the hall of the Guardians. There were several terraces too, small outcroppings in the massive tree that were magically grown. Archers would use them to shoot down onto their enemies. There were always thick barred gates just inside them incase they were attacked. No one could get in the halls if he gates to each terrace were closed. Today they were open and there was a warm, fragrant breeze on the wind that rustled Galara’s hair.

Galara was a strong and proud woman. Not a noble but she herself had allowed her family's status to rise up from where it had begun. It would be an equal match between the two of them in a duel. Both trained alongside Verya herself and others besides. There was a certain kinship amongst these women. They had worked many years together and were fond of one another though they hadn’t spoken much in the past few years.

“Something is...wrong...with the Queen,” Authiel said. Galara’s eyes widened at that and she shifted to keep in Authiel’s front view. “Wrong? What do you mean? Is she hurt?” she asked in a desperate voice. All sorts of things fluttered across her mind just then. None of them good.

“No, she is not hurt...but...This Aedael Caemaere...do you know him? She has made him a guardian Galara. He has pledged fealty to her and she has made him a guardian,” she said in a worried voice. She scrubbed her hands together and then noticed what she was doing and stopped abruptly. “I don’t understand, why is here here? Why has he come? What does he want with the queen?” she asked in quick succession. She was upset Galara would see.

Years and years ago she remembered it vividly Aedael as a sign of good will to her people had asked Galara to dance. She had reluctantly agreed but after a few moments with him he had gotten her to smile and even laugh. He was one of the most beautiful creatures she had ever seen. Graceful and charming as well. After she had had fleeting thoughts about that dance, the way his hands held her and his scent like newly spun silk brushed with rose petals. Seeing him again brought those memories back and a renewed curiosity had come over her about him. She paused and noticed Authiel was watching her, her eyes moist and desperate.

Galara could immediately tell that something was wrong before Authiel even spoke. She had never seen her like this and grew quite concerned. She expected that perhaps it had to do with their war against the High Elves. What she did not expect was for Authiel to say that there was something wrong with the Queen. Galara, Authiel, and Vera were close in ages and had grown up together. They had learned to fight together and had been close as children. As they had grown older they had parted somewhat and then when Verya became Queen things completely changed between them. Galara highly respected Queen Verya and was extremely loyal to her. It pained her to know that something was wrong. She had only seen her a short time before, but feared that perhaps something had happened since that time. She was relieved when Authiel informed her that she had not been hurt. Authiel then began to speak about Aedael's presence in the palace and Galara could not hide the surprised look on her face when she learned that the Queen had made him a guardian. She knew that something had happened between them in the throne room while they were alone and could not help but be curious as to what it might have been.

"Yes...I know Aedael..." Galara said softly as her mind began to wander back to that night. It had been a brief period of peace between the Wood Elves and the High Elves, although tensions were still running high. The two kingdoms had participated in a summer celebration together and Aedael had asked her to dance. Aedael was unlike any other male she had ever met. He was incredibly beautiful and graceful. He had made her smile and laugh and forget, momentarily, all of the blood shed that had happened. It had been one of the best nights of her life...

"Aedael was found with a small group of High Elf soldiers within our borders. He told me a weak reason for his being within our borders and I didn't believe him. However, he had found a letter the Queen had written and entrusted to Trikan. I viewed this letter and it was indeed in Queen Verya's hand. I did not see much of the letter, but it appeared to be a letter of negotiation of peace between the Wood Elves and the High Elves. He wished to deliver the letter personally to the Queen. I granted him permission to do this only after he agreed to go alone and to be blindfolded with his hands bound. When we got to the palace the Queen commanded to speak to him alone. Something happened in the throne room between them...though I do not know what it might have been. It is strange though that she would make him a guardian."

Many men and women under her command had been killed in the war. This one and others. She herself had been wounded several times and unconsciously she touched the only scar she had ever received. It had gone unhealed for too long and though it was only a pale line it marred her abdomen. Trikan loved to touch her there and thoughts of how he loved her made her heart lurch and butterflies appear in her belly.

“I’m losing confidence in Verya Galara,” she said with a distant, forlorn look on her face as the feeling of his hands all over her subsided. It was difficult for her to think straight. “ I want to believe that what she intends to do is best for our people,” What Galara had just told her about her attempting to initiate peace talks sent alarm gongs off in her head, “But I lose faith…” She said and then stopped and looked down at the floor.

Authiel had soft, dark hair that she almost always left free. It needed a brushing Galara noticed and also noticed that Authiel looked...tired.

Galara was shocked by Authiel's confession. She was losing faith in their Queen? Verya was her cousin. How could she not stand by her family? Verya was very young, but a good Queen who cared deeply for her people. Perhaps it was time for this war to be over...for peace. The maybe she could dance again with Aedael.

Looking at Authiel, Galara could see that she was tired. She stepped up to her friend and took her hands into her own. "You are tired my friend and not thinking clearly. You must rest. Today has been an...odd day. You should rest and then reconsider your feelings with a fresh head. Our Queen is good hearted and cares deeply for her people. She would never do anything that she thought would not be the best for us. Come...let me walk you to your rooms."

“We can win Naerith, Trikan said as he buttoned his shirt. “The High Elves know this and that is why they brought their would be assassin. For us to vie for peace now, when we are so close,” he said. “Your brother died by his own hand Naerith, why would you surrender your advantage to a people who are almost on their knees before you?” he asked. He saw Naerith’s mind working and her brow furled remembering see his body and how hard her mother took his dying. “It is for your mother’s son, for all our sons that we cut them off at the neck,” Trikan said. Another seed planted it was high time he got back to Authiel…

He had let himself in and was surprised to see Galara coming toward him. Trikan bowed to her and her eyebrows shot up at seeing Trikan Drelnith. She wanted to tell him to let her sleep but he outranked her and so she remained silent as she left the room. She gave the door a look and frowned. A wave of ‘oddness’ passed through her just then. The hair on the back of her neck had rose and an odd scent permeated her nose. It was gone in an instant though and she hurried off to get back to her duties. Authiel had just laid down when she saw Trikan enter her room. Before she could speak he began to take off his clothes.

Later, she could not be certain how much she laid in her bed alone. Trikan had made love to her again and her body still tingled from his touch. He had done things to her, made her do things to him that she had never heard of before. Wonderful things that set her heart racing and her mind floating somewhere between pleasure and pain. She was exhausted yet her mind was filled with a haunted desire for him. He had just left and yet her heart felt as if she hadn’t seen him in months. What was wrong with her? Her dreams were even more erotic than what happened in the flesh. No, that wasn’t exactly true but her mind fluttered over what she had been avoiding to think about, betraying her cousin and friend. She put her head in her hands as she began to weep.

Aedael stood in his shimmering armor. Laica was on his shoulder today, her hilt shown in the changing light of the throne room. He stood behind and to the left of the queen who sat on her throne. Trikan entered and paused. He was unsure of what he was seeing at first, obviously events were outpacing him. He did not like that...not at all and he strode in, bowed to her then took his seat on her right side. His chair was a bit lower than hers and not so grand. Normally it was expected that she would see petitioners, come to her for guidance and or assistance. However today she had summoned her generals, her council of 5 to feel them out about the proposition that they make peace with their sworn enemies, the high elves. Aedael, his hands clasped behind his back looked like a statue standing there and yet he also looked as if he might spring into movement and in any direction in a moment. 7 other guardians stood with their spears and shields around the room. Today there were 2 at each doorway instead of one and the other just outside the terrace, at Aedael’s suggestion to guard against anyone who might think to gain access to her by climbing or grappling hook or some other magical means. Galara, Toralin, Brilneth, and Foradir all bowed before Verya then took their seats, facing her in the chairs provided for them. Servants came with silver cups on worked silver trays and offered them refreshment. She noticed Authiel was not among them.

Verya had found it difficult to rest that evening. Her mind was a mixture of both her own thoughts and Aedael's. She could feel him almost as if he were lying beside her. She had wished he was, instead of separated from her. However, just knowing he was close and safe gave her enough comfort to finally rest for several hours. The following morning she rose early and knew that today she was going to speak to her generals about the possibility of peace with the High Elves. She needed to know that they agreed with her and would help her in this endeavor.

As she exited her rooms, she found Aedael waiting for her and they wordlessly walked down to the throne room. Along the way several other guardians joined them and then she was met by several at the entrance to the throne room. She had sent a messenger earlier that morning to retrieve her five generals and she took her seat to wait for them and Trikan. Aedael came to stand behind her and to her left. When he offered her advice on the placement of the other guardians she listened and did as he suggested, placing one extra guardian at each of the doorways and also just outside of the terrace. A moment later Trikan entered. She could see his eyes immediately move to look at Aedael. He said nothing, but she could tell he was displeased as he took his seat beside her. After he was seated the generals were allowed inside. She counted four and realized immediately that Authiel was missing.

"Where is Authiel?" she asked looking at Galara.

A few of the Generals just looked at one another puzzled. But not Galara and not Trikan. Both knew where she was. Galara lifted her gaze to speak.

“My Queen, She was...indisposed, when I last saw her,” she said honestly. Aedael noticed that several times now Galara looked in his direction. He wanted to speak to her but that could wait. There was something in the air and he looked up and right at Yuma who hovered above him invisible. Everything that he was told him that something was there but nothing was. He frowned and Galara saw him and looked up herself, her senses extending out toward him. She felt it too but she could see nothing either. Trikan saw her look and cleared his throat to distract her.

“My queen perhaps we should move forward without her?” He said. “What is that...that elf doing here?!” Toralin growled. He stood and pointed at Aedael accusingly. Aedael had killed his son and Toralin half drew out his sword before a hard look from he queen staying him from drawing it further. Aedael didn’t even flinch.