Hi everyone.
Sorry it has taken so long to get this chapter out, but I have been run ragged at work... the Holidays are a nightmarish time, and it's been hard to even find time to sleep during this last week or so.
Anyway, I hope you all enjoy this chapter. Let me know what you all think.
Corey
Fate is the will of the gods, each shaping our destiny in his or her own way. - Elvin Teachings
A little over 17 years ago a child was born to C'ominar'Asane'ta King of the Elves and J'el'Asane'ta his Queen. E'rin'Asane'ta was the fourth child the couple had produced in an attempt to secure an heir.
C'ominar loved all of his children. It had pained him greatly to see his first son and daughter die when they laid hands on the Royal sword. Almost greater was the shock and pain of the sword's rejection of his last son. He had not been suited to the throne and had left in the night to join the Guardians. He felt ashamed and unworthy. C'ominar never saw him again.
E'rin, unknown to anyone save a few of the Royal Guard, was not a planned child. King C'ominar flatly refused to father another child. He told his wife that he intended to name other members of his family as his heir. J'el had attempted to reason with him and appeal to his responsibility to the Throne.
The pain, however, was too great. C'ominar could not bear the thought of losing yet another child to the sword of House Asane'ta. Duty could go to hell.
J'el'Asane'ta had other ideas. She as a Bladedancer, her magic was far above the norm for elves and her tricks were many. In particular, she possessed a talent for altering her body chemistry and organ processes.
Female elves only have one day per year in which they are fertile. The day varies from person to person, but each of them is aware when the day is coming. C'ominar knew when his wife's day of fertility was, and so for 3 years he had managed to avoid his wife on those days.
With great effort, J'el slowed down her body to the point that she went into a state of suspended animation. He physical processes slowed, and eventually stopped. For the nearly two days during which her husband found excuses to be elsewhere, she stayed secluded and in stasis. This had the unique effect of altering her day of fertility, delaying its arrival.
As always, upon his return to his wife, C'ominar was attentive, and affectionate. The couple made love frequently over the course of the next few days. He regretted that his firm stance distressed his wife, and always wanted her to know how much he loved her, but he knew in his heart that he was not strong enough to bear the loss of another child.
J'el understood, and even sympathized with her husband's feelings. But for the Queen, duty stood above one's personal feelings. It was their responsibility to the People to secure the line of succession and maintain the Cycle. The loss of each of her children had been a chunk torn out of her soul, but she could not let that stop her from doing what must be done.
When the Queen's pregnancy became obvious, the rumors flew fast through the Elvin Court. The King was sliding in a deep depression punctuated by surges of rage. He KNEW that he had been absent during his wife's day of fertility, which meant that the child she bore was not his.
The beginnings of a scandal formed as the elves began to piece together the King's strange behavior with the Queen's somewhat guilty expression every time they met.
While most political marriages were not so blessed with love and allowed for the inclusion of belshatha as concubines, the King and Queen were each other's one true love and their marriage had forsworn taking concubines. The Queen's pregnancy said to the King and any who understood who went on that she had broken the Oath of Marriage and had betrayed their love. Such a thing had never been known to happen in Elvin history.
When C'ominar confronted his wife, she explained what she had done. In firm tones she told him that she would not allow him to evade his duty or shirk his responsibilities to the People for his own personal feelings. As much as it would pain them both, there MUST be an heir and for the good of the Cycle that heir must be a direct descendant of the joining of the Royal houses of Elf and Man.
Shamed by his wife's actions, the King buried himself in his work and avoided J'el. He tried to ignore his wife through her long pregnancy and left the capitol when his son was born, so against tradition, J'el named their son without the input of the father.
E'rin was named for the son of the pairing of the Kings of Elf and Man who had become the Elvin King when his brother became the King of Man. As she stood before the altar of Te'ema, she presented the baby to the Goddess as the true son of the King. The glow of the Goddess' blessing upon the infant confirmed his parentage.
From that point on, when asked about the tension between her and the King, J'el would simply say that her husband had been mistaken about her day of fertility.
A'rion'Tel'anethar, senior Bladedancer of the elves, brought the King (some say forcefully) to behold his infant son.
The tiny baby, with his brilliant green eyes, regarded his father gravely, and smiled. Greeting complete, the boy began to concentrate on important things like pointedly reminding his mother that it was time to eat.
Feeding complete, E'rin was given over to the care of his father, and the two were left alone for the King to come to know his son.
C'ominar was widely known as a gentle, loving, man who cared deeply for his family and his people. Holding his son in his arms, C'ominar could not help but love the fragile child. His anger and feelings of betrayal melted as he gazed at the perfect little miracle he had unknowingly created.
As E'rin began to grow, his father taught him all about politics, and diplomacy. He showed his son how to care for his people and protect the forests and live in harmony with the fey creatures that shared their home.
J'el taught him how to tap his natural abilities. She taught him the meaning of duty and honor, showed him how important his responsibilities were. The sword and bow were an important part of this education, as well as the skills to lead units. E'rin grew up learning to lead warriors into battle, and to direct his forces. "A King is a leader in war as well as in peace." She always told him. "For as long as there are orks, there will always be a danger to the Elvin people. Duty demands that you protect your people and guide them to safety."
By the time he was 10, E'rin was riding and running through the forests, trailed by his two guards, getting to know the lay of the land. He learned how to tell which trees were home to Dryads, which flowers were the favorites of Faeries and the preferred games of Sprites.
On one of his little outings, E'rin slipped away from his guards. He made his way to a small glade that was one of his favorite hideouts. There was a quiet stream that ran through the glade and it was filled with sweet grasses and beautiful flowers. He had always been warned not to enter the grove, though no one had ever explained why.
Laying on his back naked, E'rin inhaled the scent of the flowers and luxuriated in the feeling of the warm breeze over his skin. Listening to the music of the Sprites as they danced in the bright sun, E'rin fell asleep.
He awoke to the feeling of pressure. Opening his eyes, E'rin saw a pair of crystal blue eyes, flecked with silver, staring down into his own.
"Hello." Said the face.
"Um, hi." E'rin said taking a close look at the person pinning him to the ground.
It was a boy, about E'rin's age by his appearance. He lacked the well-defined cheeks, delicately pointed ears and ethereal beauty of an elf. The human boy was the most perfect thing that E'rin had ever seen. As he became more aware of his surroundings, E'rin remembered that he was naked and by the feel of the soft, smooth skin that covered his body so was the boy on top of him. He felt his body start to react, and embarrassment washed over him as he began to blush.
The boy's eyes twinkled merrily as E'rin started to squirm. "That's so cute." He said with a grin. The boy got up then sat back on E'rin's hips, still pinning the young prince on the ground. "Don't worry." He said, running his hands along E'rin's chest. "I'm flattered by it."
"I... um, I mean I'm E'rin."
"Beautiful name, E'rin." The boy said leaning down, bringing his face closer to E'rin's again. "Fitting for such a beautiful boy." The boy's lips brushed E'rin's with a light kiss. "Would you like to play with me E'rin?" He asked quietly.
More than anything else he had ever wanted in his life, he wanted to say yes. He knew EXACTLY what the boy wanted of him, and every part of his body ached to give in. Lust was not something that E'rin had ever experienced before. Oh, he understood sex intellectually and had always found the boys his age strangely compelling but he had never felt so utterly overwhelmed by the NEED provoked by this strange boy's touch.
The boy reached back and began to rub up the inside of E'rin's thigh lightly. His fingers traced a line along E'rin's thigh and up around his hips, lightly brushing, but never actually touching, E'rin's crotch.
'Those eyes!' E'rin thought. 'I know where I've seen them before.'
"Y-You're a S-Satyr!" E'rin gasped at the touch of those fingers.
The satyr grinned broadly. "Yes I am," he admitted "does that bother you?" The satyr leaned back, putting pressure on E'rin.
The feelings were beginning to overwhelm him. Desperately he struggled to focus his mind and remember what he had learned of these creatures. Satyrs were creatures of passion, devoted to pleasure and sharing that pleasure with others. Satyrs would never force themselves upon someone, but their magical talents could allow them to tailor themselves perfectly to the tastes of those they approached and could enhance the natural passions of those they touched. They were also very sensitive and did not take rejection well. Rebuffed satyrs had been known to lash out at those that rejected them.
"No, not at all." E'rin said, managing to get a grip on his hormones. "It's just that I have never had the honor of meeting a satyr."
The satyr smiled, and leaned forward and kissed the Prince. "That's sweet." He said. "Let us play together." He said.
E'rin took a deep breath, and let it out slowly. "I would dearly love to play with you, but I cannot." He said.
The satyr's face fell immediately. "What is wrong? Do you not like me?"
"It's not that at all." E'rin said, reach a hand out to touch the satyr's cheek. "I am a Prince of the Elves, and I am not permitted to have sex until I am married. It is the Law."
The satyr appeared to think about that for a moment. "That is a silly law." He stated firmly. "Besides which, I am not an elf, so it does not apply to me." He smiled again.
"I-I-It applies to me." E'rin said quickly as the satyr started caressing him again. "My parents would be very upset if I were to break the law. They would punish me."
The satyr considered that carefully. "You would not enjoy that I assume."
E'rin shook his head emphatically. "No, I most certainly would not!"
With a sigh, the satyr climbed off of E'rin, and sat down on the grass next to him. "Why did you come here to my grove then? To tease me as the Will-o-Wisps do?"
"This is your grove?" E'rin asked astonished. They satyr nodded. 'Well, I guess that's why I was always told to not come here.' He thought. "People who come here, come to... play with you?"
Again he gave a nod.
"What's your name?"
The cute human face scrunched up in confusion. "Why do you want to know? No one has been interested in my name before."
E'rin shrugged. "I'd like to be your friend, and while we can play in other ways."
The satyr took on a thoughtful expression for a second. "I don't have any friends." He said quietly.
E'rin sat up and drew the satyr into an embrace. "Well, now you do. So since I can't very well call you 'satyr' all the time, I would like to know your name."
A slow, mischievous grin grew on the satyr's face as he answered. "Call me... Andy."
E'rin and the satyr began a great friendship. The immortal creature was both wise and playful. He taught E'rin many things about the forest and it's inhabitants that no one else had ever managed to discover. He learned how to approach the dryads, summon the Will-o-wisps and charm the nymphs. He discovered that many of these creatures could grant blessings on visitors as well as lure the unsuspecting into danger or distraction. In time, the forests became a place of safety and sanctuary as the fey creatures learned that this elf above all others understood them and posed no threat.
As he grew, the blessings of the forest enhanced his natural attributes granted by his elvin heritage. His memory became sharp and precise, his hearing could pinpoint any sound and his eyes could penetrate the darkest shadows. He achieved a beauty and grace beyond even the fairest of elves. Most importantly he learned that even though the denizens of the forest were not elves, they were nonetheless as much a part of the nation as the elves themselves.
As his coming of age ceremony approached, the elvin people looked forward to seeing the prince named Heir. The confidence in his worthiness was almost universal, for never had there been one who was so wise at such a young age. Such confidence was sorely lacking in King C'ominar.
He had also thought his other children worthy, and each had been rejected. He found that he loved E'rin above all of the children he had fathered. All of his children had been lost to him thus far.
He did not intend to lose E'rin.
After his 15th birthday, E'rin was into his first stage of adulthood and was to be present at the choosing where the Heir was to be officially named. After that his training in the role he would fulfill, as an adult, would begin.
The Court of the Sun was formed from the crown of the massive tree that grew up from the Center of El'Analon. Its trunk had been shaped into the halls and offices of the Court, and many of its branches sheltered the homes of the officials that tended to the smooth running of the Kingdom. The home of the royal family was formed of the branches that grew around the opened area of the Court of the Sun. A magical dome of energy sheltered the inhabitants from winds and rains, as well as gathering the light of the sun and stars to fill the Court with ambient light, which provided illumination without clouding the glory of even the night sky.
The nobles of the Kingdom, as well as honored guests and trusted allies were gathered together to witness the Choosing. E'rin entered at the side of his parents, and took his place at the side of the dais that supported the Thrones.
C'ominar bore Asane'ta K'sha, the sword of his House, held in his hands before him. The bared blade of the King shone in the light of the Court and hummed with a gentle song of devotion for its rightful wielder. With expression grave, C'ominar inserted the tip of the sword in a slot in the floor just in front of the dais and slid the blade smoothly into place. There it would rest until either the Chosen Heir drew it out, or none worthy were left to name and the King reclaimed it.
The sword's song faded when C'ominar released the hilt and mounted the dais to take his place on the throne.
"The Sword is in place, the time of Choosing will now begin." Declared the Castellan. At his proclamation, the doors to the Court of the Sun were sealed.
"My people," C'ominar began "The choice was a difficult one for me. Long did I consider who to name as Heir and the choice I made was the only one I could make." He turned and smiled sadly at E'rin. "I choose I'olias'Atel'annea, my nephew as Heir to the throne."
Stunned silence ruled the Court of the Sun as all eyes turned toward E'rin to view his reaction.
The young elf's eyes were filled with unshed tears as he looked at his father and mother.
C'ominar wore a pleading expression, as if begging to be forgiven for his choice and hoping that the choice was made to protect him.
J'el wore an expression of pure fury, her eyes narrowed dangerously and her face drawn into a grimace.
I'olias stepped forward and stood before the sword and looked down at it. "Forgive me Your Majesty, but I do not feel that I am worthy." He raised his eyes to glance at E'rin. The prince was still looking at his father with a look of hurt and rejection in his eyes.
"If you please, Your Majesty, tell me how I can be more suitable than others here." Again he glanced at E'rin. "I have had no training in statecraft, and have little patience with the politics of the Court. I am a warrior, not a statesman."
C'ominar looked away from his son to fix a stern gaze upon the elf standing before the sword. "It is hardly customary to question the choice of the King." He said harshly. "I have chosen and it is enough that I have done so."
"As you say Your Majesty." I'olias replied with a bow to the King. "That being the case, I feel that I must refuse the honor you have bestowed upon me this day."
An audible gasp rang through the Court as the King rocked back with an expression of shock on his face. Queen J'el's expression changed to one of blank astonishment as she stared openly at I'olias.
Even E'rin was stunned at the announcement. No one had ever refused to accept the choice. Duty demanded that the Chosen one be put the test, to refuse was to turn your back on your duty and your place in society. As an elvin lord, I'olias was effectively renouncing his lands, titles, duties and worldly possessions. To his family, he would be dead.
"I'm afraid you must choose another my King." Said the Castellan. "The Choice must be made."
C'ominar began turning his head back and forth searching desperately for someone, anyone that the sword might accept, he dared not risk E'rin.
"U'thian'Cela'nomina!" Cried out the King.
E'rin felt his knees weaken as once again his father chose another. He could not understand what he had done wrong, why his father did not trust and believe in him.
A cousin of the Prince, just as I'olias had been before he rejected the choice, U'thian stepped up to his cousin's side before the sword. He looked at his friend and cousin and nodded. "Forgive me Your Majesty, but I do not feel that I am worthy." He smiled at E'rin. "If you please, Your Majesty, tell me how I can be more suitable than others here."
C'ominar gaped at the younger lord before him. "You have been chosen!" He yelled. "Take up the sword!"
"Your Majesty" U'thian said with a smile at E'rin "I respectfully refuse."
"Do not disgrace yourselves on my account my lords." E'rin said quietly. "My father does not feel that I am worthy of the testing. I am hardly worth your sacrifices." He turned to his father. "I'm sorry that I wasn't good enough Father. Worry not, for I hold no ill will. I will go out into the forest and become a protector of all who dwell within." Lowering his head so that none could see his tears begin to fall, the young E'rin began to walk purposefully toward the doors.
"I can't bear to lose you E'rin!" C'ominar called out to his son. "I couldn't not bear it if the sword found you wanting! Don't you see? I want to keep you safe. Please understand."
E'rin halted at his father's call. Slowly turning around he raised his head to look into his father's eyes. "If you have no faith in me Father, how can our people?"
C'ominar sagged back into his throne. No matter what choice he made, he could not win.
"Belshatha," J'el began, laying a hand on her husband's arm "If you choose him we might lose him to the sword, but if you reject him now we WILL lose him to the shame you bring upon him."
The elf king bowed his head and sobbed quietly. "E'rin' Asane'ta" He proclaimed in a broken voice "I call you to come forth as Heir to the throne."
E'rin stood very still for several long moments. A part of him wanted nothing more than to refuse the choice as the two elves before him had done. For his entire life his mother had drilled into him the importance of duty and it was his duty to answer honor the choice and take up the sword.
If the sword would allow him, that is.
Drawing a deep breath, E'rin stepped forward and placed his hand on Asane'ta K'sha. Silence reigned in the Court as everyone strained to hear the song that would proclaim the chosen Heir worthy. There was no reaction.
For a moment, E'rin simply stood there. Then, thinking of nothing else he could do, he pulled the sword from its resting place. He held it up before his face when it happened.
It seemed, at the time, that the blade was catching the light and reflecting it. But the glow coming from the sword began to brighten steadily. There seemed to be a deep hum that filled the room, soft and powerful. The elves that stood in attendance could feel the vibrations deep in their bones as the song of the sword began to reach the level where they could perceive it. Rising in power, the sound filled the souls of everyone in the Court of the Sun. It's accepting melody bringing hope and contentment, for the Royal line was now secure.
One year after his ascension to Heir, E'rin was once more in the satyr's glade. He had returned often to spend time with his friends in the forest, and kept them apprised of how his life was developing. He had spoken to his father often and had come to understand that it was only a father's fear for his son that had driven him to try to name others. He had only wanted to protect his child.
The two elf lords who had refused the Choice had been offered places in the royal guard by Queen J'el, and were even now protecting the lives of the Royal family.
"He is on his way even now." E'rin stated. "When he arrives, we will have the first ceremony here, and then we will both travel to Anathusula in order to complete our marriage."
The satyr was reclined comfortably on a grassy mound, and regarded the young elf with amusement. He had never again taken the form he had worn when they first met. Each time he looked different. He had explained that he liked to keep E'rin on his toes.
"I suppose you are looking forward to it." He responded.
E'rin looked a little uncomfortable. "I'm not really sure about it. I know it's my duty, but I'm nervous." He admitted.
The satyr grinned impishly, for he had always known where this young man's destiny would lead him.
"I'm sure it will work out.
Well, there you have it. E'rin had many influences on his early life, and now you see where the loyalty of the guards who sacrificed themselves to retrieve the royal sword came from. One reader stated that elves are always true and so they are.
Chapter 15 will be coming out soon, things are easing up at work.
Enjoy. Corey.