Luce had always been a hard headed child. Never listening to words of caution. Always doing the complete opposite of what was asked. She was a bit unruly but headstrong like her father. A trait her mother admired and he despised completely. She was the only girl in a family of 6 boys. She was also the youngest she was aged at 21.
Her skin was the color of earth her eyes like honey. Her hair was as black as the night and her curly tresses reached to her mid back. It was always wild and untamed. Much like her personality.
She stood at 5'10. Her strong lean body defined well.
Luce always looked at the rules as more of guidelines than actually carved in stone. Which is why when the youngest of her brothers, who was older than her suggested they hike to the Orc encampment she had no qualms about doing so.
Which is why even during a time of peace they were right in the outside of the Orc camp spying. It wasn't forbidden for them to be there but her father had forbid them to go alone. By alone he meant without an official escort.
"Luce I dare you to steal something from one of them. A trinket of sorts. So we can brag to our friends that we were here."
Luce wasn't stupid. A thrill seeker yes. A dummy she was not.
"You're kidding. If I was to get caught father would have our heads. If there was anything left after the Orc's are done with me. Besides, I care not for your friends."
Her brother Xavier laughed.
"The point is not to get caught little sister."
"I'm not doing it. You want something, get it yourself, you idiot."
"Fine let's go down to the quarry and see if we can spot any there." Her brother suggested and Luce agreed.
The quarry was deep and was a major source of water for the Orc encampment. The two of them hid in a tree and waited. It was empty at the moment.
"Suppose we will ever have a war with them again?"
Her brother asked excitedly. Luce frowned. She was young, but she understood combat fairly well and also knew the history of the war with orcs before the peace treaty.
"I fear for the day you are ever allowed to be king Xavier. You speak of war like it's a good thing."
Xavier looked at his sister as if she were a peasant.
"You speak of was as though it's not necessary."
"Necessary for whom? Men who are bored and want power and to be in control? None of those things interests me."
"Of course not you're a girl. Nothing should interest you except getting married and giving someone and heir."
Luce was about to punch her brother but voices stilled both their movements. There were 3 orcs approaching the quarry.
Xavier wanted to get closer but Luce shook her head. The point was not to get caught.
Xavier hushed her and climbed down the tree and crawled through the bushes. Luce stayed put. She watched as the orcs were talking. She couldn't hear about what. Suddenly Xavier sneezed and drew the attention of all 3 orcs.
They found him easily.
"A human boy trespassing?" One of the orcs said as the grabbed Xavier by his shirt.
"Please don't kill me." Xavier begged as big tears rolled down his cinnamon colored cheeks.
Luce pulled a dagger out of her boots and jumped out of the tree landing gracefully in front of the orcs. Her dagger pointed at the one holding her brother.
"Let him go, or I shall gut you like a pig."
The orcs looked at her for a moment then proceeded to laugh at her mockingly. Even saying something she couldn't understand.
Luce didn't take kindly to being laughed at. She was a better fighter than all her brothers. She was even a master bowman.
Kicking the orcs hand and with one quick movement of her dagger she freed her brother and the dagger was pressed up against the heart of Orc who had been holding him.
All laughter immediately stopping.
"I'm sorry was I interrupting a joke that had been told? I'm sorry. Go on please tell it. I too would like to laugh." Her free hand can to reset under her chin. To show she was waiting.
Luce was smirking and the Orc she was now holding hostage was stunned but then he smiled.
"Do you know who I am little one?"
Luce shook her head no.
"I am Chieftain Atturdan Bloodwolf"
Luce was unfazed.
"What is your name?" He asked her gently pushing her hand that held the dagger, away from his heart.
"Don't tell him. You should've cut the Orc filth down." Her brother whimpered from behind her. Luce turned around and slapped him
"Get ahold of yourself. You look weak. Crying like a little girl. Shut up and let me handle this."
She turned back to face the Orc who had asked her, her name.
"My name is Luce. Princess of South Sprannog, this is my brother Xavier prince of South Sprannog."
The Orc put his hand over his chest and bowed his head slightly. Luce did the same thing.
"What are you and your sister doing here?" The Orc was still smiling. The two behind her started laughing. Clearly making a joke at her brothers crying.
"That is my brother, we wandered too far from home. Now if we don't have any problems we will be on our way."
Luce backed up and grabbed her brother. The king nodded and the other 2 orcs moved so she and her brother could leave. Her brother took off first. Not even daring to look back to see if Luce was following him.
Just as Luce was about to follow her brother, the king said something that made her stop.
"I hope to see you again little Luce. You will make a fine warrior someday."
Luce nodded then took off into the night after her brother.
The Chieftain looked down to where Luce had been standing. Her dagger lay on the ground. The king picked it up and studied it. By the dagger alone you could tell she was royalty. It had many jewels inlaid in the hilt. Even her name had been engraved into the blade.
"I think we should return something that has been forgotten." He said as he smiled happily and walked off back towards the encampment.
It was the next day when Luce and her brother were practicing their riding in the meadow. They were summoned by their father, King Lannis.
Walking into the great hall Luce and Xavier were met with the stares of many Orcs. As they got close to her father's throne they were met with the same Orc Chief from last night.
Luce's eyes widened in recognition then she dropped her head. Her father rose from his throne. The waves of anger wafting off of him.
"I was going to ask the two of you if you had any idea what king _ was talking about but the look on your faces tell me that you do."
Their father continued to walk down the steps. Luce picked her head up and eyed him defiantly.
Her father walked right up to her his eyes full of hatred. Luce did not care.
"You do know you attacked their Chief don't you?"
Luce let out a huff.
"It's not like I knew he was the Chief before I attacked him. Besides I didn't even kill him. See he's fine I didn't even give him a scratch I hardly can see the need for your theatrics." Luce crossed her arms and stared her father down.
"Do you not know what could've happened? You are such a daft girl. I wish you used your head for once. You have brought disgrace to this family. Always running around like a male child. Fighting like a male child. Sometimes I wish you had never been born."
Luce's head fell. It was just like her father to openly display his hatred for her. She was angry. She was the smartest child out of her siblings. So what if she wasn't girly. Luce reigned in her boiling temper. She continued to listen to her father berate her.
"You have not suitable suitors. No one wanting to deal with the headache of being out done, I'm sure. Pretty you are but unladylike so. You should've been here attending one of your many etiquette lessons. No you were off doing things I've specifically told you not to do!"
The Atturdan did not come here to make the girl get in trouble. He had only come to return the dagger that she had dropped. He was not a soft Orc but his heart wept for the girl who would make a fine Orc had she been born one. The King should be proud that she was fearless and brave. Not condemning her for it.
"So send me away. You've wanted to since mother became ill! Just do it and be done with it. Although I don't remember you saying that when I best every single one of your sons in combat."
Luce angrily yelled back not caring if present company heard her.
"Do you know it was Xavier's idea to go? Do you know he cried until I rescued him? Even after I had freed him your son begged for me to slay the Chief. Who brings dishonor now? Your daft son who willingly wanted to start a war? You may hate and despise me but the future of your kingdom is at risk. By a bunch of men who should've been born women."
King Lannis struck Luce. He struck her so hard that she fell to the ground. Luce picked herself up and wiped her bleeding mouth. Not giving him the satisfaction of crying she smiled and continued to speak.
"You even hit like your sons. Perhaps you were born a girl too?"
King Lannis reared his hand back in rage. Luce did not flinch. Hitting her again would serve no purpose. He had a better idea. Only he needed to speak with the Orc Chief to set his plan in motion.
"Chief Atturdan please stay tonight let your men rest. There are many things I wish to discuss with you."
Atturdan nodded his head and followed the King Lannis into a room off the side of the throne room.
Luce turned to her brother.
"At any time did you think to speak up and defend me brother?" Luce's eyes flashed with anger.
Her brother said nothing.
"Ugh, just pathetic. I'm going riding. If your father asks be sure to tell him."
Luce stormed out of the throne room.
Luce returned from her ride drenched in sweat her hair like a lion's mane from the wind. The Orc's had set up a small camp in the meadow near the stables. It was unusual that her father was so welcoming. Yes, there was peace but it didn't stop him from spewing his hatred he had for them.
Luce didn't care if they were Orc's. There were bad beings everywhere period. Her father being one of them. There was even a rumor that he was crazy and practiced the dark arts. Luce wouldn't be surprised if he did. She didn't care. She was going to leave in 2 weeks' time anyway. Just as soon as the clock struck 12 for 21st birthday.
"I came to return this to you."
Luce turned around and looked at the dagger in Atturdan's outstretched hand.
"Thank you." She replied taking the dagger back.
"I did not come to cause a quarrel between you and your father. Only to ask for aid and return this to you. Had I known his displeasure for you I would've given it to a maid."
Luce tucked the dagger away into her boot.
"You did not cause a quarrel. You were only just another reason he misplaced his anger. I care not. Neither should you."
Luce smiled and walked away from the king with a small bow. He watched her leave. Wishing that he had told her of the arrangement her father just made.
Luce as usual was late to breakfast and wasn't in a dress or her Tierra. Instead she was in riding leggings and a green tunic. Her hair tied up messily. She wore a brown combat boots as well.
Luce sat down at the table no one greeted her or even looked at her. Which was weird. Usually her brothers bid her good morning but there was nothing.
"Do the rest of you hate me now too?" She asked plucking a biscuit from the table and heading towards the door.
King Lannis stopped her.
"Luce you need to stay."
She turned around bracing herself for the verbal assault he was sure to unleash it never came.
"Why do I need to stay. You've never cared if I left before."
"Your future husband is coming to retrieve you."
Rue looked around the room. No one's eyes meeting here.
"So this is why everyone is quite. So you've arranged a marriage for me. Didn't you just say no one wanted me out of fear of being outdone?"
Just then the doors opened and the Orc Chief walked in. He looked cleaner than usual. Even a little handsome.
Luce looked at her father then back at the Orc Chief. Then it hit her. He was making her marry the Orc.
Two guards approached Luce who took them out easily and ran over to her father toppling him over, chair and all. She straddled him dagger pressed to his neck. A thin line of blood dribbled down his neck.
"Is this the fate you've planned for me?"
Her father just laughed. His strangled laugh echoed throughout the halls. Her oldest brother D'Artagnan, placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Let him go Luce. It is not worth it."
Luce stood up and placed her dagger back into her boot. King Lannis also rose.
"You dare attack your king."
"You are no king of mine. You are nothing but a coward." Luce spat as she was surrounded by guards.
"You will be taken to your chambers where you will be scrubbed clean and prepared for your wedding this evening. You will leave and join your husband and his people tonight. Your marriage will unite our kingdoms even more. Be glad you are making this sacrifice."
Luce spat at her father's feet.
"You are an evil man. I long for the day you are murdered so I can then to spit on your grave."
"I care not. He could give you to his infantry to ravage and I wouldn't bat an eye."
"The jail you plan for me is the one you're going to rot in father. Mark my words."
Luce turned around and glared at the Orc Chief. They hadn't exchanged many words but he had been friendly. Why didn't he mention it last night when he had returned her dagger? Perhaps that's why he had come here all along. To ask for her hand in marriage. Luce made sure he saw her anger before the guards blocked her view.
Luce was currently preparing to leave her childhood home. The wedding had taken place and she had said nothing but her vows, in which she was forced to do so. Her father had come to her and threatened to kill her sickly mother if she didn't marry the Orc King. Or if she ran away after the wedding. For her mother she would do anything.
Luce promised herself she would not cry that she would be strong. Strong enough to return one day and make good on her promise to spit on his grave.
Walking outside to where her new husband and his companions were Luce's horse was ready. Her family was there to bid her goodbye. She ignored them all save for D'artagnan. He was her favorite brother and the oldest.
"I will miss you sister." He embraced her picking her up off the ground a little.
"I will miss you too. Please look after mother."
"Do not worry I will. You look after yourself. If you ever need anything send word and you will have it. Just because you're married doesn't mean you have been banished. This will always be your home."
"I love you D'artagnan. You are all I have left in this world."
"I love you too little sister. Be well."
Mounting her horse, she looked forward ready to leave. Ready to be consumed by a new fear. Living with orcs and worse mating with one.
The thought alone scared her. She had never lain with a man before. Would he be rough? Would he beat her and treat her harshly? Whatever the case she reminded herself to be strong and to only fight when necessary.
Atturdan watched his new wife's disposition. Her expression stone cold. Her long inky hair blowing in the wind. At least she was pleasant to look at. He was not exactly pleased with marrying a human but he saw an opportunity to have the two races United and took it. He needed help with their giant problem and King Lannis had offered his aid if he accepted her as his wife. So he did. Perhaps maybe he could grow to love her and she him. If not, then he vowed to never mistreat her and perhaps after the giant problem had be resolved let her return home.
It didn't take long for Luce to reach her new home. She was greeted with stares and questioning looks. She tunes out everything the king had said as he introduced her to his people.
His tent was large. The largest she had ever seen. What was she supposed to do now? Get naked and consummate the marriage.
Atturdan stood watching his wife as she observed the tent.
"You are welcome to anything here. My sister Semner will come tomorrow to help you get adjusted and show you around."
Luce turned to face Atturdan. Her eyes held sadness. She began to remove her tunic. He stopped her. Although he was curious to see her womanly body.
"There will be no need for that. I do not bed women who aren't agreeable. When the time comes it will be your decision."
Luce was speechless. She wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth. She put her shirt back on and sat down on the bed.
"I do not know what you expect from me. So I think it's best to tell me your expectations so I can meet them. Or at least try. I'm sorry you didn't get a better wife. The only thing I'm good at is fighting and shooting a bow. I won't make any trouble. There is nothing left fighting for."
Luce hung her head never meeting his eyes. Afraid to. Maybe he would change his mind about bedding her.
"You have no expectations except not to lie. There is no honor in it. When you meet my sister tomorrow she will show you around and get you used to things. I have some business to take care of. Sleep well. No harm will come to you here. If you need me I will be in the war tent."
Luce muttered her thanks and fell back into the bed and curled into a ball. For some strange reason she felt a little comfort in her new husband's words. Don't lie. Easy enough. She had always just blurted out what she was thinking anyway. She never cared for lies too hard to remember. Maybe she could fit in here.
A/N: So this story it not meant to be historically accurate. It is just a simple inter-species story. I played the games briefly. My friend wanted me to write this story for her so I promised her that I would. I don't know how often I'm going to update so don't hold your breath. Maybe at least once a week who knows, I sure don't. I don't want you canon people jumping down my throat about names locations or anything that doesn't seem to fit right. Please it's a fanfic. I have creative liberty. If you don't like this story just don't read. Also in case you didn't understand when describing the characters. They are African-American based as far as looks. Let me know your thoughts.