A/n: I don't own it! Enjoy! By the way, I'm not sure about Harem life... so I might have a little trouble with that... Ah well...
Chapter 1: A Powerful Enemy
The wind blew through the room, a tunnel made by the position of the tower. It was a comfort to know that her friend was still there. Then again, how could she call wind her friend? Still, it pushed her coal colored hair out of her eyes, and she was greatly relieved to feel something besides the stale air of the tower.
It was in France, by the sea. The small village was about a hundred miles from Paris, facing London. It was an ordinary little town with ordinary people. There was only one thing to differ this town from any other around this time in France. It was a single girl. She was twenty, an old maid already, though her beauty was astonishing.
It was the right in the middle of the Enlightenment. The year was 1701. Still, in this little town Enlightenment values had passed over. They were anxious to get rid of the song witch.
Yes, that was what this young girl was. Almost like a siren, her voice attracted those who heard her. She also befriended elements with her voice, though this was unknown to anyone but her and the elements. She would befriend the elements, ask them for favors by singing to them, just talk to them. Water would quench her thirst, fire would keep her warm, and the ground would move if she were about to trip. There was only one element she would not ask for any favors. That was the wind. The wind was wild and restless. Although fond of her, it always asked for a price.
When she was a child, Melody had run for her life. Wishing to escape she asked the wind for help. The wind abided, and Melody wasn't hurt or captured. Since Melody was a child, the wind only asked for a small thing. It terrified Melody, and she never asked for the wind's help again. Still, the wind was interested in the little singer, and wind followed the child around, though never granting any favors. Still, wind would talk to Melody, and the child found that she did not like this new friend.
The tower was the only unusual thing in this town. It was darker than the water surrounding at night and it stuck out in the day and night. Although its purpose was to keep her in, Melody's spirit was getting restless.
Water was sitting beside her, admiring the view of his own water splashing against the rocks that led into the village. Melody smiled softly at the happy look on her friend's face. His body was made of swirling water, held in by a clear shape. His eyes were the deepest blue, and it sparkled like the sun hitting the ocean when he was happy. He was the happiest out of the elements, and he had been avoiding the subject he needed to bring up for a long time. It shown through his happy cover, and Melody was waiting patiently for him to bring up the subject.
Water couldn't hold in the subject anymore, so his words burst out.
"Wind has a proposition for you, Melody." He sank back into the chair; the moonlight falling through his translucent body and moving distorted patterns on the stone floor.
Melody's small smile faded. "What do you mean?" It was not what she had been expecting.
"He's often spoken with me of this, while both of us crashed against each other…" He took a deep breath and found Melody's eyes. She held his as he spoke, looking into them as if there was something not completely see-through there. "You know that we have to make destruction sometimes. If not… well, humans would not fear us."
"I know." Melody said softly, choosing her words carefully. She stood quietly and found her way to the balcony. The windows were wide opened and that was what started the wind tunnel. She moved her gaze to the sparkling lights above the sea. Wind was to be expected any moment.
"Well… there's something else." Water followed her lead, making sure to stay out of the direct wind. "Time and Fate choose the deaths of the poor sailors we murder… and Wind has a good connection with both of them. He's decided something…"
"What?" Melody asked, moving her gaze back to his face. She was concerned. Water generally did not beat around the bush.
"He fell in love with your voice when you first met, Mellie." Water voice was hushed as he spoke, with a steady growing eagerness. He was worried. It was in his eyes. "Now that you've grown… he thinks he loves you."
"What?" Melody asked, laughing abruptly. "That's a wonderful little gag."
"What's that?" A voice asked, and out of the air formed a man. The man was Wind. He was not made of his element, like Water. They could all choose how they wished to appear. They had appeared to Melody many different ways, and she was used to all of them… except Wind. He had made it his duty to keep his human form hidden from her. He would only ever speak to her through wind, or how Water was in the moment. Melody found herself in awe. He was beautiful. Of course, they were all beautiful. Fire's hair was bright red and she would dance around in happiness and bliss, keeping those she loved warm and burning those who sought to test her. Night would run across the sky, letting his black cloak spread across the land while his sparkling eyes would watch steadily on his beloved land. Water had the energy and happiness beyond anyone else, and when he was human his wavy hair was long and a blue-gray.
But Melody had never seen Wind before. He was not like Wind should be. She had often imagined him as having gray locks and white eyes… with a carefree nature.
He was darker than she imagined- like a stormy day. His eyes were completely clear, though she could tell he was looking at Water. His hair was the color of storm clouds and it went to his shoulders in wavy strands. He was dressed in black pants and a white shirt that would be worn under a dress coat. He was beautiful in a mysterious way.
Still, he terrified her.
She noticed Water's absence of words, and she covered for him. "Oh, nothing. Simply discussing something."
Wind's clear eyes turned their gaze toward her and his intense gaze made her shiver. She went silent, fearful of what her words could bring.
Wind gazed at her for a few moments. It was that nerve-racking stare. It was cold and yet soft at the same time, as if he was trying to measure her. He turned back to look at Water and said a name Melody had never heard before. They both spoke in hushed voices until their voices steadily grew into shouts. Melody had only heard them speak in this language once before- it was forbidden to mortal ears.
Finally, Water sighed and his strong shoulders fell. He glanced at Melody and nodded, touching his fingertips to his lips. Melody exchanged this sign of greeting and leaving.
In the most amazing show, one that human imagery couldn't even begin to point out, Water evaporated slowly, letting his body be caught into the wind that would bring him back to the ocean. When his body was gone, there where little droplets of dew that clutched onto the windowsill before being ripped from their spot to follow their celestial leader. Melody and Wind were alone.
His eyes shot from the open window to Melody and she felt her hair stand on end. She wanted to run away from him and yet throw herself at him at the same time. She didn't understand the feeling. It was almost as though some magic were drawing her to him. She held her ground firmly.
He took a step towards her and she felt the power of wind push at her. Or did it pull her forward? She couldn't tell. Everything seemed to be happening so quickly. Wind was right in front of her, not but a foot from her face.
"Where did Water go?" Melody asked, sounding surprised and scared. She stumbled over her words and tried to compose herself.
"Enki simple had to do something else." He said, his voice deep and quiet.
Melody's eyes looked into his, a look of confusion spreading throughout her face. "Enki? I don't understand."
"Did you think we were really named Water? Wind?" He whispered, bringing his finger to trace side of her cheek. He didn't touch her, however. "No, my dear singer, we're not that simple."
"What's your name, then?" Melody blurted out, wanting to know suddenly.
"Enlil... Thor. Lei Kun. I still prefer Enlil." He whispered, dropping his voice even lower. It was almost like a storm out at sea, where you had to shout to hear above the winds, and when you did hear something it was muffled.
Melody didn't dare mutter the name.
"Why don't you say it?" He asked, his clear eyes running through her, "I'd love to hear it on your lips."
Melody felt her jaw drop slightly. Her eyes grew big. What a name could do to bind!
His clear eyes became sad, but his lips turned into a slight smile. "Perhaps you would rather sing something. Don't let my presence bother you."
"But what?" Melody asked in a hushed voice. She didn't trust herself to talk any louder.
"Anything." He answered, taking a step away from her. He was giving her room to breathe. 'Thank the gods…'
"He fell in love with your voice…"
She took a deep breath and let the air out, letting the fresh air fill her lungs a few times. What would she sing? Something that was only hers… something he couldn't touch, even if he did hear it.
When Melody's voice box began to vibrate and the sound came out of her mouth her eyes closed. It was everything she needed… everything she lived for.
"A million stars light
This beautiful night
This is not a night to die
Let me sing and dance
Beneath the sky
I have such love to give...to give
I want a chance to live"
The wind swirled around her. Enlil was pleased with her voice. She took a deep breath and keep going, trying not to notice his intense gaze.
"Free, free to find my way
Free to have my say
Free to see the day
Be like I used to be
Like a wild bird, free
With all of life in me…"
She gasped and turned away from him. She was trapped… and she didn't want to sing for him… she didn't want him to love her! She was under his spell! She had often heard of the power of the gods… in the books she read. That was how she communicated with the outside world. There was no other way.
When his hand touched her shoulders she jumped and tried to struggle away. He held her fast and in a moment his beautiful face appeared out of thin air in front of her.
"Someone as beautiful as you should not be mortal." He whispered in front of her face. His perfect lips leaned over and were on hers. She wanted to lash out, scream with all her mind. His hand trailed up her side.
Oh, how many people would be so eager to kiss a God? Melody was not. She did not love him…
Still, she found it was difficult to refuse. Somehow she managed to pull away. Anger was in his eyes. His lips found hers again, and she struggled against him… against her own mind.
"What is it?" He asked furiously. "You don't want my love? You don't want to be a goddess?" He cried this, shaking her.
She was shivering, on the ground. He had tossed her.
He walked to the window and gazed out of it, seething. His eyes were bolts of electricity and he was in the midst of destroying something. "You will be my wife, Melody. Make no mistake." And he was gone, just as water had disappeared, but with a flash of lightening. Melody could only curl into a ball on the floor where she lay and cry.
It was an hour before she could move and call out with her voice to Water. She desperately called out his original name that she had given him. He never came. Her tear stricken-cheeks were burning up when she finally fell asleep on the ground where she was.
When she finally awoke Water was staring at her through his eyes. They were, instead of the usual happiness, cloaked in sadness. She almost didn't recognize him at first.
"Wind?" She questioned, trying to lift herself up, only to fall back down. "It isn't true… you aren't Enki! You're Wind." She argued fruitlessly. She knew what this really meant. She would now become a goddess or die… how could she find a way to live?
She couldn't spend eternity with Enlil! She simply couldn't…
"Shhh…" His voice was a small comfort. It was warm as it always was. She gave a small sad smile and wrapped a watery arm around her. He had learned how to keep her from getting wet. "It's true, I'm afraid." He let her yelp out a sob. "I didn't want to tell you, Melody. I wanted things to remain as they had the day we met. You remember, don't you?" He asked, sounding happy at the mention of their first meeting.
Melody nodded on his shoulder and let the tears run freely. "I was picking flowers…" She whispered.
"…And I heard you sing." He finished when Melody could not. "You had the most beautiful voice… you still do." Melody smiled and sat up.
"What should I do?" She asked, breathing in deeply. "He wants to marry me…"
Enki sighed and nodded. "I know. I've an idea. But you need to promise me you truly do not want to marry him."
"I do not." She said, knowing that Enki was in grave danger. If Enlil found out… she shivered.
"Good. Now, let me explain. You need to hide."
"Where do you hide from wind?" She mused, more to herself than anything.
"I've spoken with Utu- the god of justice. He can help us." Whispered Enki.
"Go on."
Eki's eyes drifted on Melody's face softly. "You're so brave, Mel." He whispered, his voice growing soft. "I'm going to put you in the farthest away place I can. You'll be in the desert... but you must not sing to us- to any of us. He'll hear you if you do. Melody, be mindful." Her eyes stopped wandering and found his. "You could end up in any time. Any place. I"ll try and keep you modest enough. But Melody- please- stay out of the spotlight. Keep the lowest profile you can. I'll find you and come as soon as I can."
And as he spoke, he became distant... His body was fading away... she couldn't see his eyes anymore! She gasped and tried to find him again, but after long she gave up the hopeless struggle and waited for fate to help her out. The first voice she heard was of a man. At first she thought she may have been caught already... it sounded so like Enlil's voice! POwerful... strong. But as she listened there was a different edge to the voice. It was something that only the living could contain. Some pain and agony that was lived through to create someone's insides. How she loved his voice!
Then a woman spoke. It was a handsome voice for a woman, but bathed in too much power.
"... it will make you the most powerful man in Persia."
"Is that a prophecy, or a promise?" he inquired softly. He sounded as if he had smiled.
Melody's vision returned. She was crutched on the gruond, behind a wall. She could simply not see who the man with the incredible voice was!
A very feminine and unattractive laugh hit the air and Melody assumed it was the woman of power.
"That, my friend," she said silkily, "is entirely for you to decide."
And Melody heard a door shut, along with footsteps walking toward her. She looked down. She was covered in red and goldmaterial, with a veil reaching across the lower part of her face. She smiled, thinking how it must go with her black hair.The powerful woman turned the corner and looked at her, smirk littered cross her pretty face.
"For someone who's new here, you sure keep your pretty little nose out of other people's business." Her voice lost the mocking tone and she smiled, though keeping her arrogance in plain sight. "You won't last long in Persia if you continue like that."
Melody nodded and stood quickly, trying to keep her head lower than the woman. She had no idea of the customs, what if she did something completely wrong?
"What is your name?" The woman asked, looking her up and down.
"Melody." She answered, looking to the ground some.
"That's an unusual name... it certainly is a day for unusual things!" She glanced back in the way that she came, a different smiled forming on her red, full lips. What this meant, Melody had no idea. "Tell me... have you ever served in a harem?"
Melody felt herjaw drop but shequickly shut it tight. "No." She mumbled.
"You're a virgin then?"The woman asked, an eyebrow raising.
Melody nodded, feeling blood rush to her covered cheeks.
"Mmh." The sound came from the woman's throat and then she was walking away, leaving Melody to be lost in the harem... a place she was supposedly living. She swore to herself that she would kiill Enki for this.