Bethmora. A beautiful place ruled by the Fey. King Balor and his children reside inside. Balor and Queen Arysil made an alliance,
"Arainia, you are my best warrior. Therefore I am sending you to Bethmora to act as representative of the Blackwoods." I Bowed and left for Bethmora. When I arrived I was greeted by the Chamberlain.
"Greetings Lady Arainia. Welcome to our home. Please, follow me." He led me into council chamber where King Balor sat on his throne. On his left was a woman. Young, beautiful. Dressed in royal robes of deep blue. On his right a man. Handsome and broad. Clothed in black and deep red. I kneeled before them,
"My lord," He raised his hand and I stood,
"I am but your humble servant. Queen Arysil sends her highest respects."
"It is good to have such a respected Blackwood warrior among us"
"What would you have me do my Lord?"
"First I would like to see your work. Since you are the best of the Blackwood then your opponent will be the best of the Fey. Nuada, my son, will be your adversary." The Fey to his right stepped forward. We drew swords ready to fight.
"Your move my Lord."
"Very well." And with that he plunged forward. He was quick, but I blocked him. He tilted his head to the side a little and pulled back to swing his foot under mine. I jumped and went to bring my sword down him. He blocked it and twisted around my body to deliver another blow, but steel met steel. The prince was an impressive fighter. Our fight went on for another five minutes before King Balor raised his hand.
"You are a very impressive fighter." We were panting but I spoke anyway,
"Thank you my king."
"I am sure you are weary from your long journey. Almar, show her to her room." I bowed to him and then to Nuada who dipped his head in return. I followed the elf before me to my room,
"thank you Almar." He simply turned to his left. I knew I would not be well received. Nobel blood is far different from a warrior, especially a female one at that. I took my armor off and then my tunic. A warm bath was just what I needed. After that I changed into my sleeping tunic. I slept for a while and I woke before sun rise. I ran my brush through my hair and put lilac oil on my neck. I went before the king who told me to train with the other Fey. I trained with the fey warriors though they didn't care for e very much. They liked to take cheep shots and make jokes, but I didn't let it get to me. By the end of the day I bore a new scar on my face and a new anger for the stuck up fey warriors. I was alone in the training room. At least I was at first. I felt a presence enter the room. I drew my sword thinking it was another fey going to jeer at me again. I whipped around to take his head of. I was started to see who had blocked my sword.
"Prince Nuada," I sheathed my sword and bowed my head, "I'm sorry. I did not know it was you."
"I have watched you train and I must say I am impressed," He came closer and I kept my head down. "But how can a heart such as yours bear so many scars." His hand traced the fresh scar on my face.
"Many do not welcome a woman as a warrior. Especially a Blackwood one." He lifted my chin so my eyes could meet his. Golden orbs reached out to me.
"I have seen the way they treat you and the way you have responded. Not once did you fight back or say a word. Why? I can feel he fire, the anger, that burns in you. Why do you sit idly by and take abuse that is so wrongly given?" I took a deep breath,
"Because my prince, it is a warrior's duty to respect those whose home they stay in. I am to represent my Queen and therefore I must act accordingly." His thumb ran over my bottom lip and up to my scar.
"Well then my lady, would you mind if I joined such a noble woman in training tomorrow?"
"It would be an honor my liege."
"Then, till tomorrow. Sleep well Lady Arainia."
"And you my prince." I made my way to my room and went to sleep.