Ch 4 Unceasing
The first months of Spring
The early morning air whipped along the trimmed hedges shaking the lovely diamond webs stamped on the brushes. Young but tall oaks lined the path through the garden that led to the central pond.
Around the water's edges were hundreds of flowers scattered through out the grass. Though winter was still present the flowers beds were ablaze with color and life. The small vibrant roses welcomed us with their enchanting scent. Tulips, the color of fire, reflected the light of the sun causing the petals to illuminate. The violets, though small, gathered in massive numbers bringing a calming blaze with their dark blue hues.
With the help of spring, nature welcomed us as our first time out as a family.
"He will be a great warrior." I said as I held Nolan. Eager and proud to be preparing his future. "I will train him myself."
"He will not be fighting too soon, I hope." Nuala nervously examined, her arm wrapped around mine,
"The sooner the better."
Nuala's heart ached and I felt her slightly tug my tunic as she stopped.
"Do you not remember?" I asked looking at her. She held a questionable look.
" I began my training as soon as I could walk."
She smiled
" and you were a master at the age of eight." I smiled as well at the memory of my achievements, which she still held strongly inside her as though they happened yesterday. My teacher, no longer apart of this world, trained me relentlessly day and night. He didn't just teach me to fight to become stronger, but to persevere and continuously acquire knowledge. To read my enemy and see his end before my sword left its sheath.
" You could have led our army's at fifteen."
Though it is true that I had the strength to lead I did not have the heart. My heart was weak therefore making my very being weak. It was held down by her chains making it impossible for me to ever leave her side. Everything I had done, I did it for her. She peered up at me her eyes like liquid gold shined and I had willingly drowned in them. Her hand reached through my hair, her fingers entangling themselves with each strands, she came to rest on my cheek pulling me down, brushing her lips against mine gently at first and then deeper.
She was scared. With those memories came the pain of the past like a dagger sharp and swift I sensed it was the variability of Nolan's future. Though peace had finally come to our world it had only come through a rapid hand. Whose to say that another's hand wont be raised again?
. . . .
That was the reason for my existence. To protect against the dark unseen authorities of the world. Our kiss grew deeper and I opened my heart to her, feeling the warmth and the assurance I had Her own heart was a master forgery where she captured mine and molded it into the perfect making.
I made sure not to crush the bundle in my arms, but Nolan still began to wail and cry for his mother. She smiled, fearing I may drop him we sat together on the garden's bench, its legs crawling with morning glories, gently I gave her the bundle as she began to sing to him.
Hush, child
The darkness will rise from the deep
And carry you down into sleep
Child, the darkness will rise from the deep
And carry you down into sleep.
As I nestled into her hair taking in the sweet scent that was only her's, I closed my eyes and listen to her sing. Each note rising and falling I could have fallen asleep to her voice just as Nolan was, when a servant came stopping the lyrical lullaby.
"Your highness-" My eyes remained closed
"The sagart has gathered everything for tonight. It's time to get ready."
To my dismay Nuada and I bathed separately, we had too as the servants scurried too and fro from place to place tossing about wash clothes and soap. Stepping out it seemed as the servants never missed a step as they attached a silk ribbon here and a leather belt there, and so on. Tonight was important for all three of us. What felt like seconds was hours of planning, checking, and perfection in detail down to the last crystal goblet. When I was finally dressed, a warm ivory tunic with pattern's of autumn leaves tracing down the shoulders sewn in a red stitch. Small opals placed as buttons along the front reflecting natures splendor. Colors changing with each step I took. I left the apartment, eagerly awaited Nuala and Nolan. It felt like my wedding again, my heart racing but less fear as the uncertainty was now gone. The door creaked open across from where I stood. Nuala stepped out holding Nolan and was dressed in ivory silk with yards of billowing skirts, delicate little pearls from far off sea's decorated the bodice, a ribbon tied around her waist, the color of persimmon fruit, held all of it together.
Nolan was dressed in a similar gown yet far more simple, a length of lace pooled over Nuala's arm's as she held him.
"Shall we?" I smiled
"Young Nolan, Son of Nuada, you came to us as a future leader, and with that title we give you the blessing of the daoine!" I watched as Nolan struggled in his mother's arms. "With this blessing we now recognize you as our prince and future sovereign. When the time comes may you aim to full fill what those who have come before you have achieved! For your people and all the world!" And with the ceremonial knife Nolan received his first gearrtha. The marking of the elves, a way of acceptance for our people. It was hard for us to watch as Nolan cried in protest and in pain, the knife slicing from cheek to cheek A perfect golden line of blood trickled down his face. The priest set the knife aside and then was given a glistening bottle glowing with silver light. The water éadrom. The sacred water could only be found at the edge of the emerald isle during the winter moon. The humans knew it as the fountain of youth. Legend has it that the very first elf was wounded when he found the sacred water. Dying he crawled into the pool and in an instant his wounds from battle were healed, when he drank the water he was given an extended life. The water still flowing inside him was passed on into the blood of his children and his children's children giving all elf's sacred life. Gently the water of éadrom was poured over Nolan's face washing away the blood, leaving in its place a perfectly healed scar. The priest then placed a golden chain around Nolan's neck. Hanging from the chain the royal family symbol of the sacred tree etched on a small pendent. Where the branches extended and budded leaves were, were studded by small diamonds. This was an acting crown the very same one I wore, and would be Nolan's until he was strong enough to support one on his own head. A young nurse maid then stepped in taking Nolan from Nuada. With her hand now in mine we both stood before the sagart. He then dressed each of us in a livery collar. Nuala's livery had more than a dozen gold flower pendent's each centered with a sparkling ruby. Between each flower a small chain was beaded with gleaming pearls. Glinn. My collar reflected her's yet instead of pearls the flowers were linked with solid chains and in the very center of mine alone was a pendent of golden stag antlers. Urram. A small blessing was said crowning us King and Queen. The army's crown was then placed on my head this time to represent a new reign.
With Nolan crowned as prince he was returned to Nuala and my queen gently held him in her arm's as I turned now to face my people.
"I am King Nuada. Sivelance! Leader of the Golden Army! Is there anyone who disputes my right?"
Silence remained in the great hall, as no one dared to challenge my words.
The End
Gaelic dictionary
daoine - people
gearrtha - cut
éadrom - light
ri - King
banrion - Queen
Urram - Honor (masc.)
Glinn - Graceful
After finishing this story at the beginning of 2016 I noticed a few flaws so I just decided to redo the story, editing mostly. If you enjoyed this story, please, Please, PLEASE leave a comment. Your words ARE inspiring to me and nothing warms my heart more. If you REALLY enjoyed this story I will soon be releasing a new Nuada x Nuala fanfic called "Memories of Faded Days" it is much longer than this one so each chapter will take time but the prologue (which is short) will be updated soon. Thank you again!
- KRK