My Elven warlord can't be this cute!
Tiffania Westwood needed a familiar, she just didn't know it yet. Who is a better familiar for an innocent elf maiden than a King of Elves? The Witch King, of course! To Malekith at least the trees didn't have eyes and no Chaos Daemons were in sight.
Warnings: see chapter 1
Disclaimer: Don't own shit except the belief that Malekith is entitled to tendies and Mommy's milkies, that and the Phoenix throne.
Chapter 8: In footsteps of pandemonium (End of an arc)
Surveying the pandemonium of what remained of the academy, Charlotte Helene de Orleans or simply Tabitha, as she was known to the authorities of Tristain academy of magic and her small circle of acquaintances, a number that had decreased by a half since the disaster had struck.
In books elves had been described as demons to be vanquished, who in their arrogance had been driven out by the brave founder Brimir, wielding magic of strange sorts, willing of most heinous of debaucheries and enslaving humans.
Despite these rumours no elves were sighted for thousands of years, only tall tales and ravings of madmen contained these pointy eared creatures of myth. Now their existence was as certain as the twin moons that shone in the night. What a devastating realization that had been, Tabitha thought surly as she saw commoners and soldiers toil to save what could be saved of the once beautiful building. What remained of the academy after this struggle was almost rubble, only the furthest wings of it surviving the battle between the elfin sorcerers.
Why did this happen? the blue haired girl thought as the Earth wizards tried to cobble together the toppled statue of Brimir, that had been shattered by a very vengeful fireball that had been launched at the elf. The evil sorcerer had seemed to have allies here in the academy that had helped him spirit away Louise the Zero and the Princess. Were these traitors who helped the kidnapping agents of the sorcerer or just hapless victims of these dark powers. Neither of thoughts did ease her mind as there was no magic comprehensible by humans who could control other beings and cloud their vision. As Brimir had proclaimed no magic could take their will, then how was it possible to the Elf to command the poor souls. Then again no one had seen elven magic since Founder's death, repelling an elven assault.
"Man this is awful" came a bubbly voice behind her and Tabitha sighed, it seemed that the Germanian had survived- for better or worse "Why are you sitting there all alone Tabby?" she asked the blue haired girl, who closed her book on Haggelkinia's history and turned to her friend? She was not sure about that.
"I'm reading of all I can about Elves" was her clipped answer, yet the fiery Germanian seemed to echo the sentiment, sitting beside her and crossing her arms over her knees "Yeah, who would've thought that it was all Louise's fault"
"It's not as if she knew her familiar had incurred a wrath of such powerful sorcerer" Tabitha pointed out, but Kirche wasn't about to let her pent up frustrations get blown away, much like that poor captain of the guard, who could barely walk after the Elven warlord had smashed her into one of the pillars of the academy. Her diagnosis was doubtful, even with the greatest of surviving water mages trying to heal her.
"It's still her familiar's fault that this had happened and now the academy is in ruins and we'll have to go home" she huffed and beckoned her pet, that had snuck upon them-petting the salamander and rubbing it's beautiful scarlet scales.
"Yeah…" Tabitha said, but quietly she wanted to remain in the academy if possible as return home was not possibility. The busty mage beside her smiled ruefully at her classmate "At least you won't be sold off to a fat lecher with influence as soon as you come home"
"I guess not" what awaited her was death and humiliation, but it was better this way that her classmates remained oblivious to the true nature of her abilities and her relationship with her homeland.
"It's so fucking unfair" spewed the filth from the mouth of who was supposed to be a noble lady, but Tabitha could only silently agree with her at this point.
"Life isn't fair Kirche, but we must do what we can. Wasn't there a maid that had spent more time with the Everqueen, as Louise called her?"
Seista was it? Tabitha scratched her chin, but any hopes of getting to the bottom of this were shot to hell as servant's quarters were caught in a blast from the bolts of thunder thrown from the sky, during the battle. "Yes, there was, but I doubt that she survived the assault"
"Damn it!" the redhead cursed and her pet, sensing his master's despair sought to cheer her up and spat out a huge blob of flame "What are we going to do now? Zero's missing along with the Princess and some mad wizard almost turned the academy into a fucking crater!"
"I doubt that we could do anything to it even if we caught up to them. Teachers and the Royal Guard were helpless" she pointed out and looked up from her book. In the distance, flaps of wings could be heard and through her superior training before she had left to the academy, Tabitha knew that those were most likely Hippogryph Knights or Chevaliers coming to investigate.
"Maybe, but there is something we can do!" she said and Tabitha shrugged "While I did help to douse flames and freeze whatever I could, I believe our help is not necessary anymore."
"At least Guiche is finally useful" Kirche huffed and crossed her arms over her bountiful chest as she saw some of the Valkyries that had transformed from tools of war, to those of rebuilding. Having been humbled before by the Elven queen and the second time- by this so called Witch King. The blonde had matured rapidly in these past weeks and Tabitha thought that this was extraordinary.
"Hey Tabby!" Kirche called as she stood up and pointed to the sky "Look! There are Hippogryphs landing!"
"I see" she said curtly and watched as the soaring squadron of winged beasts landed in the repaired section of the courtyard. They landed in neat rows- disciplined and almost without a sound. Tabitha noted that their armour looked more ceremonial than practical and the blue haired girl chalked it up to cultural differences between Tristain and Gallia.
The soldiers that dismounted these steeds all bore blue uniforms and wide brimmed hats, while their rapiers hung to their sides. With interest she noted that they were practical casting and fighting weapons and with some alarm Tabitha saw one of them approaching the sitting girls.
At a first glance, he was much older than either of them, full beard and long flowing gray hair and a long white feather pinned to the feather, signified him as the probable commander of the unit.
"Greetings, my ladies" he lightly bowed his head and Tabitha needn't look to see that Kirche was looking at the newcomer with great interest "I am Jean-Jacques Francis, Viscount of Wardes, the Captain of Griffin Knights"
"Greetings Viscount" Tabitha bowed lightly and saw that the Germanian was already homing in on her new target.
"Kirche Augusta Frederica von Anhalt-Zerbst, my runic name is 'Ardent' and I am pleased to make your acquaintance"
Thankfully, the Viscount of Wardes seemed a man of integrity, who gently smiled at the Germanian and shook his head, before turning to Tabitha.
"Are there any news of Louise Françoise Le Blanc de La Vallière?" he asked and rested his gloved hand on the hilt of the rapier as he surveyed the slowly healing academy.
"She tried to defend the queen along her familiar from the attacker and was presumably kidnapped" Tabitha spoke softly as she turned the page, not even raising an eyebrow as Wardes cursed.
"Did you know who attacked her? Was it Gallia or someone else?" he asked and Tabitha shrugged, not paying attention to Zerbst's sulking. Showing the cover of the book to the Viscount, the man's face paled and a glint appeared in his eye.
"An elf, surely you must jest!"
"I'm afraid Tabby is correct here as Louise summoned one and the attacker knew the familiar. Why are you so interested in Louise?"
"Louise is my Fiancé and Karin of Heavy Wind wouldn't forgive me if anything would happen to her daughter"
"Oh" That explained a lot "But aren't you here to look for the princess?" she asked and the chevalier shook his head.
"Louise's my priority right now, but with the new information it seems that we will have to go after that elf if we are to save her. Though I fear that this was a much serious attack than we thought"
"What do you mean?" Kirche asked, her curiosity once more piqued.
Wardes sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose "Remember how Brimir saved humanity from Elves and rid their evil yoke on the world almost five thousand years ago? I'm afraid that they weren't vanquished in their entirety and this was the mere opening salvo"
If Tabitha had believed Wardes when he spoke of Louise, then these words and the certainty he held was enough for her to start doubting the bearded man. It was too sudden too random to be a planned attack and there was a hidden agenda here. From what she had seen Louise's familiar, while arrogant and prone to look down on humans, she had stepped in to defend them as the Witch King had assaulted them.
"Do you have anything that could help us find the fiend, who dared to kidnap our princess?" Wardes asked and Kirche raised a finger in the air.
"There was another" she spoke "an elven girl of our age, with a large ruby ring on her finger" the Germanian missed it, but Tabitha did not as Warde's eyes narrowed for a fraction of a second, his facial muscles steeled to show his true emotions.
"So, they are headed to Albion, huh" the Viscount slapped his forehead "It seems that there is no way we can void the war then, if foreign agents are involved. Things are bad, but maybe you could assist us. I know Louise has a rather peculiar magic and I believe you could be instrumental of saving her…"
"I don't know if it would be possible as the wizard was quite powerful" Tabitha pointed out, but Kirche wasn't having none of it.
"How can you Tabitha let our princess be held captive by that fiend?!" the redhead pumped her fist in the air and the blue haired girl tried to ignore the swaying breasts that drew her attention to her own unbloomed bosom.
"As a loyal citizen to Kaiser and his intended, it is my duty to return his Fiancé from the grasp of the enemy!" Kirche spoke ardently and both Tabitha and Wardes knew that there was no going back now.
The wind mage sighed and focused on her familiar bond, through the skies came Slyphid, roaring cheerfully as she knew that they were going on an adventure. Tabitha rather envied the childlike dragon, but she wouldn't part with her, hell or high water.
Two days later and some dozens of leagues from the academy, atop of a flying house rested the Witch King, his black armour had been exchanged for the much lighter robes, yet still the Circlet of Iron rested on his brow, while the Destroyer laid beside him as he surveyed the Half-elf below, who was diligently training in the magic arts with the green haired human.
Alarielle the Radiant was still sulking in her rooms and Malekith had no wish to converse with the blonde if he could help it. While some may have thought resting on a mossy roof was beneath him, the sorcerer disagreed, his arms behind his head, while he gazed in the clouds ahead.
What was he going to do in Albion? The King of Elves didn't know as Asuryan only showed hints of his desires by searing the sorcerer's hand when he stepped out of line and Khaine was silent after his rampage through the academy. However, if the gods could speak to him, why hadn't the rest of Cadai or Cytharai approached him or made their decisions known? Did they not care for his ambition or was it a punishment for Asuryan only to oversee? These questions bothered the sorcerer, but more pressing matters were what he needed to do to return home.
Uniting the Elves, easy enough if he knew where to find them. Tiffa was a link, but a very weak one at that, he had to admit it. Still he would help the girl, he had promised it once and his word needed to matter if he was to undo the millennia of hatred between his peoples. A giant floating Island sounded like a dream to him, for military applications it was a godsend, only matter was that the people couldn't manage to steer the landmass into the proper direction to use it as a vessel.
At the very least it could be used as a giant weapon of mass destruction if things got too rough, but having attempted this plan too many times, the Elf discarded it to the darker parts of his psyche, one seeking destruction, suffering and subjugating all beneath him.
He looked down at Tiffania and smiled as he saw the girl who previously couldn't cast a single offensive spell was creating increasingly devious hexes and curses, which Malekith had only alluded to. As a mud golem was blasted apart an exploding dust, he noticed that she was getting ahead in her studies. First let her become proficient in the magics of her own lands, after that he would take the reins of her magical education and turn her into the fearsome mage, he knew she could be.
Speaking of other spellcasters, the Witch King's attention was turned to the two humans, who had been sufficiently cowed and while the Pinkette was prone still to bouts of violence and knew precious little magic, her spell of explosion- while vulgar and so basic, was a deceptively damaging spell, one that could sunder walls and break formations with the simplest of ease. Tiffania needed to learn this one and while Malekith had gotten the grasp of it pretty quickly, it just wasn't the same. For all his power and magical knowledge, he could not replicate the feat exactly, but he was slowly getting there.
Who knew that this challenge would be so fruitful? His gaze slowly travelled to his erstwhile apprentice and the ancient elf pondered how full of…wonders… this world was before his mind came to the Everqueen. Alarielle the Radiant had not deigned to show her face to him after he had reconciled with Tiffa and he wondered whether it was a good thing or not.
To leave her free and with access to her powers, the Witch King knew was stupid risk, but where would she go? As much as she hated the fact, both elves were aware that the only way home lied with Malekith and his supposed ascension. Yet was it home for her anymore? He supposed that she knew that her way of life was stolen from her and she was powerless to stop it. Her very existence dependent on her greatest foe. Funny how once he had been the same.
"If I knew that she would this troublesome, I would have snapped her neck then and there" the skin of his hand cried out in pain as it felt, like being set ablaze. The sorcerer smiled at the punishment through gritted teeth and dispelled the thought of Alarielle's dead body in his mind. Still the pain lingered and so he had another insight into the god's mind and discovered just how petty Asuryan could be. There had a reason for everything and Malekith respected the god for giving him a chance to prove himself. The Son of Aenarion knew that he did not deserve it.
"Hey Malekith!" he heard the voice that felt like a gentle breeze blowing over a meadow call out to him "Quit lazing around and come down here!"
Rising from his comfortable spot, the Elven King looked down and saw Tiffania with hands on her hips, while the green haired human…Mathilda…was it? Stood behind her with a disapproving look on her face. Apparently, she thought that she was ready to learn today from him, as foolish as she was, he admitted that whatever she was asking for would be much interesting than sinking in his regrets.
"You need not to shout" he stretched out and jumped down the roof, to a small plot of land that once had been a flowerbed "Do you think that you have already learned enough?"
"Come on!" she balled her fists "You promised that you would teach me to fight with a sword" To emphasize the point she pointed at two vague sword shaped sticks laying against the house. Shaking his head, Malekith turned his gaze to the human, who refused to meet his gaze. It seemed that he would speak to her later as deviation from his instructions was to invite disaster, especially when teaching such a young and powerful girl.
"Yes I did" he raised his finger "However" the elf crossed his hands behind his back "You promised that you'd be at least triangle level, according to your human teacher, which I doubt, honestly" he chided and he saw Tiffania shrink from his emerald gaze, all her bravado vanishing in an instant. If she was to be one of his most prized servants, then she needed to burn it out of her.
"Have you accomplished that or is there another reason why you have paused your current studies?" he raised an immaculate eyebrow and the cape behind his robe, fluttered in the wind and Tiffa was speechless. Her meekness was bare before him, but he knew that a beast as ferocious as a Cold One was lurking, just beneath the surface. He just needed to bring it out so, the Half-Elf would be ready to stand tall beside him- against the world that hated their kin and would never let her birth-right be hers.
"No, but-"
"But what? Do you not think that honing your magical skills comes first when it's your most versatile weapon? Satisfy my curiosity and I may indulge you this time" brought his arms forth, crossing them over his chest. Magic was the more versatile rule by far than a simple sword. For a girl whose only blades had been kitchen knives, whose body had not been trained to be a furnace of battle, she forgot that most of her opponents would be older, much more experienced wizards. Malekith would not be there to protect her and coddle her when the fighting came.
"I wanted to learn to fight with a weapon so that in a battle against a wizard, I might surprise them" she said and stalked over to the wooden sticks "Will you teach me or not?"
She needed not to hide her face from him as the Witch King noticed the shift in the tone of her voice and it was wavering. Her shoulders twitched a bit, what was hidden to the humans eye was bare for one who had walked the world for millennia.
"Attack me"
"What?!" she whipped her head around to face him and found the older male not having moved one single inch from the spot of the grass where he had stood, when she implored him to teach her.
"If you wish to learn the art of the blade, show me what you lack" was his simple answer and with barest hesitation, Tiffania dashed at him, stick in her hands.
"Good" the male praised her efforts as her swords found facing a shield manifest of shadows "Try that again"
The Half-Blood jumped back and with little finesse tried to strike, bringing her "weapons" down in random strikes, more like a mere babe playing at being a warrior. Slash, slash, slash, an occasional stab. She really had no idea to behave like a warrior, but he had to change that.
"Surely you can do better" he asked, not bothering to keep the irritation out of his voice and then he noticed tears starting to well in her blue eyes. However, a roar of rage, brought a slight twitch of his lips as Tiffania slashed at him with all her might.
He parried the strike with his shield once more and felt the D'har around him change slightly, as a blast of magic thinned the shadows around him. His eyes widened at the display of power, it was incredible how the powerful she was, even with the most rudimentary of training. However, she didn't realize the full potential of the magic given to her in this world. He was lucky that he had found her rather than some simpleton who would have wasted her.
Striking out before the girls eyes could see, the ancient sorcerer reached through his shroud of shadows and grabbed her hand mid swing, while the other batted away the second strike.
"You are not ready, not yet anyway" Malekith passionlessly released the Half Elf girl, before addressing the human "How far is Tiffania in her studies, woman?"
"Tiffania is making remarkable progress, but it will be some time until she can be counted as a triangle class mage, I- "
"You're dismissed." The Witch King growled. While he didn't expect much progress, considering the skill of human mages, at least Tiffania's natural talent should have been enough to push through the limiting understanding humans had of magic. However, a small voice in his head questioned whether or not it was her bloodline tainted with human, even if it was a Duke. Maybe fault lied in her father as most human nobility was inbred and thus weakening themselves. Some would say that he had dome the same, but he had never sired and never would sire a child with Morathi, despite the horrid moments of weakness he had often found himself in.
As the human left, Malekith turned to face Tiffania, his magic spreading around him like a dragon. The air became saturated thick with D'har and his emerald eyes beheld it's glow.
"Can you feel the D'har of the world surrounding you?" he asked and Tiffania, nodded hesitantly, looking at the power with barely disguised awe. Good, he had her attention at least.
"Now reach out to it with your mind. Discard the mundane formulae and human incantations, for the Elder kin can weave the magic and shape the world with their minds alone! To be the Queen you were meant to be Tiffania, your power must be supreme among them!"
The Half elf looked at him, but finding none of the compassion or encouragement, she closed her eyes clenched her fists. Around him the Dark magic gathered opposite of him, but if his were efforts of timeless tutelage and the support of the Iron Circlet, then to her power came naturally and the Son of Aenarion was drawn to her like moth to the flame. She would be truly powerful one day.
When she did, she would be wonderful.
Around her the scattered dandelions under her feet started to bloom, while it was not impressive, it showed that she was indeed capable of harnessing the winds much like his own people. Looking through the currents of the winds he saw something that intrigued him. Simultaneously she was weaving the winds, yet still coalesced them back into the Dark magic he was so fond of. She showed no backlash, no discomfort, like it was just an everyday occurrence.
"Am I doing it right?" she opened her eyes and looked to her companion. A smile just now graced Malekith's face and his hand ignited in purple flame.
"Oh, you can gather the winds, but the real question is if you are capable to learn by observing…" he trailed off and extinguished the flame in his hand, letting the magic recede.
Pouting the blonde girl, outstretched her arm and tried to mimic him, but with no awail. Instead, only a nascent violet spark lit in her palms, before dying out like embers. It was too early for her to attempt the ever-burning flames of Hekharti, but better was to start early. The King of Elves stood in silence as Tiffania attempted once more to bring the flames to life, but with each failure, she grew more frustrated and her control over D'har slipped. Malekith raised an eyebrow at this but did not interfere.
Suddenly her palms sparked, and the ball flame rushed at Malkeith. Immediately, he haphazardly threw up a shield to save him from the brunt of the flames. Tiffania looked amazed at her achievement, but that was soon replaced by a horrifying awareness that she could have hurt him. Her green eyes widened, and her body language spoke of attempting to reach out to him, but the male Elf raised his hand and revealed himself clear of harm.
"I am surprised that you managed to create something this powerful, Tiffania. I have known less than hundred sorceresses capable of casting Hekharti's Flame." To illustrate his point, the violet flame blossomed in his hand once more. Hearing the number, she visibly deflated, but immediately perked up at what followed next.
"And that is among our people across the oceans. However," the Witch King added "You still need to learn with Mathilda until she can verify to me that you understand the fundamentals, for soon we will arrive in Albion, where our true work will begin."
"Alright, but you better show me something amazing!" she countered, but her elder companion just nodded sagely, looking into the horizon. He thought that she would take the cue and leave to find the human, instead she lingered on, stepping to his side as his last concubines had done.
Very well, she had earned her rest for today.
So the Son of Aenarion and the Half-Blood stood and surveyed the clear blue sky, marred only by stray clouds.
"It's wonderful isn't it, Malekith?"
"Yes, Tiffania. Yes, it is."
Standing around in contemplation the Witch King felt something approach the house in the distance. His barrier of wind made manifest, surrounding the house in the sphere and calling onto D'har once more all surrounding winds sped up, gentle breeze outside their little globe becoming fierce gales, where even dragons could be seen in the forms it took. It seemed that they were nearing Albion, for better or worse.
Flying from the roof, his longsword neatly rested into his hand and a malevolent energy of the blade urged him to consume and destroy whoever dared to intrude without an audience.
Now taking the cue, Tiffania immediately ran inside and shut the doors behind her. It seemed that she had learned from her previous times.
In the distance he saw another squadron of winged Gryphons and a small dragon making their way towards the airborne house.
"Come sorcerers and show me what you are willing to sacrifice for your princess!" Malekith roared and thought that never truly peace had suited him.
Albion beckoned and these were corpses in waiting!
End of the Prologue Arc!
Next: Ruin of Albion!
A.N: Yes, I've been away for some time. However, I can give you all an update on my oc book so that I haven't been just lazing around these past months. The OG novel is roughly 1/4th done, with 6 chapters at 30k words out of 22, its about witches and warlocks. Sexism and urban fantasy ahoy. As for my university work- my unpaid internship could be going better, but hey it's somewhat necessary.
Reviews keep me going, so please leave one if you want to say something to me and I'll do my best to respond via PM. I accept suggestions for the upcoming arc.
With that I wish you all and your loved ones to be safe, enjoy yourselves in whatever capacity you can and I'll see you all in different stories
-Spook