Chapter 3: Conflicts of the Mind, Conflicts of the Heart
Hello again and here's the third chapter. I've had this story for a quite a bit and now I'm finally working on it. Anyway, same warnings apply to this chapter as the previous ones and hopefully some of the details are getting straightened out in accordance to Summer Break. Other than that please read and review and all feedback is welcomed. Now onto the story. . .
Chapter 3: Conflicts of the Mind, Conflicts of the Heart
Cloak wrapped tightly about himself, Rai strolled out into the starlit night. Sighing to himself, the elf waited until he was at the edge of the line of trees before removing the cloak to reveal his midnight blue tunic and black shirt and leggings. On his back was a quiver of arrows and two long daggers while his delicate fingers were grasping the polished wood of his bow carefully.
Rai stared into the forest, sharp eyes searching. /I wonder./ Letting out shrill whistle, the brunette waited quietly until the sound of hooves caught his attention. He watched expectantly as a Unicorn emerged from the bushes. Smiling, Rai went to greet it. "Aseale, my old friend. How are you?"
"I am faring well, and you? You're people have left. Why are you not with them?" The Unicorn replied smoothly, settling in the soft grass and motioning for Rai to do the same.
Dropping gracefully beside the snowy white creature, Rai released a breath if exhaustion. "Tis heard for me to adapt to so many humans but I shall become used to it."
"Do you not yearn fir your people Lord Rai?" Aseale asked softly, allowing Rai to stroke her silky flank.
"I do. More than anything but I cannot return to them until they roam these forests again for I do not know where they have gone." Sighing, the wintry-eyed archer leaned against his friend. "And as you know that shall be in many years to come when they are sure that these trees are safe."
Aseale gently nudged Rai with her horn. "I shall be here for you like you were there to rescue me when I was but a foal."
Smiling, kindly, Rai nodded. "Thank you." His silver-blue eyes flickered toward the heavens. "I should be leaving. My gratitude for coming Aseale and be cautious." He had thought he caught the sound of someone shuffling in the bushes. "There is another about right now. I've only just sensed him."
"I will. Good bye Lord Rai."
Rai stood, waiting until the Unicorn had vanished from sight before collecting his belonging and trudging back to the school. Outside of the entrance, the Elf froze when the noise sounded again and slowly turned to face the shadows whence it came from. "Reveal yourself. Do it, unless you should like an arrow lodged in your side."
To no astonishment, it was Derek who emerged from the gloom. "Now you wouldn't want to hurt me would you?"
"Oh, tis only you." Rai muttered, tempted to fire at the wizard but restrained himself. Resuming his way inside, the brunette almost rolled his eyes when Derek ran up beside him. "What do you want Asgaroth?"
"Can't I just be heading back to my dorm?" The blonde asked innocently.
"Right." Rai answered, unconvinced. They walked in silence for several minutes until the elf couldn't stand it anymore. "Why do you insist on pursuing me?"
Derek paused in his steps, causing Rai to stop and glance behind him. He was surprised at the look of remorse on the other's handsome features. "What is it?"
The Slytherin seemed to shake out of his stupor and forced a grin onto his lips "Nothing. This is my stop." A flash of some strange emotion flickered through Derek's stormy eyes before he left with a sweep of his cloak.
Looking after the other, Rai held onto the brief second of time where he though Derek's real personality shone through. The elf couldn't help but feel intrigued. Biting his lip, Rai quickly rounded on his heels and sped down the hall. /I cannot think such things. I am immortal. He is not. It won't work./ With these troubling thoughts, the Gryffindor hurried back to his dorms.
* * * * *
Early Saturday morning, Rai found himself speaking softly to Harry. Neither had been able to sleep and they had accidentally run into each other when they found the other also sneaking back to through the portrait hole. Now, a few hours later, both were snuggled deeply into their own overstuffed armchair, facing each other as they spoke.
"Why do the Slytherin's act as they do?"
Harry shrugged. "Well, do you remember the person that approached me at breakfast yesterday morn?"
"Yeah." The ebony-haired wizard smirked as he caught on. "Do you like him?"
Blushing, Rai turned his stormy gems to the fire. "I don't know. I certainly don't like how he treats me in front of others but I thought I had read something in his eyes when we were talking last night."
The wizard raised an eyebrow in question but didn't voice his curiosity. "Hmm. . .I know what you mean."
Rai's gaze immediately darted over to his companion and grinned when he saw the wide emerald eyes and the slight flush staining the other's cheeks. "You do now? This quality of understanding wouldn't emanate from personal experience involving Malfoy, would it?"
"I. . .I. . ." Harry's face and neck now almost matched the shade of his chair.
"Tis natural Harry. I am positive that you two would be a wonderful couple?" The archer said seriously, although his eyes shone with happiness and a hint of mischief.
Relaxing visibly, Harry smiled weakly. "The only problem is that he would never even consider me in that way. All I am to him is someone to torment. It's a lost hope."
Grinning, Rai shook his head. "We shall see." Standing, the brunette sprinted out of the common room, leaving Harry calling after him.
"Rai! Get back here! What are you going to do?!"
"Absolutely nothing!" He called over his shoulder before dashing out of the portrait hole.
Rai searched the grounds for a while, looking for one Draco Malfoy until he came upon the Quidditch pitch. A figure in the sky had caught his attention and his keen eyesight identified the person to be the Slytherin that he was seeking. Seeing that there was no way to catch the other's notice from the ground, Rai made for the shed. He recalled Ron having told him that was where they kept the spare brooms and casting a simple spell on the lock, Rai took one of the brooms.
Studying the handle for a moment, Rai steadied himself and mounted it. He kicked off gently and suddenly it became almost like instinct with how to steer the broom. Rai carefully maneuvered toward Draco and he smiled when the other took note of his approach.
"What do you want Maxwell?" The blonde asked, pulling to a halt beside Rai/
"How do you feel about Harry Potter? Do not lie to me. I will know." The elf began bluntly and smirked when the Slytherin about slipped from his mount in shock.
Draco shifted on his broom. "I hate Potter. He. . ."
Rai cut him off. "Do not lie."
Silver eyes widened and after studying the other's impassive features, resigned to his fate. "Why are you tormenting me? Is this some messed up Gryffindor trait?"
Chuckling, Rai answered, cautious not to mention Harry's feelings. "No. Only an elfin trait I'm afraid. Why have you not told Harry your emotions? Don't your arguments pain you?"
"It does bother me but what can I do? The whole school expects this. Not to mention my father and He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named." Draco suddenly laughed. "I don't even know why I'm telling you this or even why you're pestering me on this matter."
"Well, who else here for you to talk to? Also above all else I will not spread your secret." The brunette glanced at the young man out of the corner of his eyes. "I trust you have learned that of my people."
The golden-haired Slytherin nodded. "I've read about your race and if there's anything you can always take an elf on their word."
A pleasant hush fell over the two before Draco broke it. "Do you know how to use that?"
"Use what?"
Draco gestured to the broom Rai was gripping tightly to. "That. Your broom. Do you know how to fly?"
"I've never been taught. My lessons were scheduled for Wednesday next week." Rai raised an eyebrow. "What did you have in mind?"
"It's just that when you were coming up you flew quite skillfully. Although, if you say you aren't I can help with your lessons."
Rai smiled. "That would be appreciated. So where shall we begin?"
"Well, since you already know how to get into the air, let's just work on the actual flying." With that, the two spent the afternoon training and talking. When night fell the pair landed and hurried to the castle.
"Remember. You shall always have someone to speak with." The Gryffindor smiled and to keep up appearances, Rai and Draco separated at the entrance to the Great Hall and both went their own way; the blonde to the Slytherin table and the brunette to the Gryffindor's.
"What happened to you Rai?"
Said elf looked up at the red-headed Weasley. "I had an errand to take care of." Casting a sideways glance in Harry's direction, satisfaction filled Rai and he set to eating his dinner.
* * * * *
"Aseale, I believe that I might have a conflict." Rai murmured one evening to the Unicorn.
"What is it?" Her calm blue yes shifted to the cloaked elf.
Gazing up to the stars, Rai sighed sadly. "I may be attracted to one of the humans."
The creature nuzzled the elf's arm. "I should not say this but you shall be here for a while. You have already planned to cast a forgetful spell on them. There will be no consequences if you were to indulge in a relationship."
"There will be. I, in that I will have to leave him, and for him, in that it will be unfair." Rai drew his hood. "I do not know but thank you. I shall see you tomorrow evening then."
The Unicorn appeared to nod and with a last glance entered the Forbidden Forest.
Rai's shoulder slumped slightly and feeling no urge to return to his room, the elf made his decision. Ensuring that no one else was around, the brunette performed a simple teleportation spell, Rai returned to his old home.
Looking about his abandoned talon in the trees, Rai sat down on his bed. For a moment, the wintry-eyed archer only gazed blankly at the wall until a noise broke through his trance. Shaking his head, Rai reached under his mattress and extracted two small pouches. Checking the larger bag, Rai made sure that all his needed herbs were there before opening the smaller one.
The elf closed his eyes as he withdrew the item from its resting place. Clasping it tightly in his hand, Rai eventually unclenched his fingers. Lying in his palm was a single expertly crafted crystal pendant on the end of a simple silver chain. It seemed like any other jewel except that it glowed dully in the dark. Brushing his finger carefully over it, Rai clasped the chain about his neck. Gathering a few other items, the brunette vanished from the room.
T.B.C.
So what do you think? I'm not too happy with how this chapter turned out but oh well, I'll end up editing it at some time. But please review and until the next chapter. Buh bye!
Hello again and here's the third chapter. I've had this story for a quite a bit and now I'm finally working on it. Anyway, same warnings apply to this chapter as the previous ones and hopefully some of the details are getting straightened out in accordance to Summer Break. Other than that please read and review and all feedback is welcomed. Now onto the story. . .
Chapter 3: Conflicts of the Mind, Conflicts of the Heart
Cloak wrapped tightly about himself, Rai strolled out into the starlit night. Sighing to himself, the elf waited until he was at the edge of the line of trees before removing the cloak to reveal his midnight blue tunic and black shirt and leggings. On his back was a quiver of arrows and two long daggers while his delicate fingers were grasping the polished wood of his bow carefully.
Rai stared into the forest, sharp eyes searching. /I wonder./ Letting out shrill whistle, the brunette waited quietly until the sound of hooves caught his attention. He watched expectantly as a Unicorn emerged from the bushes. Smiling, Rai went to greet it. "Aseale, my old friend. How are you?"
"I am faring well, and you? You're people have left. Why are you not with them?" The Unicorn replied smoothly, settling in the soft grass and motioning for Rai to do the same.
Dropping gracefully beside the snowy white creature, Rai released a breath if exhaustion. "Tis heard for me to adapt to so many humans but I shall become used to it."
"Do you not yearn fir your people Lord Rai?" Aseale asked softly, allowing Rai to stroke her silky flank.
"I do. More than anything but I cannot return to them until they roam these forests again for I do not know where they have gone." Sighing, the wintry-eyed archer leaned against his friend. "And as you know that shall be in many years to come when they are sure that these trees are safe."
Aseale gently nudged Rai with her horn. "I shall be here for you like you were there to rescue me when I was but a foal."
Smiling, kindly, Rai nodded. "Thank you." His silver-blue eyes flickered toward the heavens. "I should be leaving. My gratitude for coming Aseale and be cautious." He had thought he caught the sound of someone shuffling in the bushes. "There is another about right now. I've only just sensed him."
"I will. Good bye Lord Rai."
Rai stood, waiting until the Unicorn had vanished from sight before collecting his belonging and trudging back to the school. Outside of the entrance, the Elf froze when the noise sounded again and slowly turned to face the shadows whence it came from. "Reveal yourself. Do it, unless you should like an arrow lodged in your side."
To no astonishment, it was Derek who emerged from the gloom. "Now you wouldn't want to hurt me would you?"
"Oh, tis only you." Rai muttered, tempted to fire at the wizard but restrained himself. Resuming his way inside, the brunette almost rolled his eyes when Derek ran up beside him. "What do you want Asgaroth?"
"Can't I just be heading back to my dorm?" The blonde asked innocently.
"Right." Rai answered, unconvinced. They walked in silence for several minutes until the elf couldn't stand it anymore. "Why do you insist on pursuing me?"
Derek paused in his steps, causing Rai to stop and glance behind him. He was surprised at the look of remorse on the other's handsome features. "What is it?"
The Slytherin seemed to shake out of his stupor and forced a grin onto his lips "Nothing. This is my stop." A flash of some strange emotion flickered through Derek's stormy eyes before he left with a sweep of his cloak.
Looking after the other, Rai held onto the brief second of time where he though Derek's real personality shone through. The elf couldn't help but feel intrigued. Biting his lip, Rai quickly rounded on his heels and sped down the hall. /I cannot think such things. I am immortal. He is not. It won't work./ With these troubling thoughts, the Gryffindor hurried back to his dorms.
* * * * *
Early Saturday morning, Rai found himself speaking softly to Harry. Neither had been able to sleep and they had accidentally run into each other when they found the other also sneaking back to through the portrait hole. Now, a few hours later, both were snuggled deeply into their own overstuffed armchair, facing each other as they spoke.
"Why do the Slytherin's act as they do?"
Harry shrugged. "Well, do you remember the person that approached me at breakfast yesterday morn?"
"Yeah." The ebony-haired wizard smirked as he caught on. "Do you like him?"
Blushing, Rai turned his stormy gems to the fire. "I don't know. I certainly don't like how he treats me in front of others but I thought I had read something in his eyes when we were talking last night."
The wizard raised an eyebrow in question but didn't voice his curiosity. "Hmm. . .I know what you mean."
Rai's gaze immediately darted over to his companion and grinned when he saw the wide emerald eyes and the slight flush staining the other's cheeks. "You do now? This quality of understanding wouldn't emanate from personal experience involving Malfoy, would it?"
"I. . .I. . ." Harry's face and neck now almost matched the shade of his chair.
"Tis natural Harry. I am positive that you two would be a wonderful couple?" The archer said seriously, although his eyes shone with happiness and a hint of mischief.
Relaxing visibly, Harry smiled weakly. "The only problem is that he would never even consider me in that way. All I am to him is someone to torment. It's a lost hope."
Grinning, Rai shook his head. "We shall see." Standing, the brunette sprinted out of the common room, leaving Harry calling after him.
"Rai! Get back here! What are you going to do?!"
"Absolutely nothing!" He called over his shoulder before dashing out of the portrait hole.
Rai searched the grounds for a while, looking for one Draco Malfoy until he came upon the Quidditch pitch. A figure in the sky had caught his attention and his keen eyesight identified the person to be the Slytherin that he was seeking. Seeing that there was no way to catch the other's notice from the ground, Rai made for the shed. He recalled Ron having told him that was where they kept the spare brooms and casting a simple spell on the lock, Rai took one of the brooms.
Studying the handle for a moment, Rai steadied himself and mounted it. He kicked off gently and suddenly it became almost like instinct with how to steer the broom. Rai carefully maneuvered toward Draco and he smiled when the other took note of his approach.
"What do you want Maxwell?" The blonde asked, pulling to a halt beside Rai/
"How do you feel about Harry Potter? Do not lie to me. I will know." The elf began bluntly and smirked when the Slytherin about slipped from his mount in shock.
Draco shifted on his broom. "I hate Potter. He. . ."
Rai cut him off. "Do not lie."
Silver eyes widened and after studying the other's impassive features, resigned to his fate. "Why are you tormenting me? Is this some messed up Gryffindor trait?"
Chuckling, Rai answered, cautious not to mention Harry's feelings. "No. Only an elfin trait I'm afraid. Why have you not told Harry your emotions? Don't your arguments pain you?"
"It does bother me but what can I do? The whole school expects this. Not to mention my father and He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named." Draco suddenly laughed. "I don't even know why I'm telling you this or even why you're pestering me on this matter."
"Well, who else here for you to talk to? Also above all else I will not spread your secret." The brunette glanced at the young man out of the corner of his eyes. "I trust you have learned that of my people."
The golden-haired Slytherin nodded. "I've read about your race and if there's anything you can always take an elf on their word."
A pleasant hush fell over the two before Draco broke it. "Do you know how to use that?"
"Use what?"
Draco gestured to the broom Rai was gripping tightly to. "That. Your broom. Do you know how to fly?"
"I've never been taught. My lessons were scheduled for Wednesday next week." Rai raised an eyebrow. "What did you have in mind?"
"It's just that when you were coming up you flew quite skillfully. Although, if you say you aren't I can help with your lessons."
Rai smiled. "That would be appreciated. So where shall we begin?"
"Well, since you already know how to get into the air, let's just work on the actual flying." With that, the two spent the afternoon training and talking. When night fell the pair landed and hurried to the castle.
"Remember. You shall always have someone to speak with." The Gryffindor smiled and to keep up appearances, Rai and Draco separated at the entrance to the Great Hall and both went their own way; the blonde to the Slytherin table and the brunette to the Gryffindor's.
"What happened to you Rai?"
Said elf looked up at the red-headed Weasley. "I had an errand to take care of." Casting a sideways glance in Harry's direction, satisfaction filled Rai and he set to eating his dinner.
* * * * *
"Aseale, I believe that I might have a conflict." Rai murmured one evening to the Unicorn.
"What is it?" Her calm blue yes shifted to the cloaked elf.
Gazing up to the stars, Rai sighed sadly. "I may be attracted to one of the humans."
The creature nuzzled the elf's arm. "I should not say this but you shall be here for a while. You have already planned to cast a forgetful spell on them. There will be no consequences if you were to indulge in a relationship."
"There will be. I, in that I will have to leave him, and for him, in that it will be unfair." Rai drew his hood. "I do not know but thank you. I shall see you tomorrow evening then."
The Unicorn appeared to nod and with a last glance entered the Forbidden Forest.
Rai's shoulder slumped slightly and feeling no urge to return to his room, the elf made his decision. Ensuring that no one else was around, the brunette performed a simple teleportation spell, Rai returned to his old home.
Looking about his abandoned talon in the trees, Rai sat down on his bed. For a moment, the wintry-eyed archer only gazed blankly at the wall until a noise broke through his trance. Shaking his head, Rai reached under his mattress and extracted two small pouches. Checking the larger bag, Rai made sure that all his needed herbs were there before opening the smaller one.
The elf closed his eyes as he withdrew the item from its resting place. Clasping it tightly in his hand, Rai eventually unclenched his fingers. Lying in his palm was a single expertly crafted crystal pendant on the end of a simple silver chain. It seemed like any other jewel except that it glowed dully in the dark. Brushing his finger carefully over it, Rai clasped the chain about his neck. Gathering a few other items, the brunette vanished from the room.
T.B.C.
So what do you think? I'm not too happy with how this chapter turned out but oh well, I'll end up editing it at some time. But please review and until the next chapter. Buh bye!