Chapter 6
The light was already dimming when they finally stopped. A thick canopy blocked her view of the sky but the overall light had changed from a pleasant shade to an overcast, pre-storm darkness. There was no signs of civilization. Or other elves. She dreaded the possibility of spending the night in what now seemed such a dark and menacing darkness. And only the one other with her as well. One other who was claiming truth that they were indeed intended for each other. On second thought, perhaps they were alone for that purpose. She tensed slightly at the thought. Northern elves were supposed to be barbaric, uncivil things. She didn't care much about their disregard for status, she found that elves who were not the son or daughter of a lord were minutely different. The fact that her father was a praised warrior gave their home some leverage when it came to social dealings but it did narrow down the marriage spectrum. She vaguely wondered what level of the northern society he was.
And then his hands were on her hips pulling her towards him. She lost her balance for a moment and would have protested if his mouth hadn't already claimed hers. It was short compared to some of the other's that had been claimed from her. Oh, but the feeling in it! He had merely covered her mouth with his for the briefest of moments, gently impressing himself upon her before closing and receding, as if he had only the intent of stealing her breath. Such a technique was unknown to her but it wasn't very dominating or lustful, it should have only startled her slightly.
Instead she swayed unstably. With it had come a wave of passion, love and such a possessive protective need that she found herself standing from the support of his arms alone. She had never felt anything like that in her whole existence! Perhaps the northern elf was telling the truth, such a touch could only be magical. too good to be true.
She took a hasty step back, twisting out of his grasp. Recounting the afternoon she realized that she had eaten no food nor drink anything but stream water since she had parted company with her father and Kirel. So it was not from ingestion of drugs. At least not ones she had ingested. She had probably breathed in unconsciously when he had been so close, had he a stimulant on his breath it might well have effected her this way. Or it could be the northern magic that could supposedly seduce any whom fell under its power. But that was just rumor, everyone knew the five northern spells and what they encompassed.
She retreated wobbly, unsure of footing and incredibly un-elven. Where had her balance gone? Could he have stolen that from her breath? No. Impossible. He followed her at an arms length, much to close for comfort in her opinion. The forest light dimmed further still but she doubted she would be able to read such a face even if it were light, to read his intent. Hunters were notable by their self control.in the south. Fear also stole her breath as she found wood at her back. Her eyes, which had been fixed on the northerner for any signs of advance were oblivious to the crescent of trees she had unknowingly cornered herself in. She shrank against the bark.
The sudden presence of her sword struck the need for action in her. They were alone! If she could simply defeat him she would be free and able to make her way southwards. Her plan sank into darkness as she felt awareness sap from her. This, she knew to be northern magic! He would put her to sleep! For what purpose? To take her without resistance? The thought enveloped all others overwhelming her with panic that found no strength to show itself. She waited for the darkness to close all senses from her.
It did not come. As her strength wilted he caught her gently. His arms cupped her to him as he lifted her with no apparent strain. Unable to find even the strength to turn her head she saw only the dark canopy of trees. However when the trance was lifted from her she found herself in the heights of the trees. A large platform had been constructed that encircled the trunk of three trees, woven live branches above them served as a suitable roof should it rain. Open air surrounded the platforms, no railings giving even the slightest indication of safety. No ladders rope or otherwise were on the platforms, but trees surrounded them. These were the safety of the northern elves, nothing else in all of the land knew the method in which these elves traveled the trees.
How high was it?
The light was already dimming when they finally stopped. A thick canopy blocked her view of the sky but the overall light had changed from a pleasant shade to an overcast, pre-storm darkness. There was no signs of civilization. Or other elves. She dreaded the possibility of spending the night in what now seemed such a dark and menacing darkness. And only the one other with her as well. One other who was claiming truth that they were indeed intended for each other. On second thought, perhaps they were alone for that purpose. She tensed slightly at the thought. Northern elves were supposed to be barbaric, uncivil things. She didn't care much about their disregard for status, she found that elves who were not the son or daughter of a lord were minutely different. The fact that her father was a praised warrior gave their home some leverage when it came to social dealings but it did narrow down the marriage spectrum. She vaguely wondered what level of the northern society he was.
And then his hands were on her hips pulling her towards him. She lost her balance for a moment and would have protested if his mouth hadn't already claimed hers. It was short compared to some of the other's that had been claimed from her. Oh, but the feeling in it! He had merely covered her mouth with his for the briefest of moments, gently impressing himself upon her before closing and receding, as if he had only the intent of stealing her breath. Such a technique was unknown to her but it wasn't very dominating or lustful, it should have only startled her slightly.
Instead she swayed unstably. With it had come a wave of passion, love and such a possessive protective need that she found herself standing from the support of his arms alone. She had never felt anything like that in her whole existence! Perhaps the northern elf was telling the truth, such a touch could only be magical. too good to be true.
She took a hasty step back, twisting out of his grasp. Recounting the afternoon she realized that she had eaten no food nor drink anything but stream water since she had parted company with her father and Kirel. So it was not from ingestion of drugs. At least not ones she had ingested. She had probably breathed in unconsciously when he had been so close, had he a stimulant on his breath it might well have effected her this way. Or it could be the northern magic that could supposedly seduce any whom fell under its power. But that was just rumor, everyone knew the five northern spells and what they encompassed.
She retreated wobbly, unsure of footing and incredibly un-elven. Where had her balance gone? Could he have stolen that from her breath? No. Impossible. He followed her at an arms length, much to close for comfort in her opinion. The forest light dimmed further still but she doubted she would be able to read such a face even if it were light, to read his intent. Hunters were notable by their self control.in the south. Fear also stole her breath as she found wood at her back. Her eyes, which had been fixed on the northerner for any signs of advance were oblivious to the crescent of trees she had unknowingly cornered herself in. She shrank against the bark.
The sudden presence of her sword struck the need for action in her. They were alone! If she could simply defeat him she would be free and able to make her way southwards. Her plan sank into darkness as she felt awareness sap from her. This, she knew to be northern magic! He would put her to sleep! For what purpose? To take her without resistance? The thought enveloped all others overwhelming her with panic that found no strength to show itself. She waited for the darkness to close all senses from her.
It did not come. As her strength wilted he caught her gently. His arms cupped her to him as he lifted her with no apparent strain. Unable to find even the strength to turn her head she saw only the dark canopy of trees. However when the trance was lifted from her she found herself in the heights of the trees. A large platform had been constructed that encircled the trunk of three trees, woven live branches above them served as a suitable roof should it rain. Open air surrounded the platforms, no railings giving even the slightest indication of safety. No ladders rope or otherwise were on the platforms, but trees surrounded them. These were the safety of the northern elves, nothing else in all of the land knew the method in which these elves traveled the trees.
How high was it?