Hi everyone! New Inuyasha episodes air tonight!! 12:00 A.M. Eastern time.
:) I know I said this was going to be a bloody chapter, but it will be in
the next one, just wanted to give you something to read sense next chapter
will probably take awhile to write.
So,please keep reading and reviewing! You know how much we like it. Isn't that right,Gollum?
Gollum huddled in corner whispering, " The precious, stolen from us. Dirty,nastyes, hobbites, stole it from us. We hates them. We spits on them." He then proceeds to spit or make that sound.
Greenleaf: "An announcements you would like to make Smeagol, besides that?" Gollum: "Smeagol?? Smeagol, the Two Towers comes out tomorrow. Yes, we wants that too."
Ah yes, Lord of the Rings Two Towers comes out tomorrow, but wait until Nov. 12 for the extended version, much better. :)
Now for the fun DISCLAIMER: I own nothing. Don't sue me. Can you guess what song it is? Shinedown's "Fly From the Inside"
I only got one review :( but one is better than none. *Sigh*
watergoddesskasey: Hmmmm, I have been wondering that myself. There is going to be one or two more chapters for Etain and Frealaf, depends on what the mind comes up with, but Inuyasha is listening to the story, quietly! That is a surprise, isn't it? Glad you like the story, no I am full of zest at this. Please keep reading and let me know what you think. Tell your friends :)SELLOUT, no not really. I WANT MORE REVIEWS!!!!
Okay, so here is the chapter, it may be a little BLAH, maybe not YOU need to let me know what YOU think. Next chapter full of battle goodness. AHHHH, isn't that sweet?
Okay, REVIEW. MWHAHAHAHAHA. Is it MW or is it MU?
Chapter 22-Many Partings
Five Years later
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Etain walked through the endless hallways in the castle of her husband,Lord of the Western Lands, Frealaf. It had been a long,pleasant, vision free, five years since their wedding day.Her eyes brightened at the pleasant memory of their wedding.
She was much grieved for having to depart with Frealaf, leaving Celeblim, Naurlach, and her lands behind but being immortal she knew she would return, not only that but it would be five years on the stroke of midnight.
In her time spent at the castle, she began to memorize all the different stairways,passages, etc. She walked through the dark halls that lead deep into the heart of the castle.
She stopped at the end of a hall and stared at a very large picture of Frealaf's dragons. Both were in battle pose their shimmering green scales reflecting the burning sun, their yellow reptilian eyes, zooming in everything as prey. Their liquid silver claws caked in blood, standing on a large stormwing. Its eyes open,glistening in the sun, and its human face covered with blood, its sharp metal teeth were in view.
Frealaf was riding one of them, decked out in armor, with a large sword raised, gleaming with blood.
Between the two dragons laid a small, two-headed infant dragon, it was being taught the lessons of fighting, by Frealaf and its parents.She couldn't recall its name.
Etain softly placed both of her hands on a torch that rested beside the picture. She pushed on the hilt of the wood, causing the picture to come out of the wall, revealing a hidden stairway that lead up. Etain quickly descended the steps, they were made of iron and were very narrow. The entire way was pitch black, Etain knew each step, and where to place each foot.
After what seemed like an eternity, she saw a light ahead. She quickened her pace, nearly running towards the light.
Etain ran out of the open door, the stairs she had descended lead her straight on top of the castle.
Etain's purpose of coming here was to stare at the moon. Looking up at the sky she noted the moon would be full in a few days. Its face seemed to grinning down at her evilly.
Etain took a step back and muttered, "Harvest Moon." The Harvest Moon always meant ill fortunes would soon happen. Old stories from Kings said it usually meant some type of battle would take place in the near future.
Etain began to look down at the surrounding kingdom. The demons were very nice, but she missed her home, and Celeblim especially. There were no waterfalls or beaches were, only a few lakes were scattered across this land.
It was a beautiful land, with heavily foliaged forests, and meadows with green grass, but winter touched this land like no land Etain had ever lived in. Her home, winter never killed the trees,grass, flowers, or froze the water.
The temperature home was perfect. Etain shook her head and reminded herself that this wasn't home. That thought now seemed to nag at her mind more often.
Etain heard wind chimes, marking the midnight hour, the new day had arrived.Etain felt Goosebumps form all over her body, causing her to shiver. Two strong arms wrapped around her waist.
Etain jumped in shock,but relaxed as she felt Frealaf's lip press against her neck."Mind being a little louder next time?" She whispered softly.
She felt Frealaf's grin against her neck, as he began to nip her. She squirmed out of his hold, and walked a few feet away, so she could look at him and the moon reflecting off his silver hair.
Frealaf's eyes widened a bit, he raised his nose and sniffed the air.
'Don't be such a dog." Etain giggled quietly.
Frealaf continued his smelling of the air process. Etain scanned the area for any intruders, she saw nothing, and she heard nothing with her elvish ears.
"What is the matter?" Etain questioned Frealaf.
He began to stalk towards, his eyes flickering red.
Etain raised an eyebrow at him curiously, but noticed his eyes were once again changing into their demon form.
Frealaf walked closely around Etain, his neck stretched out, smelling her, his eyes turning blood red.
"Frealaf, what is the matter with you?"
Frealaf threw himself away from her, shrinking in the shadows, he gripped his hair.
Etain slowly and calmly walked over to him, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder, as he had done five years earlier.
Frealaf looked up at her, his eyes and face masked by the dark shadows.
"Frealaf"
Frealaf rose from his hiding place, revealing his normal golden eye color. "How could you, Etain, and with who?" Frealaf asked with a pained expression on his face, he looked like someone had just betrayed him.
Etain took a startled step backwards, she had no idea what he was talking about." Wh......What are you talking about?" She stammered out.
" You know well what I speak of." Frealaf stated his face becoming masked with anger.
Etain had not a clue of what he was accusing her off. "What??"
Frealaf seemed very frustrated with her and nearly yelled, "Your scent, I smell another on you. How could you? I thought you were happy. At least tell me who it was."
Etain's eyes widened with surprise, he was accusing her of having a lover?
" I know not of what you speak, there has been no other but you."
Frealaf looked like he was going to believe her, but turned away from her, staring out into the vast sky.
Etain ran to Frealaf and forced him to face her. "Frealaf, I swear to you, I do not know of what you speak."
Frealaf looked into Etain's pleading eyes, full of sincerity and honesty. His nose suddenly picked up a metallic scent, emitting off her.
His eyes widened in surprise, the scent was his own, mingled with Etain's, and..
His eyes nearly popped out in recognition, Etain was with child.
Etain looked at Frealaf with strange expression echoing her face. She thought females were suppose to have the mood swings.
Frealaf scooped Etain up in his arms, shielding her from any harm, making her squeak.
" Frealaf, what are you doing?" She managed to gasp.
'Forgive me, forgive me." Was all Frealaf could mumble. He had waited five long years for a child. Yes, they were immortal but he wanted children.
"Frealaf, PUT ME DOWN!! and stop this nonsense and tell me what is wrong with you!" Etain demanded.
Frealaf gently placed Etain on the ground and looked into her eyes. "Etain, you are with child."
Etain's face paled and she looked like she was about to faint. "It can't be......I can not......" Etain began to speak but trailed off in thought.
Frealaf was taken back by her reaction. "I thought you would be happy about this." Frealaf placed his hand underneath her chin, and lifted her chin up so he could look at her. "Etain?"
"Hmmm?" Etain eyes snapped out their trance and she looked at Frealaf, who was awaiting her reply.
"I am..........I'm just surprised."
Frealaf seemed satisfied with that answer. " Come, you must get lots of rest. I will announce the wonderful news to the kingdom tomorrow." With that said, he picked Etain up and carried her back to their chambers.
The Next Day
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" Etain." A soothing voice called her name repentantly.
Etain felt herself running through endless fields of flowers, running across lakes, until she found the one calling her.
Celeblim in all his brilliance, stood in a field of waist high golden wheat.His silver coat reflecting the burning sun, causing a prism effect.
"Celeblim!" Etain cried out as she ran towards him, she buried her face in his neck.
" I have missed you so much. Why have you not visited me?"
" Etain, it is time for your return. They will try and prevent you from coming, nothing must stop you not even the child you carry."
Etain had tears in her eyes as she looked up at Celeblim, realizing her love for him, she felt like she belonged with him.
"Why did I get with child? I thought demons and elves could not cross."
Celeblim tossed his mane, as his nuzzled Etain.
" That I can not answer for you. Only the higher power wanted it to, the child you carry will play a part in something yet."
" Why couldn't you and I stay together?"
" Now is not the time. We will have our time but you must listen to me. Frealaf will form an alliance with some race of men, even against your warning, and he will not allow you to leave these lands, especially since you carry his child. You must promise me you will depart from here in no more than three days.
Your people need you, the battle of destiny is coming swiftly and you are the only one you can protect our home and people."
Etain looked up at Celeblim and placed a soft kiss on his muzzle.
"You know I already promised you. Just don't send me one of this horrible visions."
"That I do not have control over, if you seem to be walking away, it is sent to you automatically, don't lose your hold on the string, Etain."
Etain smiled at Celeblim. Everything he said made sense. " May I see you in your true form?"
"That may be too powerful for you, but I will show you this form."
Etain shielded her eyes as a brilliant silver light appeared her mouth dropped open as she started at one of the most beautiful creatures she had ever seen.
" Celeblim?" Etain gasped taking in his height, he must have been at least 6'7 or more, his long silver hair, was straight and reached past his stomach, it was a true color of silver not light like Frealaf's but silver.
His face was perfect, with crystal blue eyes that smiled at her, his skin was radiating a silver white glow.
" Did I surprise you?" Without another word he stooped down and kissed her.
This kiss was nothing like Frealaf's, this one sent her into a total state of bliss.
After what seemed an eternity, Celeblim broke the kiss and changed back into his Elvish horse form, the one she had known, and galloped across the field out of sight.
Etain touched her lips, smiling.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Etain awoke to Frealaf dismounting her. She almost screamed at Frealaf for what he had done.
"WHY WERE YOU DOING THAT?" She screeched at Frealaf who placed a warm kiss on her forehead.
"I was just so happy and you seemed to be enjoying it."
She almost voiced why she had been smiling but caught herself before she spoke.
Frealaf began dressing in his "important" clothes.
" Who are you meeting with?"
" Well, I have an important meeting with Aaken about an alliance we may be able to form, and I was planning on hosting a festival tonight in celebration of our child." Frealaf kneeled down and placed a kiss on her stomach, then left.
Etain recalled Celeblim's words about an alliance with the race of men. ' No, it can't be, Frealaf will destroy my kingdom?'
Etain quickly rose and ran to clean herself and she haltingly dressed. She wanted to find Frealaf and that horrible toad demon, Aaken.He reminded her of a parasite,no matter what you did, it always would return.
Frealaf preferred her to wear dresses, but Etain didn't like them, so she decided to put her breeches and tunic on along with her old uniform she always wore. Her eyes spotted a small,wooden box hidden underneath the bed.
She kneeled down and drew the box out from under the bed, and began to slowly open the box. Something seemed so familiar about it, her mind seemed to be trying to place it, but couldn't grasp whatever it was.
A soft glow was emitting out of the box, as her eyes adjusted to the glow. She took in vivaciously the contents of the box.
There were a few small daggers, and a miniature bow with arrows. 'These are my old weapons. Why is it I don't remember placing them here? Their size, for they have greatly decreased in size.'
She picked her bow up and as she removed it from the box, it returned to its normal size. 'Impossible! The box is charmed, but the magic is undetectable. I'll keep this secret, they may yet come in handy.' She quickly shoved the box under the bed. She continued with her dressing and nearly ran out of her room.
She ran down the hall asking servants where the council was taking place. Of course it would be in the proper place, the Fellowship Room, is what Frealaf commonly referred it to be called.Where all the visitors of countries came to form treaties with.
Etain ran down a long hallway, scooping out the golden doors that would mark her targeted destination. Her eyes flew to her wanted area.
Etain burst through the golden doors, and was stared at by Frealaf with a questioning and two very ugly toad eyes stared at her in annoyance.
"M' Lady." Aaken said reluctantly. " What brings this honor?"
Etain wanted to punch his ugly little face in. But she managed a smile and a civil hello.
" Do you need something?" Frealaf asked her.
"No, I wanted to speak with you about this alliance you are discussing."
Frealaf covered his mouth to hide his smile and Aaken openly laughed out loud. " A female discuss matters of alliances? HAHAHHAHAHAHHAHA"
Etain looked very pissed. She walked slowly over to Aaken, descending upon him like he was prey. She felt a growl rise in her voice, Aaken had a look of amusement on his face. " A female attack me? HAHAHHAHAHAHA!!"
"Really, toad? I would think twice about that." Etain sprang upon Aaken, gripping him by the throat, raising him off the ground. Aaken had a look of terror on his face now.
Etain puckered her lips up, " Ah, no comment? Too bad."
" H......e..........l............p.............!!" Aaken choked his eyes rolling, trying to seek Frealaf out.
"Etain." Frealaf's stern voice called out.
Etain dropped Aaken onto the floor, causing the toad to smash into the floor, gasping for breath.
" What would you like to say,Etain? Did you come in here just to attack my servant?"
" No, as I said I need to discuss your questions about forming an alliance with these men. You must not, they have deceived my people and are planning an attack on them. Never trust the race of men, all they desire is power and coming out on top."
" Don't we all. I must disagree with you Etain. They are in the East now and will be a very worthy ally. They are many foes out there that we may yet have to fight."
Etain pounded her fist on the table, causing the glass table to crack,and a small gash causing an amount of blood to flow. " YOU MUST NOT!" Etain yelled angrily.
Frealaf jumped up and looked down at her. " Etain, you must be careful, you do not want to harm the child. I will discuss this with Aaken."
Etain was fuming with anger, and the blood was pounding into her head, she had to go out running or go practice using her sword and arrow.
" I am going to be in the training yard."
"No, Etain, you may not train heavily like you do, we want no harm to come to the child."
" I will practice as usually, the child will be fine, deal with it."
Etain spun around and began to leave but her wrist was caught by Frealaf.
" Etain, please."
Etain shook her head and said, " Fine, I'll train lightly."
With that she left.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Etain was pacing in their chambers, waiting for Frealaf to return and tell her of his decision. She was about to go seek him but he appeared that second.
She nearly ran at him, " Well, what happened?"
" Woah!!" Frealaf smiled, " We have formed an alliance with the Eastern men." He said proudly.
"WHAT?! I warned you about them. Why would you do something like that?"
" Etain, you do not understand. Are you ready for the celebration?"
Etain's face began to shadow as she scowled at him.' I do not know understand, fledgling? I was trained in this, grew up in the greatest kingdom, saw this happen on a daily basis, and you tell me I do not understand?'
" I am not going." Etain said simply.
" What? You have to go, you are the mother to-be!"
"No, I don't have to do anything. I must tell you that I will be leaving in the morning to return to my home. My father is ill and my people need me. May I take a dragon and send it back when I arrive?"
Frealaf looked at her stunned. " You are leaving? Why did I not see this messenger?"
" Yes, I will leave early in the morning. So,may I borrow a dragon?"
" You are my queen, you can have anything you want, but I deny you my permission to leave my lands. You are with child and I will not have you in any danger. Now, prepare yourself for the festival."
" You will not allow me to leave freely? I am not attending the festival."
Frealaf looked at her, his anger building. " No, you may not leave my lands. You belong to me, and I will not have you risking your life or my child's life. I will tell everyone of the good news,and that you are sick. You are to stay in these chambers, and are not permitted anywhere without me. I will see you late tonight."
He stalked out of the room, and she heard his words to guards. 'So, it is going to be this way. Fine.I can not believe he would support something that would destroy my home.'
Etain paced the room thinking of her escape and how to leave without alerting anyone. All of the stable guards and all of the villagers would be drunk because of the festivals, so it would be easy not to be seen.
Her suddenly remembered the weapons she had found previously.
She laid flat on floor, searching with her fingers for the box. She hit something, feeling it, she knew it was the box, dragging out from under the bed, she opened it quickly.
Her eyes scanned out all of the weapons, bow,arrows,a couple of draggers she could strap to her calves, and legs, and one sword.
She snapped the daggers around her legs, in easy reach, placed her arrow and bows on her back, and strapped her sword around her waist. "Good to go." She whispered walking towards the exit.
Etain peeped her head out the door, the guards turned to look at her, she smiled sweetly at them. " Hi boys, I am not feeling to well, could you help me in here?"
The guards looked at each other, and nodded their heads, and walked slowly through the large,wooden doors.
Etain grinned at them as she slowed down so they were now in front of her. "What do you need help with My Lady?"
Etain smashed their heads together, they began to crash into the floor, but Etain rushed forward and caught each of them, so they wouldn't make any noise. She had to leave quietly.
Etain using her Elvish skills, walked soundlessly out of the castle, she could hear much noise coming from the outside yard, near the stable. Etain cursed silently to herself and at Frealaf, he purposely had the festival by the stables so she would be seen if she attempted escaping with a dragon.
'I can play this game too, Frealaf.' Etain crept low to the ground, weaving in and out of bushes and trees, that would lead her into the forests. She had to cross a barren field before she would hit the forest. She was debating whether running would be easier or dragging herself with her arms across the field would be easier, her spine stiffened as she heard footsteps approaching.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Back at the "Celebration"
Frealaf raised a cup of their best wine, and toasted his wife, and his fellow demons,and his unborn child. Whispers were uttered at the thought of a half-ling ruling. " What talk is this? My child will be no halfling, you may not degrade him before he can defend himself. He will have the powers of demon and elvish they both flow through his veins, consider yourselves lucky for such a worthy heir to the Western Lands."
Aaken had surrounded himself with female toad demons, looking at each with a new interest, he knew Frealaf was to present him with a gift. "Are you so sure it will be a male, m' Lord?"
Frealaf chuckled at Aaken's arrogance. He rose his glass of purple liquid, spilling a small amount in the process and said, " They will all be male! Never in history has a female been born to the throne."
Everyone cheered to that, Aaken wanted to argue the fact that all the past queens had been Inu or related to that, but bit his lip, and returned to his merciless flirting.
" I owe, my loyal servant, Aaken a gift. Name your gift Aaken."
" A female, m' Lord, would be wonderful."
" So be it, take her as a gift of thanks from me and the kingdom for your loyal services."
As everyone cheered and hollered and belittled themselves even more by the alcohol intake, Frealaf sipped at his wine, but a quick movement of shadows crossing the field they were beside that lead into the forest caught his attention.
Frealaf rose in all his glory and praising from his people. " Excuse, I thank all of you for attending and please do keep celebrating as long as you like, but I must check on my sick Lady."
Frealaf moved into the shadows away from the lights and demons, as he began seeking the scent out of this shadow. His nose picked up the familiar scent of Etain. He growled softly realizing she had escaped the guards, and was leaving.
He walked quietly behind the hunched figure, that was half way across the field. He knew it was Etain, seeing the silver gold hair, and her figure, plus he could now smell his child in her. He would wait until she entered the forest, he did not want anyone to see them.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Etain reached the shelter of the trees in no time. She stood up and brushed herself off and turned to look at the castle for the last time. She had a feeling she may not live to see this place again. " Good bye, Frealaf." Etain whispered and bowed her head for a moment and turned to begin her journey. She felt a sudden rush, as someone zoomed by her.
Frealaf heard her say good bye. 'Why is she leaving? Not because of the alliance?' He took off to stop her, flashing by her to cut her path off.
Etain gasped in surprise as an angry and disturbing Frealaf stood before, panting and looking down at her like she was a child that had disobeyed him.
"Where do you think you are going?"
Etain quickly recovered, and brushed past him, "Out of my way, Frealaf."
Frealaf looked inclined to strike Etain, but started circling her preventing her from moving forward, an angry expression endowing his fair features. " Where are you fleeing to, Etain?"
Etain stared straight ahead into the vast nothingness, looking blanking at Frealaf. She recalled Celeblim's words of warning to her. She was dragged out of her thoughts by someone shaking her roughly, digging their claws into her flesh. Her eyes snapped open, to stare straight into Frealaf's golden orbs. " What is the meaning of this?" Etain demanded.
" You are my queen, and wife, and here I catch you scurrying in the darkness of night into the forest? Directly against my wishes, please speak to me and tell me of this madness."
" Oh, you wish to know everything do you? Let me tell you, I warned you of the treacherous ways of men, disgusting creatures are they, the ones you made this alliance with.
Does it mean nothing to you that I warned you? These people will attack my home.
They are forming an army of mountain elves, who betrayed my people long ago, teaming up with orcs and the race of men to destroy our peaceful land. Are you going to join it? Be forewarned, I will fight you and if I have to, I will kill you.
So, remove yourself from my path, and I let me walk down destiny's road. Fate has left its bowels on my shoulders."
Frealaf had not released her, she with lightning speed, she drew her sword and pointed it at his throat.
Here's the weight of the world on my shoulders
Here's the weight of the world on my shoulders
On my shoulders
All alone I pierce the chain
And all in all the sting remains
And dieing eyes consume me now
The voice inside screams out loud
I am focused on what I am after
The key to the next open chapter
Cause I found a way to steal the sun from the sky
Long live that day that I decided to fly from the inside
Every day a new deception
Pick your scene and take direction
And all in all I search to connect
But I don't wear a mask and I have no regrets
I am focused on what I am after
The key to the next open chapter
CHORUS
I can't escape the pain
I can't control the rage
Sometimes I think that I'm gonna go insane
I'm not against what's right
I'm not for what's wrong
I'm just making my way and I'm gone
Here's the weight of the world on my shoulders
" Remove yourself, or I will strike. Do not become my enemy,Frealaf." Etain almost said in a pleading tone.
Frealaf merely stared at Etain, a mixture of emotions emitting off of him. He was surprised at Etain, she stood proudly, glowing with anger, and something he could not describe, he couldn't fathom something about her.He retracted his claws, and backed a few feet away.
" Etain, even if what you speak of is true, I cannot allow you to go. You carry my child and no ill shall come to him."
" A male is it? You cannot stop me. I promise you, I shall return the child. My people and lands come first." With that said, she brushed past him, walking down the path.
" Etain." Frealaf called.
Etain paused in her stride, turning her head to the side, waiting for him to speak. " Do you love me?"
Etain was startled with the question, Etain knew she must not say anything encouraging to him, they were not meant to be, and it would only prevent him from finding true love. "No, not the way you think." She whispered and began walking again.
Frealaf watched Etain's retreating figure disappear into the shadows, staring at her back he sank onto his knees and buried his head into his lap, raking his claws across his scalp in his moment of despair..
So,please keep reading and reviewing! You know how much we like it. Isn't that right,Gollum?
Gollum huddled in corner whispering, " The precious, stolen from us. Dirty,nastyes, hobbites, stole it from us. We hates them. We spits on them." He then proceeds to spit or make that sound.
Greenleaf: "An announcements you would like to make Smeagol, besides that?" Gollum: "Smeagol?? Smeagol, the Two Towers comes out tomorrow. Yes, we wants that too."
Ah yes, Lord of the Rings Two Towers comes out tomorrow, but wait until Nov. 12 for the extended version, much better. :)
Now for the fun DISCLAIMER: I own nothing. Don't sue me. Can you guess what song it is? Shinedown's "Fly From the Inside"
I only got one review :( but one is better than none. *Sigh*
watergoddesskasey: Hmmmm, I have been wondering that myself. There is going to be one or two more chapters for Etain and Frealaf, depends on what the mind comes up with, but Inuyasha is listening to the story, quietly! That is a surprise, isn't it? Glad you like the story, no I am full of zest at this. Please keep reading and let me know what you think. Tell your friends :)SELLOUT, no not really. I WANT MORE REVIEWS!!!!
Okay, so here is the chapter, it may be a little BLAH, maybe not YOU need to let me know what YOU think. Next chapter full of battle goodness. AHHHH, isn't that sweet?
Okay, REVIEW. MWHAHAHAHAHA. Is it MW or is it MU?
Chapter 22-Many Partings
Five Years later
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Etain walked through the endless hallways in the castle of her husband,Lord of the Western Lands, Frealaf. It had been a long,pleasant, vision free, five years since their wedding day.Her eyes brightened at the pleasant memory of their wedding.
She was much grieved for having to depart with Frealaf, leaving Celeblim, Naurlach, and her lands behind but being immortal she knew she would return, not only that but it would be five years on the stroke of midnight.
In her time spent at the castle, she began to memorize all the different stairways,passages, etc. She walked through the dark halls that lead deep into the heart of the castle.
She stopped at the end of a hall and stared at a very large picture of Frealaf's dragons. Both were in battle pose their shimmering green scales reflecting the burning sun, their yellow reptilian eyes, zooming in everything as prey. Their liquid silver claws caked in blood, standing on a large stormwing. Its eyes open,glistening in the sun, and its human face covered with blood, its sharp metal teeth were in view.
Frealaf was riding one of them, decked out in armor, with a large sword raised, gleaming with blood.
Between the two dragons laid a small, two-headed infant dragon, it was being taught the lessons of fighting, by Frealaf and its parents.She couldn't recall its name.
Etain softly placed both of her hands on a torch that rested beside the picture. She pushed on the hilt of the wood, causing the picture to come out of the wall, revealing a hidden stairway that lead up. Etain quickly descended the steps, they were made of iron and were very narrow. The entire way was pitch black, Etain knew each step, and where to place each foot.
After what seemed like an eternity, she saw a light ahead. She quickened her pace, nearly running towards the light.
Etain ran out of the open door, the stairs she had descended lead her straight on top of the castle.
Etain's purpose of coming here was to stare at the moon. Looking up at the sky she noted the moon would be full in a few days. Its face seemed to grinning down at her evilly.
Etain took a step back and muttered, "Harvest Moon." The Harvest Moon always meant ill fortunes would soon happen. Old stories from Kings said it usually meant some type of battle would take place in the near future.
Etain began to look down at the surrounding kingdom. The demons were very nice, but she missed her home, and Celeblim especially. There were no waterfalls or beaches were, only a few lakes were scattered across this land.
It was a beautiful land, with heavily foliaged forests, and meadows with green grass, but winter touched this land like no land Etain had ever lived in. Her home, winter never killed the trees,grass, flowers, or froze the water.
The temperature home was perfect. Etain shook her head and reminded herself that this wasn't home. That thought now seemed to nag at her mind more often.
Etain heard wind chimes, marking the midnight hour, the new day had arrived.Etain felt Goosebumps form all over her body, causing her to shiver. Two strong arms wrapped around her waist.
Etain jumped in shock,but relaxed as she felt Frealaf's lip press against her neck."Mind being a little louder next time?" She whispered softly.
She felt Frealaf's grin against her neck, as he began to nip her. She squirmed out of his hold, and walked a few feet away, so she could look at him and the moon reflecting off his silver hair.
Frealaf's eyes widened a bit, he raised his nose and sniffed the air.
'Don't be such a dog." Etain giggled quietly.
Frealaf continued his smelling of the air process. Etain scanned the area for any intruders, she saw nothing, and she heard nothing with her elvish ears.
"What is the matter?" Etain questioned Frealaf.
He began to stalk towards, his eyes flickering red.
Etain raised an eyebrow at him curiously, but noticed his eyes were once again changing into their demon form.
Frealaf walked closely around Etain, his neck stretched out, smelling her, his eyes turning blood red.
"Frealaf, what is the matter with you?"
Frealaf threw himself away from her, shrinking in the shadows, he gripped his hair.
Etain slowly and calmly walked over to him, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder, as he had done five years earlier.
Frealaf looked up at her, his eyes and face masked by the dark shadows.
"Frealaf"
Frealaf rose from his hiding place, revealing his normal golden eye color. "How could you, Etain, and with who?" Frealaf asked with a pained expression on his face, he looked like someone had just betrayed him.
Etain took a startled step backwards, she had no idea what he was talking about." Wh......What are you talking about?" She stammered out.
" You know well what I speak of." Frealaf stated his face becoming masked with anger.
Etain had not a clue of what he was accusing her off. "What??"
Frealaf seemed very frustrated with her and nearly yelled, "Your scent, I smell another on you. How could you? I thought you were happy. At least tell me who it was."
Etain's eyes widened with surprise, he was accusing her of having a lover?
" I know not of what you speak, there has been no other but you."
Frealaf looked like he was going to believe her, but turned away from her, staring out into the vast sky.
Etain ran to Frealaf and forced him to face her. "Frealaf, I swear to you, I do not know of what you speak."
Frealaf looked into Etain's pleading eyes, full of sincerity and honesty. His nose suddenly picked up a metallic scent, emitting off her.
His eyes widened in surprise, the scent was his own, mingled with Etain's, and..
His eyes nearly popped out in recognition, Etain was with child.
Etain looked at Frealaf with strange expression echoing her face. She thought females were suppose to have the mood swings.
Frealaf scooped Etain up in his arms, shielding her from any harm, making her squeak.
" Frealaf, what are you doing?" She managed to gasp.
'Forgive me, forgive me." Was all Frealaf could mumble. He had waited five long years for a child. Yes, they were immortal but he wanted children.
"Frealaf, PUT ME DOWN!! and stop this nonsense and tell me what is wrong with you!" Etain demanded.
Frealaf gently placed Etain on the ground and looked into her eyes. "Etain, you are with child."
Etain's face paled and she looked like she was about to faint. "It can't be......I can not......" Etain began to speak but trailed off in thought.
Frealaf was taken back by her reaction. "I thought you would be happy about this." Frealaf placed his hand underneath her chin, and lifted her chin up so he could look at her. "Etain?"
"Hmmm?" Etain eyes snapped out their trance and she looked at Frealaf, who was awaiting her reply.
"I am..........I'm just surprised."
Frealaf seemed satisfied with that answer. " Come, you must get lots of rest. I will announce the wonderful news to the kingdom tomorrow." With that said, he picked Etain up and carried her back to their chambers.
The Next Day
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
" Etain." A soothing voice called her name repentantly.
Etain felt herself running through endless fields of flowers, running across lakes, until she found the one calling her.
Celeblim in all his brilliance, stood in a field of waist high golden wheat.His silver coat reflecting the burning sun, causing a prism effect.
"Celeblim!" Etain cried out as she ran towards him, she buried her face in his neck.
" I have missed you so much. Why have you not visited me?"
" Etain, it is time for your return. They will try and prevent you from coming, nothing must stop you not even the child you carry."
Etain had tears in her eyes as she looked up at Celeblim, realizing her love for him, she felt like she belonged with him.
"Why did I get with child? I thought demons and elves could not cross."
Celeblim tossed his mane, as his nuzzled Etain.
" That I can not answer for you. Only the higher power wanted it to, the child you carry will play a part in something yet."
" Why couldn't you and I stay together?"
" Now is not the time. We will have our time but you must listen to me. Frealaf will form an alliance with some race of men, even against your warning, and he will not allow you to leave these lands, especially since you carry his child. You must promise me you will depart from here in no more than three days.
Your people need you, the battle of destiny is coming swiftly and you are the only one you can protect our home and people."
Etain looked up at Celeblim and placed a soft kiss on his muzzle.
"You know I already promised you. Just don't send me one of this horrible visions."
"That I do not have control over, if you seem to be walking away, it is sent to you automatically, don't lose your hold on the string, Etain."
Etain smiled at Celeblim. Everything he said made sense. " May I see you in your true form?"
"That may be too powerful for you, but I will show you this form."
Etain shielded her eyes as a brilliant silver light appeared her mouth dropped open as she started at one of the most beautiful creatures she had ever seen.
" Celeblim?" Etain gasped taking in his height, he must have been at least 6'7 or more, his long silver hair, was straight and reached past his stomach, it was a true color of silver not light like Frealaf's but silver.
His face was perfect, with crystal blue eyes that smiled at her, his skin was radiating a silver white glow.
" Did I surprise you?" Without another word he stooped down and kissed her.
This kiss was nothing like Frealaf's, this one sent her into a total state of bliss.
After what seemed an eternity, Celeblim broke the kiss and changed back into his Elvish horse form, the one she had known, and galloped across the field out of sight.
Etain touched her lips, smiling.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Etain awoke to Frealaf dismounting her. She almost screamed at Frealaf for what he had done.
"WHY WERE YOU DOING THAT?" She screeched at Frealaf who placed a warm kiss on her forehead.
"I was just so happy and you seemed to be enjoying it."
She almost voiced why she had been smiling but caught herself before she spoke.
Frealaf began dressing in his "important" clothes.
" Who are you meeting with?"
" Well, I have an important meeting with Aaken about an alliance we may be able to form, and I was planning on hosting a festival tonight in celebration of our child." Frealaf kneeled down and placed a kiss on her stomach, then left.
Etain recalled Celeblim's words about an alliance with the race of men. ' No, it can't be, Frealaf will destroy my kingdom?'
Etain quickly rose and ran to clean herself and she haltingly dressed. She wanted to find Frealaf and that horrible toad demon, Aaken.He reminded her of a parasite,no matter what you did, it always would return.
Frealaf preferred her to wear dresses, but Etain didn't like them, so she decided to put her breeches and tunic on along with her old uniform she always wore. Her eyes spotted a small,wooden box hidden underneath the bed.
She kneeled down and drew the box out from under the bed, and began to slowly open the box. Something seemed so familiar about it, her mind seemed to be trying to place it, but couldn't grasp whatever it was.
A soft glow was emitting out of the box, as her eyes adjusted to the glow. She took in vivaciously the contents of the box.
There were a few small daggers, and a miniature bow with arrows. 'These are my old weapons. Why is it I don't remember placing them here? Their size, for they have greatly decreased in size.'
She picked her bow up and as she removed it from the box, it returned to its normal size. 'Impossible! The box is charmed, but the magic is undetectable. I'll keep this secret, they may yet come in handy.' She quickly shoved the box under the bed. She continued with her dressing and nearly ran out of her room.
She ran down the hall asking servants where the council was taking place. Of course it would be in the proper place, the Fellowship Room, is what Frealaf commonly referred it to be called.Where all the visitors of countries came to form treaties with.
Etain ran down a long hallway, scooping out the golden doors that would mark her targeted destination. Her eyes flew to her wanted area.
Etain burst through the golden doors, and was stared at by Frealaf with a questioning and two very ugly toad eyes stared at her in annoyance.
"M' Lady." Aaken said reluctantly. " What brings this honor?"
Etain wanted to punch his ugly little face in. But she managed a smile and a civil hello.
" Do you need something?" Frealaf asked her.
"No, I wanted to speak with you about this alliance you are discussing."
Frealaf covered his mouth to hide his smile and Aaken openly laughed out loud. " A female discuss matters of alliances? HAHAHHAHAHAHHAHA"
Etain looked very pissed. She walked slowly over to Aaken, descending upon him like he was prey. She felt a growl rise in her voice, Aaken had a look of amusement on his face. " A female attack me? HAHAHHAHAHAHA!!"
"Really, toad? I would think twice about that." Etain sprang upon Aaken, gripping him by the throat, raising him off the ground. Aaken had a look of terror on his face now.
Etain puckered her lips up, " Ah, no comment? Too bad."
" H......e..........l............p.............!!" Aaken choked his eyes rolling, trying to seek Frealaf out.
"Etain." Frealaf's stern voice called out.
Etain dropped Aaken onto the floor, causing the toad to smash into the floor, gasping for breath.
" What would you like to say,Etain? Did you come in here just to attack my servant?"
" No, as I said I need to discuss your questions about forming an alliance with these men. You must not, they have deceived my people and are planning an attack on them. Never trust the race of men, all they desire is power and coming out on top."
" Don't we all. I must disagree with you Etain. They are in the East now and will be a very worthy ally. They are many foes out there that we may yet have to fight."
Etain pounded her fist on the table, causing the glass table to crack,and a small gash causing an amount of blood to flow. " YOU MUST NOT!" Etain yelled angrily.
Frealaf jumped up and looked down at her. " Etain, you must be careful, you do not want to harm the child. I will discuss this with Aaken."
Etain was fuming with anger, and the blood was pounding into her head, she had to go out running or go practice using her sword and arrow.
" I am going to be in the training yard."
"No, Etain, you may not train heavily like you do, we want no harm to come to the child."
" I will practice as usually, the child will be fine, deal with it."
Etain spun around and began to leave but her wrist was caught by Frealaf.
" Etain, please."
Etain shook her head and said, " Fine, I'll train lightly."
With that she left.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Etain was pacing in their chambers, waiting for Frealaf to return and tell her of his decision. She was about to go seek him but he appeared that second.
She nearly ran at him, " Well, what happened?"
" Woah!!" Frealaf smiled, " We have formed an alliance with the Eastern men." He said proudly.
"WHAT?! I warned you about them. Why would you do something like that?"
" Etain, you do not understand. Are you ready for the celebration?"
Etain's face began to shadow as she scowled at him.' I do not know understand, fledgling? I was trained in this, grew up in the greatest kingdom, saw this happen on a daily basis, and you tell me I do not understand?'
" I am not going." Etain said simply.
" What? You have to go, you are the mother to-be!"
"No, I don't have to do anything. I must tell you that I will be leaving in the morning to return to my home. My father is ill and my people need me. May I take a dragon and send it back when I arrive?"
Frealaf looked at her stunned. " You are leaving? Why did I not see this messenger?"
" Yes, I will leave early in the morning. So,may I borrow a dragon?"
" You are my queen, you can have anything you want, but I deny you my permission to leave my lands. You are with child and I will not have you in any danger. Now, prepare yourself for the festival."
" You will not allow me to leave freely? I am not attending the festival."
Frealaf looked at her, his anger building. " No, you may not leave my lands. You belong to me, and I will not have you risking your life or my child's life. I will tell everyone of the good news,and that you are sick. You are to stay in these chambers, and are not permitted anywhere without me. I will see you late tonight."
He stalked out of the room, and she heard his words to guards. 'So, it is going to be this way. Fine.I can not believe he would support something that would destroy my home.'
Etain paced the room thinking of her escape and how to leave without alerting anyone. All of the stable guards and all of the villagers would be drunk because of the festivals, so it would be easy not to be seen.
Her suddenly remembered the weapons she had found previously.
She laid flat on floor, searching with her fingers for the box. She hit something, feeling it, she knew it was the box, dragging out from under the bed, she opened it quickly.
Her eyes scanned out all of the weapons, bow,arrows,a couple of draggers she could strap to her calves, and legs, and one sword.
She snapped the daggers around her legs, in easy reach, placed her arrow and bows on her back, and strapped her sword around her waist. "Good to go." She whispered walking towards the exit.
Etain peeped her head out the door, the guards turned to look at her, she smiled sweetly at them. " Hi boys, I am not feeling to well, could you help me in here?"
The guards looked at each other, and nodded their heads, and walked slowly through the large,wooden doors.
Etain grinned at them as she slowed down so they were now in front of her. "What do you need help with My Lady?"
Etain smashed their heads together, they began to crash into the floor, but Etain rushed forward and caught each of them, so they wouldn't make any noise. She had to leave quietly.
Etain using her Elvish skills, walked soundlessly out of the castle, she could hear much noise coming from the outside yard, near the stable. Etain cursed silently to herself and at Frealaf, he purposely had the festival by the stables so she would be seen if she attempted escaping with a dragon.
'I can play this game too, Frealaf.' Etain crept low to the ground, weaving in and out of bushes and trees, that would lead her into the forests. She had to cross a barren field before she would hit the forest. She was debating whether running would be easier or dragging herself with her arms across the field would be easier, her spine stiffened as she heard footsteps approaching.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Back at the "Celebration"
Frealaf raised a cup of their best wine, and toasted his wife, and his fellow demons,and his unborn child. Whispers were uttered at the thought of a half-ling ruling. " What talk is this? My child will be no halfling, you may not degrade him before he can defend himself. He will have the powers of demon and elvish they both flow through his veins, consider yourselves lucky for such a worthy heir to the Western Lands."
Aaken had surrounded himself with female toad demons, looking at each with a new interest, he knew Frealaf was to present him with a gift. "Are you so sure it will be a male, m' Lord?"
Frealaf chuckled at Aaken's arrogance. He rose his glass of purple liquid, spilling a small amount in the process and said, " They will all be male! Never in history has a female been born to the throne."
Everyone cheered to that, Aaken wanted to argue the fact that all the past queens had been Inu or related to that, but bit his lip, and returned to his merciless flirting.
" I owe, my loyal servant, Aaken a gift. Name your gift Aaken."
" A female, m' Lord, would be wonderful."
" So be it, take her as a gift of thanks from me and the kingdom for your loyal services."
As everyone cheered and hollered and belittled themselves even more by the alcohol intake, Frealaf sipped at his wine, but a quick movement of shadows crossing the field they were beside that lead into the forest caught his attention.
Frealaf rose in all his glory and praising from his people. " Excuse, I thank all of you for attending and please do keep celebrating as long as you like, but I must check on my sick Lady."
Frealaf moved into the shadows away from the lights and demons, as he began seeking the scent out of this shadow. His nose picked up the familiar scent of Etain. He growled softly realizing she had escaped the guards, and was leaving.
He walked quietly behind the hunched figure, that was half way across the field. He knew it was Etain, seeing the silver gold hair, and her figure, plus he could now smell his child in her. He would wait until she entered the forest, he did not want anyone to see them.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Etain reached the shelter of the trees in no time. She stood up and brushed herself off and turned to look at the castle for the last time. She had a feeling she may not live to see this place again. " Good bye, Frealaf." Etain whispered and bowed her head for a moment and turned to begin her journey. She felt a sudden rush, as someone zoomed by her.
Frealaf heard her say good bye. 'Why is she leaving? Not because of the alliance?' He took off to stop her, flashing by her to cut her path off.
Etain gasped in surprise as an angry and disturbing Frealaf stood before, panting and looking down at her like she was a child that had disobeyed him.
"Where do you think you are going?"
Etain quickly recovered, and brushed past him, "Out of my way, Frealaf."
Frealaf looked inclined to strike Etain, but started circling her preventing her from moving forward, an angry expression endowing his fair features. " Where are you fleeing to, Etain?"
Etain stared straight ahead into the vast nothingness, looking blanking at Frealaf. She recalled Celeblim's words of warning to her. She was dragged out of her thoughts by someone shaking her roughly, digging their claws into her flesh. Her eyes snapped open, to stare straight into Frealaf's golden orbs. " What is the meaning of this?" Etain demanded.
" You are my queen, and wife, and here I catch you scurrying in the darkness of night into the forest? Directly against my wishes, please speak to me and tell me of this madness."
" Oh, you wish to know everything do you? Let me tell you, I warned you of the treacherous ways of men, disgusting creatures are they, the ones you made this alliance with.
Does it mean nothing to you that I warned you? These people will attack my home.
They are forming an army of mountain elves, who betrayed my people long ago, teaming up with orcs and the race of men to destroy our peaceful land. Are you going to join it? Be forewarned, I will fight you and if I have to, I will kill you.
So, remove yourself from my path, and I let me walk down destiny's road. Fate has left its bowels on my shoulders."
Frealaf had not released her, she with lightning speed, she drew her sword and pointed it at his throat.
Here's the weight of the world on my shoulders
Here's the weight of the world on my shoulders
On my shoulders
All alone I pierce the chain
And all in all the sting remains
And dieing eyes consume me now
The voice inside screams out loud
I am focused on what I am after
The key to the next open chapter
Cause I found a way to steal the sun from the sky
Long live that day that I decided to fly from the inside
Every day a new deception
Pick your scene and take direction
And all in all I search to connect
But I don't wear a mask and I have no regrets
I am focused on what I am after
The key to the next open chapter
CHORUS
I can't escape the pain
I can't control the rage
Sometimes I think that I'm gonna go insane
I'm not against what's right
I'm not for what's wrong
I'm just making my way and I'm gone
Here's the weight of the world on my shoulders
" Remove yourself, or I will strike. Do not become my enemy,Frealaf." Etain almost said in a pleading tone.
Frealaf merely stared at Etain, a mixture of emotions emitting off of him. He was surprised at Etain, she stood proudly, glowing with anger, and something he could not describe, he couldn't fathom something about her.He retracted his claws, and backed a few feet away.
" Etain, even if what you speak of is true, I cannot allow you to go. You carry my child and no ill shall come to him."
" A male is it? You cannot stop me. I promise you, I shall return the child. My people and lands come first." With that said, she brushed past him, walking down the path.
" Etain." Frealaf called.
Etain paused in her stride, turning her head to the side, waiting for him to speak. " Do you love me?"
Etain was startled with the question, Etain knew she must not say anything encouraging to him, they were not meant to be, and it would only prevent him from finding true love. "No, not the way you think." She whispered and began walking again.
Frealaf watched Etain's retreating figure disappear into the shadows, staring at her back he sank onto his knees and buried his head into his lap, raking his claws across his scalp in his moment of despair..