Chapter 5

The king was escorted to his own chamber in the east wing of Elden palace, along with his accompanying riders. They had been traveling nearly eight days but showed no signs of weariness- only increasing impatience. He had less than three months to gather up enough military force and supplies to back them up before En Sabah Nur reached the border of Ayden, and that was something he would not allow. Rather, he needed to press forward and meet the man halfway.

Now, he was asking a Queen for help on this war. A woman. He couldn't help but wonder what a woman could understand of a man's war. Women, especially those of royal blood, were raised to socialize and know the latest dress fabric trend. Not strategize or even partake in the act of bloodshed.

All these things on his mind, he was dealing with a more personal matter. Ever since reaching Elden, a strange tingling had affected his head. He was beginning to hear what he believed to be voices- not so much from his own head, but thoughts from people around him. It wasn't exactly a new experience to him. It had happened before when he was younger, playing in the attic of Ayden palace and had discovered a trunk of his deceased mother's. Going through her old things, he came upon an amulet with a strange crest he did not recognize. Upon placing it around his neck, it vibrated and voices had flooded into his head, frightening him. He returned later that week and began to master the power the amulet gave him over the next few years until his father had discovered him one day and shattered it right before Nathan's very eyes, saying, "No son of mine will dabble in the magics of such a filthy race!"

He stared at the portrait of the Queen of Elden above the mantle of his quarters, wondering how his father could've held such contempt for an amazing culture. There was no question Ororo was beautiful, the only dark elf born to Elden in recorded history. The portrait displayed the profile of the queen half nude, her flowing white hair half pinned up with most of it cascading down her back, stopping shortly before a sheet wrapped around her waist. It created an enchanting contrast to her honey complexion, set off by feline blue eyes. Her arm closest to the artist was extended, hiding her breast in shadows and a small rain shower cascaded over her open palm. Small silver cuffs decorated her ears and her smile was a confidant one. He hoped she was as wise as she was beautiful.

A knock at the door. "Sire," it was a young woman's voice.

"Yes, come in." His gaze left the portrait above the fireplace and fell upon a young girl that appeared to be about seventeen- which appearances meant nothing here. Her sharp elf ears were covered by her long brown hair and… Is she sticking out of the door itself?

She seemed impervious to his studying face and continued, "I've been sent to escort you and your men to the Grand Hall for dinner."

"Thank you, we'll be right down." The girl disappeared through the wall and he shook his head. This was definitely going to be an unusual stay.

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All of the men of Ayden made no attempt to hide their admiration of the Elden palace, and the grand hall was no exception.

The young girl led them down a set of marble stairs to the table. A manservant stood by each chair, ready to fetch whatever delicacy the travel-worn men desired. She seated Nathan specifically on the right side of the head of the table. Everywhere around them, Elves danced to the enchanting music. Suddenly, the music came to a halt and every dancer fell on their knees, bowing to a figure at the top of the stairs from the west wing.

Nathan and his men rose from the table and bowed to acknowledge the queen. The woman floated down the marble stairs, her green and gold robes swayed in an unfelt breeze, her eyes locked on King Dayspring. Once reaching the bottom, she smiled and nodded to the orchestra. Immediately, the chords began again and people rose, finding the rhythm of the song once more.

Forgetting her "grace" as queen, she sped walked to the table and extended a hand to the King, astonished at how much bigger he was in person- nearly two heads taller than she.

"Still in your armor, my lord? I do not see a war nearby." She extended her slender hand which he took in his large one and kissed it, holding her blue eyed gaze as he did.

"Still? I don't recall having seen you before this moment…"

She smiled. "this palace is not absent of windows- and with guests expected, it is not unusual to look outside when they're presence is evident."

They both were seated and food was brought out. He raised an eyebrow, "Aren't the other guests to eat?"

"They've been served. This is exclusively for your men- travel is not the most invigorating experience in Elden wood." She raised a silver goblet to her lips and took a sip of sparkling wine. "Now, to get to business." She set her cup on the table. "I'm not one to mix business with formality so I'll get to the point. As I told your messenger, Elden has evolved tremendously since Achmed passed away. By the way, how did you like the gifts I sent?"

"Wonderful- they look nice on my mantle." He said gruffly. She acted no different than any queen he had encountered. As a matter of fact, she seemed almost more childish.

She couldn't help but smile at his straightforwardness- he was not going to let her beat around the bush on this. "At least they're serving some purpose. I pray you don't have children to knock them off."

"No, I'd have no time for children. Anyway, about this war…" He was pressing for her to continue and it was bothering him that the strange tingling that had affected his head since approaching Elden had grown more fervent. Voices had begun to enter his head more forcefully. He forced himself to try and remember what he did all those years ago to keep them out and they began to fade.

"Continuing, Elden is no longer a home to just magic wielding elves. Since Achmed's death, they have been trained to be formidable warrior's with or without a sword and mastery in Archery. Every Eldinian begins training at 3 years old- with only a staff of course. They graduate to a various arsenal of weapons as they progress and finally choose a weapon to master in. Over all, they make better allies than you ever imagined." Her eyes sparkled with life at the thought of all the people she had taught fight over the years.

Nathan appeared skeptical. "Your majesty, who did you find qualified enough to train an entire kingdom?"

"I guess you'll see tomorrow at the sparring event. I'd divulge more, but for now," she grinned and rose from her seat, "I want to dance!" She immediately threw herself in the throng of people, moving her body lithely and having no trouble finding a partner- at least four approached her and she danced with each of them, every song fast paced and urgent. Gradually Nathan's men took notice of the dancers around them, looking upon the merry elves with a longing to join them.

A beautiful, pink haired girl in a sky blue dress approached Samuel a bit shyly and took his hand. "I'm Sarah, my Lord. Would you care to dance?" He couldn't resist and joined her in the crowd.

Nathan decided to reach out and see if he couldn't still pick up a stray thought or two. Most were on the queen and filled with admiration of her spirit, some were of jealousy of her Highness, the girl dancing with Sam was full of adoration for the blond boy.

Ororo spun out of the hands of yet anther dance partner and landed in Nathan's lap. The silver cuffs in her ears sparkled in the light and her eyes twinkled. "My lord, why the stern face? You are surrounded by friends! The night is young, the stars alive, the moon enchanting," she gestured up to the heavens through the glass and vine canopy, "and it appears I am without a dance partner." She pressed against him, his armor cool against her blazing skin. Without a second thought, he rose and she slid off him like a cat and dipped backwards in his arms.

"Are you sure you have the energy?" he challenged.

"Anything for a king."

With that, they began a fast paced waltz weaving in and out of the other members of the court. She spun out and back in again to be embraced in his arms.

"I never knew you were an Elf." She whispered.

"I'm not."

"You know the dance's as well as half of them." She dipped back again and raised sharply, her face stopping just inches from his.

"My mother lived among your people awhile back."

"So you are part Elf then?"

"That's the mystery." He swung her around, her feet leaving the ground.

"I'm interested, divulge." Her platinum hair waved wildly behind her head.

"Her name was Madelyne Dayspring- she never revealed if she was of elf descent. I think she never mentioned it because my father was human- and very set in his ways against other races. He was always exceptionally bitter about the loss of the war to Elden- even though it was ancient."

"I'm sorry."

The song ended and everyone applauded the King and Queen, who bowed and returned to their table. He heard murmurs of amazement and approval in waves, some even mentioning the possibility of a suitor to the queen, but no one's lips moved to match the voices. He shook his head to clear it and they went away.

"I'm glad your men are enjoying themselves."

He averted his attention once more to the Queen. "I am as well- they've needed this."

"Pardon me, my lord, but it's getting late and I must retire for the night." She rose and extended her hand to him which he kissed and she curtseyed. "I've had much fun tonight with you, King Dayspring- your mother's maiden name," she mused.

"My father and I had our. . . differences. Good evening, my lady. I have enjoyed your company as well."

"Very well, I shall see you in the morrow- breakfast is little after sunrise, spar at high noon."

"I'll be there."

"I would hope so, it is very promising."