Ch. 1 Cinniúint – Fate

Elf age: 8 Human age: 200

The role as sovereign is one whose fate has been decided for them; though dress in splendor with silver, diamonds, and gold their life is lived in a cage with a debt they hold and were never asked to pay. They cannot live as their people do, choose their own path, leisure as they do, even love whom they wish too. Yet for King Balor and his Queen the gods had been kind to them, and both had found love for one another. After the birth of the prince and princess, many honorable families made plans for Nuada's future match with daughters of their own hoping they could win him. However, as the years passed unbeknown to anyone that the same love the king held for his queen had been replanted inside Nuada for the little princess Nuala. The first time Nuada knew he was in love with his sister . . . he could recall many things of when he was first determined or had found a passion and sought for it, but Nuala?

The first time Nuada held a sword he was in awe. His small hands gripped the leather bound hilt as his eyes explored the rugged decorative designs of the blade. Gazing over again he saw himself staring back in the steel, and he believed this was his purpose, understanding that a prince could not become a king and lead without strength but here he found it. When the blade was taken from him that was the first time Nuada wish to prove himself worthy to his father. Balor believed Nuada did not need to do so as he was his only male heir, but Nuada insisted and fervently begged him to let him go and train outside the castle walls. Balor knew that when the time came his son must be the leader his people needed, and so he agreed. The first month of training the young prince had found himself; many could see it as the prince grew stronger. Nuada proved his strength the first time the blade severely wounded him, cutting deep across his chest spilling his blood, many feared for his life, but the prince remained strong and did not let even a tear reach his eye. His father was proud of his son for being brave in the face of uncertainty despite his concern for him, but Nuada was not afraid for he knew this was not his end, and he to felt a wave of pride sweep over him. That was until he heard Nuala's screams and the rushing of footsteps. Maids urgently made their way in holding a bloodied Nuala. Just as he, Nuala had been sliced open like a speared beast in a hunt. She cried out in pain begging for her father and her brother to help her. The sound of his name in her pleads were more than enough to tear down his walls and he crumbled beneath the pain. That was the first time the connection was found. For a time the King was hesitant to let either child out of his sight, and his council feared that Nuada's spiritual tie to his sister could bring down the kingdom and his line. But Balor realized that he could not protect his son through his whole life nor his daughter, and the people needed reassurance that his line would be strong enough to lead.

Balor knew this was a dangerous chance he would give to his son, but he would make him stronger than ever, for now he had a second purpose. Nuala.

"Nuada stop! That tickles!" Nuala giggled as she attempted to swat away the hands of her twin brother, but to no avail as he continued tickling her sides causing more laughter to escape both of their lips. "Children?" The nurse maid called, "Are you ready for your bedtime story?" Both Nuala and Nuada popped their heads out from under the heavy furs and ivory silk sheets. "Yes! Yes!" They eagerly answered; the nurse maid let out a small giggle as the twins face resembled sweet little wild berries. Properly tucking the children back into bed, the maid placed one last log on the fire, the gentle sound of the crackling wood was as comforting as a lullaby; the flames danced and swayed around the logs to the melody of their own song, reflecting a warm glow, She then settled herself in the chair near their bed, the twins unable to take their eyes off of her they eagerly waited.

"Long ago" she began,

"Their lived two brothers. The eldest strong and brave, his name was Adare. He worked the land and provided for those who were in need. The younger was wise and just, his name was Conn. Though much younger than his brother he shared in the responsibility and watched over their flocks and herds. Both brothers cared deeply for each other and were admired and praised for their skills and talent. They lived a simple humble life but fate had plans to change that. One day as Conn was watching over their sheep he saw out of the corner of his eye a glimmering light and the sound of gentle voices carried on the wind."

"Fairies!" Nuala exclaimed with excitement.

"Yes." The nurse maid smiled

"But fairies are not hard to find. What matters if he did find them?" Nuada asked unsurprised by the story's events.

"Ah- Ah- Ah young prince, these were no ordinary fairies." The maid warned with a mischievous grin. "These were Beidh o 'an Phléasc, spirits that guide the lost and lead them to a greater fate, a better destiny. Nuada's eyes widened in amazement, Nuala giggled from her brother's silence. "Shall we continue the story then?" she smiled "Yes!" The children both cried eagerly.

"Con was led through the dark forest and at the very center he met the Father Tree, Aiden. Aiden saw the goodness in his spirit and for that he granted him the gift of sight. A new world opened up to the brother as he stood before all magical creatures, and with this new sight magic was no longer kept in the shadows and with his help Conn brought these new enchanting creatures and beasts into the world of men. As night approached he found his way back home. Adare had all of their small village looking for him, and Conn eagerly told them of what lies beyond their golden fields. Many were frightened, but the eldest brother smiled and yearned to hear more of his brothers' adventure. Soon he too longed for the same experience. Later that year there was a terrible winter and many lives were lost to the frigid cold. Including that of Adare the Eldest brother. All alone now Conn, the young brother, who was still just a boy himself, could not bear to be part and found himself unable to bury his last remaining family. He, instead, set off to find the Father Tree."

"Father!" Nuada called

The nurse maid rose from her seat and bowed as Ballard made his way in across the room "I thought I would come and check on you." Balor smiled. "We were listening to the tale of the two brothers." Nuala said giving her father a great big smile. The twins removed their barriers of fur and silk crawling to the edge of the bed to join their father in his lap, Balor lovingly embraced the two as he seated himself on the bed. "That is one of my favorites. Do you mind if I finished telling it to them?" He asked the bowing nurse maid. "Of course not sire."

"Very good you may go." Balor said dismissing her. She bowed once more, and left.

"Now where were you?" Balor asked smiling.

"Seeking the father tree." The twins chimed together.

"Ah yes. . .

Unable to bury his last remaining family. The lonely brother, set off to find the Father Tree. The grey sky froze the heavens, and tiny bits of silver filled the air but soon the wind screamed and the world around Conn turned into a unforgiving storm. Stinging his flesh and numbing his body, with only a horse carrying Adares' lifeless body he guided them through the blinding snow. Hours passed and Conn was still lost in the whirling storm, he believed he would soon join his brother, "T'is not such a bad fate being with Adare again." He said. "The horse can drag us both home." He thought. He allowed himself to fall to his knees and let death come to meet him when suddenly a glimmering light passed, the corner of his eyes and the note of small voices. Even in the blinding snow he recognized the light and immediately strength came to him, he followed it. He was lead deeper into a dark forest where winter suddenly met spring, flowers blooming on trees, and the grass growing green. He collapsed there near a small pools edge with his lost brother and horse and fell into a deep sleep. It was there he saw across a small pool Adare, alive and well, but his features were different. His skin was pale, his dark hair turned white, but his eyes remained the same color of the golden wheat fields back home. Beside him stood another, tall like the trees around him, olive skin, and dark hair as of the tree's bark, his face was one he did not recognize, but somehow knew. The spirit of the father tree. "Please!" he begged "Save my brother!" Adare remained silent, unable to speak. "Please!" Conn cried once again.

"Did the father tree do it?" Nuada asked.

"Conn can't be alone." Nuala chimed in.

"Now just listen children." Balor said smiling.

Adare remained silent watching his brother, and the spirit of the father tree came forth.

"I know why you have come, the task is not so simple. From yourself you must give freely of your own will, a part of you that makes a spirit whole. From death life shall then come, and what was lost may then be found. A part of your heart." Nuada and Nuala listen intently as the story began to unfold.

"Be warned a selfless act does not come without danger. You are weak to the sins of this world, and if you are not wary greed and anger will take the place of what was once love and compassion. Never whole again you and your lineage will be. You, the son of Adam will suffer till the end of time." Conn was not sure if he understood but seeing his brother stand before him, the young boy accepted without a second thought. Adare stepped forward taking Conn in his arms and both fell into the water of the small pool. He awoke and Adare sat beside him on the pools edge soaked and smiling, but he was not the same. He was as he saw him in the dream, a new being. Neither was Conn, he was happy but felt empty in some way. Adare and Conn remained in the forest giving up their home but they did not spend their lives alone, they both found wives of their own and had many children. Adare's children grew with the same white hair and skin, with golden eyes like their father. For Conns sacrifice their days were nearly everlasting, Adar outlived all of Conn's grandchildren and their children's children. They were no longer called humans but given a new name, the elves.

"Elves came from humans?" Nuada asked.

"That is the story believed, but no one is for certain." Balor said finishing the story.

"What happened to Conn?" asked Nuala.

Conn had many children as well but as the years had gone by he had forgotten what he had given up for his brother and soon he found himself and his children and his children's children with empty hearts, unable to become whole once again.

"So it's not a happy ending." Nuala frowned. "Well my dear," Balor stammered "it really depends on how you see it. It's more about self-sacrifice, his fate he had changed for the better, and without his sacrifice the world would not be as it is. Maybe one day you will understand as the world calls upon you." Balor smiled at his little daughter, but she remained unconvinced. "Now time for bed."

A gentle hug, a kiss goodnight, and silenced filled the room but sleep was away from Nuala as her mind wondered back to the story. "Conn changed his fate, but he died empty? That couldn't be." She thought

"Nuada?" she whispered

"Hmm?" he replied in a tired voice.

"Do you think . . . That . . . We. . .I will ever find my fate?" she knew that Nuada's was already found, and it was one she believed he wanted. He would have a life full and rich while hers was uncertain. And that made her feel, regrettably, jealous. Nuala was hesitant as she waited for her brothers' reply. Silence. She thought maybe he had fallen asleep. A tired sigh, he faced her, rolling over and wrapping his arms around her. He whispered, "We'll find it together." A small smile spread across her face and with that they both fell into a dreamland together.

The sun was the last to rise the morning of the prince and princess's Breithlá. The king watched as the servants squirmed to fill the great hall with the decorations of flowers and ribbons, setting the many tables with fine linen and silver. Outside the hall the kitchen was crowded with cooks hovering their faces over simmering pots correcting the amount of spices to go into each one. As for the twins they were tossed from tutor to tutor studying the advance placement of their history to the difficult reading of winsome writings past. After lunch the children were separated for the remainder of the day. This is how it was with the them as Nuada, the future ruler was trained for battle, his body memorizing the motions of the blade allowing it to become an extension of himself as well as instruction in horse riding, falconry, battle strategy and many more, exploring the world outside the castle walls. Nuala on the other hand stayed with her lady's in waiting back in her shared room, with a Nurse in accompanying, should anything happen to Nuada, there she would sit for hours until called for dinner, connecting thread and fabric, learning to sew gowns of her own with little delicate flowers and butterfly's embroidering them into a lovely Celtic design. To remove the silence from their company a maid would read a wide selection of her favorite story's aloud to the rest of her group as Nuala would be taught a difficult stich or two. Today their Breithlá, their schedule was nothing different.

"Raise your arms higher, my prince!" Nuada's instructor called as a soldier brought his oak blade down on Nuada with immense force. The young prince narrowly missed bringing his own to meet his rival, but the strength was indeed too great, and the prince was knocked back as the impending force pushed down atop of him. "Stop!" Darragh the instructor called making his way over. He was an elf of a smaller size standing head lower than any other, his white hair always tied behind. The pains he suffered in battle made him strict but filled him with the wisdom to teach. "You must never forget your footwork. It is one of the most important skills in fighting." Darragh said. Nuada sat now angrily at his feet rubbing his wounded backside.

"What good Darragh is footwork when all of my opponents are bigger than me?"

"Bigger does not always mean stronger, young prince."

"Easy for you to say." Nuada grumbled under his breath, despite his size Darragh was still a large elf and Nuada saw him just as equally difficult an opponent. Ignoring the comment Darragh yanked the young prince off the ground and called the same soldier back over taking the practice blade in his own hand. "Young prince, footwork no matter the size is one of the most crucial parts of fighting." Without looking he called for the soldier to attack. The soldier who was larger did not hesitate as he lunged forward toward Darragh but to both his and Nuadas' surprise Darragh pressed his blade to the earth allowing him to push off from the ground with one foot and with the other it met with the jaw of the soldier. His heavy weight and speed caused him to fly across the courtyard ramming into the wall of the castle. Nuada stared in amazement as Darragh landed gently to his feet while the other soldiers came to help the wounded. "It can determine the difference between life and death in battle." Darragh said handing the blade back to Nuada. "Again."

Nuala watched from their bedroom window, bruises forming on her arm, as her brother trained. His skills with a blade were beginning to take shape. Though he had much still to learn she knew for certain he could master the art. He had already become proficient in hunting and falconry with the help of their father. His first hunt he returned with a catch of four rabbits and three birds. There was plenty of furs and feathers from the excursion that Nuala collected her needle and thread, items which she called her own weapons, and transformed the pile of skins and quills into a lovely soft pillow of down that the two shared happily, dreaming sweet dreams of summer days on the coldest of nights. With each hunt Nuada merrily provided her with more. She continued to watch enviously as her brother prepared for his future in many ways. What she wouldn't give to be down there beside him. His training drew him each day away from the castle, she herself had never been as far as the castle gardens which most day's laid barren of color and sweet perfume. In the courtyard she watched suddenly as a large soldier was disengaged, his weapon now in the hands of her brother his own pointing at the throat of the nameless soldier. Darragh and the others training gently applauded the young prince.

"Excellent your highness!" Darragh said meeting the prince.

"I want to go again. Can we?" Nuada asked eagerly, nearly breathless.

"I am happy your highness wishes to continue to improve himself, but that is the end of the lesson."

"What? But we just started."

"I am afraid that is all for today."

"Why?" Darragh motioned above Nuadas head and his gaze followed his masters point until his eyes found hers, and his expression soon changed. "Nuala. Come away." The nursemaid called, but she remained watching her brother, resting now in the shade of the sycamore tree in the courtyard his eyes still fixed on her. "Come away princess." The nursemaid said this time her voice much closer. "We must try on your new dress." She said taking Nuala's hand in hers and pulling her towards the fireplace.

"Oh you look so beautiful!" the eldest maid named Edeneth smiled. Nuala twirled in small circles peering down at her ivory and gold dress allowing the skirt to flow out like a flower. The bodice was ornamented with small pearls and clear beads that were sewn into a floral design, they trailed down and around the waist following an opening to a second internal layer, with lovely but complicated Celtic patterns inside. It all glimmered in the fires light. "Its almost like a wedding gown." Gwaeneth said, a younger maid. Everyone agreed "It reminds me of your mothers." Edeneth said with a lament look and Nuala stopped to observe her dress more carefully, her little fingers trailing the patterns. She pondered "Will I ever be married?" All the maids smiled, but Nuala couldn't help but notice their eyes which held a small look of sadness, their smiles slowly faded. "Maybe." Maelel, Gwaeneths mother chimed in. "Now let's get you out of that lovely dress and into the bath. We must fetch your brother it's almost time to get ready."

As evening came, the castle came alive with a festive spirit, and many royals and nobles came from faraway lands to see the Elvin King and celebrate the prince and princess Breithlá. Decorated in fine splendor the guest were escorted to the great halls, where there was greetings, dancing, and food and drink, plenty of laughter could be found. The twins were lost in the crowds of family and friends where they played and danced, eating sugar bread that filled their tiny tummies with happiness. As the evening passed on, Balor rose from his throne, and called to the audience for silence. "Friends. Family. Honored guest. I thank you for joining my children and I for this joyous celebration." Smiles spread across all the faces, and an applaud erupted from the guest. A way of saying they were happy to come. Balor smiled requesting silence once again, as all was quiet he went on, "Today was once a day of hardship, one I dreaded to come, and begged for the gods to end." Balor had said nearly on a whisper, but his voice had carried across the hall erasing the smiles of those who remembered that day. "But thanks to all of you, this has become a day of joy and remembrance. My children!" Balor called. A servant near went out to the audience and immediately presented the two to Balor. "You both have worked hard, more than most can say. You have excelled in your studies and protocol demands that you move up, in your education, and status." both looked confused and Nuala held a look of concern on her face, stealing a glance at her brother. "but for now, let protocol wait. Your mother loved you both before she had even known you. Let me show that love." Balor pointed to the side of the hall where two glass doors were, leading out into the garden. "Lá Breithe Shona Duit" All turned to see what lied beyond. The oak doors were opened and between them stood two mighty but beautiful horses present. For Nuala a gentle shy mare that stood close to the stable boy, her body the color of a light chestnut crème whose silver mane and tail match Nuala's. For Nuada stood a giant stallion, his body and mane had been cloaked in the black of night, his hoof clicking at the ground, wishing to take his master flying through fields and over mountains. Nuada and Nuala, so excited about the surprise they forgot their manners and raced to the door to receive their new companions.

"Nuada were not aloud to leave." Nuala whispered, her eyes constantly watching the stable boy. Hours have passed and Nuada had stolen his sister up in the excitement of the party and departed for the stables where they snuck in to see his stallion who he had named Aimsir. "Can't we just wait till tomorrow?" Nuada watched as the stable boy finished his work and departed. Saddling his new steed, he then hoisted Nuala up on Aimsir ignoring her request and joined her. Nuala wrapped her arms around in him as they rode out of the stables and off the castle grounds, so quickly that no one even noticed. The children stuck to the trader's path, flying like the wind on Aimsir into the forest. Leaping over fallen trees and splashing through small fishing streams a strange feeling began to well up inside Nuada as the horse continued to gallop, the warmth overflowed inside of his chest that it was too great to contain and it left him in the form of laughter. Nuala squeezed tightly onto her brother looking puzzled. The prince wasn't sure how to explain it but for the very first time he felt free, and free with Nuala. He continued to laugh until he noticed that the horse was no longer on the trail, the horse's steps were uneven, the branches began hitting and slapping their body's while tearing at their clothing. The terrain became more rugged and the horse lost its balance catching its foot in a small crevice between the rocks, throwing the children from the saddle. They landed with a 'Thud!' Nuala let out a small wale not attempting to hold back the tears. Nuada was on the verge clasping the bump on the back of his head, squeezing his eyes shut. The horse cried and bucked, its struggles were in vein. Nuada remembering his training pushed the pain aside helping a weeping Nuala to her feet. "I want to go home." Nuala cried "I'll get the horse." Nuada replied not even trying to convince her. Nuada cautiously made his way over to the still bucking stallion. "Its alright." he comforted the beast, gently helping him nudge his hoof out. "It's alright Nuala, come on I'll help you up first." Suddenly a loud piercing howl escaped through the darkness between the trees ringing in the ears of the children. The shadows then began to move, their dark forms growing closer making out the shape of large wolves. Frightened and without hesitation Aimsir, neither caring whether his masters were on, galloped off into the forest to escape the threat of predators leaving the young children behind to fend for themselves. "Wait! Come back!" They both called to the darkness as it began to sweep around them. Another wolf sounded off in the distance startling both. Nuala hugged her brother crying into his chest. Panic setting in and even Nuada could not hold back his tears as he held his sister, feeling helpless he listened to the sound of the wolves drawing closer. "I don't want us to die." Nuala whispered. Nuada thought that maybe in some way he could protect Nuala from the wolves, knowing though his chivalrous act would be worthless. He closed his eyes waiting for the attack to come. Then suddenly it happened so fast and quietly that if Nuada hadn't held his breath to brace himself he might have missed the sound, it was so gentle. The note of the tiniest voice flittering on wings through the air. "Nuala listen." he whispered hushing his little sister. The voice came closer, passing over them, but just as quickly began to fade back into the forest. Nuada followed the line of sound, seeing that it lead to a distant light that shimmered through the tree's "I think I see the castle!" Quickly grabbing Nuala's hand the children took their chances with the wolves, rushing towards the light. The twigs snapped beneath their feet snagging at Nuala's dress and the sleeves of Nuada's tunic, cutting their hands as they rushed by. The rough trail twisted and turn, but the light slowly began to grow as they drew closer. "Nuada! Please slow down!" Nuala cried. " Don't worry," he called back "We're almost there!" They used their last bit of energy breaking through the thistle and pushing themselves through the heavy brush. Instead of finding their home they found a glowing clear pool where the mist hung above it and swirled in a slow mesmerizing motion. Nuada was thankful for finding water, but Nuala burst out into more tears crying out, whaling. With a heavy sigh he gently took her by the hand and led her to the small pool, kneeling down beside it. He tore from his tunic a scrap of cloth, soaked it in the water, and tenderly treated her scrapes and bruises. "Im sorry." He whispered treating the bruises from the horse fall. Nuala began to feel calm, as he dabbed at the bruise on her forehead, suddenly her headache had evaporated and the burning sensation from her cuts felt extinguished. She peered up at Nuada's forehead to see his mirroring bruises gone. "Nuada! Your bruise." "Your cuts!" He said holding her hand that he had begun treating. They both sat in amazement as the cut disappeared before their eyes. Nuada sat in disbelief when there they heard it again, the tiniest of voices. The sound swarming around them when more than a dozen of the tiniest light no brighter than a candle flocked around them. Fairies, neither of which the twins have seen, both wings and bodies transparent made of Tintreach, the light found in storms. Nuala timidly held out her hand and the little pieces of light landed on her dancing around, the small sounds of laughter, and voices of an unknown language spoken from their lips. Nuala smiled as they fluttered off her hand, when it struck her, the pool, the flittering light and voice, "Nuada, this is just like the story of the two brothers." Both stood in amazement. "But father said no one knows if that story is even real." He stared down at the pool in astonishment. "Nuada. Look!" By the water's edge across the pool a crimson flower stood. Its beauty held resemblance to a fire ruby and it glowed as if the sun were shining upon it. All the fairies followed Nuala and watched as she approached it. "It's so pretty." Both the fairies and Nuada continued watching as Nuala reached for the flower, but she didn't pick it. She couldn't bring herself to do it. She looked at the flower longingly entranced by it, all watched curiously as Nuala just stood there standing, and finally with a heavy sigh turned to Nuada. "We need to find a way home." She walked past him but Nuada took a step forward towards the little crimson flower. "May I." He gently asked. The fairies nodded and Nuala watched as he picked the little crimson flower, bringing it back to her, "Happy Birthday Nuala." Smiling he handed her the flower, it's light seemed to shine even greater. Nuala with a great big smile accepted his gift " thank you Nuada. " and then quickly kissed his cheek. Nuada could feel himself turning red as he heard the small giggles from the fairies. "Lets go." Nuada said through a burning stuttering blush. The fairies knew the way, and they found the castle to the east of the woods edge just as the morning sun began to rise. The twins wished to thank their new found friends but they turned to only find a dark black forest staring back at them. In the distance they heard their name being called from the castle. Balor rushed past his servants as the children made their way back, Nuala tearfully reuniting as Balor embraced her in an angry, but welcoming hug. Nuada soon join them. The servants bandaged their remaining bruises and cuts, and the King aloud them the day away from studies. Sent to bed Nuala kept the little crimson flower in a small porcelain blue vase by her bedside where she watched it till she faded to sleep. Tossing and turning it was Nuadas who was now to be plagued by his own thoughts. Everything he dreamt of that day led him back to Nuala. His cheeks burned as he stared at his sister, thinking of her tender kiss. Though he was young Nuada felt his heart had wings as it fluttered in his chest every time he gazed at Nuala. He pulled her closer to him admiring her in her slumber. This strange new sensation left him conflicted, but happy. A strange happiness that he never knew leaving his heart sick. As he looked on at her he was entranced, unable to stop himself he found himself kissing her sweetly on the lips. An innocent yet loving action, a kiss is, and this one Nuada poured his whole torn soul into filling it with his hopes and dreams, but soon he had to pull away to catch his breath. Before the young prince knew it, he found a greater purpose then just as a future King. Nuala swarmed his every thought his heart longing for her love. He of course had already loved her but this, to him, was different. His young eyes saw every detail of his sister's beauty. She truly was his purpose.

When did Nuada know when he first loved his sister? The better question was when did he not. His young life became consumed by the very idea of her. They were once one with Aiden and their spirit now torn in two was seeking to be whole, only she could feel what he could, know what he did, and loved what he sought out for. He dreamt of being more to her not just her future king not just their fathers soldier and not just her brother. "When Im King," he whispered in her ear, desperate for her to hear "you will be my Queen and we will be together forever."

Breithe – Birthday

Lá Breithe Shona Duit – Happy Birthday

Aimsir – Tempest

Tintreach – Lightning

Writers Corner

*Peeks out from under a rock slipping you this, makes a hasty retreat back under rock*

When I said I would take my time I definitely did not mean this long, but thanks for your patience. A lot has happened, a good friend died (RIP I.G.W.) went on a life crisis exploring the country, getting a motorcycle, kid crashing into me on my motorcycle, then leaving the country and now Im back but through all that . . . my writing I kept with me. Whoo! Cant wait for Chapter 2