Ch. 4 fèis – Festival

Pt. 2

As the summer soon ended, fall was welcomed with a banter of eager nations ready to partake in the festivities to come.

The tournament was a spectacular sight to see as thousands came on their steeds and winged creatures, the ships with their many-colored flags made their way into the bay, its passengers eager to make port. All shouted with excitement as each participating clan carried a flag out into the wide-open field illustrating their tribe in attendance. The tairbhdhearg a large fierce some clan of orcs adorned their flags with the embroidery of horns and the silver mountains to the east. The craiceann corcairghorm trolls, tall and scrawny but savage in battle presented their flags with the colors of their homelands to the south: the burning desert sands against a violet hued sky, the setting sun stitched in its center. Many more and well known clans were recognized by the colors but non know more than that of King Balors people: clann na talmhainn the elves, the flag was stained black with aiden, the father tree, stitched in gold thread stretched out across the silk his branches twisting and turning creating a perfect circle around itself. At its base on each side of its trunk man and beast meeting in the middle.

Many more flags stood tall and proud, all whipping about in the wind all but one, Fear, the sons of Adam. Their absents was noted by all in attendance which set more rumors ablaze of the humans

"Could it be true?" The guest asked one another.

"I heard they killed Grendal AND his mother."

"The monstrous trolls, I heard that as well. Good riddance to them."

" But what human could be strong enough."

"Perhaps it is best the humans didn't attend."

Flapping around like little birds the peoples word made it to the king up from a spectator's box. He was hoping the festivities would draw their attention away but with little success. Nuala sat by her father dressed in a lovely gown the shade of the sky adorned with lace which patterns were stitched with flowers and small canary's in flight. A simple gown but much more elegant than her temple robes.

"Father? Where is the Fear tribe?"

" I can't say my dear."

"Is everything alright?" Balor smiled and took her warm hand into his. "Of course." Nuala returned his smile with a glowing one of her own and turned to watch the games but Balor couldn't help but felt a twinge of guilt as he himself was unsure of the truth in his words. The horns blasted and the crowd roared with excitement. All magical beast and elf, peasant and noble stood under the warm sun as the presentation of the new soldiers were about to begin. "All present your majesty, all but the Fear Clan. Should we begin?" Darragh asked. Balor looked out to the empty space on the field where the tribe leaders were standing, the recently appointed leader Maelan the son of the late Cormic had never held an interest with relations with the elves or any magical creature. Maelan was nothing like his father, to Baelors dismay. The young man held a dark personality that started from an early age and continued to develop to where the young man enjoyed the declarations of war more than the treaties of peace. Despite all of that he was still one of the many leaders of this world and Balor believed that he would never be so foolish as to drag his people into pointless battles, and so Baelor continued to wait patiently to meet him in his court. The audience enthusiasm continued to grow, and Balor did not wish to keep them waiting.

"You may proceed." He nodded to Darragh

Darragh signaled again and the horns blasted with the crowd cheering even louder. The young men from each tribe walked out onto the fields before the king lining behind each of their Tribal leaders, the elves centered before Balor with orcs, giants, nymphs, trolls, dwarves, goblins and more on each side. Nuala spotted her brother and both exchange a single look before their father called out to the crowd. "Welcome!" Balor called out, the audience was hushed. "Welcome all! I thank you for making the long journey to the Sgaoileadh a long-standing tradition among all of our people where only four of you may claim the title of champion. But those who do will help shape the future of our people!" The crowd cheered at the thought of one of their own claiming the prize of the tournament a great honor that few can make claim too. " Let the tournament begin!" For the final time the horns blared, and the crowd waved to their young men as they began for the first event.

Archery. Riding. Wrestling, the tournament went on for days, each was filled with activities and Nuada made good his promise to his sister. His first day was a mismatch of non-weapon combat and his first match was against a giant, who smiled down at the prince with a wicked grin "To easy." The creature whispered just before he swung his fist down at Nuada, the match was soon over with Nuada declared the winner. And that is how it continued for the prince. Win after win he kept his focus on the prize, his desire to prove his worth. As the tournament was drawing to an end all of the guest were off feasting as the young men, those still competing, stayed outside the castles in the camps preparing for the final day. Nuada sat by the fire sharpening his blade, staring blankly into the flame letting the warm crackling glow hypnotize him. "Your highness." Darragh called breaking the hold the burning element had over the prince. "Please, this way." Darragh motioned to the darkness outside of camp. Nuada looked at him confused, but he sheathed his blade and walked with Darragh. They said nothing as they walked along a stony path that lead from the castle to the forest. Nuada only watch when Darragh stopped and bowed and left. Bewildered Nuada peered through could see a dark figure lurking in the trees, Nuada kept his hand on the grip over his sword, when he heard a gentle voice speak his name. "Nuada." Nuala stepped from the shadows out into the light of the moon removing the hood of her cloak. They stood there for a brief moment before they both came to embrace each other.

"Im so proud of you." She said hugging him.

"Can you forgive me?" Nuada asked as he pulled away, staring into her eyes, his arms still wrapped around her.

"Yes." Nuala smiled as did he. . . that smile was one she hadn't seen in centuries, it somehow made her feel warm and safe in the black night. Nuala felt a peculiar flutter in her heart as she looked deep into Nuada's eyes. They held each other again for some time when, "Your Highness." Nuada turned to see Darragh calling motioning to him to return to the camp. "Well . . . goodnight." He said facing Nuala.

"Good night." She began to muster before Nuada firmly pressed his lips to hers. Short but sweet, instantly her heart sprouted wings and flew right out from her chest, her cheeks burning red.

"Good night." He repeated pulling away. She said nothing as he smiled to her noticing as she grew more red with each step he took back.

"Good night." One last time he whispered as he walked back towards camp. They both were ambivalent to take their eyes off each other not caring that Darragh was watching them.

The festivities were soon drawing to an end, but the energy that surrounded each evening was just as strong as the first day. With every hour that passed a winner was declared and soon all gather to watch the final match of the elves. Nuada Silverlance, the crowned Prince of Bethmora, against Ylyndar Telee the son of a high nobleman. Ylyndar was the same age as Nuada and brought up in nearly the exact same lifestyle. Ylyndar trained just as hard and long as Nuada and was as cunning and swift but the young man was smug and arrogant, never respecting his opponent with a need to have all eyes on him. Nuada never liked him, Ylyndar could say the same about the prince. The audience was shushed when the boys were brought forward, they wore light leather armor with only the bare skin of their chests exposed. The weapons handed to them were sharpened to a fine point that reflected brilliantly in the sunlight. There were murmurs amongst the people as they turned to see the princess sitting next to her father.

"Is it wise? The princess could get hurt."

"Nonsense the prince has come this far!"

"But this match isn't like the others, someone could die and if it's the prince." Nuala heard the crowd hum. They were not wrong. In the past many young men worked their way to the very top only to be killed in the final match, run clean through. Nuala knew this, they both did. Her brother had kept his word so far and did not come all this way to break it. Nuala peered out onto the field to see that Nuada kept his eyes on her with a gentle smile on his face reassuring her. "Focus your highness." Ylyndar called to Nuada. "We wouldn't want you to get distracted, now would we?" He followed Nuada's previous gaze, and then back to him. " I need your sister looking her best when I'm declared the winner, I don't want my prize all bloodied." Nuada's face held no expression but Ylyndar smiled when he noticed the way he gripped his weapon. The boys faced each other and at the sound of Darragh they turned away taking a single space away their backs turned to each other.

"Begin!"

The sound of clanging metal resonated as neither of the two boys were hesitant to attack. Ylyndar had the high ground pushing Nuada back against the wall. A quick swoosh the sound of metal slicing the air, Ylyndar barely missing Nuadas cheek as the young prince ducked down preparing to bring his weapon to cut clean through Ylyndars gut. But a quick spin to the left had him out of Nuada's sight. Nuada cart wheeled back allowing him to have a safe distance from his opponent who thrusted himself towards giving Nuada limited time to react. They continued into a similar pattern: when one thrusted the other parried, and when the other parried the other thrusted their weapons constantly meeting until finally Ylyndar took the shaft of his weapon using it to propel into Nuada's gut. Nuada fell straight back with a slam. All of the breath within his body left him, Ylyndar bringing the blade to his neck pressing hard enough that both boys knew Nuala felt the indentations on her own skin as Nuada coughed desperate to take a breath. In the corner of his eye Nuada saw Nuala standing beside their seated father, concerned more for her brother than for the pain that gripped her stomach, a panic set within her. "Please," He heard the gentle whisper of her voice in his ear.

"Get up."

"Be careful, your highness." Ylyndar taunted Nuada with a smirk. "I would hate for anything to happen to your sisters' pretty little face." A great rage burned within him, from his words. Nuada smacked the blade away from his neck leaving a golden line where the sharpened tip was roughly pressed against. Nuada quickly and with all his might, brought his hands flat over his head while bringing his legs straight up close to his face, shifting his momentum up he kick started himself to stand up and face his opponent before Ylyndar had a moment to respond, the audience applauded happy to see the fight wasn't over. Nuada with even more stamina, spun around bringing his weapon with him. Ylyndar nearly lost an ear as he brought his own sword to block the princes attack, the sound of the clashing metal ringing in their ears. With his defense Ylyndar did not notice his own opening across his stomach Nuada took it thrusting his knee into his abdomen, forcing the air out leaving him bent forward. Nuada then dropped his weapon grabbing Ylyndar in mid spin and heaving him over his own body. Ylyndar landing flat on his back was knocked out instantly. The audience was silent for a moment to see if Ylyndar would get up, he didn't. Darragh declared Nuada as the winner, the crowd roared, Nuala squealed with excitement and cheered as Balor let out a hearty laugh as he clapped for his son. The crowds cheering and clapping never died down as three young boys stood alongside Nuada and together the four of them presented themselves to Balor bowing before him. "My people, I present to you our warriors." Three young maidens along with Nuala stood behind the King presented each young man with the weapon of their special talent all forged by the elves. For a young Dwarf named Bovreck, a crystal elven hammer. For a tall desert troll named Orebow, a bow made from branches of the emerald forest its arrows feathers from a great golden eagle. Barrelhide an orc stepped forward accepting a large black axe made from the elves burnt iron, its blade seemed to cut through the air. Nuada stood tall, and proud, unable to wipe the smile from his face as his sister presented him with his prize. A spear of elven steal. Its shaft decorated in the style from the east with the silhouette of the stars adorning it. Nuada was in awe of it as he held and admired it, his sister blushed as she leaned forward kissing him on the cheek. "The champions!" Darragh called.

Though Sgaoileadh had come to an end the celebration and feasting had not. The evening began with a great dinner for all down in the camps. There, many young contestants had drank their shame, and for some pain, away and enjoyed the company of many as they ate, sang and dance. The champions however had the special honor of dining with king up at the castle, and there they enjoyed a banquet like no other. From the black iron mines to the silver mountains, and to the burning red sands to the crystal bay of Bethmora all in attendance brought with them the fruits of their lands. Roasted meat such as quail and pheasants shot in the fields nearby, boar stuffed with fruit, elk on a spit. There were as well golden potatoes dug from the kings own emerald hills, an assortment of cooked vegetables, cream and milk, beer and wine. Nuada's new comrades enjoyed their stay and laughed the evening away, but for Nuada the victory came as bitter sweet. Nuala sat next to him and she too came to a realization of what this night meant, Nuada would be leaving for many years, and only the gods would know when he would return.

"It is an honor your majesty to be here. I cannot believe I am in the home of King Balor." Orebow said shyly. "I am happy to welcome you. And congratulations again, you must be anxious to leave." Balor said. "I am. We trolls have such a short life span compared to you elves. A third of your own lifespan, and there is so much to learn and train for. Your highness," Orebow turned to Nuada. "you know so much already, and Fearann Caillte. . . its dangers are like no other place on earth. I hope we do not slow you down."

"Beer." Bovreck motioned to a servant as he finished gulping down his first pint.

"We?!" Barrelhide roared. "Perhaps you, but did you and I not just fight for this very prize? I have no intentions of dying in Fearann Caillte. I shall return and lead my people to greatness."

"Good." Balor said. "You all seem like fine young warriors. I know you will do your people proud."

"Beer." Bovreck motioned again finishing his second.

"They already have, father." Nuada smiled, he turned to see Nuala smiling at him and softly she reached under the table for his hand.

"The humans." Orebow asked. "If I may. Why did they not come?" the dinner came to a sudden erupt halt.

"Beer."

Darragh stepped in, "Your majesty it's time." "Ah yes." Balor said he stood from his place and all rose with him. "Before you go I would like to give a toast." Raising his glass. " Tonight the children I see here, I will never meet again, for when you return I will see the men you were destined to become. The warriors you all worked so hard to be. May Aiden be with you on your journey and may he guide you safely home." All in attendance cheered and drank.

"Father, may I say a prayer." Nuala asked.

"Of course my child."

"May the kings of old guide you and be with you.

May their spirits walk side by side with you,

To guard and to cherish you.

May Aiden shield you on every step,

May He aid you on every path,

And may each slope, hill and every plain

Bring no harm to you;

On earth and on sea until you are home again."

Nuala said and all the servants, guards in attendance, young men, Darragh, Nuada and King Balor whispered with her the same silent prayer that they may return. "Thank you, princess." Orebow said. "That was beautiful." Bovreck and Barrelhide grunted in agreement. Nuada and his comrades soon disbanded, the King kindly offered them rooms to stay in for some much deserved rest, they were only too happy to accept. Balor hugged his son and parted ways, but Nuala couldn't bring herself to do it "Sleep well, brother." Was all his sister could muster up as she passed him. Nuala couldn't bring herself to look at him, fearing she would cry if she did so. His eyes followed her till she was well lost from his sight in the darken halls. "Goodnight, my dear sister" he whispered back hoping she somehow heard. "Come my prince. You must rest." Darragh called "Tomorrow your training intensifies."

Beneath a moon lit sky Nuada made his way to his sisters' room passing the guards with ease as he hid among the black shadows. Only one torch remained lit, lighting every inch of the narrow passage but Nuada hiding his silver hair and pale skin beneath a dark hooded cloak allowed him to go unseen in the darkness; racing down the hall silently until the sound of heavy footsteps alerted him, forcing him out into the courtyard. In the night he saw far up the dim light from Nuala's window, the guard's footsteps grew closer and he grew more desperate searching for a way in. Quickly and without thinking reasonably he began to climb up the purple root, a delicate flower Nuala planted half a century ago, the dainty vines were now strong, climbing their way to the castle rooftops as its tiny violet flowers blossomed here and there with a fragrant scent that reached all the way past her window. He could only pray that his footing would be half as strong as the plants. Peering inside Nuada watched as Nuala laid fast asleep under her heavy sheets, a candle was still burning and the scroll she had been reading had fallen from her hand onto the cold floor. Squeezing through the window Nuada quietly crept towards her, removing his boots and cloak, tossing them aside. Reaching her bedside he kneeled beside her staring at her for some time in silence. "How hard was it for you when you had to leave me?" he thought. "I would be lying if I said I wasn't scared." He told himself as he gently brushed a lock of her hair away from her face. He wanted to remember every detail of her, but as he watched her he felt a strange warmth growing within him. He found himself brushing her lips feeling their softness, her snow colored skin and silver hair, he leaned in and as so many years ago stole another kiss but this one, was more passionate, deeper. Pulling away Nuala remained asleep as Nuada removed his tunic; the wind blowing through the room brushed against his skin forcing him to seek warmth. Into her bed he went, resting himself between her legs. " Nuada?" Her voice sounded tired and uncertain he laid there frozen. "What are you-"

"Shh! Just for tonight" he whispered, "Let me stay with you." There was a pause to long for Nuada's comfort; then Nuala noticing the burning candle turned and blew out the small flame. In the dark she reached out embracing him and he rested his head in the crook of her neck wrapping his arms around her, she tracing the mirroring scars along his back. Neither of them said anything. His heavy body on top of hers brought a comforting warmth to both and soon they succumbed to a deep and peaceful sleep. When morning came Nuala felt that the heavy weight on her chest was gone.

Fearann Caillte – The lost lands

Sgaoileadh – Fall Knights

Clan names

Fear - Man

tairbh dhearg – Red bulls (orcs)

craiceann corcairghorm – violet skin ( trolls)

clann na talmhainn – Sons of the earth (elves . . . duh! lol)

WRITERS CORNER

It was brought to my attention that the previous file that was uploaded did not publish properly and for that . . . . I AM SO SORRY I CANT BELIEVE THAT HAPPENED I WAS SO CAREFUL TO MAKE SURE THE STORY WAS PERFECT DX . . . IM ACTUALLY EMBARRASED. Anyway here is the updated version and I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.