Chapter 1: Kingmaker

526

Alania

Parn clicked his tongue, pulling the reins of his horse. The Guards outside the keep immediately recognized the Free Knight of Lodoss and approached him. "Hail, Sir Parn, and to you as well, Lady Deedlit." The guard Captain bowed his head politely.

"Hail, I have come on the request of King Kashue." Parn placed his fist over his heart.

Deedlit dismounted from behind Parn with the grace befitting a high elf. She placed her hand across her breast and bowed her head. "Please see to our companion; he has carried us for many miles." Deedlit smiled and stroked Windrunner's neck. The horse neighed and leaned into her touch.

"Of course, King Kashue awaits you inside." The Guards nodded, and after Parn dismounted, the two companions walked into the keep towards the Great Hall. Deedlit walked in front of Parn as they turned a corner before turning and walking backward. "So, any clue why he summoned you, Parn?"

"A quest, I wager," Parn shrugged in his armor. "Whatever it is, I know it will be for the good of the people." Parn's eye shone with admiration for the mercenary king.

Deedlit rolled her eyes before sidestepping Parn and resuming her walk beside him. "Things have been calm, and we still don't have a solid lead on Woodchcuk. I much preferred if we returned to finding our friend."

"Calm?" Parn raised a brow. "Alania is still without a King, and we ran into our fair share of brigands on the way here." Parn sighed, balling his hands into fists. "I want to find Woodchuck too, but this could be important." Since the War of Heroes concluded, and Parn rescued Deedlit from the Marmo, Parn and Deedlit had spent their time searching for Woodchuck. He had crossed Lodoss far and wide but could not find his friend. Wait for us, Woodchuck; I'll help King Kashue and return for my search for you.

"Were here, Parn," Deedlit's voice cut through Parn's musings, and they both stood outside the Great Hall.

"Right," Parn took a deep breath and pushed open the double doors to the revelry inside. Several people were gathered in the Great Hall. Parn did not recognize most of the people there. But, among the faces, he did recognize was King Kashue at the far end of the Great Hall. Next to him was Etoh and Princess Fianna.

"Parn," Deedlit tugged at his sleeve, and Parn looked around the hall. The rest of the guests weren't precisely what Parn expected to see in a noble's hall. Less than scrupulous individuals stood off in groups. A fair share of them seemed to be accompanying nobles who eyed the rest of the parties with suspicious eyes. "Mercenaries," Deedlit narrowed her eyes at them.

"A lot of them too," Parn agreed before walking towards King Kashue.

"I don't like this, Parn. Why would King Kashue invite you to a foreign hall with all these mercenaries?" Deedlit saw a few of the mercenaries throw lecherous stares at her. She subconsciously pulled her cloak around her lithe frame.

"We can ask him when we talk to him," Parn also noticed the stares and balled his hands into fists.

"Ah, Parn and Deedlit, come, come!" King Kashue regarded them with the familiarity of a friend one had not seen in ages. Before Parn could kneel or bow, Kashue patted his shoulders and pulled him along. "Please follow me you two; we have much to discuss." Kashue pulled them into his previous group as his retinue of men closed up around them.

"Now that you are here, I must address everyone else," Kashue nodded to Fianna and Etoh. "You see, things in Alania are deteriorating. The nobles here scheme and plot and no one can decide who should sit on Alania's throne. As such, Princess Fianna and I have reached an accord."

"Yes, King Kashue and I cannot intervene directly, for it would only incite the nobility of Alania into outright open war. No, this must be settled internally, but without an accord being reached, the nobility has agreed to a bold suggestion." Fianna nodded and looked towards Etoh.

"Parn, we want you to be King of Alania," Etoh raised his hands. "At the very least, temporarily."

"I…what?" Parn had been expecting all manner of things; kingship thrust upon him was not one of them.

"You would not be elected king. Rather, we want you to win the crown." Kashue patted the young Knights shoulder.

"Wait, you can't possibly mean all these people here," Deedlit gasped in realization.

"Correct, we shall be hosting a competition among all gathered here. The winner shall wear the crown, and it must go to the right man for peace In Lodoss." Kashue narrowed his eyes. "the Kingdoms of Flaim and Valis have agreed to acknowledge the winner as the legitimate king of Alania."

"This is," Parn ran a hand through his hair. "I don't know what to say. Would I even be qualified to rule?"

"You would not be alone, Parn," Etoh nodded.

"Of course not; whatever you choose, I'm with you, Parn." Deedlit hugged his arm and winked at him. Oh, Parn, I know you too well, even if you are befuddled. You will jump into this for King Kashue's sake. I don't like you being used as a political tool, but I won't let you do this alone.

"Wait, how can I be a temporary King?" Parn shook his head.

"We are working on that; we have a lead on someone whose blood is that of the line of Kadomos." Princess Fianna nodded. "But we cannot allow Alania to fall to the nobles or Marmo if they decide to attack again."

"So Parn abdicates to this chosen heir then?" Deedlit summarized their plan.

"Correct," Kashue nodded. "For the sake of Alania and sparring its people from a bloody civil war, would you do this for her, Parn?" Kashue looked expectantly at the Free Knight of Lodoss.

"I…" Parn looked at everyone before his eyes landed firmly on Deedlit. His elf companion could easily see the turmoil within, and she smiled, reassuring him she would not go anywhere.

"I accept," Parn found his resolve and pressed his fist over his heart. "I will become Alania's King to protect the people."

"Thank you, Parn," Kashue nodded, smiling widely, "know that while you are doing this for Lodoss, I have dispatched agents to look for your friend while you help us."

"Thank you, Sire," Parn felt relief wash over him, knowing someone would look for Woodchuck while he was indisposed.

"Good, now go find yourself a drink and some food; I shall announce the competition's start soon." Kashue patted Parn's shoulder, and he and Deedlit took their leave. As they left, Parn and Etoh shared a firm clasp of wrists.

Parn and Deedlit found themselves a place away from the guests. Parn had picked up a cup but could only stare at his reflection on the wine. Deedlit crossed her arms and watched her partner with concern. "If we don't draw attention to ourselves, we can probably leave without anyone being the wiser." Deedlit nudged her armored shoulder against his.

"Huh?" Parn looked at his elven companion. "Sorry Deed, I was thinking, what did you say?"

Deed smiled and shrugged, "oh, nothing, just wishful thinking." Deed sighed and leaned on a nearby pillar. "So," she gazed at the nobles and their shifty mercenaries. "King Parn. Has a nice ring to it, don't you think?" Deedlit grinned at him.

Parn sighed and looked at King Kashue; he was talking with Princess Fianna and Etoh, who looked odd to Parn without his priest garbs. "If Etoh can become a King, it wouldn't be far-fetched for me to do it, right?" Parn narrowed his eyes, staring at his reflection again. "King Kashue made himself a King, too," Parn gripped his cup tighter, steeling his resolve. "Yeah, I'll become King, just like King Kashue!" Parn grinned with newfound purpose and drank his wine in one gulp. "Deedlit, you ready for this?"

Deedlit looked into his blue eyes and the fire behind them. The same fire that had consumed her heart and made her fall in love with him. "Yes, wherever you go, I promise to stand beside you, Parn."

"Deed…" Parn took a step forward, leaving his cup on the nearby table.

"Parn," Deedlit stepped up as well. Things have changed since he rescued her from being sacrificed to resurrect Kardis. It was unspoken, though her ears longed to hear the words. Her heart ached for him, and after Marmo, Parn reciprocated in his own way. But something held back the words. Despite how close they were, she could feel there was still a bit of distance. She had gone as far as she could, while she had not said the words, Parn knew, and now it was his turn to meet her halfway. Yet, he did not; he would always stop here, afraid of something she could not put her finger on.

Parn looked into Deedlit's eyes, and the words caught in his throat. Her ethereal beauty was once lost on him. His mind was consumed by the war and his wish to prove himself a Knight. But, after Marmo, after risking his life for her. Parn knew then and there that he loved her. He loved Deedlit with all his heart. But, every time he wished to say it, every time he wanted nothing more than to proclaim it, Slyan's words stopped him. Once, when they were visiting Slayn and Leylia, Parn and he had a conversation on the matter.

"I am happy for you, Parn," Slayn smiled with a nod. "But as your friend, I'd like to offer you some knowledge." Slayn looked out the window, where Deedlit and Leylia sat in their garden. Deedlit looked excitedly as Leylia stroked her pregnant belly. "As a high elf, much is a mystery about her, but what little we know is important to consider." Slayn's smile dropped, and his mood became somber. "Deedlit is immortal to the flow of time. She will remain as she is today forever. Because of this, high elves have very long memories and feel things more than humans." Slayn looked to Parn with a melancholy look in his eyes. "Deedlit's love for you is profound; she will feel it all eternity. It will warm her in the cold and keep her spirits up in the darkest hours." Slayn looked to the window sill. A flower picked from their garden slumped over its vase. "When your time comes, she will mourn you, and just as her love for you brings her joy, your loss will bring her immense sorrow." Slayn looked back to Parn before sighing. "She may endure, as the memories you share together could be enough. Though she will mourn you for her eternal life, your love will allow her to continue." Slayn pursed his lips. "But, should it not be enough, she will go into a deep depression. In that state of mind, she might give into her dreams of you to cope with your loss. In my studies, I have heard that fae folk are particularly vulnerable to spirits of loneliness when they dream." Slayn closed his eyes, tilting his head down. "If her sorrow is great enough, a spirit of loneliness will find her and lock her in an eternal dream she will never wake from."

Parn felt the sorrow grip his heart and all the warm feelings Deedlit had brought drained away. How could I live knowing I would leave you to such heartache, Deedlit. So, Parn lifted his hand and put it on Deedlit's shoulder. "Let's do our best, partner," he forced a smile for her.

Oh, Parn, Deedlit, much more adept than him, hid her own hurt better. She smiled and nodded before leaning back against the pillar. There was such sorrow in your eyes; please talk to me. I can't ease your burdens if you don't share them with me. Deedlit entertained the idea of coming out and asking him but was interrupted by King Kashue.

"Hear me all gathered here for this most auspicious of occasions." Kashue spread his arms out, and all eyes and ears were on him. He stepped aside and motioned to the empty throne behind him with the Alanian crown on it. "Before you lies the empty throne of Alania, and it is for the taking of those who undertake the arduous task ahead. For he who comes out on top shall be acknowledged by Flaim and Valis as the rightful King of Alania."

The gathered nobles raised their cups and cheered while their mercenary followers simply smirked at the prospect of a big payout. "Here here!" The nobles shouted.

"However, the task before you is no simple one. For one to win the crown, one must first uncrown another." One of Kashue's men lifted a piece of parchment with the sketch of a man. Below the sketch read: Rowland Granias Wanted Dead or Alive.

Kashue motioned the wanted poster, "This man was once a Knight of Alania but has since renounced the title and is now calling himself the Bandit King of Alania!"

Several murmurs rose among those gathered.

"Despite the defeat of Alania to the forces of Marmo, Rowland Granias waged a guerilla war against the occupying forces through their entire occupation." Kashue closed his eyes and nodded. "All well and good, but after Marmo's retreat, he has refused to disarm and has instead claimed himself the King of Alanians and remains at large. He and his men have been branded as broken men." King Kashue threw his hand out before those gathered. "He and his men are deserters and must be brought to justice. To the one who can bring this bandit king to justice goes the crown of Alania!"

"Yaar!" The nobles and mercenaries cheered alike, except for Parn and Deedlit. They now felt reservations about fighting a man who fought for the people of Alania when the nobles capitulated.

"But be weary; Rowland and his broken men aren't the only threat destabilizing Alania. Marmo's beasts, freed from their master's control, now roam Alania, preying on all those they find. There are even rumors of dark wizards who still control packs of these monsters, vying for control of whatever scraps of land they can hold." Kashue narrowed his eyes, "so do not undertake this quest lightly. For a prize as grand as a crown, one must remember this is for the people of Alania. Undertake this quest if your heart is steadfast and you wish to see Alania restored." Kashue sighed and gave everyone a once-over. "Very well, that is all. The competition starts tomorrow. For now, make your preparations, and may the best man win."

There was a polite applause for Kashue before those gathered took their leave. Before Parn and Deedlit could leave, Kashue approached them. "Parn, Deedlit, I know this must all be overwhelming. Please, follow me to my quarters; perhaps I may be able to offer some small assistance."

"Yes, thank you, Sire," Parn looked to Deedlit, and she shrugged and followed behind. The group was led to the royal apartments where Kashue had been staying.

The group sat down in one of the sitting rooms, and Kashue sighed. "First, I apologize for putting you on the spot like that. However, things were moving fast, and I couldn't think of another man I could trust with this."

"It certainly wasn't what we were expecting," Deedlit crossed a leg over the other and frowned at Kashue.

"I know, and for what it's worth, if there's anything outside the competition I can do for you, please name it."

"Thank you, sire, but I can focus on the task ahead with you looking for Woodchuck." Parn hummed.

"Of course, but there is something; just the two of you might not be enough to brave the trials of Alania." Kashue looked to his aid, who came and placed a sack of coins on the table. "This is to help fund your campaign. I suggest you take this to the tavern outside the keep." Kashue's eyes shone with a mysterious kind of mirth. "You would also be happy to know your companion Slayn is in the city. He is at the Academy of Sages. I'm sure he would be obliged to help you if you visit him."

"Thank you. We'll pay Slayn a visit after the tavern then." Parn smiled, grateful for the advice and help. "Sire, I also wanted to ask, but is this man Rowland really just a common bandit?"

"I know how you feel, and were things different, I would have applauded the man." Kashue sighed. "However, he is openly hostile to the nation's nobility. As such, the chance to talk things out peacefully has long passed. Rowland has made it clear he will not stand by the nobility. Whatever our feelings on the matter, this will ignite a bloody civil war. Marmo may be licking their wounds, but they are far from defeated. We cannot afford a weak Alania now more than ever."

"Right," Parn remembered the war all too keenly. "Then we will do what we must."

"Excellent," Kashue smiled and stood, offering Parn his hand. Both men grasped their wrists firmly and took their leave. "Good luck, Parn; for the sake of Alania, I pray for your success."

Parn and Deedlit left the keep and made their way to the tavern just a block away from the keep. Inside, it was much as any rowdy tavern filled with merriment. Parn wondered who he was supposed to meet here. A voice called out to them as he and Deedlit walked further in.

"Hey!" the voice came from behind them.

Parn turned and immediately smiled as Shiris stood on the veranda above. She leaned over the railing and waved the two over. "Come on then, we got business to discuss."

"Well, today is just full of surprises, huh Parn?" Deedlit took a seat on the table before Orson. The quiet berserker simply nodded his greeting as Shiris sat next to him.

"Tell me about it; Orson and I were just doing odd caravan guard jobs when a messenger from King Kashue found us." Shiris grinned, looking at her elven friend.

"It's been a while, how are you two?" Parn sat next to Deedlit, crossing his arms.

"Same ol' same ol," Shiris waved her hand dismissively. "But that's about to change, given this juicy job offer!" Shiris elbowed her partner's arm. "Right, Orson?"

"Hmm," Orson nodded, drinking from his cup.

"So King Kashue has already told you what he put Parn up to then?" Deedlit rested her chin on her palm.

"Oh yeah," Shiris smirked, "he said you'd be paying us plenty for the job too."

"What was the agreed price?" Parn asked, reaching for the gold in his satchel.

"Four hundred up front!" Shiris held up four fingers.

"That much!" Deedlit gaped and looked to Parn. Her lovable Knight didn't so much as blink as he deposited four gold coins from the purse onto the table.

"Alright, here you go; we will head out tomorrow morning." Parn slid the coins across the table.

"Oh, we will be ready," Shiris pocketed the coins and smirked. "Hunting bandits, nothing we can't handle."

"Well, we have to see Slayn if he wants to help us too." Parn stood up and waved at his companions.

"Catch you all tomorrow," Deedlit waved at the mercenary duo before following Parn out. The two found themselves before the academy soon after. After introducing themselves, they were led to Slayn's study. Inside, the man himself was going over various books. Deedlit knocked on the already open door, catching Slayn's attention.

"Hm?" Slayn, hunched over a book, looked up and caught his friend's eyes. "Oh!" Slayn stood from his desk and walked around, arms spread. "My friends, forgive me; I was engrossed in some research."

Parn clasped wrist with Slayn chuckling, "as if we'd find you doing anything else."

"I don't suppose this means you are neglecting Leylia and little Nesse, are you?" Deedlit grinned mischievously.

"Aha," Slayn rubbed the back of his head bashfully. "I certainly try not to, but please, have a seat. Would you like some refreshments?" Slan gestured to his desk, where two plush chairs were before it.

"Ah, we won't take up much of your time," Parn shook his raised hand. "We're actually here to ask for your help. I'm sure you know about the competition to win Alania's crown." Parn raised his gloved hand and looked down at it. "Well, King Kashue has entrusted me to win and become the King of Alania…for a time."

"Ah, yes, there was some debate about that here in the Academy." Slayn sighed. "We tend to stay out of the politics of the kingdoms. However, the headmaster, Albius Crowly, has been touting that the academy should step up. He has a significant number of wizards here supporting him. What is most troubling is he says we should cast our lot with Duke Raster."

"I can't say we're familiar with him," Deedlit said, placing her finger against her bottom lip. "Oh wait, I heard his name in the gathering!" Deedlit snapped her fingers, "Yeah! Really pompous looking man with some nasty-looking mercenaries."

"He very well may have been there, yes," Slayn nodded, "with that said, I'm afraid I cannot depart from the academy. My leaving would jeopardize more wizards being turned to Crowly's cause."

"I understand, though I can't say your magic won't be missed." Parn sighed, his lips quirked up slightly.

"Fear not; I do have an alternative." Slayn smiled, chuckled, and looked past the two.

"Master Slayn, I- oh, forgive me, I didn't know you were entertaining guests." A young man in white robes with long blonde hair was by the door.

"No, actually, it is good you are here. These are my friends, Sir Parn and Deedlit of the high elves." Slayn gestured to his friends, and they nodded their greeting.

"I have a task for you, Cecil; please help Parn and Deedlit in their quest to bring Rowland Granias." Slayn narrowed his eyes slightly.

"What?" Cecil stepped back, "but I still have so much to learn. Are you sure I am ready for such a task?"

"Yes, I believe the time has come for you to journey outside the academy and put your knowledge to the test." Slayn's lips pulled, looking at his apprentice. "You will be in the very capable hands of the Free Knight of Lodoss and Deedlit. They are my good friends and are on a quest for the good of the realm."

"Then, if you believe I am ready, I shall be honored to accompany you, Sir Parn and Lady Deedlit," Cecil bowed politely.

"Lady Deedlit, he says," Deedlit giggled behind her hand.

"Oh? Forgive me. I was under the assumption you were Sir Parn's wife." Cecil raised his hands in apology.

"W-wife!" Parn and Deedlit said in unison, faces red.

"No, that's not!" Parn raised his own hands in defense.

"We're not yet," Deedlit covered her blushing face.

"Yet?" Parn gaped, then coughed into his fist, "please, Deedlit is my partner; she is very," Parn felt the words jumble up in his mouth. "She is very special to me, and uh, a-anyways! We will be leaving tomorrow morning. When you are prepared, meet us by the southern entrance!" with that, Parn all but ran from the room.

"H-hey Parn, wait for me!" Deedlit, still blushing madly, jogged out after him.

"I'm sorry; I hope I did not come off as rude." Cecil apologized to his master.

Slayn, for his part, was smiling, amused by it all. "They are still trying to contend with their feelings for one another. But they are trusted companions. You are in good hands, Cecil. Now, go and prepare for the journey ahead. I am confident you shall find your way with Parn and Deedlit."

"Yes, Master, I hope to return to you the more wiser for my travels." Cecil took his leave of his master, leaving Slayn alone with his thoughts. I see you are still burdened by our conversation, Parn. I hope you and Deedlit find a way forward, as I wish nothing but happiness for you, my dearest friends.

Parn left the academy walking briskly, his mind racing and his heart threatening to burst from his chest. Thoughts of Deedlit as his wife consumed his mind, and he imagined her in a wedding gown standing before him. He stopped, feeling his heart ached, wishing to tell her how much he loved her. I love you, Deedlit; it was so easy in his mind, but reality encroached into the fantasy, and he soon imagined her crying over his grave, his tombstone long since faded. I don't want to leave you alone in this world, Deedlit. He had to talk to her. He should not be holding these feelings in. But, as always, his treacherous doubt crept in, filling his head with ifs and whats.

"Parn, wait!" Deedlit caught up with him outside and grabbed his shoulder.

"Deed," Parn turned halfway to look at her, his eyes vulnerable and unsure. "I, well, it's just."

"Not here," Deedlit reached up, putting her fingers over his mouth. "Come on," Deedlit led him back to the keep where they would be staying. After a brief exchange with the guards and a servant, they found themselves in Parn's room.

"Deed," Parn, without his armor, sat on his bed.

"Talk to me, Parn. Please, don't be cruel and shut me out." Deedlit sat before him and looked at him with hurt in her beautiful eyes.

"Deed, I'm sorry. I want you to know it's not what you think." Parn leaned against his knees, looking at his threatened hands.

"Then what is it Parn? Tell me, please?" Deedlit hugged herself, feeling her heart tighten.

"Deed, I want to tell you how I feel, but I'm afraid." Parn's hands gripped one another tighter.

"Of what Parn?" Deedlit reached out and held his larger hands between his own.

"Of hurting you, Deed," Parn could feel her through her gentle touch. His heart only ached more as it begged him to relent.

"Parn, your silence hurts me more than any words ever could." Deed sighed, and he felt something wet hit his hand.

Parn gasped and saw Deedlit's eyes shine with unshed tears. He broke; he couldn't hold it anymore. His sorrow and his love for her poured out. "Deed, I'm afraid of dying and leaving you alone."

At his confession, Deedlit's own heart went out to her Knight. "Oh sweet Parn, is this why you have been like this?"

"Yes," he confessed shamefully.

"Parn, whatever time we have together will be enough," Deed leaned over and cradled his head in her arms. "So please, don't suffer like this on account of me. I know it will be enough; I feel it in my heart. Parn, go and say what you want to say to me. Don't let that fear hold you back anymore."

"Deed," Parn raised his head and looked into her alluring eyes. The love pouring from them was unmistakable. He did not feel worthy of such boundless love from her. Yet, he would not let his courage fail him. So Parn sat up straight and looked Deedlit straight in the eyes. "I love you, Deedlit."

The joy in her heart burst forth, and the tears once of sorrow turned to sheer joy. Deedlit closed her eyes and leaked down her cheek. "I love you too, my sweet Knight."

Everything ceased to matter for a brief moment. In this instance, Parn and Deedlit were just a man and an elf. Parn reached up and held Deedlit's face in his calloused hands. He leaned in, and their lips met for a chaste kiss. She tasted of nature, and her lips were soft and inviting. After a few seconds, Parn pulled back and looked at the elf that had taken his heart. "I," Parn started, but Deedlit covered his lips with her fingers again.

"No words," Deed sighed blissfully. "I don't want this to be a dream."

"Then I'll prove it isn't," Parn pulled Deedlit back in and kissed her, conveying all his love and passion for her. Parn pulled back after another few seconds, and Deedlit giggled into her fist.

"Okay, I'm thoroughly convinced," Deedlit leaned her forehead against Parns.

"You sure?" Parn smiled, "I can certainly keep reassuring you."

Deedlit felt a fluttering in her heart; this side of Parn was new to her. She had always known Parn to be reserved. Though he wore his emotions on his sleeve, he was very modest. But, with that distance that once kept them apart gone, he was much more…assertive. Not that he wasn't resolute, but the feeling of being wanted and the feel of his lips on hers was almost too intoxicating. She knew things would have gone one or two ways; she would have had her heart broken, or her love would have been returned. Now, feeling him so close, his hands on her face. It was bliss, she had never known this feeling in her long life. She had never felt someone love her so truly and wholeheartedly. "Parn," she said his name with all the love she could muster.

"Deedlit," Parn took her hand and kissed her palm. "I'm sorry for hesitating for so long, for hurting you as I did."

Deedlit shivered when his lips met her hand, and she cupped his cheek, "It's okay, let's make up for that lost time."

Parn smiled, covering her hand on his cheek with his. "Yeah, I won't hesitate anymore." Parn hummed and sat up. "Hey, come here," Parn laid down, propping himself up on the sofa's cushions. He tugged on Deedlit's hand, pulling her to him.

Deedlit allowed herself to be pulled along. She settled atop him, resting her head on his chest. He wrapped one arm around her slim waist and stroked her head with his other hand. Deedlit listened to his strong heart, lulled to sleep by its steady thumping. They lay like that for a while, long enough for the sun to set, bathing the city outside in the moon's glow. "We should probably sleep, though I loath to leave this new side of you, Parn." Deedlit looked up lazily at her…well, what were they now? She was afraid to ask, but she knew Parn would not go back on his word. "So what do we call ourselves now?"

"Hmm," Parn opened his eyes, gazing down at the beautiful elf on his chest. "I don't know, what would you call it?"

She wasn't sure herself, but she hoped one day she would be called his wife and Parn, her husband. For now, Deedlit wasn't quite sure. "What would a human call it?"

"Well," Parn suddenly felt his cheeks heat up. "I guess lovers would be the apt term." Parn cleared his throat and diverted the attention from himself. "What about elves?"

Deedlit recalled her parents and how they lived such solitary lives from even one another. Her parents did not live together, as was elven custom. But in her time in the world of man, she had seen husbands and wives share a home and bed. That last part made her face heat up to her ears. Procreation among elves was extremely rare. So much so that she was the first elf born in a thousand years. But, man did not share in the eternity of high elves. Reproduction was necessary to ensure their survival as a species. But she also knew they copulated for more than just reproduction. They did so for love and out of simple lust. In their adventures, away from Parn's ears, she asked a woman about her and her husband's marital life. The woman had grinned and only pointed at their five children as an answer.

Deedlit did not understand at first, but now, as she lay in the arms of the man she loved, she certainly did. Her heart, body, and soul yearn to reach out for his. She wished to feel his skin against hers, his touch on her body. She wanted to bare herself before him and have Parn bear himself before her. But, if nothing else, Deedlit was patient. Her patience had gotten her this far; she knew it would do so again when Parn was ready. Besides, she was as new to this as he was. Rushing into things was the last thing she wanted, even if she was enjoying this new side of him.

"Deed?" Parn's voice broke her from her thoughts.

"Sorry, lost in thought," Deedlit giggled against his chest. "But, in elven, you would be my Meldo." Deedlit propped herself on her crossed arms. "It's somewhat interchangeable as friend and lover."

"Meldo," Parn tried the word out, and frankly, it sounded rough and not the least bit elegant from him.

"We'll have to practice your elvish," Deedlit laughed. "Nauva lertalyë sina quetë Eldaron."

Parn looked down at her with an unamused stare. "You're having fun with this, aren't you?"

"Maybe a little," Deedlit grinned mischievously. "But, if we are going to be lovers, you must meet my father and mother."

Parn, rather embarrassingly, realized he had never asked Deedlit about her family. How can I deserve your love after I have been so selfish?

"You've never talked about your home, or your family for that matter." Parn hummed.

"It's…complicated," Deedlit sighed, remembering her last interaction with her people. "The high elves don't think kindly of the world of man. They see you as a violent, immature species, and it's why the Forest of no return exists."

"Oh," Parn didn't feel much confidence about that. Especially when her parents find out she had fallen for a man not of their people. I have made up my mind. I will fight for Deedlit.

"That's why I will teach you elvish, so you can prove them wrong!" Deedlit grinned, determination shining in her eyes.

"Right," Parn couldn't help but be confident when looking at Deedlit's determined stare. "You can teach me when we are traveling and resting." Parn nodded, lips pulled back into a grin of his own. "Oh, so should I call you Meldo too?"

Deedlit shook her head, "Melril," Deedlit's tongue formed the sound so effortlessly.

"Melril," Parn roughly repeated, "my Melril Deedlit."

"Parn,' Deedlit beurried her face in his chest. "You're making me blush you know!"

"Sorry?" Parn shrugged, laughing. Deedlit laughed next, and they settled into quiet comfort.

"I guess I should go to bed; we have an early morning," Deedlit, with much effort, stood back up.

"Yeah, let's get a good night's rest," Parn stood up and stretched.

"Goodnight, Parn," Deedlit leaned in and pecked his lips. It wasn't very Elvish of her, but quite frankly, she was enjoying man's version of love much more.

"Goodnight, my Melril," Parn grabbed Deedli's hand and kissed her knuckles softly.

The action alone set her heart racing, and now she wondered how she would sleep tonight. Deedlit did her best to smother the squealing sound that wanted to escape her throat and took her leave. She would keep the way he called her "my Melril" in her heart for all eternity. It was rough, the word coming from someone who had never had the finess of an elf. But to Deedlit, it was perfect. It was Parn.

So begins a new adventure. Given how little I could find on Sword World's elves, I decided to straight-up jack stuff from Tolkien elves, like the language. The customs as well will be a little more Tolkien-esque for them. However, I shall stick to as much canon as I can. Also, this adventure is based on a Pathfinder: Kingmaker campaign. I gloriously ran into the ground by messing up my original build. So here we go, enjoy this adventure!