Seeing Red

Chapter Five

Chapter 5

 We had been sent away by Dyr’aila to Zevvran's home; in Jutara. There was a fairly large representative clan of Free Dwarves there; we had hoped to gain allegiance from the Dwarves' king, Garz’bog.  It wouldn’t be easy. But as my race was also one of those being enslaved we did have some common ground to work from.

Dyr’aila still hadn’t quite forgiven me, but when she found out that Zevvran and I were to undergo the Love of Anna, she warmed up considerably.  Zevvran proposed to me as an elf.  I wore the flower proudly and everyone was so incredibly excited that I had to explain when, and how, we would be married. The people watched me in awe after that-all the time staring as if I was a mythical creature.  The stories that were spread about my time as a wolf and of the courting by Zevvran were ridiculously exaggerated. Some people even claimed that I was the queen of the wolves and that Zev and I had met in several past lives.  Before I left however, I was crowned the Guardian of the Wood Elves, and branded with a flame shaped tattoo over my left eye. It was a faded auburn color (surprise!), but it made me look… dangerous, which of course I thoroughly enjoyed.  Zevvran told me he would propose to me as a human and dwarf soon.

“The time will come for it my love; we will wait until we are within the walls of their heritage.” He smiled at me.

            Sometimes, although I didn’t understand what he was saying, his words were of comfort to me.  Just hearing his voice relaxed me immensely.

            We set off at sunset.  The ground was wet and the air was brisk.  I felt the excitement build; I was getting to meet the elven bard clan that helped my Zevvran!  We rode at a steady pace, although this time I had my own mare; he was strong and enduring, with a black coat and henna highlights. I named him Zevvarian, after my love. Zevvran also had a new horse; she was quick and energetic, with a white coat and a black birthmark on her forehead. He however wouldn’t name her, so I did for him. She was Anaralowve, a symbol of our love. Zevvran thought it was funny that I felt the need to name the horses, but I thought it was infuriating that he would ride them nameless.

“How would you like to be nameless? What would I call you? Hey! Nameless, come here! Nameless is a handsome elf! It wouldn’t work. You need a name!”

He chuckled “Relax my love, if you need to name the horses, than you may. I will not stop you.”

I just glared at him and rode ahead, trying to ignore the sound of his chuckling. It took us five days to get to Jutara, and although the days were long, the nights were wonderful. I enjoyed sleeping under the stars and moons despite the harsh cold and ill-intended insects. I was always well rested in the morning. We arrived at the iron gates at sunset, which was beautiful. I slid off Zevvarian and leaned into the love of my life.

“It’s beautiful!” I said looking at the golden sky.

He put his arms around me, “Yes, but not as beautiful as you my love.”

I sighed and kissed his palm.  “I will stay beautiful only when you are here.”

“Then I will never leave” he told me.

I smiled sweetly at him.

“DO YOU NEED ACCESS TO JUTARA, TRAVELERS?” A booming voice said.

I jumped and Zevvran laughed.  “Boomer! Long time, no see!” I inwardly smirked. The name seemed fitting for the loud mouthed guard. We waited as Boomer approached us from the guard house at the gate.

“Zevvran my friend, it has been a long time! What brings you here?” Boomer quizzed, grabbing Zevvran's forearm in greeting.

“it has been a while. I actually came for something serious believe it or not. Oh and... Umm, this is my betrothed, Layana Mavenblood.”