A drop of moonlight

Chapter 5: Promise

Sensing a difference in breath, Denise felt unprecedented fear inside of her. Her whole body was tensing up. She wanted to move, yet she was too terrified to do anything.

Perhaps it was due to her being too young that she thought she could bite more than she could chew. She was well-aware that she is helpless in her situation. There is no leverage she can take to have things in her favor now.

The elf woke up.

In daze, Denise looked straight into the magnificent creature’s eyes without any thoughts in her mind. She was blank as a canvas and empty as her stomach is currently. Perhaps, hunger also affected her mind more than she thought it would. Would it make sense that she can somehow feel that the elf is quite happy seeing her?

Still, she decided not to think and used magic to knock herself out of the situation. While there is danger that the stranger before her could do something terrible, she trusts that the elf would not really harm the helpless and weak. Besides, what else can she do to look helpless and weak other than be unconscious? After all, she is her mother’s daughter; she can never pretend to be hapless more than a shallow acting.

Darkness covered her vision and the last thing she saw was a small arc gracing the elf’s face. And it was a beautiful sight she wanted to cherish for the rest of her life.

Out of consciousness, Denise was not able to see the amusement that the elf had seeing her so defenseless before them.

He stood up and approached the sleeping child. Reaching out his hand, he poked her cheek in fondness. Chanting a few syllables, the girl was floating and was brought to his former slumbing space.

Just as the girl was settled in, the pony-like creature came back and fondly frolic with the elf. The elf in response was indulgent enough to pet them in the head. In response, the creature gave a satisfied huff as it enjoyed its rewards.

“Arna.” A figure of a limping elf stepped out of the forest.

“Isilween.” Replied the elf as he continued to stroke and indulge the pony-like creature with his touch. “You’ve worked hard enough.”

The weak elf kneel before the other and said. “It is not hard work at all, Arna. You being awake and well is my greatest pleasure.”

“How long was I asleep, Elorhir?” The regal elf asked as he finally stopped petting the creature. “Was it a hundred years as it was told?”

“More than that Arna.” The other elf said. “It has been thousands of years since you’ve rested in this place.”

“Thousands of years?” There was indifference in the elf’s tone as he said this. “Time really is cruel and impartial. I suppose everything has changed and is unrecognizable for someone as ancient as us Elorhir?”

“The world has changed too many times for me to count Arna.” The kneeled one said. “Forgive this Isilween for being so useless. The mother tree that gave birth to us has perished and the new generation of elves is not so welcoming to us of the forgotten time.”

“There is nothing to forgive Elorhir.” The other elf turns to his dear friend and guardian. “It was simply something no mortal could ever control. The Rhianon has warned and advised us for so long of the great changes. Compared to others we are lucky to reach this age.”

“Still her promise took too long, Arna.” Said the guardian. “It was only now that this child appeared. Too young and reckless to fulfill her destiny.”

“Perhaps that is for the better Elorhir.” Said the other who took soft steps towards the sleeping child. “She is what was promised. With her, we will fulfill our promises and be able to achieve the peace we had long sought of.”

“But would it really be achieved, Arna?” Questioned the loyal guardian. “I’ve seen many things in the years you are in slumber. Empires rise and fall every few years or centuries. Everyone is still a captive of sin that brought forth endless grief to the land.”

“....perhaps such peace we long for is not possible.” The elf said as she touched the child’s messy hair with fondness, wisdom was in his words as he closed his eyes in remembrance of the time forgotten. “But with her, my purpose is ignited. I finally understood those dragons. There is no need for all wealth and power if you can take care of the treasure that is yours alone.”

“...she is but a child Arna.” said that kneeling elf as they finally have the courage to lift their head. “She cannot be…”

“Yes, she is a child.” The elf said as he opened his eyes. His gaze directed to his friend and guardian indifferently. “Forgive me for being like this Elorhir. It’s been too long. We’ve lost too many. I cannot lose her too.”

“Arna.” The guardian met the other’s gaze unafraid. “Please calm down. If you continue to be like this, I have to take her away from you until she is ready.”

“Elorhir!” There was anger in the other’s voice as the guardian threatened to take away the child from him. Nature responded in his fury, the earth quakes once again and the beasts in the forest cried in distress.

“Arna. Please understand, times has changed and there are too little people who knew of the promises we had.” Unfaze and rigid, the other did not shrink. “No one will take kindly of your claim on her. Everyone will condemn you and take her away if you continue like this.”

Perhaps the possibility of being separated has gave him reason. The other calmed themselves as much as possible. However, his eyes were dangerous as he looked at his friend more indifferently than ever.

“For now. Please listen to me and let me take care of everything for now.” Said the weak elf. “I swore my loyalty to you. Never would I do something that you harm you or her.”