Rise of Deception

Chapter 2

Water flowed slowly upward out of the wash basin in Lainil's sleeping room, high above the forest floor. Her reflection was blurry and rippling, slowly crystallizing into clarity as the water solidified into a thin sheet of ice. She wrinkled her nose in scrutiny as she viewed her reflection. Loose honey blonde hair cascaded in a thick wavy mass to just above her knees, narrow intricate braids began at her crown, wrapping around the back of her head to hold the golden locks from her face. Small delicate lavender flowers woven into arm length streamers hung from the braids, adding a splash of color to the silken tresses.

Lainil gazed at the pale lavender gown, although beautiful, she still felt uncomfortable. She glanced with longing at the hunting leathers at the foot of her bed, wishing she could wear those instead to her dear friend's celebration. A mischievous sparkle glittered in her violet eyes, it would be no matter to wear leathers. A gown is what others would envision!  The thought had no sooner crossed her mind before she closed her eyes, shaking her head to lose the wayward turning of her mind. The elders would not be so easily fooled.

A light knock on her door made Lainil jump guiltily. She quickly let the ice melt and silently collapse back into the wash basin, her face flushed with the near discovery of being caught using alu power. The look of disappointment, and a hint of fear, on her mother's face that day in the forest fifty years ago was not one Lainil could easily forget.

She had been with her parents on a hunting trip, readying the clearing for camp. Her mother had arrived to witness Lainil setting the cooking fire with naur power and shock had frozen Marwen for a split second before she darted back into the trees to fetch her father. The trip had been cut short and they had hurried back to Fortaur, her parents quickly taking her straight to the elders.

The elders had patiently tried to reveal who may have been her mentor, convinced she was merely trying to protect whoever it was. After many hours they had concluded she had the natural aptitude for kemen, which was expected, but naur as well. In the following days they called her often, soon discovering she could efficiently control simple vilya and alu spells as well. Although not unheard of, it was rare for children to feel the calling of more than one power, and here this child of a mere fifty six had demonstrated all four without guidance. With mixed feelings they sent her home with the admonishment to refrain from using any magic all together until they called upon her again. Since then she had avoided the temptation to explore greater spells, contenting herself with very minor magic....just enough to keep the emptiness at bay.

Lainil sighed, pushing the memories back into the cubby hole in her mind, then sank gracefully onto the bed her father had lovingly handcrafted from the mighty trunk of a red alder. Isha watch over thy slumber had been beautifully carved into the arching headboard. She wasn't supposed to be able to see the protection spell underlying the plea, let alone have the ability to unravel it if she should choose to do so.

Marwen cracked open the door, interrupting Lainil's musing. "A'Sum!" She smiled brightly at her daughter as she entered the room. "Everyone is gathering, come along!"

"I am ready Mother." Lainil replied, standing up and spinning around with her arms held out high to her sides. "Am I fit for representing the house of Malmirthor?" She asked teasingly, a wide smile on her face as she waited for her mother's approval.

Marwen tapped a slender finger on her cheek, her almond shaped brown eyes squinting as she appraised Lainil. The lavender corsette fitted her full bust and rib cage snugly, leaving the upper part of her breasts and firm abdamen bare. Tiny diamonds glinted between her collarbone and the smooth upper part of  her bosom, connecting the sheer gossamer shawl that draped enticingly off her slender shoulders. Her skirt was fashioned from the same silky material that fell to her ankles in shimmering folds. The wide gold filigree belt that rode low on her waist held a matching dagger sheath that rested comfortably against her outer thigh.