The Orb of Souls

Chapter 2

The Orb of Souls

©2009 Teresa J. Goodman

Chapter 2

Ember and Xander spent many more years together in the sparring-yard, constantly competing with one another. Over time a rivalry had grown. However, there was always a respect for one another. Eventually, a very close friendship had grown as well. In fact, they knew each other so well that they could predict each others' moves in combat. When the time came to move onto team fighting, naturally, they were paired together, and because of their extensive knowledge of each others' fighting styles, they made an unbeatable duo.

When tournament season came around the entire academy was in anticipation. Tournaments were always the major topic of discussion amongst the students, however, this year the stakes were a little higher. Many of the students felt their family's honor was on the line, because, to be publicly bested by the abomination would make them seem inferior in the peoples' eyes. Though they always remained respectful of Lady Lyndiri, their disdain for her was no secret. Even though much time had passed, and she continued to give her all without complaint, many of the students were still disgusted by her very presence there. Especially the older students, and even some of the other instructors, though they would never dare admit it out loud. When tournament day finally arrived, the tension in the air was almost stiffling. As the day grew on, and Ember continued to remain the victor, she was surprised by the growing viciousness in her opponents. On several occassions she believed her opponents had forgotten the meaning of sportsmanship all together. She was certain they intended more than simly besting her, they wanted her blood! What could she have possibly done to invite such behavior. Never had she tried to hurt any of her opponents. She had always been respectful of her peers, despite themselves. Never had she even spoken a word in anger. She knew they hated her for what she was, but until this moment, she hadn't realized just how far that hatred ran.

Though her peers had rejected her, Ember and Xander had become inseperable, the best of friends. They trusted each other with their lives. However, as they matured their relationship began to evolve into something more. Their mutual respect had turned to adoration, and eventually, to love. Xander wanted desperately to be with Ember, but he knew his family would never allow it. He would tarnish his name, but worse than that, he would bring dishonor to his family. Even though the Great War had long since past, Ember was a reminder to the elves of Elgyntavia that dragons still exist, though few and far between they may be; a reminder of darker times, when magic and fire reigned, and the entire known world was at war. The House of Xavarius would never stand for such a union. No, he would not condemn a great warrior destined for greatness, to a life in exile, for the sake of love.

Ember longed for Xander as well. He, and he alone had shown her kindness in a world of hatred, had chosen to know her for who she was, rather than what she was, and had smiled when she entered a room, rather than grimace at her very presence like everyone else. However, she was painfully aware of the difference in their ages, as well as how his family felt about the draconic race as a whole. They had lost many to the war. She knew he would prefer a woman closer to his maturity level, a noble woman that would make his family proud, and bare him elven children to rebuild the House of Xavarius and carry on its noble name. She woefully accepted her fate, and swallowed her heart. What chance was their for marriage when she lived in a society that despised her very existance?

Eventually, the time came for Xander to leave the warcraft academy, and make his own way in the world. He knew that leaving Ember behind would break his heart, but he hadn't realized just how much until he saw her there waiting for him at the gate. As he approached he could have sworn he seen a single tear streaming down her cheek, but he shook it off. That couldn't be right, for the fierce and strong Lady Ember Lyndiri never cried, ever. How his heart ached when he looked again and saw that he hadn't been mistaken afterall, for she was crying still. "I will miss you more than you will ever know, Xander. You have been my best and only friend for so many years. When others rejected me, you embraced me. When others were cruel to me, you defended me, and when I was lonely, you were always by my side. Without you, I'll lose a part of myself. I know I may still be but a child to you, Xander, but my heart burns like any woman's, and I love you, I think I always have." Xander wrapped her in a warm embrace and held her as if the winds of hell would tear her from his grasp.

He wanted to tell her the secret of his heart, that he loved her as much as she loved him, that she was more woman to him than any other he had ever met. But, he knew they could never be together, and he was afraid that if he told her, it would only break her heart worse than it was breaking now. It physically hurt him to watch her suffer like this, and he could bare it no longer. "I know you think you love me, Ember, for what else have you known? But you are strong! You will survive this, and become even stronger for it. You can survive anything. You are a great warrior, even better than your father, someday. You still have much training left to do, and if your heart is burdened by what can not be, you will find it difficult to focus on what must be done. Remember me always, Ember, for I will remember you. I will return someday to see if you've become the warrior I know you can be. We will fight that day, and you will show me what you have learned." Then he gently kissed her forehead and wiped her tears from her eyes. He got back on his horse and rode off through the gate. He never turned around to watch her wave goodbye because he didn't want her to see him cry. His eyes always told her when he was lying.