The Elven Powers

Chapter four : No turning back (Morgel)

We held our breath as Faowin crossed the river. Everything the Queen said jumbled up inside my mind. A pre-ordained destiny awaited the both of us and I wasn't even sure I wanted it. It was all just so complicated; I had to become head of my family someday but not anymore? It seemed too radical a change. Galandria seemed calm enough. She was smart for a ten year old whereas my teacher often chided me for not paying attention to my studies often calling me a wild boy. This was probably why I couldn't work out that things would proceed whether I willed them to or not. My current position in the society I knew was decaying around me. Somehow I found myself desperately wanting to be the guardian. I embraced this future.

It dawned on me, all the adventures I could have and I'd never have to see my parents again. My parents were always telling me what to do and who to be; they scorned me for dragging Galandria into trouble. I knew the wealth and titles that came with my family were no small deal, but I never did seriously want to live up to that. I had just never been given a choice before and here it was now ready for the taking. I again hated myself for looking like a wimp in front of her when she suggested following Faowin, because now it mattered. Normally I would've jumped at the chance of the unknown, however Galandria always seemed to have courage in moments I did not. I screamed mentally in frustration at the thought that this could remove my new choice. It was new and fragile, a different world away, but I coveted the abrupt reality all the same. 

Faowin had reached the tree by now. The drawn breath in the crowd was palpable. The lofty Travain loomed above Faowin in its impressive spiritual beauty. I could feel the electricity of the tree in front of me, though I had to correct myself it was most certainly a god and unlike any other tree. Travain, tree-spirit in common tongue. It was deadly silent in the clearing now, save the panting of Polaris Queen of the polar bears. On the other hand even that sound was strangely hushed in the twilight of the clearing. Faowin began to chant a form of Elvish I did not understand. This must have been Seer tongue, which allowed a witch of the Order of the white to link with the ebb and flow of the Power's words. Her eyes began to turn white and the words of Seer tongue tumbled from her mouth starting low, then increasing in volume till she was almost shouting. Her voice acquired a lilting rhythm as she began to sing out each word, despite the resistance of some of the harsher articulation. It was beautiful, in an eerie way. Every organism in the clearing began to shift with each word, as Travain seemed to thrum with energy from each note. Its great boughs moved in an unseen breeze as the Faowin’s words sang in my ears. I have not since seen a rawer, pure magic. All of a sudden she stopped. Her eyes turned back to normal and she held out her left hand as she stood next to the tree. 

Seconds passed like hours. A butterfly floated past in the breeze. All was silent. Faowin closed her eyes and... Sharply hit the tree with her staff. A plump apple fell from the tree strait into Faowin's hand. Everyone in the clearing gasped with excitement. There wasn't one person who hadn't have daydreamed about what it must be like to taste the spirits fruit, which contained knowledge and understanding far beyond our own. It was legendary that you would never be able to eat something as fine as spirit fruit. I was tempted to take some myself when I heard about it; however as everyone before me I hadn't been able to find Travain. The Great Apple tree had been reveal to those in the clearing now, if not before, though no one dared to take the fruit. I sensibly took note to follow suit, as I think I would suffer far worse in the hands of the Powers than just a scolding from Faowin. She was now biting into the fruit I thought of. It was cruel of her to tease us as she chewed thoughtfully on the apple for what seemed like a long time. 

It was getting me increasingly more agitated that Faowin was lingering over the judgement. I thought to myself ruefully how if this was all preordained shouldn't Faowin know in an instant who the Guardian is? Still, something told me there was a little more showmanship to this ritual than that. The sanctity of our Elvish religion has always been just that, entirely sacred. It wasn't the kind of religion where the people of Killeurdrenn prayed to Travain, but through the day to day things we did. The ebb and flow of the world around us holds the powers in it, so they know our hearts and we serve them by being stewards of our land. This was the reason that Elves chose to dwell in the forest. I personally just liked that I didn't have to put too much effort in. The rituals of man seemed too complicated with their churches and regular pray so they can avoid damnation or whatever it was. Strange race man. 

I looked over at Galandria for what I felt may be the last time. Somehow I felt rather than the fate of who is Guardian resting on this decision, it was also that we may be separated. If I became Guardian I'd make a point of visiting her as often as I could. On the contrary if she became Guardian I was not sure how I would react. She would have stolen the one chance I had been clinging to, even if for a very short time. I had just never felt I really connected with my parents and was not at all surprised that Travain felt I didn't belong with them either. The mighty tree was giving me a chance at something different. Something other than obligation. I knew jealousy was beneath me when it came to her, she was my best friend. However, I could not speak for how I may react. As for what I would do, that would have to wait and see. Still, I began to feel uneasy about the whole process and what might await me if I did not get chosen. 

Suddenly Faowin dropped the apple which rotted and melted away almost immediately. She then began to walk back towards us picking something up out of the apple remains as she went. I could not see what it was but it gave a small wink of light, as her slender hands coiled around it. Closer and closer she stepped, stopping just in front of me and Galandria concealing her object effectively. She held up what now could be identified as the solid gold emblem of the guardian on a golden chain. It reflected a bright rosy light that seemed to dance with golden fire. Despite having come out of an earthy apple, it look far more precious and I thought smugly how no dwarf could possibly replicate so fine a sheen. I mentally begged Faowin to get on with it, what followed would be.

Almost too quickly and in a strangely hushed voice she said “The guardian is Galandria".