The Elven Powers

Chapter sixteen: Make merry this heart of mine (Galandria)

It had been a long day of marching. The sun had risen early as the days grew longer and hotter. We had continued from the city in a roundabout westerly direction, as before. The trees had glanced past as we continued on the well marked trade route. It had begun with heavy footfalls, however the army made camp in high spirits that night. Making camp had become much simpler. The allotted reinforcements were not the only deciding factor. These reinforcements had some skill at fortifications that our portion of the army lacked, as well as the high spirits and general verve that we needed in order to complete tasks in such speed and quality. Not only that but the army had been provided with a handful of entertainers.

Thus it was that Elrohir and I found ourselves attending a large feast rather than dining alone. The central area set aside in front of the command tent had been transformed into a medley of fires and music. Several wooden tables were dotted around with stumps for stools and several likewise logs positioned around the fires. A space was cleared for a bonfire and another for the main table where all the captains would dine. Peals of laughter broke the surface of the general ruckus din as we made merry. However it was largely subdued when our meals were presented to us. Fish and urchins from the western seas, soft bread from the Fields outside the city of Killelvris, wines also from the second realm and heaps upon heaps of game from home. I accepted a few plates of the bread remembering my mannerisms as a guest of honour. However, my hunger soon won me over and I sunk my teeth in all the game I could get my hands on. Succulent pork, pheasant, wilderin ( gigantic fox like creatures with soot black fur and immense speed) and Nelibon. Nelibon were a rare breed of giant boar left behind when the dragons were defeated and the dwarfs left these lands. They bred well without dragons to hunt them, but were something of recluses and reserved only for great feasts if you chanced upon them.

I ate until I could hold no more. I exchanged pleasantries with many faction leaders and was interested to find out all about the army's' most inner workings. I didn't have to retain mannerisms for very long before the first sturdy warrior's' grip fastened onto me and dragged me out to dance. We made swooping rings around a now blazing bonfire. Soon the music turned more wild, the leaders left and the camp became more free of speech and action. We started dancing folk dances from our own areas that I had almost forgotten. Soon we were all bare footed, stamping and chanting as we went. Wine of several sweet berries poured like rain. This wine was the kind devised with the ability to take effect on elves. It is said that if any other creature takes so much as a sip it produces immediate unconsciousness.

I had never tried so much as a glass of the stuff, yet soon as the dancing and laughing grew to an almost unbearable volume, glass after glass was pressed into my hand and consumed. I started to dance in a more and more wild fashion as the world spun more precariously. I giggled uncontrollably and warriors began to swing me around and press me into their arms. Several attempted to steal a kiss and some succeeded in my drunken stupor. I began to drink from others' tankards, downing the contents. It was in the arms of another stranger looking to steal my affections that I started to come to my senses. He had his hand below my waist and was clutching me fiercely. He was grinning stupidly and I could smell the drink on his breath. I let out a yelp and began to struggle as I realised what he was trying to do. He had me feet off the ground dragging me towards his tent. Realising my struggle and regain on reality, he swung me over his shoulder so I couldn't get away. His hold was firm and as I struggled I could feel myself beginning to bruise. 

I started to shout for help, my shouts falling on drunken ears that would just point and laugh at the spectacle. The situation seemed hopeless as I began to grow tired and limp.

Then a force like a charging Corkash drove into the side of me and the drunkard sending me flying from his grip. I bounced once on the hard floor and came to rest with the ground meeting my head. I lifted my head my vision heavy and blurred. My ears rang and my chest complained suggesting bad bruising and a possibility of something worse. I groaned and tried as best I could to get up. I failed five consecutive times and fell to grunting for help. All I could see was a crowd gathered around two figures grappling in the dirt. No one took any notice of me. Suddenly one flew to the ground a few meters away. After a while the crowd dispersed and the first figure approached. I began to scream afraid it was the drunkard claiming his prize and about to drag me to his tent. Arms snaked around my body and I kicked as best as I could despite complaints from my body. The arms halted and one moved to my head pulling me into a sitting position. The arms continued to pull until my head rested on someone's warm chest. The figure began to cradle me this way and then a set of lips touched mine. Fire erupted from the contact bringing my body back into focus as I gazed back at Elrohir. He cupped my face tears in his eyes. I didn't want to look at my damaged body but I guessed that was why Elrohir was crying. After all it was he who had charged into the drunkard to fight for me. He probably blamed himself for my bruised and battered state.

He swept me up into his arms. I was trying hard not to make him feel guilty, but couldn't help it when a small moan escaped my lips. Obviously distressed by this he carried me even more gently sweeping us gracefully into his tent and onto the cot that was his bed. Being in an army, it wasn't a common thing to reside in luxury. He pressed my bruised body to his beneath the covers gently so as not to cause me any pain.  

"I'm so sorry." He whispered. " I just saw him carrying you off and I lost it...I-I couldn't let him hurt you." His voice was straining to form the words.  

"Elrohir it was not your fault." I reasoned. "If anything I am grateful. Drink got the better of me" I admitted reluctantly. "I promise you never to cause you such distress again. Besides now we are uneven and I shall have to save you twice to repay my debt."  

At this he let out a small chuckle. I began to squirm in his grip in an attempt to turn to face him. However he held me solidly preventing me from doing so. "Please do not face me, you are hurt and should not aggravate your wounds." 

"Elrohir I'm-" 

"I can see your bruises and obvious pain at movement. I love you too much not to notice. Besides, although you would object to it I must deprive myself of you, to punish myself for my carelessness. Just sleep for now, I will be here when you wake." 

I tried to change his mind "but we will make an impression on the army-" 

"I care not. I must keep you safe. I cannot bear to see another man try to gain your affections so I must stake my claim on you. From now on they shall have to prize you from my cold dead fingers if they want you. I promise." 

" I wish I could give you something in return. " I whispered shocked by the gravity of his devotion. 

"Just stay with me tonight."  

"Agreed" 

And I did.