Chapter Text
“HA!, HA!, HA!, HA!” sarai cried loudly, her voice chalky and dry coming out in bitter gasps as she thrusted her wooden spear into the chest of a target dummy.
The log man with two polls like broom handles for amrs and a stupid angy face painted were they head would go staring back. His body was cut off at the waist and replaced with another broom handle that was attached into the base. With each hit sending the wooden man spinning and moving about wildly like a top.
Her lungs burned and her body ached terribly each thrust of the fake weapon in her hands feeling like she was stabbing herself. Yet she continued despite the pain her will unyielding like the sun that grew ever closer to her sweating body.
The thought of her body being exposed to the sun's rays made her shudder painfully alright feeling like she would melt. Despite it only being just past morning meal time the cool spring late winter air felt searing to her skin. Despite the snow on the ground and the flurries that danced in the air falling from the trees and roofs, it felt as though it was the height of summer.
Her hands were blistered and beaten unused to such rough treatment after so long. Bleeding slightly under the strain of use as she ignored the warnings of the doctors and her husband. A burning desire in her chest pumping like the fire she felt in her lunges.
In spite of everything she was unrelenting, her will unbroken. Her spirit was unshaking, unwavering in the cold winters day as it was in the elvin prison wear she awaited her execution.
Yet it was no bars of metal, or scales of dragons that held her back now, but her body the prison now. Months of illness, fatigue, injury, and healing had left her body weak and feeble compared to her once proud warriors vistage. With all that remained of the once might warrior being the burning fire in her eyes. The fire that even now threatened to blister and burn the old wore out dummy
‘ I need... I need to become strong again… I must become strong again. Callum, Ezren, Rayla, Harrow. I need to become strong again. I can’t stop. I have to…. For them.’ her mind rang desperately as she pushed herself on in need.
Her mind racing with desperation and fear, her motherly instincts having kicked into high gear in recent weeks. Her weeks in waiting in the castle had finally hit a boiling point when she had caught some now ex guard bullying callum.
She despite words of warnings from all could take waiting no longer and needed to fight, or rather be able to fight. Needed her now feeble strength so that she could protect her children all three of them. So she could raise them in a place they need not live in fear with her acting as their shield. So they could be made ready to protect themselves in their own time and be ready to face the world harsh and cruel. when they were ready to face it without her or harrow to protect them.
“HA!, HA!, HA!, HA!, HA!” her voice echoed in repetition in the air.
Her only companion as she continued her training was rayla who sat in the shade cold bundled up as round as a snowman dozing in the morning light. Despite the cold she sat alone waiting for her as callum was with opeli studying and rayla was still not ready for such lessons and would be too large a distraction for callum.
And she was still too scared to be alone without herself, harrow, or callum at her side. Her shyness often manifested itself into literal disappearing with her magic. In the months that following her arrival, tremors that the castle was haunted began to spring up in the kingdome. The lives and sprites of those verin murdered coming back to haunt them. A cautionary tale that had since grown to warning children about dark magic. Leading to only the bravest or most foolish guarding the dark mage in his tower.
When in reality it was merely a scared child unable to control her powers. The fact of which made the king and queen laugh when they had heard the rumors.
Yet even as the girl was in the embers of twilight her body still adjusting to a day light schedule her presence brought the queen no comfort. Too lost in her training to even remember the girls presence her desperate need overriding h
“HA!, HA ahhhh!” sarai cried out as her right leg gave out.
The spear in her hand sliding painfully as a few blisters popped in her palms causing her to drop the spear as she collapsed to one knee. planting her right hand upon the ground for balance already feeling the heat being sucked away as her it bled lightly.
Sarai cursed strongly as she Looked upon her leg bitterly as if it wear the enemy
During her time as a prisoner she had contracted an elvin in her leg during her time in prison. Which was the cause of her weakness the last few months. The infection would have claimed her life had she been less fortunate, but the damage was done. And now she had to come to terms with the fact she had to retain herself from the ground up.
“SIGH!... I endured months in prison, nearly getting blown up by a dragon, survived meeting a rouge dark mage and attacked by a magma titan, only to suffer being unable to do a simple exercise.” she complained, her voice sharp and bitter resenting how weak she felt.
“I know I keep saying weakness is a strength.” she began to say getting into a sitting position while bringing her hand up to see, the red traces of blood and bleeding blisters seeping from her wounds. “heh! clearly i forgot what its like to feel weak.” she remarked jokingly.
Though she felt no humor in it as she felt the hands of self loath and bitterness falling upon her. ‘Have I truly fallen so far’ she thought sadly the idea depressing her.
Her head shook, going limp in her chest at the idea of being weak and helpless, the sweat falling from her face and freezing upon the ground. It was not the act or the feeling of weakness either but the fact that she was weak meant that she could not protect those who depended on her. Being unable to properly defend herself in a war torn kingdom nearly cost her life and callums more then once. A fact she didn’t want to repeat now having three children not just one.
It was then she felt a light hand upon her shoulder making her turn feeling a panic flood her veins. Instincts kicking in as she twisted round as fast as her body would allow bringing up a closed fist ready to fight off her attacker.
However the surprised shrike that followed made her for the first time in her life grateful for being slow and weak.
Sarai blinked in shocked surprise as her first lay frozen only inches in front of rayla’s face. The poor girl going near white from shock from the near blow to her head.
At first neither said anything to surprise for words, their eyes looking as if in a silent tug of war time all but stopping for the pair. The wind seemingly died on their skin, the cold evaporating in the shade, while the sounds of the world seemed to go silent. The pair unable or unwilling to break the silence between them.
It was only when rayls knees gave out causing the girl to fall into a kneeling position that the world seemed to work again.
The moment her body collapsed tears began to well up in her eyes as quite sobs began to rock her body. Her little face half hidden in a fluffy hood contorted into strained one showing great sorrow and pain as she began weeping.
A shocked gasp left sarais lips as her closed fist became an open hand once again, “Oh no no no no no.” she babbled in horror, her own eyes filled with unshed tears by her actions. Wrapping the girl into an oppressive hug that practically made her disappear her arms sinking into raylas coats. Allwhile cried into her shoulder her sobs echoing through her body from fear and shock.
All the while sarai did everything in her power to keep herself from weeping. Even trying if vainly to keep at least an outward facade of comfort as near oppressive guilt washed over her. At the same time pointless words of apology split from her lips like a river.
yet internally sarai cursed herself out for the near action of hitting rayla.
‘What is wrong with you? I almost struck rayla, she has enough trouble just sleeping most nights thanks to virens stunt. The last thing she needs is to think her mother will strike her at the fantest touch. She hardly initiates contact as it is except with callum I can’t let her fold in on herself any more then she already is.’
Sarai didn’t know how long they stayed embraced in the snow. long enough to where the thin layers she wore to keep from overheating during training now left her body cold. Her body now cooled to the point of shivers as she embraced a crying rayla on her arts. Yet she did not let go too afraid to lose rayla if she did.
Eventually the tears began to subside and rayla’s sobs quiet to mere wimpers. Not long after rayla began to push away from her aas she felt the young girl squirm in her arms a.
She let the girl break free without protesting, her arms breaking the embrace as the girl pushed away. Her face almost a lavender pink color, tear tracks clearly running down her face, while her nose dripping slightly despite the cold.
Seeing this sarai retreated a hand into her sleeve and used it like a rag to clear the poor girl's face. Rayla growed turning her face away slightly at this treatment, but did nothing to stop her.
Once completed she pulled her hand away and looked upon the girls still flush face. She noticed the wetness in her eyes and the fearful look in her eyes, and frown upon her face. Yet now she looked far more in control of herself, no longer on the verge of breaking down.
Neither said anything for a time as rayla seemed to avoid her gaze looking down and away. While her own gaze looked upon the girl with great pain and shame.
“I…” she uttered before stopping unsure what to say.
She wanted so much to say something, anything to appease rayla, to apologize to the poor girl for her actions. Yet no matter how much she tried no words could escape her lips. To hold her and say she was sorry as her hand left .
“I know.”
The words startled sarai bringing her back to reality, causing her to real back in surprise, having not expected rayla to speak, even wondering if her ears were playing tricks on her as she looked upon rayla face.
“I….. know…. You didn’t mean it.” rayla said timidly a few moments later.
Sarai blinked in surprise at the girl's voice while fearful and timid, the words sounded full of understanding and held an unnatural amount of calmness for her age.
It was then that rayla looked upon her once more, her eyes locking with her own. The look she was given was one of mature wisdom and insight far beyond even sarai’s own years. It was almost as if rayla could see through her, the girl's eyes practically glowing in the shaded light.
“Your eyes are not scary. like his” she muttered.
The words were near silent and very pidgin the child only just grasping the basics of common. But they spoke volumes about how she felt to sarai having to hold in a gasp. The haunted look that briefly crossed raylas eyes as she spoke those terrible words caused a flash of virens twisted dark face to cross her own eyes.
The man whom she even once thought friend at one time, somewhat reluctant as it may have been. Now he scared her memories for life with the horrifying images of the thunder’s throne. The sight of scores of dead elves that wear reduced to less then dust by his dark powers leaving pledging even her nightmares.
It was why even now she pushed herself too keep people like viren from harming her family again. To keep those who would use their powers for ill from harming her children.
It was then that a thought crossed her mind as she gazed upon her daughters face in the wake of her forgiveness. Though there was fear she saw a slight bur present burning spark of fire in the dark of her eye. It was this spark that made her wonder.
“Would you like to learn how to keep him away?” sarai asked immediately grabbing the girls attention
.
Rayla looked ever so torn and confused by this statement, as if almost believing what she was told was a lie or a fabrication. Her mouth falling open as disjointed in coherent sounds passed her lips. It was as if the idea of keeping virenn away was some unfathomable idea as to be impossible.
Sarai had to suppress a laugh at this reaction, her depression fading into a smile at raylas face. “I can teach you how to scare him away. And even beat him if you want.” she said repeating her previous point her voice overflowing with encouragement.
Rayla was quite closing her mouth biting her lip and looking away as if fighting something or having a silent argument with herself. Sarai could only guess but suspected it had something to do with her struggling to cope with the idea of actually being able to stop viren a man she likely viewed as unstoppable.
She said nothing at first as she no doubt was wrapped in her own self doubt at fighting the person who slayed her parents before her eyes.
To a child who likely adored her parents they wear supposed to be unstoppable protectors being made mortal would have shattered most children. Now she was being told of a way to face the demon that was viren and being given a way to learn the means to lay her parents killer low in kind. The mere thought must have caused her great conflict she knew.
Yet when she turned to face her once again she saw the spark of flame in her eyes once more. Yet this time it was not a mere tiny ember but a roaring flame. The look in her eyes now shone with the fire she had seen before. It was the same one she had once had, and was now trying to regain.
A reason to fight.
Even if she herself knew nothing of this fact the look in her eyes told sarai her mind was already made up. Even as the words were prepared to leave her lips sarsi needed not hear them to know the answer.
“Please teach me.”
Her words quite and frightened still, but they held a burning determination within them that would rival sarai’s one.
Smiling widely sarai nodded placing a hand upon her knee as if massaging it before standing tall once again. She tapped her foot upon the ground a few times before as she stood taking a moment to breath as she reached for the training spear once more. Now as she stood before her daughter spear in hand she could make out the faintest traces of aww upon the girl's face.
Immediately after rayla stood to join her, the posture she took was defiant and strong while her face burned with fire. Wear it not for the fact rayla respobled a snowman with all the layers she wore she may have been intimidated instead of resisting a giggle.
“Hmm.” she hummed pleased at the girl, ‘despite everything she is so much like her parents what little I saw. I have no idea what they wear like on a personal level but there is no doubt in my mind that she is their girl, as she has the same fire they did.
“First things first we need to get you a spear more your size and weight” she began walking away towards the supply shed where all the dummy weapons were stored.
Quickly throwing the doors open before rummaging around inside looking threw the various practice weapons. Axes, swords, halberds and more looking for a short spear. Knowing rayla would be neither coordinated or strange enough to handle a full one right away.
“Also.” sarai said pausing in thought as she brought her head out of the shed to find rayla having not moved from her spot. “You will need to remove a few layers.” remarking pleasantly before dive back into the shed for a weapon for rayla.
Sarai could practically see the panic on raylas face from inside the shead as she heard the girl gasp in panic. “But Its cold!” she whined as sarai found a short wooden throwing spear near the back.
A chuckle escaped her lips at this response as she left the shed closing it behind her. “You won’t be for long, now off with them.” she responded playfully.
Rayla winned at this but did not protest doing as she was told shedding what looked like three full coats. Showing off her great disdain for the cold with her many layers she wore making a small mountain of winter cloths at her feet. When she stopped all she had left was a single lighter coat and already she was shivering clearly unused to the weather.
Yet she ignored this as knowing full well that rayla would not stay cold for long as she drew closer.
“Now take this.” sarai instructed holding out the spear to take. “We will start out with just a simple exercise once you get used to the weight in your hands.”
Rayla just stared at the weapon at first unsure of what to do with it as though it were a forgen object. Even appearing a bit hesitant, making sarai wonder if it reminded her of viren staff.
Then without word she took the weapon and played with it in her hands seemingly trying to figure out how to hold it. It was clumsy and crud to watch as the use of it seemed foren to her.
Sarai knew from experience that despite being just a simple rod with a point at the end the spear was anything but simple to use. Callum would often call it a pocky stick which while true was not even a fraction of what it could be used for in the right hands. It could be used for more than just stabbing. And so long as she was willing she would ensure rayla knew as well.
After a few cold minutes rayla seemed to pick a way to hold it with her right hand in front of her left holding it point down towards the ground in front of her.
Sarai took in this stand the way she held the spear and how lightly she held, along with the poor posture she had. All were all mistakes, but said nothing to counter. She knew that they would be corrected in time under her care.
Right now her only concern was just getting her used to just having a weapon in general. She was young and didn’t understand the right way to use it but she would learn in time. ‘I have faith in you rayla. One step at a time.’
“Now stand here.” she instructed motioning to a spot next to her own motioning towards the previous victim of her determination, the dummy.
Once more doing as instructed, rayla stood by sarai’s side, her body still shaking from the cold air. Yet she did not say a word merely looking towards the dummy with determination as she finally had a task to complete.
“Good. now hold the spear like this.” she said while demonstrating a simple sideways hand in front of hand stance.
Once more rayla mimicked eager to please.
Seeing this response sarai nodded to herself pleased by this response noting how quickly she was picking up at least some basic weapon posture. “You need to spread your feet out a little more, their to close together and you risk being knocked over, over then that not bad for a first time.” share commented positively.
Sarai could practically see raylas ears twitch under her hood as she heard this praise, her face brightening gleefully as she adjusted her foot work. “Thank you.” she spoke her words rusty but joyful.
With this sarai looked ahead towards a second dummy that stood in the row in the training yard only a few steps from raylas. “When I say go I want you to thrust the spear into the dummy with everything you have.” she said silently hoping she didn’t need to sign what she said to the girl.
For a moment rayla was quite but soon after thinking for a time she nodded in confirmation.
With this sarai prepared herself as well taking a moment to breath to relax her body as it had quickly become tense from anticipation. She had longed to teach callum how to spear fight but knew even now that it was not of him to be a warrior like herself or harrow. To be given a chance like this had made her excited without realizing it till now, and an experience she would charish to her dying breath.
“Ready” sarai said as she and rayla prepared themselves for what was to come.
“Set.” she breathing carefully watching rayla wanting to make sure her new student was ready, watching her as she breathed and tried her best to steal herself.
“And….
Five years later.
“GO!
Rayla rushed forward from her starting position as fast as her legs would carry her towards sarai her spear poised ready to strike. Closing the distance between her and sarai in mere moments as she ran across the shaded arena courtyard in the morning light.
Sarai did not even move as rayla aimed for her head bringing five stabs in quick succession. “PAT PAT PAT!” the sound of wood banging against wood echoed through the air as sarai blocked each strike with little effort. Almost dancing as she dodged the blows from her more youthful and wild opponent.
All around many guards and servants watched the display with baited fascination at the action that happened. in the courtyard of kotalis castle as the brilliant fragrance of spring surrounded them.
It had long since become a common sight to see the pair sparing near daily, be it in the dead of winter, or the heat of summer. rain, sun, snow or wind would not stop them from training together over the years.
They would watch as sarai the once weakened febal queen now stood tall and proud having retained herself. Donning her new black and silver training outfit made in response to the body suits she had taken from the elves. The wears became a fashion trend across the kingdom along with her tied braided hair.
And rayla the adopted princess was a child no more as she had grown to reach sarais shoulders. Her body toned and limber like her adoptive mother, her once short hair now tied into two long tails down her back. While a large green bow sat in her hair hiding her horns that had grown several inches in the years. Her skin despite her hiding from the sun was now much darker taking on an odd shade of pink no longer looking as pale.
But most of all what people would see was that she heed the same energy and competitive spirit as her adoptive mother.
Sarai danced around her daughter's attacks like it was nothing weaving through the attacks like a sharp needle through thread. And every time the girl came close the blow was blocked only mear inches from her face by her own spear.
“Rayla you need to calm down, you're only going to tire yourself…. OUT this way.” sarai commanded, raising her voice as she batted rayla’s spear aside like a fly.
Wordlessly rayla let out a frustrated growl as she took a sing at her leg that sarai lept over before batting rayla’s spear aside which she brought it round for a swipe. Her shoulder.
“While I admire your enthusiasm, you're just going to exhaust yourself like this” she chided in warning.
Rayla thrusted her spear at sarsi's leg only for it to be dodged with a sidestep. The mother then launched her own calculated attack at raylas stomach only to have it just barely avoided as the girl stepped back
“HUFF! HUFF!. Then how I am supposed to attack you? I haven't landed a good hit since you recovered. Your too fast. Huff Huff.” rayla panted out irritably wiping sweat from her brow.
Sarai however just laughed at this remark causing an annoyed look to cross her daughter's face. Her laugh was soon stifled and replaced with an apologetic smile at causing the girl unneeded unrest and greaf.
“Rayla how many times must I tell you it’s now how hard or fast you strike but how you choose to strike that’s the trick. Speed and power mean nothing if your attacks are easy to read, until you stop over projecting your intent you won’t hit anyone of decent skill.” she replayed.
While her answer may have been unsatisfactory given the look upon rayla’s face she spoke truth. As their wear would come a time wear her speed or stamina would fail her, and her opponent not using a padded weapon.
But like most thirteen year olds rayla had little time for patience to think about what she was boing told.
Rayla groaned rolling her eyes at this remark her posture completely falling apart forgetting the battle in frustration. “That doesn't make any scenes! How am I supposed to hide my attacks and out think you its a pointed rod!” she complained as she lunged for another attack.
Sarai sighed at rayla words and actions, realizing she wouldn’t be getting threw to the girl any time soon. ‘Was I truly this stubborn and impatient as a child?’ she wondered silently as she deflected another series of precise lightning fast but over projected blows.
As always the blows never landed as sarai danced around the safe tipped weapon as though she were in a ball. With rayla as her over eager and high strung dance partner that was being lead around the field like a fish on a line. And despite rayla attempts, Sarai led the dance never losing control of herself or the dance they spun.
The various steps and counters, blocks and dodges a mesmerizing display of grace and ferocity as all other distractions wear left forgotten.
Before long the battle was ended as sarai made an attack at rayla’s feet that would have shredded her ankle had the weapon been real. Instead rayla was nearly tripped as her leg was taken from under her stumping to the ground. A surprised shrike escaped her lips followed by a thud while her spear clattering to the ground a short distance away..
With the battle seeming over for a moment brought her weapon to a resting position before taking a moment to wipe the sweat from her brow from the heat. Her breath having been taken away due to rayla putting her through her paces.
‘She’s catching up to me fast, it won’t be long before I have to up my game at her pace. If only she would learn to be more patient and control her temper she would probably even surpass me one day.’ she thought fondly imagining what her girl would one day accomplish.
For a time she said and did nothing as rayla lay upon the ground. Half expecting the girl to try and jump her or spring up to ask to go again she waited standing near by ready in case the girl decided to pounce.
Yet as the seconds ticked by though concern rose within sarai as rayla lay face down upon the ground unmoving.
Not long after, Sarai's mind began to run wild with fearful possibilities. ‘is she alright? did she hit her head falling down? did I go rough on her? will she be alright?’ such thoughts and more racing through her mind in desperate fear and panic.
Within seconds sarai was racing towards rayla’s side to make sure she was alright, while the need to call for a healer only just trapped in her throat.
Yet just as she was about to kneel at the girls side, a long low drowned out scream of frustration escaped Rayla's body. The act startled sarai having not expected such an act from rayla the girl despite her firry personality rarely lashed out.
Not a moment later rayla’s hand balled into fists as she pushed herself off the ground just enough to have her face visible. Her once clear face now marred with sweat and dirt from the ground
“Every time.” rayla muttered bitterly, catching her off guard.
“I’m sor-.” sarai spoke hesitantly but was cut off mid way.
“Every single time.” she whined in defeat as she looked away in defeat. “I couldn’t lay a single blow on you. How am I supposed to keep that man away if I can’t even hit you. It took both you and father to stop him before. So how can I hope to stop him? To keep him away!” she complained before pounding her fists into the ground creating small clouds.
sarai was taken aback by the outburst taking a step back in surprise.
It was rare for rayla to have a meltdown these days, they still happened as with any child her age, but were rare. Oftentimes it was due to mear frustration or something bothering her or a day became too long. And the event was over as quickly as they started once she finally blew her top. Yet she almost never acted so angry even at the worst.
And yet at the same time everything fit as well. ‘So that’s what's bothering her.’
A smile returning to her lips she kneeled down before rayla placed a kind hand upon her shoulder. She did not react but she knew the girl was aware of her presence as she rubbed her shoulder.
“Rayla?” she said, asking for her attention.
Yet rayla did nothing.
“Rayla?” she asked again, and again rayla did nothing.
Undeterred nor angry, Sarai tossed the spear aside, sitting by her side and began to run genter circles into her back. She took her time not rushing or pushing her knowing nether would help, instead waiting for rayla to be ready for her.
She continued to rub rayla’s back through her training cloths that matched her own.
Her words calm and kind, wanting to teach her not to scold her for her actions. She wanted to get rayla to understand what she was doing wrong in her own time and not shove the answer in her face like some parents would.
“Rayla, please look at me.” At last rayla moved looking up to meet her gaze and sarai was unsurprised by what she saw.
reddened eyes and small tear tracks marred her already dirty face. She looked very tired as she lay upon the ground as if defeat was the only option available to her. Shame and failure written upon her face as her eyes danced about not wishing to look directly upon her.
“Sigh. oh rayla.” share said tenderly.
Reaching out with her spare hand placing her hand under the girl's chin gently nudging the girl to look at her. The rayla’s eyes clearly filled with unshed tears threatening to fall as her emotions running high. “Oh rayla, you don’t need to be so hard on yourself.” her word loving and understanding.
“I know you still feel responsible for what happened to your birth family. But you wear a child…. You still are a child, there was nothing you could have done to stop him then and your still growing, still learning to protect yourself, you don’t need to hold yourself to such an impossible standard rayla.
Yet this only earned her a scoff from the distraught girl followed by a sharp “What would you know.” a moment later.
Undeterred by this sharp remark sarai instead smiled before wrapping her arms around rayla scooping her up and sitting her in her lap. All the while the girl protested venomously at being handled in such a way sarai easily overpowered her, holding her in a tight embrace against her chest. Ralya head resting underneath her own with the bow atop her head tickling the skin under her chin.
Eventually her protests subsided and she calmed down as rayla realized she wasn’t leaving till sarai let her. With this she folded her arms in front of her letting out a rebellious huff at being forced to sit.
Seeing rayla’s reaction sarai could not resist a light chuckle of amusement at the girls reaction causing ralya to growl.
“Rayla.” she began softly wanting to make sure she had the girls attention.
While rayla said nothing the way her head moved confirmed she had the girls attention. Seeing this reaction she continued “I don’t know what sort of disagreements you may have had with them, but your parents died trying to protect you. Because deep down no matter how much you three didn’t get along they loved you more than anything else and would have sacrificed anything to protect you. Just like I would now. Just like harrow would, or amaya and gren.”
“What’s your point” rayla spat her rebellious streak rearing its ugly head.
The words stung sarai’s ears yet did not let them become weapons.“My point is that you are not ready to face that man alone. One doesn't just fight a dark mage head on without a plan, he has killed scores of elves in single combat, what chance would you stand against that? And even if you wear, rushing into battle with no plan would only get you killed and render your parents sacrifice in vain.” her words serious, spoken with a measure of authority.
Immediately she felt rayla go ridged in her arms at the mention of her parents deaths being for nought.
Seeing that she had made her point angled her head to look at her face gaining rayla’s gaze.
“Rayla, you're still just a growing girl, there is no need to rush. We will be here to protect you and help you should that man ever return. And with dark magic outlawed there are only so many places a man like that can hide. And should he or others like him ever return you will me, amaya, harrow and so many others at you back ready to fight with you.”
Rayla looked into her eyes a scene of longing and fear filling them as she searched her for what could only be deception.
Eventually rayla nodded before bringing a hand up to wipe a tear from her eyes. Then turning as much as she could before wrapping her arms around sarais neck in a hug, muttering out a sorrowful “i’m sorry”.
Sarai however merely returned the embrace in fond gladness. “It’s ok rayla. Everyone gets upset. You alright. It’s ok to be angry now and then.” her words reassuring as she patted her back gently.
They stayed together in a tender embrace for a time nether one saying any more about what transpired minutes ago. Instead happy in their company as things wound down.
Eventually the pair broke once more to collect their things that had been discarded during their bout.
“You know.” sarai began gaining the girls attention as she looked upon her with an impish grin. “This would normally be the part where I tell you about harrows spear work but I think I’ll let that one go for now.” she remarked a childish giggle escaping her lips.
Rayla however frowned in confusion, tiling her head and letting out a short “huh”. The sight of which reminding sarai vary much of a puppy looking to its owner in bewilderment.
“But father doesn't use a spear not very well at least, he uses a sword and shield to fight…… are you sure you're not the one he isn’t doing well?” she asked
‘Oh I shouldn’t I really shouldn’t.’ sarai told herself, looking ever so impish. ‘But that means its too much to resist.’ concluding bending down to here level.
“Oh trust me rayla he has a good spear and knows how to use it. But only for me in private.” she whispered into the girls hidden ears watching as her face lit up like the dawn.
“Ohhhhh, I didn’t know that. is he truly that good?” rayla asked in innocent amazement the context being completely lost to her young mind much to sarai's delight.
Seeing what she wanted sarai felt like a child leading a kitten on with a piece of string and smiled in gleeful delight at her daughters ignorance. “Oh yes….. Truly its a wonderful experience. You should ask callum about his…… well in another five years when he figures out how to use it that is.”
The face that rayla made after hearing this nearly made sarai split her gut in laughter as she looked at her in a mixture of confusion and pouting. “Why do I need to wait to ask? If callum is going to be good with a weapon why can I help him.?” she demanded definitely her firry nature returning once again.
This time sarai couldn’t suppress a giggle having to hold her side in pain as she tried to stand up once more.
“Tell you what- ah
However as sarai went to stand, her leg gave out from under her causing her to fall to one knee. The woman looked down in bitter distress bringing her hand to grab the uncooperative joint. “oh not again.” she muttered.
Immediately she head someone rush to here side, but did not bother to look knowing who it was before she even spoke. “Are you alright mother?” rayla asked hastilly as she massaged her right knee that practically came undone.
Turning to see rayla worried face looking back at her own, she broke into a smile, looking upon her daughter. “Never better, my knee is just a bit stiffer than I thought today i’ll be fine in a few minutes.”
Rayla however despite this answer seemed unconvinced looking upon her with deep rooted suspicion that rival sarais own.
It was at this time the bells in the tower began to ring in the open air like rolling thunder chiming to tell all who lay in within its voice of the time. Its echo rang loud and true through the castle, homes, and valley.
Seeing this sarais eyes widened in surprise “Is it that time already? Looks like we will have to have that rematch later Rayla. It's time for you to get changed for your lesions with callum. You don’t want to be late.” she remarked
This immediately got a reaction out of rayla as she bolted up from the ground as she babbled to herself about being later again, and how opeli would be mad with her.
The sight would have sent sarai spilling into laughter has she been less in control of herself.
It was as rayla had collected the rest of her clothes and checked her gloves that she looked back with concern. “What about you?” the question leaving her in un hidden worry.
Her smile unwavering, she shook her head, “i’ll be fine, go one ahead, I'll catch up once I put everything away.” she responded.
Rayla looked somewhat unconvinced but did not share these concerns. Instead she nodded back before running back to the castle with all haste.
“Give my regards to opeli... And make sure your careful of the sun.” she called out as the girl retreated to the main keep.
“I will.” rayla called out, turning to face her as she did so. “Thank you, see you later!” she shouted a moment later as she ran inside, passing two of her guards on the way who had to take off behind her to keep up.
“Hm hm hm! That girl will be the death of those poor soldiers I swear. And she is only going to get faster” her words humored as watched rayla disappear.
Her humor quickly turned to relief realizing how lucky she had gotten. And given a reminder of how much more careful she would need to be in the future. ‘No point in letting them worry about any more then they have on their plate already. Being the children of a king and queen can’t be easy, and evren will have it the worst of all when he’s older.’ she mused silently.
Taking a moment to breathe, relaxing in the shade, the crisp air of spring cooling her body. Looking up towards the sky watching as the clouds slowly moved along. Her mind drawn back to the time that had passed
“Hard to believe it's been almost five years since then. Where does the time go? It won’t be long before her and callum are my age, and one or both of them have kids of their own at this rate” she breathed out longingly, almost wishing she could hold back time just a little longer to enjoy her family as it was.
Things wear simple now, outside of the odd cultural exchange nothing overly eventful had transpire. She knew the peace would one day end as tensions between the humans and elves along the boarder had raised in recent years. but for know she would pray for peace and enjoy the time she had left with her children.
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Rayla ran through the halls with all haste panic filling her as she made her way to the library where opeli and callum would be waiting. Already running late from changing and taking far longer to change out of her clothes and into her red and gold dress.
As she ran she could hear the sound of her guards metal armour clanking behind her desperate to keep up. They annoyed her to no end, never leaving her alone unless she a private chamber like the bathroom and bedroom. However she never blamed them for doing her job and often let them keep pace not wishing to make their lives harder then they already were.
However this morning she was giving them no quarter as she was worried about her own hide being tanned by opeli if she was late for class…. Again.
‘No no no not again. If I am late again opeli might actually kill me. Last time I was late she looked ready to skin me. It was only one….”
‘Ok it was three times. But I can’t be late aga---.”oofff!” rayla gasped as she hit something big and heavy while turning a corner causing her to fall to the ground. Her vision swimming as she shaw the distorted view of the ceiling overhead.
“Well now what do we have here. Running late are we.” an all too familiar voice rang out with a laugh.
Turning to her head to look down rayla saw several large human shaped masses standing in front of her. The most central being a man of darkened skin and red and golden robes.
Immediately a rush of embarrassment and shame washed over here as rayla scrambled to her feet as quickly as her body would movie. Too quickly as immediately nausea and dizziness overtook her causing her body. Feeling as though she would be sick her body grew too weak to stand and collapse forward threatening to fall face first upon the ground.
“Woah there take it easy their little flechette, where's the fire? no need to fall over yourself.” the voice of harrow rang out above her playfully calling her by her nickname as he grabbed her shoulders to keep from falling.
For a moment rayla thought she would be sick as her stomach did knots around itself. She had always had a weak stomach she knew. her mind unfortunately being drawn to the time she went on a boat ride with her family and near fell over the side. Ever since her fear of water and the sea only grew to the point she couldn’t look at the sea just outside the window without feeling nauseated.
When her vision cleared she saw her adoptive father harrow standing over her a hummored smile upon his face. His infectious smile making her face burn in embarrassment as he looked down on her.
She was about to apologise when she heard the sound of her guards finally catching up making her turn to see them. The poor pair of knights panting in their light armor as the caught up.
It was at this she was made to look at harrow again as she heard the man chuckle in amusement/ his face curved in a humored smile clearly amused by the sight, “I recall telling you to not over working your guards not long ago.” he joked.
At this rayla felt like her whole body would burst into flames from embarrassment. “Sorry father.” she uttered in a whisper her words sheepish.
At this harrow burst into laughter bringing a hand from her shoulder to wip a tear from his eye. “I am sorry rayla I could not help myself you are fine. I assume you're trying with sarai went over time again.” he said in knowing.
While not asked she felt compelled to answer with a shy nod and a nervous “yes”
She heard a playful smirk escape harrows lips at this response. “I thought so. Well we can’t have opeli tanning your hide, heavens knows you your skin is too frail after what that dark mage did to you.” he said playfully, making her smile.
Despite the lie his attempts to cheer her up made her smile at how much he tried. He took her in and treated her like his own from the start a fact she was ever grateful for and was honored to call him father.
It was also another reminder how she was no longer in elven lands, a fact that these day’s she often forgot for it had been so long, her memories of her home began to fade. Along with the lie being the dark mage that attack her family viren’s magic making her skin weak to the sun.
It was a convincing tale she knew and explained her skin color to those who saw her, even now none suspected her. A fact she was ever grateful for as she loved her new home and never wanted to leave.
“Well come along then we better not keep opeli waiting too long or she may tan my hide as well. Heavens knows she has no respect for my crown or position if i’m ever late.” he joked as he turned to lead her down the hall.
She laughed at his remark knowing opeli would never do such a thing having more respect for the crown then any. But the thought of it amused her to now feeling much better as a result her panic subsided
As they walked she noticed harrows usual guard following him only a step behind. But it was behind them that she saw something far more interesting.
Standing back behind the lot of guards was a single knight who looked very much out of place with his crowguard armour and a simple sword at his hip. His balck hair stuck out as it shinned almost unnatural and his green eyes made her pause in familiarity. However his behavior was by far the most unusual as the boy look like he got his had caught in the pastry cabinet. Looking even more nervous then she had ever seen callum or gren looking combined.
‘Who is that?’ she wondered silently with no answer in sight.
Her thoughts were interrupted when she felt a pat upon her back and harrows words hit her ears.
“So tell me how was training with sarai? Its been a while since I last watched you and her going at it. You have grown up so much since you started, my wife isn’t being to hard on you I hope?” he spoke curiously as sparing a glance in her direction.
Immediately her thoughts went to her temper tantrum her face reddening again. Embarrassment running hot still from her run in with the man only moments before. The thought admitting to her losing her head so publicly too painful a thought to bring up.
“It was fine.” she lied nervously.
“Really?” he asked, sounding unconvinced, turning his whole head to look at her as he walked. “Are you sure? If their is something bothering you you can tell me.”
“N-no, no its nothing.” she began to stutter in panic trying to think anything to tell him that wouldn’t reveal what happened.
It was only when she remembered something sarai said that she. “It-’s nothing I was just thinking about something.”
“Oh please go on.” he said with encouragement. “If it is within my power I will answer your questions.”
Nodding her head at this response “I was just wondering, mother mentioned how you are good with a spear. I was wondering what she meant?” she asked innocently
Almost instantly this gained a reaction as harrow froze in place letting out an un kingly eep. While one of the guard sounded like they would choak upon the air. It made her turn her head to see their faces changing from neutral to shocked, horrified, with one looking like she would pass out.
For what must have been a minute no one said anything making rayla wonder what had happened as she looked to the group in bewilderment. ‘I just asked about a weapon. So why is everyone acting like this?
“Oh curse that woman she will be the death of me, I am getting too old for this.” harrow said suddenly as he slapped a hand over his face and she would dare say his face was changing color.
Not a moment later he turned to face the guards looking upon them with a serious face that looked almost angry. “If any of you breathe a word about my wife's antics to anyone and I will personally see to it that you spend the next year working under my sister in law at the breech. Do I make my clear.”
“Loud, and clear.”
“We were never here.”
“Won’t tell a soul.”
“Never heard anything.”
The guards said practically on top of one another rasing their hands defensively or looking away not looking the man in the face.
For a time nothing was said as the king looked at all present and rayla herself felt like she would melt feeling like she had dose something terribly wrong.
Eventually though harrow looked away and back down the hall returning his hand to her back to lead her on. No more was said after this but she knew something was up that no one was telling her.
But as always though it was another thing sarai told her that the adults intended to keep from her, or never told her straight.
Instead harrow silently lead her into the lybrary wearing opelis lesions. As they walked inside rayla was met by the smell of paper and wood as she saw the massive library. It was callums favorite room in the castle and despite the light of the large windows she understood why as it was peaceful and the smell reminded her of the forest that was once her home.
Carefully avoiding the light they walked inside passing the kind old librarian as they went. And waving their way through the shelves rayla saw many of her favorite human books on full display. moved to lower shelves by order of harrow so she and callum could reach them without help.
From stories about knights saving kingdoms, to talking animals who worked with children. She loved the many stories that the castle had.
While she hated that elves wear demonized in her stories the more she read the more she came to understand that the humans wear afraid of magic, and those that had it. She herself was afraid and avers to what she was af
Soon the voice of opeli and callum came to her long ears, their words muffled by the many towering stacks of books and scrolls. Growing louder and louder as they drew near, and already she was dreading meeting the woman.
She nether hated studying or opelie, though she would prefer combat training to reading. But their was one thing that even harrow never did anything to cross the woman or risk making her angry. The though of which make her shake..
“Now on the map you will note the pass that leads to del bar. This location has a large impact on kotalis’s economy due to the various good that pass through this settlement every day. To this end both kotalis and del bar have a substantial military presence in this area to ensure the clean flow of trade and reduce bandetry.……” rayla listened as the woman spoke about some matter that she was late for.
The woman stopped however the moment they turned the corner having heard them coming. Once more surprising rayla with her sharp hearing for a human.‘How does she always hear everything with those small ears?’ she wondered silently.
The moment their eyes locked, Rayla knew she was inf or it as the woman's look on her with ire.“Rayla wear have you been?!” opeli called out her voice loud and sharp and loud stinging her ears and making callum wince.
“We wear supposed to…. Oh king harrow.” she said not a moment later in surprise stopping whatever complaint she was going to raise with her to bow. And for a moment she breathed a sigh of relief.
She watched as harrow walked forward in front of her a hand up to tell her to stand. “I apologize for making rayla late opeli. I needed to borrow her for a few minutes and it seems I ran over time. I do hope I didn’t case to much of a disruption.” he spoke in an apologetic voice turning his head away towards her as he rubbed the back of his head.
She could feel her mouth morph in surprise as she looked upon harrows face at this as it was her own fault for being late. But it was when she caught the wink he gaze her that she understood what he was doing.
‘I’m saved.’ she realized breathing a quiet sigh of relief.
At this opeli looked conflicted, looking upon the king in suspicion, even turning to callum as if he would have some hidden secret to what was up. But he just shrugged silently in confusion looking very unsure of himself.
Opeli was silent for a few moments more before letting out a sigh rubbing her temple with a finger. “All right harrow but please be more mindful in the future. You want your children to have an education.” she replayed in warning.
“Of course It won’t happen again.” harrow admitted sheepishly lowering his arm.
“Out of curiosity do I even want to know what your wife did this time.” opeli said a moment later her voice accusing as she returned to wear she stood only moments ago.
At she watched as it was harrows turn to massage his temple as he let out an exasperated sigh. “My wife is up to her tricks again feeding her head with things far above her age… again.” he answered tirely.
Hearing this she pouted folding her arms as they talked about her like she wasn’t their, and like she was a child. ‘Why do they keep treating me like i’m ezren’s age? i’m thirteen not a baby.’ she thought definitely.
And looking over to callum she could see on his face that he felt the same being treated like a toddler.
“Aaggghh that woman. One of these day’s.” opeli remarked not long after.
“Sigh well she is here now we can begin. Thankfully we only just started a few minutes ago. So if you would be so kind rayla would you care to join us now that you finally arrived. She said.
Rayla winced slightly at the sharpness of her words knowing it was deserved with how even she was late to lesions. So without complaint she strod across the stone to join callum wear he rest in his seat.
“Ahh about that may i interrupt for a moment longer.” harrow said, making her stop in track before turning back around to look upon the man who became her father.
Immediately she could feel the face of opeli morph into a frown even without looking any curiosity she or callum may have buried by fear of opeli’s anger. And she could practically see that same anger she now bore within her at being interrupted twice before the words even left her lips.
“What is it now.” she asked her voice heavy and caked with irritation.
Hearing this harrow nodded and turn to the company that fallowed him waving for the strange one to come forward. The boy who was easily a few years older then herself seemed reluctant to comply looking rather nervous. But he said nothing as he stepped forward till he stood at harrows side.
“This is aaron.” he said placing a hand upon the boys shoulder. “He has just recently been promoted to crown guard at the behest of all his peers. And after looking over everything myself I have to agree with everything.
Ralya wanted to roll her eyes as she felt worry drain from her to be refilled by annoyance. While she was glad to have another outlet for opeli’s rage other then herself for her tardiness she couldn’t beleave he was introtucing them to another guard.
“What’s he have to do with anything you have lost of guard?” she asked sharply once more feeling opeli’s eyes on her back at her rudeness.
Harrow however just laughed at this response, “always to the point my little flechette.” he said playfully using her nickname once again.
“Well I am glad you asked. Ordinarily he will serve nor purpose other than that of the ordinary guards. However when need arises he will act as both yours and callums personal guard.” his words catching her off guard.
“But we already have guards.” she head callum say his confusion evident as he spoke the words she herself was thinking.
However harrow seemed undeterred by this remark his smile unwavering. “True but the guard to two of you are used to primarily stay hear in the castle and are soldiers in the truest scenes of the word. Arron here is to act as a personal bodyguard, guild and attendant for all your need when he is called upon. And is receiving training to better help with this role.
“Furthermore he unlike the others can act with far more subtly when needed so when you leave the castle. Weather it be to see the town without myself or sarai with you when your older or in an emergency he will be able to act more freely for your benefit.” he explained as he removed his hand from the boys shoulder.
Immediately rayla felt a combination of panic and dread fill her not wishing to have yet another annoying guard human to watch and annoy her.
“I wan’t you all to get along now.”
“Yesss.” rayla drawled out resisting rolling her eyes
“Yes!” callum said more chipper.
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Harrow watched from the side of the library as his children worked with opeli on their lesions for the day. Already the pair wear hard at work to please opeli arguably the hardest person to please in the whole castle. He watched them both feeling immense pride at seeing the pair working so hard wanting to make himself and sarai proud. Only wishing they knew how proud they already wear.
From callums work in the arts and studies in culture, to rayla’s weapons training he could not be any less proud of his children.
‘Now if only they would stop speaking in elvin and draconic at the table so we could watch what they are saying.’ he though in dry humor. Unable to count the number of times that he and sarai wear unable to understand the pair.
However his attention was soon drawn back to the boy before him.
Aaron was a well meaning if a little strange boy, staying to himself and practically jumping out of his skin when taken off guard by an aoutorty figure above him. But given his past he was unsuprised.
‘Losing your family and joining the guard out of hunger and desperation half starved and beaten when he arrived at the castle gates….. I can only imagin what that would be like especially at his age. Sadly that is what makes him so qualified. He knows what suffering is like and how wrong it is.’
He stopped himself in his musings knowing that if he continued he would fall into a rabbit hole he will be unable to escape from.
“Now then” he began gaining arrons attention. “As you know I want you to guard my children that much is obvious. But if possible I want you to do more then that.” he said his voice reluctant.
“A-a-anything your highness.” he replayed hastily. “i’ll do whatever you will have me do to the best of my abilities.” Arron answered, sounding almost fearful.”
Harrow frowned at this response, he hated when his subjects feared him or felt like he was unapproachable. He had always sought to be welcoming and be approachable to help solve the peoples problems to make up for his family’s past mistakes.
Yet he had to remind himself that not all were able to overcome the fact that he was the king, like he could not overcome his past mistakes.
“Sigh’…. As you know being the king comes with many responsibility’s, caring and protecting my children being one of those duty’s.” he began to explain his eyes shifting to the pair at their station with opeli.
“But this comes at the price of isolation. My children bless their souls have bared it well but I know they long for the joys of the outside. For the warmth of the company of friends… I to have felt that burning need for companionship. The loneliness and isolation is what drives many good hearted leaders to madness, self depression and grief. I do not want this for my children, so please if possible…. I know this sounds selfish but if possible please. Be their friend? After everything those two have gone through the least I can do is try and help them at least make one friend who isn't each other.” he explained finally asking the question he had been holding in.
Harrow didn’t know how to feel immediately after, realeaf, fear, liberation, tired, regretful. So many things came over him as the words escaped his lips and the answer he would receive to fate.
He regretted many things, but the one he regretted most was not being able to let his children be able to make friends and be normal children. ‘If only there was a way I could….’
“I’ll do it.”
The words so sudden interrupting his thoughts harrow had assumed he was imagining as he looked back to the boy. His face once filled with worry and fear was replaced with determination and resolve
“Come again?” he asked in fearful hope. All while praying that his ears did not deceive him.
And yet he could not be more thrilled when he heard what came next. “I’ll try to be their freind my king.” the boy declared.
Yet what he knew not was this declaration would mark the beginning of many bright and dark day’s to be in the coming months and years.