76

A Dinner For Two

Slyfer is lost in his own thoughts when he walks through the camp. He can’t help but be surprised at how some things are very easy and yet others are not. Defeating the Dryads for example was quick, abandoning them to the evil training ways of his master happened even quicker. When they all looked at him as if it’s his fault, he simply smiled and said. “It could be worse.” When he said it a shudder ran through him. All those times Alric nearly killed him while calling it training certainly left its mark.

With no real purpose or direction to his walk, Slyfer soon finds himself at the end of the camp. For a moment he stands there just staring at the vast fields leading away from Atlantia, the open sky calls to him. –How many things have I not seen, how many places are out there we know nothing of?-

He looks behind him expecting to see the camp, but what he sees is his guard followed by a throng of people. There are mostly dark elves just staring at him, others are begging for help, money, food and healing. Most of them are missing limbs. –Have they always been here? Did I just not notice because my time spent in camp is always short or is it just because they are forced to live at the outskirts of camp?-

Slyfer looks at Elyna who had started guarding him again ever since the morning. Two of the other high elves are still with Jade though. “Who are these people?”

Elyna looks at him worriedly. “These are soldiers and people that lost… parts of them to accidents or fighting. Healers can reattach a limb but not regrow one. Since they can no longer work or contribute to the fighting… well this is the result.”

Slyfer frowns. He can see the logic behind it, but something inside him does not like it. The people here gave there all yet now they are left begging for food and help. Images of a similar situation start to spill through him. He can’t make heads or tails of it, but what is clear is that they are not his own memories. –Is it from the dragon that joined with me and helped me heal Elyna and Fira in the forest?-

He looks back to Elyna. “Who is in charge of these people?”

Elyna seeing the changes in the boy she once saw cry after killing a hundred men, can’t help but get worried. “There is no one.”

Slyfer asks a simple question, but Elyna has no answer. The question is; “why?”

Seeing that he won’t get an answer Slyfer sighs. –Am I right to get angry? It is obviously a normal thing. Perhaps I could use magic to heal their limbs but I have no idea how. When I took the other form and destroyed the outpost, trees and plants grew in its place. Could it be used for this too? No plants are different to limbs, perhaps if I understand more about my ability to heal, but the white dragon said that it was a gift. Can it even be taught to others? Is it safe to teach it to others?- He sighs again and rubs is hand through his hair in frustration. One thought repeating in his head. -What if these warriors were Bam?-

With his mind made up he looks at Elyna again. “Please arrange for some merchants to come see me.”

Elyna looks at him confused. “Why?”

Slyfer gives her a tired smile. “I have more gold then I can spend, perhaps it is time I use it.”

*****

Fira looks at Nirn as if she just crawled out of the abyss. “It is Slyfer’s blood!” Nirn clamps her hand on the overreacting red heads mouth.

“Yes, don’t go shouting it for everyone to hear, stupid girl.” Fira’s eyes retract from the size of saucers to slightly larger than normal ones and then… they narrow.

Nirn chuckles, before saying. “You go from surprised to angry in mere seconds.”

Fira ignores the quip. “Does Slyfer know about this?”

Nirn shakes her head. “He knows that I took blood but not what I have accomplished. I want to do more before I tell him.”

Fira looks between Nirn and the human girl, still confused that she is present. “And what have you accomplished exactly.”

Nirn looks at the girl and then back to Fira, clearly conflicted about something. In the end she sighs as she thinks -There is no going back now.- Nirn reaches down and takes out a wooden box.

Seeing this, the human girl starts to fidget in her seat, causing Fira to stare more intently at it. “This, is what I have managed to get from just one vial of Slyfer’s blood.” Nirn looks around and quickly unlocks the box. She opens it and from it spills a feint blue light.”

At first Fira thinks nothing of it until the box opens more and the light falls on her. She gasps; the feeling is total bliss, not in a sexual way but complete relaxation. Pains she never knew she had seem to fade away. She is not the only one affected the girl and Nirn mimic her reaction. Fira looks inside the box and sees five vials with a white almost blue glowing substance in them.

Nirn swallows before slowly closing the box. “That is what I managed to get so far. The vials you see here on top, is what is nearly finished. About eighty percent of them will fail and turn into ash, but the ones that work turn into…. Well you know.”

Fira sits still, staring at the box only having half heard what Nirn said. She shakes her head coming out of the daze she was in. “You have to tell Slyfer this can be very dangerous if it ever came out. The feeling it gives is-“

“Is addictive.” Finishes Nirn.

Fira nods and looks at the human, distrust plain to see. “What does this have to do with her?”

Nirn looks between the two and takes a long deep breath. “The girl has agreed to test its affects.”

Before Fira can start shouting again Nirn clamps a hand on her mouth. For a moment Fira only stares at Nirn. Seeing Fira calm again Nirn takes her hand away. “What are you thinking Nirn, she is human.”

Nirn snorts and says. “Human yes, but I don’t think anyone can hate them more than her, the things that were done.”

Fira waves her hand. “Yes, yes I know what was done but still…”

The girl sensing that they are talking about her moves about restlessly on her chair causing Fira to look at her suspiciously. Nirn’s hands on her shoulders makes her look back to the old Dark Elf.

“I have taken every precaution to make sure it can’t get out, besides it is too late the… potion has already started to do its work.”

Fira wants to berate the old woman but stops. “You already used it?”

Nirn nods and says, “yes just a drop and the results were far larger than I could have expected.”

Fira leans forward inadvertently placing her broken arm on the table. At first she does not realise, but Nirn looks at the arm and nods. With surprise Fira moves the arm about. “It, it is healed?”

Nirn gets a smug look on her face. “indeed it is and that is simply from having it close to you.”

Fira looks at the girl. “Show me what the drop did for her.”

Nirn looks at the girl and they talk in human for a moment. With a frown and a bit of worry on her face the human girl tucks her hair behind her ear, an ear that was not there before!

Fira stands up and sits again, looking around like a child being naughty. “You re-grew her ear?”

Nirn nods before saying. “You think your eyes lie to you?”

Nirn taps the girl’s leg. Fira only now realises it is mostly hidden by a long dress. After some more talking and clear hesitation form the girl she pulls up the dress and it causes Fira to stand up and sit again.

Nirn starts to explain while gesturing at the bandage covered leg. “The bandages are only to hide what is happening. Over half of what was missing has regrown. The flesh is tender and hurts when touched, but I think that is only because of the new nerves that were grown. It may take only one or two drops more, to restore her completely.”

Fira places her hand on Nirn’s shoulder. “This is… this is not safe Nirn. If anyone ever found out it could be disastrous.”

Nirn bites her lip, but says nothing causing Fira to push harder. “You have to tell him, let him decide.”

Nirn still says nothing the wonder of what she has discovered had brought her happiness. So many illnesses she could not heal before could now be fixed just by having someone in the same place as the substance. If they somehow hid it and put it in the healing tent they would not even have to do anything and just bring in the sick and injured and place them near it. The possibilities seem endless, but the danger to Slyfer is very real.

She sighs. “I will tell him.”

Fira looks into Nirn’s eyes. “When?

Nirn sighs again. “Before the end of tomorrow, I just want to give the girl one more drop, just in case Slyfer wants to destroy it.”

Fira frowns, she does not like it.

*****

Trisha finally opens the door to Slyfer’s room and makes her way out while humming a song. “Today is going to be a great day.” She feels a bit stiff and sore, but it’s a good pain. Like her body remembering Slyfer was with her. Not that she needs it, the cracked wall and splintered bed serves as a good memento. When she called in the cleaners, they had looked at her pale faced when she asked for the bed to be replaced. –It had been rather embarrassing, but breaking it felt so good!-

She realises she is giggling and stops. –What will I do today?- She is a part of the Blood pack now, but her responsibilities are still unclear. She stops and thinks for a while, ears twitching. –The best person to ask would be Aldowin.-

It takes her about an hour of asking around, but she soon finds the Master swordsman. He is standing to one side of the field looking at. Trisha stops in her tracks. Not far from Aldowin are a bunch of green women. Some are on the ground clutching at body parts while healers tend to them. A scarce few are still standing and… beating each other?

She makes her way over to the Elf. She is not sure what to call him. Ever since that first time they waited for Slyfer and Elyna to return they had never really been alone again, back then she did not have the respect for him she has now. After returning to the elves she had asked a lot of questions about the elf and what she heard was more than impressive despite the way they talked about him, she could sense pride in most of their voices.

“Uuuhm Master?”

Aldowin looks at her and raises an eyebrow before saying. “I have to be honest; I did not expect those words to come from you.”

Trisha shrugs and looks at her boots. “A lot has changed since those days.”

Aldowin nods but says nothing, causing her to become more self-conscious.

“I need help.” She finally forces out.

He looks back at her just as another Dryad hits the ground.

“Help with what?” He asks.

She looks and winces at the Dryad holding her ribs. “Well I have joined the Blood pack and have become sort of like a lead figure, yet I don’t really know my place yet.”

Aldowin frowns as he thinks for a while. “I would suggest you start training with the elite Blood Pack members. To command the warriors you need to earn their respect, to do that you need to train with them and show them your powers. Going with them also has another purpose.”

She looks at him questioningly. “As a leader it is your duty to understand those that fall under you. If you train with them you will learn about their strengths and weaknesses. It is important to understand both so that you can use it to the best of your ability. Be here tomorrow so that you can leave with them. In the meantime… do you know what is going on with Fira and Slyfer.”

Trisha looks down at her feet. “I have an idea, but I have no clue what to do about it.”

Aldowin laughs. “I did not expect you to be so clueless. My student I can understand but not you.”

Trisha frowns at the not so veiled insult. “What do you mean?”

Aldowin chuckles when another Dryad hits the dirt before replying. “Were you not in a similar situation? Yes there were some differences, but in the end it comes down to the same thing. If you did not act first and Fira did, you would not be where you are now. There is a difference between you and Fira though and if you are to be his main wife, keeping the house in order will be your responsibility.”

Hearing his words Trisha’s face goes red and she mumbles “Wife.”

She had heard the term before. Even though the high elves do not believe in marriage, some do something similar to unite their houses. The high elves do not care if you are male or female when it comes to leadership. What they do care about is personal power and your lineage. A noble is looked down upon if he or she takes someone of lower birth. So they solved this problem by taking multiple wives and husbands. The first and main wife/husband needs to be a noble though and they must be the first to give birth as well. The main wife/husband is in charge of the affairs surrounding all the wives or husbands. It is their duty to keep the others in line.

“So what you are saying is-“

Aldowin interrupts her. “What I am saying little tiger, is that you must help Slyfer solve whatever the problem is. This task will be yours for today, tomorrow you will train.”

Trisha’s ears droop. –How am I going to fix it? it’s a long shot, but an idea starts to form. –If the two can sit and talk things over without anyone around perhaps it will make a difference. I need a neutral spot where no-one can interrupt… Do I even want to do it thou?- She shakes the thought as soon as it springs up. They are all connected and she knows the problem weighs heavily on Slyfer’s shoulders. Balling her fists with determination she sets off with a new found purpose.

Watching her out of the corner of his eye, Aldowin smiles. –It’s up to you now little tiger.-

****

Slyfer gives the merchant in front of him a once over. The dark elf has a cunning face, handsome to their standards but the right side is scarred, something that must have happened to him. His missing right arm is also a testament to this. Slyfer finally decides to speak. “You are certain you can supply me with what I want.”

The dark elf bows low, his fine clothes shimmering with the movement. “I am certain my Lord, although I do not understand why you would want to help the cripples so. They are useless in every sense of the word.”

Slyfer is surprised at the man’s words, he gestures at the missing arm. Forgive me for being blunt, but are you not a cripple as well?”

The Elf nods and looks at the other cripples who shy away from his stare. “That is correct, yet look where I am and then look where they are. I am self-made, not so long ago I was also left here to fend for myself and so I did. At first I sold half of the rations that were given to me until I was at the point of starvation. With the money I made I bought food and sold it once more. Each time I did this I had more and more. Soon I had enough to open up a shop and from it I was able to eat to my heart’s content. He gestures at the cripples. These people have had some bad luck I agree, but it is their choice to beg instead of do something about the circumstances. A man with no legs can use his hands and a man with no hands can use his feet.”

Slyfer nods, not entirely agreeing with the merchant; after all he does not know the circumstances of everyone involved. Yes the Elf made something of himself, but how many of them have been robbed or beaten by thugs in the army? It is an unknown. Providing the people with a safe place where they can recuperate and maybe come to terms with what has happened may help them grow or it could be detrimental. Only time will tell.

“I understand your misgivings, and I am sorry that you had to go through that. I wish to give them the opportunity to do what you did for yourself. This may seem unfair to you since you had to go-“

The merchant holds up his hand. “I do not feel it is unfair. If there is one thing I hate, it is pity. Do not pity me for I don’t pity myself. I did what I did because I had to and I have become stronger because of it.” The merchant smiles. “Do not worry I will not deny your request, I have already said too much that goes against my nature and goals as a merchant. I will find artisans, cooks and caretakers. Within the next three days I will have an estimate on how much everything will cost.”

Slyfer only nods and the Merchant leaves along with his own entourage of guards. Elyna snorts. “Why have so many guards when you are just a merchant, one or two makes sense, but the man nearly had twenty with four more keeping watch out of site. Perhaps selling food was not the only thing he did to get to where he is.”

Slyfer sighs, “Regardless, he is the only one that agreed to meet me. The other merchants thought it beneath them to do so. Still I will have some of my own men watch over things.”

Elyna nods and steps back into position. She smiles; “it seems you have a visitor.” Slyfer looks up and a smile blooms on his face as well. Trisha makes her way to him and for a moment she only stares at him. They had only left each other that morning yet it feels life forever since Slyfer has seen her.

She talks first. “Are you doing anything tonight?”

Confused Slyfer says. “Well I was thinking on meditating and examining my memories.” Like the white dragon said he had been a fool not to do so. So many things could have been avoided if he were smarter, wiser and stronger. He repeats the words in his head. –Knowledge is power.-

Trisha smiles at the answer. “Before you do that I want you to come to the top of the tower, but first you have to take a bath and dress comfortably.

Slyfer only manages to nod, not sure what his woman is planning.

****

On the other side of camp a messenger interrupts three very worried looking people. Fira looks at the tired, huffing and puffing messenger. The messenger sees her waiting and apologizes. “I am sorry.” She huffs and puffs a few times before continuing. “I have been looking for lady Fira all over the place.”

Fira only nods still caught in her own thoughts regarding the implications on what is in the box. When the messenger has finally calmed down, she stands up straight. “Lady Trisha wishes to see you tonight on the top of the tower. She requests that you dress smartly and to not eat before going.”

Fira, finally lets go of her thoughts out of curiosity. “Did she say what it was about?”

The messenger shakes her head. “She did not explain why, but only that you would regret it if you did not go.”

Fira’s eyes narrow. “Did she say it in a threatening way?”

The messenger shrinks back and holds up her hands. “No, not at all! She was smiling the whole time actually.”

Fira felt stupid as soon as she asked the question. Her reaction was unwarranted. She and Trisha had gotten a lot closer lately and the girl would not hurt her on purpose… Fira hopes.

Seeing the messenger still stand there Fira waves her away. “I have received your message and will be there.”

Fira turns to Nirn and rubs her temples. “I will keep your secret until tomorrow unless I run into Slyfer first, which is unlikely since I am angry…” She stops talking abruptly as thoughts run through her mind. –When did I stop being angry at him and get worried!-

Nirn watches as Fira stands up and stomps off to who knows where. She shakes her head and looks at the uncomprehending human before saying in the human language. “Young people.”

*****

Slyfer finds himself more tired than he would have thought after dealing with today’s matters. Relaxing in the bath with a certain fairy on his chest, he looks at the roof and says for the hundredth time. “I wonder what Trisha is planning?”

Another fairy lands on his forehead. “Maybe it’s a date!”

He had tried to shoo the others out, but the fairies simply laughed and flew around turning it into a game, he could catch them if he used magic or powers, but the chances of hurting them was too high so he did not.

Slyfer frowns and the fairy nearly falls over and into his eye. For a moment they just look at each other awkwardly before Slyfer asks. “What is a date?”

Another fairy pops out of the tub between his legs and flies up with a stream of water following her. –When did she even get in the bath!-

The very ignores Slyfer’s violated look and glides closer, “a date is a custom where a man asks a woman to accompany him somewhere.”

Slyfer scratches his chin. “So it’s like when I Fira asked me to hunt with her?”

A fairy sitting on his knee starts to giggle and says. “It is something similar to that, only Trisha and Luna went with so it cannot be counted as such. A date is meant to be a special time between a man and woman not anyone else.”

Slyfer smiles. “That makes sense.”

The same blue fairy form before pops out behind his ear and squirts him with water. “Yes, so you need to dress up very nice!”

*****

Fira is having almost the same conversation, but only with Jade. “What do you think she is planning?”

Jade shrugs and continues to scribble on papers placed on her desk that is far too large for her.

“Jade, are you even listening to me?”

Jade shrugs, the only sound coming from her generated by the quill in her hand.

“Jade!”

The green haired elf jumps, barely managing to catch the pot of ink that almost fell over. “Fira! Do you want to ruin all the work I have done so far?”

Fira takes a step back, her short friend’s hair is standing in all directions, her bloodshot eyes have bags under them and the corner of her mouth has a little bit of foam. She points at Fira. “You people, you people have it good. I have to work my tush to the bone while you are stressing about relationship problems. You worry about by step brother while I worry about how to put a whole alliance together and you come here and nearly let me spill my ink!”

Jade’s head tilts to the side and she starts to giggle dementedly while muttering things. Fira seeing her chance starts to back out slowly. By the time she reaches the door Jade has returned to her desk. The scribbling sounds once again filling the now dark lonely room.

She closes it slowly, making sure not to make a sound. When she turns around she nearly jumps out of her skin. “Elyna, you frightened me.”

Elyna only smiles. “How is Jade doing, when I went in earlier she was eating paper and rolling on the ground?”

Fira shakes her head. “I think it is getting worse.”

Elyna sighs and leans against the door. “When you see Slyfer tell him to pay Jade a visit.”

Fira is about to object, but she does not have the heart to. –Jade is doing so much and she is right, while I am complaining about relationship problems she is facing other things. Have I been too petty? Should I have heard what Slyfer had to say?- She starts to walk off towards the tower’s roof in a daze.

Fira makes her way up the stairs towards the roof, halfway up she runs into candles that have been placed on the sides of the stairs. It makes her pause… She shrugs and continues on. Next to assail her is the smell of food. Her mouth starts to water, she did not realise how hungry she is until now. It causes her steps to quicken. When she reaches the top, she stops with a mixture of surprise, anger happiness? She can’t be sure, it’s confusing! Her heart starts to flutter and she holds her hand to her chest.

Slyfer is standing with his back towards her and gazing down. He has a red shirt on with comfortable looking black pants. His feet are bare, nearby stands a pair of black moccasins. Looking at what is near him she can understand why he took them off.

Surrounded by candles is a large mattress covered by a silk blanket. Next to it stands a table with red wine and two platters on top. In the one is a lot of different sweets and candies. In the right is an assortment of meats, which judging by the smell has been cooked to perfection.

“Slyfer-“ She stops when he turns to her and puts his finger to his lips. Her eyes widen in surprise when she spots an intricate pattern of what seems to be paint on the right side of his face. It has a feint blue glow to it and is in the shape of a dragon curving around his brow as it takes flight.

When she is about to talk again he points to a board set to the side of the door that she has failed to notice until now. She starts to read her surprise at what is happening only growing along with the fluttering of her heart.

To Slyfer and Fira

It saddens me to see the two people I am connected to with my heart and soul, fight so much. So I have decided to do this for you.

There are only three rules, but you have to follow them without exception. They are follows.

1

You are not to take allowed to eat by yourselves, but only feed each other

2

You are not allowed to talk until you have finished eating.

3

You are not allowed to leave until dawn.

There will be no penalty if you don’t follow the rules, but I only ask that if you do not wish to do it for yourselves, at least do it for me, no for us.

Love Trisha

Fira looks up, her eyes meeting Slyfer’s. In them she can see conviction and a will to carry this through.

She bends down to take off her shoes but Slyfer’s hand stops her and he starts to do it for her. She freezes, her heart increasing in pace. His hands feel like hot coals on her feet. Not coal of heat but something else that sends strange feelings through her. -What is wrong with me?-