9th day of the 7th month 580th year of the 8th era The sun hit the horizon as Akuchi made his way back to the hovel. The smell of rabbit stew wafted over the air, making his mouth water. As he came into the clearing and past the first field, he saw Aife sitting on a log with the fire roaring in front of her. The cooking pot rested on the same tripod, the flames licking the bottom and the sides of the cooking pot. She looked up and then smiled at him. Akuchi’s stomach churned. Her smile does nothing to improve her face.He rounded past the fence post and stepped over a log and sat. Aife stood and scooped the contents of the pot into a wooden bowl and handed the bowl to Akuchi before filling another bowl and sat next to Akuchi. Akuchi lifted the bowl to his lips and began to eat. The stew was hot and glided down his mouth; it contained chunks of rabbit, tubers and legumes. Wow… That was delicious, she can cook. Maybe life won’t be so bad. She works hard and she can cook … If we do have kids, what will they look like? Will they be disfigured like she is? Will the disfigurement also affect me? The bowl finished of its contents, he lowered it and Aife lowered her bowl. The sky was darkening to a deep blue lined with reds, pinks, and the hint of purple on the eastern horizon. Aife laid her hand on Akuchi’s left thigh. “Let’s go to bed,” she whispered into his ear. Let’s get this over with. “Okay,” he agreed and stood. He started towards the hovel. She took his bowl and placed it with hers on the log beside her and followed him into the hovel. She pulled the door closed behind her after she entered the hovel. The light was grey and dim. Akuchi sat on the pallet of rushes. She sat beside him and rested her head on his shoulder. “You still want to do this?” she asked. “It is what you want,” he stated. “As your husband, I should be able to grant you what you want.” “I know this is hard,” she murmured. “I don’t want to make you feel bad, but I will be truthful with you.” She lifted her head and her face caught the light in profile. “You are not the most beautiful person I have met,” he began. He heard an intake of breath followed by the sound of silence, broken by the hoot of an owl. “I also know that beauty alone doesn’t make for a happy marriage,” he continued. “Because of my station in life, we will be living with each other for most of the day.” “We barely spend any time together,” she said. “I know. I chose to ignore my normal chores to give you some space,” he replied. “I would have liked to work beside you; I didn’t know what you wanted me to do.” “If you want something to do during the day, you can come with me tomorrow and help me with my chores, until you work out what you are able to help with.” “Thank you,” she breathed. “You can cook,” he said. “I really enjoyed tonight’s dinner, it was the best I had had since arriving here.” She hung her head. Akuchi lifted it back up with a gentle hand on her chin. Her cheeks were flushed red. “Has no one told you that before?” he asked. She shook her head as moisture formed in the corner of her eyes. “No one has ever given me a compliment so genuine before.” A tear trickled down her right cheek. He took her in his arms and hugged her. More tears stained her face as she nestled her head against his neck. “I am so sorry,” he whispered into her ear. “I am so sorry that you had to live like that.” She broke contact with him and she lowered herself onto the rushes. “Make love to me,” she insisted. “Turn over,” he said. *** That night Akuchi and Aife lay on their small bed of rushes. Warriors work with steel, Philosophers work with pen, Gird yourself with truth Light of truth will guide you. The words resonated around his head. What was that? He sat up and looked around the darkened room. His sword, the only thing in the room, sat against the far wall, opposite the door. He strained his ears listening for more. Nothing came. He lay back down and closed his eyes You have kept your word and your spirit runs strong in you. You are a man of honour. Akuchi sat up. “Who is there?” he asked softly. Aife stirred. He turned to her and calmed her. She settled back into her sleep. Fear not, for you have done well, I will guide you. Stay true to your word and don’t dishonour your spirit and you will be blessed. A voice echoed in his head What do you want? Akuchi replied thinking the words. Your actions have set in motion a series of events that will change the whole world. The return of the dark elves will start at the beginning of the end. You will not live to see this terrible day, but your family will help save or condemn the world. “What must I do to save the world?” he asked. The voice did not reply to him.