by Donald White
Her gaze drove the prince to his knees. The other men swiftly followed his example.
The greater nymph placed a kiss on the forehead of her little ones. Then, she pulled away, stepping out of the water. Lady Persephone walked calmly over to the humans. “I am yours.”
Viewing her eerie beauty up close, the prince was overwhelmed. He removed his cloak, handing it up to her. “Cover yourself with this, milady.”
She nodded and did so. The greater nymph turned back, smiling at her sprites.
Their eyes were full of tears as they watched her go.
***
Prince Hayden and his men made their way through the woods escorting Lady Persephone. She walked gracefully, seeming to glide over the forest floor. The prince asked, “Milady, how is it that you can proceed so easily with bared feet on this rough ground?”
She glanced down at him. “I take heed of my steps, careful not to tread on that which would harm me. Man stumbles, because his awareness is weak. His path is not sure, so he wanders about seeking and not finding.”
Insulted, the prince would have struck her out of instinct. But there was something about the elf’s bearing that gave him pause. Is she not my prize? And yet, I feel that I am at her command… He wondered if the others felt the same.
Observing Tristan, he sensed respect for the great elf. And yet, Tristan usually tended to be accommodating. So, he watched Ernest. His friend was strong of will and daring to the point of impertinence. Still, he showed unusual deference to Lady Persephone.
The prince observed the rest of his men. These same had been leering at the little elves, yet showed remarkable restraint and even humility in the presence of Lady Persephone. He recalled how her gaze had driven him to his knees. She is humbling us all.
Prince Hayden grew defiant. He gave the signal for them to halt. “Milady, you have said that you are mine.”
The greater fay bowed her head. “I am yours.”
“Very well.” He found a place to sit. “Fetch me some water.”
Tristan interjected, “Your Highness, the pond is far behind us. You can have one of my waterskins.”
The prince gestured dismissively. “I have my own waterskin, Tristan. I want fresh water.” He steeled his nerves, managing to look up at the elf. “Milady, elves are creatures of the forest. Surely, you can find some water and bring it to me.”
Lady Persephone eyed him carefully. “Very well.” She moved ahead of them, studying her surroundings. The elf tilted her head slightly, listening with pointed ears. Then, she walked into the bushes and the men followed.
For a few moments they did not speak, following along behind her. She had a longer stride and they hastened to keep pace. She slid past a few trees, disappearing from sight.
Prince Hayden grew alarmed. “Where is she? Find her!”
A melodious voice called from somewhere up ahead. “Be at peace. I have found what you desired.”
The men hurried forward, and there she was: kneeling before a small stream. Her long, delicate fingers were reaching towards the water.
One of the hunters rushed forward, dropping to his knees beside the greater nymph. “Allow me, milady.” He swiftly filled a waterskin, holding it out to the prince.
Scowling, Prince Hayden stood there, with his arms crossed over his chest. “Milady, you have found the water and he has been so gracious as to fill the container. Now, I bid you bring it to me.”
Lady Persephone rose to her full height, taking the waterskin from the man and nodding down at him. She turned around and walked towards the prince.
As she approached, he could feel those eerie green eyes peering within. Her features were sharp and her expression was calm. His knees shook as she loomed over him.
Lady Persephone placed the waterskin in his trembling hands. “Your water.”
“Thank you, milady.” He drank some.
She calmly gazed down at him.
Prince Hayden stowed the waterskin. “Proceed.” And with that, they continued on.
***
They came to the place where the nobles had left their horses. A few of the hunters loosed them, and waited.
Prince Hayden turned to face the elf. “Lady Persephone, you will ride with me.”
She nodded.
The prince mounted his steed.
Seeing that he would not assist her, Ernest and Tristan came forward.
But the greater nymph smiled, waving them away. She posted her hands on the horse’s hind quarters and leapt up, seating herself smoothly behind the prince.
The hunters were amazed at how gracefully and effortlessly she had mounted the creature.
Prince Hayden started, feeling her long arms embrace him from behind. If it had been a beautiful woman that was holding him, he would have been excited. But instead, he felt as if he were in the clutches of a deadly predator.
Ernest and Tristan mounted their own horses.
The prince gave a signal and the riders moved forward, with the other hunters following on foot.
Prince Hayden could feel an awkward silence as they rode. He glanced down at the arms which gripped his waist and knew that it was not a woman who held him fast. Lady Persephone was not human at all. He remembered those slanted green eyes and how they seemed to study him. As if I were some curious animal…
His breath quickened. She observed me, like a hunter does its quarry. He chagrined, realizing that he would have preferred one of the little ones. Lady Persephone was beautiful, bewitchingly so. But she invoked a terror within that he could not quell. He was overwhelmed, and did not like it.
The youth scowled. I am Prince Hayden, future king of Androtopia. No one humbles me. But she had. That, he could not deny. And she had done it without effort. The elf compelled him to do her bidding. Then, why not cause us to leave? How can she be so convincing, and yet, so accepting?
But he knew the answer: she was protecting the little ones. He smirked. Lady Persephone gave herself up for them. And now, she is in my power. She does not refuse me. He grinned, This elf is mine.
He could feel her behind him. Save for his cloak, she was naked. Desire crept into the youth’s heart, and began to pulse with it. Lust filled his eyes and darkened his countenance. She is mine.
Remembering that terrible gaze, he quaked and the lecherous thoughts fled back into his depths. Nervously, he spoke, “Lady Persephone.”
In a melodious tone, she replied, “Yes?”
Prince Hayden focused, “I have heard that your people are magical.”
“The energies of the world flow through us unhindered. We do not impede that which enriches us.”
He responded, “So, you are able to do magic.”
She corrected, “It is not a thing done, but that which is felt.”
The prince frowned. “And can you do anything with these feelings?”
Lady Persephone noticed. “Human, do you fear my power?”
“I merely asked what you could do.”
She smiled. “I can feel the tremor in your tone, human; the trembling of your flesh; the prickling at the back of your neck. You are afraid.” She leaned forward, placing her head next to his ear. “Do you fear that I will turn you into a toad? Or perhaps, strike you with lightning from my fingertips? Will I whisper a few words and make you my thrall? Or cause you to see what is not there? Can I put up a shield that cannot be seen? Or shall my touch rob you of all strength? Or maybe I will enshroud you in mist, rendering you blind?”
The young man struggled to remain calm. He breathed a sigh of relief as she drew back once more.
Lady Persephone spoke. “I can see that which was, and is, and what could be.”
Prince Hayden managed to scoff. “Yet, you could not see what happened at the pond.”
“Perhaps, I was not seeking it. One cannot find what they do not know to look for.”
He chuckled. “Your power is weak.”
“Perhaps.”
She became silent and his anxiety grew. Why
does she not speak? Did she have a vision concerning me? He started to regret his reckless actions and insolent tone. He remembered the tales of those who offended the fairies. Can she curse me? Or will she merely see my doom approach and give me no warning?
He could feel her arms around his waist. She did not squeeze, the elf merely held on. But he felt a sudden desire to be free: to take her back to the pond and erase what he now realized had been a grievous mistake.
***
They neared Andropolis, the royal city of Androtopia. Passing over the bridge, they stopped at the gate. Those on horseback having slowed to a trot awhile ago, the ones on foot had been able to catch up. Ernest announced to the guard, “Prince Hayden returning from the hunt.”
The guard eyed them all, paying particular attention to the elf. “And would this be your catch, milord?”
“This is Lady Persephone. She is with me.”
She looked down at the guard.
The man felt his knees buckle beneath that overpowering gaze. “Y-y-yes, milord.” He busied himself with the opening of the gate.
Prince Hayden smirked, and motioned for the rest to follow him.
When all were through, the gate was shut once more.
They continued down the city streets. As they passed by, the city folk noticed the strange creature mounted on the horse behind the prince. It was an elf, one of the tall ones. People stared wide-eyed at the sight. She sat a little higher than the prince. Indicative of her kind, the limbs were long and the features were sharp. She bore the racial marks of the dark elves: olive skin, green eyes and lustrous black hair.
Men grew excited, realizing that her only covering was a cloak. They craned their necks to get a peek at her nudity. But as the horse approached, they grew ashamed. Some took off their hats, bowing their heads. Still others dropped to their knees as she passed by.
Women, who had despised her haughty brazenness from a distance, were filled with unexpected humility in her presence. There was something about this elf that commanded respect. Some of the females curtseyed and others fell to their knees as the horse went by carrying the wondrous creature holding their prince from behind.
The citizens of Andropolis chattered amongst themselves. Who was this? Why was she riding with Prince Hayden? And the rumors began to fly.
Soon, the group neared the royal palace. Its walls were high and the towers reached towards the sky. After a few curious glances from the guards, the gates were opened, revealing a large courtyard with a wide path leading to the main entrance. The grass was short and neat with a row of bushes along the way towards the large doors.
Here they dismounted and handed the reins to the stable boys. The youths’ eyes were wide at the sight of the great elf. Ernest hurried them along towards the stables.
Prince Hayden gestured, and a few servants opened the doors. He turned to Lady Persephone. “Welcome to the Palace of Andropolis, milady.”
She nodded, following him inside.
The interior was spacious and lavishly decorated. She could feel the coolness of the marble floor.
Servants studied her as she walked past, but maintained a respectful silence.
On the walls, could be seen the crest of the royal family along with other heraldic devices. There were portraits of the king and queen. Near a staircase was one of the prince.
There were statues here and there perched on jasper pedestals, favoring them with blank expressions.
A large chandelier hung from the ceiling.
Prince Hayden sent for the seamstress. Then, he turned and led Lady Persephone down a long hallway.
His friends had left to take care of their duties.
He asked, “Milady, what do you think of my city?”
“Why are your people are separated from one another? They cannot move freely. Even inside, there are doors hindering movement.”
The prince frowned. “How do elves build their cities, then?”
She held out her hands. “The buildings are large and there are no doors within. The little ones stay together in large rooms. I have my own spacious chambers, but am not secluded. We love our people, and do not shun their presence.”
He looked at her. “Still, they must know their place.”
She nodded. “But we discipline out of love, not pride.”
The youth gave a sigh, opening the door to a large sitting room. “Come, the servants are preparing us a meal. We will sit here and talk while we wait.”
“Very well.” She glided across the carpet, seating herself in the chair that he offered.
Prince Hayden took a seat nearby. “My mother and father are not here, however they will return in a few days.”
The elf nodded.
An uncomfortable silence ensued. The young man wondered, Does she even intend to speak? Or is she content to leave me in such an awkward state? Struggling to make conversation, he asked, “What do you think of the royal palace?”
“Why do you have so many walls and doors on the inside? One cannot move freely in such a place. The furnishings are excessive and unnecessary. And why are there so many paintings and sculptures all about?”
Prince Hayden was taken aback. “It is the privilege of royalty to adorn their dwellings thus. You do not have art?”
She smirked, “We are not so proud as to make images of ourselves. If we paint, it is to express our love for the world. If we sculpt we do so for the same reason. But anything done to excess can be a distraction. Beauty is best enhanced by the lightest of touches.”
The youth grew flustered. She does not like my city, nor even my royal palace! Is there anything I possess which will delight her?! And then a smile crept across his features. He stood up. “Would you like to see the garden milady?”
“Very well.” She stood up and followed him out.
Chapter 2: “Desires Fulfilled”
Prince Hayden led her out to the garden. It was a maze of foliage, neatly trimmed with well-defined paths leading into its depths. There were various types of greenery and flowers all around. Each turn presented a new feast for the eyes. The colors were pleasing and the variety was stunning. They passed fountains of marble with cool clear water constantly flowing.
Lady Persephone proceeded along neither slowly nor hurriedly. She gazed at the greenery, pausing to sniff a few flowers. The elf handled stems and caressed leaves. She placed her hands in the fountain water.
The prince asked nervously, “Is it to your liking?”
She looked over at him and her eyes were smiling, though her countenance remained impassive. “The flowers are lovely and fragrant. The foliage is green and the water is cool and clear.”
He breathed a silent sigh of relief.
She continued, “The bushes have been trimmed a bit short and contrary to their nature. What is this desire man has to dominate that which lives with him?”
Prince Hayden was about to speak, but could not find the words. He pondered her question. Why do we try to control the land? He spoke, “I do not know, milady. But the fashion of the garden is pleasing?”
Instead of replying, she removed her cloak and lay down on the ground, enjoying the coolness.
The prince grew flushed at the sight of her nudity. He was about to say something.
Unexpectedly, the seamstress appeared, seeing the naked elf curled up on the ground. She fell back, startled. “Milord!”
He held up his hands. “Miss Julia, please remain calm.”
The woman managed to recover, averting her eyes from the nude elf. “Milord, you sent for me?”
Prince Hayden approached the seamstress. He gestured towards the elf. “As you can see, Lady Persephone requires raiment. Please take her measurements and be about your work.”
“Oh… yes, Milord.” Still averting her gaze, she motioned for the elf to stand up. “Milady, please come with me.”
Lady Persephone stood up, donning the cloak once more. She turned to the prince. “Is this what you wish?”
He nodded
shakily. “We cannot have you strutting about unclothed. It would be improper. Miss Julia is the seamstress for the royal family. She will provide clothing for you.”
“Very well.” The great nymph nodded to the woman and followed after her.
Prince Hayden watched them go. The meal would be ready soon. He stared at the ground where Lady Persephone had been lying. The man glanced about and then sat down.
Again, he searched the area for prying eyes. Finding none, he lay back enjoying the coolness.
***
Prince Hayden sat at a large table covered with dishes of various types. There was wine and water to drink. He mumbled, “Where is she? I sent for her awhile ago.” He sat up straight, careful of his manners. It would not do to be lax in front of the servants. Word might get around…
The doors opened and Lady Persephone entered, wearing a robe whose emerald hue matched her eyes. The sleeves did not quite reach her wrists and it was apparent that it had not been designed for her willowy frame. Also, the hem reached just past her knees and her delicate feet were still bare.
He stifled a smirk at her appearance. “Lady Persephone,” he beckoned, “please join me.”
“Very well.” She took the seat he offered.
“I see Miss Julia was able to come up with something for you to wear.”
The elf nodded. “She took my measure, and says she should have clothing that will fit me within a few days. For now, this,” she gestured at the robe, “will suffice.”
“I must ask her to have a few pairs of slippers made, so that you may leave the palace without drawing scorn upon myself.”
She stared at him curiously. “Are all men such vain creatures? Do you wear clothing for the sake of others or out of your own necessity?”
“Both, of course. I am the prince of the kingdom, and the future ruler of Androtopia. Certain behavior is expected from a man of my station. I cannot prance about naked and retain my dignity. Do elves not wear clothes?”
“Greater nymphs wear what is comfortable and practical. Greater he-fay wear the clothing we enjoin them to. And the little ones would also be content to wear nothing at all.”
