by Jordan Cramm
“Report you?” she said in a tender voice, “Nonsense. Today you are my hero. I don't know these men. I am Katrina Trueshot of Orenty. Maybe you have heard of me?” she finished with a gleaming smile of hope.
He knew he was missing something—some piece of information about her that she thought he should already know. So he looked her over carefully a moment.
Her features were perfect. She wore emerald and silver colors with glints of gold in her uniform. It was shimmering silver leggings and undershirt, with an emerald armor that Wolflen did not recognize, but that seemed to reflect light and shimmer like the rest of her outfit.
“I'm sorry, but I have not heard of you—Katrina Trueshot. What I know though is that this place is called tavern row. You shouldn't be here alone looking so...”
“Yes?” she asked.
“Well,” he continued, “so beautiful and inviting.”
She chuckled.
“You really do not know who I am do you?”
Wolflen tilted his head slightly, now appraising the situation of one possibly dead body at his feet, and another injured warrior not far from him. He knelt low and checked the pulse of the one at his feet to confirm the suspicion of a kill. As he checked for a pulse on the dead body, he looked up at her, almost with impatience in his eyes.
“Look m'lady, no offense but whoever you are, you are in a place that guards do not patrol. Tavern row is dangerous. You might want to consider leaving this place soon, or finding an escort.”
“I had an escort actually.”
Wolflen stood once more and approached the fallen warrior that was still alive. He pulled his knife from the person's leg and knelt beside the body, brandishing the dagger near the attacker's face.
“So help me if you even move, I will finish you.”
The attacker seemed content to simply clutch his leg with both hands and writhe in pain. Wolflen stood again and turned back to Katrina.
“M'lady, escort or no we should leave this place. This kind of thing can draw attention.”
She smiled back at him, looking around.
“Then by your leave sir, I will follow you to safety.”
Wolflen wasn't sure he liked the sound of that—helping a tag-along get to wherever she intended to go. He didn't want to play travel guide, even for someone so...beautiful. She IS SO BEAUTIFUL. He decided that he could always send her away later, but thought maybe it was safer for both of them to go elsewhere together. If others did attack, she at least had a sword, and apparently some kind of armor too.
They walked over the brick alley street way and began rushing toward a better part of town. As they strode along, she began speaking once more.
“I am a Ranger.”
Wolflen wasn't sure he cared what she was. Until they were out of danger it didn't matter.
“That's nice,” he said casually, “I am still deciding on trade school myself.”
“You are young?” she asked, “But, the way you handled those men, I would have guessed...”
Wolflen pulled at her arm to make sure she was keeping up as they rushed through the city streets.
“Yeah I am young. If that's a problem I am sure your injured friend back there would love to discuss it with you alone.”
Katrina pulled back and stopped in front of a tavern. She refused to go further with him making comments like that. He beckoned to her to continue but she said she would not. So he turned, and after a moment he apologized for what he said. She smiled at him, and followed his lead again until he informed her that they were in a safer part of the city. Wolflen pulled her into a small restaurant and together they sat at a booth table, and Wolflen ordered some hot tea to drink, and Katrina did the same.
“Now then m'lady, do you mind telling me why you were in tavern row, or why you were there alone?”
“I might ask you the same thing,” she said, “isn't it a dangerous place for someone so...well, young?”
He gave her an uneasy look. Then she answered his question.
“I had an escort. 50 Guards under leadership of the First Knight of Orenty, Jakarta. It's not easy losing them, but when I am able, I give them the slip, and I usually find my way into trouble, but never so much as what happened tonight.”
“You mean,” he responded, “what almost happened.”
She smiled at him.
“Yes. Why did you help me?”
Wolflen leaned back in his chair.
“I...I honestly don't know why I went down the alley. I heard you scream and something pulled me there. It was a foolish thing to do. I have never wielded a sword, and never taken people down like that. I can hear my father's voice in my head even now, telling me I could have been killed.”
“Do you want to know what I think?” she asked with a sparkle in her eyes he couldn't ignore.
“What's that?” he asked.
“I think,” she said as drinks came to the table, “that it was destiny. For us to meet I mean.”
Wolflen shrugged and took a drink of his tea.
“I am not sure I believe in destiny. After all, it wasn't destiny that gave your escorts the slip was it? Speaking of that, you said you have 50 guards and the First Knight of Orenty follow you around—what are you, royalty or something?”
Katrina lowered her head toward the table a moment, smiling sheepishly before looking back at him.
“I am the Elven Princess Katrina of Orenty.”
“What!” Wolflen exclaimed and then he realized he was loud and possibly drawing attention to himself, so he whispered it once more. “What? The Princess?”
She saw the disbelief in his eyes.
“Look, I don't normally tell people, especially Izenians. No offense there, but I have learned to live life in the shadows when I am not in my homeland. One never knows who might be opportunistic.”
Wolflen leaned in slightly, “But aren't you afraid of me then? After all, you just told me your secret didn't you?”
She smiled at him.
“That's quite observant, but you engender much trust Wolflen Darkmoon. And after tonight's events, you deserve only honesty.”
Wolflen could see that she wasn't joking, or even showing any signs of deception either. He considered a moment that perhaps she was telling the truth. But why would an Elven Princess be here? Of all places, why Haven? She seemed to read his mind by answering his unspoken words.
“I came to Haven to see the world and adventure a bit. I am a Ranger as I said, and I felt the need to wander. So I....oh no...”
“What?” Wolflen asked, realizing suddenly that he wanted to hear the rest of her story.
She was looking toward the entrance of the restaurant, and he followed her eye line to see other well-armed Elves spreading out through the perimeter of the establishment.
“I told you I had an escort...” she said disapprovingly. “How they find me one may never know, but they do have that pesky quality.”
Wolflen saw some of them coming closer. They seemed to be checking tables as they went, but they did not approach the table where they were. Instead, they motioned with hand signals to one who approached the table alone. Wolflen stayed silent while Katrina dealt with the situation.
“Jakarta...how long must we play this endless hide-and-seek? Can't you see that I am trying to enjoy a quiet evening without you and the squad?”
Jakarta stood erect and proud, adorned in fine armor and weaponry. His own hair was blonde, and straight Wolflen noticed. It looked like golden fire over a prairie. It looked picturesque. His voice was firm when he responded.
“Your highness, I have orders from the King himself to keep close to you. I do wish you would accept this fact.”
Katrina stood driving a finger into Jakarta's chest.
“And I wish, for you and the squad to leave now. Do you see this man sitting here Jakarta? His name is Wolflen Darkmoon. And tonight, while you and your squad were busy NOT-protecting me, this man saved my life from two others who meant me harm and worse.
So why don't you and the boys here go outside and find some area to patrol. I am safe here with him, and I will leave only when I am ready to do so!”
Jakarta stood a moment almost in shock. But he obeyed her orders just the same, turning and signaling the others to leave. Then Katrina sat back down in her booth seat and waited for the barrage of questions from Wolflen.
“Okay,” he said, “so you're a Princess. So what now?”
She smiled at him and looked around a moment.
“Well,” she began, “I thought that since we are here, we could eat. Afterwards, I have to find lodging for the night. I don't suppose you could recommend a good place?”
He had a smile that suddenly began to widen over his face.
“Well m'lady Katrina, I am staying at the Mammoth Lodge. This is not my city—I hail from Akartha, but I have been here before and I have a vague recollection of where things are. So if you like I can get you to lodgings for the night, and maybe tomorrow, maybe we could do lunch too?”
What are you doing? Are you falling for an Elven woman? Sure she's beautiful, sure she's a princess, but what are you doing?
She smiled at him and put her hands on the table over his. Her touch nearly made him quiver in delight and excitement but he didn't move. He just looked deeply into her eyes as she spoke.
“I would be grateful for any lodging recommendations you have, and tomorrow I can fit lunch into my schedule. But I am curious about one thing.”
“Oh,” Wolflen asked with a raised eyebrow, “what is that?”
“Don't you Izenians also eat breakfast?”
By the Gods...is she flirting with me? Be cool. Be cool. Ah who cares, no one would believe me anyway.
“Breakfast, sure we do. Does a Princess rise at a time for breakfast?”
“Well the chime bells here are easy to understand. I just thought maybe we could spend some more time together tomorrow—that is, if you can stand the company.”
Wolflen smiled widely.
“Of course, it's just that...well you are royalty. Isn't that like slumming by being with me?”
“You saved me tonight Wolflen Darkmoon of Akartha. Besides, there's something about you...I don't know what it is yet, but I would like to find out—if that's okay with you.”
Wolflen was skeptical now. No way would someone so beautiful talk to him like this. Especially not some kind of royalty.
“You are just kidding with me—aren't you?”
She smiled again and shook her head slightly.
“I guess you will just have to sit and eat with me, take me to lodgings and then find out in the morning.”
He hardly slept all night. How could he. She was captivating. He could hardly get her picture out of his mind during the brief times he did sleep. But he didn't mind. He found her breathtaking, and he had already wished their dinner would not end when they had parted ways within the Mammoth Lodge for the night. First, he had paced his room, considering looking for hers. But he thought better of it. He didn't know why he felt this way, or why he saved her, or even tolerated the company of someone from another race for as long as he had. And surely that princess thing was all a setup. He wondered.
Could she be an Elven Princess really? No. It was a setup. It had to be. But why? Ah, who knows maybe she is royalty. After all, just how normal have things been lately anyway? The War Magic remember? Ah yes that...you should tell her about that today. Or not. Either way.
Those were the thoughts that kept him pacing the room long before the daytime chimes of the city began to ring throughout the city. They rang through the night too, but only half as loud as they did during the day. He heard them though. He was awake for all of them, and with his third floor window open and the cool breeze of the night blowing in; he had heard the sounds of the night clearly. He wondered if doing so only proved he might make a fine Ranger. But then he would recall recent events and examine his hands. He still wasn't sure how he had managed the magic he used in the days prior. But now he also had her running through his mind as well. He admitted, it was nice. It took his mind's attention from other matters and brought him excitement. And if she was a Ranger herself and wandering the world in search of adventure, surely he possessed the potential to give her one by being chosen as a War Mage by the Free Magic. Yes, tell her.
Eight chimes. You heard them. Time to go. She said she would be waiting. It's what she said. Wolflen was dressed long ago. As he peered out of his window from the lodge, he took a deep breath and turned. He left his room, locking the door behind him. In the hall, he straightened his robe. He wore the green one that he loved so much, over the top of brown leggings and a brown nightshirt. He was plenty warm though in his fur-lined robe. He walked briskly through the lodging hall toward the stairs and then he grabbed the railing as he descended. In the main lobby area on the first floor, he found her sitting in a well cushioned chair. He smiled at the sight of her and straightened his robe once more. She did show up. He stood upright, wanting to make a good impression now, and then he swaggered over to her. She smiled, seemingly happy to see him as he was to see her. Then she stood.
He admired her beauty once more, and wondered if in the future he would ever be able to stop. She now had on a dark green dress with sleeves that reached her forearms, an open v-line chest, and he noticed cleavage, covered with glitter and what looked like gold-dust. Her hair was brought back behind her ears, held atop her head by an elegant hair clip lined with jewels. Her warm locks of burnt orange hair were draped down over her shoulders, and a few curls careened their way around her Elven, pointed ears. Her cheeks were slightly rosy, and her lips full and bright. He didn't say it but he wanted to kiss her. He himself was struck surprised by that revelation in his mind. He gave her a quick up-and-down glance, checking her over completely.
The bottom of her dress was slender it seemed, wrapping comfortably around her slender legs, reaching nearly to her ankles. She wore elegant and lacy boots under it that were brown in color. Wolflen wondered how far up her leg they went. But her dress bottom also had flares of brown and gold—pieces of fabric that extended from around the hip area and hung loosely down to about her calves. They seemed like strips of fabric really, and when she moved, those pieces danced around her legs in a display of beauty. Wolflen was finding it hard to figure out which part of her to stare at. Not that he minded the options; she was captivating. She was the embodiment of beauty, and within a twinkling of a moment the night before, she had danced her way into his heart. He couldn't explain how or even why. He just knew that it happened. He looked at the color of her dress—matching perfectly with his robe. He wondered if she had done that intentionally.
“You shaved,” she said observantly, “and you look better with your hair styled so.”
Wolflen blushed slightly and looked back at her.
“Well I couldn't rightly be intentionally ragged in your company m'lady. Besides, I was up early this morning.”
Up early because I couldn't get you off my mind. Who are you?
“I was up early myself. Perhaps we should have met for breakfast sooner Lord Darkmoon.”
She called me LORD Darkmoon. But...and is she flirting with me? He shivered.
“Speaking of breakfast m'lady, I know a place—a place that has food that I am sure anyone from either of our races could choose from. Shall we?”
She stepped closer to him and put her hand on his chest. He nearly fell over with ecstasy, but despite his thoughts and feelings, he kept his balance and composure. “You sir saved my life last night,” she said admirably, “and so today I will trust your decision and follow your lead. You may not be sold on the idea of destiny, but I have long since been a believer in its power. So please, lead the way.”
Breakfast went well and both of them seemed wrapped up in each other's company. Afterwards, they chose to do some shopping. Actually, Wolflen was shopping—for supplies he would need on a journey into Elven lands. She simply tagged along as good company. She was observant th
ough, and noticed that Wolflen was preparing for a journey of some kind. So she asked him about it, wanting to know if there was adventure ahead for him. He told her that he wasn't sure, but that he believed there would be. Still though, he did his best not to mention the part about being a possible War Mage. He still wasn't completely comfortable with the idea himself.
However, he did believe that his calling as a War Mage is what had aided him to defeat the two attackers in tavern row the night before. Never before had he moved like that against people so armed. Never before would he dare. But once the fight began, it was like he was in his element. He wondered though why nothing got blown up by magic, and why no fires started either. Perhaps he had exhausted his magical abilities in Akartha, or perhaps it was something else. Whatever it was, he wasn't ready to speak of it at lunch.
They took some food from a street cafe, setting it into a basket and taking it out to the bank of the Nelkwin River just outside of Haven. It had been quite a walk, but the air temperature outside was mildly warm with a slight breeze for added comfort. And as they walked, he told her more about his year at sea, and about how he had a decision to make soon about trade school. He also told her he had come to Haven to wander for a while before making his final choice.
“After all,” he told her, “trade school is a permanent and full-time thing.”
She supposed he was right about that. One could quit a certain guild and join another, but it was rare, and in most cases not allowed by the different guilds except in special cases.
The riverbank was warm as they sat in open grass under the shade of an Oak tree. Their food basket was between them, and they both sat leaning back on their palms behind them with their feet stretched out toward the river ahead.
“Even being at sea for a year,” he said with a smile, “I would never tire of watching the open water. It's so beautifully blue, and flowing with power.”
She smiled, listening to him speak about nature with enthusiasm that made her proud to be a Ranger.
