by Jana LaPelle
At this point The Horde is standing, the crowd is rowdy and loudly chanting, “Horde King! Horde King!”, Over and over again. Several of the Fomorian in attendance shift to their berserker forms as their excitement builds. The satyrs in attendance begin stomping their hooves, and the banshees add their eerie wailing cry, giving the promise of death with the impending war.
Tarron reaches down for my hand and urges me to stand with him. I look to my mother and then to Dagda as both incline their head reassuring me that everything is okay, essentially giving Tarron their blessing. As I stand, the pull of the gown around my middle lessens somewhat, and for that I'm grateful. I look up into the incubus' handsome face to try to understand where he is going with his proclamation. He only smiles before motioning for everyone to settle down and take their seats before he continues in a voice loud enough for everyone in the hall to hear but not as booming as before, "Before last night, I was determined to make Ashlinn my queen." He pauses, allowing his statement to sink in before continuing, "I was wrong. The High Princess is not meant to be my queen, but she is still my chosen. I choose to take her as my confidant, I choose to take her as my friend, and I choose her as my ally. I choose to align The Horde with her cause, and I choose to protect her from our common enemy! Her kindred and I were once the best of friends, and I choose to do everything in my power to right the wrong that I have inflicted on them both. I am not perfect, but I will never hide my wrong doings from you, The Horde. I promise always to own up to my mistakes, and I promise to listen to my mentor, The Dagda, and council from my friends and allies. That is my promise to you all! Tomorrow we begin anew! A Council will be formed among you to represent each class of you. This council will represent your voice and will become my advisors. I promise. That under my rule, you will… have… a voice!"
The hall erupts again in applause and chants as The Horde comes together in support of Tarron and his words this evening. In one final announcement, he says, "Let the celebration begin!" The banquet hall starts to empty, and I can hear the music commence in the ballroom next door as I look up at Tarron. He looks content.
I'm surrounded by my Fab Five, my mother, Dagda, and Tarron. I reach up on my toes and pull him down to lay a kiss on his cheek, as I say, "You did well, my Horde King."
As the night progresses, there is music and drinking, and The Horde celebrates in true Horde fashion. I'm quickly learning that the dark fae tends to be very sexual creatures and do not hesitate to give into their urges. No matter the surroundings. Even Dagda has taken to the celebration, and an exotic beauty has become attached to his hip. As the two dance with one another, he has to hoist her up against him due to his extreme height, and as the two move together, I can sense that the succubus has released her pheromones as the two are pressed against one another. I watch them in fascination as the succubus feeds from the life essence of Dagda. She breaks their kiss to inhale a golden like vapor that is being pulled from Dagda's mouth. Then their lips are crashing back to the others, and he has her pinned against the wall as the sexual tension between them continues to build. The lights are dim, and the music is just background noise as I continue to watch The Horde and how they interact. The vampire couple from earlier are all over each other but there is another couple that has been pulled into the mix, and I realize that the act of their feeding from their blood donors is a sexual act as the four are caught up in the feeding and their sexual pleasure.
Why Tarron thought for one moment that I would be able to fit in with this type of a celebration, I’m not sure. My naivety in the dark fae and their nature has me gasping in shock as I see yet another couple hooking up, a satyr and nymph are heavily involved. He pulls her bodice down exposing her ample breast as she wraps her legs tightly around him. The festivities have only been underway for approximately an hour and a half, and I find that I'm in a den of iniquity. My mother takes this moment to take pity on me as she sweeps in to save me from spending the rest of the evening here in this sexually charged space.
“Come, it’s time that you get back to your rooms daughter, I think you have seen enough of this dark fae celebration. I can see that you are a bit overwhelmed.” Danu says as she steers me toward the doorway to the hall. As we make our way to the stairs, I see Tarron talking with Garrik, and I find that Nym and Cam have fallen in behind us.
“Guys, you have the night off to enjoy the celebration. I’m just tired and need to get some sleep.” I say as we come upon Tarron and Garrik.
I overhear Garrik say, "My king, I have not been entirely honest with you as to my reason for being here with The Horde." He pauses and bows in my direction before he continues, "I pledged my loyalty to my Lady, The Champion to The Tree of Life. I was sent here to keep an eye on her and get word back to Alaric and The Dagda. I apologize for my deception, my Lord." He says as he takes a knee.
I intervene before Tarron can say anything, “Tarron, please do not be angry with Garrik. He was only doing my bidding. I asked that he infiltrate your camp and be here for me if needed. I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that I would be here. I just needed to know that I would have someone to back me up if that time arose. Then you appointed him and four others to watch over me.”
“Well, I’m learning much tonight. Garrik, please stand. Thank you for coming clean this evening. I appreciate your honesty. Ashlinn again you are full of surprises. Garrik, you are to continue your post and keep watch over your liege. Nym, Camoryn do you want to continue with the festivities?” Tarron asks.
"No, my king, we would like to accompany Ashlinn back to her chambers. Dorlan and Khatar have requested to remain at the festivities this evening. We will inform you if there are any problems." Nym responds.
“Ashlinn, I trust that you are well, you’re leaving early.” Tarron inquires.
“With all due respect, Tarron, I’m feeling a little out of my element. The dark fae are what I would consider… exhibitionist.” I say as I feel myself flush.
Tarron all out laughs as the guy's chuckle behind me, then he says, "I'm sorry Ashlinn, I really did not think about how you would perceive the festivities as The Horde gives into their dark nature. Go, get some rest mo solas. I will see you in the morning." He leans down and kisses my cheek, and then I take my leave as we make our way up to my chambers.
Chapter 14
(Ashlinn)
Day 14
After making it up to my rooms the night of the festivities, I all but collapse in my bed after my mother helps me out of my gown, she stays with me until I fall asleep. That night I slept very heavily, and I woke the next afternoon feeling more refreshed than I have in some time. I spent most of the day like I did before sitting on the cliffs and staring out at the turbulent waters. The day was uneventful in its passing, but I found that I am beginning to come to terms with what has transpired here. The next couple of days I get back to my training and continue with my yoga. I wake early to get an early start each morning. Daily I spend several hours at some point on the cliffs. I was very disappointed to find out that once the wards were raised here in The Mortal Realm around the property, Garrik was no longer able to contact anyone in Alaric's camp but seeing how I have been unable to dream walk I’m not really surprised. I make sure to send Alaric my love through our bond at some point during the day every day, and I'm rewarded with his returned affection. I'm slowly feeling the light come back into our bond and into my soul.
Tomorrow morning my kindred will be here, and now all I can worry about is how he is going to react when he sees Tarron. I'm on my way to meet with everyone when I run into the one female that continues to glare at me every time I see her. Today is not the day to get on my bad side. I'm in a hurry to make the meeting and don't have time to give into her personal insecurities about where she stands with Tarron and his harem. By the goddess, he needs to choose better than this one. Her jealousy is rolling off her in waves as she deliberately bumps into me in the hallway causing me to stumble. Khatar protectively rights my form. I'm fed up with t
he fact that everyone thinks that he or she can run all over me based on my size. I shrug out of Khatar hold and square off against the female before me.
“What is your problem?” I ask barely containing my anger.
“You, you’re my problem. Ever since you arrived, Tarron will hardly give me the time of day. I’m his favorite! What have you done to poison him against me?” She demands.
I have to admit if looks alone made a person beautiful she would be considered an exotic beauty but her jealousy and hunger for power are all I see, and it overshadows her physical attributes. I quietly scrutinize her before asking, "What is your name?"
"Hmmph… my name is Daria, everyone here knows of my importance to Tarron. Before you came along I was the one he turned to, I was going to be his queen. You’ve ruined everything!" She is all but yelling at me. She makes a move to bitch slap me.
She may have about seven inches on me, but she's not trained in the ways of hand to hand combat, and I have had enough. I quickly evade the stinging slap she is eager to deliver and glare at my Fab Five daring them to intervene. They step back allowing me to fight this battle on my own as I say, "I have no idea as to your meaning, Daria. But I assure you that when I see Tarron in the next few minutes, I will make sure to tell him that you are unsuitable to have around."
Daria bares her teeth and lunges for me going for my hair. I drop to my knees delivering a blow to her stomach knocking the wind out of her. I reach for my dagger, and as she is gasping for air, I pull the knife from my boot sheath. My left arm goes around her neck, pulling her down to my height. Her back is to my chest, and the dagger is now pointed at her jugular and pressed ever so slightly into her skin, drawing blood. I whisper into her ear, "You are no good for him. You will never be his queen. You need to change your ways, or you will end up on the wrong side of things. You threaten me, and you threaten everyone I hold dear. I am not to be trifled with Daria. It is by the grace of The Creator that I allow you to live. Do not ever threaten me again. Do I make myself clear?"
She grates out, “Perfectly.”
I let her go, and without a backward glance she takes off running down the hallway. I make to put my dagger away and see that her blood is on the tip, so I wipe it on my jeans not wanting to sheath my blade if it has been tainted. Khatar and Camoryn both step forward and offer a cloth and I just smile at the two and say, "Thank you for letting me handle that on my own. I cannot afford to be seen as weak, especially by someone that fights like a girl. Come on we have a meeting to get to." They all chuckle, and we continue down the hall.
As we enter the study, Tarron, and The Dagda stand. I smirk as the last image I have of the god, is one of him having that exotic beauty pinned against the wall. It is not surprising that I have not seen him around the last couple of days. Danu is sitting by the fireplace, and my five take up sentry just inside the door and outside the study. Tarron's grin falters as he asks, "Why is there blood on your jeans?"
“Daria evidently has a problem with me. She is under the impression that if it were not for me, she would become your queen. You have a problem with that one, and I highly suggest that you fix it. I will not be threatened by her again. Next time, I will cut her hair off at the nape of her neck. We'll see what she looks like sporting a boy cut." I say, grinning at the thought.
Tarron sighs and asks, “What did you do?”
“I assure you that it could have been much worse. She has absolutely no fighting technique. I couldn’t do anything more than defend myself, lest I really hurt her. I needed to make certain she understood who would be on the winning end of our little tiff.” Pausing I look around the room to see Danu and The Dagda smiling at me as I continue, “What is the plan for tomorrow at sunrise? Alaric is going to want to beat your ass. So how’s this going to play out?”
Tarron just chuckles and says, “It’s simple really. When the wards are dropped, you will be the first person he sees. He will want to make certain that you are indeed unharmed. Once that has taken place, he will come for me. Everyone has been instructed not to interfere. Ashlinn, I will not fight back. Alaric has every right to come after me. He will want to take me down, and you will allow him to take out his anger on me. I will make certain to feed tonight, and I will be fine. Just know that Alaric will have a lot of pent-up anger toward my taking you from him. Anger that is more than justified, please do not try to interfere. This will be between the two of us. We have to get past this to move on."
“But…” I interject.
"No buts." He says and takes my hands in his, "You know I'm right. He and I have to find some common ground, Ashlinn. We have to put this behind us if we are all to move forward. Dagda and I have discussed this at length, and we are in total agreement. Please mo solas, you have to promise not to interfere. This has to be done." He says with finality.
I know he’s right and I simply incline my head acknowledging my understanding. Tomorrow morning is not going to be pretty. “Okay, I will do my best not to intervene. Now, on an entirely different note, I have not seen Jasmine since the festivities. Has anyone seen her? I’m just a little worried.”
“I feel confident that all is well. The last I heard she was spending time with a male sprite that she met that night. I can send word to the colony to have her check in.” He says.
"I just want to know that she’s okay. That's all. If she’s doing well then so be it, please do not disturb her, she has waited for two hundred years to find her kindred, and I for one will not stand in her way if she has found her one. If she is just screwing around? Then the girl deserves a break.” I say as I laugh out loud.
Danu stands and says, "We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow. Daughter, you need your rest. Come you are neglecting the child that you carry." She says. My weariness is palpable, and I know her words to be true.
"Yes Mother, I agree. I need my rest." My hand lingers on my belly that has become a bit rounded but not overly noticeable. I have realized that I tire more easily and I long for bed and my kindred. I want nothing more than to be wrapped in his arms. As I make my way back to my rooms, something has changed. I can feel it within me. I smile as I feel myself let go of the darkness that has surrounded me for days. I laugh and spin around and breathe easier than I have in what feels like forever as I realize that my burden has been lifted. I fall to my knees and thank my Creator for his benevolence. I'm not worthy, but yet I've been blessed. I collapse onto the bed and feel my kindred reach out to me, and I wrap our bond in love and adoration as I succumb to the need to sleep. I will see Alaric in the morning, and I cannot wait. We have been parted for far too long. In the morning we will be reunited.
Chapter 15
(Alaric)
After Dagda had traced away, I was told that so did Danu and no one has seen or heard from them since. Rhespen is restless not knowing where Danu is but I have been able to rest easier since I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the blood contract has been voided. Our kindred bond is now open, and with every passing hour, I can feel that Ashlinn is becoming more and more herself. Initially, all I could feel from her was a deep, overwhelming sorrow and despair but now as dawn approaches our bond is full of the light and warmth that it has been missing since she was taken from me. I don't know how she has been able to endure the past fourteen days. I have barely been able to make it through twenty-four hours without her by my side, not knowing all that she has had to endure. I have never felt so utterly helpless.
Dawn is literally just moments away. It has been decided that my guard and I will go through the portal first. Followed by Rhespen and several of his men, then Lexie and Nemus and several more druids, and then we figure that possibly up to fifty of the warriors that have gathered here with me will be able to pass through to the Mortal Realm. We are not sure what awaits us, so we are prepared for battle. My palms are sweaty as my anticipation grows at the prospect of being with Ashlinn once more. Having been without her these last few hours has been more than I can bear. As the sun peeks up over
the horizon and the first rays of morning dawn hit the dolman portal, I activate the gateway and as it flares to life. I urge Tempest forward, prepared to soothe his discomfort in being pulled into another realm. As soon as we are safely on the other side I know what direction to go, the pull is instantaneous. Knowing that the others are close behind I urge Tempest in her direction, I ride for about a mile and a half before I come upon what looks like a rundown and abandoned manor. I feel the glamour wash over me as I feel compelled to leave in the opposite direction, but I know that Ashlinn is on the other side of that glamour. I stand fast and dismount Tempest walking to where I feel closest to her until I cannot continue. Tempest is not happy and can feel the repulsion charm, but he follows my lead as he paws restlessly at the ground and snorts his unease.
