Folk Lore

by Joanne Ellis

  “You can’t choose who you fall in love with, Keelor,” she replied leaping to her feet.

  He stood reluctantly and took her hand.

  “I know” he whispered.

  “If we can’t do this, please stop touching me.” She pulled her hand from his. “Shall we finish our lessons then?”

  He started at her his Eyes full of longing stared at her for a few moments before the indifferent expression returned to his face.

  “Perhaps to save us some time you could tell me exactly what Sampson has taught you.”

  14

  Best Friends

  When they broke for lunch Sera decided it was her turn to avoid him. She asked him which direction she needed to go to find where the ‘carnivores’ ate and he directed her which way to go in his unemotional voice before instructing her to meet him in the field in one hour. At which time she would learn how to use the various weapons to determine which would be her strength and concentrate on having her learn to defend herself with whatever it turned out to be. She asked why she wouldn’t be learning how to attack their enemy and he replied that she was only to defend herself. It was a protector’s job to fight, not a princess.

  Sera located Sampson sitting with both the vampires and hazers from the circle, tucking into a steak. The vampires were drinking from goblets which she assumed could only contain one thing and she winced. The hazers were enjoying a similar meal to Sampson and they were all chatting amicably. Sera felt a sudden stab of jealousy because she’d had the disadvantage of missing out on getting to know her allies over the years, unlike Sam.

  “Sera.”

  He jumped up from his chair and came over to greet her. Swiftly she felt less alone and slightly more like old times once again. At least their friendship was going to remain and she was grateful for him more than ever

  “I’ve missed you over the last couple of days, with everything that has been happening we haven’t seen each other as much as usual,” he assured her and she smiled happily at her best friend.

  “I’ve missed you too. I really need to talk to you.”

  “Sure, straight after lunch. I would like it if you would join us and meet the others properly. You will like them except for Angeles but he’s unfriendly to everyone.”

  “I would like that but I only have an hour before I have to go back to my training.”

  “You shouldn’t have to learn much. I’ve taught you all the defensive tactics already.”

  “Yes, that was very sneaky of you.” She smiled. “Keelor wanted to be sure I was inapt in all of them first. This afternoon he is going to teach me to defend myself with a weapon.”

  “I wanted to teach you that too but thought it would be hard to explain.” He smiled his boyish handsome grin so she hugged him for comfort and to show her affection.

  “Alright, Sera don’t get all soppy on me.”

  Leading her over to the table he introduced everyone again. Angeles stared at her lustfully and she knew it wasn’t for the same reason Keelor looked at her in that way. Angelique looked at her cautiously and Sera found this disconcerting. Audrey and Andre chatted to her as though they were old friends and she felt an instant rapport with them both. Sera decided to spend more time with them when she next had some.

  Once Sam finished his lunch, he excused them and Sera detected a look of what she could only interpret as envy cross briefly over Angelique’s face. Sera decided she would ask Sam the nature of his relationship with the vampire, after unloading her problems first that is.

  He took her deep into the forest, the sounds and aromas were intoxicating. She understood why Sam chose this spot to talk.

  “Spill it, Seraphina,” he said once they were seated on a small soft grassy hillock in the heart of the forest.

  “For starters, what happened to calling me Sera? And do not even try and call me princess.”

  “Sorry, Sera. While I’m here it is habit to use correct terms. I won’t call you princess unless I’m around folk who deem it appropriate, okay?”

  “I suppose. I don’t know what to do and after talking to Mum this morning, I’m even more confused.”

  “Is this about Nermo and his ridiculous dream notions or about Keelor kissing you by the river?”

  “Keelor.”

  “You couldn’t have picked someone more stringent about the law than him.”

  “Yes, I’m starting to discover this which is why I’m confused.”

  “Sera, I love you, you are my best friend and I would hate to see anything happen to you. If anyone ever hurt you, well let’s just say protector is the right word for how I feel about you. I always have and not because I had to because I wanted to. I don’t totally agree with the law either but I know I must follow it, even if I don’t want to.”

  “Is this about Angelique?”

  He looked at her with surprise and then acknowledgement.

  “I could never hide anything from you could I?”

  “You obviously have been for a while though. I saw the way she looked at us as we left before and she wasn’t too happy about sharing you.”

  “Yes, I have been hiding my feelings for her for some time. She probably wasn’t too happy because she can be very possessive. How could I have told you that I was in love with a vampire?”

  “You’re in love with her?”

  “Unconditionally and ridiculously so.”

  “Wow and yes if you had introduced us, questions would have been raised. How long?”

  “About three years on and off. I met her here the first time I came to do some training. I continued my training with her once we met and we’ve been seeing each other when we can ever since.”

  “Have you?”

  “Slept with her? No. I wouldn’t want to test her restraint, no matter how strong she claims it to be.”

  “She feels the same way about you?”

  “Yes and she begs me constantly to break the law.”

  “How?”

  “By allowing her to change me.”

  “What! That would be more than one law and no way are you going to become a vampire.”

  “There are worse things.”

  “After what happened with my mother and father, how could you even consider?”

  “Love can’t be controlled, just as your feelings for Keelor can’t.”

  “We are a pair aren’t we? In love with folk we can’t have.”

  “Yes but Sera, does Keelor feel for you as Angelique does for me?”

  “I don’t know, his lips say two different things, as do his eyes and face.”

  “Sera, I know I’ve said this before but you could not have picked a folk more intent on his duty and the law. If you were going to break it with anyone you should have chosen Nermo.”

  “I didn’t choose, Sam. When I am around him I feel ... like I belong.”

  “Angel is the same for me. The difference is I could and would become like her, for her. Yes we would both be banished but together and the same. You can never be the same as him.”

  “Still doesn’t make it any easier. What are we going to do?”

  “I don’t know, Sera.”

  “Do you know what happened to Sebastian after he ... well you know?”

  “Yes, he joined a group of vampires who live in the human world but they don’t abide by the law as Angel’s clan do.”

  “Why didn’t my dad change rather than die?”

  “He thought being a vampire was worse than death. He didn’t have much regard for them at the time, probably because of your mum’s attraction for them or one in particular anyway. It seems you have inherited this from her.”

  “Yes, I guess I have. I believe he feels the same as I do but he is so intent on doing the right thing. I can understand how he wouldn’t want to be banished from the circle and his home, it is beautiful here. I know he believes in what he does but I think it’s time the law changed. I think it could be used to our advantage. If Mecaldorf is using it for evil, why can’t we do
the same?”

  “I have always felt this way, Sera but there is nothing we can do.”

  “We shall see about that.” She stood up. “I have to go or Keelor will hunt me down. I miss hanging out, Sam. We should again when this is all over.”

  “I miss it too.”

  He smiled and walked her back to the fighting field. When he returned to his quiet spot in the forest, he found Angel waiting for him.

  “Why did you tell her about us?” she demanded.

  Still discounted from her loss of control, she was edgy. Added to this was her bloodlust not being fulfilled on animal blood. They’d been instructed not to leave, not even to feed, so both herself and Angeles were in tempestuous moods.

  “She would have discovered the truth eventually and I don’t and won’t lie to her.”

  “She will use it against us, just like her mother did.”

  “Annaphina never did that to Sebastian. He took it upon himself to cause trouble by biting her husband. Sera won’t tell, besides she has a secret of her own. Don’t you know it is rude to eavesdrop by the way?”

  “I was merely protecting what is mine.”

  “You don’t need to protect me from Seraphina.”

  “I was assuring your heart was truly with me and your feelings for her were not a threat to me.”

  “I have told you many times, Angel, she is my best friend and I’m in love with you. What more do you want from me?”

  “You know the answer.”

  Keelor was seeking solace by the river when Keela sought him out. She knew where to find him when he felt melancholy and was aware he had much to feel unhappy about. Although they did not feel for each other the way she felt for Calzu - her chosen and soon to be partner - it would entail an end to their partnership and would leave Keelor without a princess to protect. Calzu was one of many elfin who trained as Keelor had, to come to aid if a rebellion were to occur - an army as such - and for back up if anything were to happen to Keelor and she required a new protector.

  Keelor would join the army and resume Calzu’s position as commander however this to Keelor would be second best. He was born to be a protector and she ached for him having to give up his post.

  Keela was also aware he would be troubled by Nermina’s abduction and the imminent fight against Mecaldorf and his forces. She knew he would not be afraid - at least not for himself - however he would be aware of what they were to face. His concern for her and now it had come to her attention; he would also be worried about the safety of another princess within the circle. She smiled with irony at Keelor falling in love with a folk whom was not an elf, again. Though he had never felt love for the pixie, simply awe but that was another story. In this instance it was different, she knew Keelor well enough to know this. His respect for the law and his driven nature would be in turmoil with his growing love.

  This was not the only ironic factor within the situation; the river he cherished and sought refuge with would remind him constantly of his confusion. She pondered whether Seraphina’s eyes resembling the river he loved simply compounded his attraction. He may think he could keep his feelings hidden however Keela knew him too well. They’d trained together their whole lives and were aware of each other’s idiosyncrasies as most partnerships in the circle were. Theirs however was particularly strong as Keela was very in tune with her psyche.

  Coming to sit beside him staring intently into the river, her heart went out to him. She was free to marry whomever she chose and she was fortunate to be marrying the elfin she adored.

  “Keelor,” she began and waited till he turned to her and the troubled look in his eyes confirmed her suspicions. “You are troubled?”

  “That is an understatement, Keela.”

  “I am worried for Nermina too and what lies ahead however I have never seen you this concerned and we have faced adversity before.”

  “Please stop playing the ‘I do not know what is wrong’ game and progress to your point.”

  “Hmm, you are testy, this is worse than I imagined.”

  “Sensed or foresaw or whatever it is you do.”

  “It does not matter. Talk to me, Keelor.”

  “There is nothing to say. I ... cannot continue to break the law yet cannot stop. I know I will not be able to focus in battle should she become endangered. I trust Sampson as a protector however I will be worrying for her nonetheless, which will deter me from keeping you safe.”

  She sighed at the pain she felt as their connection also entailed her feeling his pain and until now it had been rare. The conflicting emotions he was harbouring were breaking his heart.

  “Keelor, I know you will do everything in your power to protect me and I trust you with my life. You will make the right decisions when required. As for Seraphina, well I cannot help you with that. You must either push your feelings aside or remove your guilt about breaking the law.”

  “I believe in the law too much yet being around her clouds my mind and I lose sight of my beliefs. It is very frustrating.”

  “It is what happens when you fall in love.”

  “I am not in love with her,” he replied forcefully. She merely smiled. “She is beautiful and has me bemused that is all it is.”

  “If you say so.”

  “I will regain my focus. I simply have to be stronger and more guarded.”

  “If it is at all possible,” she murmured.

  “We have more important things to discuss then frivolous emotions. We will be leaving in three days to rescue Nermina and we have much to do.” He stood up abruptly.

  “Please do not close off the opportunity to feel, Keelor, being in love and loved in return can be special.”

  “I do wish to discuss it any further, Princess. I must return to the field and continue my lessons with the human.”

  As stormed off Keela stifled a giggle at her best friend.

  Keela was wrong. He could not and would not let the human princess into his life. It was forbidden regardless of how she flooded his mind and filled him with overwhelming desire to love and protect her. He simply wasn’t being strong enough, detached enough. Distancing himself from her unless he was tutoring her was the only way. If she was out of sight she would soon leave his mind or so he hoped.

  15

  Nermina’s Retrieval

  Over the following days it came to pass Sera’s best weapon of choice for defending attack was the sword. Her strength and speed were exceptional and she was competitive against Keelor. This appeased his concern over her safety albeit slightly. Although it also increased his intense attraction to her as she now encompassed everything he sought in a mate. Beauty, intellect, strength and courage which Sera possessed in abundance, much to his despair.

  Over the following nights the Elders agreed to allow her to keep the Book with her so she could study the chants before retiring each evening. Sera noticed Keelor was obviously avoiding her apart from during their lessons and his indifference toward her increased tenfold. She began to wonder whether their attraction was mutual after all. Whatever it was that drew him to her had obviously passed for him and she felt a crushing sadness. She was thankful that there was much to study and prepare for as it occupied her troubled thoughts.

  Each day Sera returned to the courtyard to seek him out and join him for lunch or dinner however he appeared to have stopped dining within the scenic eatery. He seemed pleased with her proficiency with the sword and Sera even surprised herself at what seemed to come naturally. She assumed this was because she was a chosen one and was in her blood.

  On the third morning after their last, most passionate encounter in the field, the circle would be convening to plan their retrieval of the pixie princess. Sera decided when the day arrived to dedicate her thoughts to the task ahead and forget about the irresistible Keelor - for now.

  Sampson was waiting for her on the path by the small garden which led into what she now considered her new home and wasn’t anxious to leave if all were to be over by day’s end. If
they were successful in bringing Nermina safely back to the mystic lands the elders would consult their visions again to ascertain any impending danger and decide on a course of action if necessary. Sera although not wanting harm to befall anyone or an ensuing fight nonetheless was eager for an excuse to remain and determined whatever the outcome she was going to stay whether her mother wanted her to or not.

  “Morning Sam,” she called as she approached him on the path. He turned to face her, his expression unreadable. “Are you alright?”

  “Yes, I’m preparing myself for what we’re about to encounter.”

  “I have never seen you like this before its ... comforting.”

  “Good because I would lose my life to protect you.”

  “What is it with protectors and their dramatics?”

  “What?”

  “Nothing, let’s go.”

  Upon arriving at the garden she discovered they were not the last to arrive and was relieved as it would give her a moment to recite the words she would be required to recall within the circle when they began. She glanced quickly towards Keelor to discover him deep in conversation with a pretty young elfin that was not part of the circle and along with a stab of jealousy was curious about her presence. She appeared to carry a bow and arrows upon her back much like Keelor carried his staff. Her dark hair was tied back neatly and her bright green eyes were studying Keelor intently. How could she possibly compete for his affections with so many delectable elfin to choose from? She chastised herself for losing concentration and resolved to keep her mind on the job.

  As the elders joined the group, Angelique and Angeles finally arrived. Both stared at her with different expressions and Sera decided before they began to confront them both. As she walked towards them, she heard Sam call out to her and ignored him.

  “Good morning, Angelique, Angeles. I was wondering if we could talk a moment.”

  They glanced at each and then shrugged.

  “I wanted to ask you both why you look at me the way you do?”

  Angeles roared with laughter and Angelique suppressed a smile.