by Toni Cox
She suddenly felt her tiredness return with full force. She excused herself from the company of the warriors around her and let Rothea take her to her tent. All she wanted now was to get home. There was a war coming, whether that be from the Vampyres or some other enemy, she might have to fight alone, and she would have to be ready. She realised at that moment that her life would change; the sheltered Regent’s daughter was gone and all she was now was a Prime. This was her fight, whether she liked it or not.
The next morning, they finally headed home. Their company was whittled down to twenty-two, plus Jagaer and Silas. Fire seemed to understand Maia’s weakness and walked with care, picking his footing carefully so as not to jostle her on his back. Midnight stayed close, flying just ahead and above them.
In the evening, they stopped at the Peak View Inn and Maia was grateful for the luxury of a bath. During careful inspection of her own body, she noticed that she also still had some small scars where the syphons had stung her. Her body was already healing them, but once she was stronger, she would put some extra energy into it to make them fade completely. She decided then that, once home and somewhat rested, she would do some house calls to all the others and see what she could do for them as well.
Finally, she sunk into the downy blankets of her bed and she was asleep as soon as Rothea turned out the lights. But her sleep during the night was far from restful. She kept dreaming about Blaid, but they were not the kind of dreams she used to have. In these dreams, he was always lonely, always sad, and often angry beyond words. She watched him hunt; what, she could not tell; and she watched him kill. He was always running; running to something, running from something; and in her dreams, she felt his urgency to achieve an unknown goal. She could not tell what drove him, but she felt his obsession. Although so different from hers, she felt that he was doing the same as her; being a Prime and doing what he was supposed to do. Some of the things she witnessed in her dreams sickened her; other times she felt he had done well and she was impressed. By morning she was more confused about him than she had been before and she was in a dark mood when they left for home.
It was another two days’ travel to Shadow Hall and that night they set up the tents again. She slowly felt her energy growing again; feeling better with every hour that passed; but still she retired early that night. She saw the concern in everyone’s faces, but she knew that they accredited her current state of mind to her ordeal over the past few days and her secret dreams of Blaid would never be known.
“We are so happy that you are finally home,” Luke said as he hugged Maia to welcome her back. “We were so worried when the others came home without you.”
“Jasmin has been frantic,” Aaron agreed. “She was ready to ride off and save you.”
“You have not been any better, Papa,” Jasmin defended herself, but smiled at her father.
“That is true,” Maia’s mother added to the conversation. “He almost got on a horse himself to go looking for you.”
Maia smiled at her mother; it was good to see her; she had not realised how much she had missed her. Malyn had hugged her and smiled when they had arrived, but Maia knew that she had struggled not to cry. The news must have been especially hard for her mother and having to remain at home, waiting, must have been terrible.
“How are you feeling, Maia?” Aaron now said earnestly, taking her hand gently in his.
She resisted the urge to pull her hand away. He had been a good friend to her; she knew that now and did not want to hurt his feelings. Also, with her sudden increase in sensitivity, she was now acutely aware of the depth of his feelings for her. She wondered again how this ability had developed so suddenly and so strongly. Sometimes she wished she could turn it off, but even if she closed herself off from the Eläm around her, she could still feel a glimmer of it within her.
“I am much better, Aaron, thank you. But it has been a tiring journey. I am glad to be home.”
“We are so glad that you are safe now, so we will not delay you any longer. I am sure you are looking forward to your own bed.” Aaron bowed and lightly kissed her hand before he let it go. “Good night, Maia, may the Mother bless your dreams.”
Maia’s lips twitched at Aaron’s comment, but then she managed to smile and wished them a good night. She was glad that Aaron was becoming familiar with their customs, but that he had chosen this time to refer to the Mother and her dreams seemed to be more than a coincidence. She felt like the Mother was trying to tell her something and, just like before, she was unable to interpret it. She knew her dreams had meaning, but she was unable to understand them.
Feeling weary and frustrated she let her brother escort her home. Riker had stood by patiently while her family had greeted her, but now he resumed his place by her side and only at her door wished her a good night.
“Rothea, you may go home now. Get some rest,” Jaik said. “You may return at sunrise tomorrow.”
“Yes, My Lord.” Rothea bowed to them both. “Good night, My Lady. I hope your sleep is untroubled tonight.”
Maia smiled after her as Rothea descended the steps to make her way home. Rothea was a warrior at heart, but she had a certain sensitivity that made her unusually suitable as a personal guard for Maia. She was glad that they had become so close; she did not think she would have survived this journey without her.
“Come, My Princess, it is time that you get some rest.”
“I agree,” Malyn said and led the way into their home.
The fire was burning in the central hearth, candles were lit on the window sills and potted plants lent a pleasant aroma to the air. Maia briefly closed her eyes as she stepped into the common room and absorbed the atmosphere of her home. It was so good to be back.
The path that led over the ridge to the stables was so familiar; she hardly looked where she was going. The simple fact that she was alone still stunned her. During her trip to the cities, security had been such an issue, that she had never been able to go anywhere without either Rothea or Riker. She enjoyed their company, of course, but she had not realised how much she missed some time to herself. Once back home, Jaik had declared that her safety was of utmost concern to him, especially in her weakened state, and her father had agreed. Rothea had been ordered to be her personal guard from now on; although she would not lose her placement in the Regiment. Riker had resumed his normal duties as Guard, but made it his personal mission to look in on her whenever he could. Maia knew it was not just his concern for her safety that kept him coming back. Her own feelings for him were still confusing her, but she could not find it within her to commit; something was still holding her back.
Today, however, Maia had given Rothea the day off. She was feeling so much stronger already and Rothea had been working for two full Moons without a day’s break. And tomorrow would be the Day of the Hunt celebration and Maia knew that her brother would not allow Rothea to leave her side during the festivities.
Her brother had protested, but then relented under the condition that someone else takes over Rothea’s duties for the day. Maia had reluctantly agreed, but then, suddenly feeling a little rebellious, decided to take a walk to the stables before Rothea’s replacement arrived at their home.
She walked slowly, savouring the mild morning, listening to the birds and the rustling of the small creatures within the forest. It was so peaceful within the safety of the trees; the path smooth from millennia of traffic and the sunlight dappling through the leafy canopy. After all that had happened over the past few Moons she was enjoying the quiet and not doing anything in particular. Her body was healed; even the little scars that she had noticed only a few nights back were completely gone; and she almost felt her normal self again. She was happy, in this moment, and a smile played across her lips. She wished life could always be this uncomplicated.
But as she crested the top of the ridge before it dropped down to the other side, she suddenly felt a chill in the air. The hairs on her arms stood erect and her skin crawled. She immediately
opened her mind to find out where the threat was coming from, but all she picked up were the Eläm of the animals around her. She reached for her Twin Blade, now a permanent fixture on her back, and scanned the surrounding forest. Although the Vampyres’ Eläm was different and weaker than that of Elves, she could usually pick it up when she concentrated; not being able to feel anyone, but knowing someone was there, terrified her. She could almost feel the unseen eyes upon her.
Then she stopped; standing completely still; her arms held rigidly against her body with the blades pointing towards the ground. Adrenaline surged through her, making her body thrum with excitement and her heart pounded in her chest. Every one of her senses were now directed at the still figure standing about fifty paces in front of her, his face hidden within the shadow of the trees. But there was no doubt as to who the person was, even though she could still not feel his Eläm; he was very good at hiding it from her.
Different emotions warred within her; excitement, happiness, confusion, anger and hurt. Where had he been? Could all the allegations against him be true? What was he doing here now? Had he really done any of those things she had seen him do in her dreams? Tears started to roll down her cheeks; her hurt and anger overtaking all other emotions and she felt a rage building within her that she struggled to control.
“You,” she whispered.
And then he moved. A simple step forward; bringing his face into the light. Maia stood frozen for a moment longer, momentarily stunned; he was so beautiful, just as she remembered him. But then the moment passed and she let go of her control and let her anger take over. She covered the distance between them so fast that he hardly had time to react before her Twin Blades came down on his head. He blocked her blow with his own blades, but the force of her attack brought him to his knees. Their blades locked, they stared at each other for a moment and Maia was acutely aware of his smell, making it difficult for her to concentrate. His deep blue eyes looked at her pleadingly, but it only made her angrier.
“I trusted you,” she hissed at him accusingly.
She took a step back, allowing him to rise to defend himself. He was barely back on his feet when she attacked again. Viciously she stabbed and slashed, twirling around him with fury. She matched him in speed; if not in strength; yet he managed to block every one of her blows. The sound of their weapons colliding echoed eerily through the woods. On and on she attacked, relentless in her frustration and hurt.
“Maia, stop,” he shouted as he blocked another one of her vicious attacks.
She feinted to the left, then swung out to the right. He had to jump back to avoid the tip of her blade slicing his ribs.
“No. You have betrayed us all. You are helping them!”
She twirled, going low and swiped the legs out from under him with her right foot. As he went down, he turned, rolling, and came up fighting.
“What are you talking about?” he shouted back at her.
“Everyone knows. You have been seen,” she yelled and her sharp blade chopped off a lock of hair as it narrowly missed his ear.
“Lies.” He took a swing at her; his eyes glinting dangerously.
“I don’t believe you,” she huffed as she parried one of his blows. “I know you where in Thala Yll. And I know about the other cities. People are dead. Elves!”
Suddenly she was on the back foot. She saw the expression on his face change and then she was too busy defending herself to wonder what had happened. He bared his teeth, his pointed eye teeth now clearly visible and she thought she heard him growl. On and on he came, pushing her deeper and deeper into the forest. Midnight; although some distance away; felt her distress for a moment, but she firmly told him to mind his own business.
“I…have…been…helping…you,” he hissed between every lunge.
She ducked, then sidestepped, but then winced as the tip of his blade cut her upper arm, bright red blood running in a stream down her arm. She thought she had been angry before, but the sight of her own blood, drawn by his blade, brought a rage such as she had never felt before. Midnight roared in the distance. With a scream, she attacked harder and faster than before, venting all her anger. Snarling, he defended himself, then went on the attack again. On and on they fought; Maia cut him on his thigh, he opened another wound on her arm, she sliced his cheek, he scratched her neck. Maia screamed accusations of his betrayal at him; for so long she had missed him, and then he had abandoned and betrayed her. Tears were running down her cheeks as she twirled her Twin Blades so fast no normal person would have been able to follow their movement. But he matched her blow for blow and although she was giving it everything she had, she still felt like he was only toying with her.
“You are in danger. I am here to save you,” Blaid screamed between blows.
“I do not need you to save me,” she yelled back at him.
Her vision clouded by her rage, she saw only him and all he stood for; death. She wanted to end it now and she felt the magic building within her. Like a black cloud, it crept over her rational thought and she was only vaguely aware of the forest around them darkening; branches being whipped by a furious wind, leaves and dirt flying through the air around them. Summoning all her remaining strength, she channelled her energy and took the final step towards him; he would die now, by her hand.
“I love you!” he screamed so loud that even with the storm raging around them she heard him.
But it was too late to stop the magic. At the last moment, she turned, directing it upwards and the full force of it exploded towards the canopy of trees. Twigs, branches, and leaves rained down around them as they stood, facing each other. Both stood still, breathing hard. Their weapons hanging by their side.
Eventually the tempest around them subsided. Some stray leaves still floated in the air, but the forest was still again.
With her anger suddenly extinguished, she could see clearly for the first time in many Moons. She was now able to look at him and see him for who he was. She saw the longing in his eyes and then she felt his Eläm. Her lips parted involuntary, a sigh escaping them; he was beautiful. Beautiful and pure; a reflection of herself; a true Prime. Her blades dropped to the ground and she took a step towards him. And then he was beside her, taking her roughly by her arms and pressing his mouth onto hers. She felt his teeth bruising her lips, but it did not matter. She pressed herself against him. She felt his need for her and, not wanting to waste even one more moment, tore off his shirt.
Maia was briefly aware of Midnight roaring again, but then all she felt was Blaid’s urgent hands on her body. There was no tenderness today; they had been apart for so long that neither could wait. They tore at each other’s clothing, bloodied each other’s lips in their haste and he finally took her; still half dressed; on the forest floor. It was quick and bordered on violent and afterwards they each lay on their backs, breathing heavily. Maia now felt her weakness returning; she had only a few days’ rest since the syphon attack; and she struggled to breathe.
Sensing her distress, Blaid now turned towards her. Laying his hand on her chest, he looked at her and immediately she felt her breathing ease and her heartbeat slow. In the dim light of the forest his eyes were dark, but she saw a light deep within them that shone just for her. With his Eläm finally bared to her, his emotions and feelings were clear; he loved her and they were meant to be together. He was here to be her shadow, to guide her through the dark and to bring balance to life. Suddenly everything was so clear; all the times she had been with Riker and she had felt some kind of emotion for him was when Blaid had been near; the stories of Death stalking the land were true, but he had been hunting Vampyres; the dreams she has had of him were of him hunting and killing those that intended to hunt and kill her people. There was so much more that she felt in that moment of connection, but she had no words for it right then. Even Midnight was still and had retreated from her mind.
Gently Blaid started kissing her again. He took his time; making her more comfortable on a bed of leaves, before re
moving the rest of her clothing. Then he gently wiped the blood from her shallow wounds. Bending over her, he kissed her everywhere. She shivered under his gentle kisses and when he started touching her, all other thought was erased. On and on he caressed her body until she thought she could no longer contain herself. Then he eased his body between her legs and as he entered her, this time it was with ultimate tenderness and she moaned as he moved inside of her. Slowly he moved and slowly her pleasure built; all her senses focussed on him. His body was hard, but smooth and warm, and his smell affected her in ways almost as strongly as the actions of his body. As her moans became louder, he covered her mouth with his. His movements were becoming more urgent now and she encouraged him, moving her hips up to meet him. The pleasure was building within her and then she heard him moan and she could not contain herself any longer. Then, at that precise moment, their minds joined so completely that they came as one, feeling the sensation two-fold. They moaned together as the feeling washed over them and then, with one final shuddering breath, they lay still.
“I love you, Maia, more than you will ever know,” he said as he gently wiped her hair out of her face.
“As I love you,” she answered him and felt complete peace settle over her. It was true. It was love and they were meant to be together.
They lay together for a little while longer until Maia started to shiver. He helped her up and then helped her into her clothes. She could almost not believe the tenderness with which he buttoned her shirt, even though it was half torn, or how he eased her foot into her boot. She watched him; he was so beautiful with his dark hair and violet eyes.
