by Toni Cox
“I do, My Lords,” Blaid said solemnly.
The crowd could not contain itself any longer. Deafening shouts and cheers erupted all around them as Maia and Blaid walked to the stage.
Jagaer draped the simple wooden medallion over Blaid’s head to make him officially a member of the clan, while Silas stood by his side, accepting him as his own.
The family retreated to the royal home to sit around the fire. Blaid gave Jagaer and Jaik the exact details of the trade agreement, while Maia talked to Silas.
“I have suspected for a long time that there was something different about you, but I did not want to unnerve you,” Silas confessed. “When you brought the Human’s here, I thought the time had come, which was why I decided to have your ceremony then. Afterwards, I thought I may have been too hasty, but now I am glad it was done.”
“You expected this?”
“No, never this. I have no idea this would happen. I have been looking into your strange abilities for years. Abilities most Life Elementals do not possess. Now, knowing what I do, I realise you were never supposed to be just a Life Elemental. You are one half of a whole. You can only be complete with him.” Silas lifted his chin, pointing at Blaid. “As he can only be complete with you. I am sorry I ever doubted you.”
“And I am sorry I never listened to you.”
“You listened when it mattered, Maia. I am proud of who you have become. You make this old man’s heart very glad.”
“Thank you, Silas.” She leaned over and hugged him.
“Maia,” Jagaer interrupted them. “I have spoken to Siana and Blaid and, although Blaid is the heir to the throne of Elbendal, he does not wish to rule at this time. He wishes to stay here and I have granted him stay for as long as it pleases him.”
“Thank you, Father,” Maia said, blushing.
“Siana will return to Elbendal to rule in his stead. There is, however, one matter that will need your approval.”
“What’s that?” Maia asked, looking over at Siana questioningly.
“I would like to show Luke my country and my kingdom,” Siana said. “He has expressed a wish to see it. As his mother, and Elemental, do you consent?”
Luke looked at her pleadingly. Aaron smiled and nodded almost imperceptibly.
“Yes, Siana, if Luke wishes to go, he is free to do so.”
As the season turned and the trees came to life once more, Shadow Hall transformed from mourning their dead, to celebrating new unions.
As predicted, Lilith now carried Fire’s foal and would give birth to it during spring of next year. Siana sent a message to let them know that Lunar gave birth to a litter of five pups, mother and babies doing well.
Archer and Jasmin invited Aaron and Rothea to hold their wedding on the same day and they were wed during a beautiful double ceremony that had all of Shadow Hall’s citizens dancing beneath the newly green trees.
A few Quarters later, Lords and their families from all over Grildor, and cities further away, arrived at Shadow Hall to bear witness to the bonding of Prince Jaik Longshadow to Lady Siya Sparrow. The event was such that it would be talked about for generations to come.
Tired of travelling, and war, Maia and Blaid spent all their time close to the city, never leaving on trips further than a day’s ride. The people became accustomed to seeing Blaid within their city and, most importantly, with Maia. They came to trust him and when one of the elders of Shadow Hall felt the need to seek the afterlife, he called upon Blaid to ease his journey across.
With the acceptance of the people, Jagaer then held a ceremony at the beginning of summer to officially recognise Blaid as the Death Elemental of Shadow Hall. This would not stop him being the Death Elemental of Caverna Estralis, but, being already adopted into the Longshadow Clan, opened the possibility for Maia and Blaid to one day be wed.
In the meantime, the people accepted that the affairs of Primes - especially Life and Death - were beyond questioning and everyone smiled upon Maia’s and Blaid’s relationship; wed or not. After winning the war and once more bringing peace to Elveron, it was universally understood that their union was blessed.
Midnight
He had grown lazy after the war, but the partner of his soul had found such peace in her mind he cared little about his laziness. Midnight spent many days sitting atop The Crags enjoying the weak rays of the early spring sun, growing warmer every day.
The Shining-Ones below celebrated; making music, and singing and dancing; their hearts and souls happy.
Bright-Shining-Silver-Star’s male hatchling had gone with the sister of Dark-Silver-Moon to mate with her at her roost. The female hatchling had mated with the fierce warrior with the happy heart. He-Of-Unshakable-Courage had finally mated with White-And-Pure-Of-Heart. Even Steady-Rock-Rising had found a mate.
Lazy and alone. His wing twitched. Almost three years he had been back with Bright-Shining-Silver-Star. Normally, at least a decade or two would go by before he felt the need to travel again. Irritated, he shook his head, startling the birds that came to roost along the ridge of The Crags.
With a hot puff of smoke rising from his nostrils, he pushed himself off from the granite rock and launched himself into the air. Maybe hunting would still the desire he felt.
Rising swiftly into the air, he stretched his black wings, savouring the now early summer warmth on his hide. He levelled out when he was about a mile high; looking down on the land he called home.
He decided to head west over the mountains, when he felt a threat descending from on high. All his senses focused on the air above him, the hide on his back tingling.
He tucked his wings close to his body and dove lower, performing a quick sideways sweep to look up at the threat.
Grown you have. Stronger you are. Fierce you look.
He spread his wings and stalled his dive when he recognised She-Who-Circles-The-Sun. The female had grown fiercer, too, since he had mated with her almost three years ago and, even as he admired her strong, streamlined body, she attacked.
Clamping his maw tightly on her neck, they fought for hours until she finally submitted to him, allowing him to give life to the new eggs she carried.
Shadow Hall
The Royal House of Longshadow
Jarra Longshadow - Maia’s great grandfather, father of Jadae
Algen Longshadow - Maia’s great grandmother, mother of Jadae
Jadae Longshadow - Maia’s grandfather, father of Jagaer
Ikari Longshadow - Maia’s grandmother, mother of Jagaer
Jagaer Longshadow - Maia’s father, Lord of Shadow Hall & Elderlord of Grildor
Malyn Longshadow - Maia’s mother & wife to the Lord of Grildor
Jaik Longshadow - Maia’s twin brother, prince of Grildor & Commander of the Guard
Maia Longshadow - Princess of Grildor & Life Elemental
Wolf - Forest Wolf, honorary member of the Longshadow family
The Noble Houses of Birkenheart & Elderken
Maël Birkenheart - Maia’s grandmother, mother of Malyn
Alandrien Birkenheart - Maia’s grandfather, father of Malyn (deceased)
Kian Elderken - Maël’s life partner
Danyar - Giant Hare, honorary member of the Birkenheart-Elderken family
The Noble House of Chesterfort
Emrik Chesterfort - Maia’s great grandfather, father of Maël
Maraël Chesterfort - Maia’s great grandmother, mother of Maël
The Noble House of Moonswain
Ramaer Moonswain - Elder & father of Riker
Lilonda Moonswain - Wife of Ramaer
Riker Moonswain - Son of Ramaer & member of the Guard
The Noble House of Nightshield
Silas Nightshield - Healer, Elemental, royal advisor & mentor to Maia
Elders of Shadow Hall
Jadae Longshadow
Emrik Chesterfort
Ramaer Moonswain
Lamar Oakencrest
Dictennia Hollowberg
Eilin Shallowaters
Livarion Summerlot
Janeke Oldenrift
Beccithalia Nordenfall
Falorien Deepsword
Baltor Owen
The Guard of Shadow Hall
Jaik Longshadow (Commander)
Argar Fairwen (2nd in Command)
Riker Moonswain
Boron Flowersfield
Filithrin Overmer
Munnar Shallowaters
Tallson Robynreed
Lenoro Woods
Somas Birkenstock
Aari Fyrlane
Glark Gnarkstrov (Dwarf)
The Warrior Houses of Shadow Hall & their Commanders
The Guard - Commander Jaik Longshadow
The Regiment - Commander Rowlean Ridgewell
The Legion - Commander Calemir Willowbay
The Sentinels - Commander Livan Summerlot
The Night Watch - Commander Herrod Goldsbane
The Scouts - Commander Aduial Mellowood
The Horse Guard - Commander Caran Kastenbrink
Death
Blaid Elderbow - Death Elemental
Braérn
The Noble House of Swiftfisher
Kyreon Swiftfisher - Lord of Braérn
Amandel Swiftfisher - Wife of Kyreon
Kanarel Swiftfisher - Son of Kyreon
The Noble House of Sparrow
Elothrin Sparrow - Elder of Braérn
Soniana Sparrow - Wife of Elothrin
Siya Sparrow - Daughter of Soniana & Jaik’s love interest
The Noble House of Falconfall
Burindor Falconfall - Owner of The Falcon’s Nest guest lodge
Selest Falconfall - Wife of Burindor
Selena Falconfall - Daughter of Selest
Elders of Braérn
Solara Coldfire
Kaidan Darkblood
Florian Moongloom
Ciël Ravenken
Ilaya Countbay
Asgarr Redbrook
Zevrion Hightop
Atras Eaglesea
Ikanin Ebongrove
Athras Locklan
Dorien Ivyson
The Guard of Braérn
Liatriël Sweetsky (Commander)
Masa Frostwell (2nd in Command)
Shiril Forgehammer
Menna Havenvoid
Kenyla Silverson
Fille Lyrpalm
Josrion Redwallow
Huralan Countbay
Namall Fallhill
Ashavan Cavevault
Uthorim Emberbury
The Warrior Houses of Braérn & their Commanders
The Guard - Commander Liatriël Sweetsky
The Regiment - Commander Lenall Neverstar
The Legion - Commander Ghenon Bridgeburgh
The Sentinels - Commander Nenren Millshear
The Night Watch - Commander Misa Freyfair
The Scouts - Commander Pasiara Rosehaven
The Armada - Commander Ihsh Drymore
Thala Yll
The Noble House of Hazelwatch
Skylor Hazelwatch - Lord of Thala Yll
Kariana Hazelwatch - Wife of Skylor
Sky Hazelwatch - Son of Skylor
Elders of Thala Yll
Emorion Sunwell
Sasuna Timberhold
Kaneki Rimesalt
Nerube Stormfreeze
Brivra Farmeadow
Fenlen Overland
Lerdon Pondmaw
Javen Horseborn
Savin Oxenyoke
Vardor Oldgardens
Ashalora Grimcall
The Guard of Thala Yll
Elandor Arkenbay (Commander)
Riro Feyhorn (2nd in Command)
Harsan Lavender
Leron Redstalk
Alaros Wiseowl
Teneroc Dierhall
Aelythri Thunderdrum
Agwar Brinkwater
Genhanon Sunfer
Mithari Horseborn
Aracil Oxenyoke
The Warrior Houses of Thala Yll & their Commanders
The Guard - Commander Elandor Arkenbay
The Regiment - Commander Evandeor Hollowdale
The Legion - Commander Lyandor Eastmire
The Sentinels - Commander Owenden Lightfrost
The Night Watch - Commander Venarel Swiftfalls
The Scouts - Commander Ranhorn Quickchill
The Dragon Guard - Commander Vrayla Oldpeak
Alea Yll
The Noble House of Plainspar
Durinn Plainspar - Lord of Alea Yll
Alena Plainspar - Wife of Durinn
Dalton Plainspar - Son of Durinn
Elders of Alea Yll
Ebligon Duskstar
Vyrlynag Wildecoast
Sminda Treeburn
Brila Cloudcrest
Panon Freyspell
Lemmaêl Shieldall
Riondon Blossomtree
Lensas Brownhawk
Ganala Oldwood
Vasawyn Haretrap
Onnesh Southall
The Guard of Alea Yll
Cencaur Blackcloak (Commander)
Folwin Shortstep (2nd in Command)
Iliphar Foxwell
Gormarden Oldwood
Veallahan Freyspell
Sayia Snakefield
Imucia Woodland
Leyran Wyrmwood
Kuchan Cattlecreek
Dighyll Southall
Myuen Onyx
The Warrior Houses of Alea Yll & their Commanders
The Guard - Commander Cencaur Blackcloak
The Regiment - Commander Kayverii Thornbird
The Legion - Commander Libraanich Redcloud
The Sentinels - Commander Layciel Pondgrass
The Night Watch - Commander Nithroël Snowfield
The Scouts - Commander Imperion Redrun
The Wolf Guard - Commander Adorellan Hillward
Tarron Heights
The Noble House of Tallson
Cinaed Tallson - Lord of Tarron Heights
Mikana Tallson - Wife of Cinaed
Mekindra Tallson - Daughter of Mikana
Elders of Tarron Heights
Reandor Lothbrooke
Haemir Sailbill
Kymeron Evergreen
Thalar Carverer
Varkin Lynxcape
Theondal Shrew
Para Deerfall
Lanné Winterhare
Fiora Bluepyre
Merrinna Ravencroft
Sorsser Storkbill
The Guard of Tarron Heights
Erendal Baywater (Commander)
Arabas Winterfoe (2nd in Command)
Argon Strongsteel
Lemren Cattbar
Ylthorn Molewright
Zathraël Bergen
Taevin Treadfast
Balaras Oakenkin
Grendor Creek
Iolas Yellowfields
Kellam Northfolk
The Warrior Houses of Tarron Heights & their Commanders
The Guard - Commander Erendal Baywater
The Regiment - Commander Briedenley Bluetop
The Legion - Commander Lirethorn Shadowbourne
The Sentinels - Commander Panthius Houndhill
The Night Watch - Commander Vichelle Crowlake
The Scouts - Commander Ziaan Farseer
Rathaés
The Noble House of Firestone
Hanno Firestone - Lord of Rathaés
Medina Firestone - Wife of Hanno
Minna Firestone - Daughter of Medina
Elders of Rathaés
Bronsen Firehold
Aghtias Burnwood
Avatey Hotstone
Lintey Bogden
Minaam Coalmill
Sukitaan Flameshield
Abantus Ironstar
Evera Whitecross
Shigtaan Boneshell
Cait Crystalvault
Muisay Lavarun
The Guard of Rathaés
Annitue Burnwood (Commander)
Xiveral Greywolf (2nd in Command)
Tenninas Pygmyant
Suzari Sprinpost
Beetran Fyrhound
Sira Flameshield
Trialan Pyrehill
Rumivah Steamguard
Keathlen Hotwell
Soavira Brownkite
Esolla Inkstar
The Warrior Houses of Rathaés & their Commanders
The Guard - Commander Annitue Burnwood
The Regiment - Commander Dorius Bloodaxe
The Legion - Commander Aladon Ironstar
The Sentinels - Commander Buroden Sourwater
The Night Watch - Commander Beyth Blackbear
The Scouts - Commander Lyva Dawnyard
The Burning Spear - Commander Luriaan Nightadder
Dragonfort
The Noble House of Middleclaw
Elgan Middleclaw - Lord of Dragonfort
Tannina Middleclaw - Wife of Elgan
Ethran Middleclaw - Son of Elgan
Elders of Dragonfort
Mikitaan Wyrmhole
Sayren Treehelm
Souguh Darkwood
Rorikus Dragonhood
Kay Slaygrove
Picharen Pinenymph
Llantey Raspberry
Veruen Wildbean
Sichaani Lizardrift
Shelline Logvale
Kainen Fyrmoss
The Guard of Dragonfort
Divari Woodfort (Commander)
Liinay Springforest (2nd in Command)