“Pictures… Do you still have them?”
“Of course, but most of them are probably lost now as I imagine that our home has been destroyed.”
Vartan’s face saddened.
“There is one that I saved and always carry with me.”
Vartan brightened when he saw his father produce an old scroll that had been folded to fit into his coat pocket. When he opened it, they both stared at the face of a dragon that Vartan immediately recognised as his mother.
“I can feel her in the picture. How… how old were you when you drew this?”
“I would have drawn this picture of your mother when I was nine years old.”
Vartan brought the picture close to his face and whispered, “By the gods.”
Returning the scroll to his father he beamed when he asked, “Mum will be born again soon, right?”
“Of course, but nobody knows how long that will take. After all, we need more dragon eggs for one of us to be reborn and it may take some time with everything that is going on in Marithia before more dragons are created.”
Vartan, not being a pain and I know how much this means to you… but don’t you have a wedding to go to? Asked Keturah.
“Father, let us not be distracted. Please, tell me how you found mother.”
“Of course I can. As we did not know what we both looked like, or where we could find each other… this was a difficult task indeed. We each had our responsibilities to our families and once we had come of age, we knew that we needed to find each other. Your mother and I travelled the lands from city to city in an effort to find each other. It took five long years until we found each other again. We had both passed each other on a dirt road on horseback and we felt each other’s presence. Our horses stopped and we turned to look back at each other. Twenty three years is almost a lifetime to wait to be with the one that you love. From that day, we were inseparable. When you mother is reborn, I will request for mother dragon to end my human form and for me to be reborn as a dragon so we can be together again, for eternity.”
Vartan put his hand on his father’s and smiled warmly, “Thank you father. You have shown me the power that love can have, and I am ready to be married to the woman that I never want to be separated from.”
Arm in arm, they opened the door and began the walk toward the ceremonial arch.
Helenia stood tall and walked gracefully in her black high heels that were adorned with streams of sparkling diamonds. She wore a white flower in her hair as a symbol of purity and her long silky black dress shimmered in the light with every step. On her head lay her shiny gold crown, laden with jewels and carvings of elven symbols. She turned the corner near Karven’s tail and the entire city was silenced by her beauty.
Seated near the royal table sat Lynn who had now become a songstress of Veldrenn. She readied her violin and began to play the traditional elven wedding song, Yue’Xuan. The beauty of the song brought tears to the eyes of humans who had never heard it.
Andrielle led her daughter by her left arm and wore her royal armour that shone brilliantly. Leon was dressed formally and stood beside his son; both of them could not take their eyes away from Helenia.
Vartan smiled as she now stood in front of him, lovingly watching him with eyes that made all jewels pale in comparison.
Andrielle took her place beside them and smiled as she remembered her own day of celebration with the late King Arman. Her eyes watered momentarily as she allowed her sadness to slide through to the surface. Regaining control, she spoke loudly and clearly.
“Welcome people of Veldrenn. We are united here today to celebrate more than just a wedding. We are here to celebrate the reunion of humans, dragons and elves and the age of a new future king who will lead us to victory!”
The crowd erupted in cheers and she gently raised her hand to ease them down.
“It is unusual for such a ceremony to take place without a proper betrothal, but as your queen, I will allow us to bring our people into our new age and create new traditions. For those of you who have never witnessed an elven wedding and are unaware of what takes place; it is customary for silver rings to be exchanged and for a promise to marry each other.”
Andrielle reached into an ornate purple and gold box placed nearby and produced two silver rings, placing them into the palm of Vartan and Helenia’s hands.
“Sir Vartan and Princess Helenia, with these rings, you promise that it is your heart’s desire to marry one another. If it is what your heart truly desires, then you will place these rings, starting with Helenia’s hand.”
Vartan looked at his bride and spoke warmly, but loudly so that everyone would hear his voice. “I promise that it is my heart’s true desire to marry you, Helenia. There is only place for one woman in my life, and that is you.”
A single tear of joy streamed down her face. Holding her left hand, he slid the silver ring on her ring finger. It first appeared too large to fit, but it glowed as it moulded itself to fit her finger and the word, Vartan, was embedded on its surface.
Her voice broke as she spoke the words. “I also promise that it is my heart’s true desire to marry you, Vartan. I have loved you all my life, and nothing would bring me more happiness.”
She lifted his hand, removed his glove and slid on his ring finger. She watched as it also glowed, moulded itself to fit snugly and her own name, Helenia, was embedded.
“The betrothal is complete, and although this will likely be written into our history as the swiftest of betrothals…” Andrielle said with a cheeky smile.
The crowd erupted in laughter before quietening down.
“It matters not… because we are about to shape the future of all Marithians who will live peaceful lives and be able to read about this important time in their history books. Please join hands.”
Vartan held the princess’s hands within his own and stared into her eyes.
“May the gods watch over this marriage and protect it from the shadow of death. May Vartan and Helenia live and love together, always,” said Andrielle, gesturing for Leon to speak his part of the ceremony.
Leon stepped forward to speak. “May the gods guard this marriage and shield it from the shadow of death. May Vartan and Helenia live and love together always, and in accordance with the laws of all Marithians.”
Stepping back to his place, Leon watched as Andrielle drew out another two rings of the purest of gold in honour of human traditions. She handed them to the bride and groom.
Vartan slowly slipped on her ring and spoke first. “I give you a gold ring with my eternal love, and I marry you as my wife, Princess Helenia.”
With quivering lips, Helenia began to slip on his ring. “I give you a gold ring with my eternal love, and I marry you as my husband, Sir Vartan.”
Reaching one last time into the ornate box, Andrielle drew out the elven prince’s crown. It was similar in appearance to Helenia’s with slightly darker jewels.
“Vartan, kneel before me to be crowned.”
Gasps of anticipation were heard throughout the crowd.
He removed his wedding crown and placed it carefully beside him and lowered his head slightly.
Holding it high above his head, she spoke as she gently lowered it. “You will no longer be known as Sir Vartan or by any other name. From this moment forth, you shall be only known as Prince Vartan, future king of Greenhaven. Rise, Prince Vartan, and you may kiss the bride.”
Vartan rose slowly and turned to his wife who could no longer control her emotions and her tears flowed freely. He leaned in close and as their lips touched, the crowd erupted in celebration.
“Let us feast!” yelled Helenia.
Leaving the lively music and endless tables of feed behind him, Vartan led his wife to their new home, shutting the door behind him. Scented candles had been lit all around the room and a small gift with a message was left behind on their table
Enjoy the candles… I brought this wax from the greatest of the love alchemists. Congratula
tions… Prince Vartan. You will make the best King that Marithia will ever know. Your friend, Makya
“Can you believe it? We are finally married!” exclaimed Helenia, her infectious smile drawn wide across her face.
“I know, I did not realise that this day would come so soon,” he said, running his bare hands through her silky hair.
“Please… make yourself comfortable and come with me. Our marriage is not yet complete, and I will not let anything stop us now. I have been waiting for this day my whole life,” said Helenia, placing her crown on their table and making her way to their bed.
Vartan began the arduous task of removing his armour.
Congratulations, and I know what you’re thinking… I can hardly blame you. If I was in a room with a woman that beautiful, it would be enough to make me think the same thing, said Keturah.
Keturah, I never thought I would have to ask you this, but can you… sleep or something similar? Thought Vartan.
Helenia watched as Vartan took off his undergarments and stared wide-eyed at him as she exclaimed, “My word! You have certainly changed since we last met!”
Of course Vartan, this is not a time for prying eyes. I will quell my powers for a short time… or maybe I should quell them for longer, laughed Keturah.
Approaching the bed, he looked over Helenia’s naked body for the first time and tried his best not to stare. The view caused an immediate reaction and she chuckled as she pulled him into the bed and brought him to lie on top of her.
“I love you, Helenia. I always have, and it was you that helped bring me back into Marithia.”
Helenia smiled as she brought his mouth to hers and embraced him in a deep sensual kiss before pausing to whisper in his ear. “My heart beats solely for you. If you had died, I do not think I could have gone on living. I love you, my husband.”
She reached down to bring him into position and pulled him gently into her. He pushed deeper and she cried out with pain as she held him tightly for a moment and whispered, “Wait.”
Breathing heavily, she nodded for him to continue.
With each thrust and increase of rhythm, their ecstasy increased and Helenia’s cries grew with her passion. Vartan’s body tightened at the height of his pleasure and she felt extra warmth inside of her.
He looked deep into her eyes and kissed her. She ground her hips against him and bit her bottom lip as she reached her own climax and her entire body shook with pleasure.
Vartan rolled onto his back and brought her to lie on top of him, staying as close as their bodies could become. Placing her head on his chest, he covered them with their blanket and held her tightly.
The last thing she whispered before drifting off to sleep was, “Now we are married.”
Chapter 22 : Shades of Shade
“Are people only defined as pure of heart or evil?
I believe that a path to righteousness can be tarnished by a singular act of evil as much as a path to evil can be altered by a singular act of kindness.
We are complex beings that cannot be divided and classed so easily.”
(Talonsphere – Weapon of the ancients)
The roar was almost deafening as the Zhendurian army readied for their march to Greenhaven. The city was full of activity and the grinding sounds of weapons sharpening and armour fastening reverberated off the city’s walls.
Kassina had departed quickly at the realisation of Greenhaven’s fate and took her elite warriors with her into the underworld. The portal was shut down and Tusdar wondered how they would leave Zhendur, hoping it had nothing to do with falling and bats.
He had been sent to their home to await Lord Aryun’s call to battle. Tusdar had just thrown down a cup of steaming blood when he caught sight of Mestal grinning before her body blurred and she charged at him.
Mestal snarled as she threw him harshly to the bed and purred with excitement.
“You have made my family proud and shown that our bloodline is truly worthy of identifying the chosen ones. I want you, now!” she moaned, gripping his clothes and tearing them apart.
“But… what about Aryun?”
“What about Aryun? He takes hours to prepare for battle and we still have plenty of time. And with all this noise, nobody will hear us.”
She stripped him naked and gripped his chest with her nails, digging them deep into his skin and screeching with anticipation.
He felt pain at first, but it was quickly replaced with pleasure as he grabbed her and threw her to the bed beside him.
“Now this is more like it! Show me that you are a man who is worthy of being with me!” she hissed, baring her fangs.
His own body blurred as he held her down and tore his way inside her with full force, her dark blood trickling down his thigh as she screamed out with pleasure.
“Yes!!!” she cried, feeling her soft skin repair itself and wrap around him. “Now, bite me! I want to feel you inside me!”
Hesitating for only a moment, he plunged his fangs into her neck and made love to her with speed more intense and faster than any human could possibly provide.
Her moans of ecstasy filled his ears as he continued and his mouth filled with the fiery and acidic taste of her blood. She used her arms to push with all of her strength to launch him against her bedroom wall. Books and trinkets fell to the ground with the impact as she held him like he was her prey.
Wrapping one leg around the door frame and the other around him, she pounded against him with so much force that his skin began to tear from the friction.
Her screams intensified as she climaxed and gripped him hard from the inside. Allowing himself to give in to the sensations, he joined her climax and when he finished… she gave him a quick kiss before launching off him and landing on the bed like a cat.
Standing up and laughing heartily, she slapped him on the chest. “We really are meant for each other Tusdar. Now, quickly… get dressed into my father’s clothes and armour. He really will be here any minute.”
“You are dangerous Mestal, and I like it,” he laughed, dressing himself quickly. “Are you coming with us?”
“Of course… I wouldn’t leave you out there all alone, now would I?”
Aryun banged hard on the door frame and called out, “It is time!”
Opening the door, both Tusdar and Mestal were already dressed in their full vampiric armour, dark and metallic with aggressive lines, it was easy to see why their appearance alone would intimidate their enemies in battle. Aryun looked at both of them as if he knew what had happened, and then shook his head, “Let’s go, now.”
Following him swiftly, they were taken near the training grounds, where the army was assembled and waiting. It was easy to be in awe of the numbers before them in long rows. Tusdar turned to Aryun and asked, “How are there so many?”
Aryun laughed and looked him in the eye. “You did hear the portal open, didn’t you? Most of our army was in the underworld, training under Shindar’s guidance. These are our reinforcements.”
Tusdar pointed to what appeared to be giant crossbows in the rear of the ranks. “And what are those?”
“We built those here under Kassina’s advisement. She had some problems with battling dragons and wanted us to be well prepared.”
“Why isn’t Kassina with us today?” asked Tusdar.
“It is not yet time. Enough questions for today, we have a battle to win and we are all excited. Most of us have not left Zhendur for many years and you can ask more along the way if you like. We have a long march ahead of us.”
Tusdar turned to look at the wall behind them and his face contorted with confusion. “We are walking into a wall?”
Mestal approached what appeared to be nothing more than another great wall of Zhendur and placed her hand on a small section marked with a tinge of blood. Pushing hard into the wall, the section sunk in slightly and hummed as it was activated.
“Iungo parietis ut parietis valde procerus obscurum quod permoveo nos illic,” she yelled.
“There is a land, a bitter ground
Where those who marched, many rest without a sound
Flowers grow tall on this land of rich soil
Their hunger quenched by the pain of spoils
If I were to walk barefoot, my feet would splinter
For the sharpest of metals are not dulled by the winter.
What am I? Speak the truth or prepare to meet your doom.”
Mestal looked to Aryun with a blank look on her face.
“I don’t recall this ever being asked to open this portal,” he said, gritting his teeth.
They all looked at each other in confusion, approaching Mestal whose hand remained on the portal. They all muttered words of the question to themselves.
Tusdar brightened and asked excitedly, “Those who marched… the soil enriched, by their blood?”
Aryun smiled. “I am impressed and that sounds to be correct. Soil enriched by blood… sharp metals…”
The lord looked over the awaiting army and smiled as he approached the wall, screaming out his answer. “You are a battlefield!”
The loud grinding overshadowed the cheers of the vampiric army as it opened from a vertical split in its centre to reveal a wall of mist. Looking deep within the mist, Tusdar could barely make out what appeared to be the dark walls of some kind of structure.
Releasing the wall, Mestal walked with Aryun and Tusdar to the front line of the army. Aryun drew his sword and raised it high.
“We have been commanded by our mighty queen to march into Marithia and reclaim their famed castle, Greenhaven, in the name of Lord Shindar. A demon who turned its back to the lord has taken the castle for their own! The blood red moon has risen and will provide us with fresh clouds of blood to ensure that we never go thirsty during battle. Let us drive fear into the hearts of those who oppose us, let us show them that they should bow in the presence of Shindar’s armies!”
Legends of Marithia: Book 2 - Darkness Rising Page 17