“There is one thing that I don’t understand,” the halfling admits, running a hand through his curly hair. “How can a Callindor who defeated a Hellfire Elf and a Lich still be at the bottom of the graduate list?”
Luke is about to answer when a friendly voice interrupts him. “That would be the result of ego, arrogance, youth, and women . . . especially women. Ah, the delicate distraction of curves and the sweet scent of femininity. I do feel it’s about time for this old gnome to make his return to the women of Windemere. I have been away from the gnome-starved nymphs of civilization for far too long. I shall send the bar wenches of Gaia a letter, so that they will be prepared for the charisma that is Fritz Warrenberg.”
“I regret buying him that book of poetry for his birthday last month. I can only pray that shining Durag forgives my lapse in common sense,” Aedyn says, walking alongside Fritz. The priest is dressed in his ceremonial robes of orange and yellow. His staff has been decorated with a golden ribbon that gives off a subtle light.
“Does Durag help with finding willing women?” Fritz asks while adjusting his silver bowtie and wide robe cuffs. His friends can tell that he is uncomfortable in the pressed tunic and long-tailed coat. Only Nimby notices a few mechanical gadgets and tools hidden beneath the coat.
“Durag is not some whore god that spends his time thinking of how to get his servants laid,” Aedyn retorts. He fixes his black hair, which is tied in a ponytail with a thin, red cord.
Fritz is about to say something else when a pair of attractive elf maidens approach the priest. Both of them appear to be no older than twenty and are wearing skintight dresses that cling to their curves like a second skin. They don’t say a word as they take Aedyn’s hands and drag him to the crowded dance floor. The others stand there in shock as the confused half-elf disappears into the crowd with a modest amount of complaining.
“I love these parties,” Nimby happily says.
“I hate my life,” Fritz mutters, kicking at a rock.
Luke politely coughs to get their attention. “I have some things to take care of. I might not see you guys until we leave tomorrow morning.” Both of his friends prepare to speak, but Luke quickly adds, “Yes, Nimby. It has to do with Kira. No, Fritz. It isn’t that. We just have to figure some stuff out before I leave.”
“We understand. Remember to find us if you need someone to cheer you up later. We wouldn’t be good friends if we let you suffer alone,” Nimby claims with a slap on Luke’s leg. Fritz nods in agreement before silently making his way to where Duggan and Kevin are opening a new keg of ale.
*****
Luke tries to carefully push his way through the celebrating crowd. Most of the guests are lords and dignitaries from various cities who are hoping to recruit elite soldiers and bodyguards among the graduates, so Luke isn’t surprised at the flood of handshakes and job offers. The suffocating mass of potential employers gets so bad that Luke finds himself unable to force his way through to where he thinks his girlfriend is waiting. At one point, he is hit in the face by an extended hand and he stumbles back with a split lip.
“This is ridiculous,” Luke whispers as another hand extends for a shake. A yelp of surprise is heard from the lord whose hand Luke uses to springboard himself above the crowd. As graceful as a floating leaf, the forest tracker lands on the shoulders of a stranger and jumps to another unsuspecting victim. The landings are awkward as he leaps from person to person in hopes of reaching the far edge of the crowd. Luke quickly realizes that the real trick is to land without hurting the person below him. He tries his best to land on the shoulders of people instead of their heads, but he is not always successful. He is almost at the dance floor when he lands on the shoulders of someone who shrugs him off and grabs him by the throat before he hits the ground.
“Do you mi. . . I should have known it was you,” Kellia growls, letting go of Luke.
“Sorry, your highness,” Luke gasps, politely bowing. He massages his throat where there is a fading imprint of Kellia’s hand. “I couldn’t push through the crowd and I promised Kira that I would talk with her after I got my ring.”
Kellia takes Luke by the arm, dragging him to the dance floor just as a slow dance begins. It is obvious that she doesn’t notice the music until she turns toward the half-elf and listens to the song. A look of irritation passes over her serious features before she succumbs to what she has started. The tomboy of the graduating class is wearing the same school clothes as the other graduates, but she has a pair of finely crafted bracers around her forearms. The leather and iron bracers make dancing even more awkward when she begrudgingly wraps her arms around Luke’s neck. She can only imagine how rough the studded metal feels against his bare neck.
“Don’t get any ideas, half-breed. I needed to talk to you about how tomorrow is going to happen,” Kellia whispers, begrudgingly leading Luke through the dance. “You and your friends will be leaving an hour after dawn. I will be leaving tonight with Daniel Skyblade because we are too close to the Caster Swamp for me to be on the open road. He will take me to Gaia by dragon and I will meet you in four days at the docks. It should take you three days to reach Gaia and that will give you a day to prepare. I will be supplying basic necessities, but I recommend that each of you bring enough to survive on your own for a day or two. There is always the chance of the group getting separated.”
“Why the docks?” Luke asks, his eyes hunting for signs of Kira.
“It would be too dangerous to go by land,” Kellia answers, leaning in close to whisper in his ear. “We have to take a boat down the L’dandrin River. The river goes directly into Freedom and we can take the road from there to Gods’ Voice. We will be stopping for supplies and rest at Rodillen, Hero’s Gate, and Vorgabog. These places might be thriving with danger for us, so I expect you to do your job. I will not be leaving the boat without an escort from at least one of you. Danger is even more imminent now that we learned that the Lich’s Hellfire Elf has been seen in the Caster Swamp. He was accompanied by a band of chaos elves. We have to assume that the Lich has either hired a solitary group or joined forces with the chaos elf nation. Either way, we know that he has not given up on using me as a vessel.”
“I hate boats, but I can’t argue about your reasoning,” Luke says as he gives Kellia a small twirl. “I really should find my girlfriend since I won’t be seeing her for a long time. So, I only have time to ask one question.”
Kellia’s demeanor softens abruptly before she starts to lead Luke off the dance floor and strong-arms a path to the other side of the crowd. “I understand. I’m sorry that I took you onto the dance floor to discuss business. That might have made more trouble for you if she saw us, but I think Kira would realize that we had to talk business,” Kellia says before placing a firm hand on Luke’s arm. “I hope that this separation does not cause any damage to your relationship. You two make a good couple and compliment each other. Somehow, you two understand each other more than anybody else will. I envy you and her. Sorry. I’m wasting your time again. Ask your question.”
“I need to know about this mystery ally mentioned in your father’s letter,” Luke says, watching Kellia shove students and guests out of her way.
“She is the star apprentice of the great casters, Cyril and Willow. So, you will have to go to Rainbow Tower where they live and pick her up before we leave,” Kellia explains, trying to keep her voice low. “I have no idea what she looks like or how she acts, but I do know that she has never gone on an adventure like this before. I have heard that she has not gone further than Gaia’s surrounding farmland. She’s a city dweller instead of a wanderer, so I trust that you will help her become comfortable with traveling.” She pauses to gather her thoughts and push a few more students out of her path. “I have met Cyril and Willow before, so I can assume that this girl has been trained in manners. Those would be what you, Fritz, and Nimby are horribly lacking in. She will certainly be a nice change of pace from the chaos of you three. That’s all I know about
her since it was only six months ago that she was publicly introduced. There were rumors of her great power, but no proof to support them. Just go to Rainbow Tower once you arrive in Gaia and this girl can give you a tour of the city. Use that time to get to know her and brief her on what the rest of you can do.”
They reach the edge of the crowd as Kellia shoves a dancing dwarf out of her way and yanks Luke out from between two hefty nobles. A few students have gathered on the top of the wall to watch the sunset, but Luke can’t see Kira up there with them. He cranes his neck in every direction in hopes of noticing her.
“I’ll leave you to find her. I have some dancing to attend to,” Kellia mentions with a crack of her knuckles. The Serabian heir pats Luke on the back before she starts shouldering her way back to the dance floor.
Luke waits patiently as the shadows begin to stretch across the grass and the sun makes its way behind the distant trees. He is about to go back to the Elfstar dormitory when he is suddenly pounced on from behind. His instincts are about to take over when his legs are turned to jelly by playful kisses to his sensitive, pointy ears. Kira laughs victoriously as she sits on Luke’s back while he remains face down in the grass.
“Sorry that I made you wait,” she giggles before standing up. “I had to see my family off. They wanted to meet you, but I felt that it would be awkward since you used my dad’s head for a springboard to get across the crowd.”
“I guess I didn’t make a good first impression,” Luke laughs, flipping to his feet and embracing the black-haired girl. He gently strokes her soft, brown arm, which she slowly puts around his waist.
Kira suddenly begins talking at a fast, nervous pace. “That was a little difficult for me to explain. I tried to play it off as you being attention starved and playful, which led to me having to field a question about how playful. If my parents ask you about our wrestling class then just follow my lead. I think my dad is interested in talking to you about some kind of business partnership or using you to help get more business. His mind rarely strays from his work, but that’s why we’re so successful. Oh, I almost forgot. I have to say congratulations on graduating and that I wish I didn’t have another semester to go because I chose a primary weapon so late in my studies. Extra classes and the run are going to be so lonely with you and all of my friends moving on. Now we can . . . mphh.”
Luke puts a finger to her lips before kissing her into a quiet state of bliss. Kira tries hard to curl herself against him while they are standing. Luke helps her by picking her up in his arms during the kiss. A few people watch them out of the corner of their eyes until Kevin wanders by. He doesn’t say anything to the couple, but makes a loud growl at the staring crowd before turning back to Kira and Luke. A drunken wink and a slap on Luke’s shoulder is all he does before limping back to the alcohol.
“I think we should disappear from here and talk. What do you think?” Luke asks, putting her down. They quickly take the stairs to the top of the wall and make their way to the far corner. Luke picks Kira up in his arms again before dropping off the wall’s edge and skidding down the wall for a safe landing.
“I brought our little hideout, so we can spend the night in Visindor again. All I ask is that you don’t put me down tonight,” Kira whispers, wrapping her arms around his neck. He holds her tight as they enter Visindor Forest and leave the loud celebration behind them. Both of them knew that, for many reasons, it was going to be a long night.
*****
Being the daughter of a wealthy merchant means you can have almost anything sent to you within days of wanting it. It was two months ago that Kira took full advantage of this benefit of wealth. Soon after her relationship with Luke became public knowledge, Kira wasted no time in requesting a magical item from her father. This common item, known as the pocket cabin, is a small box that easily fits inside a person’s pocket. With a simple incantation, the pocket cabin will open into a log cabin with basic furnishings and a magically stocked kitchen. The device was originally designed for the homeless of Gaia, but the creators soon learned that the cabins could not remain active for more than a week before they reverted to their box form. This would occur whether or not someone was still inside and the device could not be reopened for six hours. Considered a danger to the homeless, the pocket cabin became a favorite item among adventurers and, although never used as a selling point, it became a popular hideaway for lovers. Such was the case with Kira and Luke who disappeared to their cabin several times during the semester. It is no different tonight, as they lay in the moonlight with each other behind the pocket cabin’s wooden door with ‘L.C. heart K.G.’ etched into the front.
“You’re always so warm. I bet you would be at home in the desert lands,” Kira says, pleasantly wrapped Luke’s arms.
“But then I couldn’t see you in tree-filtered moonlight like I do now. I think that’s when you’re most beautiful,” Luke replies. He kisses her bare shoulder and rubs her stomach.
“Flattery can’t get you any further. Not that I think you should stop,” Kira playfully teases him. She tries to turn around and almost rolls out of the embrace. In a near panic, she clings to Luke as hard as she can and keeps her head pressed against his chest. She can imagine hearing Luke’s heart breaking as she cries on his chest and clings to him. “Please, don’t stop holding me! Please!”
“Please, don’t cry. I want to enjoy tonight with you,” Luke whispers, stroking her hair and nuzzling her cheek.
“I’m sorry, but I don’t know how to deal with you leaving,” Kira says in a voice that sounds tiny and weak. “I know you promised to always love me and return to me when your adventures are over. I just really don’t want you to go. There are monsters, warlords, and thieves all over Windemere. It’s too dangerous on the road for me not to ask that you stay here with me.”
“Part of me doesn’t want to leave either, but Kellia and her father are depending on me to keep her safe. Then, there is the other problem,” Luke says, gently lifting her face from his chest. “I still want to become a great hero before I settle down to start a family with you. I need to get it out of my system like every other Callindor has done before me. Guess it works like some kind of family curse or tradition.”
Kira wipes away the tears from her face. “Do you mean that?”
“Of course,” Luke replies. He reaches out to catch a tear that Kira missed. “All Callindors wander away from home to have an adventure. It’s why we have such a wide-spread reputation as heroes and warriors.”
The half-elf pushes against the pillows to get more support for his shoulders while Kira pulls herself into a comfortable position against him. She lets her hand mindlessly trace the scar that runs from his right hip to his left shoulder. It was only a few weeks ago that she first saw the scar and tried her best not to reveal her disgust. Now, she thought of the scar as a symbol of Luke’s strength and bravery.
“I meant, were you serious about wanting to marry me some day and have a family,” she whispers delicately as if saying it any louder would drive the thoughts from his mind. “You always avoided talking about those things before tonight.”
“You avoided it too,” Luke contends with a smile. “Neither of us wanted to mention it. Your family could force you into a marriage while I’m on the road or something could happen to me. Our paths feel so chaotic at times. Maybe we shouldn’t discuss this tonight.”
Kira repositions herself to drape a long leg over Luke’s knees and closes her eyes with a smile. She lays in silence as Luke strokes her hair and watches the moonlight play against her exotic features. The dark, natural tan of Kira’s skin still mesmerizes him due to growing up with pale or lightly tanned skin. Her green eyes with a hint of blue have become more and more intriguing as their relationship grew over the semester.
“Take me with you,” Kira demands, abruptly breaking the silence. “I can sneak out during the morning run and meet up with you in Visindor Forest. Kellia won’t turn me away if I’m already in Gaia and I don’t nee
d any type of reward for going along. So, it won’t cost anybody anything to have me come along.”
“We’ve been over this, Kira. That Lich and his demon are still out there. Not to mention any unexpected beasts, thieves, and bandits that we might stumble across. Kellia told me that the chaos elves might even be involved,” Luke says, desperately hoping that Kira agrees with him and lets the topic die. “It will be far too dangerous and you could get killed. I had enough trouble watching you in our battle with the cyclops and the spadix. So, you’re wrong in thinking that you won’t cost anybody anything if you came along. It could cost me more than I want to risk. I promise that when everything is over, I will be with you again. No matter how many women that try to tempt me on my journey, I will remain faithful. I love you, Kira.” She gently rubs the tips of his ears. “Especially when you do that.”
His eyes begin to close before he snatches her hand away. “Please stop. I want to talk a little more before we wear each other out. Trust me. I would love to simply indulge in you tonight and wake up knowing I’ll be staying with you tomorrow, but we don’t have that luxury.”
“Sorry,” Kira says in a dreamy voice. “I guess this is what happens when you’re lying next to your true love, his slender, toned arms holding you tight, feeling his heart beating through his chest and into your own. His . . .” She moves to try and blow in Luke’s ear, but he quickly catches her lips between his fingers.
“I’m trying to talk here,” Luke playfully growls.
Kira kisses him as she rolls and pins him below her. “What did you mean by being tempted by other women on your journey?”
Luke looks up at her in fear and confusion. “Well, I guess there will be beautiful women that I will meet who are attracted to me. I assume running into people like that is unavoidable. It isn’t like I can do anything about it. So, I promise to stay loyal to you and I will. You don’t have to worry about me indulging in any woman while I’m away from you.”
Legends of Windemere: 02 - Prodigy of Rainbow Tower Page 3