by Jana LaPelle
Jasmine is the first to respond, "We have some time so if you need to graze, go for it. I've never seen you with an upset stomach, what can we get for you, Ash?" She looks so concerned.
"Jasmine, I'm fine. The milkshake is doing wonders. So what is the attire for this evening's festivities?" I ask not really feeling up to the night ahead of me as I take a deep breath. My stomach is still somewhat unsettled as we go about getting ready for the celebration. I'm not really feeling up to celebrating, but I see this as an opportunity to get to know The Horde, and I wouldn't miss it for anything.
I choose a bronze evening gown that is strapless and off the shoulder. The bodice laces up my back and hugs my hourglass curves. The taffeta skirt is puckered and billows out from my hips. My hair is done up in an updo, and I'm wearing the circlet that my Mother had designed for me. My talisman, as always rests between my breasts just above my cleavage. For the first time, I consciously attempt to summon my earrings, and at first, nothing happens but then I try again, and they majically appear in my hands. Note to self; I very much need to work on this ability. My stomach is somewhat under control, but I fear a repeat of this afternoon as I make ready for this evening's events. Actually, I'm very curious to see The Horde in its natural setting.
Whoa…. I had no idea what was waiting for me. Up till now, I have only seen a handful of the dark fae from a distance going about their daily activities, but tonight they are all gathered in a large banquet hall. The evening meal has yet to get underway, and I see that we are to be seated at the head of the room with Tarron. The Dagda and Tarron are already here standing together in close conversation. I smile as I watch the two of them together knowing that something good has come from all of what has transpired here. My five have me in a protective circle as we are slowly navigating the groups of fae in the room. I look to my mother and say, "I've been here for eleven days, and I had no idea that so many had come here with Tarron."
"Neither did I. It would seem that you have an eye for leaders among their people. Tarron looks to be a natural born leader. I knew that he was a good choice in my plan to overthrow The Morrígan, I just did not have the sight to see what you do daughter. If I had, maybe things would have turned out differently." Danu says in a remorseful tone.
“Things happen for a reason, Mother. I have to have faith that everything that has happened so far is exactly what was meant to be. I just have to come to terms with it. It would seem that I am the only one that has been unable to put it behind me. I’m just so anxious that I have damaged my bond with Alaric, even though I know that he would never hold any of this against me. I worry that actions are like words and once done cannot be undone.” I say as we finally come to stand by Tarron and Dagda. Both are looking exceptionally handsome this evening.
Tarron moves to stand before me and my Five melt into the background as does my mother to give the two of us some space as Tarron takes my right hand and bends over it to place a gentle kiss on my knuckles. He looks up at me as he straightens to his full height and says, "You look lovely tonight, princess. Ashlinn, I need to apologize to you. I would never have gone through with evoking the blood contract if I had of known how you were going to suffer. I had fallen so far into my own darkness that I did not stop to think about how you were going to be affected, and for that, I'm truly sorry. I just knew that you were key to saving me from myself, I don't know how I knew that I just did. You will always be mo solas. Do you think you will ever be able to forgive me my transgressions against you and Alaric?"
"Tarron, I accepted my fate before I even came to be here. I knew that there was a reason for my being here with you. I just didn't know what it was until the vision came to me. There is nothing to forgive, and I hope that we will become great friends. That being said, I'm pretty sure that Alaric is going to want to kill you." I say in all seriousness.
Tarron has the decency to look chagrined before he says, “I have no doubt that I will take a beating from Alaric but we will save that for another day, tonight we celebrate. Come mo solas. Are you ready for this evening’s events?”
"Tarron, I have no idea what you have in store for us this evening," I say looking around the room to take in its occupants. There is an assortment of dark fae here some of which I recognize and some that I don't. I know now that the Fomorians look elven in appearance but have their berserker side, there are dark elves, more satyrs, and I'm assuming more shifters. I look to Tarron and say, "I'm new to this, so I don't know what race everyone falls into. Can you help me identify some that I don't know? Obviously, I can tell, who are a satyr and dark elf but the rest I'm going to have to guess at. How many other races are represented here tonight?"
Tarron takes my hand and leads me to our place at the table. He pulls my chair out so that I can sit to his left. Everyone is beginning to take their places following Tarron's lead. Dagda is seated to Tarron's right, and my mother is sitting to my left. As Tarron seats himself, he leans over and begins my tutelage of the dark fae. “Of course there are quite a few Fomorian here as well as dark elves, satyr, vampire, incubus, succubus, banshee, a variety of shifters, a coven of witches, a couple of Valkyrie, nymph, and we even have quite a few sprites. There are many more races that are categorized as dark fae, but most of them tend to keep to themselves and not get involved with the politics of the Realm." As he concludes, dishes are being served, and Jasmine arrives in true Jasmine fashion as she flitters about excitedly.
"Ash, you are never going to believe this, but there’s a whole colony of sprites here, and they have quite a few unmated males. Do you know how long it's been since I have been around any unmated males? It's been like forever! Seriously? Do you mind if I dine with them tonight? Please tell me you are okay with that. Please?" Jasmine doesn't even come up for air as she strings all this together in one breath.
I laugh and say, “Of course Jaz. Go have some fun. You definitely get the night off for all you have had to endure from me over the last week or so.”
“Eeeek. Wish me luck! See you in a bit.” She says as she flies away, definitely on a mission. I can’t help but wonder briefly how Camoryn will feel about Jasmine’s excitement over the sprite coven.
Turning to Tarron, I say, "Well, Jasmine seems thrilled by your colony of sprites." Just then a spinach salad arrives, and I lean over to my mother and say, "I don't think I can eat this. Will it be considered rude if I decline?"
“Well since you are the guest of honor tonight, I believe that you may be able to get away with it. What sounds good to you?”
“Meat, some type of protein, something a little hardier than the salad. Once I have that on my stomach, I may want to come back to the salad. I just don't think I can start with that." I say in a hushed voice.
Nym seems to understand my quandary as he leans down to whisper in my ear, “Cousin, would you like me to have them plate you the main course now?” Before I can answer, Tarron swings his head around from his conversation with Dagda and looks at the two of us questioningly.
“Cousins? Nym, you have been keeping secrets from me. I will excuse this transgression this one time as I know that you only had Ashlinn’s best interest at heart. In the future, I expect you to be more forthcoming. Ashlinn, is the salad not to your liking?” Tarron asks.
"It's not that; it's just that my stomach has been a bit temperamental this evening. I'm afraid that it may upset my stomach if I start with the salad. I would like to come back to it, though." I say. Tarron has the attention of the wait staff, and within a matter of mere seconds the main course is placed in front of me, and my mouth begins to water as the aroma of the meal assaults my senses. The meal consists of roasted leg of lamb that scents of rosemary and garlic, roasted red potatoes, fresh green beans paired with pecans and a maple vinaigrette, and a couscous asparagus pairing. The first bite of the lamb is heavenly. Gone is the queasy stomach and I now feel ravenous. I make short work of the meal before me, and I hear Tarron chuckle beside me as my empty plate is being replaced with another p
late with twice as much lamb as the last plate and I quickly devour it as well.
My mother leans in and asks with a smile, “Feeling better?”
I sigh and smile as I say, “Yes much better. Would it be rude to ask for more? I feel as if a black hole has taken up residency in my belly. I guess that is what I get for not eating today.”
Nym has anticipated my need and hand delivers another overflowing plate in front of me and says, “Eat up Ashlinn, you must keep up your strength. No more skipping meals from this point on.”
"Thank you, Nym. I promise to take better care of myself." I say and begin on the lamb in front of me. I'm slowing, and the need to consume more protein has lessened as I turn to Tarron and ask, "So how can I distinguish the difference between the races?" Not realizing that I'm interrupting his conversation with Dagda as they both turn toward me.
Tarron smiles as he begins, "The vampire race is human looking," as he points to a couple that is sitting relatively close to us, "their skin is very fair and in some cases almost alabaster in appearance, they have elongated canines and are creatures of the night. The eldest of the race can be seen during the day but for the most part, choose to roam the nights. Sunlight has an adverse effect on them, especially on any that are younger than one hundred years, rendering them to a state of near paralysis. We are still not really sure why they are most vulnerable in the daylight. Their regenerative abilities are hindered as well as all of their nocturnal strengths. They are sustained by blood alone and when they feed they drink from the vein. Most have willing blood donors and are referred to as their blood companions. The vampire house and take care of them in exchange for their sustenance. Another little-known fact in the mortal world is that vampires are born and not made, the whole turning a human into a vampire is pure misconception. Their numbers are not great because many of their females are not fertile and the ones that are will only have fertile cycles once every five to ten years. It will vary from female to female. The couple over there, actually have five children who are all mostly grown with the exception of their youngest. They are in attendance this evening as well. They are here to hopefully garner a better future for their children, all of which they hope to arrange marriages for to hopefully continue their line and help to repopulate their numbers. Their three daughters are all fertile. The oldest is thirty, and the youngest is ten. Their two sons are forty and fifty years old. We think we have found a suitable mate for the oldest daughter, but it's been more difficult finding a fertile female mate for their sons."
I’m enthralled by Tarron’s words and eager for knowledge, and I can’t help but ask, “Why are their numbers so low? Something had to have happened at some point.”
Tarron's reply is much of what I already concluded, "At one point they were hunted almost to extinction. In all of the Otherworld and the Mortal Realm, their numbers total less than three hundred."
"That's what I was afraid of. I take it that their family unit is something of an anomaly?" I ask as I continue to graze over the last of my meal.
Tarron nods, "Yes. Most vampires tend to be something of a loner, but in recent years many have tried to adopt a more traditional family unit as the need has become a necessity in order to keep from going extinct."
"How very sad, I'm glad that they have each other," I say as I look out over the dark fae in the room and I do indeed see their children, all of which look to be in their twenties, the youngest does not seem to be in attendance this evening. "I would like to meet them at some point. Would that be possible?"
Tarron smiles and says, "All in due time. Now, the shifter legends are true, in that mated couples, if one is not a shifter and the other is, the mating bond has a transforming effect on the non-shifter, and he or she is blessed with an inner animal spirit. It is said that Lilith blesses the mated pair, so when you and Alaric completed the mating bond Alaric was blessed with his inner panther. This only happens between mated pairs so shifters cannot go around changing unsuspecting people on a whim. How am I doing so far in explaining the dark fae?"
“Why stop now? I want to know more.” I say with a huge smile.
“I will continue but only if you finish your meal.” He cajoles.
“But you have not had anything to eat.” I point out.
“I fed earlier, in private.” He says with a sad smile.
“Why do you seem sad about that?” I ask.
"Because, like a vampire, I am a parasite and can only survive on the life essence or blood essence of another. That is why my kind is seen as demons. The other night, when I showed up late, earlier in the evening, I had lost control, something that I have not done in some time. The act of feeding became sexual, and I partook in her blood essence. It is so much more fulfilling. I felt a great deal of guilt, and I took that out on you and Nym. Little did I know the connection between the two of you until tonight.” He says regretfully.
"Let me get this straight. You compare yourself to a parasite because you require the life essence of another to survive? Should I feel guilt that quite a few lambs were slaughtered to feed me and others this night? I assure you that if I think about it enough, I will feel guilty for the taking of their lives. You, on the other hand, do not require that lives be taken to satisfy your need. Who here at this table can boast that their meal did not necessitate a life to be taken in order to satisfy their hunger? I know that I cannot. I should feel guilty, but I know that the lamb that I am still partaking of will give me sustenance and the energy I need. Not just for me and for that, I feel no guilt. Why should you feel any different? Why should the vampire hide due to their nature?" I ask as I ponder why Faerie has taken this stance.
Tarron replies, “All excellent points, princess.”
The attraction is gone, but I still see him as I did before. He is so very handsome, and underneath his gruff exterior, he is kind and lonely, although he is stern and demands that his will be served without coming across as overbearing with ill intent.
"Back to your dark fae education, Succubus are the female version of Incubus. You should know that when we are fully charged, we’re able to move at superhuman speeds. We are incredibly fast, as are the vampire."
“So that was how you were able to catch the knife I threw at you,” I say.
Tarron laughs out loud as he turns his twinkling gaze on me, "Yes. You took me by surprise when you threw that knife. If it weren't for my quick reflexes, I would probably still be laid up recovering from a near fatal wound. You are always full of surprises, Ashlinn. You will be good for Alaric. I'm glad that he has you." He says a bit wistfully.
I take Tarron's hand in my own hoping to give him comfort as I say, "Tarron, it is not yet time for you to meet your kindred. Know this; she will be perfect for you in every way, and like me, she will challenge you. You have much to do in the meantime and much to keep you busy in the interim. We have to find the Stone of Fál, defeat The Morrígan, and you have to establish yourself as the self-appointed king of the dark fae before the accords, where the appointment will be made known to everyone in Faerie and verified by the Stone of Fál. You are going to be very busy. Oh and you are going to have to find a way to get Alaric to forgive you for this little blood contract incident because I know that you and I are well on our way to becoming fast friends and I will not have our friendship driving a wedge between me and my kindred."
"Well, I see you have it all planned out then." He says with a smirk. "I hope you like your surprise." As he motions for someone to come forward, they remove what's left of the dinner plates and then, in turn, a large glass of ice cold milk is set before me followed by a slice of a four layer chocolate torte cake with chocolate fudge frosting in between layers topped with cherries and whipped cream.
I feel the squeal of delight bubble up out of me as the large slice of cake is set before me. It’s been almost two weeks since I have had chocolate, chocolate cake and I’m as giddy as a child on Christmas morning as I throw my arms around Tarron and give him a kiss on the cheek and
ask, “Oh merciful gods, thank you! How did you know?”
"It would appear that a little sprite knows you very well." He says with an indulgent smile. "Go ahead, dig in. It was the least that I could do after everything that I have put you through. To think, all I had to do was present you with chocolate, chocolate cake to win your heart."
I smile as I take the first bite and my taste buds light up as I take my time enjoying my desert, chasing it down with my milk as I turn to Tarron to ask, "So what are these festivities all about Tarron?" I'm feeling deliciously sated, and to my extreme discomfort my belly is slightly rounded, and for the first time, my clothing is beginning to feel more than a little snug. I absently rub my belly trying desperately to ease the tightness. Danu notices me fidgeting and smiles knowingly at me as she takes my hand. I'm drawn out of my ponderings as Tarron begins.
"It is well past time that The Horde is introduced to their new name and they should also be introduced to the one that will fight to give them a voice in the Otherworld." With that, he stands and gathers everyone's attention by gently tapping his fork on the crystal glass before him. I feel uncomfortable as I realize what he is about to do.
Tarron’s voice rings out to everyone in attendance as I continue to rub my belly, this distention is a new feeling for me, and I find that I’m happy with this evidence of my pregnancy that is beginning to make itself known. Even if I’m the only one that will take note of it. “Good evening my dark fae folk. We are truly honored by the presence of The Dagda and Danu, our High King and Queen of the Realm this evening. As you all have been aware, the High Princess Ashlinn has also graced us with her presence over the last several days. I have learned much from my chosen in the time that we have spent together. I’m here to tell you all; that change is coming!” His voice booms throughout the banquet hall and echoes about the walls before applause erupts. I look up at Tarron questioningly at the term my chosen; I thought we were passed all of that. My mother squeezes my hand in a reassuring manner. Tarron continues, as the hall quiets, “Beginning today, we align our forces with The Champion of The Tree of Life, my chosen! We are now allies in our vie to overthrow The Morrígan and her mission to gain control of The Realms!" Again the hall erupts in applause and calls for war. The sound is deafening as Tarron motions for quiet. "The High Princess has the sight, and she has seen the future of our people. She and she alone will be the reason that our kind will have a voice. From this day forward all dark fae and Fomorian will be aligned. Today… we become The Horde! Today, I, as your leader, appoint myself as The Horde King!"