by Elisa Menz
The sight of her perfect naked body was enough to drive him mad with desire, but he held back, for her sake. She could hardly hide her nervousness. He let out a warm laugh, laying on top of her once more. He sensed on his skin the rapid beating of her heart. “Maeve... if you blush more, I might worry.”
“Oh, please! Shut up!” she squealed, throwing her arms around him. Every second they spent together was perfect. Hakken constantly made sure she was comfortable and enjoying herself. He? There was no way this was not a million times more wonderful than he had imagined.
When he finally took her, there were no doubts in his mind. He loved Maeve. And as Maeve lost control over her powers, her unwavering love engulfed him. Her emotions were all on display. How could he ever doubt after experiencing this?
As they both languidly climbed down from the enchantment, all the little pieces of his soul found their way back home. He was whole, and the promise of happiness was too real. Maeve curled in his arms and dozed off while Hakken caressed her back. The mild autumn sun hid behind the horizon, and the temperature dropped, so he covered their bodies with a large fur.
“Mm... hey...” Maeve was drowsy. Her golden hair spread in a tangled mess, a clear sign of what they have been doing for at least half a day. He thought of teasing her about it, but she had experienced too many powerful emotions for the moment. He would save it for later.
“Why are you grinning like a madman?” She peeked at him from under the covers.
“I was just thinking about you.” Maeve snorted and rolled her eyes, making him chuckle. “Oh, so now you are all brave and nasty? What happened to the sweet girl moaning my name not long ago?”
Abashed, she stared at him with her mouth hanging open before hiding her head under the covers. Her muffled protests barely reached him. He definitely overheard the words ‘idiot’ and ‘revenge’ a few times. This reaction was becoming a favorite of his.
Pulling the fur to look at her while laughing with delight, he was immediately pushed back to the bed by a surprisingly strong Maeve. She pinned him down with a spellbinding kiss, and it was the most wonderful sensation in the world. He let go of all defenses. He belonged to her, and she could do whatever she pleased with him.
Maeve sealed his lips with one brief kiss before laying to rest on his chest. Hakken took a deep breath, relishing the moment.
“I love you,” she said.
It was astonishing how those three little words sent his pulse racing once more. He had felt it before, but hearing her say it out loud was amazing. I love you too. Those were the words he had to say. But as usual, he ruined it. “Maeve... I don’t want you on the battlefield.” She tensed and pushed herself seated, holding the fur to cover her body. Hakken pressed a hand against her cheek. “Please... let me deal with this. I will catch Dröm and bring him to you where you’re safe.”
She frowned. “Hakken—”
“I’m scared. I can’t have you getting hurt!”
“But this is the safest way for everyone!” She shook her head. “I might be protected, but you will have to risk—”
“I’ll do anything for you.”
“I don’t want you to do anything for me! I don’t want that kind of power! All I want is for you to love me and to be proud of me!” Maeve’s voice quivered, and she let down her head, looking tired and sad.
He was an idiot. He kept hurting her because of his fears. She needed more. She was right, and she needed him to understand it. Sighing, Hakken took her chin between his fingers, lifting gently until her eyes reached his. “I love you, little one. You are the bravest, most wonderful woman I’ve ever met.”
For a moment, she only stared at him, leaning forward as his words sank in. Maeve smiled once more, tears shining in her eyes. His heart fluttered, and he pulled her close. Gods, I love your smile. It’s like the sun warming my face. She fell into his arms, and they held in silence.
“Maeve, are you up for a short walk? There is something I want to show you before it gets dark.”
They got dressed, and he led her through the village. The tribe was preparing dinner for everyone, gathered around the fire, talking and laughing. Despite the lingering threat of war, a peaceful aura covered them.
As they dodged the knowing smiles and playful comments, they made their way to the outskirts, to a small clearing surrounded by reddening trees. Protected from the winds, a lovely meadow lay in front of them. Right in the middle, a sturdy, half-built hut stood. They stopped a few meters away, and Hakken turned to her. “What do you think?” he asked.
“It’s beautiful! It’s huge, though. Are they planning on a big family?”
“What? Who?”
“The owners of this hut. Do I know them?” Maeve was utterly lost.
Hakken couldn’t help to smile and wrapped her in his arms. “My Maeve... how can you be so bright and so oblivious at the same time?”
“Hey!” She poked him. “If you are going to keep pestering me, I’ll leave.”
“This is our home.” He smiled warmly at her. “I’m building this for us.” It was Maeve’s turn to gape. Her cute lips formed an O, and her eyes opened wide as she stared at him, speechless. She turned to the hut once more, this time taking a good look. Her mind seemed to have stopped. “Are you all right, beautiful?” Still no answer, so he fidgeted. “If you don’t like it, we still have the cave.”
“Hakken!” She jumped on him, wrapping her legs around his waist and kissing him with unexpected energy.
“I guess you like it.” The sound of her laugh sent him flying over the moon, and he held her tight as he led her to the hut.
Dinner would have to wait.
CHAPTER XXXXI
LIFE IS FUNNY
Maeve
Hakken’s smelly cave became her favorite place. Sleeping on the ground wasn’t nearly as comfortable, and during her stay in Astika’s fancy palace, she didn’t get much sleep. But Maeve felt at ease here. Anywhere else, the only thing on her mind was the danger growing closer.
This was her haven. Her heart found peace, even surrounded by the impending war. My kingdom for a nap! Shaking off the remains of sleep, Maeve rolled on the bed. The sun peeked from behind the tall trees, but as soon as a bit of clarity reached the cave, Hakken gave her a loving kiss and left to train the warriors.
Sleep, beautiful. He told her, but Maeve would not stay in bed while everyone else worked hard to prevent a slaughter. She had enjoyed a much-awaited peaceful day next to Hakken, and every time she remembered it, she couldn’t help to smile.
This was the life she fought for.
Maeve gobbled some fruit before dressing up and tidying the bed. Her little orchard hardly needed any work since Mynte had become a gardening enthusiast. I need to meet her and thank her. She thought.
While walking to the village center, Maeve turned to the sky. Clouds covered the horizon, letting the sunbeams break through the morning mist, showing the valley’s ethereal beauty. The crisp air filled her chest, mixed with the tang of burning wood and roasted meat.
Breakfast was being served for the tribes. The elves brought their food to share and sat among them. Her tribe members often stopped Maeve to greet her, marveled at her sudden fluency, and the news of the magical powers she unsealed.
“Maeve!” Eager voices squealed in unison, and before she turned to them, Maeve found herself crushed between the girls. After a breathless group hug and a lot of incoherence, Mynte and Flyg let go and beamed at her.
“I’m so glad you’re back! I almost died when Hakken returned without you!” Mynte bounced with barely contained enthusiasm.
“Are you all right?” Flyg was just as excited. “I overheard some gibberish from Regn last night, so you need to tell me everything!”
Mynte took her hands. “Tell us about the Warlock!”
“And Astika’s palace!”
“And those brides!”
“Those were in the palace!” Flyg scolded her.
“Yes, yes! But I want
details. Shut up, Flyg!” They both nudged each other while questioning Maeve. The playful banter of two utterly ridiculous and lovely girls.
She threw her arms around them, planting a kiss on each girl’s cheek. “I missed you!”
“You missed me more, right?” Mynte hugged her waist, sticking her tongue out to Flyg.
“I missed you longer! And thank you so much for taking care of my garden.” The three sat to share breakfast while Maeve gave them a full recollection of the story. She kept for herself the Warlock’s secret, Hakken’s wrongdoing, and Regn’s confession. Those secrets would remain with her.
“Your long-lost brother is in the Forest? And he is an apprentice healer?” Astounded, Mynte almost choked on her meat.
“Astika gave you the secret recipe for his sleeping potion?” Flyg’s eyes shone with hope.
As soon as they arrived, she and Regn handed the ‘sleeping froggy bombs’ to the elders and explained its use. These were a marvelous gift, a most needed advantage for the battle, so the warriors thank them sincerely. However, they unanimously agreed to change their name.
Many scouts departed with the dawn to gather enough sunshine seeds for everyone to join the battle. Their strategy was being changed to include this one advantage.
“You should see Hakken! The elders chose him to lead our forces, and he’s doing a magnificent job.” Mynte usually referred to Hakken with mild annoyance, but she appeared to be quite impressed now. “I don’t know what you did to him, but you changed him completely.”
“Oh... I think we can imagine what she did to him.” Flyg gave Maeve a playful jab. “I saw him earlier, and I doubt the smile on his face is there because they went to sleep early.”
They spent the rest of their breakfast making fun of Maeve’s red ears, and dragged her to the training grounds. ‘To witness your man in action,’ they said.
What an impressive sight! Hundreds of warriors roamed the open field, organized in groups, tackling marked half-breeds, and coordinating their movements with the mounted elves. Kniv joined the elders, watching from afar and deep in discussion. On the other side of the field, Tyst barked orders to the younger recruits, who bore the task of guarding the healers.
Right in the middle, Hakken showed a group of warriors the best way to avoid direct hits and tackle an opponent. He moved incredibly fast, and he quickly knocked out a bulky fighter. Since they couldn’t use blades, their hand on hand combat had to be on point. He was truly magnificent.
Her friends giggled, making her realize she stared at him wide-eyed. “Shouldn’t you be training, Flyg?” Maeve asked.
“I joined them yesterday, but since I’m the only mountain half-breed here, they are constantly asking me about our fighting techniques and the weapons we use. I couldn’t concentrate.”
“And she has a vital mission.” Mynte crossed her arms, staring and the mountain half-breed girl with a hint of respect. “She will be part of the group escorting you to Dröm.”
Maeve turned to Flyg, who gave her a tiny smile.
“I need to reach him,” she explained, “perhaps if he sees I’m free, he will able to fight the dust. It can’t be easy for them to keep going without hope.” Her shoulders slumped, and Mynte patted her back.
Hope would be an excellent start. Maeve sensed it from Flyg and the half-breed in the ravine, and that prevailing emotion helped them be free. Maeve turned to the warriors once more.
They could do this!
“Maeve!” A familiar voice roared in the field. Hakken discovered her and ran to meet her. Flirty whistles and witty remarks rose all over the place, Kniv the loudest of them all. The overwhelming attention embarrassed her, but when she tried to hide behind Mynte, her treacherous friend pushed her to the front.
Hakken laughed with glee, and as soon as he reached her, he lifted her in his arms and gave her a scandalous kiss, causing the ruckus in the field to grow louder.
As mortified as she was, Maeve couldn’t deny how elated she felt while being in Hakken’s arms. They belonged together, and Hakken was too happy to show it to the world. Without letting her go, he ended the kiss and flashed the brightest, most disarming smile.
“Did you come to see me?” His cocky grin would be the end of her.
“I should have stayed far from you!” Still abashed, Maeve hid her face from the prying eyes fixed on them. “I swear I’ll shave you while you sleep tonight!”
Hakken leaned to whisper in her ear. “Then I’ll make sure we don’t sleep.”
Regn
On the day of their arrival, the elders had ambushed them to learn as much as possible about the sleeping bombs and what knowledge the Warlock left them with. Regn graciously stayed to explain it all, allowing Maeve to leave and find Hakken.
He made his peace with her decision, but it was hard not to ruminate on his heartbreak.
So he tried his best to keep himself busy, joining the training grounds and enjoying the company of an old friend. After coming to live in the river’s village, and once he reached adulthood, Regn often visited the elf who had rescued him as a child. They had grown attached, and Hevonen’s wisdom never failed to help him in his darkest times.
“Your story is remarkable, young Regn. I kept seeing your improvements each time you visited us, but you have come as far as to befriend a human girl.” Both men sat in the shade after a long morning of battle tactics training. “I’m proud of you.”
“I don’t believe I’m worthy of praise, Hevonen. I wanted to kill her at first.”
“And you didn’t.” The elf said with an irritating smile, pointing to the edge of the field. Maeve stood there, accompanied by her friends. Regn frowned at the noisy crowd when Hakken ran and kissed her.
She looked so happy. He looked about to burst with joy.
Regn found himself smiling at them.
“Fickle thing, love is,” Hevonen said, stretching his legs, “and unexpected. I guess I don’t need to tell you what you already learned.”
Regn shrugged. “I guess I should be more upset about the outcome, but look at them! It’s hard to be miserably brokenhearted when you can tell they belong together.” He meant it, but he turned away anyway. “I should get back to training.”
Both men stood, and a sentry announced a group of newcomers. Regn strained his eyes, and his jaw dropped in amazement.
“Who are those?” Hevonen nudged his side.
Finn, Ystävä, and an old-looking dwarf escorted the goddess Paki into the village. Kniv and Hakken ran to meet with them, but Finn left the group to hug his sister. If they had come, something terrible had happened. Before Regn joined them, Hevonen let out a short laugh which sounded out of place.
“What’s so funny, old man?” Regn asked.
“Life is...” He turned to him with an enigmatic gaze. “How astonishingly vast and complex this world is, and yet, how intertwined our lives are.”
“Is this the best time to philosophize?”
The elf rolled his eyes and pointed at the human siblings. “Do you not recognize them, boy?”
Regn studied Maeve and Finn, talking to each other while Finn kept an arm around her shoulders. Maeve frowned, and her blue eyes shone bright under the midday sun.
“Is that the face of a monster?” Hevonen whispered.
Regn tilted his head, staring at him at a loss. But the long-forgotten memory slowly crept back to him, and he snapped to the siblings. Impossible! It was clear now. The red-haired boy, holding his little sister, both smiling and staring at the Forest in awe. A beautiful human girl, with eyes the color of the sky.
Apparently, his instinct back then had been right. How easy for him to become friends with those children. What an incredible twist of fate. Before he managed to discern the reasons behind such a complex situation, Hakken ran to them. “Regn! Hevonen! We need you!”
The group moved to the village center where the matriarch awaited. Soon after, Maeve and Finn joined, followed closely by the Ancient Hua. The elf Warlock gr
imaced with concern before speaking. “We came to offer our aid as healers and to warn you.”
Regn didn’t like the sound of those words. The Warlocks did as much as possible, but they had been clear about the impossibility of leaving their home. They were wardens of the Forest, and even the goddess traveled way too far from her Tree.
“The horde is coming this way, moving faster than ever.”
“That is not possible! We have scouts watching their movements, they will inform us of any threat.” Kniv had been extremely careful in that matter.
Before Ystävä could answer, the old dwarf uttered. “Your scouts are no more.”
CHAPTER XXXXII
DESTINY
Maeve
The elders did their best to calm everybody down and organize the tribes for the looming encounter. They expected to prepare for at least a couple more days before rallying the warriors to battle.
The news of the horde moving fast to reach the Children of the River village came as a hard blow. The little control they managed to grasp slipped through their fingers, but a long wait wouldn’t do any good to their already distraught state.
By nightfall, the ones not able to fight were safely escorted to the Elven village, where they would take refuge. The matriarch was supposed to join them, but she refused. “I will not leave and let my people fight if I’m not there to aid them,” the old mother argued. “I might not throw punches like the lot of you, but I will use all my knowledge to heal.”
While the half-breeds made the last preparations to depart, Maeve sat with Finn to clear her mind and train one last time. She knew exactly what she had to do, but focusing became considerably harder when the survival of them all depended on her success.
“Breathe, mushroom. And blink, for goodness’ sake! If you keep imagining awful outcomes, you are going to drive yourself mad before we meet them,” Finn scolded her.