Hey guys so to make up for, not posting for a while I bring you another chapter. Since I also have a bit of free time I thought I should make a deal with you guys. If my fic gets 25 votes before Friday I will release another two chapters. It has been stuck on thirteen for a long time now and I need some feedback! Also please check out my other fic as well as th group I joined in my signature. (Other fic is called The Rise of Certona and will probably get approved tomorrow.) Please it wont be getting close to as much attention as this one. SInce I worked my ass of on this one with the planning and all that.
Here the chap enjoy the read! Also writing may be in black, but I am going to keep it that way until admin fixes it. ( I put in a support ticket!)
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36
Negotiation.
Two days fly by in which Slyfer feels more restless then he has ever felt. Aldowin kept himself busy by putting the men through more drills then their bodies can take. Slyfer had expected the swordmaster to approach him to join the rest but he was left to himself.
Taking the opportunity he concentrated on practicing magic and to Jades horror, dancing. The poor women is sore everywhere, with Slyfer’s heightened strength and stamina he simply does not get tired! Her only escape is Fira’s tent, since there is such a strange atmosphere between the two Jade got the idea to hide with her.
Slyfer sitting with his legs crossed senses the army long before they reach them. He had discovered his magic had increased with leaps and bounds after the darkness was pushed back to a degree. Now that he thinks about it. It had grown stronger ever since the dark magic was used on him by the filth of the Spear clan. Somehow it must have fed from the dark magic and grown, on top of that is the fact that it devoured the dark wolf inside of Pathfinder. Once again growing in strength. All this threw his magic out of balance and also cut him off from Ulric.
“The pain is back, but this time it’s welcome!” For some reason he never realised it was nearly gone until the thing was beaten down by whatever light had suddenly sprouted inside him. Thoughts of Pathfinder brings back, feelings of guilt. He had made a promise and never kept it! The dragons inside him ride him everyday for it. Saying dragons don’t break their word that's why they never make promises! The only way he had finally gotten them to shut up is by promising to give the Prince something of equal value. Even though he said it he has no idea what it could be.
Slyfer looks at the air in front of him sweat beading his brow. At first nothing happens but soon some mist starts to form and the atmosphere becomes noticeably more humid. The mist grows thicker and turns into one small droplet barely the size of the nail on his pinky! Slyfer wants to jump up with joy and run around and tell everyone, but the Malgrobin inside him stops him from doing so.
With his mind milling about on other things the droplet falls out of the air in front of him. Slyfers eyes follow it on its descent. His reflection inside it is warped. “Warped like i am on the inside?”
The droplet hits the ground scattering to pieces along with the warped reflection. Slyfer shivers his eyes not leaving the spot it had hit.
A shout pulls him out of his thoughts. “The Kings has arrived, long live the King!” hearing it brings Slyfer no pleasure.
He gets up and Vinx who had been sleeping behind him, follows while still rubbing her eyes.Aldowin joins him. His master is still on crutches, but not as pale. Some healers had arrived a day before and had taken care of everyone that was hurt giving Slyfer more time to train magic and pester Jade.
The King dismounts along with the King and Slyfer does the traditional bow along with Aldowin. he feels a bit irritated to do it in front of these people, but does it anyway. Slyfer smiles inside himself and looks at the King. “Father welcome to my humble camp.”
Aldowin nearly burst out laughing but keeps it in, hiding it behind a second bow. The king goes pale and his mouth is left hanging open. His face, white as a ghost slowly starts to turn red with anger. A vein starts to pound along his forehead and he takes deep breaths through his nose. Slyfer does not let it go there. “Father are you ill, you look rather out of sorts.”
The king staggers as if hit with a blow. Snickers can be heard coming from Aldowin next to Slyfer. Old Sun is just as surprised not knowing what to say. The King finally finds some words after. “You….kill...dead..dead-”
“Daddy!” The king gets interrupted by Jade’s shout and she runs into his arms. the change on the old man’s face is clear as day years of age seem to disappear in an instant as he smiles at seeing his daughter. He hugs jade tightly and gives Slyfer a meaningful nod over her shoulder.
Slyfer turns his gaze back to the blistering King that can hardly breathe! “Fira walks past them at that moment and bows. Her bearing stiff. At first she doesn't notice, but coming out of her bow she steps forward and grabs the King's hand. “Father what’s wrong?!” The King gestures to Slyfer and then at her. His eyes swiveling inside his head like a madman.
“He...you...father, I kill, I kill!” Slyfer having paid his respects turns around not caring anymore his mood is foul and his temper worse. Aldowin wants to stop him, but he had seen the same look on his student’s face during the past two days which is why he had not bothered him.
Slyfer ignores the alarmed shouts when the healers sees the King’s state and makes his way toward the other visitors he can sense.
Alkorron spits in disgust for the hundredth time on their journey. “Why are we being forced to go invite these, these barbaric monkeys?”
Elyna turns to the ill mannered elf. “Because the QUEEN ordered you to, so stop your whining and fall back in line!” Alkorron wants to protest again but the threat had obviously worked and he shuts his mouth. The small camp comes into view as they crest a grassy hill, but right behind the small camp are multitudes of dark elves scurrying like ants tents are already being erected in the distance.
Alkorron spits again as the group of thirty make their way down the hill towards the smaller encampment. Elyna sees him first and it brings a faint smile to her lips. Seeing what he is dressed like makes her happy, it will help serve to create a better image of him in front of the others. Slyfer is dressed in his officer's clothes. His foot on a barrel in a relaxed manner makes him almost look heroic. Not surprised Elyna snorts drawing the others’ attention. “Look, he already sensed us coming.”
Alkorron snorts. “Indeed quite a feat for someone as low born as a Dunmer.”
Elyna laughs at his stupity. “He is no Dunmer and I suggest you don’t try and act too smart. That is Slyfer.” The attention on Slyfer triples as they all size him up. The reports on him are no secret in the camp.
“He is but a boy, what you said still needs to be proven, which is why the Queen sent me.” Elyna shakes her head and thinks to herself.
“The Queen sent this idiot to keep his father happy. The whole army knows how pompous this fool can be.”
By the time the high elves have reached them Aldowin has joined Slyfer along with Old Sun. Slyfer can feel the hate emanating from the warriors around him. Even when killing the humans they had not felt such pure hatred. Ban raises his voice in the traditional greeting. “Halt who goes there?!”
Elyna wants to answer, but Alkorron cuts her off and the action does not escape the eyes of Old Sun and Aldowin.
“We are envoys from Queen of the morning star, ruler of the high elves.” Aldowin goes pale at hearing the name.
He can’t help but ask. “The Queen is here?” Alkorron smiles disdainfully at Aldowin, which causes Slyfer to clench his fist. Vinx sitting on his shoulder facepalms.
“The Queen wishes to speak with you Aldowin, traitor of your house and people.” Slyfer takes a step forward, but Aldowin puts out an arm in front of him and whispers. “This is not your fight, but mine.” Slyfer looks at Aldowin and whispers back.
“I give this flea one more chance, he insults you again and he will be picking up his teeth with broken fingers.” Aldowin sighs.
“What other business brings you here?” Asks Aldowin while swallowing, hoping that the idiot doesn't say anything bad. Alkorron wants to talk again, but Elyna is the one that does the cutting this time.
“As was promised years ago, we are here to invite you to a gathering so that we can once again feast and make merry for the peace that has been between our races.” Old Sun steps forward this time.
“I am not the King, but have been given the Authority to accept. We the Dunmer accept your invitation and send our greetings to the Altmer.” After saying that everyone bows accept Slyfer. His gaze is locked on Alkerron.
Alkerron does not miss it and lets lose his tongue. “You do not bow in respect, are you too special for us?” Slyfer smiles and his eyes go red. A pressure settles on everyone among the elves accept Elyna. The horses neigh in freight and stomp on the ground pulling at their bits.
Slyfer does not speak loudly but his voice reaches all of them none the less. “I am above you flea, accept your place! If your brain worked as well as your tongue you would realise I am not Altmer, nor am I Dunmer. Who made the promise, was it me? Was it my race? I suggest you take a vow of silence in order to keep your peers from finding out how much you lack in common sense. Now leave and when you see me again and make eye contact, I will cut out your tongue and stick it up your ass.”
Silence…..
The pressure leaves allowing the weaker elves to breath again, the older ones look at Slyfer with calculating gazes.
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The Blood pack behind Slyfer can't help but openly snicker, which wins them a glare from Old Sun. Old Sun clears his throat after looking back to the envoys. “Now that the message has been delivered shall we discuss what our contribution will be.
Aldowin bumps Slyfer with his elbow as Old Sun and Elyna smooth out the pacifics. Slyfer still does not move his gaze from Alkerron. Aldowin bumps him again. “Your message was clear, I am sure he gets it. Let it go now.”
Slyfer finally turns around and looks at Aldowin. “What would my race have done in this situation? Do not blame me for my very nature, it is who I am, what I am.”
Aldowin shudders to think of what a dragon would have done. “Have I been thinking about this all wrong? It seems the more time passes the more he becomes like them.” Aldowins thought leads him down a path that brings a lot of things to light. he shudders again as he thinks of the worst of them all….Ulric.
Later that night Slyfer receives word from ban that the feast would be held in a week. Since most high elves are vegetarian, they will supply the fruit and other things to eat while the Dark elves must bring their own meat and alcohol. The tent will be provided by the High elves and it would be held halfway between the two camps on neutral ground.
Slyfer still feeling irritated had just started training his magic again, when Old Sun asks to enter the tent.
The Old Man comes in and sits down after receiving permission from Slyfer. “Jade told me what happened and what you did.” Slyfer sits expecting ridicule, but receives the opposite. “Thank you…. son. I realize now that what you have been saying is true and even though the King does not like you and is even now is lying in the infirmary next to his son due to high blood pressure he also admits you were right.”
Vinx having been quiet for most of the night pipes in. “He has gone through many things for many different people only to be shunned. The high elves lost the right to his trust because of this very reason. Do not push it dark elf.” Slyfer’s eyes widen a little at Vinx’s words.
Old Sun does not retaliate or get angry, but only lowers his head. “I have failed you boy and it will not happen again. I do not know if there is something that drives you behind the scenes and I do not care. Looking at your men I can also see that they respect you even though they fear you a little.” He chuckles a bit at what he said before continuing. “I will support you without question-”
Slyfer stops him. “Please dont support me without question. My men fear me for a reason and i need someone to help me remain…. sane I guiss. You are right there are things driving me, but every choice i make is still mine, I made this promise to myself. I dont need blind disobedience, I need someone to give me advice. We may not always agree and in some things it looks like I don't listen to what Aldowin or anyone has to say, but it matters and makes a difference…. just don't tell my Master I said that.”
Old Sun chuckles at the strange relationship the two shares with each other. “I won't tell him after all I am a Dunmer you know.”
Old Sun says his farewells, but not long after another requests entrance. Slyfer is surprised to see Elyna. “He says nothing and just looks at her. She is the one that took Trisha away after all.”
She sits down in front of him. “Something in you has changed once again.” Slyfer puts lifts his knee and rests his arm on it.
“Things change Elyna, that is the way of the world.” She sits back, a bit of the happiness at seeing him leaving her eyes.
She sighs. “You are angry with me for taking Trisha? Sometimes I forget how old you are.”
Slyfer frowns. “Was that meant to be an insult? I understand she had her duties and her things to do. However that does not make me any happier about it.”
Elyna stands up pursing her lips and heads for the exit and then stops and half turns around. “You know she never said anything. She was punished for dereliction of duty and lowered in rank, but she never said a thing about you. If it was not for “them”, she may have been executed. Elyna’s hair stands on end as a feeling of wrath starts to grow behind her.
Slyfer’s voice filled with authority asks her a question. “Did they hurt her?” Elyna shakes her head not daring to say anything. She does not want to look behind her so she keeps her gaze forward. “You told the Queen she knows something?”
Her heart stops, Slyfer’s question had hit the nail on the head. She still does not say anything. “In truth you did not betray me, but her as well knowing what could have happened.” Elyna wants to protest but it's the truth.
“Tell me Elyna what has your Queen ever done for you? Have you ever gained something accept a place to belong like a worker ant has its place?”
Hearing that Elyna’s anger wins over the fear. “I have served my country for over a thousand years, what do you know a mere child of sixteen wet behind the ears. i swore an oath and uphold it with every fibre of my body!”
Slyfer stands up not backing down. “At what cost! because you served your precious country and listened to your leaders you left the only ones standing between you and extinction to die! Because you listened to your precious leader you failed that oath! Do not try to tell me you did not have a choice. Aldowin made his along with a few others. Tell me where were you when the dragons were dying for you and your precious Queen?! Where?!”
I can see it bothers you even now as I speak a shadow hangs in your eyes. You have pride you say, duty? All you have is shame and now even worse, you have betrayed a friend and for what to be a nice little worker ant?”
She turns around and and swings a slap at Slyfer. He block her easily and hold her hand in place she swings the other while shouting. “How dare you! How dare you!” Tears start to stream down her face as she struggles to get free, but Slyfer stands like a tree planted in the ground. Her struggles grow week and he pulls her closer into a hug. She hits him as soon as he lets go of her arms, but it's done so weekly he can barely feel it.
She finally settles down sobbing into his shoulder. “I watched my sister go, saw her leave to fight for the dragons yet i did not. We all saw Aldowin go, he was the very first even as people jered and condemned him he kept his head high, but me? I was too afraid to follow my sister and even now I do not know where she died, even now her bones lie somewhere exposed to the elements!”
Slyfer can't find the words to console a more than thousand year old woman. “This is what I wanted, or is it?” He looks down at the proud warrior hat now looks so weak and fragile. The female dragon once again comes to his rescue. “Elyna what matters now, are the actions you decide to carry out.” Honour your sister’s memory by following the path your heart wants you to take.”
“The times of walking a straight and narrow path has ended. We can't afford that kind of thinking anymore. If the people follow their leaders blindly, how will everyone unite? Even now the dark elves and high elves hate each other. Why? For a war no-one can remember in a time so long past even your precious Queen was not alive.”
He rubs a lock of hair out of her eyes and pushes her back in order to look into her eyes. “Make no mistake, the betrayer is coming. With griffins and humans, crusaders and strange weapons like the one I was shot with. Many will die in this war, but if we don't stand together all will die in this war.”
Her eyes searches his for any sign of lies…. she finds none. “Your people have already chased me away and I have met your Queen and she feels like nothing special.” Elyna’s eyes widen at what he said. “I will give your Queen another chance to join my cause, before I give up on them completely.” Slyfer’s voice turns deep and filled with power, the next words he speaks are spoken with the voices of thousands. “We cannot afford to be betrayed again.”
Understanding dawns on Elyna slowly but surely. “You carry the voices of the dragons like Trisha has the tigers.” Elyna keels over forcing Slyfer to catch her. For a moment she just stares blankly.
Slyfer looks at her, worry etched on his face. “Elyna you can not tell anyone promise me. Swear it on your life?” At first she does not say anything, but soon recovers her faculties. “I… I won't, I swear on my life! This explains so much!” What do i call you? Lord, Old one, great one-
Slyfer holds up his hands. “We are friends are we not, call me Slyfer.” She shakes her head in disbelief. “Friends with a dragon, if my sister knew, if only she were alive, if only i had gone with her…”
Slyfer chops her on her head which makes him feel completely awkward, she is way older after all. “Think of now, think of what we can accomplish together.” Elyna nods her eyes flicking in and out of daydreaming.
A voice from outside interrupts them. “My lady, the hour is growing late and we need to return to the Queen.” The voice finally snaps her out of it and Slyfer points her toward his mirror so she can fix herself up.
The female dragon start to tease Slyfer saying they are acting like secret lovers. The other dragons are grumbling since the secret is out about them, but Slyfer cant be blamed it their own fault. Slyfer feels a bit freed from his bond, but still won't say anything until he has been given permission…. However whoever Elyna tells, like say Aldowin is completely up to her.
Before she leaves Slyfer takes her hand. “Elyna remember our promise. We can't be sure if there aren't any more spies with the main army like Lookin. Be careful.” She manages to nod before leaving. She is out for a second, but pops back in.
“Great ones, umm ehh I mean Slyfer. There is something I must tell you…..
“The great tiger tribe have joined us, Trisha’s mother never died…”