Amythest dreams

Chapter Four

 They rode in silence for hours, Iredesa not wanting to break it. She had obviously offended Prince Kallan. She wasn't sure how to feel about the fact that she felt she should apologize to him. After all, he was essentially taking someone's' child and spiriting them away to his land. Why should she be shocked when instead of doing the same to a small boy, he had shown the kid kindness and even presented the kid with a gift that most humans didn't see in their lifetime? Sighing, she spoke, "I'm sorry for what I said, or rather what I didn't say. What you did for that family was a generous and wonderful thing. It doesn't change how I feel about marrying you, or the fact that I am given no option or say so in this arrangement. But I can recognize that what you did was good." He said nothing, though she knew he heard her. Satisfied that she at least attempted to apologize, she settled back in to the silence. Her town was long gone now, there was nothing but open road and blue skies ahead of her and behind her. The next town, Border Hollow, would be there next stop for the day. They would find boarding there and continue their journey at first dawn. Upon exiting her town Prince Kallan had lifted the hood of his cloak over his head, discreetly covering his ears. 

"Prince Kallan? Will you tell me more of your home?" she asked, finally unable to stand the silence.

 He looked back, his eyes thoughtful, " Tiernim is different from the other kingdoms in Puerr Terra. Most Fae try to adhere to the Old Ways and the Old Laws. That includes how they advance their civilization. Tiernim likes to learn and adapt. Always have an edge that is slightly better. Yet we also respect and rely heavily on our Fae heritage. It is hard to describe, because my Kingdom is like nothing you have ever seen before. We take the metals that your people use for swords and axes and manipulate them to fortify our homes and ships. We have control over our magic and can easily hold it into other items for lighting and for entertainment. Most kingdoms still rely on Fairy lights and fire. We have harnessed lightning and found ways to store it for later use. We don't use it all the time, for elemental magic is dangerous and not something to be used carelessly. But when the winter months come upon us it is most convenient in helping to warm the palace without having to make the comfort wards kick into overdrive. Entertainment wise it has allowed us to take memory orbs and find ways to show them upon the walls of the palace and play them for our people to see. Plays and music are constantly being watched and rewatched. That way our memories are not forgotten. A memory extraction charm and elemental magic and we can play them over and over."

Iredesa listened, fascinated with the idea of it all. It seemed so advanced and wild . Memories on display. It was a marvel. " I can tell you more if you would like Iredesa." he said, glancing back. She nodded, not wanting to look too eager. " My people have capitalized on being able to harness the elements, using them to make us one of the most wealthiest kingdoms in Puerr Terra. We create twice the amount of weaponry, build ships that sail faster and are more equipped to stand against elements and attacks. We take the steel and iron we create and ward it with spells that strengthen it beyond normal means. Because of these things we can transport more goods faster." 

"As far as the people of Tiernim. We are a refuge for many who have sought to broaden their minds and look beyond the Old Ways. As a result, we became a mixing pot of customs. Fae are crafty and deceptive. We manipulate things to our advantage. When you are greeting a Fae of more noble status than you, such as my father, King Eitri and my mother, Queen Suelita, you are to only look them in the eye when told to do so and bow upon arrival and exit of their presence. Be careful of the words you say. They enjoy finding ways to gain  power over people. They are great rulers and made our Kingdom an amazing place to live. But they are five centuries old and remember when our people ran rampant and free and answered to no-one, so they see things differently. They will test you and see what hold they can get on you."

 " There are also the Iron pixies, they sing over  metal as it is being shaped. They are a vicious bunch that will be more than willing to eat the flesh of your bones. Don't be fooled by their tiny stature and sweet faces. They sing their meals to them out in the wild. We have been able to curb their vicious natures by offering them an endless supply of blood and raw meat. But they are known to wander outside the kingdom to partake in the hunt. Then there are the Folleti ,sky Fae . That dwell in the forests of our Kingdom in huts they have built. They are quite useful in making sails for our ships and even what we call Folleti baskets. Those are contraptions that, by use of fire, air, and magic, allow you to fly high into the air in a basket. The basket has cloth that traps the hot air and brings you soaring into the sky. They are quite the commodity. The Folleti are vegetarians so you have no fear of them trying to eat you. Don't confuse them with the Slaugh Fae. They do areal combat and have no qualms of eating their enemies. The difference is the wings. Folleti have wings like the birds and Slaugh Fae have wings like bats."

Iredesa was soaking up the information like a sponge. To go soaring into the sky and see the world from the view of the clouds. How magnificent. She would do her best to avoid the Slaugh Fae. But would love to learn more of the Folleti. "What kind of Fae are you Prince Kallan?" she asked. "My family and I are High Fae. We possess different abilities. Mine are telepathy, and various other talents, like my father. My mother is a Siren. Able to lure men and women alike to her side and do her bidding. I inherited a part of that magic. I have an uncanny ability to convince people to give me what I want when I so choose. There are other types of Fae that look like High Fae, one that resides in our Kingdom is the Selkie. They can shift into sea animals and help us when it comes time for fishing, though they defend the water with a vengeance and do not allow overfishing. Between them and the water fairies the sea is  as respected and feared as any other part of our world. There are many many more and I could spend  months  trying to explain each one. I will tell you more  as we come closer to Tiernim. I know that we will encounter plenty on the way. As it is, we will be in Border Hollow within the hour and I think it best we don't speak of my land this close. They  suffered most of all from The Gathering and are very leery of Fae kind." She could tell they were getting closer to Border Hollow. The road had begun to soften, worn down from years of travel. Soon they began to encounter people on the road. Prince Kallan resituated his hood and forced his horse into a quick trot, clearly eager to be off the road and in the safety of a room. She still didn't know how he was going to get a room without raising suspicion. She wished she could ask him. Suddenly, she had an idea.

She reached out hesitantly. She felt a thick barrier that felt like ice and steel when she spoke. * Prince Kallan? * He jolted, his whole body stiffening. *Iredesa you continue to surprise me. Wasn't you the one who was so adamant about not violating the privacy of ones' mind? * She scowled, reaching even further into the mental tunnel that her mind felt. She felt ice and steel fall away and suddenly she felt a million different emotions. Intrigue and curiosity, amusement, joy, anger, sorrow, even fear. And some emotions that she couldn't quite put her finger on. * Iredesa my dear, it isn't polite to wander in the crevices of someone's' mind. * he said, a hint of warning laced with his words. She focused, bringing herself back to her main goal. * I was just wondering what the plan was as far as getting us rooms. Surely they will know that you are Fae if you take your hood down. *He chuckled softly. * I plan on using a glamour spell. I will make you and I look like ordinary humans. A husband and wife on the road. Nobody will question it. And we will be gone by the time the glamour wears off. * Eager to be out of his mind, she  agreed before closing off the tunnel until only her thoughts resided.

Border Hollow slowly came in to view. It was a small town, nothing like her home. There was a small market that held a tiny forge and a few stalls that looked as if they had seen better days. The town itself seemed to have a dark shroud over it, as if the sun itself was leery of entering the towns border. Few people were out and about and the merriment that she felt in Arrow Valley was nowhere to be seen in Border Hollow. It was almost as if the town was dying. "It looks bad because few visit it due to the fact that it is so close to the border. People feel that it is cursed." Prince Kallan said to her. She stiffened, "Please stay out of my thoughts."

"I would if you would stop projecting so loudly to me. Regardless of what you may think, I don't typically stay in peoples' heads all the time. It can be quite boring and tedious." She hmphed, shifting away from him. "Now, I am going to pull the glamour over us. You won't feel anything other than maybe a slight tickle." She cleared her throat, "Why exactly am I being glamoured? I am human." He looked back, amusement in his eyes. "little raven your eyes are out of the ordinary and we don't wish to draw attention to us. I'm sure that word will spread soon about the Fae Prince who came to claim his betrothed with the amethyst eyes." She nodded, accepting that answer, but not really wanting to be bewitched with Fae magics. Suddenly she felt a tickling sensation over her body. She looked over to see that Prince Kallan  with hair a dusty blonde color, his eyes round and a bland brown color, and short round ears. Even his skin and body structure seemed to be less sharp and otherworldly and more mortal. This look wasn't bad on him, but Iredesa felt that it wasn't right. Not for him.

"What color are my eyes?" She asked, curious. She had always wondered what it would be like to have normal eyes. She may have already been married by now and a child on the way . " Your eyes are blue and hair blonde. Nothing else has changed." She touched her hair, looking at it. It was a beautiful color, golden and full of sunshine. Yet she missed her black hair. It was the same color as her mothers. "Don't worry. You will only be blonde for the night.." She nodded, letting the golden strands fall as they entered Border Hollow.

Up close the town looked even worse. Some houses needed serious repair, roofs clearly caving in and rot settling in on some places. Men, women, and children  had a sullen, hard appearance. These people had indeed seen hard times. She supposed that being so close to the border had made them easy targets. She could only imagine the suffering these people had suffered at the hands of the Fae.

They came across a tavern with the name The Drunken Beaver  She thought that a rather odd name but didn't question it as they walked through the door. The inside was warm and surprisingly inviting an improvement from the outside of the tavern. The bar maid was a very pretty brunette with brown eyes and a smile that dazzled any man that wandered too close to her. She looked up when they walked in, wiping a glass with her apron. "Hello strangers. Welcome to The Drunken Beaver. The name is Sheila." Prince Kallan and Iredesa made their way into the tavern and approached Sheila. "Hello. My wife and I were hoping to occupy one of your rooms." He said, smiling softly at the bar maid. She eyed them curiously, "Where about  ya coming from? We don't get too many visitors." Prince Kallan replied calmly. " Arrow Valley. And before that Farfield. We are headed out to Oak Reach to visit family.. This was the closest stop before nightfall and we are tired milady. Is there any rooms available so that we may sleep the night? We will be gone by morning and will be no trouble."

"See that you don't Lord?.." She hesitated, waiting for his name. "Butler. Lord Ramon Butler. And this is my lovely wife Marjorie." Sheila nodded, her brown hair bobbing along with her. "Very well Lord Butler. I have a room available. If you will follow me I will show you where you'll be staying. Once you freshen up you can come down for a pint of ale and some stew to warm your belly." Prince Kallan nodded his thanks and they followed her up a flight of stairs and a hallway until they came upon a door. "This is it. I'll bring fresh linens and prepare some hot water for you to bathe in." With that she unlocked the door and sauntered back down the hallway. They walked in to the room, Iredesa noting the one bed immediately. "This is going to be a problem." She said as she looked at him. He smiled, flashing his teeth. "Did you expect them to give a husband a separate bed from his wife? Especially when she is as attractive as you?" She blinked, dismissing his compliment. "I'd rather sleep outside with the pigs then in that bed with you." He laughed. "Yes. I'm sure you would my dear. As it is, I will take the floor and you may have the bed. We leave before first light." 

The room itself was rather charming, handmade curtains dyed a soft blue hung on the window. They were old and worn, but still quite charming. There was a table in the corner that held fresh early spring tulips. A bathing tub sat in the corner with another table that had a tray of soap and cloths. She could see that although Border Hollow was a nearly dead town, the Drunken Beaver was very much loved and tended to. Sheila returned soon with hot water and fresh linens on a cart for them to use for washing up and making the bed. With a smile and a nod she left them once again. "You can have the water if you'd like to freshen up." Prince Kallan said as he filled the tub with the scalding water and topping it off with cold to even the temperature.  Iredesa nodded, waiting for him to leave the room. As the door shut behind him she sighed. She was trying so hard to keep her calm and demeanor and be indifferent around him. Wanting to keep her vow to herself to give him no more than what was expected of a dutiful wife. Yet that man irked her more than anybody she had ever known.

The bath was the perfect temperature as she settled in. Steam rose around her, soothing her aching muscles and allowing some of her stress to ease. She massaged soap into her hair, allowing the perfumed suds to fill the bathtub and scent the air.  When she was done with the bath she stood, leaning to grab one of the fresh linens to dry herself off with. Just as she grabbed one the door opened and Prince Kallan walked in. "What the HELL??" Iredesa shrieked, scrambling to cover herself. Prince Kallan smirked, "That mouth on you is not lady like at all my dear." She growled, tightening the linen around herself as she stepped out of the bathtub. "I'll show you unlady like. You knew I was in here. You PERVERT!!!!" She went at him, fist in the air. He merely laughed, grabbing her wrist and pulling her closer to him until she was just barely touching his chest. "Little raven. Of all the things I wish for you to show me, how unlady like you can be is top priority." She looked at him, eyes wide, her heart pounding. She felt his heartbeat against her and something in her blood stirred as she looked into his eyes. His eyes darkened as her breath hitched.

"Yes. Unlady like is definitely top priority." He whispered, letting her go. He cleared his throat, eyeing her suggestively. "By the way, that linen is practically see through. So unless you want me to test just how unlady like my bride-to-be can be I'd suggest you get dressed." She gasped, covering herself. "Turn around!" When he turned around, laughing quietly, she quickly put on her casual dressing gown. "Ready my dear? Sheila has prepared a stew that smells rather tempting and it seems we have come on a night of celebration. Two citizens of this town are celebrating their union. Surely you would enjoy a night of fun and entertainment before we are to head off into the woods tomorrow." Iredesa nodded. Fun. She could forget what lay ahead, at least for the moment.

They made their way down, hearing lively music that got louder the further they got. When they made it down the stairs the atmosphere was alive. People were dancing and laughing, the shadow of gloom and despair gone. In it's place was clapping and merriment. Iredesa was eager to join. A young man and a pretty young girl laughed and twirled around, clearly in love and oblivious to everyone around. People passed around ale and bread, laughing boisterously. Prince Kallan stepped down, holding his hand out to Iredesa. "Would you care to dance? I know that you may not particularly care for me. But I can see the longing in your eyes to be out there and dancing." She barely thought about it, taking his hand as she practically ran to the floor. This was what she had been waiting for. A true unrefined, genuine party. People free from the restraints of propriety and high society social courtesy. With the glamour she didn't have to worry about people whispering. She could finally just dance and let her spirit soar with the music.

She let her head back and laughed as she twirled around, her skirt billowing around her as they danced to the beat of the music. She forgot for a moment the man that was holding her was Fae and that she was meant to loathe him.  All she felt was the thumping of the music and the laughter in her soul. She let herself go as she continued to twirl around the room. It seemed as if she had danced for hours before she became tired. Breathing heavily she let go of his hand. "I need drink. And rest." She said, breathing heavily but smiling. "I see." He said, barely even sweating. They made their way to Sheila, who had two mugs of ale and a small loaf of fresh bread waiting for them. "I see you are no longer timid Lady Marjorie. Enjoying the festivities?" Iredesa nodded, beaming at Sheila who smiled back kindly. "That is my younger sister Trinity and her new husband Aaro. He is a fine lad and a carpenter apprentice. Tonight they are celebrating, and tomorrow they will travel to Ilvermore where he will be studying under one of the finest of carpenters. I will miss her. But he will give her a better life than this town will ever be able to." Sheila looked on at the happy couple, wiping a small tear from her eye. Iredesa smiled at the woman, grabbing her hand. " I'm sure that she will miss this place. After all, it is her home no matter where she goes. The place she was born will always have a special place in her heart." Sheila smiled back as Prince Kallan silently watched the exchange between the two women.

Iredesa gulped her mead, eager to be back out there but also not wanting to ask Prince Kallan. She had been so caught up with the music that she had allowed him to dance with her, briefly forgetting why she shouldn't get close to him. But now she'd had time to settle down and she was hesitant on dancing with him again. She had felt so free and careless as he had twirled her and held her close to the sounds of the music. He had matched her tempo, never hesitating and never floundering. She supposed being Fae he was more attuned to the slight changes in someone's' body and could easily determine how they were going to move. The mind reading also gave him an edge. But something about the way they had danced had seemed unique in her mind. Or maybe that was just her imagining things. After all, how was she to truly know what it was like to dance with anyone other than her father? Nobody had ever asked her to dance before. Especially not the way they had danced, so open and carefree. No steps to memorize and remember. No choreography and lessons to go over. Just going with whatever your heart felt like doing.

She wouldn't ask him to go back out. So she sat, her feet tapping to the rhythm of the beat, watching everyone as they danced more and more lively and unabashed as the drinks flowed. Suddenly, a young boy of about twelve years walked up. "Pardon me my Lord, but I was wondering if you minded if I asked your Lady to dance? I'm not quite as tall but I promise I wont step on her feet." Iredesa looked at Prince Kallan who looked as if he was fighting back a smile. She had never been approached for a dance before. And children were always told to stay away lest they be cursed as well. So this moment was a priceless one for her. "Well my dear boy. I believe it is not me you should be asking, it's not my place to presume who my wife will or will not dance with. If she says yes, then I suppose that I am ok with it as long as you promise to give her back to me before the night is through. I would hate to find that a lad as strapping as you has whisked her away and stolen her from me." The boys chest puffed." No sir my Lord. On my honor you will have her back. Milady if you would care for a dance I would be honored." Iredesa smiled at the boy. "I would be delighted to dance with you." The boy smiled as he led her to the dance floor, being very careful as he twirled her around. He was a bit shorter so it was less refined with him than Prince Kallan. Nevertheless; Iredesa enjoyed dancing with first him and then an elderly man who had disposed of his cane and gently led her through a softer ballad. When she was finally done she made her way back to the bar where Prince Kallan sat. "Did you have fun little raven?" He asked her, his face alight with curiosity and amusement. "Yes. Thank you." She said, and she meant it. This was truly a night she would never forget. For the first time in her life she was a normal woman out and having fun. 

Iredesa felt drunk on the music. Her head was spinning and she softly hummed as they made their way back to the room. Prince Kallan said nothing, allowing her to enjoy the buzz from both the ale and the spell the music had seemed to put on her. She unpinned her hair and let it fall around her shoulders and down her back. She twirled around the room, still humming as she brushed the golden curls. "Iredesa.." Prince Kallan cleared his throat, interrupting her. She looked over, still humming and riding the musical high she was feeling. "Iredesa I.." She stopped him, putting a finger to his mouth. "Don't say anything please. I want to thank you. Truly thank you Lord Butler." She giggled a little when saying his fake name. "I have never been able to let loose like that and just enjoy myself. This was truly a gift that I will cherish always. Even though this marriage is not of my choosing and even though you are what you are, tonight has been one of the most magical and perfect nights of my life." 

She looked at him, waiting to see his response. He smiled softly, brushing back a golden curl from her face. "My dear. I don't think you truly understand just how intoxicating you are. If I were a better man I would walk out that door, send for someone to escort you home, and never return.  After only two days of you I can already see that you are a fiery light that needs to be protected. But I am not a better man. And I can't walk away." Iredesa said nothing as he spoke, her heart pounding in her chest. "As it is I am having a hard enough time not kissing those perfect lips of yours." Iredesa sucked in a gasp, her heart going wild. Maybe it was the ale, or maybe it was the music still racing in her blood, but she wanted nothing more than to kiss him.. 

His eyes darkened as he realized her intentions. She didn't let herself hesitate as she brought her lips towards his. He leaned in, giving her plenty of time to change her mind. The moment her lips touched his she felt an explosion of desire. He tasted like honeyed ale. It started as a slight brush of their lips, yet turned deeper as he moaned and brought her closer. Iredesa didn't pull back, riding the warmth from his lips as she tasted and explored him. When she gasped, his tongue enveloped her mouth, causing her to see stars. Her arms curled around his neck as she stepped even closer to him. He deepened the kiss,as his fingers tangled in her hair. Deep inside her she felt a fire that seemed to awaken in her. Her body began to burn, her core aching and becoming hot. She moaned slightly, losing focus as his fingers trailed down her neck. She was no longer sure she wanted to stop. "Iredesa. You have to stop having those thoughts or this is going to go too far and you will hate yourself in the morning." Prince Kallan whispered, pulling away and settling his forehead on hers. "As much as I want this to continue, and believe me I do, this is not how I want your first time to go. I want you to be ready and certain when you lay with me."

 Those words snapped Iredesa back to reality and she jerked away. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment  realizing that she had acted so brazenly "I... Sorry. I wasn't myself." What was she thinking? He was a monster and she had almost let herself get swept away by one small gesture of kindness. Was she really that starved for affection and acceptance that she would throw herself at the first man to show her any attention? "Iredesa don't do that. Music has a spell of its own when played right.  You were enthralled by it and were riding its wave. What happened just now is completely normal and nothing for you to be embarrassed of."

"No matter Prince Kallan. I believe I have  thanked you for tonight . Good night." He said nothing as she climbed into the bed and pulled the covers over her. Still hot with embarrassment as well as a need she had never felt before, Iredesa laid there with tears in her eyes. She wasn't sure what hurt more. The fact that she had gotten carried away with him, or the fact that he clearly had not been as enthralled as she had. He had stopped her. Her first kiss and he had stopped her. His words from their engagement party echoed in her head. Many women, and some men if I should so choose, would kill to have the honor of marrying me. She wondered how many he had kissed. Of course he had stopped her. She was a novice and he was more than well acquainted with the art of seduction. The way he had kissed her showed his skill. She laid there for a while, listening to him settling in for the night. He rolled out his bedroll and laid down. She waited until she heard his breathing quiet before she finally rolled over and slept.