Not everything is Dark and Light

The Horror at Smitloft (part 3)

"How did you know?" Nifeerein asked the young woman as she leaned into inspect a loaf of bread.

"I don't know." the woman responded as she placed the loaf down. She used her finger to trace over the abundant selection of breads, pastries, pies, tarts, bagels and more as tried to narrow down her choice. "I just… Knew."

"But how." Nifeerein pestered as she struggled to hold both the small selections of meats she bought and the lady's bags.

"I don't know. It's not like there was a moment where I thought about it and realised that was the man I loved I just felt it. In my gut. Have you never felt that feeling before?"

Nifeerein, confused by the question, did not answer instead getting inside her head and thinking on it. The young woman who was amused by Nifeerein's cluelessness shook barter for her bread with the overweight merchant before stuffing the floury piece of bread into her bag.

"You're thinking about it too much." Nifeerein was told by the lady who chuckled at her as she turned away that vendor and moved them on to another. "You don't think about attraction, you feel it. Thinking comes later when you're in the relationship but attraction is all just physical. Have you really never felt this? I thought everyone had experienced this."

Nifeerein dwelled on why she was so confused about it and her upbringing was her immediate answer. She thought about how her parents had steered her away from any suiters from a young age ensuring she was kept pure as they wished for their daughter to engage with a man of proper standing when they dictated it was appropriate. The Moffat twins, Nifeerein's oldest and closest friends, teased her about her inexperience with men as the pair of them went off with various different men from various different lands. They were not under such pressures as Nifeerein and were far more desirable in the dark elf society for their plump frames and full faces while Nifeerein, being a skinny and thin girl, was never seen as especially good looking to any man. It knocked her confidence back and Nifeerein added it to the extensive list of reasons for why she had never felt attraction before as what was the need to be attracted to anyone when one knows they will be rejected anyway. The final one was that Nifeerein herself was not especially interested in this area as her life as queen meant other things took priority. Her insistence on peace between the light and dark elves gave her an understanding of her role in society as their leader and she knew that he emotions came secondary to her duty. She knew her quest for peace would land her in some loveless marriage to a light elf noble, she had no idea this would be the prince of the light elves but she knew it was to be a political marriage, not one of love. But when Vuren glanced at her and spent an extra second looking at her she felts desired. For the first time in her life she felt attractive. She was in the middle of a race for her life in clothes in desperate need of a wash and wearing mud like it was going out of fashion but she felt attractive as when Vuren looked her way there was always a nervous glint in his eyes. He was interested in her for her as for years Nifeerein had accustomed herself to people only being interested in her for her political stature. Vuren looks were based on her and her alone as with the words he spoke and his straightforward way of being she knew there was no duplicitous nature to his actions. She knew his looks were real and it scared her.

"It have just never felt that way before. Not sure what to tell you." Nifeerein told the woman as she shook her head at Nifeerein's naivety. Her fear of being desired was heightening as she got work up about it. She was keeping it internal, for now, but she knew at any moment she could burst and she was not sure if it would be through excitement or terror. She was always the ugly one, the outlier. While her friends and colleagues were sought after and charmed by hansom suiter desiring them for their amble bosom, full bottom and plump curvy waistlines she was off having conversations with old council men about politics. Her small chest, thin waistline and skinny frame were not desired items and most suiters either steers clear or were clearly only interested in her for her status and wealth. Her parents shot them all down but it ground down Nifeerein as she slowly learned she was not desired so to see a man eye her with eagerness was a truly mindboggling concept to her.

In such a trance she was she did not see Vuren march towards her with a desperation on his eye.

“We gotta go.” Vuren interrupted the girls conversation with a firm and frantic tone as she ploughed his way past a grumpy old woman that shook her fist at him for bringing his horse to the open marketplace.

“I can see why you’d be into this one.” The woman commented as she looked Vuren up and down.

“Excuse me?” Vuren let his concentration lapse as he shot a confused look to the woman as she finished inspecting him.

“Nothing.” The woman waved off but kept the same dazzled look in her eye.

“We have to go.” Vuren placed his attention back on Nifeerein who was still processing all her varying emotions.

“Why?” She blurted out louder that she expected as her mind snapped to the reality of the situation.

“You know Vuren I was very offended when you ran away from me last time. I hate for you to do it again.” Jult’s casual yet sinister voice echoed through the marketplace. Even all the hustling and bustling could not drown out his piercing hisses and Vuren handed Nifeerein the horses reins and turned round to see Jult who was now flanked by his two beast like followers.

“Now, we tried it once where I asked politely. I will, out of respect for our friendship, extend that offer once more. Only once more.” Jult emphasised as the villagers around gradually learned of the ongoing stare off. They could feel the tension building in the air and most backed off knowing a fight was coming. Only the old lady who shook her fist at Vuren remained between the two men as she continued on with her shopping showing no care for the men’s squabble.

Vuren did not respond to Jult’s speech and instead surveyed his surroundings to see where the other light elves were. The two brutes flanked Jult cracked their knuckles on unison as Vuren stared them down. The thinner light elf was still casually leaning against the wall next to Agro who, as always, stood unaware of the impending threat and kept her face buried in the water bucket provided. Vuren saw no others in front of him but imagined there were several more behind him. He could not see the younger light elf whose age could not have been over fifteen stand at guard beside a blacksmith’s stall itching to grab at his sword nor could he see the older but not wiser elf who watched from afar with intense fury in his eyes. He was not paying attention to Vuren but instead was staring daggers into Nifeerein as she cowered behind Vuren.

“Now,” Jult continued. “Vuren my friend, we have reached an impasse and I really don’t want to have to fight you. Last time was not a fight, it was more an escape, so I again extend the hand to you and say that if you just lay down you sword and everything else you’re carrying as I know you’ll have that kukri somewhere you will be free to go. My business isn’t with you or the school or any of your monster hunting friends. It’s with her.”

Jult’s skinny finger stretched out and pointed towards a quivering Nifeerein who leaned into Vuren for comfort lightly touching the small of her back.

“f**k off Jult.” Vuren said with a stone-cold demeanour. He knew a fight was something he could not avoid and he leaned into a defensive stance as Jult smiled at him. The kukri Jult spoke of was on Vuren’s person, just a few inches below where Nifeerein’s hand was riding on his hip bone. The kukri was always worn by Vuren but covered by his usual garments. It was a last resort used to surprise attacker if anything came to it but with Jult being there and knowing Vuren’s every move he was at a loss. Vuren did not go for it instead readying himself to unsheathe his sword at any moment and attack. Vuren knew the odds were against him, both in number and in skill, but options were limited and being surrounded by these Ditum worshipers was not looking go for him.

The young lady Nifeerein had talked to had not fled like the others in the village and was instead locked in place as she began to sweat with terror. She tensed up and her shopping nearly fell from her hand as she watched on beside herself with fear.

“Vuren. I don’t want to fight. I will, but I don’t want to fight you.” Jult’s casual tone infuriated Vuren as he continued speaking in his elegant tone. “We can go catch up. I’d love to know of the rest are doing. I can tell you all about my travels, this group I founded and everything in between. All I’m asking is you let your pride fall by the wayside for once and accept that you’ve lost. We’ll take her one way or the other so please make the easier choice.”

Jult has slowed his manner in speaking since Vuren last remembered him. He remembered Jult as a fast talking loudmouth who always shared his opinion whenever he had one whether it be appropriate or not. This Jult though was different. He was slow talking and measured. Regal and formal. He was putting on a performance for his followers. Vuren did not know what drew these light elves to Jult but he imagined Jult speaking in this manner to the broken and forgotten members of the light elf society and convincing them of their higher purpose. Cult vibes were abound with Jult’s new attitude and Vuren hated it.

“Go f**k yourself.” Vuren said once more readying himself for a fight destined to come.

“Vuren. Stop clutching at your sword and give me a chance to talk with you.”

“Not happening Jult. I know where this is going and you know I won’t back down so just come fight me.”

Jult, with a sigh, signalled to his two bruisers to advance. They stepped forward in unison as one drew a heavy two-handed battle-axe while the other freed a one handed war hammer from his belt, one side flat as a hammer should be with the other having a long deadly point. 

Vuren winced at the lacerations it might cause as he drew his sword and signalled for Nifeerein to move back as he did a quick scan over his shoulders to ensure no other light elves were advancing. Seeing none were Vuren walked forward to close the gap between the beasts, took a deep breath and began his attack. 

Vuren had let go of his newly acquired horse by this point and he it trotted off feeling the menacing danger nearby and wanting no part of it. The crowd parted as the old horse walked out of the village of its own volition. No person tried to stop it as they were all locked on the battle that was to ensue.

The brute with the axe swung first with a wild and unprofessional sense to him. The stroke was clear and telegraphed well as Vuren easily side stepped it allowing it to crash harmlessly to the ground beside him. The other brute was trapped over the other side of his partners axe unable to reach Vuren as he casually stabbed forward into the exposed gut of the light elf. Walking forward and drawing the blade with him Vuren pulled his sword free and swung it once more as he turned in place behind the light elf and sliced up his back.

Finally able to move the second light elf thug charged forward and wildly swung his hammer. While not well versed in person-on-person combat Vuren was an expert at reading attack partners and dodged each blow with ease. He was surprised by the second elf as he had enough training to know to let the weight of the blow carry through and let it twist in his hand ready to be used again in seconds. Vuren only needed a few seconds however and in the opening pierced into the light elf’s side with a quick but definitive blow.

Turning back to check on Nifeerein Vuren noticed the younger light elf enclose on her and galloped back to defend her.

Before getting there though Vuren was stopped by an intense yet ineffective swing from the battle-axe wielding elf. He was barely standing as blood flowed out his open wounds. Vuren eliminated him with a swift stab to the neck. His lifeless body dropped to the floor with a soft squelch as the dirty around him turned to mud.

The crowd surrounding had scattered. Some looked on with awe and terror while others simple fled to the apparent safety of their houses. The more curious and barbaric of them however formed a circle around Vuren, the hammer toting light elf and Nifeerein but made sure to steady well out of the way of any swings.

Nifeerein surveyed about her constantly making sure no light elf was to get the drop on her. she watched on in awe of Vuren’s skills but afraid for his and her life. Memories of what happened to the previous village began to play out in her head as she let herself be overcome by emotion. She quickly snapped out of her head when she heard the sound of metal clashing and snapped back to watching Vuren.

Vuren blocked a faint attack by the remaining light elf bruiser. Although in a usual battle of strength Vuren would lose the weakened state of the elf made him limp and his attacks were easily battered away.

Vuren then unsophisticatedly drove his sword forward allowing all his body to move with it. The sword made a loud visceral sound that made Vuren want to throw up as he lunged forward. He could see himself exposing himself and he cursed as he fled that any light elf could appear and pierce him through at that moment. The light elf brute let out a stuttered cough and grabbed the sword instinctively as his limbs began to shut down and sag loosely.

Vuren pulled his sword from the light elf and pirouetted on the spot to see Nifeerein. He caught a glimpse of her purple skin and stopped. Seeing that she was unharmed Vuren walked towards her guard up as he surveyed the horizon for any other attackers.

“Now that was exciting.” A cold and malice Jult said as he stepped forward from the crowd with hostage in tow. The young terrified woman whom Nifeerein had been conversing with earlier stood trembling as Jult pushed her forward in front of himself.

“Now, let’s try this a different way.” Jult commanded and he shot Vuren and icy stare that harboured only hate and fury. Vuren closed the gap between himself and Nifeerein as Jult spoke and grabbed her arm gently to ensure her safety. Nifeerein in kind clutched at Vuren letting her hand rest on his chest. Her comfort was immediate as Vuren pulled her up still keeping his attention on Jult who stood only a few paces away.

“Akam and Rezar were their names. And they died for our cause.” Jult continued in his quieter and more sinister voice forcing Vuren to listen. “Now, I know you saw those flames. I know you heard the screams. I will kill every person here just to get to Nifeerein. Akam and Rezar were willing to lay down their lives of this cause and every other elf here is too. I am will to kill and be killed just to get Nifeerein. My conscious will be clean as I know these people don’t matter. They are meaningless. Her life is worth more than theirs. That’s why you saved her. But it eats at you, doesn’t it? The lives lost. I don’t feel a thing but you do. I don’t care if these people die as if it means getting to her it will all be worth it. You think the same but can’t deal with the aftermath. Listen to you conscious Vuren and give me Nifeerein otherwise I’ll kill everyone here and take her anyway.”

The young maiden shivered in Jult’s hand as he spoke but her continued to keep his gaze deadlocked on Vuren who was slowly backing away from him with Nifeerein in tow. Vuren scanned around looking for an exit. All the other light elves had backed away clearly under instruction from Jult to stay back. The young light elf in the background was chopping at the bit to attack Vuren but he held his ground at the blacksmith stall and licked his lips insistently. The older elf continued to watch on from the background silently as he watched Nifeerein quiver. The light elf beside Agro continued to lean against the wall beside her as he let out a stifled yawn.

Seeing his opportunity Vuren used his old trick and whistled to Agro once again. Agro, again lightly tied to the post, pulled herself free from her bonds after a few seconds and charged towards Vuren. The light elf on guard beside her was clearly in over his head and as he attempted to catch her he missed wildly clutching at the air. Vuren questioned why he did not tie Agro up tighter as they knew it was something for him to exploit but Vuren got his head back in the game as Agro approached and he forced Nifeerein onto her. Nifeerein protested as she stiffened up not wanting to leave the village to its fate of death up Vuren pushed her with all his might and forced her upon Agro.

“Fine.” Jult said almost expectantly as he smiled.

The knife was then drawn across the maidens throat slowly. Her whimpers became inaudible as the metal blade severed her vocal cords and all that could be heard was a gargling noise as blood filled her lungs and throat. It poured from her open wound like a geyser of crimson and spurted out at inconsistent intervals as her pulse faded. Jult let her go and she immediately collapsed only able to get one hand to her open wound as her other failed her and flailed about uselessly at her side.

In a few seconds she was dead and Nifeerein let forth a horrified cry of anguish as tears began to well up from inside her. Her horrified scream was drowned out by the terrified screams of the locals who all retreated in record time as fear gripped them. None were safe however as the remaining light elf, some Vuren had seen and other who had been buried deep within the crowd, began slaughtering the masses without a second thought.

An old man. Young child. A strong man. Confused woman. A pregnant mother. A frightened father. A scared boy. Paralysed girl. All fell but the light elf blade. Vuren saw as they all fell. Some of the light elves revelled in the joy of death as they drank in the blood and viscera which that had been craving for so long. Others wore faces of harsh resignation. The older light elf was obvious in his loathing for Nifeerein but when his blade was turned on the innocents of Smitloft he hesitated. He let a young human pass him by as the man darted for cover but when Jult shot him a look of fury that older elf swallowed and began swinging into the crowd. He caught a woman on the arm on one swing and with another buried the blade deep into a man’s neck with closed round the blade causing it to become stuck for a few moments. The light elf pulled at the sword and kicked the man away as he freed his weapon. His face was one of sadness but acceptance. Of grief but submission to his commanders desires.

Vuren did not let Nifeerein vocalise her protests as he directed Agro to the correct entrance for the mountain pass and slapped Agro onward. She perked up and galloped forward at some pace. Weaving in and out of the crowd Agro raced forward dodging any attempt for someone to grab onto her whether that person be friend or foe.

Vuren needing a horse himself saw a white mare tied up where Ago had been just seconds ago. The horse seemed fairly calm with all that was going on and Vuren determined she was well-trained. Rushing forward the area in front of Vuren was clear of any villagers and only the light elf guard stood in his way. Without even a weapon drawn yet Vuren pierced his blade deep into the neck of the elven man with no block or parry in sight. Vuren sank the blade in a little deeper than usual and enjoyed the kill at little more than he should as he took a measure of revenge out on the elf.

Spinning round and withdrawing the sword from the elf’s neck Vuren turned and locked eyes with Jult who had not moved since killing the young maiden and was still standing over her motionless corpse smiling.

“See you on the mountain pass old friend.” He said in a calm and reserved voice which still reached Vuren and pierced into his soul. Even with all the screams and cries Vuren could hear it perfectly and it made him shudder.

Turning back to the horse Vuren determined he had not the time to untie her and instead sliced at her reins severing them at the base of the post. Swinging his leg up and grabbing what was left of the reins on his ascent Vuren kicked the horse hard and she rocketed forth into a mighty gallop.

Weaving her in and out of the crowd like Agro before her, Vuren was not so lucky as a light elf follower managed to grab on to the fleeing horse. It was only for a few seconds as the Vuren kicked him squarely on the mark of Ditum he had engraved on his forehead. The light elf collapsed onto the muddy ground below and somehow avoided all the limps of the horse as he rolled to safety. Vuren cared not to turn back and make sure the job was done as he rushed out of the Smitloft’s walls and towards the mountain pass where he could see the protesting Nifeerein and Agro riding up. Vuren again questioned why the light elves had not closed the gates to stop their escape but he shook it from mind as he had a task to do, ensure Nifeerein’s safety, and that took president.

Nifeerein had turned in her saddle and was looking at the c*****e. Her tears were obvious to even Vuren from all his distance back and he felt a wash of tears come over him also. He held them back however as the adrenaline kept him pushing onward.

Reaching Nifeerein Vuren looked at her as the tears streamed forth. She clearly wished to protest some more, say something to convince Vuren to turn around so they could save the village below but she did not when she saw the firm mask of resolve Vuren had put on. He leaned over nearly slipping off with the stump like reins he had to work with and slapped Agro on the back once again which spurred her forward. Vuren made sure she was in front of him as he could see that Nifeerein might turn around at any moment and go back to Smitloft in order to try and save the villagers. Vuren knew the futility of it and kept powering forward as they powered forward.

With the villagers screams behind them the two continued forth. Vuren looked back only once and saw the start of the flames as black smoke rose from a large home in the centre. Turning to look at Nifeerein who had seen if also, Vuren swallowed and pressed forward ensuring Agro did to. His face was one of determination to get Nifeerein away from the danger but inside he was a cowering mess of emotions spurred on only by instinct and resolve to do what he thought was right.