8. A Brief Respite Among Elves

8

A brIEF RESPITE AMONG ELVES

(ROWENA)

T he descent is easier than it looks, which I’m thankful for because we’ve been through enough problems today. Riven suddenly strides past me as we wind down the rocky terrain, his sword drawn, posture alert. I almost laugh at how careful he’s being, but there’s nothing funny about it because, as he said, no one is our friend around here, no matter how easygoing they might seem.

As we near the village, I hear a faint hum in the air, like waves crashing on the shore. It’s a beautiful sound, and I imagine falling asleep to it, but something in my mind tells me to keep my eyes peeled. The faes are full of mischievous magic, and this may just be a trick.

A massive archway of giant trees covers the village, and we stop before it, anxious about what lies beyond. I still have potent protection amulets and charms on me, but against a very powerful magic, they may not hold.

“You ready?” Riven asks, sheathing his sword. I nod.

Beyond the archway, the village unfolds like a kingdom made from dreams. There’s beauty everywhere, with houses built into tall, ancient trees. The hum is stronger now, but I don’t see water anywhere.

As we continue walking up the path, two figures emerge from the shadows, appearing before us with curious eyes. Riven freezes, shifting to stand protectively in front of me. I can handle myself, but somehow, I find it sweet when he does this. It’s been so long since anyone tried to take care of me.

“Prince Riven,” one of the elves calls curiously. It’s an elderly female elf with long silver hair adorned with flowers and leaves. The elf beside her is just as old as she is —a man with shorter silver hair.

“How do you know me?” Riven asks, frowning with confusion.

The elves laugh. “You’re a popular legend around here,” they answer. “What brings you here? So far away from home.”

“We’re just passing by,” Riven answers. Please, we’re not here to cause any trouble.”

“We know.” The female elf nods. “You passed the protective barrier.”

“Barrier?” I echo. “There was no barrier.”

“Oh, there was,” they laugh. “The pure in heart can’t see it. If you do, it means you won’t be able to get into the village.”

They turn away. “Come with us; we’ll accommodate you for the night.”

Riven and I exchange careful glances before following the elves deeper into the village. The female looks over her shoulder. “I’m Anariel. This is my husband, Rynar. We’re guarding the gate tonight.”

“Guarding?”

“Yes.” Rynar nods. “The people of Aries take turns guiding the village from attackers. If we notice any unusual activities, we will ring the village bell.” He touches the whistle hanging around his neck. “Don’t mind how small this is; it’s the loudest noise you’ll ever hear.”

Anariel and Rynar take us through a busy square filled with elves of all ages and sizes, with different hair colors and patterns, until we arrive at a small hut at the base of a gigantic baobab tree.

They lead us inside, where the only furniture is two makeshift beds. The air smells sweet —like lavender and cedarwood.

“Make yourself comfortable,” Anariel says. “I’ll bring food and water.”

“No.” Riven shakes his head. “We’re okay.”

The couple smiles. “We’re not going to hurt you,” Rynar says. “You can eat some food, and we can also help you replenish your food and water reserve for the journey ahead.”

Riven starts to argue again, but I touch his arm and smile at the elf couple. “Thank you. We’ll take it.”

With another assuring smile, Anariel and Rynar disappear.

“I don’t trust them,” Riven says, his gaze flitting suspiciously around the room. “Why are they so nice?”

Laughing, I lower myself onto the bed. “I told you they are friendly people. Plus, they know we don’t have bad intentions because we walked through the barrier. Relax, Riven.”

He sighs and sits on the next bed, his shoulders drooping slightly as he lets some of the weight off. Anariel appears with a tray of food, then she promptly disappears again, leaving us to eat.

This is a much better meal than the light supply we packed, so in a few moments, we clear our plates and drink enough water to fill our stomachs. The silence that follows is comfortable, lulling me into a dream-like state where I see Riven and I successfully retrieving the key.

“Why are you smiling?”

My eyes fly open to see Riven staring at me. “The thought of us getting the key,” I answer.

Riven smiles. “Rowena, do you have any friends?” He asks. “Besides me, that is.”

I laugh sadly. “No.”

“Can I ask why?”

I’ve never told anyone my story because there was no one to tell. Now that I have a friend in Riven, I guess there’s no harm in sharing. Maybe if I do, it will stop hurting so much whenever I think about it.

“I doubt anyone in the coven would want to be my friend. My mother was banished when she was pregnant with me.”

His eyes widen. “Why?”

“Because she fell in love with a man she wasn’t supposed to love - one that the entire coven forbade.”

“Who was he?”

I shrug. “I don’t know. He died before I was born, and my mother never talked about him. I have no idea who he is or what he looks like.”

Riven shakes his head. “That’s so sad. So, your mom fled into the Forest of Herbs?”

“Yes. She knew the other witches could never come there, so she built her abode there. That’s also where she birthed and raised me until she died five years ago.”

“This means the coven has never seen you,” Riven says. “They don’t know who you are. Have you tried going back?”

“I‘ve thought about it several times, but…” I stare out the square window overhead. It’s fallen dark outside, but the moon is high and round in the sky. “…before my mom died, she warned me never to step foot in the coven. On days when I get lonely and contemplate returning, I remember her words and stay away.”

“But that’s forever a life of loneliness,” he quips. “It’s the worst life.”

“I know. But it’s better than being dead. My mother was the most powerful witch in her time and was next in line to be Queen; the people she trusted betrayed her and conspired to have her banished forever. Mom knew that if I returned, they might get rid of me, too.”

Riven sighs. “I wonder why these factions can’t live like a big family. Imagine how much fun and progress there would be. That’s why I think the Great Alliance is trash. It’s just an empty show.”

“I’ve never attended an alliance festival,” I say. “I’m afraid if I appear in public, one of the witches will recognize me as a Nightshade. I don’t want to risk it.”

“Trust me, you’re not missing anything.”

I laugh at the exasperation on his face and proceed to ask one of the most pressing questions on my mind. “Riven, do you think the relationship with your father will improve when you get well?”

He frowns, but he doesn’t immediately answer. There’s a war in his eyes as he stares ahead, and I wonder what it’s like to have a father who isn’t a father at all. I’ve wanted one for as long as I could think, but Riven’s father is an example of what I don’t want in a father.

“I truly don’t know,” Riven says. “For him, he may like me more. He’ll be more proud of me and show me off to his friends. But for me, I’ll never be able to look at him the same way. He hasn't been a great father to me.”

“I understand.”

Anariel steps into the room, her face alight with a warm smile. “Do you need anything?”

“No. We’re fine.”

She sits on the edge of my bed. “May I ask where you’re headed?”

I glance at Riven, and he nods at me.

“We’re going to Solavien. We need to get a key in the realm of memory. ”

“How do you intend to get into Solavien?” Anariel frowns.

“Any tips?”

“Be alert,” Anariel giggles. “The Solavien elves are very wary of strangers. They’re also dangerous. Make sure you work together and answer every question truthfully.”

I want to ask her more questions, but she rises to go. “You two should leave in the morning. You can’t stay another night in Aries.”

“We plan to leave in the morning,” Riven says. “Thank you for helping out.”

Anariel disappears, leaving us alone again. In a few minutes, he will turn to stone, and I’ll have to spend the night by myself.

“She seems nice,” Riven says solemnly.

“Yeah. I wish I could stay here,” I chuckle playfully. “Too bad they won’t let me.”

Riven laughs with me. “We can talk to the King or something. I’m sure they’ll be very happy to welcome a powerful redhead witch into their midst.”

I playfully shake my head at Riven. “Then you won’t be able to see me all the time.”

“That’s the only downside,” he answers solemnly. “But you’ll be happy, and that’s all that matters.”

His words set a rhythm in my heart, and I turn away from him so he doesn’t see how much it affects me. In a few short days, Riven has filled so many positions in my life that I never knew I needed. His companionship is amazing and one of the reasons I’m ready to go to Solavien with him, come what may.

“Rowena,” he whispers after a long moment of silence. “I’ll talk to you in the morning.”

The painful sound of his stiffening body fills the air, but I don’t turn to look at him. I know he wouldn’t want me to. I wait until the noises cease before turning to look at him. He’s already stone, cold, and unfeeling, yet his sweet words still echo in the room.

Hours past midnight, I continue staring at Riven, wondering if his soul feels trapped whenever he’s like this. He already said he couldn’t think or feel, but his soul isn’t dead, so there must be something.

I slide down my bed and reach out to touch his cheeks, my heart expanding in my chest. At this moment, I know I’ll do anything and go anywhere to ensure Riven is cured and happy. There’s a lot of weight and sadness on his shoulders, which stems from this curse. Maybe I should have walked away that first day I saw him in the Forest of Herbs.

If I’d walked away, I wouldn't feel so much. I’d probably be back home, reading books and creating more spells and potions. It was a great life, but nothing compares to the joy of the little moments with Riven or the pleasure of knowing that if —no, when—he gets cured, I’ll be a part of his journey.

I go back to bed and shut my eyes, forcing myself to sleep. We have a long day tomorrow, and I must be alert because we’ll be traveling through the major fae capital. In this place, Riven is safe amongst the faes, but I’ll be in extreme danger. Yet, somehow, I’m not afraid because Riven will be right there.