Finding My Princess

Lilliniatha

Surprise. Shock. Pain. These feelings flashed through my mind as the first ebon bolt slammed into my right breast, easily slicing through the mithril links of my armor. The bright orange fletching contrasted sharply with the ebon shaft, the dark elven craftmanship evident. I brushed away a second bolt before it struck my forehead. The agony from the impact of the third bolt to my left chest was dimmed by the icy tendrils emanating from the poisoned head of the bolt as it sought to freeze my heart. I almost succeeded in slapping away a fourth bolt as it left a bloody furrow in my cheek. The fifth bolt slamming into my stomach brought me to my knees. The pain caused my eyes to water, almost obscuring the sight of the dark elven warrior discarding his recurved bow as he drew a wicked, serrated blade and charged me. The dark elf was almost upon me, sword raised to take my head when I pushed out with both arms and washed him away in a wave of bright, blue-argent fury. My sight was dimming as I pitched forward on my face, my final words, "Succor me" on my lips and the image of blue almond-shaped eyes dominating an exquisite face; pointy ears poking through waves of silver-hair.

I awoke in a white-ish haze, the feeling of a delicate hand stroking my cheek. A band of gauze was removed from my eyes and I could see the sharp features of the raven-haired beauty looking down upon me. She was an elf, her almond shaped eyes, petite nose, high cheekbones all characteristic of her kind. I regarded her in wonderment.

Her high, clear voice broke through my befuddlement, "Ahh, our mysterious guest finally awakens. Can you speak yet?"

I motioned to my mouth, miming a drink as my parched throat precluded speech. She turned and gave me a delicately wrought cup of silver. Gently assisting me, she brought the rim to my lips as she said, "Drink slowly. You've been unconscious for a week. Your wounds and the Drow poison were almost beyond our healing arts."

The cool liquid eased my throat and after a moment I was able to answer her, "Yes, thank you." I took a moment to look around. I was lying in a low bed, gauzy curtains hanging from the ceiling provided an illusion of privacy. One side was pulled back and the ethereal beauty sitting next to the bed regarded me in return. She was dressed in white healers' robes, her pitch-black hair pulled back into a tight bun which accented her pointed ears.

"I am Briannan, healer and priestess of Lillian." She looked at me inquiringly.

"I'm Jacq."

"Most humans have two names. What is yours?"

"I'll claim no surname, so Jacq is enough."

"Very well. It is not often that a human appears in the middle of the temple to Lillian, near death from three Drow bolts in their chest. In fact, you are the first to have ever done so and none of the Ealdear know how you managed the feat." She leaned down to whisper in my ear, "In fact, one or two of the Council have suggested that you not be allowed to leave unless you tell them how you managed the feat."

She leaned back and regarded me with unblinking eyes, "Few humans have come this deep into our realm and there are some who feel that you should not be allowed to leave. So, you can willingly tell me who you are and how you managed to arrive in Lillian's temple or the Council will have one of their enforcers...encourage you."

I breathed a name, "Lilliniatha."

My hostess started, clearly surprised. "How do you know that name?"

"I walked out of the castle with her and loved her with all my heart. Her last act as we were separated was to kiss my forehead. She placed something inside of me. It was weird, I could 'feel' the light inside of my head. I don't know how to describe feeling an image, but that is what I felt until I lost consciousness. When I awoke, the memories of her were gone and it was only after several years that the memories of Lilliniatha and our time together began to return."

I paused to reflect; the memories were not recent and some of the time we spent together were unpleasant. Yet the time we spent free sparkled in my mind, the joy we felt together as we fled the castle were some of the happiest moments of my life. My hostess waited patiently as I worked through the memories. "What we went through was not pleasant. Orcs were our jailors and torturers. The savagery of the orcs was tightly controlled by Nostromin, but they still hurt us in both body and soul while Nostromin used the emotional energy from our rape to fuel his magic. Our captivity and shared plight brought us together. Our escape was not easy, but once we were free from the orcs and his magic, we were able to express our love to each other. Our identities had been stripped from us, so it took a long time to find a way to an outpost of your people. The rest you know."

She regarded me with a thoughtful look, "You speak truth. It is known that Princess Lilliniatha was taken from us and mysteriously returned. Her story is unknown to me and most of our kind; the royal family must have suppressed it."

She saw the question in my eyes, "From what you have told me, she was violated by foul creatures and that would have been an unheard embarrassment to the royal family as she would be seen as soiled and unworthy. She has not emerged from seclusion following her return, so they must be hiding her away and your story could be one reason why. Your participation in these events would not have been appreciated, even if you were the one responsible for her freedom and return to us.

"I fear that if your identity and location becomes known, you will disappear as well, most likely without the family informing Princess Lilliniatha of your appearance."

I looked at her as she focused inward for a few minutes. "And what are your thoughts?" I quietly asked. "What are you going to do?"

Her attention returned to me, "I am not sure. I do not know the Princess, but like many, I was overjoyed at her return and was wondering why she did not return to public view. Now I know, but I also have to wonder if she will ever be allowed to appear in public again. While she may have been violated by foul creatures, it does not change who she is.

"I was one of the healers that healed your body and removed the Drow's poison. The healing wasn't easy for you or for us, but it did give us a glimpse into who you are. Our Lady's healing powers do not just address the body, but also your soul. If you had not been worthy, she would not have lent her strength to our efforts and you would not have been healed. We all saw your innate goodness, compassion, mental steel and determination. We all also saw that you had loved before but time and distance have been cruel, although the love was not diminished. We also saw something that seemed to smother that love, which I now know was elven magic robbing you of your memories. This I cannot forgive, that we, the Ealdear would be so cruel to one who had done so much for the Princess."

She paused again and I could see her make a decision, "I will help you. I'll do what I can to get you near the Royal Family and maybe even send word to Princess Lilliniatha that you are nearby. It will not be an easy journey and I cannot guarantee success as it is unusual for non-elves to visit the palace. I do have some friends who are priestesses of Lillian at the capital temple. Maybe they can help."

At this point I was overtaken by yawns. I was still feeling weak from my wounds and the Drow poison. That night I dreamed... We had succeeded in fleeing the castle, yet the memory of who we were had not returned. My companion was exhausted, but she never flagged as we hurriedly slipped through the forest to put as much space between us and the castle before the inevitable search for us began. Her pointed ears and silver hair marked her as elven royalty, but neither of us knew where she came from or who she might be. That night, huddled together for warmth, we made love for the first time without the influence of the evil mage controlling our lust. Her muted cry into the night sky was for me only as I thrust and deposited my seed into her womb. After months of trials, I finally brought her back to her kin. They almost killed me for despoiling their princess, but her love stayed their hand. Their magic brought back our memories of who we were. Her final act before they took her away was to kiss my forehead and murmur, "For your reward my love, if you need a boon, say 'succor me' and think of me. Whatever your desire shall be....now sleep." I felt something bloom behind my eyes, a bright feeling of light that faded with my consciousness. In my dream I awoke, the memories of her face and the events of the last month fading away. I returned home and took up my life again, but for years there was a hole in my memory that even dreams could not overcome. But tonight I dreamed of the castle, the escape and most of our journey, but I could not at first remember Lilliniatha. I felt the ache of the loss of her love, but knew not the reason. As I took up my duties, I always sought the source of my pain. The slow return of my full memory was agony as what I had lost slowly returned to me. I dreamed.

I woke, covered in sweat, my face wet with tears in memory of Lilliniatha. I struggled out of the bed and washed my face in the water closet.

Briannan swept into the room, "You are awake. Good. Our High Priestess would like to speak with you."

I was soon ushered into the presence of the temple's High Priestess, who introduced herself as Khynnia.

"Jacq, I have prayed to Lillian about you and she has answered my prayers. She is unhappy that one that is named after her is being held against her will. She is also unhappy with the Royal Family's attitude towards Lilliniatha. How can she be considered sullied if she was forced against her will, yet still retain the goodness in her soul?"

I could only nod along. High Priestess Khynnia radiated a certain strength of presence. I could almost feel the Goddess within her.

"She wants you to help Lilliniatha and for us to help you. We will smuggle you into the capital's Temple to Lillian with a note of introduction to the High Priestess that rules that temple. The High Priestess has almost unlimited access to the palace and the Royal Family. She will be able to get word to the Princess."

And like that I was whisked off to join a caravan headed to the capital. The journey through the elven lands was awe inspiring as the road wound through a towering forest. The ancient giants thrust their way to the sky, their thick canopy only allowing a dappled light to penetrate, so the undergrowth around the trees was sparse. I was told we were approaching the capital and the forest became broken up with fruit orchards and fields of wheat.

I was able to travel openly as while humans this deep in the elven lands were unusual, it wasn't unheard of. Once I reached the capital, I was led to a nice inn. A male elven mage met me in my room and cast a glamour over me. Looking in a mirror, I was very surprised to see a young elven maid staring back at me, dressed in the robes of novice to Lillian. I was taken to the Temple to Lillian in a horse drawn carriage as walking through the streets was deemed too risky as some elves could see glamours. At the Temple I was taken to see the High Priestess in her chambers.

When I left the public portion of the temple, the elven mage stopped me and dismissed the glamour. He then departed and I followed a young priestess through the temple. I was worldly and well-traveled, but the temple took my breath away. It was ornate, but not gaudy like some human temples I had visited. The stone walls were covered in delicate frescoes of fired glass, paintings, sculptures and other forms of art, all portraying various aspects of elven life. I could see their love of the beauty in the wilder parts of the world through their art. I was enthralled and almost disappointed when I was led to the High Priestess's chamber door.

The door was opened and I was announced, my escort leaving at that point. The sitting room was sparsely, but elegantly furnished. The High Priestess rose from the chair she had been seated in, my attention immediately becoming focused on her. I had thought Briannan to be beautiful, the artworks in the temple to be beyond words, but the High Priestess put them to shame. There was a delicate feel about her, her slight build, modest chest and elegantly sculpted face. However, it was her large, green almond-shaped eyes that drew me in and I could see the fire within.

I was struck speechless until she smiled, "Oh Jacq, have you lost your tongue? Have you been struck dumb by something that you saw?"

With a start, I shook off the paralysis, "No My Lady, I was just attempting to compose an ode to your great beauty, but alas, words alone cannot describe you."

The High Priestess's peal of laughter was shocking in its suddenness. "Oh...oh my gods! Lilliniatha was right! You are a smooth talker!"

"W..wait. Lilliniatha told you about me?"

"Oh course, we grew up together and have been best friends for centuries. I was heartbroken when she was taken from us and disappeared. I was over the moon when I heard she had been rescued and had finally returned."

She paused and I could see her reminiscing. "It took months before I was able to see her after her return and even longer before I was able to see her in private and finally get her story."

She regarded me for long seconds, "She still loves you, you know. She was heartbroken when they took your memories and left you behind, but she had been through a great trauma, both body and soul, and could not counter the decision. It took a long time for us to bring peace to her inner spirit.

"But forgive me, I've been rude to a guest. I'm Rihyala, High Priestess to Lillian."

I bowed, "My Lady, it is truly an honor to meet you." I looked her in the eyes, "I want to see Lilliniatha again and if she is being secluded in the palace against her will, I intend to spirit her away."

"Good, she did say you had a core of steel in you." She paused again, "You know that this will not be easy, getting the Princess out of the palace and out of the realm."

"I do, but I have a couple of ideas. This won't be the first time I've had to spirit someone out of a castle and sneak them out of the kingdom. In fact, I've done this for Lilliniatha already! I'll need some help and some elves willing to put themselves in harms way for the Princess." Rihyala made a 'come-on' gesture. "We'll need some decoys. One to delay discovery of her absence and several others to lay false trails once her absence is discovered. We'll also need a guide to show us the way to human lands, preferably by a not too obvious route. I would rather do this whole thing without violence."

I could see Rihyala consider my vague plan, "Here's what we will do, my young human." I internally bristled at the comment, but I knew that my 30 years were nothing compared to her centuries of life. "I will arrange for Lilliniatha to come to the temple for a spiritual retreat to cleanse her soul. It should not be too hard to convince the King. A two-day retreat can turn into a week and maybe even two weeks. I have an acolyte that bears some resemblance to the Princess and she can be used to put in an appearance on occasion. This should delay suspicion from forming if I can convince their Highnesses that progress is being made to the so-called 'stain on her soul'."

Rihyala muttered something under her breath in Elvish, something I took to be obscene. In a more normal voice, she continued, "That will give you a huge jumpstart to your escape. I'll have some novices lay false trails. Even if they are caught by the Kings Guard, they will not be harmed."

"And you? Will any penalties fall upon you for your role in this?"

"Most likely not. My authority and power are not drawn from secular sources. Any hand the King raises against me risks the disfavor of Lillian. If you succeed, it will be seen as a reflection of her Will. If you fail, then we all may suffer. It matters not, the Princess should be allowed to seek her own way."

"Good, let's do this."

I had some preparations to make while High Priestess Rihyala got word to the Princess and arranged for her to take a spiritual retreat. Soon enough arrangements were made and I was told Lilliniatha was headed to the temple.

It turns out that Rihyala has a bit of a practical joker streak in her. To meet Lilliniatha, I was dressed in a heavy, hooded robe that obscured my features and waited for her in a chamber deep within the temple complex. I was growing nervous as the time for our reunion grew nearer. Despite what Rihyala said, what if she didn't love me anymore? What if she didn't want to leave?

These thoughts were driving me crazy and I could feel myself spiraling through the uncharacteristic self-doubt. The opening of the chamber door caused these thoughts to flee as an utter vision of beauty entered the room. Lilliniatha strode into the room, followed by Rihyala. I saw an elegant eyebrow raise in surprise as she regarded my hooded form.

"Rihyala, who is this? I thought you were bringing me to meet someone important."

I reached up and pulled the hood back from my face, revealing my features to Lilliniatha's searching gaze. With a shriek of joy, she launched herself into my arms, her legs wrapping around my waist as I grabbed her in surprise. She grabbed my head and was kissing me passionately while simultaneously murmuring, "My love! My love!"

I could only repeat her name as I kissed her back. In my peripheral vision, I saw Rihyala withdraw from the room, closing the door behind her.

I turned and carried Lilliniatha to a soft couch in the back of the chamber, gently laying her down. She held me and drew me down on top of her.

There were tears in Lilliniatha's eyes as she whispered to me, "Oh, my love, my lover! Jacq, I never thought I would see you again."

"I know, I despaired of ever finding you! When you were taken from me, I wandered for a long time until my memories started to return. Once they did, I started to search for you, but I couldn't track you down." I gently poked her side, "You damn elves are so closed and will rarely talk to outsiders. I didn't even know which elven realm you belonged to!"

She put a finger to my lips, "Shut up and love me!"

I smiled and kissed her deeply. Our initial coupling was frantic as we ripped off our clothes. She hooked her legs behind my back and drew me to her, guiding my cock to her wet womanhood. I smoothly pushed into her pink folds and as I fully sheathed myself within her, she orgasmed with a scream.

"Ohhh gods, fuck me, Jacq! Fuck me hard!" As her pussy spasmed around my member, I flipped her onto her knees and pushed back into her, pounding into her in my lust. I felt the familiar trembling in her limbs as she neared another orgasm, so I reached around and mashed her clit, wringing another tremendous orgasm out of her. Her tunnel clenched my dick and I released within her, filling her with my hot ejaculate. Lilliniatha mewled her contentment as I collapsed on top of her. I shifted us until I spooned behind her on the couch. As I nuzzled at her neck and fondled her breasts, I absentmindedly wondered if our mingled fluids would ruin the expensive couch as they leaked out of her.

After a short recovery period, she turned to face me and stroked me hard again. "Love me, Jacq!" she commanded. Our lovemaking was slow and passionate as we reconnected, our souls bonding through the passion we shared.

By next morning our preparations to leave were complete. We knew that we could not tarry at the temple as we didn't know how long the deception would hold up. I knew that we needed some simple, but effective disguises while on the road. Lilliniatha could cast glamours that would easily hide us, but they were also detectable by powerful enough elves. She and Rihyala were shocked when I suggested a mundane black hair dye to cover up her distinctive silver mane. Lilliniatha was very proud of her hair as only elven royalty had naturally silver hair and it took a few minutes to convince her. A change in hairstyle and a bit of makeup made her almost unrecognizable unless she were to run into someone who knew her well.