The sun began to streak in through the narrow window in the stonewall. I shivered and blinked, slowly waking up and pulling my fur blanket closer to my chin. Finally I felt ready to get up. Crossing the cold stone floor, I stared down into a basin of water, which was so still that I saw my reflection quite clearly. I combed my hair with a boar's bristle brush, allowing my fingers to brush across my pointed ears. I smiled at myself. Then I pulled a robe of delicate, glistening fabric over my head and adjusted the gold band the encircled my head and dark hair. A glance out the window revealed an already active kingdom full of magic and hard but happy workers.
My little silk slippers barely made a noise on the stairs as I descended, noticing all the old cracks beneath my feet. Out of boredom as I went I touched my nipples, noticing that they showed through my gowns. I felt like a sensual creature and wondered if any wandering knights would grace the elf palace this day. I had been unusually lonely lately, but not painfully so, for I was happy working my magic and helping my old father rule his people. But it had been so long since I had fancied a man or another elf, or any other creature for that matter. Several years ago, when I was 18, a wandering elf from a small village across the mountains had stayed in our town for a while. He enchanted me with his mischievous smile, long delicate fingers, and searching eyes. I visited him at night, and sometimes during the day. We lay together like petals on the same flower, our skin tingling with the passion that passed between us as we joined together in growth. Just his breathing had made my heart race. He was a wanderer though, and chose to move on. Now I was 21, and was becoming anxious to explore the world and perhaps become an adventurer.
Later in the morning, my thoughts proved to be prophetic, for I heard hoof beats outside. I stepped out onto a balcony and discreetly watched a huge bay horse clatter to a sudden stop. Wearing chain mail and leather, the rider was young and strong. I could tell by his movements. His hair was almost black, and it was tangled from a fight, perhaps. I smiled as I imagined him battling an evil foe. Quickly I ran down to the throne room and stood beside my father, the elfin king. As I knew he would, the young man entered, walking slowly and painfully. He had round ears and solid figure. A human⦠He knelt before my father and said, "My name is Arius. I fought the trolls in Groveland and have fled to this place..."
Father cut him off and said, "Are you wounded, Arius?"
"I am, my lord. I don't think it's serious."
"Breena, could you attend to Arius? There is a fresh store of herbs and poultices in the healing room cupboard."
He spoke to me. I nodded and boldly touched Arius's chin, then his hand, causing him to rise and follow me. I tried to walk elegantly. I led him down several corridors and then into a room with an open roof and luxurious pillows spread on the flat rocks that served as beds around the room. There was a fountain at one end and a glittering tree at the other. I bade him lie down on a bed.
"Where is your wound?" I asked him quietly.