Warring Nations {Closed}

[Elvenoff1]

“NO!” Screamed Nara while she pushed off with her legs propelling her into the air just enough for her to swept her legs around hooking the sub-commanders legs into her own and tripping the unsuspecting Leneria. Within seconds Nara’s arrow was airborne and on target. It had only one purpose and one purpose only, to stop the death of the one she loved. It hit with a thud that she herself heard as the arrow buried itself half way into his chest.

Eyes cleared, madness gone, his objective that he was to accomplish returned to him. The realization and shame of what he has done hit him just as hard as the arrow that struck him in the chest. His eyes dropped down from staring at the princess to the arrow that protruded from his chest. It was one of Nara’s. A small smile came to his face as he realized that she kept her word. Blood flowed out from the corner of his mouth as he looked back to the Princess, “Please forgive me…Princess.” His body fell forward with a thud upon the hard ground.

Leneria pressed herself up and twisted about toward Nara only to come to a position of eye to arrow point. “Sub-commander, I would reconsider your actions. I have already killed one of my kind so do not make me kill another one.” Her tone was cold. Her stare held the sickle of the Grim Reaper. Her heart screamed out wanting to run to Xia, but her warrior training held out for there would be plenty of time to be with her when the situation is under control.

Commander Ri’ven’s hand shot up into the air giving the hand signal to cease all hostilities. He quickly moved over to where Mikel laid and took a knee. “Commander?” his hand moving to the commanders neck searching for a pulse. His eyes shot up to Xia, “Princess, you are not in harm’s way anymore. Do you still have the healing powers that all Drow priestess have?” He looked upon her with his deep blue orbs. “I know he has brought fear and hatred toward you, but I believe what you said about him not being himself. So if you can find it in yourself and if you still have the power. I request for your assistance in saving his life.”

“Sub-commander Nara. I have my orders from my commander to cease all hostilities in which I will obey. There is no threat coming from me.” She dropped the dagger and rose her hands up in surrender. “Nara.” Leneria’s voice trying to calm Nara down. “I yield you to.” She stared at the point of the arrow and wondered if she was going to meet the same fate as Commander Mikel has.

Nara lowered her bow but kept it notched, “Rise and move over to the others.” She followed the tall, slim elven sub-commander. Her fiery red hair was pulled back into a ponytail which fell well below her shoulder blade. Her shamrock orbs darted about the area as she moved toward Ri’ven. Her mind wondering what was going on for Nara to attack and kill her commander, but that would be reveled later if they survived this cursed land.

“Xia!” Nara’s voice fluttered upon there arrival. “I’m so sorry.” She continued as she pushed the sub-commander toward commander Ri’ven. “I would have stopped him sooner if I wasn’t interrupted by our guests.” her eyes boring a first time hatred of her kind. “Is he dead?” her face showing her anger and hurt, “IF not let him.” her words brought looks from both Ri’ven and Leneria.

[Annisthyrienne]

Xia felt the rush of air as the arrow’s fletching skimmed past her outstretched hand, striking Mekil squarely in his chest. The sudden shocking turn of events brought a shriek to her dusky lips. She stared on shock as he asked her forgiveness at the last moment, just before he pitched forward, nearly falling on her semi prone body.

Xia was stunned into immobility at what she’d just seen. Too much death this night, too many needless casualties, all in the name of this elusive peace they tried to convince her was possible. This…this was not peace. This was just pain and suffering, murder and death. Drow had turned upon Elf, and then Drow had turned upon Drow. Now Elf had turned upon Drow, and then Elf upon Elf. It was all madness!

Xia’s feelings were a turmoil of conflict: anger, fear, sorrow, relief. And through it all, she knew that not all of the feelings were her own. The bond with Nara was making it hard to think clearly as she was inundated with the highly passionate emotions of the elf warrioress.

Xia’s moonlight eyes locked to the still form of Mekil, this man who only hours before had spoken to her of the possibility of peace between their people, and only moments before had held her death in his eyes and heart. She trembled, hands shaking as if palsied with the adrenaline from all she’d been through this night.

The newcomer elf spoke to her, but his words at first could not get through her confusion. But at last she realized he wanted her to help Mekil if she could. Her eyes met his sapphire blue pools and she nodded slightly, her lip visibly quivering, her horror evident in the haunted look in her eyes.

“Y-yes, I will try to help, in the name of peace. I will do what I can for him,” she said as her eyes fell upon the nearby body of one of her own soldiers, “…if my goddess has not forsaken me for what I’ve done this night.” Her voice choked on a sob, but she clamped her lips shut and turned the Commander’s body over gently.

Unfastening his clothing around the protruding arrow, her fingers visibly trembling, she closed her eyes to concentrate. She wasn’t sure she could help him. She hadn’t even been able to heal her own wounds yet, and she could feel the growing warm stickiness along her ribs as the blood seeped from the stitches she had torn open in her desperate scramble to save her own life from Mekil’s anger and madness. But she blocked out the distraction of her own wounds, ignoring the growing stain in the blouse she wore.

Her shoulders stooped with fatigue. The night and preceding day had cost her dearly. She suffered from two wounds, weakening her own body. And the severe emotional roller coaster she’d been through with the abduction, the attack on the elves and stabbing of Nara, her healing efforts to save the sub commander’s life, and then the murder and combat with her own men, and now this, had all taken a toll on her. She gathered what desperate strength she had left and prepared to beseech her goddess for the power to heal her enemy. Would She listen to her prayers, Xia wondered, after what she had done?

As if answering her question with a sign, Nara’s voice intruded upon her thoughts. “Let him die!” The words echoed in her troubled mind over and over, and Xia felt the hateful sentiment from her Bonded One. Would that be the outcome then? Would this plan for peace end in the mockery of hatred of one’s own kind as well as one’s enemies? Would all of this be for nothing, Xia wondered? Could she let it end that way?

“No.” she murmured softly, almost too quietly to hear. Her eyes opened as she looked up, meeting Nara’s gaze with her own tear filled silver orbs. “I can’t let this dream die with him, Nara. If there is a chance for our people at all, yours and mine, I must try. I must know I did all that I could to make a world where we can be together, where we will not have to be consumed by hate or forever pursued by our own people, clamoring for our death.”

She turned her focus deeply inward, praying earnestly. For long moments, nothing seemed to happen. Then she felt a stirring of power, just a little, and channeled it into Mekil’s damaged body, pushing it with all the strength she had left. She visualized his wound closing, muscle tissue mending, bleeding slowing and then stopping. Her slender frame swayed, wavering as she poured her own remaining strength into her enemy. She hoped it would be enough as the darkness of unconsciousness swam up to engulf her and she slumped forward over his prone body.

[Elvenoff1]

Commander Ri’ven nodded his understanding of Xia’s situation. He didn’t know much about the clerical aspects and what it requires to stay in good with one’s deity, but it was obvious to him that she felt that she had crossed the line and was no longer favored by her god. He has witnessed the taunt path that priest and priestess must walk to stay in commune with their god, something he respected them for, their strength in faith.

His gaze drifted down from her to the pale colored fallen comrade. He never knew Mikel in person, but has heard the many tales of his battle heroics. Now to learn that his brilliant mind was shattered by the hands of the drow brought a sense of unnecessary loss to him. The war has been long and hard, many lives are being lost on both sides, and what has been accomplished except the loss of life? Nothing. His mind answered quickly, and if this person, this princess has even a remote chance of bringing this blood bathing war to an end then so be it.

His stare moved from Mikel to Xia as she spoke to Nara, His eyes held the gratefulness of her even attempting to heal the one that only moments ago wanted her dead. She must be the one that will bring an end to this war.

NO, came the whispering words from Xia lips, killing Nara’s demand of letting him die. Her head lowered upon hearing the rest of what Xia had to say. “He doesn’t hold the key to bringing peace between our people.” She looked up meeting the silvery orbs of Xia, “You do.” Her retorted feelings softened upon noticing the tear filled eyes of her love. “I’m.” She fell silent upon seeing Xia turn back toward Mikel and began the healing ritual.

Taking a few steps back she pauses a few moments to take in the beauty of Xia before turning toward the Sub-commander, “So tell me sub-commander, Why are you out here? Did the King send you out here to stop us?.. It’s no secret that the King and the Prince had their quarrels about this and the King forbade this to happen so I ask you again did the King send your company out here to stop us.” Her hand slowly pulling back on the string of her bow.

Leneria turned to face Nara, “No, The King didn’t send us, Nara.” Her gleam in her eyes hard. Still upset that she was taken down by a younger warrior. Her gaze drifted down to Ri’ven as if asking him if that was the right thing to say. His nodding of his head allowed her to return her gaze to Nara.

Nara shook her head in disbelief, “Then tell me who sent you for the Centurion Guard only answers and obeys the Royal family. So if not the King whom sent you out here and why?” She knew something was wrong for the prince wouldn’t send them so that only pointed to the king. She pulled back a little more on the already taunt bowstring.

Ri’ven looked up at her, “Sub-commander Nara. That would be unwise to continue to notch your bow.” His tone still soft and non-taunting. “We are on the same side and in the same situation. Our company of men like yours have fallen pray to the overwhelming forces of the Drow in this area. We don’t have time to fight among ourselves. All will be told when the time is right. Leneria and I are not a threat to you, but the Drow are and they are in the area. We must leave when the Princess is done with her…” His words end when Xia falters forward unconscious…

“XIA!” Nara dropping everything and complete ignoring Ri’ven and Leneria. She kneels down beside her and scoops her body up to hers. Her hand coming to rest upon her cheek. “Xia, please..” Tears build up in her eyes. She jerks back in a protective nature upon seeing Ri’ven hand coming across her arm and touching the princesses’ throat.

“She is ok, her pulse is strong, she just fainted from all the stress of the healing process. I have seen this before in the hall of priests.” he looked at her and seen something he didn’t understand but now wasn’t the time for all would be answered later. “Come Nara, I give you my word as a Centurion Guard commander that you and Xia are safe from harm as long as Leneria and I draw breathe.” his hand clasping into a fist and crossing over his chest. “We must go now.”
Nara looked at him and with his word given and the Centurion salute of truth, she nodded. “Commander, There is something I must tell you about Xia and I…. We or I am in love …” She stopped when he raised his hand and replied, “Later commander, all will be answered later when we are in a better position.” She nodded. Her gaze falling down to her love, “I will take care of you. You have my word.” Her hand following the Centurion salute of truth.

She helped Leneria and Ri’ven load up the carts with supplies and equipment. Her gaze shifted between the two as they picked up the healed but unconscious Mikel and placed him into the cart. She warded off them when they came to take Xia. “I have her.” Nara spoke as she picked up the princess and placed her body next to the Commanders. “I love you.” She whispered as she gave one last glance at her before moving up to the front of the wagon…

Small white clouds and blue skies welcomed him as he opened his eyes. “Am I in the Fields of Elvenoria?” his soft tone rang out. The rumbling of the wagon answered his question quickly. He turned his head meeting the gaze of Xia…

[Annisthyrienne]

Throughout the morning, as the cart jolted and jostled, Xia slept, recovering from the exhaustion to which her wounds and her efforts to save her enemy had driven her. It was a much needed respite from the tension danger and stress that she had been subjected to since her abduction.

Finally with the sun beating down upon her prone form,, she began to slowly rise through the fog of fatigue fueled unconsciousness. In the moments just prior to her awakening, her mind attempted to resolve the unusual events of the past day and night. Her enemies had taken her from her home. Yet one had more than befriended her, had even become willing to lay down her own life, go against her own kind, to protect Xia. And then there was the complication of the Bonding, if that’s truly what it was. Her mind trying to make sense of things that made no sense, Xia dreamed.

In her dream, she was back in the hot mineral water of the bathing pool, enjoying a healing soak. She was not alone, she sensed, but it wasn’t clear who the other presence was. Whoever it was stood behind her, massaging her silken tresses with the foamy suds of the crushed Bellatrix mushrooms. It felt so good; so relaxing and sensual! Xia moaned softly under her breath, sure that it was one of the palace attendants seeing to her needs. Slick suds covered hands massaged her shoulders and back, relaxing her further and providing the pleasure of the slippery touch on her dusky skin.

Those softly massaging hands moved around under her arms to cup and hold her breasts, the fingers finding her stiffening nipples and plucking between forefingers and thumbs. Xia gasped slightly at the unexpected pleasure. It was quite forward and presumptuous of her bather to help themselves to the person of one of the royal family, she thought. This impertinent would-be lover should probably be taught a lesson in manners, Xia thought. But there was no rush. The discipline could wait, and she was enjoying the pleasure of it.

Xia glanced down.....and stiffened at the sight of pale skinned hands on her breasts. She turned to see who it was that held her. Her eyes alit on the visage of hazel eyes, a familiar face of a High Elf she should not know, but did....intimately. With a smile, she melted into the awaiting arms of her enemy Bonded One, her own dark limbs moving to caress the bare chest of her one true desire. "Oh Nara.....make love to me, Nara!" Xia whispered in High Elvish, her Drow accent making the entreaty sound more exotic.

But something wasn't right.

Her hands caressed not naked womanly breasts, but the firm muscled chest of a bandaged warrior. Xia wondered what had happened to her lover, that she should be bandaged. She moved closer into the embrace of her pale lover, even as her mind began to swim upwards through the murky depths of her dream state, towards the surface of wakening. Her silvery moon eyes opened to behold the surprised and confused face of Commander Mekil, whose bandaged chest her dark hands had been caressing.

In her sleep she had partially turned towards him, her soft dark thigh moving to drape over his, between his legs. Her softly murmured words of love apparently had been spoken loud enough to have drawn the curious stare of Leneria, who had been walking along beside the cart. Xia drew back quickly, wincing as the sudden movement made her wounds hurt. Her long silky lashes formed a white line across her dark face as her gaze turned downward, embarrassed. Though she was dressed, her hand raised to her bosom, as if to shield herself from Mekil's stare.

The twinge of pain at her sudden movement reminded her of her unhealed wounds, and she placed a dark palm over the wound, applying her healing efforts to herself almost without conscious thought. Another moment's work had the arrow wound in her shoulder healed as well. She needed something to do to cover her embarrassment at what she had done, after all. As she healed her wounds, she wondered if the words she had spoken in her dream had slipped out in reality. Risking a quick glance at Mekil's expression, she feared that they had.

She tried to cover her embarrassment by looking around at the surroundings, trying to figure out where they were. They were still traveling, the bump and jar of the wagon evidence that they traveled with haste. She spotted landmarks she recognized, and deduced they were still in Drow territory, though heading west. Perhaps this meant that Nara had given them the directions for the western pass through the mountains. But as long as they were in Drow territory, they all were in danger. Surely the dead Drow soldiers would have been discovered by now, and if not, then the High Elf soldiers that had been killed. And had her ears deceived her before, or had the newcomers mentioned that they too lost their soldiers?

Xia took the opportunity to look over the other two High Elves, wondering why they had come. She had been concentrating on her healing while Nara had questioned them before about why they had been sent, so she had no suspicion of them, other than that they were the enemy of her people. But then again, so was she now that she'd killed her own kind. The blonde haired Commander had asked her to help Mekil, knowing that he had just tried to kill her. She liked that he seemed willing to trust her. Had she truly been an assassin as Mekil suspected, she could easily have ended him, even right in front of the others. But something about these High Elves and their hopes for peace intrigued her. Since the Bonding with Nara, she had been trying to keep her empathy shielded, and so had not tried to read the newcomers. But they seemed to be in earnest about the plan.

Her silver eyes studied them in passing, though she was too embarrassed to meet those of the one called Leneria after her earlier slip of the tongue. At last her eyes alit upon Nara, the one elf among them who she hoped for closer contact. She was walking along just behind the wagon and surely must have heard and seen what had happened with Mekil. Nara's expression was dark, and Xia didn't need her empathy sense to know that Nara wasn't happy.

Xia glanced once at Mekil, making sure his wound was no longer threatening his life. She saw no sign of bleeding on his bandage, nor pain on his face, only the consternation of having awoken in the arms of an aroused enemy. Xia shook her head. He'd just have to get over it. She would have to do the same, beginning now. Xia slipped from the wagon, stumbling a little as her feet his the trail, then falling into step beside Nara. She could feel Leneria's eyes upon her, watching. Whether out of suspicion because of her race, or because of curiosity as to what she had murmured in her sleep, Xia couldn't hazard a guess. Xia kept her eyes downcast, but as she walked along beside Nara, one slender dark hand slipped into a pale fingered mate, the simple contact bringing much needed comfort and reassurance. Xia's future seemed so uncertain, but holding Nara's hand in hers made her feel as though she could face it no matter what it would bring.

[Elvenoff1]

The sensation of her fingers traveling lightly across his chest, the perking of his nipples, and the hardness of his manhood responding to the feel of her leg between his inner thigh remained even after she pulled away from him. Her face showing evidence that what she was doing was even a surprise to her, but was even more evident to that fact was the words that she whispered. ‘Nara, make love to me.’

‘What is this?’ his inner voice questioned as his eyes darted about noticing every wonderful curve that her face held. The burning and yarning for her touch still loomed heavy upon him while he looked into her surprised eyes. “Xia?” he whispered under his breath, his hands slowly rising wanting to touch her. He at this moment didn’t care about what had transpired between them earlier for the burning was eating at him and the only thing he wanted was to feel her body against him one more time. He wanted to feel the smoothness of her legs and the heat of her hands gliding across his flesh. But what he got was a wisp of air as Xia moved away and off the wagon her body went. His gaze following after her.

The feeling of abandonment pitted itself in the depth of his gut, bringing forth a tint of anger and jealousy to him. His eyes locked upon the frame of Nara, the one that Xia has set her heart upon and wondered what was the unseen force that brought these two together as they were? One that would sway them to turn their back against their own kind. Was it the wanting of Peace? NO, for he himself wanted this peace as well but he would never turn his back upon his own kind then the whispered words of Xia filled his mind once more, ‘Nara make love to me.’ Lust? Desire? No that couldn’t be it for he himself lusted for the touch of the Drow Princess, but that in itself would not be strong enough for him to turn his back against his kin nor even attempt to kill them. His hand moved up to the bandaged up wound where Nara’s arrow pierced his armor and threatened to take his life, no it was more than lust and desire, it was Love which seemed very odd to him for them being of the same sex, but the evidence was not before his eyes as he watched Xia take Nara’s hand.

He removed his gaze from them to the two new members of his party Commander Ri’ven and his Sub-Commander Leneria. He wondered what they were doing here and where were their soldiers. His head turned about looking to see if there were others. A small cringe in his stomach arose upon his deducting that they were the only survivors of their company as well. How many more lives are going to be lost to this damn war? He wondered while his gaze recaptured the frame of Xia and Nara walking hand in hand.

Hard eyes bore down upon the two occupants of the cart as if they held the answers to all of the worlds troubles and tributes. A small tinge of rebuttal swept across Leneria while she watched the caressing hand of the Drow move over the commander as if he was the love of her life. Her leg nestled between his thighs, her body pressed up against him all indicating that she was in the state of arousal. “Typical male.” hissed Leneria upon catching the rising manhood of the commander. She pulled her gaze away from the fondling for she herself began to feel a little heat building up inside of her, but then the world was turned upside down when she heard the erotic tone of Xia asking for Nara to make love to her. Her head whipped back around to gaze upon the Princess with questioning eyes. “What?” she whispered, but the only answer she got was Xia’s embarrassed eyes turning away from her and tending to commander’s wounds. She was about to ask once more when Xia pulled away and darted from the wagon. Her eyes followed the retreating Xia till she reached her destination. Nara.

‘What was going on around here?’ she whispered to herself. One moment Mekil wants the so called assassin killed then the next moment they are hot within each others arms, only to bring about a whisper of passion for another. She shook her head in confusion, but was even more intrigued in the after actions of the princess as she retreated to Nara and took her hand into her own. Now it began to make sense. She put Nara’s attack upon the commander, her words of wanting the commander to die, the passionate whispering of the princess and now the taking the hand of a loved one for comfort. It all came to light now , Nara and the Princess were in love. A smile came across her face as if a weight had been lifted from her chest for it was exactly that, for now she knew Nara’s betrayal wasn’t for power or greed of wanting to side with the Drow, but for the love that she had for this drow in which brought up another big problem…The Princess was to be wedded to the Prince to bring this peace. How would Nara deal with this? Her gaze remained locked upon the two while she played out all the possible outcomes and none of them ended well for the two of them. She slowly pulled her gaze away to the man that she loved and wondered how she would react if he was promised to another…

‘Please! Stop…’ Nara’s wounded voice whispered out in pain while her eyes watched the caressing hand of her lover touching the chest of the man that wanted to kill her. The man that attempted to separate them and here she was fondling him. The pain, the rage, the feeling of betrayal swept unmercifully across her. She swallowed hard, attempting to force the emotions down to a controllable level, but that failed miserably as she clenched her fist, fighting the urge to move up and yank Xia away from the commander, but that urge came to an end when Xia pulled away from him and moved off of the wagon. She wondered if Xia caught the angered gaze of hers or was it just not the right time for them to indulge themselves with each other.

She lowered her head not wanting to meet the gaze of Xia as she approached. She didn’t want her to see the pain nor the anger that was evident in her eyes. Her body trembled from the emotions that were rampaging through her veins. She shuddered when she felt the soft fingers of Xia clasping her hand for they instantly brought the love and wanting emotions to war with the anger and pain. She felt so lost and confused with what she just witnessed and what was occurring now. Did she think that all would be okay for her to give herself to another? Was she expected to allow others to touch and be touched by her? No! The jealousy and anger won as she pulled her hand away..

“What the hell was that?. “ her tear-filled eyes raised upward from the ground. “Do you love him? Or is it just natural for Drow to fuck their en…” she stopped herself from saying the enemy word for she herself only a few days ago were enemies. She shook her head in confusion. “Xia, I …” She swallowed hard, “I can’t do this!” She backed away tears now falling, “If I can’t have you for myself then I do not wish to live.” Her fingers glided over the cold pommel of her dagger. “If you wish to be with him tell me now!” her voice raised bringing everyone’s attention to what was going on…

[Annisthyrienne]

Xia stepped back in surprise at Nara's reaction, hit full force as she was with the intensity of the emotions Nara was projecting. Xia could shield herself from the feelings of the others, as long as she kept her guard up. But there was no way to shield herself from the feelings of her Bonded One, as she now discovered. Nara's anger had a raw edge to it that made Xia wince. She opened her mouth to answer, but Nara continued, her voice getting more desperate. Xia glanced around, realizing everyone was now watching them. Even Commander Ri'ven had stopped the wagon and was looking back over his shoulder at them.

Xia replied, "Nara, it's not like that. I was dreaming of you. I didn't know what I was doing until I awoke!" Xia felt the desperation to make Nara understand. "Besides, it doesn't work that way. I have no choice now, and neither do you. For as long as my people have known about the Bonding, no one has ever resisted it successfully. Like it or not, we are Bonded, and you can't just decide not to participate."

Xia knew that the High Elves wouldn't understand, so she tried to explain. "It has been decades since any Bonding has taken place that I know of. It has always been such a rare thing; the scholars of my people believed it to be merely a quaint remnant from the past, even as serious as it was for those affected by it. No one can resist the Bond. To try to live without one's Bonded One is folly. It would be a life of misery and sorrow. You may not like it, Nara, but you are stuck with me."

Leneria stepped closer, unable to pretend that she didn't overhear the conversation now. "Are you saying that you two are in love? That you are going to be mated somehow? How is that even possible? And besides, you are supposed to marry our prince. How can you be with Sub-Commander Nara?"

Xia stared in confusion for a moment at the woman who had just addressed her. "Wait, I did not agree to marry your prince. I was told that he had a plan for peace between our races. I was taken forcefully from my bath against my will by Commander Mekil's troops, but I later agreed to return with him and Nara to hear this peace proposal from your prince. I have not agreed to wed him." As she spoke, Xia's silken white hair swayed as she shook her head slightly, her equally white brow furrowed in doubt and concern.

"Somehow, during this situation, something has happened which hasn't happened among my people in a long time: a Bonding has occurred. And as if that was not enough, it has occurred between me and Nara. I cannot explain why this should happen between two females, nor why it happened between two who are traditional enemies in war. But it has happened, and it cannot be resisted except by death." She shook her head again at the confused and grim looks on the faces of the elves.

"I should clarify. If Nara were killed, I would suffer terribly from her loss. I am linked to her empathically. But I theorize that the link is mostly on my side perhaps; at least I am unaware that your race possesses the psychic aptitudes that some members of my race have. Even in my race, it’s not a common thing to find. But it runs in my family, and indeed, I have some ability.” Turning to Mekil and Nara, Xia continued, “I mean no insult by this, but in the time I’ve been with you, you haven’t shown any ability to shield your thoughts from me. Your feelings hit me like an onslaught unless I block them from my mind. And so I think that the Bond may have begun on my side of things. But why my mind would link with Nara’s, I don’t know.”

“I think if death claimed me, perhaps Nara could survive and be freed of the burden. I don’t know this for certain. It is only an idea. If the opposite happened and Nara died, I would suffer more than I can describe, and probably would not survive the loss.” As she silently let the information sink in, Xia reached again for Nara’s hand, taking the pale fingers between her own dark ones.

Commander Ri’ven asked, “So because of this ‘bonding’ you cannot marry the prince? Is there to be no peace then? Is the plan all for naught?”

Xia looked at Nara as she answered. “The Bonding does not mean that either of the pair cannot seek other relationships, only that they must find comfort together when their need for each other arises. Naturally there is an emotional bond that develops because of this. But what one feels, the other will feel also. If Nara felt hatred and jealousy of this prince on my behalf, I would feel the same way towards him. It would ruin any chance at a successful marriage. She will have to decide whether she is willing to share me in the name of peace if this marriage is the only way for the war to end. And your prince must be made to understand that it is not possible for Nara and me to be separated now without grave consequences. If this marriage is his plan for peace, he must accept that she must at the very least be allowed to be a lover to me. Among my people it is not an uncommon thing to have multiple relationships. But I do not know your customs.”

Xia looked from one set of Elven eyes to another, at each of her companions in turn. Their look seemed grim and forbidding. She wondered if they would kill her now, in hopes of freeing Nara from the influence of the bonding. She wondered what would happen if they did not. Would there be a place among the elves for her and Nara to be together? There would certainly be no chance among her own kind. That they were both female wouldn’t matter, but her people would never accept a relationship between Elf and Drow. Xia knew that now, with the Bonding, there would be no chance for her to return to her home, even if they did not know of her part in the slaughter of her men.

[Elvenoff1]

Nara’s chest rose and fell with each heavy breath while she attempted to swallow the large lump that formed in her throat from the fury that coursed through her body. The images of her love fondling the commander still thrived within her mind. One hand still clenched in a shaking fist at her side while the other one still felt the smooth coldness of her dagger’s pommel. Her face still held the confessed look of someone still suffering from the burning effects of hurting anger. Tears still filled her eyes while she gazed upon the one that has captured her heart but crushed it at the same time. The soft words of Xia explaining that her actions of fondling was in dreamscape and was focused upon her didn’t ease the pain nor quenched the anger that still held it’s grip upon her. Her gut twisted and turned sending a feeling of nauseates on top of the already overwhelming emotions she was assaulted with.

The words of explanation of the bonding seemed to once again send her over the edge of wondering if this wasn’t the effects of some ancient magic spell that she has fell victim too. Maybe the spell wasn’t cast by Xia but maybe from another wizard that they didn’t see. This thought seemed to cut through the fury of jealousy and anger but sent her into the mist of emotional confusion. “STOP!” she pulled her hand away from Xia once more and took a step back. Her head turned away from Xia to the faces of her companions attempting to gain control of the situation. The emotions that she gathered from the faces was that of dismay and confusion. Her gaze moved back to Xia fixating upon the silvery orbs attempting to once again to detect any misguidance. “If you say that ones under this spell of bonding the emotions are shared between them then tell me why are you not in tears or feel the sickness that clings and turns my stomach? You stand there all calm and under control while I feel as if someone is ripping my inner soul to pieces. My body trembles and aches with pain.” Her gaze pulls away from her once more and falls back to those of her Kind. “I can’t explain how this has happened to me, but I do know that I have never felt this strongly toward anyone before especially a female, but to answer your question Leneria.” her gaze shifts over to her, “Yes, I do love Xia with all my heart, and yes, I would rather die to see her in the arms of someone else. The pain that I feel now from just watching her touch the commander forces me to welcome the grasping clutch of deaths hand.” her gaze moves back to fix upon the silvery orbs of Xia. “Xia!” the pain evident in her face and eyes, “I can’t do this, I cant bring myself to accept someone else touching you, but yet I can’t let our two people pay with their lives in a ludicrous war.” her hand recaptures the cold pommel of her dagger, but then she remembers the words spoken by Xia that she would suffer greatly and more than likely not survive the emotional torment of losing her. “What can we do?” she lowers herself to her knees and weeps for either path she takes there is great loss.

A gentle hand from a warrior hesitantly reaches out to comfort the weeping elven warrior even if she could not understand the bonding, but like Nara Leneria wondered if this wasn’t just some dark magic cast upon them while they made their escape with the princess, or was this a sign from the gods that they tire of this war as well and want it to stop for this was a unique bonding between two enemies and between the same sex. Her gaze momentarily drifted over to Xia, “We have to find a wizard, maybe they know a way to break this bonding so that you can marry the prince and end this war.” even though her statement seemed cold and emotionless she felt the lump of sadness swell up in her throat. “I’m sorry Nara, But as Centurion Guards we took an oath to protect our people regardless of the cost that includes relationships, and more to the extreme, our lives.” She closed her eyes trying to hide the sorrow for the words that had to be spoken. “I’m really sorry.” she slowly backed away from the two. Her gaze moved over to the two commanders in hopes that she would see an easy answer to what now lies before them.

Commander Mekil pushed himself up to a sitting position when Xia once again began to explain how the bonding works and what would be the cost if they were to be separated either by death or force. He didn’t like either outcomes even though just hours ago he wanted Xia dead for he believed she was an assassin, a belief that was conjured due to the mental fatigue and the bashing of his head by the Drow. He met Xia’s gaze with a grim look. “Our ways are strict just like the ways of your people. The princess having an affair with another and that other being a female as well would not settle with the high courts nor with the royal family. “ His head lowered, “We have a choice here, We allow the princess and Nara to go free and hope that maybe they can persuade the Drow to welcome the thought of peace.” his head rises a little, “Or we attempt this wedding as is and see where it leads. I fear that more harm will come going this route, but nothing will work if we don’t put our best efforts forward.

A silent moment came to Ri’ven as he listened to all that Xia had to say. His eyes darted back and forth to each member taking in their expressions and words they added. All was not well and the path that lays before them will not be an easy one, but regardless of what path they walked he was going to be there giving his full support. He looked upon Xia with regret for she may have to pay the ultimate price as well if this goes awry. “Look, We do not hold the choice here to make. Elvenoff is a smart man and moves cautiously. He thinks of all outcomes before making a move. So lets not frail on speculations of how this dark path looks for it may not be dark at all. Let us move forward and get home safely and then we can work on a solution of how to bring peace to our kinds.” he looked at each one with hopes that his words would bring comfort to everyone. He believed in what he said and if the others would do as well, for what should be on everyone’s mind right now is getting home.

[Annisthyrienne]

Xia suppressed a shiver as the waves of feeling rolled off of Nara to assault her. The waves bathed her in an internal heat; not the friendly heat of a warming hearth fire, but the scorching and blistering heat of a raging conflagration. She was clamped down with all the control she had and was barely keeping herself from showing the signs of her struggle, a thing that was considered reprehensible among her kind. To show that one had no control of their feelings was considered to be a barbaric trait. Xia knew that the elves couldn’t help it, but it still astounded her that they wouldn’t even try to control themselves.

Still, as tightly as she tried to control the effects of Nara’s continuously assaulting turmoil, she flinched as if stung by a slap when Nara jerked her hand away again, screaming “STOP!” The contact with Nara had acted as grounding for Xia, to let those intense feelings flow through and dissipate without getting out of control. But with that fragile comfort suddenly ripped away, Xia let go an involuntary shudder as she wrapped her arms around herself as if to hold herself still.

The harsh accusatory words from Nara in the next moment threatened Xia’s fragile grip on her control even more, and for a moment she slipped, lashing out in response. Her normally moon silver eyes flushed red with anger as she bitterly retorted, “It is because I am trying to control myself! I wish, by the Goddess, that YOU would! You elves have all the control over your feelings of a Drow babe!!” Xia bit back further anger and clamped down on her barely existing control again, her hand coming to her lips to ward off the sudden urge to vomit, as if physically expelling the roiling storm of emotion from her body could be possible.

Finally Nara’s further entreaties got through the chaos in Xia’s mind as she slowly regained her composure. The desperation in Nara’s words and voice, the thoughts of her own self destruction broke through to Xia and made her realize how much her Bonded One was suffering. She watched Leneria try to comfort Nara as she knelt on the ground. Xia hesitated in joining her Other, afraid to experience the rejection again if Nara pulled away in anger. Instead she tightened her arms around herself, trying to still the shivers she could feel threatening to wrack her body. She seemed to shrink in on herself, slumping in a way that was decidedly not in keeping with her royal bearing.

“I ask you not to entertain the thoughts of self-destruction, Nara. There has to be a better way than that to deal with this. I don’t have all the answers; I’ve never experienced a Bonding before either. It is a thing almost unheard of among my people, a thing of legends. But I have no explanation for what else this could be. Maybe you are right; maybe a wizard could help somehow. I don’t know. But if you take your life, you doom me as well. And if your comrades are right, you doom our races to continued war. As hard as it may be for us to deal with, we must try.”

Xia’s distracted consciousness rose again in anger at the continued insistence of these elves that she was to marry this prince she’d never met. They all just assumed she was to be his trophy Drow concubine, as if to show his people how easily the Drow could be subjugated. For a moment, her composure slipped as she looked at Mekil and Leneria, and pure hatred shown through her eyes. Hatred for an arrogant princeling that had sent his thugs to kidnap her and haul her back to be his conquest. For a moment, she truly entertained the notion that Mekil had suggested, of murdering this foolish elf prince in his nuptial bed.

Oh, what had she done?!?! She had been lulled into believing that this prince had noble intentions, that he had a plan to end the war. She’d fallen for their lies, even to the point of killing her own people to preserve the fragile hope these elves had filled her with. And now their plan was revealed for the lie it was. Now that she could never go home again, she realized what a fool she’d been to have believed them. And the worst thing of all was that she was now bonded to one of them, and couldn’t leave even if she had come to her senses. A single tear slid from Xia’s eyes and down her dusky cheek, dropping from her chin to stain the dusty ground.

In a small forlorn voice, she answered Mekil’s suggestion of letting her and Nara attempt to return to the Underdark to sway the Drow to accept peace. “It would be a death sentence for me to return now. High Priestess Callandryll will learn what I did to those soldiers. She will use it as the excuse she has long wanted to move against me, condemning me in my mother’s eyes, and in the eyes of my people. Nara wouldn’t survive a day. She would be tortured for sport, and if they learned of this bonding, she would be tortured to bring pain to me in turn, but she would not be allowed the mercy of death.”

“Our paths must lie together. I share your fates now too, and one far crueler when we reach your homeland.” She listened as Commander Ri’ven offered his quiet but well considered words. He was right. They could do nothing to solve this problem here, and the longer they lingered, the greater the risk of being discovered and captured. Xia nodded slightly and started forward, walking to the front of the wagon and leading the way west, hoping the physical distance, as small as it was, might give her and Nara a little peace from each other. Maybe it would allow the churning in her bowels to subside enough that she could travel without feeling sick.

[Elvenoff1]

A silence fell upon the area while each one took in the words of the Drow princess. She was right that the fate of one was the fate of them all. If Xia and Nara were sent away to fend for themselves they would more than likely fall pray to the Drow patrols that are sweeping across the land and would end up being tortured, their deaths would only be in their wishing for it would never come about, leaving the raging war to continue for whom knows how long. The only course that makes sense is to protect these two and allow the Prince’s plan to proceed. The gaze of all that stood in the area fell to the weeping elf whom body trembled and jerked with each wave of searing pain.

Tears drifted downward from weeping eyes and fell to a hard, cold ground. A battle of immeasurable pain raged within the blistered soul of Nara. Her deep and unequivocal love for Xia verses the loss of thousands. Her heart screamed out with unrelenting jealousy of allowing another to touch her love, her soul screamed out for the love of Xia, not wanting to lose her to another, but it also screamed out for the love of her people. Nara’s body shook violently as the emotions ravaged her. Her strong mental training of the Centurion Guard crumbled and fell useless to her as she fell to the besieging. Her fingers tightly clenched the cold pommel of her dagger once more.

“NARA!” Leneria’s voice rang out breaking the silence that befell upon the area. Her agility surprising to all as she lurched forward to the kneeing elf. Her hand shooting out over the hand that pulled the dagger. “All is not lost.” her words were soft spoken. “Look up at me. I know all looks dark, but the prince is wise and he will see the love that you have and will find away to make this work. Fear not we stand beside you, Ri’ven and I stand beside you and Xia. We will not allow harm to befall upon the two of you. So do not bring harm to yourself.” She pulled the dagger from the trembling fingers of Nara. “I do not understand the nature of this bonding on how two females can fall in love with each other this strongly, but I do understand love and how it makes one feel so lost. But Nara, Xia has the same pain as you do now so …” her words cut off by the glare that came from Nara.

“Does she?” anger, pain, torment flared in Nara’s eyes, “She has not seen me fondling another nor does she face the fact of having to share me with another, seeing images of another touching, loving what is mine.” her gaze shot to the backside of Xia. “Leneria, I love her so much, these images of anyone touching her is like molten daggers stabbing me. Does she have that ripping through her?” Nara’s tear streamed face turns upward toward Leneria. “I want it to end!” her eyes flashed with all the emotions bottled into one.

Leneria flashed her own anger, “No she may not have the pain of seeing you being fondled by another, but what she does see is she can never go home! She has lost everything due to us. She has fallen in love with her enemy whom is now turning against her as well. What about her Nara? You say you love her but yet you push her away when she needs that love more than ever.” Lowering her angered eyes from the tear filled ones of Nara. “The path which lies before us is one of great hardship for we have many leagues to cross before we are safe in our land. We need all of us pulling together to make this journey home. Draw strength from being with the one that you love now while you have her at your side.” She tried to ease the pain best she could but knew that love has teeth and it was biting her from all sides. “I’m taking your dagger. Now we need to get moving.” her warrior side taking control as she stood. Her head turned toward Mikil. “And you stay clear of these two. This is your only warning. I have pledged myself to them both and I will die protecting them. Stay clear.” her eyes showing her tint while she moved away from Nara and resumed walking the path.

Commander Ri’ven nodded his approval upon seeing Mikil turn and look up at him. “You have heard the warning commander. Stay away from Xia and Nara, you have shown signs of misgivings to them. Your inner battle still rages with uncertainty about Xia. So I shall help you in that battle. She is protected. Do I make myself clear.” His blue orbs showing no sign of faltering on his statement. He turned back in his seat and gentle whipped the reins to get the wagon moving once more.

Mikil only shook his head for the battle that was raging within him wasn’t misgivings toward Xia in the aspects of her being an assassin, but for the feeling that was flowing through him was the feelings that were sparked by Xia’s fondling him. The feeling of her body against his was still raging within and he was beginning to feel her absents. He wanted to feel that body once more and planned on doing so. He slowly allowed himself to relax. His mind drifting back to the moment when he awoke and felt her..

Nara’s eyes trailed after Xia, Her mind tossing around all that was said to her in the moments that have passed. Half of her wanted to die and be free from this pain, but then the pain that hit her from Xia’s living death state from the bonding reeled her. “By the gods.” she whispered as she slowly rocked back and forth, tears streaming down her cheeks. “XIA!” she screamed out as she wrapped her arms around her body trying to stop the convulsions. “I don’t know how to fight these feelings.” She whispered hoping that even being distant from her that Xia would feel Nara’s reaching out for her. “I need you.” she whispered as she lowered her head down and weeped..

Leneria eyes drifted to Xia upon hearing the calling cry of Nara. Walking faster she maneuvered herself next to Xia. Her eyes drifting over to her. “I had to take her dagger away.” she slowly extended the dagger towards Xia. “I know you’ve told us about this bonding that it ties the two of you together and you share each others emotions. So I ask you Do you love her as much as she loves you?” She pulled her gaze from the trail to gaze upon Xia for a moment, her emerald eyes held the inquisitiveness nature of someone seeking answers. “If this bonding is very rare, can you speculate why in all this time that it hits now and it hits with an elven female whom is your enemy? This bonding be like a curse or spell? That maybe your high priestess set upon you for you stated that she was attempting to find something to condemn you in your mother’s eyes. I only ask because of Nara. She used to be so strong, she is the youngest warrior ever to make it to the Centurion Guard rank in our history and to see her this way. If our people sees her this way or sees her with you I don’t think they would …” She stopped herself quickly, “I’m just trying to figure out of this bonding can be broken.” Her gaze drifted back to Ri’ven briefly before returning to the trail ..

[Annisthyrienne]

Xia held her arms around herself tightly, as if somehow it would help ward off the hurt she was feeling. Her head was hung low, eyes on the ground as she trudged along. She heard the anguished cry of her Bonded One and it tore her spirit inside. A crystal track of tears slid down her cheek.

She barely noticed when the Elven woman came up beside her. Xia only looked at the dagger, though she was glad that Nara had been prevented from hurting herself. "You probably saved both of our lives then." she replied to Lenaria's comment. "Yes, I feel everything that she does. The difference between us is that I have a lifetime of keeping my feelings hidden and under my tight control. But feeling how it hurts her so is not easy for me to keep hidden. I do love her, though I don't know how it is possible. I would go to her if she would have me, but you saw how she pulled away. That hurts too much to repeat that rejection."

Xia thought carefully about Lenaria's question about how the bonding could have happened. It was several minutes before she answered. "I don't know for sure, but I may have triggered it myself, perhaps as a defensive mechanism when I awoke from the drug to find myself at her mercy. The drug would have made sure my defenses were down, my control would not have been present. If the Bonding instinct was somewhere back along my bloodline, perhaps it activated even without my knowledge, as if by instinct alone."

"I can tell you that it is not a spell. The Bonding is a connection of spirits. That much I remember from ancient studies about it. But from the way it feels, it could be no less effective as a curse if someone hated me. Perhaps there is some magical defense that could be found to work against it's effects, maybe to allow the ones affected to live with the consequences. This I do not know. I've not studied the arcane arts very much, except in the realm of the healing arts. But though the consequences might be managed, the Bond itself will always be, I think until death takes me."

Xia's eyes snapped up to meet those of Lenaria at the unspoken implications of what her people would do to Nara and to her when they found out. She shivered as she realized that she was already doomed.

"I'm sorry that this ever happened." she murmured quietly, though it came out more as a moan of agony.

***********************

They had traveled for hours. The conversation with Lenaria seemed no more than a distant memory now.

Xia trudged wearily onwards, almost unaware of her surroundings. Her mind was fevered with the echoes of Nara's anguish which she was feeling so keenly as if it were her own. In a way it was, for being Bonded to another was like being One soul. Her shoulders were slumped in a manner most un-regal. She wrapped her arms around herself, as if to hold in the feelings that threatened to burst her open. Every moment, every step, she was assaulted by Nara's unintentional psychic attacks. The woman warrior projected her feelings and her pain like a weapon wielded to kill.

Xia's head felt like it was splitting, the strenuous effort of trying to shield herself as much as she could from the onslaught had long ago exhausted her. And the glare of the sun of this upper world burned her sensitive eyes, even closed to mere slits as they were. Her ivory colored eyelashes formed nearly a single line across each eye socket. Her dark skin was absorbing the solar radiation mercilessly beating down upon her, adding to her fever. Her thoughts had long since lost their fragile hold on rationality.

She slowly raised an arm to shield her eyes from the sun, and the simple motion cost her. From her place just ahead of the wagon, she stumbled into it's path. Her normal cat-like grace was nowhere in evidence as she staggered and reeled along the path.

Ri'ven reined in the horses to prevent them from running over the Drow princess, casting a worried look to his sub-Commander Lenaria. She in turn cast a glance back to where Nara stumbled along in equal misery at the rear of the procession. It was clear that something had to be done. He halted the team and dismounted, approaching the princess and taking her arm to steady her. She turned to face him - too slowly to be a normal reaction - and stared stupidly at him as he spoke to her.

"Princess, I think it's time to call for a rest. Is there somewhere we can stop for a brief time where we can be safe from discovery?" Seeing that his words were not registering in her fever addled mind, he repeated himself more slowly. "A rest.....we need a safe place to rest. Do you understand?"

Xia's brow furrowed as she scrunched up her face trying to understand the words this pale man was speaking to her. Dimly she recalled that she knew him. They were traveling together.....going somewhere. She couldn't recall why. His hand on her arm held her tightly, as much holding her steady on her feet as commanding her attention. After the third time he repeated his request, she finally understood. He wanted to take them someplace safe, so they could rest.

She murmured quietly, her words in High Elvish somewhat slurred, "There is....a place......abandoned mine.....captured from the dwarves.....not far...." She shivered as another wave of anguish hit her from Nara, who was watching Ri'ven holding the princess' arm with a pang of jealousy. Xia swallowed hard, trying to quell the urge to vomit as she fought the pain back down. At last she raised her slender dark hand to point in the direction of the mine.

Ri'ven looked at her with doubt. Could he trust her? Even if she didn't mean to deceive him, in her mental state, could she think rationally? But what choice did they have? He cast a glance back at Lenaria, who was even at that moment holding Nara up with supporting arms. These two could not go on like this much longer. But Commander Mekil was still recovering from the arrow wound, though the Drow princess' healing efforts had helped. Still he could not be expected to travel much on his own.

He turned back to the princess, noticing her eyes locked on Nara. He could see the longing and need in those silvery eyes for the Elven woman. Inside he felt a twinge of sympathy for the two of them. Only the Gods knew what kind of agony they both were going through. He wondered if it would help to put them together, in close physical proximity. One thing was for sure, they couldn't go much farther apart. What did he have to lose?

"Come with me, Princess." he said gently as he guided her along by her elbow towards the back of the wagon where he nodded to Lenaria to do the same for Nara. He extended a hand to Nara, drawing her nearer and placing her hand in Xia's. The result was immediate.

For Xia, the contact was as electric. She flinched as if it shocked her, but the look on her face was one of such desire, such overwhelming need for Nara that she couldn't hide or disguise it even if she had been rational enough to do so. The physical contact lowered all her defenses, and Nara's feelings flooded into her mind in a rush. Her eyelids fluttered as she nearly swooned, her knees buckling under her until both Ri'ven and Lenaria stepped up to help. But the contact had another effect as well. It provided a sort of emotional anchor, a grounding, through which the feelings could flow freely instead of being resisted and fought.

Both Xia and Nara had been worn down in their struggle to resist the pain and need they felt. Their defenses against each other were depleted by their weariness, and all that was left was to surrender. The contact brought that needed catalyst.

Xia moaned piteously and gave in all at once, throwing her arms around Nara and clinging to her tightly, seeming to melt into her embrace. Her silvery eyes streamed tears down her dark cheeks as she covered Nara's face in kisses. She could not fight this anymore. "I love you, Nara!" she whispered fiercely.

[Elvenoff1]

Fatigue, mental as well as physical took its toll on the strength that Nara had to continue on her own. She welcomed the gasping and supporting hands of Lenaria. The whole situation was becoming harder and harder for her to cope with. Everything that was flowing inside of Nara was facts concerning Xia and herself. It’s weight was crushing for each breath she took was a labored one, every step she took was a weak attempt to continue for every step she took forward was bringing them closer to the situation that she feared.

She closed her eyes trying to break free of the emotional hailstorm, but it wasn’t meant to be for the only thing it did was make her feel as if she was trying to push Xia away, and that just brought more pain to her abdomen. Her body trembled as the pain came to the surface forcing her eyes to open and focus upon Xia once more. Absorbing all that was going on with her and for the first time she realized what she was doing to her. Her chest hurt with each breathe she took as she witnessed the ill form that Xia was displaying. Why did she do this? Why could she not find the self control that she had been trained to do for so many years? Why was this love for this drow so deep that the very thought of losing her to anyone or anything brought nothing but despair and wanting to die. Her eyes pulled away from the sight of Xia’s condition for it only made the pain more unbearable.

She slightly turned her head toward Lenaria and gazed into her eyes. Wondering if she would get any feelings for this female as she did Xia, but there was none. The only thing she got from the gaze was that Lenaria was filled with concern and uncertainty as they all were. There was nothing guaranteed to them that all would work out, but one thing was coming clear to Nara was that she wasn’t helping the situation by being the weak link. She had to find that strength that was a costumed to her long ago. The strength that she held when she attacked and almost killed her commander.

Her eyes darted away from Lenaria to where she was being guided too. Her eyes locked onto Xia and Ri’ven standing just behind the wagon. Her heart raced when Ri’ven extended his hand to hers and guided it to the waiting fingers of Xia.

A rush of energy raced across her body bringing forth a soft moan. Her hazel orbs locked onto the silvery orbs of her loved one. “My love.” she whispered into the air but was quick to respond to the buckling knees of her lover. Her hands instantly locking onto her lovers waist. She let out a cry when Xia took her into her arms tightly as if they have been parted for years. She quickly wrapped her arms around Xia and pulled her even closer. The kisses that came was welcomed and she no longer wished to ponder on what lies ahead but what was happening now. “I love you too. With all my heart.” She brought one of her hands up from Xia’s waist to the long silvery strands of hair that was flowing down the backside and gently took a hand full. So that she could guide Xia’s lips to hers.

She moaned into the kiss, allowing all the love she had to flow to Xia. Her breathing became heavy as the wanting came to her. She slowly parted her lips and allowed her tongue to roll over hers and lightly explore the soft lips of her lover. Her hand began to massage and squeeze the flesh of Xia’s lower back. “I want you now.” She moaned into the heated kiss..

[Annisthyrienne]

Xia's dark silken thigh lifted to curl around Nara's body in heated passion, nearly climbing the Elven warrioress as if she were an irresistible tree. Xia's passion could not be denied now. She had surrendered to her feelings for this enemy wholly and completely. Her arms came up around Nara's neck, dark slender fingers gliding through the elf's hair. Her soft lips pressed kisses to her lover's face and mouth again and again. It felt so good to give in.

The physical contact between them provided a shunt for their anguish to dissipate, each of them letting go of the physical pain, traded for this pleasure. Their emotional surrender let the angst and stress flow away, grounding them and lifting the fog of anxiety from their minds. Clarity returned to Xia , if not restraint. All the love she felt for Nara flowed from her into her lover, even as Nara's love flowed into her. It was as if love flushed away the negative feelings, and pleasure replaced the pain.

"Oh, Yes! Yes! I want that too, Nara! Let us consummate our bond once and for all!" The words were murmured in a hiss of urgent passion as Xia felt her lover's hands exploring her back, slipping down to her bottom, and supporting her thigh where it curled around and drew her Bonded One to her.

++++++++

Ri'ven knew as soon as he saw the two of them together that his hunch had been right. The contact between them had the effect of clearing both of their minds, and restoring their bodies to some semblance of their former selves. He'd never seen anything like this before, but was encouraged that they seemed to be recovering.

But now he had a new problem as he and Lenaria watched the unlikely couple maul each other like overheated youths in springtime. He chanced a glance over at his sub-Commander, their eyes meeting and sharing their amazement between them. Ri'ven wondered if Lenaria was becoming as aroused as he was from watching the blatant display of desire. While they both smiled at the obvious recovery of their fellow warrior and the Drow princess, they now had to figure out a way to get them to restrain themselves long enough to get to a safe place to rest for a while.

He glanced back towards the wagon to notice the expression on Mekil's countenance. He wasn't sure he liked what he saw. Something had to be done quickly. Ri'ven stepped forward, discreetly clearing his throat to get their attention. "Uhm, I think we should keep moving. Princess, do you think you could lead us to that mine you mentioned?"

Ri'ven's words filtered through Xia's arousal. Now that the torment of separation from Nara had been eased, Xia was able to regain her clarity of thought. Hesitantly, she answered, her silvery eyes still looking deeply into Nara's, "Yes, Commander. We are not safe here. The mine is not far. When my people captured it from the dwarves, we found nothing of value to us, and so we felt there was no use for it. Who knows what the dwarves saw in it."

"Nara, we only have to go a little farther. Hold my hand. It will help us both to control our feelings until we can.....express them." Dark fingers intertwined with light and silvery eyes smiled at hazel ones. Xia's arm remained around Nara's waist as they stepped forward, following the slowly lurching wagon.

[Elvenoff1]

Nara was lost in her lovers arms, the worries fading with each feel of the soft lips of Xia touching her face, lips and neck. Her hands glided over each soft curve of Xia’s back and cupped the softness in her hands then gently pulled her even closer to her body. The heat was intense and desire burned each nerve in her body, she wanted to kiss and touch every sweet, soft inch of Xia’s beauty body. She didn’t care whom was there watching for she was in bliss and wanted to stay there.

“No…” she moaned when Xia pulled slightly way, to respond to the Commander Ri’ven’s polite interruption. She knew the commander was right, but that still didn’t take way the wanting desire to smother the dark skin with her lips and hands. Her body ached wanting to feel the dark fingers caressing and smothering her body as well. “By the grace of the gods I want you so badly.” her gazed over hazel eyes foretold the lust and desire that controlled her at that very moment.

Nara’s heart melted when Xia’s silvery eyes looked deep into hers with an reassuring warmth flowed through Nara’s body. She nodded her head in understanding and acceptance to what was wanted from the others for it wasn’t safe here and that was something that this whole party needed beside a long night of restful rest. Nara’s body trembled with the refreshed feelings and the comfort of mind. The question if this was a magic spell or not didn’t matter anymore for as long as Xia was there with her. The thought of what is to come was push to the back and would be dealt with when the situation comes about. With a new founded clear of mind she smiled back at Xia. “I love you.” as she accepted the intertwining of their fingers and the feel of Xia’s arm around her waist.
Ri’ven shifted his attention from the two ladies and resumed his scanning over the horizon while he controlled the wagon. His gaze drifted over to his sub-commander several times as the occurrence of their eyes meeting awhile back continued to resurface and with each recurrence questions came about him and her. He shook his head slightly with a smile before refocusing his attention to the path that Xia’s told him about.

Lenaria attempted to ignore each gazed the commander shoot over to her, but she herself took glimpses toward him as well. She felt a wave of electricity flowing through her when the two women expressed their love for each other. The kissing, the caressing sparked a little desire in herself as she watched and when her commander’s eyes came to her and hers to him she felt even more of that desire build up. Her mouth and lips were dry and the wanting to wet them with the commander’s lips. She was relived when he had the strength to break their gaze and move over to speak his concerns of their location. That gave her time to recompose herself and return to the mission at hand.

Mekil was still confused by the actions of the dark princess. Was what she did her subconscious wishes or was it like she said merely a dream that it was her lover Nara she was dreaming about. He glanced back at the two with a little discontent for the truth of the matter he had develop feelings for Nara but never acted upon them, then there was the arousal that he got in the tent when he was with the Princess and the feeling of her body next to his in the wagon. He actually began to feel the wanting of her at his side again. The feel of her smooth skin upon his, the feel of her hand upon his chest sent shivers down his spine. He shook his head lightly as his gaze drifted over to Lenaria. He wondered how she felt about all of this. “Sub-commander.” his voice was low and labored.

“What is it Commander?” Lenaria shot a glance toward him. Her eyes narrowed, her mind focusing upon him in little but respected interest. Her hand slowly rubbed over her temples as if she was suffering from a headache.

“So what do you think of the company we travel with? Do you really think we can make it down this path we travel. We need to use Xia’s position to get us across this land. The outer border guard hasn’t received the news yet so we could use her to our advantage.” he whispered softly to her. His gaze looking up toward Ri’ven to ensure he hadn’t heard them over the rumbling of the wagon.

Lenaria’s gaze hardened toward him. “Commander, I have no say in what we do with her. That is Commanders Ri’ven decision. But as far as I am concerned she is displaced and no longer affiliated with the Drow. She is an outcast and an outcast that my liege has ordered me to protect and that is what I will do. I suggest you get back on the path of duty that you swore to uphold or you shall find yourself on the opposite side of the rest of us.” She removed her gaze from the commander and refocused upon the path ahead of them.

“Xia.” Nara’s eyes drifted from the wagon to Xia. “I think trouble still lies ahead of us with the Commander of Mine. I still say he has an issue with you and we must be careful. I really cant get a feel for Lenaria or Commander Ri’ven, although he seems up front with us, but that still doesn’t settle the unease that nests in my stomach. I’m afraid for us, for you.” She lowered her gaze, “I know I have caused a lot of pain to you and I’m sorry, but I can’t seem to shake the feeling that we are heading for our doom.” She squeezed Xia’s hand, “I would feel better if I had my hands upon my weapons again. But I don’t think Ri’ven nor Lenaria will allow it.” She looked back up at Xia, “I think we should either make a run for it now, or wait till we are in the mines and then escape. What do you think?”

[Annisthyrienne]

With her anxiety of being separated from Nara quelled for the moment by their physical proximity and contact, Xia was able to think a little more clearly about their situation. She had felt that the promise of peace that Mekil had held out to her people was a false one; merely a disguise to cover the true desire of their Elven prince to possess a Drow princess concubine as a trophy of war, all to show his greatness to his people. She wondered how they would revere him when he could show of his 'pet' to them. Ri'ven and Lenaria had confirmed that this was the plan all along. Mekil's false promises of an end to the war was only offered to gain her cooperation.

She had fought for that elusive false dream of peace. She'd killed her own kind to preserve the fragile thread of a chance that it could be true. And now that she could never return to her people, the promise was revealed for the lie that it was. But now there was another reason to stay with these High Elves; she belonged to one of them as surely as they intended for her to belong to their prince. But the belonging was from a bond that was far stronger, and far more uncompromising than any claim that their prince could make upon her. Nara held her very soul, commanded her love, and in that way, controlled her life.

Now her soul-mate spoke to her of the danger they both might face if they continued with this plan. And Xia wondered, searching her own feelings, whether there was any vestige of the dream of peace left within her to believe in. Her gaze fell upon Commander Mekil as he spoke in hushed tones to Lenaria. Nara's own words echoed in her ear, and she considered each of their companions in turn. What were their true motivations? If she wasn't distracted from the Bonding, she could've easily read their intentions. These Elves were not used to keeping their thoughts concealed.

But since she could not concentrate enough to use her special gifts, she was finding it a challenge to ascertain their intentions through other senses. Ri'ven was keeping something to himself, that much seemed certain. And Lenaria was devoted to him, whatever his true intentions were. Xia had overheard Nara's worried questions of them when she had been trying to heal Mekil's arrow wound. Had the Elven king sent them for some secret mission? Were they really only trying to ensure she was safely returned to their prince?

And what of Mekil? His mannerisms were secretive now. He had tried to kill her, and would have succeeded but for Nara's intervention. He had nearly turned Nara against her, despite the Bonding. Xia had hoped that his temporary madness was the result of the severe clout he'd taken to the head by one of the Drow soldiers, but she couldn't be sure. He had fought her kind for a long, long time. Could he really put all that he had seen of war behind him now, and crave peace? Did her know about the plan to deliver her as a trophy to their prince? Was that his intention all along?

Xia's mind swam with confusion. It seemed these Elves were as devious in their own ways as High Priestess Callandryl. Their plots were no less nefarious. Xia couldn't trust any of them.

Except perhaps Nara. Nara was a warrior, and direct in her ways. Xia didn't think Nara was deceitful enough to be able to resist the Bond and hide her true feelings. And besides, Xia could feel those emotions as if they were her own through the Bond. No, Nara could hide nothing from her. And Nara's concern was genuine, not just the misapprehension of paranoia.

There was little about these companions that she could trust, Xia realized. But what choice did she really have? To travel through Drow territory was risky. By now, her people must surely have discovered the dead troops of her own kind. By now her absence must have been noted. The Underdark would be abuzz with the news. Xia could see High Priestess Callandryl in her mind's eye, smiling deviously as she used the situation to hatch a new scheme that would no doubt cost the lives of many of their people. But was she any better? She had taken lives directly, by her own hand. Did it matter what her intentions were at the time? And did she really do it for peace, like she wanted to think? Or did she do it for Nara?

And so now her lot was cast with Nara, and with these Elves. She could not return to the Underdark or to her people. And if she stayed with the Elves, she would be turned over as a trophy concubine. But if she and Nara fled.....?

It would be risky. Their lives would be the cost they'd pay, at the least, and worse if they were caught by Drow. Xia imagined that capture by the Elves would not hold much hope for them either. They had some safety in numbers if they stayed with their companions, but only at the cost of subjecting themselves to whatever intentions the others held for them.

And one more thing was certain....As long as the Bonding wreaked havoc with both Nara's and Xia's emotional states, they were too vulnerable to go it alone.

"Nara, we dare not risk traveling alone in our current state. Being close to you is helping me regain focus, but our minds will not truly begin to clear until we can consummate our bond. Perhaps we can slip away to be alone together when we reach the mine. And I think we would be safer with the group until we travel beyond the territory of my....I mean, beyond Drow territory. We'll need your weapons, and to get them back, we'll have to regain the trust of the others. So let us go along and try to help the group until we can choose the right moment."

Xia glanced into the hazel eyes of her Other, giving a loving squeeze to her pale hand. She glanced up to realize that they had nearly reached the mine. She tugged Nara's hand as she stepped forward quickly to take the lead, guiding the group to the cleft in the cavern wall that marked the entrance long since forgotten and now nearly overgrown with brush. She searched until she found the tell-tale darkness beyond the undergrowth, and gestured for help from Nara and Lenaria to move the worst of the vegetation aside, allowing the wagon to pass through into the mine entrance.

Inside, Xia's eyes quickly adapted to the gloom with welcome relief. The bright sun of the UpperWorld had seared her vision all day. And now she was in her own element. She guided Nara by the hand, deeper into the passage of rock and darkness. In a smaller antechamber, she pulled the Elven woman to her embrace, hot lips seeking their mates in a passionate exchange. She moaned , low and sultry in her throat, like a purr of some dark cat. "Oh, Nara! I want you so badly! Now! It must be now!"

[Elvenoff1]

Commander Ri’ven dismounted from the wagon with welcome relief of a safe place to rest, something that they all needed for the journey has been a difficult one, not totally in the physical aspect but with the emotional one. The stress of being in Drow territory, the confusion and uncertainty of what was really going on with Commander Mekil and the two ladies. He began to go over everything that has happened what each of them said had happened and what he surmised by himself. There was something that just wasn’t adding up to his liking, there was something he was missing and it was something important.

His mind’s eye focused upon the moment at hand as he watched Xia and Nara fade off into the darkness hand in hand. Was this really possible? Was this bonding true or was it an act played out for some strange reason? His head lowered from following the two women to the gaze of his second, Lenaria. Her emerald orbs seemed to reach into him and search his very soul, searching for answers that at the moment escaped him. His mind drifted once more from her and the two women to those of the unmentioned reason for his uncomforting mood. The Kings hunters.

Yes, the kings hunters, the ones that he and Lenaria were to stop, were still out there and as far as he knew, they were at full strength. Their mission were to kill Mekil and Nara’s forces before they were able to capture the Drow princess, but that didn’t happen, so it was either they were destroyed by Drow forces or they lay in wait till Mekil and Nara reentered the elven lands. That is when they would swoop down and destroy them and the Drow princess, claiming a King’s victory over his son’s attempt to bring peace to the lands. This would mean that the hunters were at full strength and waiting.

Again he felt the burning gaze of his second reading his face as he pondered over the situation. He straightened his body making an attempt to ward off the ache of sitting down for so long before he moved closer to Lenaria. “I see your questioning eyes, but I have no answers to give you.” he whispered to her, not wanting the rest of them to hear his uncertainty.

Lenaria dropped her deep gaze down from the commanders blue orbs to a faint spot of the caverns flooring. She has never seen Ri’ven so uncertain, so worried that he has actually withdrawn into himself and moved as if he was walking on egg shells, this worried her as well. She slowly pulled up her gaze and watched the last shadow of Xia and Nara’s fade into the darkness. “Commander you know that I will follow you regardless of what comes.” She returns her gaze to him and at that moment decides to take the chance. She places her hand upon his chest and gazes into his eyes. “Tanyl?” her eyes softening as she conveyed her feelings to him, “I know the Queen wishes for us to bring Xia to her son so that this war can come to an end, but do you really think we can survive against the kings hunters?”

Ri’ven’s eyes dropped from her down upon the hands that laid upon his chest. How at this very moment he wished that he wasn’t clad in armor, he has always found Lenaria to be very appealing if not totally desirable, for there has been many cold nights he has dreamed of her, but refused to fall to those feelings because she was his second. He slowly took a step back from her, “Ava, We cant.” a small ache filled his mind, this wasn’t the time for this, not now, they have this problem already with Nara and Xia, they don’t need anymore added weight. “Lenaria….Ava.. We have to commit ourselves in getting Xia to Elvenoff, this war has to stop, and if that means killing our own kind then so be it.” He knew the hunters would not hesitate in killing them, “The hunters will not show us kinship, we are their enemy now, so in return we can not show them kinship either. Do you understand?” He looked into her eyes giving what support he could.

She felt the cold whip slash across her face and it hurt. She wanted nothing more to run away and try to forget how foolish she was in making an attempt to bond with him. She felt embarrassed and shamed, but she stood her ground when the commander continued to address her. She knew he was right about what was needed, but there were things that she needed as well. It burned deep down in the pit of her stomach and it pained her everyday for the past two years. She fought down the ill wave that swept over her and mustered what strength she had to resume her gaze upon him. “Yes Tanyl, I understand. But killing them is not what bothers me now.” She fought back the tears. “If you will pardon me commander, I will tend to the needs of Commander Mekil.” She turned quickly and moved away, wanting to get as far away from him as possible.

“So the cold steel burns does it not?” Lenaria’s eyes rise to meet the gaze of Mekil, his words bring a hint of recoil from her. “That is none of your concern commander.” her gaze drifted from him to the fading figure of Ri’ven as he walked off into the darkness himself. Her heart ached watching him suffering with all the weight that was upon his shoulders, and it even ached her more that he was not willing to allow her to help him carry that weight by giving him something that everyone needs, a strong companion. She lowered and shifted her gaze from him back to Mekil. “What do you know of cold steel commander?” her eyes burned with a hint of building anger. She noticed his gaze moved in the direction that Nara and Xia went. “I know it quite well Sub-Commander, quite well indeed.”

Xia’s words of wisdom rang deep within Nara’s mind and she accepted her lover’s decision that they must remain with the group for not only their safety but for everyone. She smiled at the loving squeeze that she got moments before the hastening pull of Xia. She noticed the entrance that Xia was pointing to and followed Xia instructions in moving the heavy foliage that compassed the area so that the wagon may move into the caverns unhindered.

Once inside she noticed that Xia was more vibrant than what she had been for the past few days. She seemed to be uplifted and sharp witted. She felt the pull and guided movements of Xia as they made their way into the darkness, her own night vision ability kicking in. Wondering where her lover was taking her so quickly. Did she know something that they didn’t. Then it hit her, the underdark, this was Drow area and for one hesitant second her mind screamed out in discontent but it faded quickly when her lover pulled her into a heated embrace. She returned the passion to her lover as she lightly ran her tongue along the soft, dark skin of her lovers nape. Her own moan escaped her lips as she felt Xia’s lips touch her skin. Fire burned and scorched her soul while the lust and desire claimed her mind. Her hands ran along the backside of Xia.s back exploring, squeezing the dark flesh through the thin layer of clothing. Xia’s words of wanting burned her ears as her breathing quickened and a whimpering moan of wanting pain pressed through her quivering lips.

Nara couldn’t take anymore as her hands grasped and pulled at her lovers clothing, pulling up her shirt she took a few moments to run her hands up and down the exposed back. Feeling the soft, smooth skin, she pulled Xia to her, wanting to feel her body against hers. “Xia,” her voice was labored, but sensual. She pushed her head deeper into her lovers nape. Kissing, licking the skin with her overly hot tongue. Nibbling at the folds of skin that her teeth would claim as hers. The ache was rampaging, her emotions were wild and unhindered, she wasn’t keeping anything back. This was what she ached for ever since she seen this woman in the mud bath of yesterdays.

Nara moaned into her lovers nape while she allowed her hands to slid down the contours of Xia’s back, down over the delicate curve and take a gentle hold. Slowly she pulled her lover to her wanting to feel all of Xia against her. She slowly made her way down the slender shoulder, allowing her tongue to blaze a path across her lovers skin. She stopped upon hitting the edge of clothing that concealed the rest of the desirable flesh.

“Xia, I love yo….” the noise from down deep was that of grinding chains and metal against metal and echoed softly throughout the cavernous maze of tunnels. Nara instinctively pulled Xia behind her and placed herself in between the noise and Xia. Her body trembled as she was coming down from her emotional highness to one of sharp preparedness. Her ears strained to pick up any other sound that might be made. Maybe it was Ri’ven or one of the other members exploring the mine to ensure it was safe, but the sound came from down below and to the front of them, she didn’t think Ri’ven would stray that far from the cave entrance. Maybe when they removed the foliage outside that maybe they triggered some sort of early warning device that was slow to respond due to lack of maintenance. The other maybes she didn’t want to even think about. “Xia, Do you think that maybe the Drow reclaimed the mine due to the war?” She slowly looked over her shoulder at her lover, “Or worse it could be some of the Drow raiding parties using this as a hideout and a place to store their plunder.” She made another unwanted possibility. Then on a lighter note, it could be her own people establishing a strong hold here in the Drow border area. “Or it could be my kind establishing a strong hold here. Either way we need to slowly make our way back to the others.” she held out her hand to Xia, “I promise we will be together once we are safe.” her pale hand takes the darker one into her own and leads her back toward the others…

[Annisthyrienne]

Xia groaned in frustration as Nara pulled away. The sound was half moaning in need, and half growling in disappointment. She bit Nara's earlobe in aggressive frustration as she had to let go of the woman she wanted so much. "I don't understand it! This mine was supposed to be abandoned! There was nothing of interest here!" She let herself be led back to the group, holding tightly to Nara's hand.

They re-entered the main entrance area of the mine, rejoining the others. It was obvious that they had heard the sound too. Curious gazes were turned in Xia's direction, and she could only shrug. "I don't know what it is. The mine should be empty. But whatever it is, I doubt it can be good in light of our current situation. Nara thinks it could be Drow, or it could even be some of your people trying to establish a secret presence here. I just don't know."

Xia's eyes traveled from one member of their group to another as she explained. At last her gaze fell upon the reclining figure of Commander Mekil, still lying in the wagon, recovering. Her brow furrowed, ivory white against her dark forehead, and without warning, she stalked purposefully over to where he lay. Her silver eyes met his for a long moment as she wondered if he would trust her enough.

Her emotions were running high, mostly frustration and anger at being interrupted yet again before she could enjoy the soothing balm of her Other's love. But despite her feelings, if they were all facing danger - as they most certainly were until they could escape from Drow territory, and perhaps even afterwards - they all needed to be in the best condition possible. She would need to heal her enemy.

"Commander Mekil, if we face trouble, we'll need every blade to defend us all. You're still recovering from your wound. I can help." Her words were terse, clipped by her feelings. She stepped closer, reaching out for him. Her slender dark hand touched his chest, unbuttoning his tunic. She slipped her hand inside his clothing, her palm gliding across his chest until she covered the newly healing wound. Without warning, she let her power flow.

The urgency of the situation and the frustration and anger she felt at the interruption of her time with Nara affected her healing effort. Normally she would have gone slowly, coaxing rather than forcing the flesh to knit together. It would have felt like a gentle warm tingling feeling under normal circumstances. But this wasn't a normal circumstance. Her power took him in a rush, a searing heat seeming to burn his flesh as the wound was forced to heal, more like being welded together rather than being coaxed gently. The tingling was a full-on harsh vibration, a fiery feeling like the pins and needles sensation when blood and feeling returned to a limb that had gone to sleep.

Mekil clamped his jaw shut to keep from crying out and his body stiffened, becoming rigid where he lay. Xia's brow furrowed in her intense concentration. She had to heal the man, while trying to ignore and block his feelings of enmity for her, as well as lust for her and Nara too. Knowing his feelings for Nara increased Xia's general anger and frustration. This was the man who had lured her with the false promise of peace. This was the man who had tried to kill her. This was the man who had tried to turn her Other against her. And this was the man who wanted her Other for himself.

Xia's teeth clenched as she surged her power into the healing, no longer caring to be gentle. Suddenly she gasped and staggered back, breaking the contact with Mekil. His wound was healed, but the backlash of trying to heal with negative emotions had her head throbbing painfully. She clutched at her temples, sinking to her knees.

As Mekil's ordeal ended and his body could relax, hers was only beginning, the painful migraine making her wince. Nara was at her side in a moment, her arms around Xia's shoulders. It helped some, but the urgency of the sounds from deep below reminded them both that there was no time for them to comfort each other. Xia grit her teeth and regained her feet with Nara's help, turning to face the unknown with the rest of them.

[Elvenoff1]

A cold shiver ran down Nara’s spine as she heard the growl and ache of need escaped over her lovers’ lips. The quick nip on her earlobe brought her to understand. “I know my love, I feel it as well,” she whispered to Xia with sorrow for this action of pulling away from her. She knew the pain that Xia was experiencing, a pain that almost wishes for death rather than continue to feel its bite. She could only shake her head with sorrow, her own hazel eyes reflecting that feeling as well. She hated seeing Xia in so much pain, she hated feeling the pain that she has been put through for what, an half attempt to bring peace to two warring nations that has been waging war for centuries. She just wanted to take Xia and herself away from both nations, find a small cottage in some forgotten valley, and live the rest of their lives in happiness.

Nara took a stance next to Xia, still holding her dark hand within her own pale one. She followed Xia’s gaze to each member that stood looking upon her for answers that she had none to give, for she herself did not know what was going on. Nara knew why they all looked upon her, for even Nara, herself looks upon her for answers for Xia shows a great intelligence and wisdom that is rarely intertwined in one person as it is woven into her.

Nara squeezed her lover’s hand a little harder and stepped into Xia gazing into each of the members surrounding them. Nara’s hazel orbs probing deep into her lover’s silver one that was hued in a faint red. She wanted Xia to calm down, “I love you,” she whispered but instantly stepped a side when her lovers gaze fell and locked upon Commander Mekil. Her brow furrowed with frustration and anger as she released Nara’s hand and stalked over to where he was laying in the wagon. She wanted to reach out for her but could not bring herself to do so. She could only look at the members standing about her. She turned to them and whispered, “This is it. This is where all of this stops!” her eyes locks onto Commander Ri’ven, This ends do you understand.” her fiery hazel orbs locking onto his. “She is at the edge and I will not lose her by anyone pushing her over it.” Her voice raising a little before she realized it that she was not whispering anymore. Lenaria and his nodding were good enough for Nara. Turning, her gaze fell upon Xia as she was going to lay her hands upon Mekil once again.

“NO!” Nara screamed running toward Xia as she pushed her hand against Mekil, the familiar glow was radiating from her hand as before. However, something was wrong, badly wrong. She stopped as the pain of agony filled Mekil’s face, his body stiffened from the straining muscles. “XIA!” Nara spoke again but knew once she was in that trance she could not hear her. She moved with urgency toward Nara as she witnessed her loved one stagger back clenching her temples. Tears fell down Nara’s face as she landed beside her loved one whom was now on her knees. She wrapped her arms around her loved one and held her close to her only to be slightly reminded that there was greater danger and time was not on their side. She helped Xia up with a disapproving look upon her face. “We will talk once this is over. I will not stand and watch you suffer anymore. This ends tonight!” she voiced her decision and turned with her lover towards the sounds.

Ri’ven and Leneria turned to look at each other knowing what Xia had done. She put her life at risk healing the man who wanted her dead only a few days ago. Leneria nodding to him for there was something in his eye that she agreed with. They both turned toward the direction of the sounds, Leneria pulling her bow and notching an arrow, Ri’ven pulling his sword and taking a slightly forward position so that he could defend her if close combat occurs.

“Here you will need this.” A weak voice sounded behind them as Nara’s bow and quiver appears between them. Mekil stood with sword in hand but lowered. “I deserved that,” he whispered as he stepped ahead of them. “Stay behind me.” he muttered as he took his stance and glared into the darkness.

Before long, four figures step out of the darkness two walking in front, two walking in back. The ones that were up front were Drow heavy swordsmen, the two in back one was a male warlock, the other was a female priestess. They exchange looks at each other then the warlock moved forward, “Your Highness!” he bows his head in respect as they all do. The swordsmen lower their blades point down to the ground and bow their heads as well. “We come in our own accord.” The Priestess steps forward, “Your highness, May I come and ease your pain?”

Nara turns her head toward Xia. “My love, you need healed yourself. Does she have the power to hurt you if this is a trick?” she didn’t fully understand the power that Priestess held but she knew the power of he warlock and if he wanted to he could have unleashed hell itself and brought harm to them before they even stepped out of the darkness.

[Annisthyrienne]

Despite the throbbing in her temples from the backlash of healing too fast and hurtfully, Xia's pain eased just a little at Nara's supporting embrace. She sensed the newcomers before she actually saw them turn the corner and emerge from the darkness of the mine.

Her eyes darted from the Drow to the elves, each standing in postures of readiness for combat. Ri'ven stood ready with sword drawn and on guard, and Lenaria braced with an arrow nocked in her bow. Mekil took a position just in front of her, and Nara supported her with one arm around her shoulders, and her bow in the other hand.

Xia sensed through the throbbing in her head what the newcomers must see from their perspective. They would see Nara holding her back, keeping her from escaping, and the other elvish warriors standing ready to defend their prize. Xia knew this didn't look good, and feared for more violence. In spite of her pain, she struggled to stand with Nara's help. Then the Drow saw her and bowed.

Xia hurriedly staggered forward, placing herself between the elves and the drow. Nara came forward at her side, still supporting her. Xia blurted out in Drowish, "Hold! We are under a truce condition here! Do you understand?" Then in Elvish she pleaded, "Let there be no more blood spilled!"

She turned back to the warlock, offering a respectful salute in deference of his order. To the swordsmen she gave a military salute, her fist touching her breast and then extending outward towards them smartly. Finally her eyes fell upon her Sister Priestess. She gasped in recognition. "Isendryll!" (Eye-ZEN-derr-eel)

The excitement at seeing a familiar face also brought a particularly vicious throb of pain and her legs buckled under her. Nara dropped her bow and caught her in her arms. Isendryll stepped forward impulsively, then hesitated as she saw the increase in tension in the elves' postures. “Your Highness, may I come and ease your pain?” she asked, sympathy tinting her voice.

Nara spoke in low tones, urging Xia to accept the aid offered, but concerned that the priestess could offer treachery. Isendryll wanted to protest, but Xia stilled her with a weak waive of her hand. "No, Nara, I would trust Isendryll with my life. She is a Sister in the Priestesshood. And she is my friend." She raised her gaze to meet Isendryll, and gasped as another wave of pain seared her throbbing head. "Come forward, Isendryll. Your aid is welcomed."

The priestess came and knelt by the side of her princess, sparing a suspicious glance at Nara. "What have you done to her, Elf?" But she waited for no answer. Isendryll was not as accomplished in the healing arts as Xia herself, but she was talented nonetheless. She placed her fingertips gently upon Xia's temples and closed her silver eyes to concentrate. A silent moment passed as she focused her will and her senses. Both sides stared at each other, the tension in the small cave palpable. The Drow swordsmen fingered the hilts of their blades, even as the Elves stood on their guard.

The quiet stillness was broken suddenly by Isendryll's shocked exclamation. "It is impossible!" She drew back her fingers as if they were burnt by the contact, and stared incredulously at Nara, and then at Xia, her gaze switching back and forth between the two of them. She stood and turned to the warlock as he stepped forward, whispering something in his ear. His eyes grew wide in astonishment. "It cannot be!" he gasped. The swordsmen regarded them nervously, gripping their weapons a little tighter.

Xia looked at them both from her position on her knees before them. In a voice strained with the pain she still felt, she addressed them. "Isendryll, you have sensed what has happened. You know I cannot hide such a thing. As unlikely as it seems, it is true. Tell them. Make them understand."

Isendryll stared at her princess and the elf beside her with incredulity, but her princess' command reached her through her amazement. She whispered harshly, "The princess has Bonded.....with the she-elf at her side! It is....Recognition!"

The Drow swordsmen muttered in disbelief, and stepped back as if it could be contagious. Isendryll silenced them with a look, and even the warlock stepped back in deference to her. It was clear that she was the leader of the small group. The Drow were a matriarchal society, with the females ruling. And above all others were the Priestesses of Lolth, the Spider Goddess.

Isendryll's expression softened in pity as she approached again, kneeling by Xia's side. Her glance fell upon the supporting arms of the elven warrioress with a new understanding. This elf was not holding her princess back from joining her people, she was not a prisoner of this elf; those arms were holding the one she loved. Isendryll's eyes met those of Nara with sympathy and pity.

She touched the princess' temples again, and focused her healing energies. It took another few moments of silence, but at last Xia's breathing evened out, becoming less strained as her pain ebbed. She looked up at Isendryll, gratitude in her eyes as she spoke, "Isendryll, I always considered you the most promising of the initiates. Thank you, Sister. I am grateful for your help."

Xia stood, somewhat gingerly, but stable on her feet. Her arm slipped around Nara's waist casually, seeking the comforting contact. As she looked from one to the other of the newcomers, she addressed them with calm authority. "It is true. I don't understand how it is possible anymore than you do, but it has happened, and now I must face the fact that my destiny lies with this elf at my side. I love her. And without her I would perish. I ask that you would honor this Bonding, and remain in peace with us. Let us all sit together in truce while explanations are made." She repeated the same in Elvish, holding out her hand to each side.

After a moment, Isendryll stepped forward to slip her hand into that of her Princess. "Highness, I swear by the Goddess, no blood will be shed by our side so long as the truce remains." The two Drow priestesses stood together, turning their eyes to Ri'ven and the other elves. Xia smiled as she felt Nara's hand around her waist.

[Elvenoff1]

What came from the darkness was Ri’ven’s greatest fear, the Drow; they were the elves equal in combat. Now here they stand before them, two heavy swordsmen, a wizard, and a priestess. His hand gripped the cold iron pommel of his sword waiting for that moment. The moment was a silence that two opposing forces used to size up their enemy looking for that one weakness that could be exploited giving one side an advantage over the other. Unfortunately Ri’ven’s group had no advantage over their enemy unless one of the archers were lucky enough to drop the wizard instantly, not something done easily, then the battlefield would be even. His eyes narrowed as he weighted the odds of him getting to the warlock before he opened up with his arcane powers, the situation wasn’t good, Only their best fighters become Heavy swordsmen for they are the ones that protect Warlocks and Priestess in the battlefield. He slowly began to move at a flanking maneuver wanting to spread them out the best he could so the archers had a better chance at hitting the wizard.

Leneria watched her Commander begin his flanking move and knew what he was doing. She pulled the string taunt and aimed for the warlocks head. Her bow creaked with the pressure she was applying to the string. Her breathing lowered, her eye focused down the long shaft of the arrow, lining up the arrow tip to the spot she wanted to hit. She waited, like her commander, waited till the moment. Waited for them to show how they would react to the flanking that Ri’ven did. Her mouth parted slightly allowing her tongue to wet her drying lips. “Please Solonor be with Me.” she whispered under her breath.

Mekil, eyes narrowed at the group of Drow that made their presents know by stepping out of the darkness. He knew this formation quite well for this was their way of meeting with their enemies to ensure the safety of their dignitaries, but he hasn’t seen this formation in over ten years. He glanced over toward the others and seen that Ri’ven was attempting to spread them out by flanking them. It was a good idea so he moved the opposite direction giving them a three front situation. He looked at Nara whom wasn’t notching her bow, but kept it downward. He gave her a commanding nod; he knew she would know what he wanted her to do. He returned his gaze toward the combat readied Drow.

Nara still held and gave support to Xia even when she noticed the tactics that her fellow warriors were performing. She noticed her commander giving her a commanding nod knowing he wanted her to raise her bow and take aim upon the warlock. But she didn’t move her arm that held her bow, it remained lowered. She turned and looked at Xia, noting her concerned expression and her attempt to move forward. Shooting her arm around Xia’s waist she helped her lover to the center of all the action. The words of Drow filled the air as she stated something that Nara had no idea what she said but then her words turned to Elven asking for no more bloodshed, she then witnessed Xia greeting the Drow one by one with a respectful salute to each house.

Isendryll was the name that escaped her lovers lips, an expression of recognition filled her eyes and the smile that formed over Xia face. But the smile faded over taken by one of extreme agony. Nara instantly dropped her bow and caught her loved one in her arms. Nara turned toward the Drow priestess upon hearing her words, studied her for a second then altered her gaze back to Xia. Nara’s concerns were answered and moved to the side to allow the priestess room to perform the healing ritual.

Nara lowered her posture as if she has caused this condition of the princess. She was about to say something when the Drow placed her hands upon Xia and entered that trance like Xia does when she performs this task. Nara could only hold the hand of her lover and hoped that Isendryll could heal her. Xia has been through so much she just wished that she could scoop her up and take her away from all of this.

She looked about the situation between the two confronting races; each one studying what the other was doing, preparing themselves for the ultimate challenge, a battle to the death. She eyed her bow momentarily as her hazel orbs locked onto her commander. His demeanor has changed from when they left the palace to one of extreme hatred and suspicion toward them. Something happened somewhere that has corrupted him.

Her concentration broke when Isendryll reared in coherent dismay and stood up and moved back toward the warlock and whispered to him. Then the same look befell his face as was on hers, his remark ignited a worry in Nara’s chest. She wanted to know what it was that has gotten the Drow so astonished in denial. This dismay brought alarm to the heavy swordsmen whom gripped their weapons in the familiar spin grip hold. There was trouble brewing as she knew what that grip meant so did the two commanders and sure enough Ri’ven and Mekil advanced while Leneria’s bow string was forced back even more taunt and she closed one eye in preparation to release.

Only Xia’s out busts and Isendryll speaking of what was going on did the tension lower as the Heavy swordsmen, and the wizard took a step back. Ri’ven stopped as well as Mekil, they both turned and looked upon what was going on as they witnessed Isendryll return to Xia side and began to perform the ritual once more. The elven warriors released a heavy sigh as things seemed to return to a stand down phase as they watched the priestess heal the princess.

When Xia stood, Nara was there instantly wrapping her arms around the one she loved so much. She smiled when she felt the familiar hand and arm slipping around her waist as well. Xia’s words were quick to follow the act of taking her lover into her grasp.

Ri’ven lowered his sword knowing full well that Xia speaks the truth and that she herself was tired of the senseless blood shed. Lenaria seeing her commander lowering his posture, followed suit without question. She removed the arrow and slung the bow back over her shoulder. Walking over to him she no longer cared who would notice but she placed her arms around his waist as he draped his over her shoulder. “Looks like we have company.” he voiced out giving his verbal support to Xia.

Nara’s hand slightly rose to Xia’s chin and lightly guided the princess’s lips to hers. She kissed her gently allowing her lips to touch her lips several times before bringing them together in a passionate kiss. Her hand holding her cheek while the other one begins to caress Xia’s back. She moaned softly before pulling back, “I love you! But this scaring me to death stops here. You no longer heal us it takes too much out of you. Even if it is me you do not heal me! Do you understand I will not lose you!” her eyes darted about looking at her face and eyes…

“COMMANDER STEP DOWN!” Ri’ven’s voice booms over the area as Leneria’s bow is pulled, arrow notched and pulled back with extreme tension. Both elves eyes glaring upon Mekil whose blade now covered with a green liquid. His ramblings of betrayal filled the air. “They out number us now, and now they have a wizard at hand. Can’t you see they are plotting to kill the king? We can not allow them to live.” he muttered out as he slowly encircled the three Drow.

Tension sparked once again as the swordsmen flipped their swords about and whirled around to face him, each knowing what the liquid was. The wizard began to chant as his hand started to glow…

Nara whipped around instantly “Leneria do your duty! Protect the Elven people of Endoria!” The arrow flew with precision as it struck the commanders fingers, breaking three of them, allowing the sword to fall to the ground. The Drow acted instantly and was upon him, pinning him to the ground as the wizard broke his spell and picked up the sword. “Do not harm him. He is under their laws and will be punished by them.” The wizard commanded the two heavy soldiers.

Nara released a heavy sigh and turned to Xia. “I’m out of words for him. This madness is insane; he wasn’t this way when we left our lands. He only turned this way after your men captured us… Did someone do something to him besides hit him?” She just couldn’t believe his demeanor changed this rapidly and so quick in the opposite direction.

[Annisthyrienne]

Xia savored the kiss, uncaring that it was in full sight of her enemies and her people alike. This was her Bonded One, and that was all that mattered. It pleased her the Ri'ven and the others seemed willing to give the truce a chance, and her mood was lightened with the sensual kisses of her lover too. She was just about to protest Nara's admonishment about her the use of her healing powers. She wanted to explain that what had happened when she healed Mekil was her own fault, that she had rushed it and forced the healing, and only suffered the backlash of her own hasty actions.

But in that moment, Commander Ri'ven's voice split the air of the chamber, and the tension in the space rose to a stifling level. Xia watched in horror as the truce crumbled due to the actions of one raving elf, maddened by his fear and mistrust of his enemy. She stood shocked as the scene unfolded in front of her eyes. But it was an Elvish arrow that disarmed him, not the actions of her own people. Xia looked on as the two Drow swordsmen subdued Mekil and the wizard took his sword. She recognized the vile green venom coating the blade, and it brought back the shame she felt at knowing that she had used the same substance on others of her own kind not much more than a day before.

Her head drooped in sadness as her thoughts reflected on all that had happened. Nara's words echoed in her mind. It was madness! All that had happened since they pulled her naked from her bath was one big farce of madness. She could see right before her eyes that Drow and Elf could not be at peace for even a few moments. There would be too many Mekils, on both sides. The hate would never end; and neither would the killing.

Mekil had told her that his Elvish princeling had had some bold plan for bringing peace between their peoples. She had believed him, even to the point of being willing to sacrifice her own kind for that insane dream. And then she had learned that it was all false.

The tense stillness in the small chamber was broken only by Mekil's harsh breathing, resentful of being stopped before he could kill his enemies. Everyone else seemed to be waiting....perhaps waiting on her to do something or to react in some way. She heaved a weary, regretful sigh and stepped over to where the swordsmen held Mekil tightly to the floor of the cavern. Her feet dragged leadenly, made weary by the burden of responsibility on her shoulders. She stood over Mekil, meeting his defiant eyes with her own.

She raised her gaze, turning to each person standing in the chamber. Eyes that returned her look, Elvish and Drow alike, held the look of expectancy, waiting to see what she would do with him. She would be within her right as a princess to order his death. He threatened and attacked a member of the royal house. But would the elves see it the same way? She already had blood on her hands from her own people, and now she was faced with this decision.

The sight of the two races squaring off to actually fight and kill each other had shocked her. She had seen the aftermath of battle many times. She had even trained in the combat arts with some of the generals who had been so kind as to indulge the eccentric curiosity of the young princess. But she had never witnessed the slaughter of war first hand. Even her own actions in killing had been different. Worse perhaps, since it amounted to murder. But she had thought it was a sacrifice for the cause of peace. Wasn't that really what warfare was; a sacrifice for a cause?

Her vision blurred with tears as she looked upon each face, Elvish and Drow in turn. The sacrifice of her own people had been in vain. The plan for peace had been an empty promise, she believed. But no. This could not all be for naught, her inner voice protested. There had to be a new kind of sacrifice for the cause.

As the tears finally spilled from her eyes and ran down her cheeks silently, she spoke, meeting Mekil's angry glare. Her voice was soft, level, but emotional, yet it carried in the tense silence to every ear. "Commander, you spoke to me of a plan for peace. You stole me away from my people, believing it was the right thing to do for that cause. You made me believe that your prince had a plan that could bring that peace to both our peoples. In truth, I wanted to believe it, so badly I was willing to kill for that dream."

"But then I learned the truth, that all your princeling really wants is a Drow princess to serve as his concubine, the spoils of war, I suppose. He only wants to show his people how easily we Drow can be tamed and conquered. His plan for peace is only a lie."

She raised her head to glance around the circle of people surrounding her. "But though the plan for peace is false, I say the dream of peace must not be. The Elvish Prince is far away from here, comfortable in his palace. But we are here, right now, faced with each other and the prospect of how we will act. Peace, if it is to happen at all, will have to happen at this level, face to face, Drow to Elf, within the hearts and minds of each."

She held out her hand to the wizard for the sword he held, and taking it, examined the green vile liquid that coated the blade. Returning her gaze to Mekil, she continued, "You have coated your blade with this vile venom, the better to kill me and my kind. But I tell you that it is the venom inside your heart and mind that is most deadly to us. You continue to hate, even against your own vow. You continue to make war on us, even in defiance of your so called mission of peace. You would kill me right now if you could."

"There can be no peace until that kind of hatred ends."

Xia handed the sword, hilt first, to Nara.

To Mekil and the others she continued, "No force of arms can end that kind of hatred. With every kill you make, your hatred is fed, not diminished. And the hatred of your enemies grows as well. The cycle must stop. The plan for peace that you said your prince intends may be a farce, but the dream for peace must not be. And it must start with trust. It must start here....now.....with us."

Xia nodded to the swordsmen, signaling them to release Mekil. She extended her hand, offering to help him up. "Commander, what consequences your actions will bring from your own people are not for me to say. But you will have to face them as an Elvish officer should. For my part, I am choosing to believe in this dream of peace. I'm choosing to let it begin with me. Will you join me?" Her silver eyes met his with a steady gaze as she awaited his answer.

[Elvenoff1]

The heavy sigh that was riddled with burden from Xia brought Nara’s trembling hands up to comfort her lover, but the only thing her thin fingers clasped was empty air, for Xia moved forward toward the angry elven commander whom was pinned to the ground by the Drow swordsmen. A whimper escaped from her lips as once more her lover stepped forward to lead this band of trapped souls bent on a peace that seemed more like a fuel source for hatred than anything else did. Nara’s lips made the movements of saying ‘my love stop carrying this burden for you have done enough‘, but no words crossed her pale, cracked lips for she knew that Xia being of whom she is and the respectable social rank she held believed that it was her duty to bring peace here and now. So much weight for one to carry but yet Xia does so wearily, frail from the onslaught of emotions from her; Nara momentarily looks down from this fact. To carrying, the deaths of her own people that; their blood still stains her hands. To what end would release her from this sense of duty.

Nara moved over to where Xia was confronting Mekil with a gaze instead of words. The hatred was in his eyes, and as the human saying was, the eyes were the portal to the soul. This change of demeanor wasn’t done when he was captured; this was something he held secret for a very long time. She even would go so far as to say that his so purpose to accept this mission was so that he could kill the one that they were suppose to bring back to end this war, this killing would escalate the war with the Drow killing more on both sides, but with someone whom was filled with this kind of hatred, wouldn’t care about the thousands of lives lost as long as he could continue to kill.

Standing just behind and to the left of her loved one she glared at her commander with a burning that wasn’t one of sexuality, but vengeance. She wanted him to feel the despair, the loss, the burn of betrayal. She now wished Xia would have let him die back then and now, but she was in a position were the slightest wrong move would end all hopes of ending this war, for not everyone desired the blood of the other kind. She could tell Xia was hurting, reliving the events of old. She wanted to help, but one of her stature would not sway others, but one of hers would, they respected her not by title, but by her actions within her people that brought loyalty to her. Nara’s gaze drifted to the Warlock, A powerful man in his society stands here knowing that his Princess is betraying their mother, but yet he stands here, then she looks at the Priestess as she to be a powerful figure and she stands here. Her eyes moves over to her companions Lenaria and Ri’ven both highly respected warriors of the Elven homeland stand here following the Drow princess and was willing to die to protect her. If it worked here why could it not work out there and that was the hope that Xia and the rest of them clenched tightly upon.

She placed her arm around the waist of her loved one when Xia turned away and took a gaze at the others, looking for that right move to make. She was good at reading people by the way they stood, the way they looked at her and their actions of the past weighted to the ones they make now. Then she weighs the balance and then decides what to do. She was truly a leader and this is why Ri’ven and the others are willing to stand at her side. For Nara it was more than that. It was the love she held for her. A love that began upon first seeing this ebon beauty in the bath pools of her capital city. Now she would die for her without hesitation.

Nara’s eyes swelled up with tears as she witnessed the ones that were in Xia’s eyes indicating the pain that she was in. She reached out to take Xia into her arms but lowered them knowing that she was still deciding the fate of this man, and the fate of the two races that now stand watching her. She could not even speculate what she was going through right now, the pain, the dismay, the despair. She could only give her the love, support, and understanding that she held for her and hoped that would help. She closed her eyes and nodded to her.

Xia words did not fall upon empty ears as Ri’ven nodded to her giving her his acceptance of her decision and that he was behind her in the quest of finding a way to bring peace and end this terrible war. It was a war that he himself was tired of fighting, but one that he would do to defend his people from extinction. He relaxed his stance to one of support and waited for the verdict of this man. He was totally loyal now to the Princess for she could have had the wizard kill them all, but she didn’t she placed herself in the middle willing to give her life to stop the blood shed. That was the action that won him over for actions speak louder than words and her actions spoke highly to him.

Leneria looked over to her commander as Xia words were spoken, She seen his reaction and followed suit. She wasn’t a leader, but a warrior that followed her commander faithfully. Ri’ven has proven his wisdom more than she could remember but not once did he ever make a move that put her in front of him questioning him. She had always stood behind him giving him the support that one who leads needs. She wanted him to know that he was support, that she had his back so he could concentrate on what was ahead of him, not what was behind him.

Leneria’s gaze moved over to Xia, She too was like Ri’ven, A leader that needed support from the ones that surrounded her on a daily bases so that she could also focus upon what lies ahead, not what was behind her, for she did nothing to show anything but honestly about her feelings of this war and at the moment she had the power to win her freedom and have them killed if she wished it so, but yet here she stands speaking of peace

Leneria nodded as well when Xia’s gaze fell upon her. She too was fully behind her decision and would give her life to protect her. She looked back at the commander and nodded to him as well before looking back at the fallen elven commander. “We the second centurion guard gives our allegiance to you.” she proceed to give Xia the centurion salute.

Tears fell and dripped downward from Nara’s chin when she saw the tears flowing down her lover’s cheeks, her hands raised up again wanting to take her into her arms to ease the pain that she was going through. But she turned to face the angry glare of Mekil, her words flowing over the space between them in a peaceful tone of voice and yet held the sting of a sharp dagger. Nara knew that everything she said was the truth for she wasn’t in that room when the prince was giving his order to Mekil, so she was only going on the words of the now fallen commander.

She stepped forward now wanting to hold Xia to ease the pain that was still surfacing through the tears and her words, but the only thing she got was Xia’s hand shooting back the blade that the wizard was holding. Nara pulled back a little from her loved one once her fingers wrapped around the pommel of poison coated blade. Not wanting to even take a chance that it might nick Xia. She looked down at the blade, the green hue of the poison made her position of wanting kill this man more intense. There was no way that she was going to let this man travel with them even if Xia spared his life. She wasn’t willing to let the smallest amount of chance of harm to come to Xia.

“Your Highness!” came the deep voice of Ri’ven, “If I may speak with respect to your decision.” He stepped forward toward her, “This man has threatened a member of royalty and even by his own words spoke of his intentions of harming you. You must reconsider your offering to him.” His eyes meet hers and with a nod he backed up. “As you wish Milady.” even thou there was no words exchanged she would not have offered this to him, if she wasn’t sure that is what she wanted.

Mekil looked at her after she spoken her words, even with his fate in her hands he smiled at her shaking his head slightly. “You will need more than what you have here to survive this.” he ignored her hand and stood up. “You are right, The king will not have a truce with the dark demons of the underworld regardless if the prince wishes to marry you. All you will do is cause a Civil war among the elves if you marry his son. So yeah go ahead and have your fun with Nara, and Those two Centurion guards while you can but once the civil war starts what are you going to do then Princess huh? How are you going to stop that war? Oh let me guess, that would be elves killing elves, that wouldn’t bother you for then you could have your forces over take the elven kingdom without much loss.” he shakes his head. “Do you really think Loth would really care if her disowned daughter married a Elven prince. Do you think she would just recall her troops. There is only one answer here.. Death to the Dark demons of the underground!”

“That was the wrong answer!” Nara screamed as the blade came up to bear in front of her. She stepped quickly in front of Xia. “This is an Elven problem here. Ri’ven You’re the commander what say you?” her anger flared as she bore down upon Mekil. Her eyes red from crying now filled with anger. “What say you!” she yelled back over her shoulder.
Instantly the Drow’s hand was upon their pommel of their swords waiting patiently to see what comes about and if the Princess wants them to stop the Sub-Commander from attacking.

“Stop!” came the heavy voice of Ri’ven. “Nara, The Princess has issued her decision. Abide by it. She is the key to everything we are fighting for. This civil war Mekil speaks of is only trying to get your riled as you are. The elven people will see what is going on and the King will step down from this creed of senseless destruction. We have to maintain our control. Now do as you were ordered to do. Back away.”

“Xia? I can’t allow him to have a chance to get to you! You spare him to keep us at peace, but you already have us in your command. Let me end this fools life before he does damage that can not be corrected. I will not lose you!” Tears fell as her body trembled, “I have came so close in throwing this all way already and I have felt the pain of not having you at my side, Do not risk your life and Mine on this filth that wishes to bath in your peoples blood. Stop this madness now!”

“I accept your offering Xia.” Mekil spoke quickly.. “Now call off your hound, or I wont help you.” His gaze hard …

[Annisthyrienne]

Xia stood in confusion. Her offer of peace was rejected before her eyes by such unreasoning hatred, now laid bare before her eyes and ugly in it's nakedness. Mekil, who had spoken to her of peace, now openly mocked the possibility. Was he right? Would it drive the elves to war among their own kind? And even if she thought her people wanted to live in peace, High Priestess Callandryll was sure to use the opportunity to press any advantage. The whole mess would only result in thousands more deaths on both sides.

For a moment, she lost her focus and with it, her nerve. She took a step backwards, shaking her head slightly, unsure of what to do. Nara had stepped in front of her, brandishing Mekil's own poisoned blade to menace him with it. Xia could hear the determination in the voice of her beloved Other to put an end to this menace to their happiness once and for all. But even if Mekil was gone, would they ever really have a chance for happiness? They were from two different worlds. Could Nara ever understand the bindings that held Xia by virtue of her blood, and of her birth?

Things were expected of a royal, more than even a soldier. There were unspoken responsibilities. All that most people saw were the privileges, the luxuries of their station. But it was a great weight to wear a crown: the weight of your people's well being. Xia knew that even someone like High Priestess Callandryll, though she wielded great power herself, could not understand what it meant to be responsible for the people. Or maybe she just didn't care; didn't care if they lived or died, or what kind of lives they had, however fleeting.

But Xia knew those burdens. And in reminding herself of them, she found her center, her soul, once again. She stepped up beside Nara, laying one gentle hand on the warrior's arm that held the poisoned sword. "No, Nara. It's not the way we must follow now. The time for killing must come to an end at some point, if there is to be peace at all. Even killing those who would jeopardize the chance for peace would only spawn more hatred and violence."

"Besides, what I do, I do not do for him. My entreaties to Mekil to join us in striving for peace might seem as if I am offering him peace for his sake. And in the sense that it offers him the same chance that it does to me, that is true. But the real reason I offered was not in response to anything that Mekil is or is not." Xia paused, holding Nara's arms in her two hands. She lifted a hand up to gently brush the hair back from Nara's temple, behind her ear. Then she glanced at the others before continuing her explanation.

"What I did by choosing to offer him the chance to join us in peace, was an act of defining myself. It's not about who he is. We will never know peace by reacting to who our enemies are, or to what they do. Instead, we must do what we do to make a statement about who we are. We must consider every action we take in the light of the question: What does this action say about me, about the kind of person I choose to be. And is that a statement I want to make about myself. When we become the peacemakers because it is how we see ourselves, only then will our vision of ourselves at peace begin to come true."

Turning to Ri'ven, Xia gestured to Mekil. "Commander, I spare his life because of what I choose to be, not because of what he is. But even so, I'm not stupid. His continuing hatred burns in him like a fever, like a sickness. I will not risk harm rashly. If it would not be too much trouble for you, I think keeping him bound and restrained would be the safest course. He can be turned over to your authorities when you reach your homeland."

"And to all of you, my gratitude for your support. This path we all take will not be an easy one. I truly hope it will not cause war among your people." Xia noticed the uncertainty on the dark faces of her own kind, and extended a hand to them. "I know you are confused. Explanations are in order. Will you sit with these elves in a council of truce, so that all can be made clear? I think the time for secrets has come to an end. Let us all sit and take food while explanations are made." Xia took Nara's arm in hers, leaning close, and led the way to an open space near the cart, kicking a few stones clear to make room for the others. She extended a hand to Isendryll to sit at her other side, thus setting the precedent for elves on her right side, and Drow on her left, in a circle.

[Elvenoff1]

Nara’s hand reached up to touch her lover seeing the confusion flare up in her silvery eyes, her uncertain footing as she pondered backwards, shaking her head slightly in dismay. Nara’s heart fluttered with even more anger, it was obvious that Mekil’s words of manipulation struck a nerve ending with Xia. Now, as they stood looking upon each other Xia’s inner strength was once again taken to the battlefield of sorting out her multiple levels of emotional baggage that has been placed upon her shoulder since being pulled from her home.

Nara’s tearful eyes watched Xia’s regain her composure, and with that in place, she found her footing upon the path that she has willing killed her own kind for. A peace that still was heavy burdened to fail, but she kept that fire burning with hope. Nara admired Xia’s ability to see past the anger, the hatred, the treachery and focus upon the needs of the many over the needs of the few. Unlike her, Nara was the hammer that was to protect one side of the battlefield, her people not both.

Nara’s head shook slight from side to side knowing that was about to come, but maybe this time Xia’s intellect would see that this man was not worth her mercy. He was not worth the moments that she gave up thinking of what to do with him. Maybe she will allow Nara to finish what her arrow would have done if Xia did not give mercy to him then.

A warmth over came her upon Xia’s touch, her eyes softened and muscles released some of their tension. The love she felt for this woman surfaced upon her lips with a smile. Xia had this power over her, all it took was a touch, or a look that would send Nara’s emotions scattering leaving her defenseless, and venerable. Then a pain shot through Nara’s chest once her loved one spoke the razor sharp words. A bitter taste filled her mouth but she listened to the words shaking her head attempting to regroup her emotions. “NO… We have to end…” Her words fell silent as Xia’s hand rose up and pushed back some of her hair away from her temple to over her ear. Her head lowered along with the sword, the tip sinking into the ground once released from the elven grip.

Mekil eyed the sword contemplating his chances upon killing this princess for now she has taken her footing upon the path of peace. His attempt to keep her off balance by manipulation has failed him. His attempt to keep her shrouded in confusion of where he stood about the war ended sooner than he had hoped. He had this feeling she was about to slide back into her dark ways if it wasn’t for Nara bringing her a comfort, her strong resolution, which he underestimated when they first grabbed her, she would have fallen to the rage that most Drow would have by now. His purpose was to kill her in this frenzy so that he would not be looked at with questions from the prince when they returned with her body. A fear built up within him, as he knew the truth about his people. They grow tired of this war and would side with the prince when he took control of the kingdom and offer these demons a peace. He would start by allowing all the Drow outcasts from their society to move into his protection, mingle with the elven people without fear. The images angered him more as he eyed the sword’s pommel. His thoughts quenched as the warlock’s hand slide over the pommel and plucked it from the ground. He cringed from the hard gaze of the warlock.

Ri’ven lowered his hand from his pommel upon seeing the warlock gain control of the poisoned sword. He slightly shook his head at Nara’s reaction to the Princess’s words for they all knew what she said was true. They themselves had to let go of the hatred, and mistrust if they expected it to flow to the people of each kingdom. He gazed over to Lenaria wanting to see her expression but as always, her look was supportive of him and now it seems to have extended to Xia as well. Being observant as he is, he has noticed that she has been watching Xia closely here lately.

Lenaria turned her attention from the Princess and Nara, to her commander, whom was looking at her with a raised brow. She smiled at him as she moved toward him. “And what have I done to get a raised brow from you?” She whispered once in range. There were very few times that she has made him arch his brow in such a manner and now she wanted to know what she did this time. She believed she has behaving like a well-trained elven warrior under the stressful circumstances.

“I have seen the way you look at her now compared to the way you did when we first met her.” his quizzical expression upon his face brought one upon her as well. “What?” she slapped his shoulder playfully, “I’m just taken in by the power of her will to keep all of this together even after finding out that this could be a complete failure. Yet she wishes to continue this journey when she can easily over power us now with the wizard and two priestesses, not to mention the two heavy swordsmen.” She looks over at the group as they made their way toward the area that Xia was making for this joining of the two at a meal. “I even have to admit that I see what Nara sees in her. She has a radiant strength of control that I admire in her, for here she is a powerful woman without weapons living in a powerful, weapon-wielding world of man controlling her own destiny. She turns back to Ri’ven, “But I still follow you. I am willing to give my life for yours Ri’ven, I mean Commander… I …” She choked on the words for knowing what she was about to say would change things forever, and she didn’t know if it would be one of good or one of future regret.

She smiled at him, “Should we join them?” She asked still gazing into his eyes. Wanting to know how he felt about her. Her longing has been so long it was hard to hide now that Nara and Xia has been showing their feelings here as of late. Her gaze shifted over to Xia, And her feelings for her was something else all together in it’s self.

Ri’ven felt that there was more than what his Sub-commander was telling him, but it was not one that would cause anyone harm so he allowed it to pass. Everyone held secrets, some that would not cause death and destruction and some that would. He felt her withdrawing from her with her emotions, for him himself many times as had to put himself of check. It was hard not to have feelings with someone you knew better then most lovers did about each other.

“Yes, I believe we should join the group.” His eyes gazed over to the two heavy swordsmen and nodded toward Mekil. He did not know if they would react to his nod but as Xia was saying trust and respect had to start somewhere. He nodded again with an approval as he watched them move forward, took Mekil into a hold, and began to bind him. Mekil only lowered his head, as he knew it was futile to resist now, but in time, he would have an opportunity for the gods always favored the loyal ones.

“Come.” He gestured to Lenaria by placing one hand on the small of her back and the other one gesturing toward the group. They moved together and took their place upon the right side of Xia. He looked upon her and gave her a nod before taking his place on the ground next to her.

Nara accepted the arm in arm from her lover without a word. Her gaze now lighter as the angry washed way by the love she felt from Xia’s touch. “Xia, I love you. However, I am a warrior. I am your blade. I cannot look into hopes of peace when a treat to you is so near. I understand you need us to move in this peace mode, but his death would not mean anything except an end to a menace to this peace. You have shown all of us your humanity and that speaks so much about you already that this extra step is just putting your life in more danger than it already is.” She whispered so that no one else could hear her words. “Do you think he or anyone else here would give you this many chances to live if you did what he has done. I fear even myself would kill you.” she cringed and tears swelled up with just the thought of this act.

She did not press the matter when Xia did not answer her but gave her gratitude for the support that she has received from both sides. She knew they would talk later when they were alone. Xia would allow her to get everything off her chest that weighted her down and would smooth her fears and comfort her pain. She wrapped her arms around the waist of her lover and stood next to her as each member of the group took their place. She looked over at Mekil whom was bound to the wagon but was close enough to hear and partake in the talks. One of the Heavy swordsmen stood next to him, the other took a seat next to the now sitting warlock and Isendryll.

“To start this off I wish to convey something to everyone.” Ri’ven’s gaze moved over to the Drow. “I welcome you to our group, and to our table to share our bread and drink. I have been a warrior for a long time and I have shed your brother’s blood. Now I grow tired of this conflict and I am willing to share this moment with you with a lightened heart due to this young, very wise princess of yours. Who has shown me through her actions that her heart beats on the same path as mine.” He openly salutes her. Lenaria following his Suit and Nara does as well.

“Even though we do not understand how this bonding as occurred between our two races and between the same sex but I do love Xia with all my heart. I would die for her before allowing harm to come to her. I am a warrior whom has taken lives of your kinship in the past and now after seeing that you all are the same as we, just wanting to live your life for yourself and your deity. I have remorse in doing so and I offer my condolences if I knew what I know now, I would not have taken arms up against you but would have pushed for this moment that we are about to do.” Her hand moves up and tenderly touches Xia’s chin, lightly pulling her to her kissing her tenderly. “I love you, I will follow where ever you go, what path you choose is the path we take.” She lightly cups Xia’s jaw in her palm before slowly moving it away and taking her seat upon the ground.

A nod of appreciation comes over the Warlock, his gaze moves up to Xia with an accepting nod to her wishes. “By your wish, I Xantaric of the first circle gives you my loyalty. Your Highness.” His voice was calm and strong.

[Annisthyrienne]

Xia listened to the heartfelt words of the Elvish commander, and her cheeks flushed with humble pride as first the elves and then the Drow warlock pledged their allegiance to her. In truth, she wasn't remotely as confident in the wisdom of this path to peace that she had embarked upon. She didn't know how she could bring peace to both kingdoms. She only knew she had to try. In her mind, Xia had more or less sat out the war in relative comfort while thousands fought and died on both sides. Now it was time for her to make the sacrifice.

As they joined the circle at her side, Xia wondered how eager her countrymen would be to pledge their loyalty to her if they knew all that had transpired. She decided it was time to reveal all. "I am touched by your pledges of loyalty, all of you. But until this point, all I have asked of you is your trust in laying aside your hostilities for each other. Now before I ask more of you, I would offer you the chance to turn back. No discredit will be yours if you do." Her eyes met those of the other Drow, one by one.

"By now you may have realized that I intend to travel with these elves to meet with their prince. I was told after I was taken from the palace that the elvish prince has a proposal for peace between our kingdoms. I must go to hear his plan. But though my destiny lies along that path, yours does not, not yet. I offer you the chance now to return to our homeland in the Underdark, and resume your places if it is your wish. All I would ask of you is your silence about what I am doing. It would be better if what you know already is all that you know. You may be questioned upon your return, and if you know more, it could be used against you. I know that to go to the elven kingdom during time of war could be considered an act of treason. I must take this risk; the Bonding ensures that now. But I would not ask it of any of you against your will."

She sighed and dropped her gaze, collecting her thoughts. "If you choose to go, go now with only what you have learned so far. Keep silent about what you know of my fate until we learn whether the plan for peace is possible or not. But if you stay, I would tell you everything, and it is not a happy tale. You may hate me every bit as much as the Elven Commander."

The Drow swordsmen looked curiously at each other, and Isendryll searched her Princess' face for clues of what could be weighing down her heart so much. The priestess could sense that something was wrong; something that brought blackness to Xia's spirit. Isendryll had worked far too long at Xia's side not to feel when something was bothering the young princess.

Xia's hand squeezed Nara's for reassurance. The physical contact gave her some comfort and steadied her nerves. Xia still felt the attraction and yearning of the Bonding, but there hadn't been time to consummate it, and it now it would have to wait.

Isendryll spoke up hesitantly, uncertain what could be so horrible that her princess and friend might reveal. "Highness, I know that to go willingly with these elves could be seen as desertion of my people, especially by High Priestess Callandryl. But my place is at your side. I would go with you, if you'll have me."

Xia smiled her gratitude to the young priestess, one of the few true friends she thought she could count on. She turned to Xantaric, to hear his reaction. The warlock's light grey eyes locked on hers, his normally arched brows furrowed in intense concentration as he regarded her. This young princess was determined, willing to give up all she knew and was comfortable with to try for a fragile peace that had no guarantee of ever coming about. She fascinated him. "Highness, I have pledged my loyalty knowing full well what it means. And I would hear the whole of your story."

Xia nodded in acknowledgment of his humble pledge, and turned her eyes upon the two swordsmen. Each in turn gave their own nods of agreement and rendered a sharp salute. Xia sighed deeply, turning to look fully into Nara's eyes for the unspoken encouragement and strength to continue with what she must confess. She took a deep breath and began.

For the next several minutes, the only sound that could be heard was the solemn, subdued voice of the drow princess as she recounted all that had befallen her since she was taken from her bath. As she recalled the depth of her sins against her own people, her silvery eyes stayed locked on Nara's hazel orbs as crystal tears streamed freely down her cheeks. Her voice broke on several occasions, still raw with the hurt and grief over what she had done. At last she finished, hanging her head low, waiting for the condemnation of those who moments earlier swore their loyalty to her.

The heavy silence that followed hung in the still of the mine tunnel. The elves kept their silence, respectful of the raw edge of grief that could almost be felt in the air. Of them all, only Nara knew the true depths of Xia's anguish, for she felt it too, through the bonding link between them. Never before had she cause to regret the deaths of drow soldiers, even these who would have killed or ravaged her but for Xia's intervention.

The moment was broken when Xia felt a gentle touch on her arm. She glanced up sharply to see Isendryll looking at her, the young priestess' own eyes moist with tears. But they were not the tears of grief for the dead. Rather they were tears of sympathy for the hurt that her princess felt so keenly. She spoke softly, "My Princess, there is something you should know about those men. I was in an antechamber of the temple when High Priestess Callandryll gave them their orders and sent them after you. I overheard what she told the leader of the squad after the others left."

"She told all the men that you had been abducted by the elves. Apparently someone found traces of evidence that was enough to prompt the use of a psychometric vision spell. She told the men that the spell revealed that you had been abducted by the Elvish Rangers. She gave them the task of finding you and bringing you back. But after she dismissed the squad, she had a private meeting with the squad leader. Highness, I heard her offer him a high commission among the Temple Guards if he would personally see to it that you never returned to the Underdark alive. He was to make it look like you'd been killed by the elves when the squad caught up to them."

Xia listened, astonished. She knew that she had crossed the line with the High Priestess, but she didn't really think that Callandryll would scheme to have her killed, not a member of the Royal House, surely! But she believed Isendryll as she would believe few other drow. She thought back to the night of the attack. Her snow white brow furrowed with this new information. "So it is Callandryll's treason, then, that was at the heart of that bloodshed. The squad leader wasn't the one to find me when they attacked. It was one of the other men. After that, he couldn't risk killing me until the opportunity was right. The men would have known."

Xantaric responded, "Yes, Princess. And so when you killed those men, it was in your own defense, in a manner of speaking. Had you not dispatched them when you did, you would now be dead, and Callandryll would have one less threat to her own power. After Isendryll slipped from the antechamber, she came to me and related what she had heard. That is why we came here, looking for you. We had hoped to prevent your murder. It is only through a miscalculation of where the Elves would be taking you that we arrived here, while the assassin squad caught up with you where they did."

Xia blinked, stunned by what she'd heard. If this was true, then she had only done what she had to do. She slowly turned to regard the faces of the elves and drow assembled around the circle, her eyes at last coming to rest upon those of her lover, Nara. In those eyes she saw understanding, and the one thing she couldn't find elsewhere: forgiveness.

She let Nara pull her into a hug, and sobbed out her guilt and anguish on her lover's shoulder, allowing herself this one outlet for her feelings before burying it deep in her soul.

[Elvenoff1]

Nara’s hazel eyes looked upon her lover, her irises red and watery from the pain of watching her loved one suffering so much. A pain that was there the moment the deed was done but by no means could have been released until now, for now she confided in a long-term friend, and people of her kind. Nara could have told her over and over again that it was okay, but in a judgment of guilt, one could only be released by the ones that could offer her clemency. The tears fell upon watching Xia struggle with reliving that moment, what she would not do to take that painful moment away from her.

A pale, trembling hand reached out and over dark skin as Nara took her lover into her arms, placing her hand upon the back of Xia head gently holding her in the softness of her nape, kissing the top of her head and laying her tear-watered cheek upon the same spot. Nara began to sing a soft, elven hymn. Her other hand massaging Xia’s back. Her eyes closing as she put the love into the hymn.

Ri’ven head lowered from witnessing the pain that Xia was releasing, A pain that he knew quite well, but never thought that a Drow would feel, especially one of Royalty that usually stood on the back of others anyway. However, he was wrong, this princess was different, and she bore the pain and suffering of others, felt the guilt of what she did and was suffering from it. He actually felt himself wanting to extend his arms to her, to hold her as Nara was doing, giving her support and …Love?

He raised his head and fixed his eyes upon the other drow, measuring their response to the Princess’s confession and what he got was something he never witnessed before nor believed could happen till in recent days and that is Drow showing mercy and understanding. Even in the case of Xia, resentment of death.

His eyes drifted from gazing at the couple to the eyes of his Sub-commander whom was looking at him, an expression upon her face that he has seen many times during their time of service together. An expression she normally held when she was looking over the corpse of fallen comrades. He reached out and placed his hand upon her shoulder. Nodding his understanding to her, He watched a tear fall from her eye…


Leneria wiped the tear from her face as her commander’s hand gripped her shoulder. She was tired, mentally stressed out with all the madness that this war has brought into her life. The lives lost on both sides, which was a new pain to her, for she never once thought of the life she was taking when she killed a drow solider until now by witnessing the loyalty that they were giving to their leader for an act of treason against their kind to bring a peace between the races. They were just like them; the only difference was the color of their skin, and the place they lived.

She removed her gaze from her commander to each of the drow that were standing close to the princess, whom was cuddled with Nara, sharing their love and support for each other. She wondered if she would ever be so lucky in finding true love as they have. Maybe that is what the Prince was thinking if he, Elven royalty would marry Drow royalty it would show their subjects that a harmony can exist between the races, but that as already been done right here as Drow and Elves stand united under the banner of peace carried by the princess of the drow.

“Your Highness.” Leneria stands and steps forward. “If I may interrupt your moment of support from your loved one for a moment, I have something to say.” She stopped and waited for Nara to stop her hymn, which she did immediately. “We the elven race is not standing here with clean hands. We have done atrocities against your kind, killing with no provocation except following the orders of one man, our king, whom now grows old and feebleminded. The act that you have done against your kind compares little to what we all have done. Even the one that you love has blood upon her hands.” her gaze falls to Nara, “We, as I know Nara does as well, ask for the people of the Drow to have mercy and forgiveness for our acts of cruelty against your kind.” She looks down for a moment collecting her thoughts, then returning her gaze to the Princess. “I grow tired of this war, as all of us sitting are, but you seem to carry the burden of this alone, do not do this anymore, we stand here united so let us help you carry this message to the people of our realms. Let us help you with this battle for peace.”

Nara’s soft hand moved forward and lightly raked her fingertips along Xia’s jawbone, lifting her head up and lightly pressing her lips to hers. Kissing her softly for a long moment, “I love you.” She whispered as she pulled away so that Xia could here what the Sub-commander had to say. Her loving gaze of support never breaking contact with her.

The words of Leneria broke that gaze as she lowered her head down and mentally relived the transgressions that she had done back just a few weeks ago against a drow insurgent squad. She raised her hands up and mentally placed the image of blood dripping from her fingers. She closed her eyes tightly trying to rid the images but the emotion was too strong. She attempted to push it down so that Xia would not feel the pain, but she knew better so she waited for Xia to show her a sign that they would talk later or that she forgave her for her acts of cruelty.

Ri’ven stood up and looked at all that was gathered around. “We all have things that we now regret doing, but we must not dwell on the past for that can not be changed. What we must dwell on now is stopping this madness and senseless killing that is still raging out there.” His hand gestures outward. “If we dwell on what we have done in the past, we risk the possibility of drumming up an anger that would off balance this moment of peace. We all have demons, which is the killing of each other. That was war, and still is, but a war without merit now that should have ended decades ago.” His eyes moved to each individual. “I’m sure that we now ask for mercy and forgiveness let that be said and done with. Lets move on to what or how are we going to stop this war. Lets strengthen our bonds here so that when the past does come up within our people we are strong enough to withstand this backlash and show the people that we stand united and strong. For if we show one hair of weakness this unification will fall and there will not only be war between our races, but a civil war as well.” He clenched his fists before turning away from the others and taking a few steps away.

“MY, MY, MY! What words do we spit outward!” Mocked Mekil, “Why not tell them your demons Ri’ven. Tell them what blood drips from your hands!” A Wildman’s chuckle escapes over his lips, “Nara, all loving Nara, Shall I tell Xia what drips from your hands! Do you think she would still love you as much as you think she does knowing what you did.” He laughs, “You all mock this war saying it is without merit, but it is not so, we war for the very reason of their savageness against elvenkind, and humankind. Do you not think that the Queen of hell will just smile and say ok we shall have a peace. The only way that this peace will occur if the entire drow race turn their back against the Queen and do you really think that is going to happen?”

Nara shot a glance at him, eyes that held the horn of death burned. “My suggestion to you would be silence. For I just might have to commit an atrocity against the elvenkind by splitting your throat.” She hissed, anger burned in her gut. Nevertheless, quickly faded upon the gaze of her lover looking at her. Her eyes pleading her to remain calm. She closed her eyes and allowed the anger to subside with thoughts of how Xia’s lips felt just moments ago when they kissed.

“SO the leash is…” A gurgling noise came from his throat as he fought for breath. His hands jerked against the bonds that held him to the wagon.

“Enough of this.” Xantaric responded. “We, as the Commander has stated all have demons that we must swallow and forever hold it to the acts of war. But now a new age is on the horizon and when it comes that is when our actions can and will be held against those whom commit said atrocities.” He released the commander from his spell. “I have committed crimes of ….humanity as well, as we all have, as the good commander has stated, but now it is a new chapter in the book of Elvenkind which is all of us.” He look over at Xia and Nara. “We are done here for now. If no-one else has noticed the fatigue, the quick temperament in both of these women is because the bonding is effecting them both, the longer they put off the consummating, the worse it will get. So therefore this meeting is over and we shall leave them alone for this night. We shall resume our talks tomorrow..” The wizard speaking up what authority he held…