We sat together and had an entertaining conversation, but the King's eyes kept turning in my direction. There is something in those apple-green eyes that I can't put my finger on, I can't look away as if caught in a trance-
"Avoid looking into his eyes, or he can easily trance you." Whispered Rudianos as he followed my glance.
I blinked at Rudianos, surprised, while he smirked at my reaction.
"For a mortal and human, you are different." Noted the King with a sly smile to me.
"Maybe it is because I have the blood of the gods coursing through my veins. I'm a relative of Rudianos."
The king gave a musical chuckle. "That would explain a lot." He walks up to me and looks into my eyes as if trying to read my mind. "You have the abilities that are impossible to a mere human. What powers do you possess?"
"Foresee my own future, only short visions of them through vivid dreams. Some show what will happen in a few days and others what's to come in years."
He holds my chin gently with a broad smile. "A befitting ability, can you do more?"
"Not that I'm aware of."
"Then, did you foresee this moment?" His face drew closer to mine.
I stepped back as I realized what his intention was.
He sniggered at my reaction. "Something tells me that you are more capable of than you know."
"The lass? Ha!" Laughed Taranis with reddened cheeks and nose before taking another large gulp of his chalice. "Don't worry about that."
I balled my hands into fists to contain my anger holding back from giving him a slap. "Well, this lass apparently has great powers like that of-"
"Of Rudianos," cut in Celdecc. "That is why Efnisien is after her, and we need your assistance."
The King gave an amused scoff as he walked behind me towards the others with a smirk. "No surprise there, especially that Efnisien is after her."
Rapidly like lightning Taranis was on his feet and glared, angered at the King while nearly breathing heavily that his chest heaved. "You knew after all this time?"
"Yes, and I'll gladly provide my assistance to protect her. But I fear the Elvanshee will see it differently." Said the Kind cooly.
Rudianos stood up. "Let me worry about them."
Taranis blinked at Rudianos, bewildered and thought his ears are deceiving him. "Hold it! Rudianos, aren't you furious that the King withheld the information about Efnisien?"
"Why should I be furious?" He asked calmly. "He knew, so? I suggest you spare that fury and energy for later when Efnisien is in our sights, which I hope will never be the case." Rudianos turns to the King. "I leave you with Ina with my utmost trust until I return." He bowed and left the platform.
Taranis and Celdecc followed him, but Rudianos halted Celdecc. "Plase stay here, Celdecc. Ina has a lot to learn of this world." Celdecc nodded and watched how Rudianos and Taranis walked away.
Before I could walk up to Celdecc, I suddenly felt something tickling at my neck. Quick-witted, I turned to see the King stroking my neck with the tip of his finger. Immediately I made space from him and placed a hand over my neck to rid the feeling.
"No need to play coy." He mused with a smirk.
"Well, I don't like it." I held my ground, but a shudder shot through my body.
Suddenly Vinita flew in front of my face, "but the King likes you."
"Leave her alone." Celdecc stepped in front of me, blocking Vinita and the King. Although he spoke with a calm tone, I looked up and noticed his expression was far from it. For the first time, I saw him angered, and it looked impressive and reminded me a bit how rams can look angered, but it made me respect him. Noted not to make him angry, his nostrils flared as he breathed.
The King didn't falter; he smirked as he stepped back and threw one last glance at me before he walked away.
Celdecc sighed as he faced me, and his expression turned to concern. "Are you alright?" I nodded. "I'm afraid the King of the Faeries is like that. I guess it would be best you stay near me until Rudianos and Taranis return. Come with me." He walked ahead.
I remained close beside him as he led the way out onto a large flat grass field, and he halted as we reached an old oak tree. "Do you remember, as I mentioned, that you may have strong magical powers like Merlin's?" He crouched down to an even eye level with me and looked me in the eye. I nodded. "I know you can do more than just see your own future, and I even sense it as does the King without a doubt. I can teach you the words and how it's done using your power, but the rest is up to you. The decision is up to you, but with Efnisien after you, I would consider learning magic useful."
"Is my magic like Merlin's?" I wondered, confused.
Celdecc smiled and shook his head. "No, yours is unique, but what exactly makes it so powerful I can't tell. Who knows, maybe during the learning, you'll find out, but it is strong enough to face against Efnisien if you train." He paused. "Magic is unpredictable, maybe your magic will be similar to Rudianos, or it will be completely different."
"And the only way to find out is by trying, which I don't mind. I'd like to learn."
"Very well," Celdecc sighed content. "Then we'll start with the Gaelic language; the spells are made by that language."
From there on, I started to learn from Celdecc the Gaelic language and what sorts of creatures there are to this world I'm in. The Elvanshee folk are otherwise known as elves but nothing compared to books I've ever read and the same account for the Gedarvek known as dwarfs. The Faeries were the only creatures that I heard mostly correct during my childhood, most of it. The King of the Faeries has a name, but he shares it with no one, and many different rumours about him makes him unpredictable. And to my personal record, a pervert and flirt; he keeps trying to get to me whenever there is a moment I'm alone. His apple-green eyes shine with malicious joy and lust while his arms are that of an octopus. Luckily Celdecc taught me not only the culture, language and magic but also a trick or too how to slip away from the King. I figured soon that I have to be on toes and nimble at all times since the King is persistent. Hence, I appreciated more of Celdecc's company and his teachings. The land of the Faeries is a land filled with surprises. The King lives in two large castles; one stands in the forest's thickest part and another near the waterfall. He changes between them as he sees fit to his moods. The castle in the forest holds a large library that I use daily with Celdecc to learn. With Celdecc's teaching and support, I learned to become confident over myself as it's part of the learning of using spells and see Celdecc as a dear friend. He's protected me more than once against the King and was wondering what Rudianos sees in him to have such trust in leaving me here. He even joked who is the real threat, Efnisien or the King?
Celdecc has noticed my progress as I spoke nearly fluent Gaelic and noted that he will start leaving things to my own accord to become more independent and secure in my learning. He would still be nearby for any questions and keeping an eye on the King.
On one fine morning with the sun shining high in the crystal blue sky, I decided to train outside near the large lake where I met the King for the first time. I wanted to train on something more difficult, which was bending an element to my will. I chose water since it's my element so, I sat close to the water without getting wet and focused on getting a handful of water to float. Suddenly I spotted a familiar face reflecting on the surface of the water close to me. It's the King! Rapidly I threw the water I had at hand at his face and stood up to make distance from him.
I found myself staring at him and standing within his reach, too close for me. He was dry, he either anticipated my reaction, or he is as quick as everyone says. He smirked at me and sniggered. "You're fast but not fast enough." Suddenly I felt something warm on my lips and first realized he was kissing me as I felt the tip of his tongue.
As sudden he came, he stepped back and noticed later that Rudianos stood in front of me. "What's the meaning of this?" Hissed Rudianos.
The King remained in his calm demeanour and smiled broadly, revealing a flash of white teeth. "I wanted to know how those pretty lips taste like."
Rudianos scoffed as he started to smirk. "What will you Queen say to this?"
"Which Queen? Remember that I'm assisting you." The King panned to me. A shudder went down my spine.
"Remember with whom you're up against." Hissed Rudianos. "I believe Celdecc has made it clear during my absence."
"Crystal." Smiled the King.
Rudianos gave the nod before he turned to me and led me away by the hand. He halted as we stood in the shade of a beech tree near the forest. He then gently held me by the arms as he looked into my eyes as if trying to read my mind. "Are you ok? Did he hurt you?"
"I-I'm fine." Suddenly tears welled in my eyes as I whipped away the feeling on my lips. I must be in a shock to react so.
"Are you sure?" He asked, concerned and slid his hands down to mine. "Your hands are cold."
I tried to swallow these tears, but somehow they were too great, and I sobbed like a little child as the tears streamed from my eyes.
Rudianos gently embraced me. "Let these tears go, Ina. Everything will be alright." He whispered. "No matter what happens, listen to your heart."
After a while, as I calmed down, he opened the embrace and looked into my eyes with concern. I sensed it was the sort of concern one would have within a family. Slowly he started to smile at me as he spoke, "from what I saw, you can bend the element water very good, and it was a smart move." He paused as I started to smile along. "How's your knowledge in Gaelic?"
"Beagnach líofa." (nearly fluent) "Celdecc even kept a sharp eye on the King to keep me safe."
"Did he? Did he teach you how to fight?"
"Not really."
"Then I have something to show you, or rather someone. Come." He chuckled softly and gently held my hand to lead me to the castle in the forest. Soon in the distance, I spotted a group of people at the gate, and Rudianos led me directly to them. They wore strange but colourful robes and weapons strapped to their belts or at their back. I remained close to Rudianos' side like a child as we approached them. Soon I realized these people are elves; they're the Elvanshee folk. They had long pointy ears and large almond-shaped eyes with amethyst irises. Rudianos walked up to one while I hooked on his arm. "Meran, may I introduce you to Ina Verroux. Ina, this is Meran Sezaar; he is one of the most respected men in his clan. He and his people are here to protect you and teach you how to fight." He paused. Meran placed his right hand to his left shoulder and bowed his head. "That's the greeting all Elvanshee do like you shake hands with other people," Rudianos whispered to my ear. Without thinking, I did the same to Meran. Rudianos followed.399Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoM2O9wNLZh
Meran had the same height as Rudianos and has broad shoulders. He wore a long indigo blue cape that covered everything from his shoulders to the ground. I did notice at an open cleft of the cape his leather boots. In contrast to the cape was his chestnut brown long hair that rolled over his shoulders and spotted a few small braids near his face. I couldn't miss his large amethyst eyes; they were mesmerizing. A composed smile curled at his lips; he was clean-shaven, had a light complexion and slightly curved scar across his right cheek. Maybe a combat wound? "A pleasure to meet you, Ina. Rudianos has told me a lot about you." His voice sounded deep and soft as velvet.399Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5H7hSuE5Kk
"The-the pleasure is mine." I grinned. "I hope he told you only good things," and nudged on Rudianos.399Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sCbgsEEtr
Meran chuckled softly at what sounded musical.399Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUm2HLuEvBM
"I have." Rudianos winked. "And upon that word, I will take my leave."
"Wait!" I halted him by gripping his arm. "Where are the others?"
He took my hand and looked me in the eye. "While you're staying here with Meran and his people. The others, Taranis, Celdecc and me, will do what we can to stop Efnisien without freezing time."
I blinked, amazed.
"You see; Efnisien is very evil, so evil that he gets what he wants. This time I want to prove him wrong, but it's not because you're weak. It's your strength. I want you to use it by no force and by no evil intention."399Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xx3soxltV
"But-"
He shushed by placing a finger on my lips. "There's no doubt about your power, Ina. Remember to follow your heart and practise makes perfect, along with teaching the King a good lesson." He winked.399Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPuswa3DcP
Before I could remark, he was gone without a trace by his high-speed ability. After a while, I sighed to muster my courage to face Meran.
"You won't be alone, Ina." Assured Meran calmly, his voice astoundingly soothed my mind and nerves. "My folk and I are here to protect you and teach you how to defend and fight. Knowing magic is one thing in this world, but it will be to your advantage with combat knowledge."
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