Lim Luma, royal capital of the prodigious forest elves and a trading hub for rare textiles, and complex magical systems. Elf and animal lived in perfect harmony, but suspicious outsiders were not welcome to visit or dwell in the paradisiac forest. Anyone that wasn’t a Limian elf could not step foot within bounds of the heavily guarded trees, could not gaze upon the white and shimmering peach tree that only fruited once every hundred years, or see the most divine creatures spoken about in storybooks. To the elves a hundred years was nothing at all, but to a human, or a similarly short lived individual - it was everything. One might wander too far off pure chance and discover a blade at the end of their throat, or an arrow in their beating heart. This selective animosity and secretive nature of the elves was all for one thing, or several important things near and dear to their cause.
At the heart of Lim Luma, the oldest tree is said to grant the wishes of the one that consumes its decadent fruit. It is connected like a lifeline to elves; it gives wisdom to immortals, but if it is ever greedily devoured it can easily poison the mind with dark ideas. The everlasting tree is a testament of their long living, infinite light, but the Limian elves protect it. Known to its guardians and people simply as Piir. For centuries, only one enjoyed its fruit, and only one was poisoned by it.
Queen Looala of Lim Luma ruled for five hundred years; hoarding the fruit for herself, casting wishes left and right. It tainted the image of the Limian elves as an evil and untrustworthy sort. The other kingdoms soon grew to despise them, and waged war on the proud Limian people. It sparked envy in elves for centuries, as all elves felt an intrinsic right to be near it and enjoy its restorative fruits. That tree was only one of the thousands of elven wonders to exist in the wonderful, treacherous planes of Pliu Prarr, but one meant to be shared with everyone. Lim Luma’s selfish nature was not lost on the eldest daughter of the unwell queen, and for decades she lamented how awfully her mother treated everyone. One fateful night, Looala feasted on the peaches and collapsed into her daughter’s arms; Looala’s lips painted black and her skin feverish. She fell unconscious, mumbling in her slumber and weeping.
The reagent queen of Lim Luma, Queen Nephinae, held a ceremony to honor her mother - whose mind sadly was scrambled and could not be pieced back together. In another special turn of events, the reagent queen sent a missive out on a carrier falcon and invited all eligible bachelorettes to Lim Luma for an extravagant ball for her hand in marriage. That fateful night at her ball, Nephinae courted and danced beneath the twinkling skies and beautifully decorated canopy. Her aristocratic nature dictated that she hunted for a like minded individual to marry, but when she was dancing with Kilik Ihdir, a golden peach dropped from the sky and landed between their bosoms. Whether the world was offering her a sign or not, the fact that Kilik arrived from the wild kingdoms of Ahrtath was not lost on Nephinae. A union between the ruler of the wild elves and herself, was the most advantageous pairing for both kingdoms. Ahrtath’s vicious military prowess and raw earth materials would improve security and their quality of life, and in turn, their people could access the forest and oldest tree. Nephinae proposed the idea to Kilik, and they were wed within three days in a tranquil Limian celebration.
That wasn't to say that everyone accepted the union, but Nephinae ignored counsel. Life in Lim Luma was great. In the queen’s chambers, Nephinae lounged on a vine swing extending from the high domed ceiling, the tail of her ombré pink and ashen tresses swiping the moss and wildflower flooring. A tiered gown in smoky gray supported her buxom breasts, a diamond shape cut out showing her glittering collarbones. Her toes scarcely touched the floor, only if she pointed them down at the ground. Her mother always jested that her father was a fairy, but assured her it was a joke. Reminiscing, Nephinae’s florid and lush lips turned up into a smile. Queen Looala was despised, or pitied by everyone, but Nephinae loved her. After her meeting with Kilik about their wedding tour, then she planned to escort Kilik down to Firefly Grove to meet Queen Looala.
The forest was in stark contrast to the mountain ranges and valleys of Ahrtath. The air there was thin and arid, while the trees in Lim Luma were so oxygen rich that Kilik always felt like her lungs were expanding with each day spent in the capital. It was an adjustment, to say the least. She was a prince of the mountains, heir to a throne of platinum ore and gem stones that slept in the protective hold of a cold, stone embrace. Being somewhere that was so...bright, was a challenge.
As much as her kingdom benefited from the union, Kilik constantly felt out of place. Her clothes were thick furs and leathers to shield her body from the cutting winds and snow of the high peaks of Mount Lithdräl, where her granite castle sat engraved into a cave wall. The only light came from magical orbs their court mages conjured or from lanterns that encased luminescent moths until their light expired. Kilik was a wild elf to her core and the political and aristocratic mentality of Lim Luma was trying its damnedest to tame her.
The garb she wore now was woven of a light, yet sturdy fabric that could breathe in the warm, humid climate of the forest. The dark browns and grays were replaced with ivory and emerald green to match wood elf royalty. The only leather being clasped and laced around her forearms or clad on her feet in the form of mirror polished, mid-calf boots. Even her unruly lavender-gray locks were contained and plaited neatly, resting over her left shoulder which was a symbol of her rank.
A week had passed swiftly after her betrothal to Queen Reagant Nephinae. She didn't know much about the she-elf other than her drive to rule her people. She could've chosen a much more compatible partner. A high elf who shared the light and would thrive in Lim Luma, but instead, she saw the benefits of striking an accord with the wild elves. Ahrtath had a devastating military that specialized in defense. Weapons forged from the strongest steel in the world were no match for the shields and armor forged in the belly of Mount Lithdräl. What good were weapons if they couldn't pierce an opponents defenses? The queen saw that advantage and took it for herself. Not to mention the endless resources the mountains and valleys had to offer. It was a fortuitous union for both, in theory.
As for Kilik, she couldn't stop staring at the intricately engraved wedding band that circled around her left ring finger as she wandered back to their shared chambers from her daily walk through the castle. The gold was delicately forged and polished into a smooth finish with intricate detail and a single black diamond nestled in the soft metal. Not a ring she would've crafted, too malleable, but Nephinae had picked it out herself so there was some sentiment. At least she had picked a suitable gem in a color that matched Kilik's kingdom.
When Kilik finally came to the massive wooden doors to the chambers, lavender eyes stared up at the superbly carved tree that was embossed in the dark wood. A light sigh to prepare herself before she pushed the doors open and saw her bride swaying lazily from a swing of woven vines that cradled her delicate figure gently near the open balcony. Admittedly, Kilik hadn't spoken openly at length to Nephinae. Wood elves were much different than wildlings. They cared for nature and its creatures as the wild elves did, but they also cared for societal infrastructure, at least in Lim Luma. Kilik could not think of anything more mundane. They were also much more sociable.
"Good day, light one."Kilik greeted in her native tongue before switching to the tongue of man, something she had to learn when it came to trade. "I heard talk of an upcoming tour of the lands we rule over."The wild elf moved to stand next the swing, glancing down at her wife with straight shoulders and an even expression. "When will this tour be taking place?"
Nephinae kicked her creamy, sun-kissed legs in unison with one another to build speed and momentum. The swing almost touched the ceiling, which wouldn’t be a new occurrence, considering the queen’s overzealous, youthful energy kept her swinging for hours at a time. The simple activity was the closest to flying without mounting a gryphon or pegasus; or sprinkling pixie dust over one’s head. She advanced under the umbrella of the domed ceiling - her gown of tulle and silk fluffing and fluttering about her sparkling toenails; exposing white, leaf embroidered under-garments.
The double doors butterflied outward, and Nephinae’s small smile expanded into a radiant grin as her wife; swift as a viper, but bigger and more willing to cuddle traversed the flowering terrain. She was adrift on the swing before seeing Kilik, lost in her own thoughts. Perceiving that it would be appropriate to cease swinging, Nephinae gripped Kilik by the long sleeve and used her smooth heels to skid to a painless halt. Placid as a praying mantis, Nephinae reviewed Kilik’s outfit; up and down from head to toe over her Limian threads. She greatly approved of Kilik abandoning her old garments, there simply was no use for the bulky and heavy regalia native to the wildlings. Nephinae’s pride in her people’s natural traditions and the significance of uniformity was well-known to all who lived in the city. There were more pressing matters at hand, and Nephinae thanked the Eight that Kilik’s uninspired outfits weren’t one of them.
“Melethril, Kilik.” Nephinae’s golden and marshmallow white lashes lowered over her icy and gray irises. Whenever she gazed at the Athrul royal, visions of their nervous consummation unceremoniously popped into her mind and forced her eyes to gaze into another direction entirely. Nephinae rose elegantly from the vine swing, tapping her index fingertip to her faded-pink lips and peacefully nodding. Her manicured fingernails and scar-free hands contrasted with Kilik’s as she embraced the longer digits between her own, guiding Kilik to the cushions shaped like roses - lightning bugs captured overhead in a bulb to illuminate the bedroom.
“The talk you hear is true.” Nephinae’s eyebrows lifted toward the heavens, and her slight, yet pointed nose turned upward as she gazed at Kilik in a way that a teacher might regard a pupil. She was solely responsible for answering Kilik’s questions, in addition to showing her around the premises. The second part of Kilik’s query did not go unheard, but Nephinae changed the topic momentarily. “My leafling, how are you adjusting to the transition from your home, to my home?” Nephinae was a year older than Kilik, and spoke to her like she was already much older, more experienced than her wife. “I want to be sure you feel fully assimilated into my world - your new home.”
Nephinae's voice was like the finest velvet. Soft and delicate as it resonated in Kilik's ears, causing the taller elf's eyelids to droop momentarily before she cleared her throat. Of course every elven nation had their own dialect and some, their own language. The flow and rhythm of Lim Luma was gentle and their words rolled off the tongue like water. Even though Kilik was enamored with the queen, she wasn't comfortable yet to voice it, or show it, save for the night of their bonding. When they'd met as children all those years ago, Kilik recalled thinking Nephinae was some sort of heavenly creature. It was pleasing to see that the older elf had only grown more beautiful with time. Of course, these words never passed Kilik's lips.
Wildlings were hardened people who rarely showed emotion at all, often conveying their affection with gifts or shows of their prowess. Showing that they could be good partners and providers was important in the mountains. The people of Lim Luma were...different. The elflings here much preferred pretty prose and gentle touches compared to a mountain troll's head mounted on the wall. Kilik chuckled softly at the thought of bringing Nephinae the head of a monster as proof of her ability to protect her.
"I'm adjusting well enough." Kilik ignored the leafling comment for the time being. In all honesty it was easier for her to explore on her own, hence the daily walks. Most times, she would ignore anyone that would approach her, or, as kindly as she could, dismiss them to enjoy the silence. Socializing was something that Kilik wasn't accustomed to. It seemed in Lim Luma it wasn't uncommon to have an event or celebration every week. In Ahrtath, the only gatherings were when something threatening had been killed or dignitaries from visiting kingdoms traveled to see the mountain. "I'm not quite used to the environment yet. The air here is much thicker than I'm used to and I haven't much to do in terms of work."
It wasn't that Kilik hadn't noticed her wife had swiftly and purposefully ignored her second question, but she didn't feel they were quite close enough to banter with one another. She was sure the queen would address the question in due time, hopefully sooner than later. Kilik was just getting used to the woodland city and she wasn't sure if she was going to be ready for a royal tour so soon after their wedding. Being royalty herself had quite a different meaning in Ahrtath, where the monarchy was in absolute power. There were no traditions such as a tour to introduce newly wedded sovereigns, or wearing different clothes, for that matter. Kilik wasn't even exactly sure what her official title was when it came down to it, since Nephinae was only the Queen Reagent. Still, Lim Luma was her home now and she had to let go of how she used to live. So when she was guided to sit on cushions that were borderline too soft, she tried to relax her body and enjoy the luxuries of her new environment, as well as the company of her bride. Of course that was a battle that was hard fought for the wildling.
"Do you wish to discuss this matter further?" Kilik had always been focused on structure. Whether that be her own kingdom or her personal schedule for the day. It was rare to ever find her sitting still for more than a few moments. In Lim Luma, she had yet to learn her place and it was causing her some very minor anxiety. It wasn't common for her not to work, in some way, and all she'd been doing since she their wedding was laze about. "How long will this tour last? Do you wish for me to discuss this with the guards so they can have proper training when readying for travel?"
Nephinae was not a crazed authoritarian or the commanding type. If Kilik simply explained that the term ‘leafling’ caused her discomfort, then Kilik needed only say the word and Nephinae would never utter it again - not to her wife, or any other wildling. She knew as little about the wildlings as the wildlings knew about the Limians. Nephinae cocked her head a bit, leaning toward Kilik’s mouth to better listen to the words leaving Kilik’s lips. The only conversations Nephinae tolerated were rich with honesty and emotion, none of the sugar or beating around the bush. Kilik’s lack of physical expression, she could stand, but not speaking openly or not at all would only divide them. Nephinae confessed that Kilik’s attitude improved, but she didn’t know how best to serve her. Since Kilik answered her questions, Nephinae returned the courtesy.
“Are you eager to travel with me to Nan Lenora?” Nephinae’s milky colored nails traced invisible swirls on the back of the wildling’s hand; small, pointy ears flitting and twitching like the rustling that leaves do when the wind blows. From this vantage point, the blue in Kilik’s two-toned tresses appeared icy beneath the firefly fueled light. “The streets are bustling and elf on elf crime is high. My hope is to unite the city with peaches, if only for a day.” Her pout bunched up to the left side of her cheek; a dissonant clicking of her tongue resonating in the silence. “Nonetheless, it will be a challenge to do that and peaches are not the solution. I know.” Nephinae’s inexperience with ruling and wedding tours was hopefully evident, because she was tired of faking it, too. “Kilik, I do not know how we will survive touring eight cities over the next few weeks.” Assassination attempts were the least of her worries, though the idea that any of the races in the surrounding continents may create suspension.
“Part of the reason I chose you…” Nephinae peered up with moistened irises, clearing her throat and tipping her chin. “I chose you, because I know that I can learn to be a better monarch for my people with you.” Her pupils enlarged, like a wild cat spying a squirrel in the meadows or a favorite yarnball rolling towards its paws. “You have been nothing but patient with my traditions and customs - I want to soften the transition from your kingdom to mine.” Nephinae expectantly caressed Kilik’s inner thigh, her ears perking up as she excited herself. “You appeared very happy on our wedding night. I want to see you smile that way…again.” The reputation of wildlings as brutal and uncivilized was far from the truth, Kilik’s positivity and willingness to improve assured Nephinae that Kilik’s brave soul belonged with her own. Kilik could protect her, and lead an army if asked to defend their home from invaders. As entertaining as the visual was, her goal in relocating Kilik to her tree-trunk palace was not to imprison her or boss her around.
"Anyways, I was thinking we could share dinner with the queen tonight?"
It was hard to resist Nephinae for several reasons, mostly for the fact that she made a face that could melt the iciest of hearts. Another glaring reason was how comfortable she was with physical touch. Something that Kilik lacked in her life and was still learning to accept after her wedding night. Traveling to Nan Lenora wasn't much of a concern for her. Her main concern was the people. How they would look at a forest elf with a wildling, how they would talk behind their backs. Erelume, Nephinae's country had, up until a decade ago, been at war with Ahrtath and as much as Kilik didn't want to think about it, she knew that not everyone in Nephinae's kingdom would be welcoming of their queen's new wife. So far, in Lim Luma, she hadn't run into much trouble with anyone. Thankfully, most of the forest elves hadn't held a grudge and Nephinae and Kilik had retained their friendship, even through the war.
"I haven't traveled too far from my own kingdom." Kilik admitted as she watched her wife's nails drag languidly along the back of her hand. "So I must confess, I am looking forward to it, just a little." One thing that the wildling was interested in seeing was how Nephinae ruled her people. When they were younger, more reckless, she could never see the blonde she-elf taking over for her mother so soon. Usually most heirs didn't take over for their parents until they were elderly, at least until their first century. Nephinae's situation was rare, and the mention of peaches seemed to be an odd suggestion considering the queen. "I'm sure the people will be very gracious for the peaches and to see their queen."
Intimacy was still a journey of exploration for Kilik. The sensations and emotions she was feeling were all new, even though the feelings she'd had for Nephinae had been older than she'd like to admit. The physical adventure excited Kilik in ways that she was timid to express to her wife. She enjoyed the small shows of affection, the delicate hand on her thigh and the quiet whispers of Nephinae's finger tips along her skin were enough for her to break out in goosebumps. The wildling's mind would often go foggy when her wife was in close proximity and she was actively searching for a way to overcome the haze so she could properly focus on tasks at hand. The mention of their wedding night shook her from her loss of thought as a rush of heat flooded her cheeks.
"I did enjoy that night, very much so." Kilik affirmed with a gentle vibration of her throat. "But I am not that person in front of others. To my people, a show of emotion is considered a weakness. I would only act that way when we are alone." She lightly placed her hand over Nephinae's before slowly gliding up along her exposed forearm, carefully and deliberately dragging her nails along the underside of her wife's wrist. How could she deny the forest elf anything when she was being so sweet? "I think dinner with your mother is a grand idea." There were little things that would give her love for Nephinae away. Small signs like the way that Kilik would get caught staring or how her body would react to her touch. Certain times, Nephinae made it difficult to control her more primal instincts and she could feel her pulse race as she leaned towards the queen.
What she'd said before was true. She could only express these feelings when she was alone, away from the prying gaze of the people that were now her subjects. Even though they didn't know much about Kilik, she liked to keep the air of being stoic and strong. If they were to see the way she'd give in to her wife, the illusion would be broken. Of course that was the furthest thing from her mind right now as she focused on Nephinae. It was hard to believe that the forest elf had chosen her sometimes, regardless of their friendly past. Before she could stop herself, she had moved forward to place a gentle kiss on her queen's lips.
"Should we bring a gift to your mother?" Still unsure of the customs of Lim Luma, Kilik wanted to be sure she followed the rules. "Perhaps we could go look for something she'd like together?"
Nephinae preoccupied herself with the titillating caress on the underside of her wrist; the methodically constructed facade and barricade slipping away with each hour spent together. Their union - in her eyes - was advantageous to both kingdoms. It was a worthwhile investment in the future of their people, but there existed more valid reasons than that to marry Kilik. There was a forgotten history between them, and Kilik sparked her memory. Nephinae was just a child, something of a silly sprout when she ran into Kilik outside of the forest. Back then, being pronounced ‘wife’ and ‘wife’, someone precious to one another was so far out of the realm of possibility that Nephinae never dreamed it. But, when they parted to go their separate ways, Nephinae meditated on the encounter. Would she ever see the blue-haired girl wandering in the forests again? Kilik told her that they once played games in the trees, but Nephinae couldn’t recall any of it. The Kilik sitting alongside her was the one she remembered the best, and one that she did not plan to forget.
Nephinae’s dreamy gaze examined her wildling lover, and she proceeded to place a chaste kiss on her lips. Faithful and attentive to her wife, Nephinae jotted down mental notes, stared whenever anything resembling a smile shaped itself on her delectable lips. Did Kilik know how much Nephinae respected her, or that she only wanted the kingdom of Ahrtath to prosper as Lim Luma had for centuries? No longer were they enemies, but family. “I once found you unapproachable, but you are not.”
With Kilik’s blessing to visit her mother, Nephinae granted the elf with a peck on the cheek. “How thoughtful.” Nephinae valued the suggestion to deliver a gift to her mother. That Kilik showed as much enthusiasm as her customs allowed meant more than the world to Nephinae. No one championed harder for the queen than Nephinae, and that Kilik did not refuse or frown when faced with the decision spoke volumes about the type of future they could have. “There is no replacement for one’s family. I do what I can while she is still here.” And her mother’s mental state decayed to that of a teenager at times - the erratic mood swings and short temperment. But, she imagined if she were trapped in a room that she might be driven to madness as well.
Nephinae rose to stand, relishing the hand against her own before dropping her arms to her side. The Lim Luma city was connected by natural wood staircases. Blooming, jewel toned flora grew liberally in and around the kingdom. The plants were pruned and weeded safely. One never looked far to see the gardeners hard at work, altering the growing path of specific plants and spraying dew on them. The respect that her people shared for all living creatures was witnessed in the steps they took to care for everything in the forest.
“The queen will be happy to see her favorite flower. Maybe we can hunt one down?” Gift ideas were few and far between, but Nephinae knew what would bring a light back to her mother - if only for a glancing smile. Nephinae waved her hand to show Kilik the way - an incomplete stairwell leading upwards to the canopy, and down to the base level. She made her peaceful descent onto the ground, her bare soles cool on the lush grass. “It tends to grow where the sunlight can not reach it. Under logs and stones, mostly.”
Nephinae's affections were gentle, soft, and Kilik found herself becoming addicted to them. Wanting to steal what she could when they were in private and drinking in the moment when they were spared from the public gaze. As a child, she was raised to appear stoic and unmovable to her people for the sake of the hierarchy. "You need to stand strong, like the mountain." Her father would always tell her when she was being taught the rules and traditions of sovereignty. A good leader had no feelings, no emotions. They made the hard decisions that took logical deliberation and that's what Kilik had strived for most of her life. She never thought she'd wed someone she actually had feelings for. All her life she assumed she would marry for political purposes and she was prepared for that. When Nephinae had approached her at the gala, she was a bit stunned, but eager to solidify their union. A peace between their people meant prosperity for all, even Kilik.
The wildling couldn't help the small grin that sprouted on her lips as she heard her queen mention how she'd first perceived the prince when she was younger. Back then, almost everyone she'd met found her cold and merciless in her interactions. Which, for the most part had been very true. If she didn't see a political advantage, she rarely carried on a casual conversation. She had a few whom she considered 'friends' other than Nephinae, but they were few and far between. Kilik was completely focused on ruling her kingdom at a very young age.
When Nephinae stood, Kilik followed the queen as they left the quiet comfortability of their chambers, the muffled bustling of the active city below them. Lim Luma had always been a marvel to the wild elf who was used to the gray tones of stone and ore. The lush green foliage and the brilliantly colored flora were still a sight to see, even after living there for over a week. It was hard to get used to such bright hues and the exuberance of the sun, Kilik still had to squint her eyes when she left the safety of the shade. Servants and staff bowed as the couple passed by on the grand woven staircase down to the where the trees were dwarfed by the wish-giving tree. Their canopy growing together, knitting in an almost impermeable shroud of leaves and branches.
"It's been a few days since we've walked together." In reality, they hadn't taken a walk since Kilik had first arrived and Nephinae had given her a very enthusiastic, quick tour. They hadn't taken time as a newly wedded couple to enjoy the city or each other much at all. Kilik gently grasped Nephinae's hand and entwined their fingers, stealing some of the warmth from her wife. The songs of birds serenading from overhead was dreamlike as they walked a beaten path through the trees. They seemed to trail after the elves as they traveled deeper into the forest until the canopy closed in over top of them.
"You'll have to tell me what this flower looks like." Kilik said as the earthy scents of the forest began filling her senses. "I don't know much in the ways of botany. Plant life is scarce in the mountains." Streams of light were occasionally breaking through the leaves, casting shadows on Nephinae's face that reminded her of the night of their wedding. The candle light flickering lazily against the blonde's face as they laid together. Kilik had to look away, clearing her throat lightly as she spotted a hollowed out log in the distance. "Perhaps we can start our search there." She pointed to the log and glanced down at her wife. Kilik didn't have any experience foraging for anything, be it flowers or food. Admittedly, even though her life had been surrounded by rock and dry grasses, their relationship with the farmlands of Lathdraan was good enough to never go wanting. Outside of hunting game, Kilik was outside of her knowledge.
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