Wrath of Sidhe (Alvis & Malicious)

[Alvis Alendran]

Etarlám smiled out at the rest of the Middle Court. It was time once again, so short a time as well, only a mere three of the human decades. The young Sidhe woman was in tears, and understandably so. She had made only one misstep, but it was enough to level her in the lowest regard of the overseer of the court, and by the decree of the Queen of Air and Darkness, she was to be banished. Etarlám watched as the woman was given the last of her treatments, a sliver of cold iron under her skin. She was bound, and gagged to prevent the scream from offending the ears of the Court. They simply could not understand why she would seek to offend them so! After all, she had known the risks of being a member of the court! This was one of them. Why she couldn't just accept the punishment and move on, he'd never know. But finally, the sliver was in her, the wound treated. She was now stripped of much of her power, left only with her mind, and her beauty to make her mark upon the realm of man. And it was his task to bring her to that realm.

The Ways were empty, as they should be. No one would admit to witnessing the banishment of a lower noble. The woman fixed Etarlám with a look, pleading. He only smiled.
“Is there no way that you could be swayed to not do this to me?” She begged.
“You are without power and standing in even the Middle Court. I was sent from the Highest Court, by the Queen of Air and Darkness herself. What could you possibly offer me that I could not gain better elsewhere?” He replied calmly. She burst into more tears as he half dragged her to the exit point that would land them in the forests within the realm of Man.

The forests lacked the feel of age and wonder that those within the Ways did, but even so, this Spirit Wood was as close as he'd found. He shoved the woman into the trees, and bade her to run, lest he take offence at her presence. She was still weeping as she fled. He smiled. She was running away from the kingdom that would take her as a bride, which would only expose her to more dangerous things. If she were to be found by any of the local bandit clans, she'd likely end up used, abused and raped. Whistling, he started to explore the area. Nothing wrong with taking his time getting home.

The unearthly whistling carried easily through the trees, and the party of Men that had hunkered down exchanged glances with their leader. He was a thickly built bull of a man, called Hargrim. Not native to this land, he was a sell sword who had a reputation for hunting down the Sidhe, and bringing them in. His family had been in service to the Crown off and on for four generations. It was their task to bring in the brides. Though this time the plan was different. Hargrim was busily stuffing his ears with cotton and wax, blocking out sounds. The way that whistling sounded told him a lot, and what it said was that this Sidhe was stronger than most. He gestured for his men to do likewise, and he did a check on his gear. Sword, dagger, net, rings and gauntlets. He was ready to go. Once everyone was set, they began the advance.

Etarlám could hear the sounds of approaching Men. With luck, he'd simply point them to the direction of the woman, and be on his way. They burst into his clearing, and before he could speak, he could feel the pulse of Cold Iron on them, and he half staggered away. A throwing ring arced at him, made to stun, not kill, and he threw up a hand, power flowing through him to repel the metal. It flew on, and crashed into his head, sending him stumbling. A burn on his forehead spoke of the metal. Cold Iron. The Bane. That which was most inimical to his kind. He glared at the oncoming men, one of them staggering back as though struck, another swaying on his feet, blood pouring from his tear ducts as he drew a knife and stabbed one of his companions. Hargrim cast his net, and punched the frenzied man, laying him out on the ground. Etarlám fell under the burning fibres of the net.

Hargrim approached the fallen Sidhe.
“Rank man! You dare to assault one such as I?” Etarlám roared. Even under the net, the voice sent most of his party stumbling away. Hargrim crouched beside him, and rolled up a sleeve, showing the Sidhe the tattoo that was there. Etarlám blanched.
“I am a member of the Cold Iron Warriors. I dare as I please with your kind. And you are coming back with us to the Kingdom.” Hargrim told him.
“You take brides! What use am I to you?”
“There is no prince this generation. The eldest daughter is taking the throne. And you are to be hers, after you are bound.” As he spoke the last, he withdrew five charms.
“No! I will not be bound by you! I swear this, release me, or know the full force of my wrath!”
“Bound, you shall have no wrath at all.” Hargrim began to chant, and moved the first charm to the Sidhe man.

His bonds hurt. And the plate over his mouth had prevented him from exhorting any to his aid. Etarlám was dragged through the streets of the capital in the dark of night, and his mind seethed with rage. Being brought into the palace, he was deposited on the floor of the throne room. The king and his wife looked down at the fallen form.
“Excellent work Hargrim! You shall be rewarded. Now, send for my daughter, she should meet her husband.” The king announced. Pulling himself to his knees, Etarlám glared at the human monarch.

 

[Malicious Lullaby]

It was a little bit intimidating, a little bit daunting, but certainly exciting! She might have been waiting for this for a while, even before she came to age. It was definitely the popular talk among her little sisters when the time drew closer. She was eighteen and the time had come for her to be married. Most of all though, she was incredibly nervous. Albeit excited, very nervous. She hardly could sleep when it became clear that she’d meet her intended that next day. And even during the day of waiting and going through her usual regime, her heart beat faster knowing that at any moment, she’d be sent for and her life would probably change forever. That or she was just one of those girls, despite the time and monarchal status she held, that really held basic dreams. After all, growing up and seeing what ended up being the perfect marriage between her mother and father, what else could she ask for and look forward to? Oh, ruling her kingdom. That’s what.

Elarinya woke up that morning and wrapped her robe around her nude frame as she drew towards the window. It was going to happen and she was a complete bundle of nerves but also of excitement. But at the same time, she didn’t have much time to really think on it. She was a princess and apparently princesses never really had much time to rest and just because she was going to be binding her life with another very soon in all holy matrimony, didn’t mean she was to skimp out on her princess duties.

A knock on her door signaled the arrival of her ladies who had come to make sure she got her day started and not lollygag. A small sigh came from the girl as she turned and watched the three women pour in. They weren’t just her ladies to tend to her. They were also her great friends, all of whom she basically grew up with. Her sisters had them too. After all, being apart of the monarchy could be lonely. People wanted to be your friend for their own advantage. But she knew these girls since they were all children who were happy to simply run around and play in the dirt all day long and get their dresses dirty.

Now here they were, fine ladies with even finer potential prospects to look forward to. Elarinya smiled a little bit and breathed in a deep breath through her nose. Her arms fell to her sides and she was taken for her bath and dressing. A dark green dress was fitted on her, a sheer and flowy material that hugged her lithe frame in a very flattering way and accentuated her curves, especially with how the material simply clung to her body. No sleeves, a rather form fitting bodice and a flowing skirt that seemed to shimmer into a rainbow of colors from the sunlight. A low dip to her cleavage, backless and two slits on either side of the dress, high slits that were right up to her upper thigh, it could leave little to the imagination but also a lot, depending on the…angle. It brought out the hazel green of her eyes that were otherwise like icy hues. It was like she glowed. Green was her favorite color. In her soft, shiny and long brown hair that hung in waves down her back, she was outfitted with sparkles and even green streamers it seemed. Leafy, or ethereal like and she almost looked like a tree nymph. And considering the dress she wore, well it was like eye candy. No, it was exactly like eye candy. She was a very beautiful girl, born from a very beautiful mother. Her sisters didn’t pale in comparison. Each girl was her own beauty.

Throughout the day, she went along with her usual. Lessons, dancing, more lessons and then more dancing. She had fun but it was all for a reason. That and well it could be boring from time to time and just because she was eighteen, didn’t mean she didn’t want to have fun still. Didn’t mean she still wasn’t allowed. And then for the remainder of her time, she spent with her sisters. She adored them and they actually did get along quite well. Her youngest wasn’t even ten years old yet.

That was when she was summoned. She nearly rushed but kept quite the preserved order but her steps were in haste. Though not too much otherwise she could bare a lot more than ever intended. Her ladies followed along with her and her eyes landed upon her intended. She swallowed hard and breathed a little deeply through her nose, it evident by the rise and fall of her chest. He didn’t look quite too happy. Her eyes quickly flashed to her parents before back to him. “Welcome.” She bowed a little low and then stood upright once more. Although she did notice he was basically bound, couldn’t even speak if he probably wished to. Well then, that should make for some interesting—or awkward—chatter.

 

[Alvis Alendran]

Etarlám levelled his glare at those around the throne room, the King smiled at him, as though indulging the tantrum of a child. Etarlám settled on a few decidedly unpleasant punishments for the King for that glance alone. But all his powers were bound, he was as good as mortal right now.
"And now my good daughter has come to meet her new betrothed! Good hargrim, what is his name?" The king boomed out. He had a powerful voice, one that carried easily throughout the room. Etarlám knew that with teh right motivation and effort, and his powers returned, he could make a sinlge word drive all mortals within earshot to deafness. Perhaps he would show these creatures such someday.
"He and I were not on the greatest of terms when he was captured my King. This is is...not as co-operative as the brides have been in the past." Hargrim answered. The King nodded.
"Then remove the binding on his jaw, and allow him to speak." Hargrim thought about objecting, but knew that it would avil him to nothing. The First and weakest binding would be coming off soon enough no matter what he did.

The plate of rune scribed Cold iron came away from Etarlám's mouth, and the Sidhe lord worked his jaw, glad to have been freed. He drew on his power, as deeply as he could. Normally this would bring a rush of strength, winfds would rise around him, the very lights dimming in the face of such. Now, he barely felt a trickle where he should have felt a torrential flood. Even the majority of the power found in his voice was sealed away. But there was the barest hint of power there. He would have to take what he could get.
"Now then, good soul of the Sidhe, what do they call you?" The king asked. Etarlám looked at the man, and then to the woman beside him. She was hauntingly beautiful in the way only a Sidhe woman could be, and what was more, he recognized her. Bound as he was, he lokoed haggard enough that most would not recognize him, but he knew her from the last time they had sent away a banished. He'd delivered this one too.
"I am Etarlám, Deliverer of the Banished, Lord of the Silver Wastes, Baron of the Highest Courts, and more than once Consort to teh Queen of Air and Darkness herself." He said with as much acid venom in his voice as he could muster. The King seemed unmoved. His wife however, paled instantly, recognizing him now by name.

She elaned to her husband, and murmured a few word. He shook his head.
"No, I think not. There is no way to ensure that another man of the Sidhe could even be found. And this one will do nicely. Besides, my eldest has liad eye on him. Tradition states we must proceed! Elarinya, be known to Etarlám. Good Sidhe, be known to your wife." The King announced. Etarlám turned his gaze to the girl. The blood of the Sidhe was in her all right, though the banishment had robbed her mother of much of the power that she had once wielded. It made it impossible to pass on much of the traits that would have made this girl a true descendant. She lacked the subtle point to the ear that so many Sidhe ladies had, the crystaline edge to her eye colour, the almost feline pupil that was rpesent in the High Born Sidhe. She was so...human. Though he did admit that there was enough of the Sidhe within her to at least make her appealing in a way. She had the flowing, willowy build, the delicacy of features, and at least they did not have the dreadful fashion sense of so many humans. Etarlám pushed himself to his feet. He had to survive for now. Vengeance woudl come, but it would come later.

"Greetings to thee, princess of this Human realms. Hail and well met to thee." He said to her with a edge of strange courtesy. He added another short phrase in a lilting, almost musical language. The wife of the King, Elarinya's mother, paled and looked away. Decades had not dulled her memory of her native tongue, though she was still bound by ancient oath and decree of her people to not teach such to the mortal realm. She did not know if Etarlám was bound by those oaths, being a member of the Highest Court he would have more freedom in his actons than she had.

 

[Malicious Lullaby]

Elarinya took this moment to simply observe her husband-to-be. He was very angry looking, as if he clearly didn’t want to be here and when she looked at her father, a sense of alarm crossed her face hearing him. This Sidhe didn’t come willingly and this worried her. She knew that her mother came willingly and her grandmother had come willingly. In the more recent times, the brides had come willingly and now it was following back to the trend of potential prospects coming unwillingly. This worried her immensely just because of the look on her betrothed’s face. That and when the bound on his mouth was taken away, she inwardly cringed at the tone of which he decided to speak in. Her hands moved behind her back and she gripped them tightly, her finely polished and manicured nails digging into her palm. This was going to be a bad marriage, she knew this already.
She was eighteen, sure, but even she wasn’t a naïve little girl who couldn’t see the obvious.

His gaze on her, she almost paled or shriveled before it. It was like he was assessing her, maybe finding every reason not to find something remotely good about her and she was refraining from cowering behind her mother because this entire situation was a bit terrifying. Perhaps it was naïve to ever dream but Elarinya certainly held a different perspective to all of this. That they’d bring back a banished Sidhe who came willingly, someone whom she could have the kind of marriage she saw her mother and father have. A good marriage, a happy marriage, the kind of marriage where they found love with each other in time, good companionship and even better friendship. Somehow, she wasn’t going to find that with this man.

As he spoke, his words came out kindly but she found it strange. Considering he probably wanted to do more than his tone suggested earlier as he introduced himself to her parents. Elarinya didn’t miss the way her mother seemed to look incredibly worried about all this. As if she knew him. She was very weary of this entire situation and wondered if she too could back out of it. She never wanted a husband that would hate her. Regardless of if he spoke kindly to her. She wasn’t a fool. Well…she was trying not to be at least. She might be on guard but if a man spoke so kindly to her, even she could easily be prey to that charm, regardless of how he clearly spoke with murderous anger but calmly before everyone else. If he thought those binds were coming off if he sweet talked his way, he had another thing coming. Elarinya knew in that moment right now she didn’t trust him one bit.

Considering the way they were meeting, she managed to smile a little bit and nodded her head. “I am most pleased to be in your good graces.” She was trying to sugar coat it all in some sort of euphemism. Considering she had a feeling she wasn’t really in his good graces and he wasn’t in his best good graces at the moment either. Then again someone who was bound and unable to do as they wanted probably wouldn’t be either. She swallowed a little uncomfortably and opened her mouth to speak when he began to speak in what she assumed to be his native language. She never heard it, never heard her mother speak it. She flashed a quick glance to her ever paling mother and then back to Etarlam. “I…I am even more excited to soon become your wife. I only hope we can have a good and long prosperous marriage, with many happiness to come, as it might please thee.” She tried to speak with confidence. But it was faltering considering she had no confidence in the current arrangement. She couldn’t even stop to take a moment and admire his handsomeness. No, that didn’t even seem to be the proper word to use. More than handsome. Unlike any other. As if it wasn’t humanly possible for someone to be this attractive. She noticed, but she couldn’t admire it. No, for she was already far too afraid.

 

[Alvis Alendran]

Etarlám looked at the girl, and could sense the fear coming from her. That she feared him was both good and bad. Fear was something he could use. But it would put her on her guard if she was at all smart. And she was born of Sidhe, banished or not, he had to assume that she was. Her father clearly had all the good sense of a brain dead oxen. Had he listened to his wife, released him, Etarlám would have settled for a simple curse on the man, letting him suffer misfortune for a decade or two, nothing too excessive, and making his way home. Now though...he had earned the full force of his wrath and vengeance. He blew out a sigh, and let the rage drain away. He noted that a nearby flower, one of many that lined the walls, likely to please the wife of teh king, shifted as he did so. It turned from a pure white to a deep, vibrant scarlet. A rose it might be, but no rose had ever possessed a hue like that. Etarlám stepped to it, and deftly plucked it from it's holder, making sure the people saw him do it, and from where he had taken it from. It was time to shift his tack fully. Nearly powerless he might be, he could apparently affect things of the natural world around him in small ways. As he held the rose a moment, he felt his rage bubbling within. It made the flower warm, and he knew it woudl not wither or fade. He knew he could draw that rage free, but to anyone else, it would simply be a beautiful, eternally warm flower.

He stepped to Elarinya, and held the flower out to her. He'd given mortals gifts before, though usually with much more power invested, and strings attatched. Regardless, he gave a bow, and offered the rose to her.
"If you are my bride to be, it would be poor form indeed to not be prepared to offer some gift to such a lady." Etarlám said smoothly. He seemed so...serene now, as though the rage was out of him. He heard the King gasp.
"How is such possible? Red roses will not grow in this region. We've tried for generations! And that was...how is such possible?" He asked, looking at Hargrim. The Cold Iron warrior was looking at Etarlám warily.
"I don't know highness. I don't know." The warrior responded.
"Well, this is excellent! Such a splendid gift to a bride to be! My good Etarlám, how long shall such a flower last?"
"As long as I shall live, and so long as the marriage shall last." Etarlám answered.

 

[Malicious Lullaby]

She watched him, as if on complete full alert in case he tried to do something. She watched even more, especially as he made a rose as beautiful as that one come to life, with complete and utter amazement. As he came closer, she had the natural inclination to step back, letting her fear become the best of her but she somehow managed to stay rooted to where she stood. Instead, letting the Sidhe she probably feared for all the right reasons to come near her and present her with that beautiful flower. But she didn’t take it immediately. Instead, she looked to her mother and father as if for approval, more so for reassurance that it’d be more than okay to take it. That no harm would come to her if she did.

With how her father reacted, she supposed it was okay. So she took it and the warmth that radiated from it, it was as if it was more alive than any human. It touched her deeply though with all her will and force, she pushed that affection away. It wasn’t real and he was playing her. Or he was just a very mercurial being and she’d be a fool to fall for it. To trust him. But for show at least and to hold up some kind of strength and stature, Elarinya smiled, a gracious smile. It wasn’t difficult to fake a smile.

“This is very unexpected of you. But very kind of you. I am gratefully honored and I will treasure this rose, so long as you live, so long as our marriage thrives.” She held the flower to her, cradling it gently like it was so delicate that any wrong exertion of force might break it and therefore tamper whatever may transpire between them, whatever lay destined.

Tipping her head back to meet his gaze, the look in her eyes was soft but real, as well holding an underlying warning and strength. “I do hope for a good marriage with you. And I pray that I won’t be disappointed.” She would be the daughter of a banished Sidhe if she had the audacity to imply a threat or warning in her words the way she did just right now. She heard soft gasps and played it off with a smile. “I hear it’s unwise to fail any woman. Perhaps you would not wish to start that unholy trend, hmm?” And just like that, she managed to add a good bit of faith and humor in her tone, to take the edge off of her early words. Though her tone said it, her eyes still held that soft look, yet warningly.

After all, if not Hagrim, if he wished to be unbound, he better not fall out of her good graces, right?

 

[Alvis Alendran]

So it seemed that Elarinya inherited a little bit of the humour from her mother's side. It actually made Etarlám smile. Wordplay and the like were almost sacred among the Sidhe, so much mroe so than the mortal realm knew. A well crafted turn of phrase or poetry had created dynasties of wealth in the mortal world. And likewise, a poorly crafted song or insult had involved oceans of pain that took decades to end for the offending person. Perhaps there was enough of a mind within the girl to amuse him. And amusement might be a rare thing in this realm, what with the dull ache of the seals on his body. He cocked his head in acknowledgement of a well played jest, and gave her one of his first true smiles.
"In all the millenia of my life, I have yet to know a woman who has suffered dissapointment at my hands. And I am loathe to break such a habit I confess." Etarlám said with a languid tone that was carefully voiced to put any who might hear it at ease.

"Well, this is splendid! You sem to have made your peace quite well good sir Etarlám!" The king spoke. Etarlám looked to the human.
"Did you not know that we of the Sidhe are often mercurial of mood? We are able to change our minds quite swiftly. I see little point in enmity if I am to find a place here." He answered calmly. The king nodded.
"Splendid! Simply splendid! Well, I dare say that our newly betrothed should have a brief moment to speak to one another before they are wed tomorrow! Have foods brought to her chamber, and escort them there!"
"Is that wise?" Hargrim asked carefully.
"Hi power is bound, is it not?"
"Well, yes, but-"
"And can he harm her?"
"Nay, now that it is declared by his own mouth that she is his bride to be, he cannot harm her, so long as the seals remain on him."
"Then no more! Servants!" The king clapped, and a number of runners split off, dashing to make the wishes of the King known.

A guard was escorting the princess and Etarlám to her chambers. Etarlám was taking the time to take in his surroundings. He might need to know the way through here well enough if he was to be living here. And any progress he might make could take years. Fortunately he had all the time in the world. He was not a Banished, he was still immortal. He coudl still feel the presence of Hargrim shadowing him. That much Cold Iron would be felt by anyone with pure Sidhe blood. He knew he'd be having a conversation with the warrior soon enough. But he needed to make some kind of conversation.
"You carry yourself well in such a dress. Tell me, do all of the ladies of this court follow fashions more suited to th Sidhe Courts?" He asked Elarinya.

 

[Malicious Lullaby]

Her confidence or the look in her eyes didn’t falter. She was sure of her statement, even with the underlying connotation. What pleased her more was the look on his face as well as the smile she received from him. That was surprising actually though she didn’t let her surprise or shock show, and definitely didn’t let her awe show. He was handsome. So very handsome and with her worried momentarily as ease, she was able to finally admire him. He was handsome like no other, possessing qualities and traits possibly she could very much adore and with that realization, she quickly turned it off and put a wall, a barrier, where her heart was. She still didn’t trust him even if she somehow managed to keep him calm and not spit fiery rage and vengeance against all she loved. She was on guard now more than ever. Someone that handsome couldn’t be innocent.
“Good.” She smiled. “Otherwise you might be able to consider it the failure of a lifetime or the failure of your entire life.” Since she was sure he could live many lives over more than she could.

Glancing to her father, her smile remained real and poised on her face. She glanced to her mother and was thankful for her as well as the strength emanating from her. It would be because of her mother and the fact that Elarinya was indeed her daughter that she could learn to deal with this situation. It certainly wasn’t what she expected or wanted. She was a husband who wanted to be here. Not one like Etarlam, one she couldn’t trust immediately without fear. Well she’d carry the strength of her Sidhe mother with her, a symbolic strength. She was going to need it.

They went on then, being escorted to her chambers where she and Etarlam could be alone together. Well, not entirely alone as there would be servants stationed outside of her chambers and with a holler, they’d be at her aid. She was confident that much in that and believed he wouldn’t try anything. Not right now at least.

She held the rose that he gave her to her person. Her palms were a little sore for how deeply she dug her nails into them but she didn’t feel too much unease. Her nerves, for the most part, were calm but there was that edge of unsure, a bit of insecurity still lingering. She wasn’t sure if it would ever be put at ease but then again, she wouldn’t be Elarinya if she wasn’t willing to see it through. She always did like challenges. Glancing down to her dress and then to him, she nodded. “Oh yes. It’s been this way since the first bride of a Sidhe was brought here. She introduced the fashions, they were quickly adopted. Do you like this dress on me?” She asked after they stepped into her chambers and the door was shut. She asked it as she stopped right in front of him to let him see. Her mother always told her that women had more power than one might often give them credit for. It was up to the woman herself to exploit that power and use it to her advantage. That was something she never forgot.

When all failed, charm a man with your…wits.

 

[Alvis Alendran]

Etarlám smiled at her as she spoke, putting on a pose that did well to exhibit the assets she possessed. he knew that among mortals, that she might be found to be nearly irresistible. But he had lain with the Queen of Air and Darkness, and no human could match such. But still, she made an attempt in a way that would not be out of place in the Courts. This one's mother had clearly taught her more than a few of the ways of the Sidhe. Which would complicate his plans somewhat, though she woudl be unprepared for some of what came from the Highest Courts, such having been beyond her meager station. Nonetheless, he did feel compelled to respond.
"As I said, you carry it well, mayhaps very well. There are a few of our courts that you would not be out place within." he smiled as he spoke. "Though I must say, you may be better served with your dress upon a stand, and you unencumbered by such." he waited a half heartbeat before saying more. After all, he had just told a princess of teh Mortal realm that she would be better to his eyes standing naked before him. "I beg pardon have my words offended thee, bu my people can speak no untruths."

The King looked at his wife, who seemed very, very worried.
"What vexes you dearest?" He asked her. She didn't smile.
"Etarlám." She replied.
"He is bound! Our daughter shall be wed on the morn!"
"Husband, I love you dearly. But hear me when I say thins. It is a fools errand to keep him. He is dangerous."
"All the Sidhe are. Were you not a dangerous creature when first amongst us?"
"No husband, I was not. When I came amongst you, I was a broken shell of a creature, the palest shadow of my former power and glory. I was Banished, not taken." The King cocked his head, not knowing what she meant. She turned her arm, showing an old, faint scar on her arm. "When we are Banished, a servant places a sliver of the Bane within our skin. It is a poison. Of the body, and of our very souls. By te time your people find the Banished, it has leeched much of what made us what we were." The King touched the scar, feeling a faint lump.
"It is still there!"
"There is no point now to removing it, save for more pain to myself. The damage is done. But the Banishment is why we pass on so little of ourselves in the bloodline. He is not Banished. He has power that you cannot comprehend."
"Then our Grandchildren shall be mighty indeed!" She sighed, and put her face in her hand. She loved him dearly. But sometimes, he was an idiot.

 

[Malicious Lullaby]

Of course, she had no idea how to perceive him or how to think he might be thinking. She wished she could read minds at a time like this, to know what lurked in his mind. Maybe to see the deeper meaning into what might be going through his head. Her every right intuition was telling her not to trust him, no matter what. Whether they were alone or he somehow managed to charm her. No, he couldn’t be trusted. Even if he had those eyes that seemed to look so deep into her soul. Or a mouth that curved into such a smile that could make her heart flutter into a raging and roaring—
She really needed to get her mind out of her…mind.

She did so, enough to hear him when he began to speak. Damn. Damn to all the gods, he had to say that. Her cheeks burned. And he had to make her do that! “No no…I appreciate your honesty. It’s very refreshing to hear such honesty, especially from a man. After all, not everyone is always so honest to members of the court, nobility or monarchy.” She said softly. She meant it too since many liked to just say things, to simply appease her and mostly not get in trouble with the king for offending. “You should not ever apologize for simply speaking your mind or being honest. It’s a rare commodity, especially here.” She spoke it softly before turning and moving on in her chambers. She came to a table in the middle of the room, big enough to seat five or six but only set for two. It was round with two chairs and she set the rose on it. The table was also set with food for them to enjoy. Turning a bit, she glanced to him. “Would you like to sit?”

 

[Alvis Alendran]

The blush that crept to her face showed that she was not immune to his charms, not trusting him perhaps, but it was doubtful that she would truly find a man such as he, with the experience that he wielded, and the charms of the inhuman at his disposal. He had truly lain with mortals but twice in his life, once on a challenge from one of his fellow Barons, and then again centuries later, on the orders of his Queen to procure information from the mortal in question. It had not been an experience he found terribly thrilling. But this one, perhaps there was enough of the Sidhe in her to make her more interesting. If he was to be wed to her, it was entirely likely that he would have to time to work with her more than a few times, and that alone woudl give him openings. Mortals were seldom more open to the enchantments of the Sidhe than when in the throes of instinct and passion. It was one of the greatest advantages he could wield.

He smiled as she offered him to sit, and eat. He crossed after him, each step an act of nearly gliding across the floor. No power in this, just the lithe, inhuman grace that the high born Sidhe possessed. The Banished lost much of it. As he passed by her, he let his breath out slowly, forcing what little power he could muster into his hand, and brushed it on her shoulder gently.
"My thanks to thee for the offer of seating." He said with a faint husky edge to it. As he touched her, he released the power into her. It was a very light enchantment. It woudl likely set her skin a little a tingle, making the feel of his touch seem more than just contact. It woudl fade in time. By the time the hour was done, it would have faded to a residual effect that would likely make her just a little more...interested in pursuing her own pleasure. he didn't sit though, but drew out her chair, obeying the strange elements of chivalry that the Mortals so prized. he held it for her to sit in before taking his own.

 

[Malicious Lullaby]

It took her a bit off guard when he touched her shoulder. Her head turned and she looked down at his hand there for a longer moment than perhaps she should have before her gaze traveled up to his. Her breathing hitched in her throat and she had a problem swallowing, her throat suddenly so dry. The way he said that, the voice and tone used and the feeling she got. She had no idea what he was doing. She just thought the tingly feeling was because of the way his words affected her. The husky tone, the endless possibilities and the fact he was a very handsome man and suddenly the images rifling through her mind were definitely not ones that a princess should have. Even if it was about her betrothed. Her betrothed that she didn’t trust one bit—especially to get his hands in her knickers; if she wore any.

“No thanks needed, good sir.” She almost whispered before she eventually took the seat he offered to her. “I thank you for your good graces.” Which surprised her honestly but then again she’d be thinking ill of the people her mother came from. The people she came from.

She had just taken a seat and was waiting for him to take a seat but she wasn’t exactly able to sit still. She kept crossing or uncrossing her legs, seemed to feel more flustered than before, even her skin felt warmer. Rolling her shoulders and squaring her back, she sat up and rest her hands in her lap. They were both situated now and she nodded to the plate of food set before him, covered to keep the warmth in. She had an identical one and lifted her hand to uncover it. There before her, before them both was a pretty delicious looking meal. Chicken, vegetables, potatoes and then her absolute favorite for dessert. A special pie. It was special because it was her mother’s recipe. And it all looked so good, she was starving. But then again, she wondered what he would think. Not to base anything. Just because she was curious. “Tell me, do you fancy sweets? My mother has this brilliant recipe. It is very special. One bite is usually all you can need to sweeten your mouth.”

 

[Alvis Alendran]

Etarlám knew that the enchantment took hold on her by teh way she kept shifting. She was of Sidhe blood after all, pleasure and enjoying oneself was the main focus of most of the ewaking hours of his people. He could only imagine that she had all of the same instincts lurking around in her somewhere. And if he could bring them to the surface, so much teh better. He looked at the foods, and admitted to himself that he would have to try and acquire the taste for mortal foods. They would never be as fine as those made with teh exotic, and in some cases, narcotic seasonings that he was well used to, but...some of those plants did grow in the mortal realm. It might be useful to have another path to work on the girl.

He listened to her as she asked after sweets. Now this was a topic he didn't need to exaggerate or avoid.
"My people have spent ages perfecting the art of sweets. They are something of a weakness of mine, I confess. In my home realm, I had three confectioners that had been honing their craft for nearly three centuries. They made sweets that sveral mortals had willing died to taste. But that being said, I will certainly sample the pie of your mother." He hracefully lifted out a slice of the pie. He found it still hot, steaming as he took it. That was good. An attention to details that spoke of a person who did care about their craft. He repeated the motion, serving her as well. Now that the pie had been served, adn spoken of, he admitted, that he had perhaps a slightly higher than normal expectation of it. He took a bite. Oh, she had been clever, to haarvest the ice berries near the gates to the ways. And she had put them baked, which released the flavour, and piercing sweetness. It was a Sidhe dish, made in the Sidhe way. He could taste the faint contaminants though, the faint smoke of the wood fire that they had needed to burn to bake it, the paint, acrid taste of the iron dish it had been made in. He resolved to see about finding a ceramic of glass dish for the kingdom. It he was to live amongst them for a time, they could at least be made more readily able to provide him with acceptable foods. And the dish would provide them with a finer taste.

"You mother has brought your people a rare gift. The food is made in the manner of my homeland. I will extend her my compliments the next I see her." He admitted. He let out a slow breath, as though savouring the flavour, which he was doing, but also using that emotion to try and test the bounds of his powers. Nothing elaborate, or overly significant, but he could see the edges of his enchantment on her. he smiled pleasantly at her, as though enjoying the sight of her, adn he pushed as much power back into the enchantment as he could. It was a weak bump, but it would likely ignite when she had a bite of her own, causing a pleasant tingle across her body. When that faded, she'd be left with a slightly more heightened state of being bothered as she had been when he'd touched her.

 

[Malicious Lullaby]

She actually smiled now. A real smile since meeting him and it didn’t feel forced. If anything, they both could share and agree about sweets. Even if they aren’t the same kind and he seemed to definitely have a higher regard for sweets made by the Sidhe, they nevertheless had a sweet tooth. And that was more than enough for her considering she didn’t trust him and didn’t want to like him. Although her body seemed to be thinking otherwise which was driving her further mad. Because this was not okay at all.

But when he gave her a slice of pie, she didn’t reject it. She took it but looked to him as he took it, as if subconsciously wanting to get approval. And he seemed to approve which only just made it better. Not for her. But just for her mom. What could she say? Elarinya loved her mother a lot and considering he was another Sidhe as she was, perhaps she was trying to find a common thread here so no one was unhappy. Especially given the conditions in which he was brought here. Not that he came here willingly. So maybe she was trying to mediate things. Make him not hate being here so much, find something to like here. It’s been peaceful for the most part at court. She didn’t want that to go away because she was eighteen now, ready to be married and had to follow a tradition that right now she was thinking was stupid. Especially if it meant she wouldn’t find love.

Blinking her eyes, she pushed those thoughts away and took a bite of the pie. It was heavenly, as it always was. It was her favorite dessert and if she could, she’d eat this pie all the time. It tasted better than usual. Maybe the circumstances. Maybe because she was completely unaware of the magic in it from him. She savored the taste and whatever she was feeling before, she felt again. That same tingle. Maybe it was something in the air, maybe it was just her nerves of being alone with such a dangerously handsome Sidhe that could probably do a lot worse to her than good. He’d be very detrimental to her health.
“It is my favorite and a very important factor of my childhood. Now, my mother makes it just for me. No one else really but her and me have a sweet tooth that can handle this pie. And my sisters don’t care for it too much. They say it is sickly sweet.” Then she smiled again. “I say they do not know delicious sweets when they see them.” And she took another bite of her pie. Her mouth was overloading on sugar and sweet but unlike her sisters, Elarinya could probably eat half of that pie and still crave more. It might just be the Sidhe in her.

 

[Alvis Alendran]

Etarlám had the thought that this girl might be the strongest bearer of the Sidhe blood amongst her sisters. Still a weak, watered down blood, but it was there. Perhaps he had been fortunate to have been 'given' to this girl, rather than one of her sisters. He ate a few more bites, honestly savouring the taste of the ice berries. He had the other thought of seeing what remained of the berries that had been gathered. He could pass along a trick of making them candied. That would likely rot the teeth right out of the mouth of most mortals. They were a delicacy in the Highest Courts, something that it was unlikely that Elarinya's mother would have ever properly experienced.

As he ate, he simply gazed at her, putting an affectionate, somewhat eager look in his eyes. It was something that suggested that as much as he enjoyed the sweetnes of teh pie, he might be seeking after...something else. Something with a different kind of sweetness. He ate each bite slowly, savouring the taste, but making sure that each moment was spent making it clearer that he was finding her more alluring.

"You are indeed fortunate to have a mother able to create such a food. It shows much honour to your heritage. More than I might have thought. You people are proving to be more interesting than I thought. more...stimulating." He said this last with a lower tone, injecting it with that edge of a husky underlay. He smiled, slowly, with a sly look that was calculated to be more alluring.

 

[Malicious Lullaby]

She polished her pie, pushing the plate forward. Not for more but signaling the end of her eating. And that was when she looked up and found his gaze on her. She swallowed hard again, seeming to crumble underneath the steadiness of it. It made her flush a blushing red. She’d be a blushing bride on her wedding day that’s for sure and give a totally new meaning to it. The thoughts she had right now while being held under that gaze made her feel shameful but all the more inclined to want to act upon them. If only he’d do something first.

Her hands fell into her lap and she managed to look away, looking down as her fingers sort of fumbled with each other. “S-Stimulating?” She stuttered, cursing herself mentally for her obvious lapse of speech at the moment, an obvious result of what he was doing to her. The way he spoke, the way he looked at her and just the way he was making her feel. If he was horribly ugly, it’d be easier to do this but also a nightmare since she would have hoped her future husband would be easy on the eyes. It’s only human of her to want that. But no, he had to be more attractive, insanely attractive, than she had actually expected and it was unnerving. One look and she could be putty in his hands. She didn’t want to think about what one touch or one kiss would do. He’d get her to do anything he wanted of her and that would be very problematic indeed. Especially since she didn’t trust him.

But her body…her skin had taken on a warmer feel, she was practically burning up inside—from desire and a need she had never felt before—and it was taking all she had not to beg something from him, not to throw herself at him. Her legs squeezed tightly together and her hand came up to rub over the back of her neck. Why did he have to be so alluring to the point of it being impossible to resist him? Her eyes met his again, this time waiting, seeking, eager. She looked desiring of him. And it wasn’t a secret.

 

[Alvis Alendran]

He smiled as he heard the hitch in her speech, the way it was clear that everything he'd been doing was finally weighing in from both charm and magic. He left that smile on his face, but his eyes narrowed slightly, suggesting he was making some kind of scheme that would not bear mentioning in polite company. He slid from his chair, moving to another, this one far closer to her. He leaned closer to her, his arm on the table. His smile quirked a little more. He could see exactly what kind of look she was giving him, and he slid out of this new chair, onto his feet, moving right beside her. His hand came up gently, and touched her shoulder, before sliding along her skin towards her neck. He trailed power after it, leaving a tingling sensation in his wake. Sustaining it meant he could lay another enchantment on her beyond the tingle, but he felt he'd done enough of that for the moment.

"Yes. I find you...stimulating, Elarinya. Who is my bride to be." He murmured softly, looking her in the eye as his hand reached her face, gently cupping her cheek, before leaning in. He built what power he could, drawing off of the feeling that was building within her. His lips were barely a breath away from her, and he leaned in to do a light, quick peck, then again, each time leaving behind a residue of magic, something to make each successive one more potent. Finally he stopped teasing, and leaned in for a powerful, passionate kiss to her.

Feeding a surge of power into her through the joining of their lips, enough to inflame her beyond anything she'd have thought possible before, one hand dropped to slide along her bare back, going lower over the curve of her hip, to run along her thigh through the slit in her dress.

 

[Malicious Lullaby]

Elarinya didn’t realize when she started breathing again or when she started to function again. But she watched as he gained nearer. First sitting in one chair closer to her and then just right beside her, she could practically feel the warmth and raw sexual energy exuding from him. She wanted him and it was so scary because she wouldn’t think twice about it. If he made the move, she wouldn’t pull away or even try to stop it. She’d let it go only to feel the full weight of her decision afterwards. But then all matter of over thinking things went out the window when his hand moved around her neck and she was like putty in his hands. The touch electrified her liquid insides. Her legs squeezed together seemed to not want to be so tight together and she wanted to take that hand and put it under her dress and in between her legs. Bad thoughts. Really naughty thoughts.

Then her brain did a complete shut down of anything else when his lips touched hers. She was gone in that moment and whatever she felt only spurred her on. Her hands that had been wringing themselves into an early death lifted from her lap and moved to touch his cheeks, cupping around them as she kissed him back. A full passion that surprised even her and something she didn’t know she had but she wanted to give it all to him. She wanted to give herself to him and wanted him to do things that an unmarried woman shouldn’t think of. But since he was her betrothed, perhaps that justified how badly she wanted him to touch her, please her, make her scream and ride such a wave that she only had up to go and nowhere else.

 

[Alvis Alendran]

Her hands touched his face, and he knew then that all his work thus far had been a success. His hand slid along her leg, sliding the material aside, exposing the limb to his palm, beofre deciding that he would move things along a little faster. He had the patience of an immortal, but sometimes impulsive natures needed to be indulged. His arm snaked around her back, and he pulled her up out of the chair, and tight to his body. He borke off the kiss just long enough to look her in the eye and smile, letting her perhaps catch her breath for a second, before he moved again. One hand slid along her back, reaching lower, cupping along her rear, and squeezing, while the other went to around her neck, finding the point where her dress was fastened. Deftly, he undid it.

He didn't pull the dress down quickly, but instead took his hand and slid it along her body, touching along her breasts, squeezing one, before pulling facelower, his lips tracing kisses along her neck, a soft nibble or bite appearing here and there. Oh, he was no stranger to what he did this night. Though he had to admit, it might prove awkward to explain why he seemed intent on taking his bride to be before their wedding. He'd cross that bridge when he came to it. If he caem to it.

 

[Malicious Lullaby]

He gave a whole new meaning to taking someone’s breath away. Her hands moved around his neck, sliding down from his cheeks as he hoisted her up against him, tightly too. From the thin material of her fabric, she could feel the very nice and hard sinews of his body. She didn’t know what was going on with her but Elarinya was certainly not thinking of stopping to question him. No way, she’d have to be out of her mind. Especially when every part of her being was screaming for him.

Their lips parted and she took in deep breaths. Her eyes fluttered open and met his gaze and she probably melted under such a gaze. She succumbed so easily to him. Something was going on with her body that she didn’t understand. Feelings and desires like these were new. She had never wanted so badly to be touched by a man. Hell, just about an hour or so ago when they first met, she didn’t imagine or even foresee this happening. But here it was. Happening. Every touch, every caress and she had never wanted so badly to be naked either. The thrill of being naked in front of a man, in front of this man. The need of him doing to her what she might have fantasized but never once thought of coming true. The desire to simply give herself wholly to him, her betrothed, her husband-to-be. No harm in it at all.

Perhaps she’d get the marriage she wanted after all.
But did she trust him? No. Did she want him so much that she wouldn’t even think about how she didn’t trust him? Absoutely.

 

[Alvis Alendran]

Etarlám had to admit it was...interesting to be going down this road. It had been a little easy to enchant her, but he felt that under the enchantments, there might be some genuine interest in what he was about to do. Her heritage would likely be coming to the fore shortly, as nearly every Sidhe was a sexual being. And she was, after all, a half blood. His hands dragged the front of her dess down, exposing her chest to the open air. What he found he could find no flaw in, placing a kiss on each nipple, no longer trying to enchant, but trails of minor power followed his trongue, leaving each point just a little more senstive than it was normally. He ran a hand down the front of his shirt, and then pushed his arms back, letting it fall. His clothes had been designed for ease of removal.

Standing to kiss her once more, he pressed his bared chest to hers, pulling htem tight. He spun, as though bringing them closer to the bed. He felt a certain passionate surge, and then discounted even taking the additional time that it would take to make it onto the down filled bed, and simply carried Elarinya down tot eh floor beside the bed, putting her under him as his hand slid up her leg, sliding her skirt higher and higher.

 

[Malicious Lullaby]

Her body was on fire. Her mind was racing and she had no idea how or why it was like this. Why was she feeling this way? Why did she want to do this with him and why couldn’t she just wait until tomorrow? Simple answer. She wanted her husband to be so bad that she wasn’t even thinking, wouldn’t know anything until she and her body got what it wanted and that was that. No harm in it. Especially since he knew that if she was not a maiden before she was married, she was doomed. This way, he had to marry her. Right?

Her thoughts were pushed at bay, probably away for the rest of the time when the front of her dress was exposed and her soft, pert breasts were exposed to him. They weren’t small. No, Elarinya was quite endowed in her chest and a modern translation of size would probably give her around D cups. She had little secrets, things to be proud of. Not that she ever used it to her ability but she did use sex appeal. She knew how to work herself, knew how to play it to flatter her and knew even more because of her mother that if a woman’s got it, she needs to flaunt it. Men ate it up. Perhaps Etarlam was right now?

Her eyes looked up as she felt her nipples a lot more sensitive than they were, the cool air over the room wafting over it and hardening them. Her breathing hitched as he removed his shirt and her eyes greedily took in the sight of his shirtless. Wow, and he was to be her husband. He was really quite a catch. But she was still so afraid. Yet right now, she wanted nothing more than for him to do all the things a woman should only fantasize about her husband. At least that part was going to be true. Her arms moved around his neck and she kissed him, her hand moving through the back of his hair, fingers threading through the soft locks before she found herself on the ground. She didn’t care. It just felt so amazing to have him on top of her, to have him touching her.

Elarinya parted her lips from his and she moved her hand over his that was hiking her skirt up higher and higher. She took it and moved it right under the soft material of her dress and over her upper leg, closer to in between her legs. She looked up at him and then kissed his cheek, very close to his lips. “I need you.” She whispered. She needed her husband-to-be. Her husband.

 

[Alvis Alendran]

Of course you do... Etarlám thought as she spoke. There was the impulse to find a reason to interupt them, to leave her burning like this, and see what the she did as a result. Frankly, if he put any more effort into the enchantment, she'd likely be ready to mount anything with a cock to find her release. But that would not do well to bind her to him closer. And she needed that if he was to escape eventually. He felt her leading his hand up, and he certainly didn't do anything to slow her action. He pressed his fingers against ehr, rubbing along her, while he reached a hand back to unseal his pants, letting them begin to slide down his legs. He was thinking to discard the need for full nudity, he might just take her right as they sat, their clothes in dissarray. It had a certain savage appeal to it. And the Sidhe were known to be impulse and somewhat savage themselves when they needed to be.

With the right powers, he could do much, even so far as change parts of his shape and appearance. But alas, that was beyond him right now.
"And you'll have me..." He whispered to her, his pants sliding down far enough to free his cock. It swung free, erect and ready. Eight inches long, and a little over two wide, it was impressive enough to accomplish much. He began sliding his way up, ready to seek entrance to her, to bind them completely. A finger came across her clit, and he gave it just a touch of power, increasing the sensitivity.

 

[Malicious Lullaby]

At this point, she needed him badly. And if he were to leave her high and dry, well then all of this was just a cruel game to him and a sick farce. She hoped it wasn’t so. She just hoped he’d give in. Hoped that he would want her as badly as she wanted him and that it’d be enough for him to want to indulge. Elarinya hadn’t personally felt it yet or gone out of her way but there was something pressing against her and it was hard and big. She had a feeling…well she hoped at least.
A little bit of a doubt was starting to creep up into her but she pushed it back. Especially when his hand hadn’t pulled away from hers as she led it up higher, right to the perfect spot.

Her hand moved around his cheek as she looked at him and when he gave her his assurance, her lips met his on her own accord, on her act of submission to him. She was his. Most probably. In a strange way considering she didn’t trust him but right now, she trusted him to make her feel amazing and satisfy the burning ache in between her legs.
With that little brush, the teasing bastard, Elarinya’s lips broke from his and she moaned softly, pushing her hips up to his hand and capturing his lower lip with her teeth.

 

[Alvis Alendran]

The bite to his lower lip encouraged him to lean down, kissing her with all teh passion he could muster into the act. Her own rising heat and passion was a heady feeling, it left him almost light headed. THere was so much within her, so much that had lay untouched before this. He had every intent to bring her as high and far as he could this night. With that thought, he lined himself up with her entrance, adn with a deep breath, he started to slide into her.

It was warm and slick, and tighly fitting around him. He gave a faint groan into their kiss, a hand going to her breast, pushing for a sense of distracting stimulation. He sent a brief surge into her, one that would trigger nearly every receptor of pleasure within her, and he used that moment to push past the faint resistance that he felt from her, confirming that this was in fact her first time. With that out of the way, he sank the remainder of his length into her, his hips touching her own, and he ground them together faintly for a moment. He broke the kiss and ran lips tongue and teeth across her neck, bringng all he could to bring her pleasure in that moment.