Scales, Ears, & Eyes (butterfly0408 & Greeneyed23)

[Greeneyed23]

The Hildenbailon Heights were the most regal mountain forests in all the land. They rose higher than any other, and the trees were so strong and mighty they seemed to stretch to the very stars, the high mountain tops hidden by the trees.

Was it any wonder that the elves, of every kind, had chosen these mighty natural fortresses, and many others like them around the world, as their bases, both due to location, and because their living gods the Dragons dwelled on the same mountaintops. It was this closeness and their deep fondness for each other that had lead to the forming of the Dragon Souled. Elves, and in some cases humans and people of the other races around the land, that possessed true souls of Dragons and when fully realized became part of the thunder the Dragons had cultivated throughout the world, many eventually becoming Dragons in full, and many rumored to hold both their born forms and the forms of the Dragon whose soul they held though none of the latter had ever been confirmed.

The land had known peace for many many years after the end of the Orc/Dwarf wars over their tunnels and unadorned mountains, then the resulting gold wars between all the races that had finally settled when the humans had used their numbers and ingenuity to capture the various strong holds and cities that were under threat by the warring nations and thus rather brutally end the wars by cutting off resources and markets and thus ensure their own massive profits almost instantly making them the richest and most powerful race on the planet. The other races had their own wealth and power, the dwarves their gold and other precious stones and metals, the orcs their ore and their fish, the elves their timber, herbalism products, healers and of course the Dragons who no one could ignore.

This peace lasted due to the exclusive markets each race held monopolies in, and their unwillingness to risk what profits they did make. The elves and the human were the closest both in location, and in allegiance as the humans were the ones who most needed their timber and other products.

This what lead to the royal family of the humans, including their newborn daughter, to visit King Ynvar and his lovely wife Queen Tessala, and their own newborn son Ellowe who was currently in his bassinet with sprigs of holly, mistletoe, and other plants the elves adored hanging over him. Already his large green eyes showed the distinct vertical diamond shape of the Souled. His parents were so very thrilled and proud, and wasted no time in telling everyone they knew, and were eager to show their blessed son off to the humans especially, trying to show them respect and honor by sharing this with them.

The mother Dragon, or at least the one they knew well, lay curled in her own alcove her eyes on the young elf prince, a smile stretching across her broad fanged face. She did notice the humans, they tended to grow nervous about her, though she was curious about the young princess. Something about her spoke to the very heart of Brewellyn, Dragon Queen, but she held her tongue and counsel, though many could hear the soft thrumming purr she was emitting to sooth the young prince, her kin.

 

[butterfly0408]

The human king and queen greeted their peers with smiles but there was a nervousness behind their eyes. Always. Peace between the races was strong but the reality behind the motivations of the humans was that they feared facing the elves in battle should it ever come to that. Facing off against the dwarfs would be no challenge and while the Orcs may put up a fight, the could be outsmarted. But the elves and their dragons... it was better to have them a friends then as enemies. The king and queen seemed to delighted with their young son. The queen gazed into his cradle and could only fear that look in the newborns eyes. He was a little beast under the surface, she could already see it. For a moment, she held her own babe closer to herself, not wanting to give into the encouragement to place her little angel into the bassinet with the little beast, but to not do could offend. So with a forced smile, the human queen placed the tiny princess Maia beside the infant prince.

Both sets of parents stood there for a moment, watching the pair, seeing just how they would reach to one another. It was the first time either of them had seen one so very close in age to them self. The human queen clutched her husband's hand tightly, watching to make sure that the little prince didn't so something like breath fire on her child. Humans were so ignorant of what the dragon souled really were like.

 

[Greeneyed23]

Ellowe did nothing of the sort of course. He did flinch when he pawed out and touched her the first time but then he showed the powerful reasoning logic that elves were so well known for.

He gently patted her hand and moved his feet away from her's as he had very strong nails and had already scratched himself several times. He also pawed at the flowers above them making them shift aside over her face, letting her smell them better.

Tessala squealed. "Oh! What a gentleman!" She pulled a blanket up over them both tucking them in as her son began to yawn. The Dragon moved her head slightly but made sure not to move further while the humans could see her, but this slight shift and the prince's touch allowed the human to hear the soft soothing song of the ancient wordless lullaby she thrummed for them both.

 

[butterfly0408]

The human princess was no where near as advanced in her development at the newborn prince. While he seemed to already be able to think and make choices, she lay beside him more in wonder of her surroundings then anything else. One of the pedals of the fell from off the flowers overhead, landing right on her nose. She crossed her eyes to get a look at it on her face for with a sneeze the item flew up into the air and landed then upon Ellowe's face beside her. A fit of little baby giggles escaped her.

The human king and queen were still smiling, but the queens eyes strayed to the mother dragon nearby. She looked upon the creature with distaste. Again, humans being ignorant and not thinking that a dragon could read their body language. To them the dragons were like big dumb animals. Like pet dogs or something like that. When drinks were offered, the parents departed the nursery, leaving the babies in the care of their nursemaids. The human maid visually nervous about being in the room with the elves. She was far more readable then the queen and the king were.

 

[Greeneyed23]

Ellowe cooed when the petal landed on his face and blew it away with a giggle again patting her hand and arm with his own, then slowly beginning to drift off.

The mother Dragon continued to thrum once the royals were gone but once it was only the maid she huffed and lowered her head to look fully into the bassinet.

Her golden scales gleamed powerfully, her solid purple eyes flashing at the babies thoughtfully. She turned her head slightly toward the maid and huffed again blowing the woman's hair into her face then tripped her. While the maid cried out the Dragon leaned further into the bassinet and breathed her sweet warm breath onto the babies. "I smell destiny about you both. Peace in truth spins through your scents. Rest well little hatchlings. Grow into mighty hunters..." She touched them both on the tummies putting them both deeply to sleep and giving them bright, vivid wonderful dreams.

By the time the maid had righted herself and calmed down the Dragon was in her corner asleep, her eyes closed, tendrils of golden smoke streaming from her nostrils.

 

[butterfly0408]

The sound of a small commotion from the nursery, mainly caused by the maid carrying on about righting herself caught the attention of the human queen as she sat taking her tea with the others. The elves did not seem to notice it at all, but she glanced to her husband and he back to her as he pat her on the leg, assuring her things would be alright. If there was one thing that they were both well versed in it was diplomacy. Especially when in the nest of... unfavorable company.

While the human race had no strength in body or magic, over time their numbers and minds had truly given proven to be their advantage. They could play all the other races like a fine instrument. They told them each exactly what they wanted to hear to keep things peaceful, but secretly the humans were always ready to squash bugs that got out of hand or in their way. Being that the land of the humans stretched far and wide, there were able to produce weapons of war far from the sight of prying eyes. But was all hidden deep down behind carefree smiles and pleasant laughter over some tea between the royals. "It is always a fine delight to be welcomed into your home," King Abraham said as he held his cup out for his wife, Queen Eliza, to refill for him. "You don't see such fine scenery down below in the flat lands."

 

[Greeneyed23]

The elves laughed. "But your mighty valleys and many cities are wonders to behold Your Grace. We are pleased you enjoy our humble peaks but they are poor indeed in comparison to your glories."

This was the way of the elves, always quick to sincerely compliment and exceedingly polite in all things. The room about them was hand carved into the most beautiful shapes and artistry possible, with more art adorning the walls everywhere, the furniture the finest ever seen. The elves still genuinely and sincerely gave their compliments as they truly did admire the workmanship of the human race, as they produced great artists, powerful warriors, and a deep war cunning that only the Dragons themselves surpassed.

The elves were amazed at human arrogance though. Their assumption that no one knew about their plans or war machine was beyond foolish, the Dragons saw them whenever they flew over, and the Dwarves and Orcs had come upon them as well.

Considering this Ynvar leaned forward. "I am curious what you intend to do about the troubles in Dawnguard. We heard about the market's plague.... then the burning of most of the city.....What is the plan?"

Dawnguard was the eastern most major city, where the elves and many of the other races were able to converge to share their products but the plague had closed the city before the market had fully opened and now was supposed to closed for the year. It was up to the King after all.

 

[butterfly0408]

King Abraham nodded his head as he accepted the now filled teacup from his wife, "Indeed. Dawngaurd. You have cut right to the chase I was leading us to. It is the main reason that we came for this visit besides introducing the children. It's the one main places for the races to truly interact and do business with one another right in a prime location. This illness is a blow to relations, especially between the Dwarfs and the Orcs. It was their main hub of trade with one another. We do not have the resources to deal with the illness but your people have the finest healers in the world. We had hoped that you could spare a few to come and evaluate the situation. If a treatment can be developed we may be able to save lives as well as the market."

 

[Greeneyed23]

Ynvar nodded smiling. "Of course of course. We have a whole cadre of healers waiting for your blessing to go. i shall send them immediately." He pointed at a woman and she bowed vanishing.

"We hope to have answers and plans within the week Your Grace. Perhaps they could train some of your fine people to heal as well?" His smile was warm and bright and as ever true t his heart but his wife subtly touched his arm. They weren't sure if the humans would be offended at the offer, though it was polite and politely said, but they might take it as presumptive. They were so quick to anger.

 

[butterfly0408]

King Abrham only smiled back, raising a hand, "That would be perfect. The more who know how to heal the sick and safe the people of all races the better." Oh course though there was always a hidden method to the human's madness. Of course they wanted the best of the elf healers to train their own people. For when the terrible illness took the lives of all the best elf healers, it would then be those humans to save the day. What a sad sad day it would be when the plague that the healers were sent to fight off succumbed to it themselves. And their diseased bodies would need to be destroyed just like the rest of the plagued people of the city. No one would be the wiser if their untimely passing were more then just a sickness.

 

[Greeneyed23]

Ynvar continued to smile at his guests.

He knew something about his healers that these arrogant mortals had no clue about. His people were immune to human diseases and nearly all others due to both their nature, and their protective diets and magics. His healers were even more protected from such things due to the very nature of their duties.

He wasn't sure he saw what he saw in the human's eyes but he felt that his suspicions about them were correct. He was not only sending immune healers but also some of his boundary rangers, archers with the most elite skills, with camouflage abilities that rivaled chameleons. He continued to smile and nod politely but he almost hoped this mortal was foolish enough to attack his people. Then the rangers could kill the humans freely.

 

[butterfly0408]

"Then it is settled." The king extended his hand out towards his fellow royal to seal this agreement that had been made with a friendly handshake. Even if things were not really friendly between them under the surface of the situation. "Together we can end this plague for the good of the land, the people, and the continued peace." The human queen never really contributed to the conversation as all as she sitting sipping her tea. The longer the men talked, the more and more bored she seemed to be. The elf queen might enjoy being involved in such affairs of the land as this, but the human queen seemed totally and completely put out by having to give up part of her day and time to this diplomacy.

 

[Greeneyed23]

The elves nodded smiling. "Indeed it is."

They watched the humans gather themselves and their daughter and leave in silence, while Ellowe waved happily from his mother's arms. The mother Dragon spoke softly.

"The humans think they have us fooled my friends. It would be best to be cautious."

Ynvar nodded. "So we shall be my friend."

**********

Dawnguard not only was saved by the healers but within months was back in working order, with many of the supposedly doomed citizens returning to their lives happily. Then as the lessons were learned, including a number of very brutal lessons on not attempting to kill the healers, either due to their protective rangers, or to their own skills in transmitting diseases onto their attackers, they had gone unmolested.

Now the market was going stronger than ever, and in gratitude the elves had the best locations, the longest hours, and were able to sell their wares at good prices and make massive profits. They were also so popular now peoples of every race were calling for their healing services.

******

In the six years since Dawnguard the elves had experienced a massive inflow of profit and interest. While still not as wealthy or populous as the humans, the elves were now easily the second most powerful race on the planet, and with the Dragons still strong with them, their military power was second to none.

Still they maintained the peace religiously, were still polite and gracious in all things, and were warm and loving guests.

Ellowe was eagerly looking forward to today. It had long since become his duty to entertain the noble children of the visitors. Today he was supposed to meet the human Princess for the first time since they were infants. He genuinely enjoyed meeting people, but for some reason he was especially eager for today.

He was standing by the sleeping head of the mother Dragon, his left hand idly stroking her neck, his right over his heart, while his parents waited nearby. They were greeting the humans in the grand gardens as the gardens were in full bloom and was sure to sooth and impress any visitor at once.

The mother Dragon opened a single eye to look at the boy. Stay calm hatchling. This is no battle. Just a greeting of an old friend.

Of course Great Mother....but she won't remember me.

Perhaps not consciously but I am certain that in her deep mind something strong will speak to her. Be patient.

He nodded his green Dragon eyes wide. Yes Great Mother.

So they waited.

 

[butterfly0408]

"And how are you to address the prince?"
"Formally. Calling him Prince Ellowe. Never just prince. Never just Ellowe."
"And what are you to tell the king and queen when you are introduced to them."
"It is a pleasure to meet you."
"And what are you NOT to do no matter WHAT?"
The young princess Maia sighed, "Touch anything that has scales and could possibly breath fire."

Her mother grilled her some more as sat bouncing her baby brother, Jacob, upon her lap. "What will happen to you if you go near a dragon?"

"It will attack me and burn me and then I will die," Maia repeated the words long drilled into her head by her parents. More her mother then her father. The king and queen had been trying to drill a fear into Maia of the elves and the dragons that were their allies. But while she repeated what she wanted her parents to hear, in truth the child doubted it. She was smart for a child of 6 and had snuck away from her nursemaids to read books far above her age in the library. Books that spoke of the beauty and power of these creatures had never seen before. As a curious child, she was eager to see one and maybe even get to touch one. Just so long as her parents never found out.

 

[Greeneyed23]

The elves and Dragons, for the mother was never alone even here where she was a trusted and beloved companion, waited in still silence. They seemed no more than color statues for all they moved, their breathing so light as to be imperceptible to any eye save their own.

Until the humans arrived.

Then all things were movement. The serving elves opened the doors, the guards raised their winged spears to form the honor guard line, their golden scale armor gleaming brightly, while the Royal family, King, very pregnant Queen, Prince, and the Mother Dragon (still asleep) awaited their guests.

Ynvar bowed, Tessala curtsied, beautifully despite her large abdomen, and Ellowe gave a very fine ceremonial bow greeting them all by name. The Dragon woke and dipped her head to them then put it back on her claws.

Ellowe then stepped forward and bowed again. "Lord and Lady of the mighty human race, may I offer your children distraction and joy in the gardens while you partake of refreshment?"

He held his hand out to Maia smiling kindly. His heart was thudding in his chest. She couldn't possibly remember him, yet he felt something, something deep when he saw her.

Patience hatchling

He gave a slight nod to the caution but continued to smile at the lovely young Princess. For now he was only an inch or two taller than her, and he was already well built in the traditional elf way, lean and strong, with raven black hair that was brushed back into a single braid a silver circlet on his deeply tanned brow, his strange green eyes open and inviting. Her parents could not have known but one other aspect of danger to Dragon's was their ability to enchant or subjugate those who gazed into their eyes. The Souled possessed the same ability. Ellowe had long since mastered this ability but he was careful not to use it now. Not with her.

Still he could sense that his eyes had long held an odd allure to the mortal races. He was the most widely known Souled alive at the moment. Only natural as Prince, but he did wonder at it occasionally. They always seemed more and more interested in him with each visit. He wondered why.

 

[butterfly0408]

As Ellowe stepped forward, the queen seemed to tighten her hold upon the baby in her arms. King Abraham put a hand upon her shoulder as he spoke for himself as well as the queen in a soft peaceful tone, talking directly down to Ellowe, "Tis almost time for Prince Jacob's nap good Prince and he is to little still to play as he can't even walk yet. Perhaps during our next visit, but..." he placed a hand upon Maia's shoulder and nudged her forward.

The young princess bobbed a little curtsy that was as fine and proper and perfect as a queen. She was clearly being trained well in her proper princess protocol as she came back up once more, looking towards first the king and queen of the elves, "It is a pleasure to meet you." Her attention turned to the prince as she gave him a curtsy all for him, "And you Prince Ellowe."

King Abraham pushed her forward towards the young prince. Stepping forward, Maia could already be defined as a beauty. When last the elves saw her as a babe, her hair had yet to really come in as well as her eyes settle upon a color beyond the newborn blue of human children. Now she had a head full of soft silken dark golden locks. A unique color somewhere between blonde and brown. Her eyes had changed to a true brown color almost like a chestnut shade. One only had to look upon her for a moment before knowing at once that she was going to grow into a stunning beauty when she was a young woman. Still, that was a long way off.

 

[Greeneyed23]

Ellowe bowed to the beautiful young princess. Stay calm hatchling.

He gently took the Princess' hand and lead her to the garden, followed by the dragon, while Tessala moved forward. "We would be honored to offer Prince Jacob a place to rest Your Grace." She gestured toward the same bassinet that had once held their daughter along with the prince.

Ynvar smiled at the humans. "While I am pleased at the visit Your Graces, I must ask, what has lead to this happy surprise?" He had an idea but since the elves and humans had little interaction he was curious why they sought this visit.

In the garden Ellowe lead Maia to a small grove where lay a well stocked little table and chair set with snacks and drinks and nearby a large chest of toys, the elves were always fond of their leisure time, and of course the fabulously abundant gardens of Tessala Queen of all Elves. They were of legendary beauty, and they did not fail the legends but instead surpassed them. Flowers of every shape, size and color were everywhere and the fragrance was soothing, light and wonderful.

Ellowe released her hand, shocked at the feeling of loss at doing so, but said nothing. The Dragon, still close behind, took her place under a large black willow with some kind of white blossoms throughout it's growth, and watched the hatchlings. Be careful hatchling. This one is quicker and smarter than her sire and dame. Treat her kindly but with caution

I hear and obey Great Mother

He turned to Maia. "I and my house are at your service Milady. What would you wish of us?"

 

[butterfly0408]

The human king and queen pause and look from one to the other before they look to the elf king and queen. Abraham was the one to speak first, his voice seemingly filled with genuine confusion. "King Ynvar, we have come accepting the invitation for a peaceful meeting that we received from you. Did you not send such a thing?" If he was being honest of deceptive was hard to read.

Maia took a set at the little table that had been set up for the children to play at. She seemed just as composed and prim as her parents, but her eyes could not hide the child's wonder with all those things around her. Her eyes darted about to all the beauty of the gardens around them. Eventually she settled upon the large dragon mother as she settled under the tree, protectively standing guard nearby. Maia's eyes rounded big and seemed to sparkle with glee. A real dragon. She had never seen one before and there it was. She was so distracted by it all that she did not seem to hear his question to be able to answer it.

 

[Greeneyed23]

Ynvar shook his head. "I am afraid not dear friend. We are thrilled to have you and delighted you came but I sent no such message I can assure you."

The golden dragon opened a single purple eye studying the human thoughtfully. Ellowe smiled watching her. He gently touched her shoulder, "Brewellyn. Dragon Queen. If you greet her properly she will speak to you personally."

He stepped forward and moved his left foot forward and bent it at the knee, sweeping the right out behind him in a wide arc while bowing low over the bent leg his arms spread out wide. "Good morning to you Great Mother Dragon. May the winds be ever in your favor, and may your nests never suffer harm."

The Dragon raised her head at the bow then smiled and dipped it toward the young Prince. "Good morning Young Princeling. May your nests grow forever and your years never dim."

Her voice was deep rich, and kind, and filled with maternal tenderness. She then looked at the Princess but did not speak. Yet.

 

[butterfly0408]

Maia stood, watching the prince and the mother dragon interacting with one another. The creature was so regal and beautiful to behold. She could do nothing but stare in wonder. Watching as Ellowe greeted her like she was the finest of queens, she stood noticing then that both of them looked to her in anticipation. She realized they were both waiting for her to do the same. Her mother's many many instructions about what she was to do and not to do echoed in her mind. And yet... talking to one was not one of them. Only not to touch one. She smiled a little, happy to have discovered a loop hole of sorts as she gave a grand curtsy towards the mother dragon. "Good day, mother dragon. It is a pleasure to make your prestigious acquaintance."

 

[Greeneyed23]

Brewellyn smirked and dipped her head. "Not quite the custom but it will do. Good Morning. Princess Maia. You are welcome in this house. May your hair and beauty only ever grow."

A strong wind blew over the palace making the tree tops shudder. As it still Brewellyn was suddenly upon the Princess, her head tilted to look into the girl's face, her powerful foreleg raised, the taloned paw pointed at her with a single long deadly sharp claw longer than her forearm and far thicker. The Dragon gently touched the talon just over Maia's heart and spoke again. "Your's is a future filled with pain and sorrow my dear. I would guard from what I can. Such sweetness and innocence should not suffer without need."

Ellowe knelt his right hand over his heart, his left cocked so the back of his hand faced the two females, the first fingers protruding from his fist towards his lips, the ancient elven sign that they were hearing words of import and power.

Brewellyn wrapped her mighty wings about both the hatchlings and once they formed something like a tent she slowly breathed out something much like flame, of all the many colors, without heat or pain. It washed over them all, lighting her brilliant scales like yellow diamonds. As the bright lights and warmth washed over them, Brewellyn gently touched the tip of her snout to Maia's brow, nose, lips, then just over her heart.

"No matter the failings between men and elves, may Dragons ever watch over you and yours Princess. Your's is a life with great import. May you have what peace and happiness you can. Go with my blessing and my love." She pulled away and lay down, the moment her wings parted the flamelike stuff vanishing.

Ellowe was crying but did not wipe away his tears as he turned on his knees to Maia. "By my life or death I pledge, promise, and swear, that I will do all within my power to protect you in all things Princess Maia, as ordered by my Queen and Mother." His green Dragon's eyes were wide and filled with the deepness of his two races. He began to stand just as Maia's nurse, the same woman who Brewellyn had scared the first time, now screamed in horror.

Ellowe ignored the foolish woman and reached out taking Maia's hands and kissing them. "You have my word Princess. Will you accept this bond as it is given? In love?" It was no idle question but not yet filled with anything beyond a sworn protector asking the object of guardianship for her word, yet their was a hint, something deep and adult, in him, that suggested someday more might be included if she wished it.

 

[butterfly0408]

Maia was delighted to have the dragon paying her attention and actually talking with her. What she had expected then was perhaps, well she didn't know now what she expected? Talk a little with this majestic creature? Play with the prince perhaps. Maybe she would gain the courage to eventually even reach out and touch the dragon against her mother's firm instructions not to. After all, how would her mother know? Something told her as the mother dragon moved closer to her that trouble was on the horizon for her. Something told her that her mother was going to hear about this.

She could never know just what kind of effect upon her life and the lives of all around her this moment was about to have.

The princess stood, frozen in place as she looked up into the eyes of Brewellyn, watching and listening to her as she spoke. Wonder was upon the girl's face as she was transfixed upon her graceful and elegant movements. As a child, she should be cowering in fear at this moment which a giant monster like creature towering over her. It should frighten her but she simply could not find that feeling within her when she tried to make it rise to the surface.

As the mother finished granting her blessing upon Maia, the human child felt something twist within her. She was to young to understand it and to unfamiliar with the elf world and culture of the dragons to know just what had happened to her. All she knew was that she felt different. She could not see that outward changes within herself as her eyes seemed less brown now and were laced with a tint of purple very much like the eyes of the mother dragon.

The next thing she knew, the young prince was at her side, down on his knee in a way that looked like he was proposing marriage to her. Maia's jaw dropped in stunned shock over this new turn of events. "I...I..." That was how they were found in the garden as King Abraham came rushing out. "Maia! What happened?!" The king raced to kneel before her daughter, sort of pushing the prince back to allow him to get a better look at her, "What happened?! What did he do to you." He gasped as he held her head between his hands, forced her to look at him. "What has happened to your eyes?!"

Her mother came dashing up behind them, dropping down to her level as well, "What did that monster do to you!?"

 

[Greeneyed23]

Ellowe spoke up ignoring the rudeness. "She has been blessed by the Queen of Dragons. I honor her as is our way!"

The Dragon on the other hand did not like being called monster, her head snapped up and she growled. "I have done nothing to harm the child. Nor shall I ever. I have given her the protection I can."

Ynvar and Tessala rushed into the garden as well. Ellowe quickly filled his parents in and they turned bowing to Maia. "We are honored to have you here Princess Maia. We have wise elves and dragons that are able to explain what has happened to you if you wish. Your Graces this is one of the highest honors in our world we must offer you a full state dinner to celebrate!" The elves were delighted and they began to make arrangements for a massive celebratory dinner so very excited at the event.

 

[butterfly0408]

But the human king and queen did not want to hear it. The queen looked to the maid and ordered her to go collect the baby Prince Jacob at once. Meanwhile, King Abraham pointed and accusing finger at the mother dragon, "A CURSE! You elves have placed a curse upon my child! I see now what that invitation was! A trap to lure us here with words of peace only to enchant my daughter with your spells and you magic. This is an act of violence upon my daughter and it will NOT be taken lightly nor laying down!" King Abraham grabbed his daughter by the hand and started to pull her away, even as she sort of resisted being tugged along. "Mark my word, ELVES," he spat the word out like it was more a vile curse then anything else. As he and the queen moved swiftly to leave, he kept on rambling on, "The orcs AND the dwarves will hear of this!"

Maia glanced back. She was young, but still she knew that things had just shifted. A dark cloud filled her heart. Catching Ellowe's eye, she felt her heart pull towards him. The first thing that came to her lips spilled out as she called out. "Prince Ellowe! Yes! My answer is yes!"

"HUSH! Maia!" King Abraham scolded her as they departed without looking back again. But nothing could undone what the prince's one word had done.

'By my life or death I pledge, promise, and swear, that I will do all within my power to protect you in all things Princess Maia, as ordered by my Queen and Mother. You have my word Princess. Will you accept this bond as it is given? In love?'

And she had said yes.

 

[Greeneyed23]

Ynvar and Tessala stared after in the humans in shocked horror. They could not grasp it.

Brewellyn and Ellowe did however. She said yes hatchling. You will have to honor your oath no matter the cost

He nodded. I know. And I shall

Good. Will you fight?

I will die to protect my people

She nodded then growled. "Wake up longears. We must prepare for war."

Ynvar started to turn. "But the peace."

"The peace was ever the human lie for their lack of cause. Now they will have war. Send envoys to orcs and dwarves. And the hybrids. And all the races of this earth. Urge them to at least remain neutral. A war between Elves, Dragons and humans will be lengthy and costly."

Tessala nodded. "She is right my love.... Ellowe...are you ready?"

He bowed. "I serve my people."

-------------

Within a day elves stood before the orcs, knowing they would be ignored for their disdain for the orc religions, but still begging the den mothers for peace, or at least neutrality from the mighty orc nations.

They spoke to the catmen, the wolfmasters, the gator hides, and all the other beings that had been merged, magically or otherwise with creatures of nature. These meetings went far better. The humans treated these beings with fear and hate and refused to treat or trade with them, while the elves were eager to learn from these beings and traded with them happily. They refused to fight, they did not have the numbers, but they also refused to take sides and would maintain their neutrality.

With the dwarves the elves had to be much more careful. They by far the most independent race, and they did not trust the elves because of the Dragons, but they despised humans, their bandits always stealing their ore and wealth, charging them far too much to sell too little, and refusing to acknowledge the dwarf rulers, especially the current Queen, Queen Azrah, a truly beautiful lady, of slightly taller than average height, the darkest black hair, and a keen and cunning mind to rival even the Dragons themselves.

As a gesture of good will Ellowe himself was sent, along with Brewellyn who allowed herself to be muzzled according to dwarf tradition, so they might be heard.

Ellowe, though young, was a High Elf Prince had had been trained as such even before he could crawl. Now he knelt then bowed low laying his palms and face upon the smooth polished marble of Azrah's throne chamber. She smirked to see the elf bow. "You may speak." She did not let him rise though. She would enjoy this while she could.

Ellowe was not flustered. He turned his head and spoke. "High Queen Azrah, Lady of the thirteen clans, Mistress of the nine Dwarven Kingdoms, Empress of the Mines and Mountains, Queen under the mountain, I have to ask a boon of your most gracious and glorious Majesty."

Like all dwarves she was vulnerable to flattery. She grinned at her many titles and his fine manners. "Rise Young Elf. Speak your request and we shall consider it."

He stood and bowed to her again then spoke. "Your most stunning Grace I have but one request. Lock your doors."

She blinked. "What?! Do you threaten me?"

He shook his head. "Never Lady of Wealth Unimagined. I merely ask you do not involve yourself with the petty affairs of we the surfacers."

She grinned wickedly at that. Her dismissal of all things surface was well known. She herself had never once stepped within a thousand feet of the surface and had never even seen the sun or moon. She nodded. "Go on..."

He bowed again. 'Your most resplendent Highness. I do not dare ask for the might of the dwarven armies. None can surpass them in battle. What need have they to bother with we?"

She nodded. She liked this elf.

"I do not ask for your wealth. It is yours and we have no claim for it. Besides our trees would make poor homes for such glories as your folk make so well." He gestured at the many treasures laid about.

This delighted Azrah. She loved to be reminded how superior her race was above all others.

"I do not even ask for use of your mountains or halls, nor even the legendary Mountain Streams to travel. They are sacred and meant solely for the dwarvenkin."

Her nobles and the many priests nodded agreeing warmly. Such places were not meant for elves, Dragons, and certainly not humans.

He bowed once more. "Your most omnipotent magnificence I merely humbly ask that you lock your doors. Do not give aid or hindrance to either side. I would be sore wounded were even a single drop of dwarven blood lost in this petty war. I ask only this Your Grace."

She studied him for a long moment, then looked at the silent Muzzled Dragon who was also bowing to her. She considered then smiled. "Very well. you have your boon. We shall not aid either side, not even to allow them to journey through our realm. We also shall not hinder them save to protect tour realm. But be warned elfling. Any who intrude upon our sacred holdings will be slain without regard. Royal, scaly, or otherwise."

He bowed again. "A most fitting punishment Your Grace. You have my promise no elf will come upon your lands in the cause of this war. Might we continue to trade however? Perhaps in your great city of Durnath?"

She considered. "What would you trade? And what for?"

"Wood, food, wine, spirits, healing potions and salves. the spoils of our war and hunts." She herself was wearing a gorgeous goose feather cape that had been made and given her by Tessala herself.

"We would ask for the metal ore you could spare, perhaps weapons and armor as well. For surely none can compare to the smith masters amongst the dwarvekin?"

They cheered at this and he bowed to the nobles.

She chuckled. "Very well elfling. Durnath will become the seat of the dwarf market with the elves. Anything else?"

"I have nothing else to ask Your Grace. Perhaps I might serve you in some small way?"

She sniffed. "Some small way? What do you mean?"

"Surely her Majesty has little need from aid from an elf of any status. Still it would be my honor to give you a service, of any kind."

She laughed. "You have a silver tongue."

He smiled. "Her Majesty is most kind."

She laughed again. "Very well...Actually I do have a favor to ask."

He bowed. "Your will is my command Milady."

She grinned. "When the war starts...kill the Crunchers."

He bowed even lower. "I shall consider it my first mission Your Grace. Is there anything else I can do?" The Crunchers were a rather large group of humans who felt that all dwarves should be killed outright.

She started to shake her head when her son, a wee lad even for his race, touched her hand, then as she bent whispered into her ear.

She nodded and looked at Ellowe. "My son, Nizran here has a question for you."

The small dwarf bounded forward and smiled up at Ellowe who bowed to him. "It is an honor to meet you Prince Nizran."

The dwarf grinned then pointed at Brewellyn. "Can I touch her?"

Ellowe blinked then looked at the shocked nobles, and the stunned Queen, then back at the Prince. "Of course you may My Prince. If your mother allows it."

The Prince turned whining, "Maaa..."

She huffed. "Fine go on."

Ellowe walked with the dwarf toward the Dragon who moved her head to look at the little fellow. Ellowe was tall for his age, even amongst his people, nearly four feet already. If Nizran was more than a foot tall it was just barely. He looked up at the Dragon but all he could see was her lower jaw and teeth. She rolled her head and neck until she was able to look him in the eye, careful to restrain the magic within. Nizran smiled at this and moved forward, nimble on his wee feet, and gently stroked her nose, giggling when she released a puff of steam at him.

After a few minutes of this Nizran stepped back, bowed to the Dragon then to Ellowe, said his thanks, and was gone. Ellowe turned to Azrah. "Your Grace if there is nothing else we would go. We have trod upon your hospitality long enough."

She smirked. "You may go. You'll be something different elf Prince. Mark my words. They'll never come up with an answer for you."

Ellowe bowed once more. "I should hope not Your Grace. Thank you and Farewell." He moved to Brewellyn and climbed onto her back and she walked out. Soon the muzzle was off and they were back in the skies flying home. Dwarves never go back on their word, see bribes and threats as insults, and now would likely not even meet with the humans, as indeed was true.

Until the end of the war the humans received no aid from the dwarves, nor did they even seen a single dwarf, save when trading and then they were always under heavy guard in the dwarven city of Elnost on the exact opposite end of the dwarf kingdom from Durnath. That was all the only contact either side would have with the dwarves until the end of the war.

Ynvar and Tessala received this news delightedly. They truly did not want and were eager to prevent the entry of even races that would have allied with them, such as the elementals, simply because of their great adoration of life in all forms.

Now with the dwarves defused, the hybrids settled, the elementals and many magical races and beings pushed back into their homes, the elves began to arm themselves. They sent daily envoys of peace to the humans, trying to explain, but they also made sure they would be ready. All their cities were guarded, they had withdrawn from the market at Dawnguard, as did the dwarves and other races, leaving it little more than a ghost town.

The elves and Dragons were readying for war.

During all of this, while he was training at his hardest, Ellowe would often stare off toward the human capital his eyes wide and distant. He had not known it then but he was sure of it now. He loved Maia. With all he was.

And woe betide all who stood in his path to reach her once again.