Author: catstark

Eloran stared into the small dining room at his brothers. He was the last to arrive. Seth had taken the head seat. As heir to the throne, it was his right and privilege to sit at the head of the table if King Falk was not in attendance.

To his right sat the Earl of Lothling. One look at Seth and Michael and it was obvious they were brothers. They both had their mother’s blond hair, but King Falk’s hazel eyes. They were also thin like Clara, but had King Falk’s height. Clara, though a powerful woman in her own right, was not very tall.

To Seth’s left sat the next oldest, Randolph, the Duke of Taren and Leo, the Sheriff of Taren. Their mother, Irene, had been large boned, very muscular, with dark hair and eyes. Randolph and Leo were mirror images of the warrior woman.

Laurence was missing from the group, the only one Eloran resembled. Though they had different mothers, they both took after King Falk. Both had brown hair and hazel eyes and were as tall as their father. That was the end of their similarities. Where Eloran liked to socialize, Laurence only did so when his duties as a diplomat demanded it of him. Laurence was a good diplomat, but his skills were best used in small groups.

“Eloran! Come in here and close the door! We grow tired of waiting!”

The young Prince grinned at Leo but did as asked. He took the seat next to Michael, as that was set for him. He looked at his brothers and smiled.

“Before I tell you about the woman I’m interested in, I have a question for you. What do you think about the Finarans?”

Seth cleared his throat, looked directly at Michael, and answered. “They are our allies and will remain so when I become king.” He held his hand over his heart. “May that not be soon, as father is a good King.”

The others murmured in agreement. None of the men wanted King Falk to pass on. He was a good king and father. He treated all his sons with love and respect, regardless of their personalities.

Michael cleared his throat and seemed reluctant to speak. “Some live in Lothling and are quick to help when needed.”

Eloran frowned. “I didn’t know some lived in Grenlacks. I thought they only visited.”

Michael shrugged. “Dwarves and trolls, mostly. The mountains in Lothling are rich in minerals they use.”

The young Prince frowned at Michael. “You seem to be leaving something out.”

Seth cleared his throat, and Michael looked to the Crown Prince. “Damn it, Seth. I will speak my mind. We’re all family here.”

Eloran leaned forward and looked to Seth. “Let him speak, please.”

Seth held up his hands in defeat.

Michael shook his head. “The problem with the dwarves and trolls is that they like their alcohol a bit too much. They are fine on most days, but on celebration days, they drink to excess and cause many problems. Destruction of property – their own and their neighbors – killing livestock by throwing them. They always pay for all the damages, but I fear that at some point, they may kill a human.”

“I see.” Eloran’s words were said softly.

Randolph made a noise. “They’re not all like that. Taren has trolls and dwarves and we don’t have those issues. They’re also trying to help us with the bandits in the Taren forests. They sent elven and troll warriors, who seem to be working out well.” He chuckled. “And Pic is always a fun addition to our celebrations. Especially when drunk.”

Leo laughed. “Well said, brother. But with humans as with Finarans, you will have some that are a bit rowdier and can cause issues. If we have troubles with a particular Finaran, or human, we tell them to get out.” Seeing that Michael had more to say and not wanting to hear it, Leo looked to Eloran and frowned softly. “Why?”

Eloran took a deep breath. “I’m interested in a Finaran. Please allow me to broach the subject with Laurence.”

All agreed.

The young Prince looked to Randolph and Leo. “Have you heard of Gateway?”

Though he had asked the ones that lived in Taren, who were close to Gateway, all four brothers answered in the affirmative. Eloran sighed in relief and continued.

“There is a woman there by the name of Anan. She is the Guardian of the Gate.”

Seth spoke up. “You’re interested in King Nassir’s youngest.”

Eloran smiled proudly. “I wanted to invite her to the ball last night. Klaes stated that due to her position, I should give her more time.”

Seth looked to his youngest brother with some amusement. “I don’t believe it. You’re the youngest of us and the only one to come close to being with royalty.”

The others laughed. It was a running joke with the brothers. The neighboring kingdoms did not have daughters either. The only kingdom with daughters was Finara. Though the countries tried to make a union between Finara and Grenlacks by marriage, it never seemed to work out.

When the laughter died down, Eloran looked to his brothers. “Does anyone know why Laurence dislikes the Finarans?”

“Lora, his mother, hated them and passed that hatred onto her son. Father tried hard to show us that the Finarans are the same as humans. Most of our mothers felt the same way. When Laurence was born, father had a war to avoid and was not able to instruct him as one on one, like he did with the rest of us.”

Seth shook his head and continued as he thought back to his childhood. “I’m surprised that Laurence has any tolerance for them. He does not act out toward Klaes, but Lora did.”

“But why?”

The others shook their heads, and Randolph spoke for Leo and himself. “I’ve no idea. When father married Lora, Randolph and I were already training to be guards.”

Seth sighed. “She always seemed to look down her nose at the Finarans, as if she thought she was better than them. I tried asking her about it once. She said something about the Finarans being indecent, then told me that if I knew what was good and right in this world, I would stay away from them.”

Michael touched Eloran on the arm to gain his attention. “Look, I may not always be happy with the Finarans in Lothling, but I won’t stop you if you you’re happy. And don’t worry about why Laurence doesn’t like the Finarans. Worry about how to make him change. It is what we all must do. If you are serious about this one, that is.”

All the brothers laughed and Eloran looked to Seth. “Does this mean you won’t mind if I ask a certain princess to your birthday celebration?”

Seth raised his glass and waited until the others did the same. “Eloran, if you want to be with this woman, then I say, bring her. It will be a fine day when we meet the woman that helped you to grow up.”

As the others laughed, Eloran allowed himself to smile in pleasure. He did not feel as if he were different, but if his brothers felt it, and for the better, than so be it. He would not argue against it.

Prince Eloran stood gazing over the guests, trying not to fidget. He didn’t want to be here, not without Anan. If she were here, he could talk to her. At the moment, there were five women nearby, all giggling and trying to get his attention. In the past, he would have walked over, looked at one and whisked her onto the dance floor. At the end of the evening, the woman would have found herself in his bed.

Tonight, he ignored them. He wanted Anan. As she was not here, he kept to himself. He nodded to his brothers and other men in the room, but no one came to talk to him. It was his own fault.

From a young age, Prince Eloran avoided serious talk. He was the youngest of six children, all sons. His father’s other children were given land to oversee and other important positions when they were ready.

When King Falk approached Eloran on his sixteenth birthday, Eloran declined a title and position, stating he wanted more time to think about what he wanted from life. The King indulged his youngest and gave him more time.

On his birthday for the next four years, King Falk asked Eloran if he wanted more responsibility. Eloran always asked for more time. This year, on his twentieth birthday, the King asked kindly if he would ever want to do anything. Eloran shrugged.

It wasn’t as if he did nothing. Eloran visited his brothers and brought messages from the King and to the King from his sons. He went to his brothers mainly to visit, but brought information if it were needed. As he did not cause too much trouble, the King was reluctant to force him to do anything. Now that he had met Anan, Eloran felt extremely lucky that he held no official position. It meant he might visit her any time he wished.

“Eloran.”

He looked to his right as his brother Michael clapped him on the shoulder. Michael was the second oldest. He held the title of Earl of Lothling, which was a province in the southern part of Grenlacks.

“Brother. How are you?”

“Good. You’re not dancing. My wife remarked on this. Her sister is here tonight if you have no one in mind.”

Eloran looked to Kristen, who stood some steps away with other women. He gave a small bow and the woman curtsied. “Thank you. Though I find Kristen’s sister to be an attractive woman, I want to be alone tonight.”

Michael peered down at his brother. “Completely alone or just without a woman?”

He smiled. “Without a woman.”

“That is rather odd. You always find a woman.”

Eloran shrugged. “I have found a woman, Earl. She’s just not here.”

Michael looked surprised. In the past, if there was a woman Eloran wanted, she always ended up at celebrations, whether or not she was invited. “Why not?”

The young Prince sighed. “That’s complicated.”

The Earl of Lothling stared at his brother for a moment. Though they were brothers, they were not that close. Michael always leaned more toward the politics of the kingdom. He and Eloran never had much to say to each other, even as children. Eloran always kept things uncomplicated and light. Michael didn’t know what was going on with his brother.

Eloran saw the confusion on his older brother’s face and smiled. “All will be revealed in time, Earl. If you would like, I can explain tomorrow over a meal. I would prefer not to be too public about things at this moment.”

Michael nodded. “All right, then. Have lunch with me tomorrow.”

“Yes, Earl.” He gave a slight bow.

“Why in the world are you calling your own brother by his title?” Came a loud booming voice.

The brothers looked over and saw Leo. Fourth son of King Falk, he was nevertheless the largest. With dark hair and dark eyes, there were rumors Finaran blood ran through his veins, namely troll. Having seen a real troll, Eloran knew that was not true. Leo’s mother Irene, had been taller than King Falk, and large with muscles. Pic dwarfed them both.

Eloran smiled to Leo. “You never seem to care if I addressed you by your title, Sheriff. The Earl of Lothling prefers the recognition.”

Leo slapped the youngest Prince on the back. “That is true, but you have never before today decided to actually listen to his preference. Why the change?”

The Earl gave Eloran a strange look. “He’s right. That makes two things that have changed about you.”

It was Leo’s turn to look confused. “What was the first?”

“He doesn’t want to be with any woman here and has not invited the woman he wants to the ball.”

Leo’s eyes grew large, then he laughed. “You’re not yourself! The woman you want must be very special!”

Eloran blushed slightly and then laughed and shook his head as Seth and Randolph found their way to the others. Seth was the first to speak.

“Usually you all find your way to my side. What is it that keeps you amused this time?” He kidded. Though the brothers did seem to gravitate around their eldest brother, the Crown Prince didn’t mind if his brothers found somewhere else to be.

Leo spoke for Eloran. “Young Eloran has a woman in his heart and she’s important enough that he didn’t think it prudent to sneak her in for the celebration!”

The men all laughed. Randolph looked at Eloran with a keen eye. “He’s not getting upset.”

The others turned to Randolph for an explanation, but Leo seemed to understand. “You’re right, by gods! If we had chided him like this before, he would have gotten upset and left.” He leaned in closer to his brother. “You must let us meet her.”

“I will. In time.” Eloran’s voice was quiet, but perhaps only in comparison to Leo’s.

“You must tell us about her then!” Randolph was just as loud, and was almost as big as his brother Leo. They shared the same mother.

Eloran looked to his brothers, and wondered if he should tell them about Anan. Only Laurence held reservations about the Finarans, but he didn’t want any of his brothers to talk about her to Laurence. He sighed. He didn’t want to keep this secret.

“I want to tell you, but I refuse to tell you here. I’m having lunch with Michael tomorrow. Why don’t we all meet then and I can tell you all about her?”

The brothers made loud victorious noises and agreed to meet for lunch the next day.

Eloran found his father in his private room, about to have dinner. The King invited his son to join him. Father and son spoke of small things as they ate. Once dessert was served Eloran asked about Anan.

“I would like permission to invite Anan to the ball.”

The King gave a small laugh. “I take it your visit with her went well?”

Prince Eloran smiled. “Yes.”

He nodded. “One moment.” The King turned to a guard standing nearby. “Fetch Klaes for me.”

“Yes, your majesty.”

As the guard turned and left the room, the King looked back to his son.

“Klaes seems to know a bit about Anan, and I would like his opinion on this.”

“She’s Finaran, father. An elf. Youngest daughter of King Nassir.”

King Falk nodded. “Klaes informed me of this when you first mentioned her. As I am not certain how this would be seen to the Finarans I am inclined to ask my advisor. Hold your thoughts until then.”

“Yes, father.”

They spoke of the weather until Klaes arrived a few minutes later. He bowed to the King and Prince.

“How may I help you, your majesty?”

“Prince Eloran would like to invite Princess Anan to the ball tomorrow.”

Klaes shook his head. “It would not be prudent to ask her. She would accept, but there is not enough time to make arrangements.”

Prince Eloran frowned. “I don’t understand.”

“She is the Guardian of the Gate. Should you ask her to the ball, she would have to leave now to arrive in time to ready herself for the ball. If she leaves, she also does not have time to ask for a replacement for the Gate, meaning that no one would be able to leave or return to Finara. This can be a dangerous thing. If you wish her to accompany you to a ball, Prince Eloran, invite her to your brother’s birthday celebration that will take place in one month. This gives her time to accept, and find a replacement. If King Falk agrees, of course.”

Prince Eloran nodded, as did the King. The King spoke. “And should the invitation be sent to her father, King Nassir, or to her?”

“It depends. If it is Prince Eloran inviting Princess Anan, then the invitation can go to her. If it is the King asking for his son, then it should be sent to King Nassir.”

“What will King Nassir do when he finds out about the invitation?”

“If Anan tells him, he will think nothing of it and she will be free to come as a human. If the King of Grenlacks sends the invitation, she can still come as a human, but she will thank you publicly as the King’s daughter.”

The King looked to his youngest. “Laurence will not be back for Seth’s birthday, but there will be guests that may give you problems.”

Prince Eloran nodded and sighed. “I will speak with Anan after this ball and see what she would like to do. Then I will decide. I care not what the world thinks of us, but I want her to be safe.”

King Falk nodded. “Do as you please son, and know that I am behind whichever decision you make.”

The Prince sat taller in his chair. “Thank you, your majesty.”

Father and son smiled to each other, the King dismissed Klaes and King Falk and Prince Eloran continued with their dinner.

“Do you have siblings?”

They lay in bed as the sun came up, speaking softly. Anan woke from her light doze to answer his question.

“Yes, a lot of them. My father has three wives, two of which are still alive. I am the youngest of nine girls.”

He made a surprised noise. “Nine?”

She raised her head off his chest to look him in the eye. “Yes. Nine. That’s why I became a warrior.” She paused then corrected herself. “That is why five of us became warriors and trainers of magic. We knew the throne would never be ours. When this position became available, I wanted the privilege.”

Eloran smiled down at her. “Princess.”

“Yes?”

His smile grew into a grin, but instead of saying more, he pulled her closer and kissed her.

*****

Eloran returned to the castle as promised, but went to his mother first. He found her, as always, in the garden. He sat beside her and kissed her on the cheek. “Lavender.”

She closed her eyes and smiled. “I know what that means to the Finarans. Did you place a twig of lavender behind her ear?”

“Yes.”

“And what did she do?”

“Accepted it.” He looked to his mother with a serious expression on his face. “Mother?”

She looked to him and frowned. “What is it, dear?”

He looked around, saw they were in fact alone, but still leaned in to whisper in her ear. “She’s Finaran. An elf. Princess Anan.” He pulled back. “I know the King’s name, but I never learned his children’s names.”

Camilla smiled. “She told you then?”

“You knew.” He gave her a slightly surprised look.

“Yes. I knew when you told me her name and position. I felt it best to let her tell you.”

He nodded. “I love her.”

She gave a short laugh that was almost pained. “Don’t let Laurence know.”

“What is his problem with the Finarans? They want nothing from us.”

“Well, that’s not entirely true. There are plants here that do not grow there. There are also minerals in Grenlacks that they use.”

“Yes, but the same could be said of humans and Finara. We trade with them.”

She nodded. “You would have to ask your brother why he hates them.”

“When he gets back, I may.”

Though Laurence did not like the Finarans, he was a great diplomat, and was currently in another kingdom to the north negotiating a peace and trade agreement. His mission would last several more months, but everyone was optimistic that both kingdoms would gain from the agreement.

After some silence, Eloran sighed. “Do you think father will allow me to invite Princess Anan to the ball?”

Camilla laughed. “Is that why you found me so quickly? To ask me that first?”

“Yes. Do you?”

“My dear, there is only one way to find out. Go ask your father.”

Eloran nodded and left to find his father.

A loud knock woke her and Anan quickly realized the knocking was coming from the Finaran side. She bolted out of bed when she remembered she never removed the spell that told others to wait. Anan saw the Prince was still asleep and pulled on her robe. She hurried to the door. Only those with powerful magic would dare knock when she asked for privacy.

Anan opened the door without thinking. She made a small noise as a large man swept her into his arms.

“I don’t like when you keep me out, lass.” His loud voice echoed in the small house.

Laughing she pushed at his massive chest. “Put me down, Pic. You’ll not have me this night.”

He stopped twirling her around, and placed her on her feet. “Oh?”

“Anan?”

Both Anan and Pic looked to the other side of the room, where Eloran stood in only his pants. Anan smiled at him, but looked to Pic. “Close the door. Don’t change yet.”

He did as instructed as Anan went to Eloran. She took his hand and brought him to Pic. “Prince Eloran, this is Pic, King of the Trolls.”

Eloran stared at the troll for a moment, trying not to be terrified. The man was massive. He stood taller than the doorframe, and was twice as wide. Trolls had wrinkled skin from head to toe. But it wasn’t so much wrinkles as excess skin piled up on top of tough muscled. The extra skin aided them in being able to slip through tight crevices in the earth.

Though Pic’s wrinkled face made him look mean, his eyes, green of budding leaves, showed nothing but kindness. He wore tight clothing that showed off his massive muscles, but Eloran felt the man had never hurt another. Eloran bowed to the King.

“It is my pleasure, your highness.”

Pic advanced on Eloran and stared him down. He gave him a quizzical look then sniffed him. “Hmmm.” Without another word to Eloran, he turned to Anan. “He’ll bear your mark soon. ‘Tis a pity. I looked forward to my visits with you.” He leaned in and gave her a soft kiss on the cheek. “Be happy, love.”

Anan stared at Pic. “What are you talking about?”

His loud laughter shook the walls. “You’ll see.”

She frowned at him in confusion. “I thought trolls could only see the past.”

He winked. “Sometimes the future presents itself to those who know how to look.” He held up his hands at her increased confusion. “No more questions. I must be off.”

“Please wait. I tried to explain the Gate to Eloran, but I couldn’t be clear. Would you mind showing him?”

Pic looked to the human and to Anan and nodded. “I can and I will.”

The large troll walked back to the Finaran door, opened it and stepped out. He took a few deep breaths, and walked back into the house, repeating a spell over and over. Anan made sure she and Eloran were out of the way. Pic spoke the words of the spell and walked a straight line from the Finaran side to the human side of Anan’s house.

As he walked, he changed. He shrank, not only in height, but also in body mass. It was odd to watch, but interesting as well. It was as if there were many Pics instead of one. He left trails of himself, but by the time he reached the human door there was only one. He was also human sized, and rather good looking. Eloran bowed to the King.

“Thank you, sire.”

Pic nodded, and looked to Anan. “I’ll be gone for a few days. If I come back and you’re occupied, do I have permission to enter?”

“Always, Pic.”

He nodded again, opened the door and left. Anan went to both the human door and the Finaran door and whispered spells. The spells would alert her to visitors needing passage. Done, she turned back to Eloran.

“He doesn’t mean to be rude.”

He shook his head. “That wasn’t the impression I got.”

“Oh?”

He went to her and took her in his arms. “It was as if he didn’t want to speak of his feelings, and if he acknowledged me overmuch, he would reveal something to you.” He gazed down at the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. “Have you slept with him?”

“I did.”

Prince Eloran considered this for a moment. “I’m not surprised. He is rather handsome. He sounded unhappy at having lost the privilege.”

She slipped her arms around his neck. “He’ll get over it. He has three wives.”

Eloran looked surprised, but nodded and let her go. “So this house is a gateway.”

“A gate, yes. The people of Finara use this house to look human. Those with a lot of magic can walk the path and change, or can simply change. Those without a lot of magic must use a guide.”

He looked her up and down. “You’re a Finaran guide.”

She smiled. “Among other things, yes.”

He crossed his arms to stop himself from reaching out to take her in his arms. “What else are you?”

“A warrior, a protector, an elf.”

Light glinted in his eyes. “I want to see.”

“There isn’t much to see. A spell makes people forget I have pointed ears.”

He smiled and stepped closer. His hands moved to her hair and pushed it away from her ears. They looked normal. “Show me.”

She laughed, but dropped the spell. Her ears became longer and pointed. He stepped back to look fully at her and realized it wasn’t only her ears that changed. She seemed taller, and her features finer. As a human, she looked like a beautiful woman. Spell dropped, she exuded elegance. His breath caught as she looked at him with kind eyes.

“I am Princess Anan of the Finara. My father is the King of the Elves, but also currently the King of all the Finarans. I am a warrior, protector, and Guardian of this Gate.” She bowed to the Prince. “Welcome to my home, Prince Eloran.”

He reached out and touched her cheek. She closed her eyes at his soft touch. “You’re beautiful.”

“Thank you. Do you still wish to share my bed, Prince?”

He smiled down at her. “Nothing could stop me from wanting to share your bed, Princess.”

She smiled up at him and led him to her bed.