The Heirs

For eons, wars determined futures of all races that dwelled in the world of Niannor. At this present time Faeries, Elves and Men all engaged in fierce battles for nearly a century now. Neither side showed any sign of yielding. The race of Men finally decided to call a meeting at the capitol city of Adrendatlan to resolve the war and perhaps end the slaughter of so many.
It was at such a meeting that a soon to be ruler comes into play. The current queen of the Faery realm was Nicolinde Ondrea. Faeries were thought in the beginning to be a weak people, partly because instead of kings, they were ruled by queens. But Nicolinde ruled with as much strength and passion as any Elf or Man king.
With her she brought her daughter, Sairalinde. Unlike Elven kingdoms, Faeries limited the years an individual could rule to prevent corruption. The Queen did not rule alone, however. A council helped maintain the realm and keep it prosperous but the queen still held surpassing power such a council.
Elves lived a very similar lifestyle but neither race would admit to such a fact. They usually dwelled in lavish cites at the river mouths or deltas because Faeries by far, ruled the forests.
The Men built stone structures and lived in cities away from the forests but on the edge of rivers making them still far away from any other race. They tended to rule their people by force, but still all three prospered in their ways. Hardly ever did you see mingling interracially. Everyone thought they were better than the rest. Each race accused other of casting the first stone that has spun out of control into this war but no one really knows how it began.
But after a century, did they really have a reason to be fighting? King Arion, of the Men, finally called this peaceful meeting with several of his lords present. King Maowrin of the Elves would be representing the Elven populous and he too invited lords to attend. But he had also brought his son, Linrell. Queen Nicolinde brought her husband, Jehrin, but neither of the other kings brought their wives. This fact seemed to spur on her hatred for the others. She harbored a deep one for Elves that had changed her personality greatly over the years.
Nicolinde's council was not present because she hadn't seen the need so everyone took a seat around Lord Arion's elaborate table, but no one spoke.
Queen Nicolinde was quite a beauty as she sat there, as was her daughter. Her hair was long and dark red. Her eyes were green as tree leaves but what could have made her more beautiful would be if she smiled. Something her daughter did constantly to her mother's disapproval. Now Faery wings are quite unique as no two are the same. Nicolinde's wings were of the same red as her hair and riddled with strikingly beautiful symbols to which glowed constantly and more so when angered.
There was nary a resemblance between mother and daughter anymore for Sairalinde took after her father; A tall strapping Faery with hair as black as night but eyes blue as the calm sea. He had an always-young look about him he'd passed onto his daughter. Sairalinde had his hair, his smiled but not those piercing green eyes of hers. She no doubt inherited those from her mother. King Jehrin's wings were much less intricate as his wives' but the dark blue and black color made them beautiful in their own way. Sairalinde was caught in the middle with her mother's intricacy and her father's color.
Sairalinde thought more like her father too. He was a mellow person who was rarely, if ever, angry no matter what she pulled. He also felt this war unnecessary and that everyone should forgive and forget. Jehrin certainly didn't approve of Sairalinde's presence since she was young and he didn't want to burden her with such political things as they had to. But Nicolinde put her foot down and she did rule, not Jehrin.
Sairalinde looked around at the seated people. The Elven King was dressed in his finest robes of Elven wove cloth and his crown intertwined through his blonde hair almost too perfect. His jaw was square and his eyes were deep brown unfitting to his face but still handsome nonetheless.
His son looked just as bored of the situation as Sairalinde was but to most you couldn't tell because his face was emotionless. But Sairalinde learned long ago that was a dead giveaway. He didn't look much like his father, save for the blonde hair. Very few Faeries had blonde hair so Sairalinde couldn't help but stare for several moments. His face was rounder than his fathers and his eyes were so blue they might as well have been glowing. He looked near Sairalinde's age but for immortals it was difficult to tell.
He caught her gaze and she looked away quickly. Then her attention fell on the King of Men and his assembly, but she concentrated on the King. Elves and Faeries lived forever and never aged but age was clearly visible on this Man. His long brown hair was starting to gray wherever his thick crown didn't cover. Wrinkles could be noticed around his eyes and mouth. His eyes were unquestionably king's eyes. The deep brown screamed power and wisdom even as he just sat there. This group was small but their words could determine the fate of many.
"I hope it is understood why you have all been called together here" King Arion began. His voice was deep but so smooth you couldn't help but listen.
"I'd be worried if we didn't" Nicolinde said coldly
"Mother" Sairalinde scolded. Her mother had long taught her that Elves and Men were nothing compared to Faeries and that she should hate all of them. But it seemed right when her mother's lectures and attempted brainwashing was done, her father would swoop in and prove her mother completely wrong.
"Let's keep this as diplomatic as possible," King Maowrin said.
"I agree" King Arion said, "It's no secret that this struggle has gone about for long enough"
"Too right" a random lord said.
"It's time for peace to be made" another said
However there was silence to follow that statement.
"Perhaps I might suggest a solution," Jehrin said. Sairalinde beamed brightly at him. "A truce, a signed truce. It will be a tense peace but still peace. I feel we have fought for too long without proper cause and in the years to come, there are but two paths. One is a never-ending fight to which hundreds, and thousands will die and perhaps destroy Niannor altogether. Or two, we declare peace and attempt over the years to make that fantasy a reality. I know I've got time"
Everyone sat with blank faces as was common among royalty to hide their feelings. Sairalinde could tell her mother was furious at such a suggestion because she knew it would ensue allowing Elves and Men back into the Faery realm. Her face was impassive just like everyone else but her daughter knew. Nicolinde was also quite angry that her husband took charge when it was she who ruled and she was afraid him jumping in made her look weak.
"King Jehrin is right" Maowrin said, "I agree but perhaps the younger ones should leave"
"What? Father!" Linrell argued now that things were progressing and getting interesting "I am not a child"
"But you are not of age either"
"Five years father, that's all"
"I protest as well" Sairalinde said casually "Unlike my Elven friend though, I will rule soon in the coming years"
"But you are not at that point yet" Nicolinde said firmly
"But-"
Her mother's gaze was enough to keep her from finishing her sentence. Sairalinde was only 90, which is quite young for Elves and Faeries but her mother still ruled for several more years and she could not force herself into such situations yet.
She and Linrell walked out and Faery guards immediately encircled Sairalinde, and Linrell was by Elven ones.
"Get away you locusts" Sairalinde said walking off. Linrell did the same but was too polite and it took him much longer. Sairalinde went up a flight of stairs not knowing it led to a small stone courtyard that overlooked the entrance to the city. She knew it would be awhile because her mother would make progress difficult. Linrell came up but once he saw Sairalinde he tried to turn around and go back. Her back was to him and he thought he could slip away.
"I don't bite you know" she said without needing to turn around to know he was there. He stopped and looked at her. "I'm pretty sure you don't have anywhere else to be, so why don't you sit down?"
He walked over slowly as if ready for this to be an ambush.
"Are all Elves this paranoid?" she said smiling
"Faeries aren't exactly the most trustworthy"
"Oh, and Elves are all admirable? All being are who they are and everybody nowadays takes gossip about us as truth. Gossip may as well be truth because people believe it more"
"Interesting theory"
"But now you're going to start thinking about it and you'll see I'm right. Are you ever going to sit down?"
"Are you always this casual, Faery?"
"Are you always this rude?" she asked quickly in response
"Excuse me" he sad completely oblivious to her meaning
"Well, for one, it's polite to sit down when someone has asked you several times. And second, my name isn't Faery"
He sat.
"I'm Sairalinde, but whatever you do, don't call me that" she ended quickly.
She'd confused him and his face lost its emotionless look and showed it. This made her smile.
"Better explanation needed?"
He nodded
"I prefer a less formal name and I also prefer good introductions." She held her hand out "I'm Saira, daughter of Nicolinde and heir apparent to the throne of Faylion"
He stared at her hand for a long moment before taking it.
"Linrell, son of Maowrin and heir apparent to Elherid"
"Pleased to meet you. So, beautiful sight isn't it? You've got to give Men credit. Their architecture is amazing. Course Faylion has just as amazing. Titania's temple is one of my favorite places and probably the one fully stone structure in Faylion. My mother has no taste for it-"
"You're quite talkative" he interrupted
"I'm talking because you're not"
"You're not giving me a chance to"
Saira folded her arms and stopped looking straight at him but not talking.
"What are you doing?" he asked looking side to side suspiciously
"Giving you a chance"
"I have nothing to say"
"Then why are you complaining about me talking?" Saira asked looking at him quizzically.
"Because you're talking about nothing. There's no point"
"Talking doesn't have to have a point; Its just conversation. Haven't you ever just talked with no real direction to what you're talking about?"
His look said 'no' all over it
"You sure are a stiff character," Saira said
"And you're strange" he said
"Stop that!" she said suddenly. Since he'd sat down he kept glancing at her wings "If you're curious, just ask"
"It's improper"
"Why? Curiosity killed the cat not the Elf. Just touch them"
"What?" he said almost appalled
"They feel like silk. Feel" she urged
She bent her wing down. He would have thought such a thing would be painful but she kept her smiling face and held it out for him.
"I don't want to feel them" he liked continuing to look curiously at them
"You're a terrible liar"
"Excuse me"
"It's so easy to tell when you're lying. Just touch them"
"I can lie just fine," he argued
"No, you cant" she laughed. "But I can. I can lie so well I bet I could convince you the sky is green instead of blue."
"I'll believe that when pigs fly"
"But they can already, didn't you know?"
He looked at her but her face hadn't changed at all as if she was still conversing casually.
"Pigs can't fly," he stated
"Yes they can. I've seen them with my own two eyes. Oh, my father just laughed while my mother was ordering it to be shot down."
"Really?" he said actually believing her
"Yep, it flew right across the green sky"
"You mean blue sky?" he said
"No, green. Somehow the clouds reflected off the green trees and turned the whole sky green as far as the eye could see. It was sight to behold. It still does it sometimes if you look just right"
Saira was lying through her teeth but Linrell didn't notice one bit because Saira was right when she said how good she was. He actually believed her.
"See, I told you I could lie well"
He suddenly looked quite vexed and frustrated, mainly at himself, for believing her.
"Lighten up, Lin, it's just a bit of fun"
"Don't call me that"
"What?"
"Lin. My name is Linrell," he said huffily.
"Just a nickname. I've noticed though, the longer you know someone, the shorter your name becomes"
"Huh?"
"Well, my full name is Sairalinde, but I go by Saira. My friends at home sometimes call me Sai. Soon, I'll be 'S' and who knows. One day, people might get so lazy we learn to talk with our minds. Wow, that would be fascinating. I'd love to hear what people are thinking. I could help"
"Maybe you should sort out your own thoughts before dealing with others'"
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Do you think at all before you speak?"
"Sure, but it's so entertaining to see the look on people's faces when I say things that are just so random. You have really pretty eyes you know?"
His eyebrow cocked up
"Hehe, see, like that. I'm probably the only person in Faylion who can get my mother to smile anymore. Course she'd die before she let anyone else see"
"Do you know nothing of our rivalry?" he asked suddenly
"Oh yeah. My mom has been hammering that Elves and Men are lowly creatures ever since I was born."
"So, why are you talking to me?"
"Why not is the better question, don't you think?" she said
"No"
"Alright, for your sake, I'll be the rigid royalty you Elves like so much" Saira sat up straight, crossed her ankles and placed her hands gently in her lap. She avoided Linrell's gaze and looked forward. Her smile left and she had an uncanny resemblance to her mother.
"You must be the exact opposite of every royal alive if you change that much" he said slowly.
"I don't know what you mean, sir. My mother raised me a proper lady" Saira said in a monotonous flat voice.
Linrell, surprisingly to himself, disliked this version of Saira. He frowned slightly. Saira relaxed and put her feet up on the bench going casual again. She unscrewed her face and gained back her contagious smile.
"No fun to be royal" she said leaning back on her hands. "And I'm talking to you because I should be able to. Hell, I don't even know what started this whole thing"
"You don't know?"
"Shocking, isn't it"
"How do you not know?"
"Haven't been around long enough to get the real story"
"The real story is the Faeries attacked-"
"-I know your version" Saira interrupted
"My version?"
"My mother says the Elves stuck first. The Elves say Faeries struck first and Men tried to take both sides and were caught in the crossfire."
"So you believe Elves struck first?"
"No"
"Faeries?"
"No"
"Men?"
"Nope"
"Then who?"
"I believe the rogues did."
"Rogues?"
"Geez, have you ever left the palace? Ugh, anyway, rogues are the beings who don't follow under an aristocracy rule. Most were banished for crimes or just left because they did not agree with the rulers. Laws were then placed against them keeping them from civilization but once the war began, we forgot such laws until recently because no one has attacked"
"You're quite intelligent. I doubt any other of the delegates have thought of that" Linrell said becoming more comfortable with Saira.
"The delegates are too busy bickering they aren't thinking straight"
"You know you really don't strike me as the intelligent, royal, ruling, queen-type"
"Because I'm so carefree?"
"Well.yeah"
Saira scooted closer enjoying his stiff but entertaining company. He suddenly coughed and sat up so that he was much taller. Saira smiled and leaned back even more on her hands. He seemed a little embarrassed and uncomfortable but wasn't willing to move.
"So, what's it like in Elven cities?" Saira asked. She was always curious about the other beings and the way they lived. Her father had been an ambassador long ago and told her other infinite wonders he experienced.
"We thrive at the river deltas and our cities are built around them."
"Sounds beautiful"
Linrell was quite tempted to say something suave like 'just like you' but decided against it. She looked as if hoping he would say that but yet still held an understanding face. Not everyone could be as mellow as she was to the other races they'd long been taught to hate.
"Do the buildings look like they could reach the heavens like here?" she asked gazing up
"Not as such"
"Faylion begins at the mouth of Oberon's River and the Valdia Mountains. The river spans all the way through to Titania's Forest"
"Oberon? Valdia? Titania?" Linrell inquired about the names.
"Valdia is actually just a spell word for mountain but Oberon and Titania were the first king and queen to rule the Faeries. Before laws limited the time of rule, she ruled for over a thousand years and not a single death or war plagued her rule"
"Is she still alive?"
"She left with her king Oberon and was never seen again"
"You're getting all dreamy-eyed," he said relaxing dramatically
"What?"
"I bet you'd love to just leave and live abroad. No worries and getting to see whatever you like"
"Get awfully lonely though," she said looking down at her feet then up at him. Some strands of hair fell in her face and she blew them off. However all they did was fall back down but she was too comfortable to move and push them away. They began tickling her nose making her face scrunch up. Linrell took his hand and pushed them behind her ear. She smiled at him and his cheeks got slightly pink.
"Sure took you awhile to relax around me. Took me a dodgy, confusing introduction, awkward silences, you being a chicken, a few lies, my pointless talk and war conversation to get to this point"
"You kept track?"
"Ah, see I have a wonderful memory for pointless things"
"I like you" he said though his face immediately showed that he hadn't meant to.
Saira sat up and leaned over kissing each of his cheeks. He turned deep red and his face froze. Saira laughed and leaned back once again.
"Lin, lighten up. It's just a friendly Faery gesture to show a new friendship," she said
There was a loud but smooth horn heard down below them. Saira recognized it immediately and went to the edge and looked down at the path into the city.
"Oh no" she groaned. Linrell got up and joined her.
"What is it?"
"The Heads of the Council"
There were ten white horses with armored Faeries on each one surrounding a long white and silver carriage
"Council?" Linrell asked
"My mother doesn't rule completely alone. Her word is law but the Council is designed for the people to have a voice"
"What are they doing here?"
"No doubt they wanted to be present if a truce was to be made"
The carriage halted and seven winged Faeries stepped out. There were three male and four female. All were dark haired and had beautiful wings swaying in the breeze behind them. Saira knew them all personally but only worried about one.
"Why didn't they fly? Or cant you?"
"No, I assure you we can but for long journeys, horses are needed so we don't lose our strength and fall mid flight."
"They wont like you being here with me. I'll go," he said starting to leave.
"No!" Saira said sternly sitting down again. "I rule soon and they will need to deal with my knowing and befriending Elves. Stay put. They wont dare lay a hand on you"
"Are you sure?"
"Cant you just trust me or has this century long contention blinded you too?"
One of the Head Council Faeries made their way up to the courtyard where Saira and Linrell were. He found them sitting on the bench a little too composed for his liking.
"Princess Ondrea?" he said
Saira reluctantly turned around and smiled like she always did. Linrell noticed she was forcing a friendly nature as he'd expected her to do upon their meeting and hadn't.
"Lord Sevilith. I wasn't aware you would be coming" she responded nobly
Sevilith, like many Faeries, had dark hair and hazel eyes that may as well have been black. His character was stiff, even more so than Linrell had been and his pale skin seemed unable to form anything but a frown on his face. His clothes were almost too perfect and his wings lacked the beautiful flow.
"Milady, your mother insisted," he said
"I'm sure your influence had nothing to do with it"
"Might I intrude as to gain an introduction?" Linrell asked
Loathing was all that appeared on Sevilith's face but it was gone as quickly as it came.but not unnoticed.
"Uh yes, Prince Linrell, this is Lord Sevilith, a head council member in, ironically enough, the Council of Faylion. Lord Sevilith, this is Prince Linrell of Elherid. Now be polite before I force you both" Saira said noticing the look on their faces said they would not like to shake hands politely.
As they did it looked as if they were trying to break each other's hands. Saira pulled Sevilith's hand away but he just grabbed hers and then leaned down to kiss it. She made a quick suicidal gesture to Linrell making him smile before she regained her smile for Sevilith.
"It's always an honor to make your acquaintance milady?" Sevilith said
"Thank you"
"Where is you mother?"
"In the meeting discussing the possibility of laying out a peace treaty"
"What?!"
Saira rolled her eyes at his outburst before he stormed off down the steps and followed the other Council members inside. Saira sighed deeply and sat down. Linrell stood by the edge avoiding her gaze.
"Just ask already and stop dancing around the decision in your head" Saira said at him
"Do you have any patience?"
"No"
"Okay then who is that, why is he vexed by a truce and what's with the weird act around you?"
"See, isn't it just easier to get it out and hmm do I hear a hint of jealousy?"
"What?"
"Just kidding Lin" he huffed at his newfound nickname "anyway, Lord Sevilith is a sneaky little rat who is power hungry and practically tries to rule through my mother. Only my father keeps him in his place"
"You really admire your father don't you?" Linrell asked
"Yes"
"He and your mother don't seem to be what I'd call compatible"
"Haha, what an understatement." Saira said patting the bench for Linrell to sit down. He had relaxed significantly around her and sat listening curiously
"No, theirs was basically an arranged marriage but it worked out for my mother because a law was passed where a queen could rule for 100 more years if a child was bore. Course Sevilith is trying to convince the Council to pass a law where the queen must be married."
"Sairalinde!"
She got up and looked down at her mother
"Yes?"
"I want you present for this after all. Come quick"
Her mother went back in
"Why the change of heart, you think?" Linrell asked
"In about five seconds you'll find out" she sighed
"Huh?"
And a few moments later Sevilith walked up
"I though perhaps I might escort you back inside. Oh and.um...King Maowrin asked for you to join as well" he added with malice
"How convenient" Saira said brightly
"Convenient?" Sevilith and Linrell both asked in unison
"Yes, there's not reason for me to take up your valuable time Sevilith. Prince Linrell will gladly escort me down"
"You mother wishes-"
"-My mother wishes me to attend me meeting but going with you was never mentioned. She will lecture me later but for now Lin will be my escort and you will kindly rejoin the meeting. Uh bup bup. Don't make me order you. You know I hate it"
Sevilith glowered and went down alone
"I don't know about you but I really don't want to go to that meeting. They didn't want us earlier and I'm not to keen on going now" Saira said
"What are you getting at?"
"Let's skiv off"
"No. We can't do that. My father will be furious"
"He's got a lifetime to get over it. C'mon"
Saira grabbed his hand and walked to the edge ready to step off when he pulled her back.
"Whoa, wait" he said
"What?" she looked back "Oh right" but then she threw her arms around his neck. He didn't know what to do "Hold on tight"
"What?"
Saira began glowing and wings started moving. They lifted off the ground and he reflexively wrapped his arms around her. She flew them down to the ground to the more peasant area away from the royals.
"Now let's have some fun"