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Chapter 21: Into the Darkness
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Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 22: Return to Life
After Niamh called out, the dungeon came alive. Fergal had stayed with Shandalar at the front of the dungeon, where he took it upon himself to scream and flap at every elf who tried to enter. Aengus had to drag an exhausted Queen back to the daylight as the elves lucky enough to make it past Fergal took care of the King. Niamh was shaking from the cold, damp air and unsavory conditions of the dark dungeon, and the emotion of the moment had taken the last of her strength. "You can see him again when we get outside," the general promised. "You must make sure we get the rest of the King's loyal, fighting elves out of there too," Niamh coughed, and then fell to her knees. Aengus called to Shandalar, "The dungeon is too cold for the Queen, let Fergal fly while you help with the Queen."At those words, Naimh drifted off into a deep sleep. She felt strong arms loop under hers and lift her up, then she felt herself being carried across uneven ground. The last she heard before the deep slee
Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 23: More than Wounds to Heal
The falcon's cry tore Niamh from King Lorcan's bedside."Mind the King," she called to the caretakers as she ran outside. Lord Tigherneach was up on the Keep's wall, looking out over the main gates. Niamh joined him, almost smiling because she had never been allowed to stand on the walls when trouble was near, but now, no one in Tigherneach Keep could make her stay down. As she took her place between General Aengus and her adoptive father, she felt Lord Tigherneach's eyes rest on her. "Your falcon has a keen eye," he said. "Thanks to him we are ready to welcome a small force from the capital."Niamh watched as Elven soldiers approached the modest Keep. They wore the armor of the King. "They've come to escort their king home," General Aengus informed her. "Some will stay at Breathnach's stronghold until after the trial.""Trial?" Niamh asked."Lord Breathnach's and his general's trial," Tigherneach explained. "The King's first sentence when he regained consciousness was to capture th
Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 24: A New Beginning
Tears filled Niamh's eyes, but she fought them bravely. "I didn't know if he had you!" she blurted.Lorcan flinched in surprise at the force of her words."I didn't want him to kill you, me, or anyone else. I wanted to put an end to all these wars, all these petty arguments and forced respect. I had to put an end to pointless suffering."Niamh took a breath."Did you know all Lord Beluar wanted was his family's land? So, yes… I did negotiate. Now Lord Beluar has his lands and you have full access to the Tamneath bridge and Wynather River."King Lorcan opened his mouth, but Queen Niamh was not done."You, unfairly, left your new bride on her wedding night to run a kingdom. I did the best I could, and will continue to do so when I am needed."Lorcan's jaw tightened and he came so close to Niamh, their faces were mere inches apart. He was breathing heavily. "I am King of the Elven Realms, not Niamh Aidhne Tigherneach! I make the decisions as to what is best for the kingdom."A single
Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 25: A Stop at the King's Pub
The early morning sun crept over the horizon and through the only spot the curtain of the traveling box didn't cover, shining directly into Niamh's eyes. She stirred softly, discovering Lorcan's long, muscular arm still embraced her. Niamh looked at him with a sort of disbelief in her eyes, remembering the night before."Well, that was unexpected," Niamh said to herself. Although she was Lorcan's Queen, Niamh didn't expect to develop feelings so quickly, and for such a complicated King. Lorcan opened his eyes, "Is it time to rise, Niamh?"The use of her name made her blush."Yes," Niamh stretched. "I hear movement outside."Lorcan sat up slowly and paused. "I'll let your handmaidens help you get dressed. I need to speak to the General."Before Niamh could speak, Lorcan had thrown on a set of clothes."We will ride soon," the King muttered and exited the traveling box.Maeval and Moidrin entered, casting confused looks over their shoulders. "Did the night go well?" Moidrin asked car
Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 26: Return to the Throne
Niamh held her breath."I beg your pardon?" King Lorcan asked the drunken elflord."I said," swayed the elf. "You can't be our King, no matter how handsome you are. He has an ice-cold heart that longs for war. No elfmaiden would marry such a King.""You are handsome," Niamh agreed quietly. King Lorcan's eyebrow twitched. "Indeed," he said.Then, suddenly, Lorcan clapped the elf on the shoulder laughed, and turned to leave.General Aengus caught Niamh's gaze. "Let's go," he mouthed. Niamh nodded and General Aengus began to gather the group to leave. The Queen located the pub owner where she originally found him, behind the counter and handing out his best ale. "Leaving, my Queen?" Shandalar said gustily. "I wish you the best on your return to the palace.""Thank you," Niamh replied. "I am so very grateful to you for all you have done.""I am grateful for what you have done," Shandalar replied heavily. "May your days be bright, Your Majesty."Shandalar's family came to wave goodbye
Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 27: Lessons to Learn
Their adventure started happily enough. The sun shone brightly, the horses were fresh, and Lorcan and Niamh were enjoying each other's company with cheerful conversation. Fergal balanced easily on the Queen's arm as she rode. As the remaining two villages were not far away, the king and queen took a small company, including Boru and Aengus, with them.The first village was deep within the oldest part of the forest, with roads wound around trees, and small but elegant homes were often found within the massive trunks. Sunlight still shone through the leaves, and there were clearings where crops were grown. Niamh looked around in wonder. "You have never been this deep into the Kingdom, my Queen?" King Lorcan noticed.The young Elven Queen shook her head, "No, never. I have heard about Imnenora, and the homes in the trees, but I didn't know…"Her voice trailed off as their presence was becoming known. Elves were coming in from the fields and out of their tree homes. A rather tall Elflord,
Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 28: A Proper Coronation
It was from that gentle kiss on the forehead, that things were different between Niamh and Lorcan. He led Niamh back around to the village center where a small crowd still lingered. "We must leave you now. I need to plan a proper coronation for your Queen. Will you all come?"There was the briefest of pauses, but cheers went up and clapping began. Lorcan was not done, however, "This day marks a new beginning. It is a new beginning between you…and between the Elven crown. Let us move forward together."There were murmurs and nods, followed once again by cheers and clapping. "It's a new day, " Lorcan said softly to his Queen. "Let's go home."General Aengus glanced at the King and Queen and raised an eyebrow. He and Boru exchanged a look, then both shrugged and rode back to the palace with the company. The general and advisor watched the King and Queen ride side by side, falcon on the Queen's arm. "A fresh wind blows," General Aengus mentioned quietly. Boru gave a short laugh and
Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 29: Missing Guests
"They didn't come," Niamh whispered sadly. "I thought for sure my family would come."Lorcan embraced his queen gently, wrapping his arms around her slender shoulders."There must be a good reason. Perhaps we haven't seen them. Come, let's look."Lorcan hailed his General."Can you find out if Lord Tigherneach has arrived?"For Niamh, seconds seemed like minutes, and minutes seemed like hours. She began to pace slowly back and forth. Her eyes searching for any familiar face, as Lorcan watched her with concern.General Aengus nodded and disappeared into the crowd. He appeared a short time later and simply shook his head. "Not yet," Aengus said. "I told the guards to notify the Queen immediately if Tigherneach shows up.""Thank you, General," Lorcan nodded.Niamh could barely hide her tears, but her heart was still hopeful that her family would arrive.The celebration continued until sunset. Niamh entered the King's chambers and took off her crown. Lorcan waved away Maeval and Moidrin a
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