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Chapter 23: More than Wounds to Heal
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2023-08-18 14:06:07Related chapters
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
Last Updated : 2023-08-18Rising 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
Last Updated : 2023-08-18Rising 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
Last Updated : 2023-08-18Rising 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,
Last Updated : 2023-08-18Rising 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
Last Updated : 2023-08-18Rising 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
Last Updated : 2023-08-18Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 30: A Queen in Armor
"Taken?" Niamh heard herself whisper.General Aengus looked at the table, "Last report from our outriders was that it was burning."Queen Niamh gasped, stood up, and gripped the table until her knuckles turned white. "Then we must take it back!"Fergal screamed at the seated elves, spreading his wings."My Queen…" Boru began."No!" Niamh snapped. Turning to King Lorcan, she insisted, "I won't let my family's home fall to a traitor who betrayed both of us."The council looked at the King, who silently regarded his Queen."We will take back Tigherneach, Queen Niamh," Lorcan said low and rough. "First, we must see what we are up against, find the traitors, and your family. Then, we will rebuild Tigherneach."Niamh's soul screamed for her family, and for instant action, but she knew she should trust Lorcan's military experience this time.The King could see the queen fighting within, and took her hand. "We will find your family. We will take back their home."With that steady assurance,
Last Updated : 2023-08-18Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 31: Gathering of the Elven Army
The royal guard rode out of the heart of the Elven realms and thundered through the darkness, their own eternal selves creating a soft, white, ethereal light as they glided along. Niamh followed Lorcan closely, for although she could see well, the queen had no idea where they were headed. The King would often look back to make sure she was near. Through the woods of twisted trees and gently sloping glades, the King and Queen of the Elves rode with purpose. Fergal came to perch on Niamh's shoulder, gripping tightly, and seemed to be the only one enjoying the ride. Niamh's hair seemed to glow in the night, and when the moon's light shone upon it, her hair resembled embers of an undying fire against her armor.The answer to the question of their destination was answered eventually when the company rode into Shandalar's village. The owner of the King's Pub was mounted, and as the royal guard continued through the village, Shandalar and many other Elves appeared from between houses and tre
Last Updated : 2023-08-18
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Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 50: Sunshine after the Storm
The sun broke through the morning clouds above the town square where just moments before, a falcon took down an Elven General. Trading had stopped. Errands and tasks were forgotten. The townsfolk stood in awe and shock. The King and Queen of their realms stood weary and triumphant in their modest town square, the falcon that had just attacked with the ferocity of a dragon now sat calmly on his Queen's unwavering arm. "Kind townsfolk, we apologize for the disruption of your peaceful day," Lorcan spoke in the most kingliest of voices. "We had to apprehend a traitor to our realms, and now that he is in our hands, we will let you get on with your day.""This isn't the town for traitors," an elflord glared at General Konnyr."I know him," a tall, elf maiden with long golden braids called out. "He sat in our pub and brought in mercenaries! Never paid what he owed!""Sounds familiar," Shandalar said casually.Niamh found a smile playing on her lips. The mumblings of discontent with the Gen
Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 49: Eye of the Storm
"General Konnyr would be over there," Lord Beluar pointed towards a small group of warriors by the distant trees. "We wanted to keep him separate from the others."Niamh knew what Lord Beluar meant by "others." He was talking about Tormil and the rest of the council. Their fates would be decided shortly. "Let's deal with this traitor," Lorcan decided. He glanced at his Queen, who nodded in agreement.Lord Beluar rode ahead, leading Lorcan and Niamh to the General's position. As they watched, however, Lord Beluar suddenly dismounted and ran forward."Oh no," Niamh breathed.Lorcan groaned low and almost silently. They, too, began running, and when they reached Lord Beluar's side, they were faced with a disheartening sight. The four warriors guarding the traitorous General were sprawled unconscious at the scene of what obviously was a short, violent struggle."He removed his ropes somehow," Beluar kneeled beside one of the warriors, picking up the sawed-through ropes that had once hel
Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 48: The Strength of the Storm
Niamh began riding her horse forward, Fergal gripping her shoulder. The growing company began moving forward picking up the pace as Lord Beluar moved towards his warriors and raised his hand. The warriors fell in line with the rest of the company and they moved forward like water in a stream. Now, the Queen's warriors rode hard. The forest opened up once again to allow Niamh and her warriors to pass through. They made incredible time. It was still daylight when the warriors began covering the familiar ground of Niamh's childhood. She began dreading what the next corner would bring. The forest ended suddenly and the Plains of Kren Ennore spread before them. The battle had already been raging for some time and the King's company stood tired and losing hope. She could see the exhaustion in their movement. Niamh looked desperately for the King."Keep riding!" Niamh ordered. "Don't stop!"Ithril turned to his warriors and they proceeded along the river, Niamh and Taron went to the right
Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 47: The Queen's Command
Niamh, her falcon, and company rode through the broken palace gates and onto the paths leading to her old home, Tigherneach Keep."My Queen," Ithril rode on her right. "We feel your need to get there as soon as possible, but the horses can't keep this pace for the whole journey."Niamh blushed and slowed her mount. She turned to see the long line of riders and wagons behind her. The sight gave her strength. They were making good time.They traveled steadily and smoothly through the forest, and as time moved along, Niamh began noticing something she had never seen before. "Horsemaster Taron," Nimah whispered to the rider on her left. The Elflord turned his head, and Niamh continued, "Have you noticed anything about this forest… these paths?""They seem like smooth, well-traveled paths, my Queen," Taron replied. "The forest is old, I can feel its strength.""The forest is old, yes, and the paths too," Nimah looked at the silent trees that surrounded them. "But that's just it. These path
Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 46: The Plains of Kren Ennore
Niamh stared at the pub owner in the front courtyard. Shandalar tried to calm his fractious horse, but the scared beast continued to spin nervously. Shandalar ended up jumping off the horse, and approaching the Queen.Ithril leaped in front of Niamh and Shandalar stopped, glaring and the warrior."I need to speak to the Queen, the King and his company are in danger!""Stand back, Ithril," Niamh said with a wave of her hand. "Let him speak."Shandalar wiped the mud from his face and tried to catch his breath, "The King rode through my village with a small company, when I inquired if he needed refreshments, he only asked for provisions for his warriors. Just a few hours ago, a large army rode through my village headed in the same direction as the King."There were nervous whispers behind Niamh and she turned to see the Great Hall's doors open. The Elves inside were curious to hear what the owner of The King's Pub had to say. Worried faces peered out into the early morning.Niamh began w
Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 45: Gathering Clouds
Niamh's sadness at Lorcan's leaving disappeared momentarily at the sight of the old horsemaster from her youth. Paying no heed to status or etiquette, she ran through the courtyard and wrapped her arms around Horsemaster Asamar Taron. Smiles spread quickly across both their faces.Tears of happiness mixed with tears of grief as the old horsemaster and the young queen welcomed more Tigherneach Keep refugees. Niamh took her place with others helping hand out blankets and food to the exhausted travelers. Seeing the familiar faces, and hearing their heartbreaking stories of how they were put under siege with flaming arrows and balls of fire, and having to run for their lives, made a dark fire burn in Niamh's usually gracious and kind heart."I feel like this is my fault," Niamh took a heavy breath. "Could I have stopped this somehow?"Taron shook his head and sighed, "It's not your fault at all, my Queen. Trouble was coming for a long time."Niamh frowned, "How do you know?"This time the
Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 44: When Traitors Come Together
A heart-wrenching wail escaped Niamh's very soul."Why?" She cried. "Why are they attacking everything dear to me?"Lorcan took his queen immediately into his arms."When you say 'they,' do you mean the council?"General Aengus swallowed and slowly nodded, "They have joined up with the treacherous General Konnyr."Niamh broke away from Lorcan's arms, fury dripping from her voice, "But why my home? Why not a more strategic target?""Because you are strong," Lorcan stepped closer to Niamh to stand at her side. "You fought to bring me back, your father was powerful, your adoptive father is loyal, and your falcon listens to you alone. You are more of a threat than I am."The Queen thought of Fergal. Niamh had spent little time with the falcon since they returned from the temple, but he had always kept himself near. She raised her arm and waited."Call for Lord Tigherneach. He will be resting with the Lady Enid in their chambers," she ordered. "They must know."As the Tigherneachs were summ
Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 43: Council of Traitors
King, Queen, General, and noble Elf stood still while the young Elven council member continued to tremble under the unwavering gaze of King Lorcan in the early hours of the night."Answer the King," General Aengus nudged Wynbalar. "Where is Tormil?"Wynbalar looked at Queen Niamh, who gave him a sympathetic smile and nodded. "Tormil, and those who agree with him, disappeared into the night shortly after the end of the meeting." The Elflord looked down at the ground. "They became afraid… I do not know where they went but they couldn't have gone far."General Aengus sighed loudly in frustration and glared as Wynbalar stood sheepishly"Why didn't you come to me right away?" Lorcan questioned. "Perhaps he feared for his own life," Niamh gently placed a hand on her husband's arm, "He came to us now. I am glad he came to us at all, we can still act."Wynbalar exhaled gratefully. Lorcan paused, then lifted his head and said, "That is true."There was sudden activity in the courtyard outsid
Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 42: The Offer
Niamh stared at the Elflord beside her.Lord Beluar didn't even blink. He looked at her seriously and calmly as she stared back at him in surprise. The young queen could not believe what Lord Dafiel Beluar had just asked her to do."What?" Niamh whispered hoarsely. "What did you say?""Leave with me tonight. Be my queen. Leave King Lorcan to destroy himself."She turned to look at Lord Beluar fully. He stood still and confident in the evening air."I am giving you another chance at happiness my Queen," Beluar stepped closer. "I have fought your King, and won. I saw how he spoke to you today, at the feast and at the palace. I have heard how he treated you when you first married. No King does that… no good Elven King."Niamh's mind was racing. Lord Beluar was not wrong, Lorcan did treat her poorly at the beginning, but she felt he was desperately trying to change. She thought about the reasons Lorcan had revealed to her over time, and how he had apologized. Was Beluar correct, though, wo
