Chapter 3: Restless Winds

The doors opened and the dark hall began to empty.

King Lorcan turned, meeting Niamh's gaze, "I'll see you at the evening meal."

To Niamh's surprise, her heart skipped a beat.

Eithne slipped her hand into Niamh's, and Lady Enid came up beside them.

"Oh, Niamh," the Lady shed some tears.

Lady Enid wrapped her arms around the young elf maiden and held her tight.

"Let's collect your things," she sniffed.

Lord Tigherneach blocked their way.

"Niamh Aidhne," He swallowed hard. "My heart is so grateful, but also heavy. There are no words that will comfort me now at your leaving. I promised your father those years ago I would keep you safe. How can I when you are so far away?"

Niamh smiled, "We both knew this day would come, but don't worry. I will be Queen, and I will be able to visit you whenever I want."

Lord Tigherneach smiled weakly, then left the hall.

The three elf maidens made their way to Niamh's room and found servants already packing clothes.

"I've heard he has a violent temper," said one servant nervously.

Another replied, "He's always in armor."

"Oh, poor Lady Niamh," sighed a third.

Niamh stepped into the room. "I'm sure I'll do fine."

She smiled slightly as the servants hopped back in surprise.

"I appreciate your concern."

Eithne began to gather some of Niamh's favorite books.

"Do any of you actually know King Lorcan?" she asked casually.

The tallest of the servants curtseyed. "I worked in his Palace for three years before I came here, my Lady."

Niamh looked at the servant. "How did you come to our Keep?"

The servant shrugged, her big, brown eyes looking amused. "My family was here, and I guess the king doesn't need elfmaiden servants."

Niamh sighed. "Do you know anything about his personality?"

The servant blinked and mumbled, "The king seemed to keep to himself."

She avoided Niamh's gaze.

"Maybe you will change that," Eithne grinned.

Niamh caught the look exchanged between the servants and her heart sank a little.

Niamh walked out onto her balcony, leaving the servants and Eithne to gossip and wonder. The afternoon sun had broken through the clouds and its rays reached through the sky like fingers on a hand. Looking to her right, over the small ravine that ran along the far side of the Keep, Niamh caught movement.

It was King Lorcan.

He had removed his armor, shirt undone, and his black hair free to the open air. The king leaned on the balcony, rubbed his eyes, then hung his head. Weariness showed in every movement. The muscles in his forearms clenched and unclenched. Niamh watched as he rubbed his shoulder and grimaced. The king didn't look like such a monster at this moment, just a tired elflord. A tired, sore, and handsome elflord.

Suddenly a raven landed on the king's balcony.

It cawed softly and hopped forward cautiously. King Lorcan stared, then disappeared inside, appearing just a moment later with something in his hand. He tossed it to the raven, who gobbled up the gift eagerly. Niamh watched as the king fed the raven a few more times. Suddenly the raven was spooked by someone entering the king's chamber and, disgruntled, flew away.

Standing up, King Lorcan ran a frustrated hand through his hair and looked towards the other balcony. Niamh's balcony.

Niamh had nowhere to hide. King Lorcan caught sight of her and raised an eyebrow.

"Caw, caw!"

Niamh, startled, turned to see the raven had returned, but now had come to visit her.

"I don't have anything," Niamh said sadly.

"Here," King Lorcan tossed Niamh a piece of bread. "She already ate my fruit."

He gave a slight smile before turning and striding powerfully back into his chambers.

Niamh, blushing uncontrollably, fed the raven before returning to her chambers.

"Whatever is the matter?" Eithne asked, coming to Niamh's side.

Niamh barely had breath to speak and her heart was pounding like it had when she was riding through the burning forest.

"Oh, I just need to sit down. So much happened today."

"Of course," Eithne said, her voice soft with concern. "You, get Lady Niamh some tea!"

Eithne shot a warning glance at the servants.

Eithne chatted on and on as Niamh's life was packed into boxes. It was only a matter of minutes before a hot cup of tea was placed in Niamh's hands.

Niamh went back to the balcony doorway, peering toward King Lorcan's chambers. She could see him pacing back and forth. No one had told her the king was so handsome; she had only heard of his brutal rule.

"Niamh!" Eithne touched her arm. "Let's change your dress."

Eithne pointed to a dress the color of burgundy wine. A hairpiece with tiny, golden roses, a matching necklace, and a braided belt were set to the side.

"Mother brought this over for you. It's a gift," Eithne smiled.

The dress fit perfectly, and the color brought out the bronze shade of Niamh's hair. Niamh ran her hand along the gold braid around her waist.

"I guess I look more like a queen now," she sighed.

Eithne stood back with a proud smile.

Niamh left Eithne and made her way to the supper hall. As she turned the last corner, she came upon Lord and Lady Tigherneach speaking with King Lorcan.

"Ah, there she is!" Lord Tigherneach said proudly.

The king blinked. "You changed."

Niamh stuttered awkwardly, "Yes, …"

"The dress suits you," King Lorcan shrugged. He turned toward the food.

Lord and Lady looked at Niamh and back at the king.

The meal wasn't as painful as Niamh thought it would be. The king tried to eat while his entourage badgered him with questions, all asked in low, mumbling tones. Niamh could see the frustration and agitation building in his eyes. She met his gaze once and he rolled his eyes. Niamh raised an eyebrow in response.

Finally, King Lorcan sat down his fork and sighed, "That was a wonderful meal. Now we must be on our way."

"You are leaving so soon?" Lord Tigherneach questioned in surprise. "Surely you would like to rest. You'll be traveling the roads at night."

Lorcan laughed. "So kind of you to be worried about a King traveling at night. No, I must get back."

Lady Enid and her husband both smiled and nodded stiffly.

A flurry of activity commenced as Niamh's belongings were brought down to waiting wagons and carts.

"I hope you can ride," King Lorcan half whispered over his shoulder to Niamh.

She replied cool and collectedly, "Oh yes, Your Majesty. I never miss my daily ride."

The king looked pleased and almost excited, but his face slipped back into a mask of boredom as he was approached by some of his men.

King Lorcan exhaled in frustration and marched towards the lead wagon.

"Come," Lord Tigherneach spoke from behind Niamh. "It's time."

Niamh turned to see the elflord wiping away a tear.

As he embraced her, the elflord whispered in her ear, "This is the best I can give you. Rule well, Niamh."

Niamh heard sobbing behind her. Eithne was wiping her eyes and struggling to be brave.

"Oh Eithne," a tear ran down Niamh's cheek. "You will be alright. We will see each other again!"

"Promise," Eithne smiled.

"I promise," Niamh held a hand to her heart.

The king and his men were mounting.

"Are you ready?" The king called, his patience had run out. He mounted his horse.

"One moment," Niamh replied. "Goodbye, Eithne."

"Goodbye, sister," Eithne sobbed. She hugged Niamh tightly, her blond hair tangling with Niamh's red. With a sniff and a smile, Lady Enid stepped forward and embraced Niamh one more time.

"Goodbye, my darling," Lady Enid whispered. "May your travels go well."

Niamh nodded, her chest becoming tight, "Goodbye."

Lord Tigherneach reached forward and took Niamh's head in his hands. Leaning forward, he kissed her forehead before stepping back and covering his heart with his hand. She kept her eyes on him as she mounted. It was the last thing she saw before the doors of the Keep shut behind her with an echoing, dull thud.