My novel

[Salinye]

(This will be a project being written over time and I ofcourse appreciate feedback. I'll be starting a thread in the Critic's Corner, so if you have feedback I'd appreciate it if you left it here rather than on this thread so the flow isn't broken up. *Grins* Thanks a million.)

 

Prelude

 

The door shattered behind her, charred splinters splattering against her back as the last words of the life-binding spell painfully spilled from her lips.

 

“S’landre Shyani!” she whispered intensely, her body shaking gently as her life began slowly slipping away from her. A bright aura of light surrounded her and her child. It swirled around them as if alive. Warm tears streaked her paling face as she kissed the infant upon her soft cheek, ignoring the elf that fell to his knees behind her, wracked with desperation.

 

“No, Ellowyn, no.” He whispered to her rapidly slumping form. Even in this time of defeat and devastation, he couldn’t help but admire her long auburn hair that tumbled down her back in the chaotic way it always had since her early childhood. The little bit of light left in the room reflected off her natural golden highlights, something he had always loved about her. Looking over her shoulder, her eyes fell past the kneeling form of the dark man, through the shattered hole where the bedroom door used to stand, finally to rest upon the body of her beloved lying motionless in a pool of his own blood.

 

Her lip quivered lightly, her heart sinking into a dull numb. Shifting her gaze from her husband to the man that knelt before her, she recognized him for the first time. Fresh tears pooled behind the rim of her eyelids. She searched his face for answers, for an explanation. The only noticeable emotions lying within his eyes were a gleam of madness tinged with regret.

 

“Why? Why did you do this?” He asked reaching out as if he might touch her, yet stopping midway dropping his hand to his lap.

 

Ellowyn looked away from him back to her sleeping infant, a new pain filling her face from the ache she already felt-the longing for a child lost. The baby girl was unusually serene and peaceful despite the horrors that had taken place within her home that night. “You can’t kill her now,” she spat at him. Her heart was already too weak to summon the true pain and anger she felt, but within her eyes danced a rebellious flame. “You can take away the things I love in this life…” Here she paused to look past him once more at the lifeless form of her husband. “…But you cannot prevent our union in the next, and now, you cannot end Shyani’s life prematurely in our absence.”

 

“If your husband had been a true father, he would have been able to save you and her.” He said maliciously.

 

“My husband…” She paused to take a labored breath, the time of her life quickly drawing to a close. “…Bought me the time I needed to save her life, and now shortly, I will return to his side, never to be divided again.”

 

The man, hardly recognizable as an elf so darkened was he by the evil within him just stared at the woman, his own pain and failure clearly written upon his features. She met his gaze with as much cool defiance as her wilting body would allow. Several times he opened his mouth to speak failing to find the words. Finally, as his hurt faded into a grimace of ill intent he grabbed her face bringing it within inches of his own. “You are a fool, Ellowyn. Death would have been a kind gift to your daughter. You would rather die to save her from death rather than spend your life at my side.” His madness intensified as the truth of his statement weighed harder against his emotions. “Just listen to me! I want to be sure these are the last words you hear before the last of your life slips from your body. There are things worse than death, Ellowyn. I’ll be sure that those things find her.”

 

She lifted a hand to touch his face. The act was so unexpected that he let go of her allowing her body to slide completely to the floor. “You were such…a good…man.” She whispered before falling very still as the last of the aura of light that centered on her faded completely increasing the vibrant glow around her child. The fallen elf grabbed his head between his hands, and howled in agony and rage.

Edited August 16, 2004 by Salinye

[Salinye]

Yesterday

 

 

The warm light from the various torches around the room flickered and danced casting a soft glow over the grand hall of Serubia. Almost everyone from the village had come for the seasonal celebration of life. The women carried lilies, or wore them in their hair. They were considered sacred, representing purity and the divine nature of femininity. The men in turn carried oak leaves, or walked with ceremonial oaken staves. The oak, being the strongest tree in the forest, offering protection as much of their village was housed within it’s branches. It represents the strength and protective nature of masculinity. Together the lily and the oak leaf represent balance in all things.

 

The various gods and goddesses were represented about the great hall in murals, statues and various other works of art; even the handles of the torches were ornate, symbolism threaded into their design. The deities were revered for their abilities to embrace one another’s differences and rule together in harmony. A great mural of T’thal, the god that ruled the two suns hung over the main entrance to greet all who arrive, just as the great suns greet each new day. The goddess Elrihara, mother of all living, stood out in many of the various murals and other works of art that adorned the room. The very fact that their main place of worship was housed within the living branches of a mighty oak paid tribute to the nature goddess.

 

The elven people that had inhabited these mountainous hills for centuries were a peaceful people. They believed the gods favored them because they never forgot to honor them and show their gratitude. The mystical teachings and beliefs in their deities were deeply engrained among the Serubian wood elves. The elves tried hard to emulate the example shown to them by their gods. They believed in equality between the sexes and strived to embrace each other’s differences and live in harmony despite them.

 

The Grand Hall was used for many things such as celebrations, banquets and village meetings. Although usually lavishly decorated with all the grace and elegance of the elven culture, the Celebration of Life was different. Most spiritual ceremonies took place within their temple, however, since this particular celebration was so much larger than any of the other spiritual ceremonies, it was held in the Grand Hall. In honor of this celebration, the room was relatively sparse save for the tributes to the deities that never left the walls of the hall. The people took great care to try to keep the décor as natural as possible. Families sat on hand woven mats on either side of the room. An aisle, scattered with flower petals, lay between them leading to the front of the hall.

 

Sitting at the head of the room, facing the crowd and capturing the attention of all in her presence, was the village seer. Although the Serubian wood elves were known for their lithe forms, she was an especially petite woman. The holy woman sat cross-legged, her violet eyes scanning over her people as her mind pondered on each of their spiritual natures. A crown of ivy sat atop her long flaxen hair adding a touch of elegance to her already beautiful countenance. She wore a white ceremonial robe that, much like the walls, was adorned with mystic symbols of the various gods. Two scribes, one male and one female sat to either side of her, parchment and quill in hand. The gathered bodies began humming a reverent song of praise and gratitude as they waited for the ceremony to begin.

 

The celebration of life took place four times a year, once every season. The purpose was to celebrate any new life they had been blessed with in that particular season. The ceremony started with the farmers of the valley bringing forth trays of their best crops and harvests. Depending on the time of year, sometimes this was fruit, such as apples, figs or the favored elder berry along with all manner of vegetables and grains. During the winter months when there were no harvests to be reaped, they prepared warm meals of meat, such as lamb, venison, poultry and beef along with steamed vegetables and home baked breads to show how abundantly blessed they were throughout the cold season when Ka’Thor, the god of the storms ruled. Next the best of the newborn animals were paraded through and all gave thanks for the new calves, lambs and other livestock they had been gifted by the gods.

 

Meals prepared from the fish that sprang forth from the life giving waters of the river Fluvius was brought forth next and set before the holy seer while all paid homage to the lesser goddess of the river, L’uinda. Great hand crafted, clay jugs of wine were carried down the aisles, for the grape and elderberry vineyards had been prosperous that year. As the last of the crop offerings had been set before the holy woman, a reverent hush fell over the room as Velohna gave voice to a long prayer of thanks and appreciation, her tone ringing with her piety. As she ended her words, music filled the hall as dancers performed their tributes to the four seasons and their accompanying gods. All in attendance enjoyed the festivities as they shared a meal from this summer’s blessings.

 

The cool summer breeze blew through the treetops and open windows, a welcome sensation after a long hot day. Everyone had eaten their fill of food and sat upon their mats socializing and enjoying the great content feeling that comes after a good meal. Velohna stood, causing murmurs of anticipation to mingle through the crowd. All eyes watched as she bowed her head to them reverently before departing into a small room that was connected to the large main room of the hall. Her scribes followed her, shutting the door softly behind them. This was by far the best part of the celebration. The time when babies born that summer were brought to the Holy Seer by their parents to be presented and blessed.

 

An excited murmur passed over the people as they turned to congratulate the three families that had had new babies born to them that summer, two daughters and one son. The infants were dressed in the traditional ceremonial clothing of the season. The outfits were made up of a delicate white cloth with symbols of the ruler of the two suns, T’thal, embroidered in a fine golden thread. While it is believed that all the gods rule equally and without jealousy, it is T’thal who tends to rule over the summer months. For this reason, babies born in the summer are adorned with ceremonial clothing in praise to him.

 

All heads turned as the door to the small room opened and the female scribe stepped outside with a soft smile. “Velohna is ready for Lenara and Pitan to present the newest blessing in their family to her.” The happy couple stood, the mother cradling the newborn infant who held a lily clasped in her tiny fist. The father held the hand of their first daughter, an exquisite looking child, four years of age. She stared up at her parents and new sister, her vibrant green eyes wide with wonder as she trailed along beside them, her little legs quickly jogging two steps to each single long stride of theirs.

 

Inside the small room, the decorations were as sparse as they had been within the great hall itself. “The beauty of the new life should not be outshone by inanimate objects.” Lenara remembered her father explaining to her once when she was very young. In the center of the room sat a large woven mat, large enough that Velohna, her two scribes and the family could sit on it. As they entered he room, the Seer stood and embraced each of them in turn.

 

They all sat upon the grass mat and Velohna took the infant from her mother’s arms. The baby’s newborn fair skin contrasted against the bronze sun-kissed skin of Velohna. Gazing down at the sleeping baby, she smiled and tenderly stroked the side of her face. “I love how their skin is pale when they are first born; it shows they’re pure, like the lily. She’s very beautiful.”

 

“Yes, just like her mother and sister.” Pitan said.

 

“Yes, you are truly blessed to be surrounded by such beautiful women all the time, Pitan. Which god have you been bribing?”

 

Pitan laughed at the holy woman’s good-humored ribbing and winked. “Ahh now, that is sacred information that I am forbidden to reveal!”

 

Velohna’s lavender eyes twinkled, as they always did when she got the opportunity to bless a new baby. She looked at the proud smiles upon the parents and the wide-eyed innocence of their eldest daughter Melinda. “She has the mark of Elrihara on her. She’ll be one who stays close to nature.” Melinda smiled pleased that her druidic arts, or her husband’s ranger skills would likely pass on to this child. “What name shall she be known by?”

 

Her father smiled softly subconsciously fiddling with his brown leather-clad knee. “We’ve decided to call her Ellowyn.”

 

“Ellowyn.” Velohna let the name roll off her lips, sounding beautiful when spoken with such obvious adoration. “A beautiful name for a daughter of Elrihara.” She paused letting a pleasant silence settle within the room before sharing her thoughts. “I foresee a sense of mischief in this one.”

 

“She’ll have gotten that from her father. You should hear the stories his mother tells.” Melinda laughed remembering. Velohna turned her eyes toward Pitan. His light brown hair fell about his shoulders framing his strong jaw. She could hardly imagine this responsible ranger being a mischief-maker.

 

“I think this mischievous streak may even rival the one from her father’s youth.”

 

“Oh Elrihara have mercy!” The child’s mother murmured to herself.

 

“This mischief stems from a strong mind. You must teach her to control her impulses. Once she masters her own weaknesses, the strengths left behind will be the kind that could lead and inspire those around her. People will be drawn to her charisma. I sense some challenges ahead for her, but no life is without challenges. I’m sure I’ll gather more insight to that at her blessing when she becomes of age.”

 

Velohna considered the child a few more moments before looking back up to meet the expectant eyes of her parents. “She is beautiful and special. I sense great things for her. Are you ready for the prayer? I’m going to give special thanks to Elrihara. If she starts showing signs other than that as she ages, we’ll be sure to offer the proper homage at that time.” Her parents nodded well pleased and the scribes took down every word spoken.

 

 

An hour later, Melinda and Pitan stood amongst a gathering of people proudly sharing some of the things the great and wonderful Velohna had said about their daughter and in her prayer. The other baby girl and her family were in with the Seer while the last family waited anxiously with their son. “A daughter of Elrihara! Oh Melinda, how wonderful! That fits into your family so well.” Tisa, the mother of the newborn son, gushed.

 

“Yes, we’re so thankful. The gods are too good to us.”

 

Their conversation was interrupted as the second family entered back into the great hall. The attention shifted to them as everyone enjoyed celebrating the blessings bestowed upon the child. The soft voice of the female scribe rang out over the gathering. “Velohna is ready for Tisa and Ru’Fan to present the newest blessing in their family to her.” The couple quickly gathered their first-born son and weaved their way through the crowd to meet with the holy woman within the sparse chamber.

 

“Tisa, Ru’Fan” Velohna cooed as she embraced them before settling once again onto the floor. “I saved you for last because you have the only boy of the season. That makes me think there must be something very special about him.” She gently took the infant from his mother and smiled at the oak leave that was smashed against his chest. “A first born and only male of this summer.” She said more to herself as she ran a finger over his soft dark hair and delicately pointed ear. “Determined, this one will be and strong. Once his mind is set on something, it will be hard to persuade him otherwise.”

 

“Ahh, stubborn like his father. Just my luck!” Tisa teased, her pleased smile betraying her true feelings.

 

Velohna smiled. “What have you decided to name him?”

 

It was his mother who smiled and answered. “We’re naming him Lendarion.”

 

“A nice strong name. Good choice, definitely inspired….Hmmm, difficult to determine the blessings on this one. I see strong marks of both the warrior and the mage in him equally yoked. We will pay homage to both gods, for now. The infant stirred within her arms and opened his eyes, violet like hers, a rarity among the wood elves. Velohna’s heart nearly skipped a beat as an odd energy quickly passed between the child and herself. It cannot be. The fallen one, it has been centuries since any elf was born with Navox’s touch! She thought to herself.

 

The obvious drop in the Seer’s features coupled with the uncomfortable silence drew worry from the parents. “Is everything alright? Is there something we should know?” The father asked his voice laced with concern.

 

Velohna, being an expert at masking her emotions stroked the child’s cheek and smiled to them. “The ways of the gods can be confusing. I suspect we’ll learn more about this child as he comes of age. For now, I can tell you it is rare to find a child equally yoked between a warrior god and magical god and as you know, lavender eyes are always a sign of incredible potential. I expect great things from him.”

 

The parent’s relief was visible and their smiles revealed the pride they had for their first-born. They had tried to have a child for 6 years. It was only after multiple magical and spiritual aids from the Seer that they were finally blessed with their child. After Velohna said a prayer and blessing over the baby, she sent them out to join the others to be congratulated. It was only in the privacy of her own home later that night that she allowed herself to brood over the mark of darkness she was sure she had seen within the child. She only hoped, for everyone’s sake, that she was wrong.

Edited August 17, 2004 by Salinye