Forty Two
Gladius, Ancient grove of the Ileuadi
The ride through the moon-washed ancestral forest was made swifter on the saddle of Gealladh's unicorn- fforiwr.
The pearly white, horned stead galloped in complete silence, gliding across the trail with supernatural haste.
Gladius had never ridden such a beast, without careful coercion from fforiwr's master- Gealladh. The unicorn would not normally allow a stranger to share her saddle.
Gladius clung tightly to Geally as they rode even faster, her braided silvery hair smell like lavender and natural herbs. The comforting smell helped Gladius relax as they went forth.
"Why are we going to the ancient grove?" Gladius inquired to his Moonsworn guide.
"I think when you see it you will understand," Geally promised as she silenced the conflicting emotions in her heart.
She felt drawn to this man, but he was from an intrusive religious order.
Now as the trees began to thin out, they reached a grassy hill surrounding the broken shell of a ruined castle, it's walls toppled and reclaimed by the flora of Darkwoods forest.
Gladius knew little of Dark Elf history, his education in The Tabernacle was very insular, focused on spirituality and morality. Even growing up he noticed the important gaps in his study.
The pearly stead halted as the riders disembarked.
"This is Castle Caernarfon, resting place of the last king of the Ileuadi," Geally explained as she guided her companion into the hollow castle walls.
The luminous mushrooms, dancing pixies and twilight undergrowth elsewhere in Darkwoods was noticeably absent in this lonely resting ground.
A sprawling tree had been planted over King Dyfnwal's grave, now centuries old and a living relic of history, but something was wrong.
The tree was gray and dying, golden leaves continuing to fall.
Geally genuflected at the roots of the autumn tree, visibly grim at the failing life.
Gladius approached her cautiously, he could only imagine the former majesty of the king's old auditorium, beauty like that could never fade entirely.
A curled dying leaf drifted into Geally's outstretched hand.
She returned to the visiting knight. "This tree represents the life of my people. As it withers and dies so too do the Ileuadi."
The moonlight filtered through the thinning branches, a spotlight on the two soldiers.
Gladius mused: "Your people are dying out,"
Geally cradled the knight's hands and placed a leaf into his palm.
"Those able can divine the future through our connection to the sacred tree. We know what is coming," She held her hand to Gladius' rough bearded jaw.
A vision of purple fire, a burning forest and a dead tree filled Gladius' mind.
Geally withdrew her hand and the image faded.
"The Demonic Legion will burn your homeland," Gladius lamented.
Geally nodded, a lump in her throat.
"Our council of Magisters continue to debate whether to fight or flee."
Geally's sad eyes showed a glimmer of hope as they met Gladius' tired eyes. "And then I met you, a kind soul from the human kingdom. You are proof our people can work together."
Gladius saw the wisdom in her words, but couldn't ignore the tears beading in her silvery eyes.
"King Pious is reaching out to any and all allies. He will gladly accept you within his walls..." Gladius furrowed his brow, knowing where the problem lay- the religious fanatics of The Tabernacle.
"Will we be welcomed in your city?" Geally implored.
Without thinking he ran his fingers through the beautiful Moonsworn's silvery hair. She didn't recoil, her eyes met his, then too did her lips. They shared a bittersweet kiss, both knowing that duty called them away.
But Gladius couldn't deny how much he was drawn to the Dark Elf ranger and Magister's daughter, Gealladh.
Like him, she was one to defy convention, her free spirit beguiled him.
"We can't do this; I will depart tomorrow." Gladius faltered as he took a step back to the wall.
Geally's face was flushed. She had the same concerns on her own mind. "You're right, I have to think of my people, first." but her eyes were drawn to the flustered knight.
Furthermore, The Tabernacle's religious decrees outlawed pleasures of the flesh and engaging with those outside the faith.
The same Tabernacle that would reward zealots, yet claim to be above politics
The same faith that preaches intolerance Fletcher's words echoed in his mind. A bitter truth from his brother-in-arms
The tenets of his faith often conflicted with his own sense of right and wrong.
This feels right
Geally knew with doom on the horizon it wasn't the time for love.
But then Gladius drew Geally to him, the two lovers pressed their bodies together. Quenching their passion.
Hoisting her up by her garter, he unbuttoned her shirt, unlacing the threads as he went.
She dragged her long nails across his shoulders, cutting loose his pauldrons letting them rattle on the floor.
Through her shirt now, Gladius was kissing her on her ebony neck.
Geally with embers on her fingers burned his tunic off, deftly without hurting a hair on the knight's chest.
In the shade of the ancient tree the paramours made passionate love, aching with ecstasy as they writhed and struggled together.
The turmoil in their hearts, now together they renewed their vows to each other.
"Will you be mine alone?" Geally whispered in Gladius' ear.
And so, he vowed they would be of one body and heart.
But as the sun rose, the harsh reality set in.
Duty would draw them apart, but the vow they took would keep them together in spirit.
"We should get back to Brookhaven, father will note my absence, there is still so much to do." Geally lamented.
"For our people, we must be strong," Gladius assured her.