章 12: Ch 12 Valewood
[Several days later, Many miles away.]
"We're almost there Kalinik, I cant wait to see my parents again!" Natalka spoke excitedly as we climbed past yet another tall jagged ridge and descended into a sprawling dense green forested Valley which seemed endless.
"In this Valley is where the Valewood clan resides only a few miles that way, our town is right over on that hill."
Natalka spoke while pointing her dainty finger toward a wide hill nearby that was many miles across.
None of the town was visible however since all of it was covered almost entirely in huge dense trees which seemed to reach for the skies with their thick branches and vibrant green leaves.
Far in the distance I could hear the mating calls of an Elk while small birds chirped happily in the trees above us.
It was idyllic....
If I were Natalka I'd never want to leave such a blissful place which made my distaste for her Arranged Fiancee Valir grow even more.
Soon enough we reached a small dirt path which would be easily missed by an untrained eye.
The path was only wide enough for one person at an seemed to follow beside a small creek with crystal clear waters.
After half an hour of following the trail Natalka turned back to me and spoke, Her vibrant green eyes locked onto mine.
"Remember our deal Kalinik, Otherwise I'll never forgive you." She spoke with a bit of fear in her voice.
"You have my promise Natalka, So? How do you want me to do it? I doubt your people will let me off if I just spill his guts on the ground..." I spoke while sheepishly scratching my cheek.
"The only real way is an honor duel...If you insult him enough he would surely throw his dagger at your feet to demand a duel...he is a fucking idiot after all...."
"If he's such an idiot why did your father choose him as your fiancee?" I asked.
"Our Fathers were best friends decades ago, they promised to marry their children under the Goddesses name....It is impossible to go back now unless Valir wanted to cancel the marriage as well...But That bastard wants to keep the marriage going....that's why I had no choice but to flee...."
Natalka spoke with a grimace.
"But that will end soon hehe..." Natalka giggled as she imagined Valir's head flying off his shoulders.
"Very well, You'll get your wish." I spoke while looking at Natalka's lithe long back and rounded hips...She was no Aella but even still she was beautiful in her own way.
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[minutes later]
We reached a clearing between the dense forested trail and the hill where Valewood Town was located...thick foliage surrounded the large hill where Natalka had said her clan resided.
"Don't make any sudden movements and stop when I do..."
She spoke seriously while tugging on my sleeve, and didn't let go until I nodded in agreement.
as we stepped out into the clearing I could feel many eyes staring at us from the dense foliage, none of them felt friendly.
Then a the loud call of a owl sounded off in the distance.
It sounded exactly like an owl but I instinctively knew it was made by a human.
"HOOT...HOOT...."
We both heard the bird call.
After a few moments Natalka moved her hands towards her own mouth and made the same sound in response.
"HOOT...HOOT...."
Almost instantly A dozen Aelves in green scaled armor emerged from the treeline.
I could feel their suspicious eyes inspecting every inch of me as they walked out but not every eye was wary since the handful of women in the group stared at me like a piece of meat.
I inspected each of them as well as they emerged from the treeline, the guard Aelves held bows in their hands, Shields on their backs and swords on their hips....all of them well armed and armored.
Then I saw a particularly short female Aelven guard's eyes widen in surprise.
then her high pitched voice blared in my sensitive ears threatening to shatter my eardrums.
"ITS NATALKA!!! SHE'S BACK!!!!" The petite armored woman sheathed her bow and ran forward excitedly while flailing her short arms cutely.
When Natalka saw the petite Aelven woman her face brightened significantly.
"Maya!!! Its So Good To See You Again!!!" Natalka yelled out excitedly and ran forward, before long both of them were wrapped in a friendly hug about ten meters ahead of me.
The others looked quite shocked at seeing Natalka however.
The entire clan was certain she'd never return after the explosive argument a few months earlier where she threatened to fill whoever chased after her with her arrows.
A terrifying threat when facing the best archer in the entire Clan, and one they knew she'd fulfill if pushed to it.
After a few moments the petite Maya turned to look at me as I stood a few feet behind Natalka, I saw a blush develop on the short Aelven guards face.
"Who's he....is he your boyfriend....Valir will be mad....his white hair is so pretty....but he scares me....what a nice sword...and is that mythril...." The woman whispered a stream of questions but never gave Natalka a chance to answer.
"Come over here and introduce yourself to Maya My best friend." Natalka spoke while looking back at me.
I stepped forward slowly and I could see the other Aelven men tense up, as they prepared for me to do anything strange....They seemed competent...the women on the other hand seemed to be busy ogling me as if i were some kind of gigolo.
Before long I reached only a few feet from Natalka's little friend and gave a slight bow like i had seen on the movie 'Amadeus'
Tari had taken me to see in a small theatre during a short stay in Belgrade, I'd never forgotten it...
I bowed with a flourish before taking Maya's little hand into my own and looking into her big hazel eyes before speaking, I heard her breath hitch when our eyes locked.
"I am Kalinik of House Hilandar my Lady Maya, the current Traveling companion, and good friend of Natalka."
I spoke then brought her little warm hand and planting a light kiss on it.
Her face turned more and more red and stammered until it seemed her head would pop off.
Eventually Maya's eyes rolled back and she fainted like a maiden, only she didn't fall gracefully like in the movies.
Instead she collapsed like a sack of potatoes but luckily I managed to slow her fall greatly.
Almost instantly I heard one of the young guards yell. "POISON!!!"
Then the man knocked an arrow and launched it directly at my chest, only he wasn't fast and neither was his arrow since his bow was cheap Firwood instead of the rare Rosethorne which Natalka wielded.
*TWANG!
*SWOOSH!
I easily dodged the arrow and the young Aelven guards eyes widened in shock.
Then his trembling hands reached for another arrow as I walked slowly towards him and before long another arrow flew in my direction.
*TWANG!
*SWOOSH!
My hand slapped away the next arrow launched by the man as if it were bothersome and this time he froze completely.
when his eyes locked with mine I saw him shiver in fear.
"I used no poison boy, launch another arrow and I'll cut off your soft pink hands."
I spoke coldly, moments later he watched in surprise at seeing Maya sit up from the ground, her face still blushing deeply.
"I...I...I'm s...s...sorry...M...My Lord...."
The young Aelven man spoke with a tremble, I didn't know why he called me a lord but I quite liked the sound of it....Lord Hilandar....
"All is forgiven, you still need much practice boy." I spoke aloud.
He nodded quickly as his hands still trembled....He had seen his own death when staring into my eyes and the terror still flowed through his veins.
Immediately I turned and helped Maya off the ground quickly before stepping away, Didn't want her to faint again after all.
"T....T...Thank you..." Maya spoke out softly after I lifted her off the ground.
*POW
Almost instantly A hard punch landed on my arm, I turned over and saw Natalka staring at me with jealous eyes.
But a bit of playful flirting with her best friend seemed too much for her.
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Soon enough Natalka and I walked towards Valewood once more, while leaving the guards behind us.
As we walked I noticed that Natalka was still glaring at me.
I grabbed her soft hand, almost immediately another punch came but I caught it as well before both of our eyes locked together....My Pale Silver eyes and Her Vibrant Green ones.
"I'm Sorry." I spoke sincerely and she stared at me with furrowed brows for a long moment before her face relaxed back into the usual beautiful visage I was used to.
"I forgive you." She spoke then turned to continue walking.
"Natalka wait." I spoke and she turned to look into my eyes once more.
"You do know I'm married right, I know you've never asked and I've never talked about it...." I spoke while lifting my ring finger and Natalka nodded.
"Aella....." Natalka spoke and saw the surprise in my face, I'd never spoken about Aellarith after all.
"How?" I asked in surprise.
"You say her name as you sleep....at least when you're not having nightmares...." Natalka spoke a bit sadly.
"Do you mind...." I asked and saw her shake her head.
"Does She?" Natalka asked with tears threatening to fall from her eyes, it seemed it was something which had been eating away at her.
"No, She wont mind..." I spoke and saw a heartwarming smile spread on her beautiful face.
"You do know I'm not just going to kill your Fiancee right? I'm going to take his place." I spoke and she froze for a moment before jumping into my arms with a happy grin spread all across her face.
We snuggled together for a long while before hearing a group of people walking towards us from the trail ahead.
Immediately we stopped hugging and continued to walk, Her face still deeply flushed.
Soon after we passed a group of a dozen Aelven guards both male and female, seemingly going to relieve the others of their duties.
Upon eyeing Natalka all of their eyes widened and they muttered quietly amongst themselves.
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["Is that Natalka?"
"Look at that hunk beside her"
"She's blushing so much, I bet they were just kissing"
"hehehe"
"Valir will be so angry...."
"Doesn't matter, Look at the white hair....he looks way more dangerous than Valir..."
"You're right....I wonder If Valir will have the balls to face him..."
"Probably, Valir might be the best swordsman in the clan but he's still an oaf..."
"Are those Vambraces and Pauldrons made of Mythril?"
"Oh shit They are....He's not just handsome, but also filthy rich...."
"Look at his fancy sword as well...."
"I bet he knows how to use it too..."
"He looks like a noble, just like in Caranea's tales...."
"Oh wow you're right..."]
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Natalka and I heard the group chattering amongst themselves at a whisper.
But I could hear every word with my sensitive ears, and I bet Natalka could as well from then embarrassed look on her face.
I simply wrapped my arm around her waist and pulled her tightly against me as we walked.
"Let them gossip, From here on out you're mine after all." I spoke before planting a light kiss on her soft cheek to which she pushed me away hard while completely blushed.
"N...Not yours yet s..s...scoundrel...." She spoke while blushing and quickly walking forward.
After a few minutes of walking through the trail we came upon a thirty foot tall wooden wall affixed with watchtowers every fifty meters and two on either side of the large iron reinforced gate.
A deep five meter wide ditch also seemed to encircle the entire length of the impressive structure.
An older Aelven man in polished Armor looked down as we both approached and immediately he shouted out.
"NATT!!! MY LITTLE GIRL!!!! YOU CAME BACK!!!!" Natalka's father Luthien yelled out and rushed back away from the battlements where other Aelven guards stood vigilant.
After a few moments I heard a grizzled voice yell. "OPEN THE FUCKING GATES!!!" then a response from the guards came.
"Yes Captain!!!" then the large wooden gates slowly creaked open to reveal a sprawling and lively Aelven town just inside, but I was too focused on the Grizzled Aelven Man who rushed out with a broad smile on his scarred face.
He ran to Natalka and wrapped her into a tight bear hug which drew out a faint grunt from Natalka who struggled to breathe for a moment.
"Where have you been? Have you been eating well? Your mother missed you greatly. As did I, I'm just glad you're back My little Natt!!!" The Jubilant man spoke aloud which embarrassed Natalka Greatly.
Then after nearly a minute of doting over his daughter they separated and turned to look at me.
Almost instantly the air seemed to turn cold as the loving father turned into a fearsome veteran almost instantly.
"Who Is This." Luthien asked coldly while staring directly into my eyes.
"Father, This is.." Natalka was about to speak but I did instead.
"Kalinik Hilandar Sir, Natalka's New Fiancee." I spoke and extended my hand for him to shake.
Instantly I saw his face snarl slightly.
"My daughter already has a Fiancee...Kalinik.." He spoke out tersely.
"Aye, She's told me of some man you'd engaged her to, I come to contest that, I do not know her bride price but I offer her weight in gold and silver." I spoke and for a second his eyes widened in shock before returning to the same cold visage as before.
"Generous...too Generous....But My Word Has been given Kalinik....The only way for her to marry you is..." Luthien spoke and I finished.
"An Honor Duel, I am more than willing to put my life on the line to take her hand Sir."
I responded respectfully and then the mans scowl reduced significantly.
Soon enough my still extended hand was shaken by his calloused strong grip, When he saw that his powerful grip had no effect I could almost see a look of approval in his eyes.
"Kalinik you do know Valir is the best swordsman in the Valewood Clan...." Luthien asked with a raised eyebrow as he eyed me up and down while assessing his possible future Son in law.
"I've heard of Valir's Skills Sir....and I shall see if it is true before long." I spoke.
The old soldier smiled approvingly for a moment before speaking.
"There is a town feast at the Council House Courtyard tonight, Both of you will come....Your demand for a duel can be given then....For now My Lovely wife needs to see her daughter.... Kalinik you are free to wander around Valewood I'm sure you'll find this town has much to offer, I will have a servant fetch you once she is done seeing her mother privately." Luthien spoke firmly.
Before leaving Natalka came close and hugged me tightly then spoke quietly into my ear.
"I'll see you soon, I don't want to hear you were womanizing while I was away."
Natalka spoke and planted a quick kiss on my cheek before rushing behind her father.
Soon after I entered through the open gates and looked around at the beautiful Aelven Town, Hundreds of colorfully dressed Aelves walked the streets while buying wares from various vendors.
Some stalls sold leather shoes, Others kebabs of roasted venison and mushrooms dripping in delicious smelling grease and nearly anything someone wanted to buy.
As I walked further into the bustling Town a little Aelven girl ran up to me and asked.
"Sir White Head! You're new to Valewood Right! If you want a guide I'm the best choice, only three copper pieces!"
She called out loudly, from her clean bright blue clothes it was clear that she was no beggar.
"Why are you working as a guide? I can tell you're not going hungry." I said and poked her chubby cheeks.
"I want to buy a bow! to be just as good as my mommy and daddy! I only need twenty three more copper pieces to get A little bow and a quiver!" She chirped happily.
"Very well, we have a deal little one, take me to the best goldsmith in town." I spoke and we continued on down the broad bustling street as I looked around in amazement at how clean and orderly everything was and how happy all the people seemed.....
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[Elsewhere In Valenwood]
A young Aelven man with black hair was laying down inside of a dark bedroom beside two Aelven women.
The women had distinct red rings upon their ring fingers....The Scarlet Mark.... which told anyone in sundry that they had spread their legs before marriage, A frightening thing to some but of little importance to others.
"Valir~ Will you come see us tomorrow as well honey~" One of the whores asked while rubbing onto the Aelven mans chest.
"Of course Malka, You and Ingrid are my favorites after all." Valir spoke and gave the whore a deep kiss on her lips.
"We'll give you a discount as well if you stay the night~" The other whore spoke.
"Not today my honeys, I need to attend the feast." The black haired Aelven man spoke with an annoyed sigh.
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[A Field Many Miles Away]
A Huge Dappled Gray Destrier galloped like the wind while neighing happily.
'free' The well bred beast thought as he crossed field after field.
*CLIP
*CLOP
*CLIP
*CLOP
*CLIP
*CLOP
If one looked closely they'd notice the stallions hooves were spattered in the blood and gore of some peasants who thought it a good idea to throw a rope around his neck after tempting him close with an apple.
'i choose' The noble beast thought as it dashed swift as the wind into the distance.....
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